Weekend Sounds Dec 30 - Jan 1

BRADENTON – The New Year is upon us, and 941’s live music scene is ready to help you celebrate. From downtown celebrations in both Bradenton and Sarasota, to live shows and New Year's parties at several local venues. Check out the Bradenton Times Weekend Sounds to see what bands you can catch and where.

Catch Memphis Lightning Friday at Cottonmouth for a pre-NYE party. Born and steeped in tradition, Darren "Lightning" Thiboutot fronts the band's energized performances with lead guitar and vocals. Before the age of 21, Lightning played with the late great blues legend Eddie Kirkland, Buddy Guy, Tab Benoit, Big Sandy, Bloodshot Bill, Sean Mencher (High Noon, Ronnie Dawson), Jimmie Vaughan, Bill Kirchen (Commander Cody) and Marty Sammon, just to name a few. Memphis Lightning's performances will bring you back to the days when the juke joints were rockin' and the blues were king. Tickets are $15 in advance and $25 the day of and can be reserved by phone at (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. Reservations are recommended due to limited capacity. 1114 12th Street West, Bradenton.

Warm up your party spirit with 22N at Motorworks the night before New Year's Eve! 22N is one of the west coast's favored party and dance bands. The group plays music from the full spectrum of genres and generations. From pop, country, rock, metal, disco, and Top 40, if you’ve heard it on the radio, they probably play it. 22N is a high-energy group made of five musicians including a female lead singer. The group utilizes video screens and effect lighting to amplify their show. Some artists they cover include Bruno Mars, Pink, Adele, AC/DC, The Cult, Beastie Boys, Journey, Tom Petty, Maroon 5, Motley Crew, Prince, Def Leppard, Queen, Cranberries, and so, so many more! No cover.

About the Venue:

Since its opening in 2014, Motorworks Brewing has 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, wine, and a rotating batch of seasonal and specialty brews available. The tree-canopied Beer Garden hosts a raised deck, games, an outdoor stage, ample patio seating, and plenty of room to dance. Food offerings from local food trucks. 1014 9th Street West, Bradenton, near the Village of the Arts.

Doug Deming & the Jewel Tones play traditional blues, West Coast and Texas swing, and early '50s roots rock. Deming is an American blues and roots guitarist/vocalist, earning a Blues Blast Music Award nomination for Best Blues Band in 2013 and 2019. They also reached No. 3 on Billboard’s blues albums chart for their 2018 record "Complicated Mess." Accompanied by bassist Andrew Goham (formerly of the Bottom Feeders), and percussionist Zack Pomerleau (a seasoned musician born and raised in Auburn, Maine), this trio is rockin' rhythm & blues. No cover.

About the Venue:

Located in one of the oldest fishing villages in the United States, the Cortez Kitchen is a top destination for locals and tourists alike. Named for the body of water it sits on and known by locals as "the kitchen" due to its bountiful supply of fish and seafood, visitors love the laid-back Florida feel of Cortez Kitchen as well as the live music every weekend. Offering a full bar, old-fashioned seafood, and seaside views. 4528 119th Street West, Cortez, Bradenton.

Formerly of Grammy-nominated funk band Reverend Barry & The Funk, YAYA Diamond’s writing and vocal skills have commanded the attention of the Grammy Board herself. Her work has garnered eight Grammy Nominations. She has opened as a solo performer for numerous bills and performed with various well-known musicians and bands including Glenn Carl Leonard of the Temptations and opening and performing as a vocalist with The Crashers. The daughter of international recording artist Evelyn Thomas, the niece of Opera singer Robert McFerrin and the cousin of Grammy award winner Bobby McFerrin, Yaya Diamond comes from an enriched musical family and has paved the way as an outstanding vocalist, songwriter, and performer in her own right. 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 great local beer. A complement 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.

Ray Fuller, known for his "rockin' slide guitar blues," has headlined blues festivals and major blues venues throughout the USA, Canada, Europe and South Africa, and has opened for iconic blues musicians such as Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Buddy Guy and more.

Formed in 1978, Ray Fuller and the Bluesrockers have performed for energized fans, as well as recorded and released nine albums including "Pay the Price" in 2019. Along with Fuller, the band consists of harmonicist Doc Malone, bassist Glenn Manuel and drummer Daryl Jumper. Tickets are $15 in advance and $25 the day of, and can be reserved by phone at (941) 243-3735.

Damon Fowler returns to the Big Top for a special New Year's Blues and Brews Sunday show. Fowler is a masterful singer, guitarist, and songwriter. His music is representative of the many styles that make up the roots of American music. Critics have compared Fowler's guitar work to Johnny Winter and Jeff Beck, while his slide guitar is reminiscent of the late Duane Allman. Fowler is known for his fiery guitar runs, while his lyrical work on lap steel and dobro makes him a stand-out performer among guitar heroes.

The Florida native's hybrid of roots rock, blues, songwriting, and vocals has earned him professional accolades from fellow artists and music journalists alike and a nomination for the 2022 Blues Music Awards.

The Damon Fowler Band features Fowler, drummer Justin Headley, and bassist Chuck Riley. No cover.

Join James Varnado for a Cottonmouth Sunday bluesy, funky, jazzy jam. Born in New Orleans, James Varnado relocated to Florida’s Gulf Coast in 2006. The locally known and respected drummer has years of performances under his belt. 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) and The Dixie Cups (Doo Wop), and has shared the stage with various local bands. A jam session guaranteed to bring sound surprises perfect to kick off the new year right! No cover.

Dirty Byrd is one of the area’s favorite party bands. The Sarasota-based jam band performs blues, country, R&B, funk, jazz, rock, southern rock, and more. Led by two seasoned local musicians, Brian Byrd (pedal steel guitar and lead vocals) and Thorson Moore (electric guitar and vocals), and joined by talented musicians Damon Owens (percussion/drums) and Andrew Glasgow (electric bass). The band's shows frequently include some of the area’s most talented musicians as guest performers creating shows that are unique each time the band takes the stage. No cover.

About the Venue:

Founded in 2001, Gilligan’s Island Bar prides itself on serving quality food, cocktails, and great service. The venue hosts live music on its front deck, and offers back patio seating, a tiki bar, and a fire pit for cooler nights. The flickering tiki torches, palm trees, and cool Gulf breezes are exactly what you have been looking for. Located on Siesta Key, 5253 Ocean Blvd, Sarasota.