Weekend Sounds June 3-5

BRADENTON – The first weekend in June is packed with local live shows ready to kick off your summer right! Check out The Bradenton Times Weekend Sounds to see what bands you can catch and where.

Soul Purpose IV is a dynamic reggae ska band and they're bringing their feel-good vibes to Birdrock Taco Shack this Friday evening during VOTA’s First Friday ArtWalk. Band members include Pat Monahan (lead vocals), Richy Kicklighter (guitar), Cesar Lopez (horn/trumpet), Mark Marcus (keyboards), and "D Arrow“ (bass). This band is a jammin’ good time, sure to get you movin’!

About the Venue:

Birdrock Taco Shack has a new, larger location, just a couple of blocks from its original location in Bradenton Florida's Village of the Arts. Birdrock is a unique funky-fun taco spot. Owner and chef David Shiplett–also the owner of popular Cottonmouth South Soul Kitchen–doesn’t serve up just any tacos. These are Dave Shiplett tacos, including duck and lobster tacos! Dave has worked as a Chef in San Francisco, San Diego, Sarasota, and now Bradenton. Dine inside the eclectic cozy shack or outdoors in the garden or on the covered porch. Great food, cool people... and TACOS! 1213 13th Avenue West, Bradenton.

Originating in Fort Myers, The Freecoasters infuse American southern soul with reggae and rocksteady rhythms. Founded in 2014, the project was the brainchild of bassist and band leader John Schiller. The vision was to blend in equal-measure '60s and '70s era American Southern soul music with Jamaican reggae and rocksteady. The union of like-minded musicians, with the vocal and songwriting talent of singer and guitarist Claire Liparulo, has generated the band a supportive and receptive following reaching outside of their home city. From humble beginnings, The Freecoasters have performed more than 500 shows, embarked on multiple national and regional tours, and produced two full-length albums; Show Up in 2016 and A Different Kind of Heat in 2021. No cover.

About the Venue:

Big Top Brewing Company is a Sarasota-based production brewery. Valuing their great town and its great history, they set out to add in a great local beer. A compliment to Sarasota’s historical associations with The Ringling Circus, performing arts, famous architecture, the best art and design schools, and world-renowned tourism, Big Top Brewing artistically crafts world-class beers, inspired by their hometown. Featuring brewing, tasting, BBQ, and live music from some of the area’s best performers. A great outdoor venue with an expansive beer garden and porch bar. 975 Cattlemen Road, Sarasota.

Clover’s Revenge brings a mix of two Irish musical traditions: acoustic pub music & Celtic punk rock. Utilizing simple instrumentation, the trio creates an explosive sound, with detailed harmonic lines, complex rhythms, and provocative original lyrics. Steeped? – no, their Irish speed folk is pickled in the traditions of the Dubliners, Pogues, Silly Wizard, and Flogging Molly. The band insists upon high-speed, technical traditional tunes and punk rock badassery. Featuring Beau Wilberding's percussion on the Cajon drum, Zach Johnson on guitar and vocals, and John Barron on vocals, mandolin, and guitar. High energy, high fun. No cover.

About the Venue:

Pub 32 Irish Gastropub is an Irish-owned and operated pub(lic house). Located in Sarasota, this venue provides outdoor patio seating in addition to its indoor bar and restaurant. Pub 32 strives to be not "just a pub" but an Irish kitchen. Pub 32 serves homemade food that covers all the Irish classics while leaving room for some creativity. Full bar, draft beers (Irish imports or local craft), and a wide selection of whiskeys and other spirits. Reservations are recommended. 8383 South Tamiami Trail, Sarasota.

Rye Road Band has been rocking audiences up and down the Gulf Coast of Florida for over a decade. Their sound is a unique blend of new country and rock. The band features Pete Tamburin’s emotional vocals and country-influenced guitar, drummer Dan Garrido’s solid rhythms and amazing high harmonies, the energetic and booming bass lines of Bryant Crawford, and the soaring keyboards of Tim Meyer. Catchy, accessible melodies under lyrics that everyone can relate to, a sound sure to rock and move you! No cover.

