By Wanda Vale
I usually spend my column time reviewing movies: dark theaters, popcorn, and the occasional questionable sequel. But every now and then, real life deserves top billing. Let’s talk local music.
Around here, music isn’t just a seasonal thing; it’s a year-round condition. Of course, during Season, when the breeze turns downright polite, Englewood hums with guitars, drums, and harmonies from every angle. And when summer rolls back around, the beat only gets hotter. Nearly every night of the week, somebody’s strumming, drumming, or crooning. Here’s my quick tour of the local haunts that keep the rhythm going.
Sundays: As the sun dips toward the Gulf, the Englewood Sunday Drum Circle takes over the north end of Englewood Beach. An hour before sunset (weather permitting), the sand starts to shake with rhythm as drummers, dancers, and sunset-watchers gather for one of the most joyful spectacles around. Parking’s finally open (and at least for now, free), the vibe’s alive, and everyone’s welcome. Just bring your good energy and a comfy chair. (Info: 262-707-3513.)
Mondays: The week kicks off easy with the Monday Music Jamboree at Indian Mound Park. The sign at the end of Winson Avenue promises “Free Music, Free Fun,” and it delivers. Around 5 p.m., locals and snowbirds alike unfold their beach chairs, tap their toes, and let the evening breeze do the rest.
Tuesdays: The Open Studio Garden Party Open Mic – Nowhere else around captures that Old Florida vibe quite like The Open Studio at 380 Old Englewood Road, just north of Dearborn. Where Tuesday evenings come alive. As organizer Troy Milburn puts it, it’s “a place for music, food, creativity and community.” Every Tuesday from 4 p.m. until the party winds down (around 9), musicians gathers to perform, surrounded by nature’s beauty, a professional sound system, and one of the most welcoming crowds you’ll ever meet. Expect acoustic and electric sets, original songs, spontaneous collaborations, and sometimes a communal bonfire flickering nearby. Coolers are welcome, and every genre, from folk to funk to the occasional ukulele confession, has a home here. For updates or text reminders, follow their Facebook page or call/text 802-473-0808.
Wednesdays: Midweek means it’s time to tune those guitars for the Cowboy Chord Club at Veterans Park on Lemon Bay, at the end of W. Dearborn Street. From 10:30 a.m. to noon, local pickers gather to strum through “three chords and the truth.” Whether you play a mean C-D-G or just want to hum along, you’ll fit right in. Check them out on Facebook.
Also Wednesdays: WEDNESDAYS@5 – When the sun goes down, WEDNESDAYS@5 at the Old Florida Outdoor Center and Gallery (463 W. Dearborn St.) keeps the rhythm rolling. It’s a free, community-backed showcase of Englewood’s homegrown talent, set under the kind of sky that practically demands a cold drink in hand. Follow them on Facebook for updates.
Thursdays: Farmers Markets and Street Music – Thursdays on Dearborn Street come with their own soundtrack, as musicians are scattered among the vendors from Dearborn Market to Culture Coffee and Whimsy Boutique Markets. Local musician John Munn remembers when things were quieter:
“When I first moved to Englewood, there wasn’t much sidewalk music going on. Just the group Gottfried Creek in front of the Old Florida Gallery on Thursday’s Farmers Market. Almost ten years later, the street is teeming with sidewalk music. That’s one of the unique things that I love about Englewood. It has blossomed and I am a part of that music scene.”
Thursday Nights: The magic returns every Thursday with The Open Studio Concert Series (Thursday Night Live). Longer, intimate performances from seasoned regional and visiting musicians, many of whom you may have first heard on Tuesday, fill the air from 4 p.m. until close. Guests can relax under the stars, connect with friends, enjoy food, and soak in that unmistakable Old Florida charm. Tips for the artists are appreciated, and for text reminders, call or text 802-473-0808. 380 Old Englewood Road.
Fridays: Culture Coffee Open Mic – Things heat up at Culture Coffee from 5 to 9 p.m. for Open Mic Night. All ages and all abilities are welcome. Add a full menu, beer, wine, and desserts, and you’ve got a recipe for a perfect Englewood Friday. No cover, no ego, just friends supporting friends. Owner and musician Dan says it best: “Englewood has a unique and thriving music scene… it has such a large community of talented musicians and artists. It’s exciting to have the opportunity to offer Culture Coffee as a space to foster growth within the community. Being both a musician who plays throughout town as well as a business owner who books live music really allows me to have a hand in meeting and supporting all sorts of artists.” Culture Coffee also hosts live music Thursday–Sunday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Full schedule: culturecoffeefl.com/events, 405 W. Dearborn St., (941) 460-8542.
…And Beyond: Cross the bridge and you’ll hit The Bean Depot Cafe & Museum in Port Charlotte, where live music fills the air most nights, including a bluegrass jam every Wednesday. It’s worth the drive. And rumor has it, the hot dogs alone deserve an encore. 370 Garden Rd, Port Charlotte. 941-235-0928.
Restaurants, Bars & the Nightlife Beat: In addition to scheduled events, Englewood’s restaurants and bars are mini music venues all their own. Waterfront patios, cozy taverns, open-air decks… any night of the week, you can stumble onto a guitarist chasing the sunset or a singer belting out an old tune. These spots keep the party going, offering some of the best local talent in an atmosphere built for lingering with a cold drink or plate of something delicious.
Ask any local and they’ll tell you: Englewood doesn’t wait for the weekend or the right season to make music. From the mild days of winter to the sticky heart of summer, there’s always a tune drifting on the breeze.
And while most of this entertainment is free, don’t forget to tip your musicians—for many, it’s the only pay they receive for the art they share so generously.
See you at the drum circle; just don’t make me play the bongos. The Mister says my abilities are “still under review.”
