MANATEE COUNTY – It's finally starting to cool off, but things are still heating up in the Bradenton area this weekend. High School football is in high gear with a couple of Manatee County rivalry games. Music fans can look forward to one of the busiest live performance weekends in years as country star Brett Eldredge, jazz band The Koko Ray Five and southern rockers The Gamble Creek Band are all in action, along with an all-day musical festival at Linger Lodge Saturday. Plus, the Palmetto Art Center wants to teach you how to make the perfect pumpkin pie, just in time for fall. Get ready to get down, it's time for a Weekend Adventure in Bradenton!
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Kim Betts & The Gamble Creek Band Returns to Aces this Friday night for a no cover/non-smoking show! The Gamble Creek Band is fronted by Kimberly Betts, the daughter of legendary guitarist Dickey Betts of the Allman Brothers.
The band offers the most popular country and southern rock hits and well-loved classics. High energy guitar solo’s and vocal harmony are Gamble Creek’s trademark. The band's unique style of homegrown country music is sure to appeal to all ages.
The Gamble Creek Band
Friday
9 p.m.
Aces Live!
4343 Palma Sola Blvd
Bradenton
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Local music fans are well acquainted with Koko Ray Hansen, who's most noted for his R&B band Koko Ray and The Soul Providers. But over the decades, the big man has been a part of several successful local acts.
Hansen, who sings, plays clarinet, saxophone, accoustic guitar, piano and could probably coax a smooth sound out of an aluminum can if he were so inclined, is now also playing with a jazz ensemble called The Koko Ray Five.
On Friday night, the group will be headlining a new music series on Mamma Onesti's air-conditioned outside deck. A full bar and full menu will be available. The show runs from 7-10 p.m. with no cover.
The Koko Ray Five
Friday
7-10 p.m.
Mama O'Nesti's
6152 14th St West
Bradenton
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There's more music on Saturday when country star Brett Eldredge, who recently celebrated his first No. 1 hit single, Don’t Ya, brings his first-ever headlining club tour to Joyland . On August 6, Eldredge released his debut album, Bring You Back, and marked the occasion with appearances on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, Live with Kelly & Michael and Today.
Eldredge is a CMA “New Artist of the Year” nominee. The Chicago Sun Times recently described his vocals as "a magical combination of innocence and heartiness” and Billboard noted “there is a touch of gravel in Eldredge’s voice which he presents with a commanding, soulful delivery.”
Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the door. Click here for more info or to purchase tickets.
Brett Eldredge
Saturday
7 p.m.
Joyland
5520 14th St W
Bradenton
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Also this weekend, Gator Productions will present the 1st annual Braden River Kayak and Americana Music Fest at the Linger Lodge on Saturday from 12-7 p.m. on the wonderful Braden River.
The music line-up will include national recording artist Ronny Elliott along with world renowned finger picking wizard George Worthmore. Also scheduled to play will be Scotty Lee Rexroat (aka Treble Hook), Swamp Donkie, Singer Songwriter Diana Catherine Oakley, Steve Arvey with Rebecca Bird, Carly Bak and The Tangled Mango’s.
For only $10 you can enjoy an entire day of genuine old Florida. Click here for more information.
1st Annual Braden River Kayak & Americana Music Fest
Saturday
12:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Linger Lodge
7205 85th St Ct E
Bradenton
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High School Football is in full swing and there are too inter-county rivalry games this weekend. Manatee (6-0), undefeated and ranked number one in the state, crosses the bridge to take on their rivals, the Palmetto Tigers (3-2) Friday night.
In east Manatee, Braden River (3-2) will host Bayshore (2-4) in what should be a competitive game. The Pirates
are looking to get into the playoff mix, having bounced back to beat Sarasota last week after losing a heart-breaker to Booker the week before.
High School Football
Friday
7:30 p.m.
Manatee @ Palmetto
Bayshore @ Braden River
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Did you ever think about making your own puree for a pie, rather than opening a can of Libby's? Fall is the time for pumpkins and we are going to make homemade pies from scratch!
Ms. Barbara has recently traveled to York, Pennsylvania to pack the trunk of her car to bring back three varieties of heirloom pumpkins for us to sample: Jarrahdale, Cinderella and New England Cheese pumpkins.
A trip to Pennsylvania isn't necessary, many of our local markets sell Sugar pumpkins. We will learn to make pie dough and the puree.
Ms. Barbara will also share more delicious ideas for these yummy fall treats just in time for Halloween and Thanksgiving.
Oh, and if the above doesn't tempt you, please know that each participant will be taking home a delicious 6" pie! Drop off the kids or bring the whole family!
PAC: Perfect Pumpkin Pies
Saturday
1:30 - 4:30 p.m.
$20 per participant + $4 for materials
Additional family members or bring a friends $3 discount.
RSVP | Ms. Barbara (941) 730 - 3318
Palmetto Art Center
907 5th Street West,
Palmetto
PalmettoArtCenter.com