About the Venue:

The Big Top Brewing Company has re-envisioned what the former Naughty Monk Ale Works was at its core and brings you, The Big Top Brewers Collective. Going back to the roots of all Belgian-inspired beers, the Big Top Brewing Company has located its brewing base at the former Naughty Monk location in Lakewood Ranch. 2507 Lakewood Ranch Blvd, Bradenton.

Blues musician, guitarist, and vocalist JP Soars will perform with his band, The Red Hots, this Friday at Cottonmouth. The band was awarded 1st place in the Blues Foundation’s 2009 International Blues Challenge and band frontman Soars won the prestigious Albert King Award as best guitarist. Soars has toured extensively through the United States, Canada, South America, and Europe. The Red Hots include drummer Chris Peet and bassist Cleveland Frederick. Soars–inspired by the musical influences of blues and jazz greats such as T-bone Walker, Jesse May Hemphill, Wes Montgomery, Django Reinhardt, Muddy Waters, and others–brings a uniquely diverse, yet cohesive sound to the blues by weaving in the diversity of his many influences. Tickets are $15 in advance and $25 day of and can be reserved by calling (941) 243-3735.

About the Venue:

Located in Bradenton Village of the Arts, Cottonmouth Southern Soul Kitchen has quickly become one of Bradenton, Florida’s more popular outdoor music venues. Music is hosted on their intimate 80-seat capacity patio garden, a perfect setting under the branches of towering live oaks in the heart of VOTA. Known for his eclectic southern dining, Chef Dave Shiplett puts his creative spin on southern classics serving up his brand of southern soul food in this 100-year-old cottage that doubles as an art gallery. The venue offers craft beer, wine, a list of creative hard ciders, and non-alcoholic beverages. 1114 12th Street West, Bradenton.

The Divebombers are, "Toe tappin' knee slappin' foot-stompin' good ol' American music." Members George Worthmore (Blues Hall of Fame inductee), Nat Langston (Sarasota's fingerpickin' Whiz-Kid), and Chad Clifford (Veteran Rock and Roll Bassist) perform music from the likes of George Jones, Johnny Cash, Glen Campbell, Jerry Reed, Merle Travis, Chet Atkins, and Non-Fat Elvis. No cover.

About the Venue:

Hart's Landing is Sarasota’s oldest saltwater fishing bait and tackle store. Located near downtown Sarasota at the foot of the John Ringling Causeway, Hart's is accessible by car or boat. Their rustic building is a piece of "Old Florida" amongst the downtown Sarasota condominium skyline. Set near the largest fishing pier in Sarasota County, the Saprito Fishing Pier, and nestled beside Eloise Werlin Park. Harts bait shop sells more than just bait, they offer light bites and snacks as well as beverages. There are plenty of benches, lawn space for your own chairs or blankets, and public restrooms available. A Florida bay-view, evening-in-the-park, venue to take in live music. 920 John Ringling Causeway, Sarasota.

Twinkle and Rock Soul Radio return to the Motorworks beer garden stage this weekend. Twinkle has worked with Aerosmith, Dickie Betts, Rod Stewart, Gregg Allman, and countless others. In the '90s, she was signed to Warner Brothers for her debut album Haunted by Real Life, produced by Patrick Leonard (Madonna, Roger Waters, Pink Floyd) where it gained ready attention on the jazz/pop charts for its title song. Rock Soul Radio members are lead vocalist Twinkle, guitarist Lenny Brooks, bassist Tony LeClerc, and Benny Puckett on the drums. No Cover.

About the Venue:

Since 2014, Motorworks Brewing has quickly become one of the most awarded breweries in Florida, with over 22 national and international medals. With 20+ beers on draught, a full liquor bar, an expansive wine collection, and a rotating batch of seasonal and specialty brews available in the taproom, Motorworks is a great place to join friends for a fresh pint of beer or a cocktail. Their tree-canopied Beer Garden hosts a raised deck, games, outdoor stage, ample patio seating, and room to dance. Food offerings from local food trucks. 1014 9th Street West, Bradenton, near the Village of the Arts.

Saturday: 6-10 p.m.

