Sarasota Slim Band — Florida blues legend meets live looping

About Sarasota Slim

Sarasota Slim is a true Florida-born blues legend, a master guitarist whose tone, feel, and storytelling have been honed over decades on stages across the U.S. and Europe. Born Gene Hardage and raised in Sarasota, he earned his "Sarasota Slim" moniker working the Gulf Coast circuit with acclaimed bluesman Rock Bottom, before stepping out to front his own bands and develop a distinctive sound rooted in deep blues, funk, R&B, swing, and Gulf Coast soul. A former bandmate of Lucky Peterson in the 1980s and a regular at major blues events, Slim has released multiple internationally distributed albums, toured Europe extensively, and helped shape the Tampa Bay area's blues scene for generations.

With Chris Flowers

At select shows, Sarasota Slim is joined by pianist and multi-instrumentalist Chris Flowers, whose dynamic keys work and musical sensitivity complement Slim's guitar and deepen the band's overall sound. Together they create a rich, interactive performance that moves effortlessly from slow-burning blues to high-energy grooves, always with musical integrity, dynamic control, and a focus on connecting with the room — whether it is an outdoor festival crowd or an upscale private event.

Live Performances

For Bookers

For corporate planners and festival bookers, Sarasota Slim and Chris Flowers offer reliability, professionalism, and a proven track record as a compelling live act, with a repertoire that can lean from classic blues authenticity to accessible, groove-based material depending on the setting. Their experience, versatility, and deep catalog of original and classic material make them an ideal choice for events seeking an artist who brings both name recognition and genuine artistic substance to the stage.