Fans of blues music and more have another destination spot. The Blue Rooster, which promises authentic Southern comfort food and original live music, has opened its doors in Sarasota next to Darwin's on 4th. The grand opening celebration is todaythrough Saturday.

Bradenton's Doug Deming and the Jewel Tones will be performing their superb brand of swinging blues-rock on Friday. The group, which regularly tours nationwide, recently issued the acclaimed album "What's It Gonna Take" on VizzTone.

Sarasota area multi-instrumentalist David Smash performs today and Americana act Passerine, also from Sarasota, plays Saturday.

The Blue Rooster boasts a fully stocked 50-foot-long bar and a part of the grand opening celebration will be offering all of its specialty Southern mixed drinks at half price.

Details: The Blue Rooster, 1525 Fourth St., Sarasota. 941-388-7539 or www.blueroostersrq.com.

--Wade Tatangelo