Jack’D Up is a dance-party rock cover band performing hits from the '70s through today. Comprised of five musicians, including both female and male lead vocalists, the band has a unique edge playing songs from both male and female artists adding to the variety of their repertoire and sound. Jack’D Up received three Reader Choice Awards in 2021; Best Musical and Group Performers by Herald Tribune, AMI Reader’s Choice, and Herald Tribune Venice Reader’s Choice 1st Place. No Cover.

About the Venue:

Clancy’s Irish Sports Pub is in Bradenton off Cortez Rd. Clancy’s is known for its bar-fare food, full liquor bar, live entertainment, and, most of all – fun! Their casual and relaxed atmosphere has been described as, "Irish Tavern meets Jimmy Buffet." Music is provided inside and outside, with their outdoor venue featuring a coastal vibe and famous Tiki-hut bar. 6218 Cortez Road West, Bradenton.

Fire branded in the Chicago blues circuit, roots-rocker and bluesman RJ Howson picked up his skillful guitar chops performing and sharing the stage with blues icons and fellow musicians at Buddy Guy’s Legends, Rosa's Lounge, Kingston Mines, BLUES on Halstead, and many other clubs in the Windy City as well as countless other venues across the Midwest. RJ continues to be steeped in the southern stews since moving to Florida, with openers for Butch Trucks & the Freight Train Band, Dickey Betts & Great Southern, the Atlanta Rhythm Section, Molly Hatchet, Buddy Guy, and a host of other legendary musicians. Having played music beginning in his youth, RJ has played everything from Chicago Blues to funk, soul, rock, gospel, country, salsa, and World Music.

RJ is joined on stage by Mike Kach, keyboardist to Dickey Betts & Great Southern, drummer Steve Camilleri, and bassist Burt Engelsman. The four have performed together and separately with numerous other well-known musicians and bands throughout their notable professional careers. No cover.

Born in New Orleans, drummer James Varnado relocated to Florida’s Gulf Coast in 2006. Varnado has performed and toured with the likes of George Porter Jr (The Meters), Charmaine Neville (Neville Bros Family), Tab Benoit, Mem Shannon Blues Band, Jon Cleary, Dickey Betts (of the Allman Brothers), The Dixie Cups (Doo-Wop), and has shared the stage with various local bands.

Johnny Barker and Sergae Glushenkov join Varnado for this eclectic rotating jazzy blues jam. Barker is a bassist and the founding member of "The JBP," also known as The Johnny Barker Project. Sergae Glushenkov is a Ukrainian-born pianist who currently serves as band director at Southside Elementary school.

The trio offers audiences something a bit more like a variety show, leading the jam with opening songs, and welcoming a rotation of other talented local guest musicians to join the stage. A jam session guaranteed to bring sound surprises you won’t hear anywhere else. No cover.

Kettle of Fish has been performing in clubs, pubs, and venues across Manatee and Sarasota, as well as across Florida and the U.S., for years. Lead singer, guitarist, and band founder Dana Lawrence is one of the area’s favorite singer-songwriters. Kettle of Fish is a band with an ever-fluid rotation of talented local and guest musicians.

Over their years of performing, Kettle of Fish has shared the stage with numerous bands and musicians including Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Roger Waters’ Band, Devon Allman, Pat Travers, Damon Fowler, and Dickey Betts. They have also played opening performances for artists such as Eddie Money, Molly Hatchet, Elvin Bishop, Tommy Castro, Trombone Shorty, the Marshall Tucker Band, Jimmy Buffett (at the famous Blue Heaven in Key West), and many more. Kettle of Fish delivers a sound that is a rootsy "blues rock with soul“ that works to bring together soulful blues with the energy of rock n’ roll. No cover.

About the Venue:

East of I-75 on Fruitville Road, Stottlemyer’s Smokehouse is an open-air barbecue restaurant set under an expansive outdoor tiki hut, including an old-Florida style tiki bar. Established by the Stottlemyer family, the family-friendly restaurant and live music venue serves slow-cooked brisket, ribs, pulled pork, sandwiches and salads, and a unique atmosphere. Reservations are accepted. 19 East Road, Sarasota.