Weekend Adventures In Bradenton: August 2-4, 2013

Black-crowned Night Heron, a rare bird at Felts Audubon Preserve (photo: Rogers Sheets of Tampa Audubon Society)

BRADENTON - This weekend is full of natural wonder and great live entertainment. Check out the Manatee Audubon's Open House at Felts Preserve on Saturday morning and go on a sightful bird walk. Fun live versions of the hit oldies you've come to know and love will be played by The Tampa Bay Time Machine at Ace's Lounge on Saturday night. The next day, relax with brunch and chill live jazz music at The Sandbar Restaurant, then join singer-songwriter Mike Sales for a drum circle and more live music near sunset on Sunday. Get in your groove, because there's plenty to groove about this weekend - it's time for a Weekend Adventure!

Manatee County Audubon holds an Open House at Felts Audubon Preserve on the first Saturday of each month, from 8 a.m. to noon. Everyone is invited. A bird walk led by an Audubon member starts at 9:30 a.m. Bring the kids for a walk on the wild side to see birds and other animals on their 27-acre preserve located at the corner of Experimental Farm Road and 24th Avenue East (4600 24th Ave East) in Palmetto. Call 941-729-2222 or visit www.manateeaudubon.org for details.

Open House at Felts Audubon Preserve

August 3, 2013

8am - 12pm

Felts Audubon Preserve

4600 24th Ave East

Palmetto

Performing live at Ace's Lounge on Saturday, The Tampa Bay Time Machine will play hits spanning four decades, from the 50s all the way to the 80s. Performing together for more than 15 years, the five-piece band brings more the stage than just the hits as they don costumes and bring energy and audience particpation to ensure and a highly entertaining musical experience. Cover for the non-smoking show is $10.

Tampa Bay Time Machine, Live at Ace's Lounge

August 3, 2013

9pm

Ace's Lounge

4343 Palma Sola Blvd.

Bradenton

The Sandbar Restaurant serves up a sexy combination of jazz and brunch evey Sunday, from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm. Jazz music is provided by the Lou Harris Quartet featuring Koko Ray. Brunch is available inside the dining room or on the covered open air deck with toes in the sand tables available. Reservations are not required; seating is on a first come, first served basis. The lunch menu is also available starting at 10:00am.

The brunch menu includes unique selections as well as some traditional choices. Guests can start with a mimosa, a sparkling berry sangria or a coconut punch in a real coconut made with fresh coconut water.

According to Sandbar owner Ed Chiles, "We have such great farm to fork and gulf to table items that are perfect for our Brunch menu. We are always looking for additional ways we can serve our guests." For more information on the Jazz Brunch or The Sandbar please call 941-778-0444 or visit www.groupersandwich.com/events.

Jazz Brunch on the Beach at The Sandbar

August 4, 2013

10am - 1pm

The SandBar Restaurant

100 Spring Avenue

Anna Maria Island

Bring your favorite percussion instrument (or they'll have some to share) and head to the Manatee Public Beach Sunday evening (or Friday or Saturday evening!) for sunset

drumming and live music with singer-songwriter Mike Sales. Live music begins at 5:30 p.m. with drum circle 30 minutes prior to sunset.