Written by Lisa J. Matullo

On just about any given weekend, live music energizes Sarasota’s nightlife. With absolutely no shortage of talented musicians, it is quite common to for residents to turn into very loyal fans. Restaurants and bars throughout the city show case both solo entertainers and bands to suit all tastes. But what about those whose busy lives keep them from venturing out after dark? How do they get to enjoy the sweet sounds Sarasota has to offer?

Noise Ordinance is a grassroots, non-profit organization, dedicated to promoting local musicians. In February 2010, their 2 CD set was released and the response was overwhelming. It consisted of 38 tracks from 38 original bands from the Sarasota area.

All day long, on April 23, 2011, the Cock and Bull Pub will proudly host this year’s CD release party.  The anticipation of Noise Ordinance 2 is likely to bring in a crowd larger than the one of 1,000 from 2010. A whopping 116 submissions were received this year, and with bands like The Human Condition, The Jetties, Justin Layman, Cabal, and Cats in The Basement, track selection must have been anything but easy. The CD consists of just about every type of music, including indie rock, blues, folk, punk, art noise, pop, hip-hop, country, bluegrass and more. Doors open at 11:30am and 20-30 minute sets will last from noon until midnight. As added bonus, each of the bands will be given 30 CDs, which they can either sell or give away to their fans. For a complete list of the 39 bands chosen visit noiseordinancecd.com.

What about those who want to participate but don’t have a shred of musical talent? Please volunteer! The committee is in need of several people to help with things such as band set up and check in, stagehands, box office, security, gate entry, volunteer check in, merchandise, and parking. Different shifts are available and as a big thank you, all volunteers will receive free admission to the event.

So, what about those who simply cannot wait for April 23?  Head downtown to Five Points Park (intersection of Main St., 1^st St., and Central Ave. and in front of Plaza at Five Point condos) for a sneak peak preview held from 8am-4pm on Saturday April 9, 2011.

Tickets for Noise Ordinance 2 are $15 in advance, $20 at the door (free for kids 12 and under), and can be purchased through Noise Ordinance and The Cock and Bull. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Sarasota’s community radio station, WSLR 96.5 LPFM. Rain date for this event is April 24, 2011.

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