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Erin Murphy from Teach Me Equals plays at local bar Growlers Pub. Read the story below to learn more about the Sarasota Music Scene. 

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The Growing Music Scene Needs a Home

The variety of Sarasota music is heard from Main Street coffee shops to pubs stretched across the town. But the sound waves aren’t reaching everyone’s ears. With most venues being 21 and up it makes it difficult for teenagers to go out and support their favorite local band. The younger audience plays a big part of the local scenes fan base and with the constant growth of the music scene the limited venues raise an even bigger problem. 

Andre Esparra, worked at the Nightlife venue as the main sound tech before it closed down almost 3 years ago. The venue started out locally supporting Christian bands but then expanded their booking to all different styles of music and all ages were welcomed. “The venue was doing great.” Esparra stated. “We had big name bands like Memphis May Fire, Like Moths to Flames, Oh Sleeper, and many others. But then we invited in the hardcore bands and it was tough.” The venue had rules that everyone needed to follow, like most venues do, no cuss words, no alcohol and most importantly no fighting. Esparra said “We tried to keep it calm with security but the fights kept getting worse.” The venue was expected to pay every band that played and it was starting to get expensive with less audience members. “Kids didn't want to come out to shows because they were afraid of getting hurt in mosh pits. Eventually, people stopped showing up and we had to stop.” Esparra enjoyed being a part of the music scene, it was his passion. Now that his venue is gone he said he hasn't heard much of the Sarasota music scene and wonders if there is much left.

Growlers Pub, a venue and bar smacked in between two art colleges is always filled with Sarasota musicians and touring bands. Sherry, the owner, opened Growlers knowing she wanted to have live music because she feels it is what keeps the pub alive. “I think the music scene is growing around Sarasota slowly.” Sherry stated. “This is a difficult city to expand the music scene in as you are fighting the "rule makers".” But despite the rules, the pub has live music every Friday and Saturday with open mic on Tuesdays always giving people a chance to hear some music. However, this venue being a bar only 21 and up are allowed in. Sherry said “There needs to be an outside amphitheater so families with kids can enjoy music.” But at her bar, she decides who gets to play on three points: the crowed they bring, their sound and the money. “In a “Perfect World” the venue supplies to all the thirsty fans and supplies the musicians with a bar tab and money from the cover charge.” Sherry stated. With cover charges being more of a chore to customers and the bar, the pub owner agrees that there aren’t enough venues in Sarasota and hopefully that will change soon. With the constant growth of creative musicians and support from fans the limited venues space creates a problem. Music is enjoyed by all ages; families, teenagers, adults, etc., therefore there should be a venue that welcomes everyone in. The venues in the past have tried to keep up with the movement, some being left behind and others growing in strength. There is one thing the Sarasota scene will always need and that is support from the locals. Be in the know, become aware and don’t let small businesses crumble.

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Check out the story below about the band Us, Ghosts -- who are performing at Brass Mug Tampa, Fl in the picture above. 

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Us, Ghosts Fills Tampa With Energy

    On January 26th, the local Sarasota Post-Hardcore band Us, Ghosts travels to Tampa to play a show with touring band Outline in Color (Tulsa, Okla.).  The venue Brass Mug opened their doors at 7pm and audience members of all ages gathered around the stage. Us, Ghosts formed their band in October of 2012, the band has been busy in the past year with releasing a new music video on Christmas Day in 2013 and soon to release their new album titled Sleepers.

After the show I had the chance to interview lead singer Brandon Howard and lead guitarist William Park. 

1. Q: What are your bands influences? 

William Park: Memphis May Fire, Dream On Dreamer, In Fear and Faith, The Color Morale, and other bands similar. 

2. Q: What has been the bands greatest challenge? 

Brandon Howard: Getting people out to our shows since we usually have to drive at least an hour ourselves to play somewhere. Also, being in a town where our style of music doesn't thrive. 

3.Q: What have you accomplished as a band?

William: In the past year we released a 6 song EP, played Warped Tour, released a music video, and we are going to be releasing our new 7 song album Sleepers. 

4. Q: What are the bands goals for the upcoming year?

William: We hope to get our name out there, build more of a fan base, tour and produce more music.

5. Q: How do you feel about the music scene? What do you want to see change? Or happen?

Brandon: We want people to become more open-minded to music, especially our style. We work hard and we want to share our passion. I really want to see more local venues. 

Even though the band faces challenges in their hometown, they have a growing fan base reaching over seven thousand likes on their Facebook music page. Check Us, Ghosts out at facebook.com/usghosts for more information on events and videos. 

-Lesa Silvermore

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A little about myself and this blog.

My Name is Lesa Silvermore, I'm 21 years old, born and raised in Sarasota, Florida. I am a musician who writes because its my passion. This town is filled with passionate people and every one of them is demanding your attention.

So, the reason I'm starting this blog is because

1. I'm going to school for journalism.

2. The music scene here needs support.

3. The music scene needs YOU! 

So please follow this blog if you are about the music scene in any shape or form. I plan on interviewing local bands, talking about upcoming shows and reviewing new music releases! Stay tuned my tumblr friends:)