For four decades, music has been at the heart of Barry Weisblatt’s professional life. During that time, Weisblatt has hired and produced celebrity musicians for private events all around the country. He has built a career connecting private audiences with some of the most celebrated artists in music and comedy including Paul McCartney, Elton John, Bruno Mars, Drake, Bon Jovi, James Taylor, John Mellencamp, Jerry Seinfeld, Chris Rock, Billy Crystal, Louis CK, Carrie Underwood, Faith Hill, Eric Church, Celine Dion, Mariah Carey, Diana Ross, and 100’s of other superstar entertainers.

Today, he is bringing that experience home to Sarasota through WhiteLeaf Concert Club, an intimate membership-based concert experience unlike anything else in Florida.

After moving from New York to Sarasota seven years ago, Barry quickly recognized an opportunity. While Sarasota already had a thriving arts and cultural scene, he felt there was room for a more intimate, elevated celebrity music experience. Inspired by a private concert model that had been successful in Charlotte, North Carolina, for more than 20 years, he believed Sarasota was an ideal market for a similar concept.

As WhiteLeaf enters its third season, that belief has already proven correct, with membership on the verge of selling out for Season Three.

WhiteLeaf is one of only four private, membership-only concert clubs in the United States. Its performances feature nationally known and legendary musicians in an intimate setting limited to no more than 120 guests. In the first two seasons, members and their guests have been treated to electrifying performances by The Spin Doctors, Los Lobos, Joan Osborne, The Robert Randolph Band, Duane Betts & Palmetto Motel, Don Was & The Pan Detroit  Ensemble, and John Popper of Blues Traveler. Collectively that is 40 Grammy Nominations, 12 Grammy wins, and artists associated with over 127 million albums sold.   

The goal is to eliminate many of the hassles associated with attending traditional concerts. Long drives, traffic, parking, hotels, crowded venues, and rude, chatty attendees surrounding you—and replace them with an evening centered entirely around music, connection, and hospitality.

Each WhiteLeaf event is carefully curated. Guests can enjoy exceptional cuisine, a full-service bar, artist Q&As, meet-and-greets, artist merchandise, art installations, and other special experiences. The result is much more than a concert; it is an evening designed to bring audiences closer to both the music and the artists.

WhiteLeaf also presents public concerts featuring nationally touring artists at McCurdy’s Comedy Theater on Monday nights from November through May, further adding to Sarasota’s vibrant entertainment landscape.

Weisblatt’s extensive career has given him a remarkable perspective on the music industry. Early in his career, he worked as a talent agent representing artists such as B.B. King, Anita Baker, Roberta Flack, Dr. John, and The Wailers. His talent agency work has also included artists such as Paul McCartney, Guns N’ Roses, Nine Inch Nails, Joan Osborne, Warren Haynes and Gov’t Mule, and Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes.

“I love building something out of nothing and bringing music to an audience that trusts that whatever is on a WhiteLeaf stage will be absolutely the best of the best,” he says.

Community is also an important part of the WhiteLeaf story. The company donates autographed guitars from artists it has worked with to charitable organizations, helping raise funds through auctions and gala events.  WhiteLeaf has donated autographed guitars to 40 Carrots/Wine, Women and Shoes, Folds of Honor, New College Foundation, Out of Door Academy, Sarasota Teen Court, The Harvest House, etc.

When he is not working on the next WhiteLeaf performance, Barry enjoys golfing at Sara Bay Country Club, boating, hiking, dining, and spending time with his wife and son. A lifelong New York sports fan, he follows the Knicks, Yankees and Jets and enjoys attending comedy shows at McCurdy’s.

WhiteLeaf represents both a new chapter and an opportunity to contribute something special to his adopted hometown: unforgettable evenings with some of the most important musicians of our time.