The Heart Beat of Sarasota: Featuring Thorson Moore

At Heart Song Road Radio, we believe that art, music, and community are the pulse of a life well-lived. Today, we’re turning our spotlight toward a musician who has been providing the soundtrack to Sarasota and Siesta Key for decades: my husband, Thorson Moore.

If you’ve spent a Thursday night at the Blase Café or caught a sunset set at O’Leary’s, you’ve likely heard Thorson’s signature tone. It’s a sound that is hard to pin down but impossible to forget—a blend of versatility, "electric delights," and a deep, soulful connection to the guitar.

Siesta Sand Article: Thorson Moore

From Hawaii to the Heart of Siesta Key

Thorson’s journey began in Hawaii, but he found his musical home in Sarasota when he moved here at age ten. Originally a drummer, he eventually traded the sticks for strings, evolving into the professional guitarist we know today. His roots in our community run deep—fun fact: his first job at 17 was delivering Chinese food from the very building where he now plays his weekly residency!

**Walt's Fish Market Restaurant / Live Music Sarasota, Florida**

A Career Defined by Versatility

One of the most frequent questions Thorson gets is about his "style." While some musicians stick to a single genre, Thorson has always leaned into musical freedom. Whether he is jamming around a campfire, recording in a high-end studio, or performing with bands like Kettle of Fish, The Bri Rivera Band, or Dirty Byrd, he brings a unique "overreactive imagination" (as he puts it) to every note.

He’s shared the studio with legends like Dickey Betts of the Allman Brothers and has recorded two distinct albums: Open Art Surgery (2008) and Mr. Nobody (2015). He is currently recording working on new original music.

Thorson Moore on Guitar with The Kettle Of Fish Band / Sarasota, FL Live Music

A Look Behind the Scenes

For us at Heart Song Road Radio, featuring Thorson is about more than just the music—it’s about the creative energy he brings to our world. I had the pleasure of handling the marketing and graphics for Thorson’s Albums, and seeing his process firsthand is a reminder of why we do what we do.

Music isn't just a gig for Thorson; it’s a constant evolvement. He is always looking toward the next project, the next original song, and the next way to "dial in" his heart and soul through his playing.

Kettle Of Fish Band / The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall / Sarasota, FL

Where to Catch the Music

We invite you to come out and experience the music for yourself. You can find Thorson’s full schedule over at ThorsonMoore.com or follow him on Facebook at Thorson Moore Music & Friends.

Listen: Find Mr. Nobody and Open Art Surgery on iTunes, Spotify, and all major streaming platforms.
Support: Visit our shop links here to check out some of the graphic T-shirts we’ve designed to support local live music.

Thank you for being part of our journey and for keeping the "Heart Beat" of our local music scene alive.

Bri Rivera Band with Thorson Moore on Guitar / 3.14 Pi Pizza & Blase Martini Bar / Live Music Siesta Key, FL

3.14 Pi Pizza & Blase Martini Bar / Live Music Siesta Key, FL

Thorson Moore & Sanura Moon / Big Top Live (by: **Stottlemyer's Smokehouse)** Live Music SRQ

Heart Song Radio: Pedro Arevalo, Thorson Moore, Joey Lavallee / Sarasota, FL

You recently performed at a tribute show for the late, great Dickey Betts of the Allman Brothers Band fame. What was your history with Betts?

“I met Dickey Betts in 2001 or 2002. I can’t remember actually, I’m really bad with that.
There was a studio owner I knew that Betts had booked a session with and he was the one who introduced me. Dickey was recording a song for a John Lee Hooker album. John Lee Hooker would regularly collaborate with other musicians on his records, but I believe he finished his parts before the guest musicians had a chance to do their tracks. Or at least some of them, and then Hooker passed away before the other players recorded their parts.”

“So, then the other players, like Dickey Betts, etc., would go into a studio or whatever and finish their tracks. At least that’s it as I remember it. Pedro Arevalo was with me the day I met Dickey Betts, and then Pedro ended up playing bass with him for 20 years or so. I’ll never forget that night. It was just Dickey, Pedro and I in the studio for hours hearing incredible stories and guitar playing.
I feel truly blessed and honored.
I have been lucky enough to play with some really great people, almost like I’m dreaming sometimes, and my conversations with Dickey were always impeccable. He always showed me the highest mutual respect. That’s how I knew him.” — Thorson Moore.