BRADENTON – Even with Memorial Day weekend looming, there is plenty of live music this weekend, including the 2nd Annual Blues Brews & BBQ on Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach, the return of Kim Betts and the Gamble Creek Band, four chances to catch Kettle of Fish and appearances by big-time blues names like John Del Toro Richardson and Damon Fowler.
THURSDAY
Things get started tonight with Doug Deming & The Jewel Tones at Ace's for a no cover, 7 p.m. show. Out on the island, Koko and Kharma will be at the Kokonut Hut from 6-10 p.m. Down in Sarasota, Kettle of Fish is on at 6 p.m. at Marina Jack's, while local reggae legends Democracy will play their regular Thursday night gig at the 5 O'Clock Club and impressive blues guitarist Ellie Lee and her band the Blues Fury will be at the Blue Rooster.
FRIDAY
On Friday, blues guitarist Jonn Del Toro Richardson comes to town for a 9 p.m. show at Ace's in West Bradenton. Tickets are $13.
Jonn Del Toro Richardson
The Charlie Morris Band will bring their distinct Lousianna swamp blues to the Cortez Kitchen for a 7 p.m. no cover show, while the Galbraith Group, a Clearwater based Jam-Funk-Progressive and Blues band hits Motorworks for the 6-10 p.m. no cover show in the beer garden. Koko Ray & the Keepers will rock Clancy's Irish Pub from 6-10 p.m. I caught Koko and his crew out at Decoy Ducks last Friday, where in addition to their usual solid set of eclectic classic rock covers, they previewed original tunes from their upcoming new album, including a killer track called Ghost Town.
Down in SRQ, Kettle of Fish will be at the Blue Rooster for a $5 cover, 8 p.m. show that is always a packed house and good time. NexxLevel will be next door at Serenvado's. Out east at the Polo Grill in Lakewood Ranch, the always amazing Reverend Barry & Funktastic Soul featuring the Hellacious Horns will be on from 9 p.m. to midnight with no cover.
SATURDAY
On Saturday, one and only local blues guitarist Sarasota Slim will headline the 2nd Annual Blues Brews & BBQ on Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach from 3-9 p.m. Gene "Sarasota Slim" Hardage puts on an impressive show of blues standards and quality originals. Slim will be preceded by island favorites Blues Pig and Mac McConnell. Admission to the event is $5, children 12 and under are free. Motorworks will be selling their top-notch local beer, while several local restaurants will offer BBQ plates. Proceeds of the event will benefit All Island Denomination’s Food Pantry at Roser Church.
On the mainland, popular classic rock cover band Messenger will do a no-cover show at the Cortez Clam Factory at 8 p.m. Concrete Edgar will be at Motorworks from 6-10, while the Soso's are at Ace's for $5 cover show that starts at 9 p.m. Eclectic acoustic duo TH&C will be at the Cortez Kitchen for a 7-10 p.m. no cover show, as well.
Down in Sarasota, the bluesy riffs of the Damon Fowler Group can be heard at the Blue Rooster for an 8 p.m. show. Tickets are $15. Meanwhile, Kettle of Fish will be on Main Street at the Old School Bar & Grill for a 9 p.m. no-cover show. Earlier that day, Koko & Kharma, Koko Ray's two-piece act, will be at Aaron's Fish Camp on Siesta Key from 1-4 p.m.
SUNDAY
On Sunday, Kim Betts and the Gamble Creek Band will return to Woody's River Roo in Ellenton for a 1-3 p.m. show. Betts, a classically-trained vocalist who transitioned from performing onstage in musicals to a live band, has one of the best voices around, calling to mind legendary songstresses like Bonnie Raitt and Susan Tedeschi. Backed by the ever-solid Gamble Creek Band, it's always one of the best shows in the area.
Kim Betts & the Gamble Creek Band
In Cortez, Tropix will play the Cortez Kitchen at 3 p.m. After that, the Doug South Band will hit the stage down the road at the Cortez Clam Factory at 6. There are is no cover charge for either show.
Down in SRQ, Kettle of Fish, quite possibly the hardest working band in the area, will finish off a very busy weekend at Stottlemeyer's Smokehouse at 3 p.m., while popular Grateful Dead cover band Ship of Fools returns to the Gator Club at 8 p.m. The Gabriel Hernandez Trio, featuring renowned Cuban pianist Gabriel Hernandez will be at WSLR's Fogartyville venue. Tickets are $12 in advance, $15 the day of show.
VENUE SPOTLIGHT: Motorworks Brewing: 1014 9th Street West, Bradenton
It's hard to name a local music venue that can compete with Motorworks. The acoustics inside of their well-appointed, industrial-chic taproom are top notch for indoor shows, but the brewery also boasts the largest beer garden in Florida, where you can catch live acts sitting on a deck that frames a 150 year-old oak tree in the center, or from one of the many umbrella shaded tables that surround the stage.
Bocci ball and corn-hole courts add to the fun, but the best part of the ambience is the amazing craft beer brewed right on site. Multiple food trucks line the garden and can be accessed via your server, and the band bookings are pretty solid with local groups like Kettle of Fish and Ari & the Alibis making somewhat regular appearances, along with some north of the Skyway acts that frequent the craft brewery circuit. And did I mention the delicious beer ...
Comments
No comments on this item
Only paid subscribers can comment
Please log in to comment by clicking here.