The sidewalks don't roll up in Sarasota as the sun goes down. No way. Things really get going.

Like at the outdoor Mattison's City Grille where the "Cool Breeze" saxophone player nailed the Marvin Gaye tune just right.

The stylishly dressed 30- to 60ish nighttime crowd soaked up the sounds, some on the

People-watch from an outside table at Mattison's City Grille

tiki torch-bathed patio; others at the gleaming, wood bar. Some sampled the superb cuisine, while Cosmopolitans seemed to be the drink of choice.

Sarasota sports world-class sugary-sand beaches, so should we also expect fabulous nightspots where we can sip a cool one, listen to eclectic bands and tear up the dance floor?

You bet.

Music and More

At the Gator Club, the downstairs bar, live band and dance floor keep things lively, while upstairs, it's more laidback. Think lounging on velvety, Victorian-style couches, chairs and settees in front of a huge fireplace as you sip Grey Goose on the rocks with your sweetie. Or head to the bar for a Lagavulin single malt whisky and play a game of pool. A 40ish woman in white slacks and fuchsia tank was doing just that (and winning, I might add).

It's always a winner when you choose the cigar-friendly Tasting Room at upscale Fred's. Sip a martini while listening to an eclectic range of live musicians or dance the night away. Left your dancing shoes at home? The luxurious leather lounge cushions have your name written all over them as you chat with friends while sharing a bottle of wine.

The Five O'Clock

Enjoy a martini or a cigar while listening to live eclectic music

Club is always a good bet for good music, as is Sharky's on the Pier in Venice. Listening to reggae on a recent night while sharing a Bait Bucket Margarita (tequila, lime juice and Blue Curacao) and ever-incredible views of the Gulf of Mexico make Sharky's a must.

Ditto that for the Siesta Key Oyster Bar.

Funky to Fine

"Definitely stop in at Siesta Key Oyster Bar," Jack Annestay of Montreal said, handing out accolades for the "incredible blues band" that plays on certain nights. Jack and his wife Anne revel in the beach town's nighttime energy and excitement.

That excitement traces its roots back to the late 1940s when The Beach Club on Siesta Key got its start - and crowds continue to pack this lively spot, where a huge resin shark greets revelers at the door. Bands perform nightly (except Mondays), offering classic and alternative rock for the 21 to 60ish crowd. The 3-7 p.m. happy hour buffet is awesome, as are the margaritas and other frothy concoctions.

At the Speakeasy, a doorman who answers to the name of "Bear" said Tuesday night poker nights are definite draws, as are the bands that play everything from funk to disco to reggae to everything in between.

Between you and me, everything is as fine as wine at the Blasé Café, where my eyes darted quickly to the Cakebread Chardonnay. This Siesta Key gem boasts a martini bar and lounge, serves gourmet food in an artistic setting and has an outdoor patio twinkling in white lights. Bliss.

Audience Participation

Want to make some musical magic of your own? Gecko's Grill and Pub has karaoke on Friday nights.

Can't carry a tune, even with karaoke? The Siesta Key Drum Circle on Sunday evenings is for you. Folks gather on the beach with their drums, maracas and bongos to fill the night air with enchanting sounds. And if you don't play an instrument, don't worry: Dance!

And dance is just what you'll do at 15 South on St. Armands Circle. With a restaurant downstairs and a martini bar and dance club upstairs, you can strut your stuff on the dance floor after sipping a martini or glass of merlot. A jazz band performs on Wednesdays, while it's a Latin beat on Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays, and reggae and other genres on Saturdays. Get those dancing shoes ready!