the 941

Every Tuesday night, locals gather at the Irish Rover in a room of only twelve tables for pints, and the professional sounds of Jazz Night.
I order a Strongbow, take a seat in the back. People are crammed everywhere in this narrow room, but they’re in good spirits, joking and laughing. Authentic Irish accents and even a “Lassy” sprinkle in with the music. A group of women seated in the corner booth knit and drink wine during their weekly knit and bitch club.

Paul Duffy, the lead singer, addresses the crowd and the band of four kicks off an original, sax-led tune. As the night goes on we hear some Miles Davis and Duffy even busts out a flute over his hanging sax — yes, a flute has more pizazz than I thought. Duffy shows off his tremendous voice, delivering “What A Wonderful World” in a scratchy homage to Louis Armstrong. The band moves on to blues, then Dizzie Gillespie, and breaks after a contemporary jazz number.

After my third Strongbow it’s time to check out the menu, where I’m surprised to find truly traditional meals — bangers and mash and corned beef and cabbage. I opt for a salad, and another drink. The second set begins, each player jammin’ a solo. A flute was not enough — a man stepped in with a gold trombone taller than me and rocked the place. As they wound down around ten, I’d long felt like I was in another realm, somewhere well beyond the city limits. Live music is officially my new escape to low-key Sarasota. Next week I’m requesting Ray Charles.

Live music ranging from jazz to rock to contemporary Irish drinking songs starts every night at 8 p.m. Irish Rover is located at Gulfgate across the street from Boars Head.

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