Weekend Sounds July 15-17

BRADENTON – It's a big weekend for live music across Manatee and Sarasota with shows scheduled at several popular local venues. Check out The Bradenton Times Weekend Sounds to see what bands you can catch and where.

Matt Burke, lead singer, songwriter, and guitarist of famed local band Have Gun, Will Travel will perform a solo acoustic show at Cottonmouth Southern Soul Kitchen in Bradenton’s Village of the Arts this Friday evening. Burke's songwriting draws on western themes of life and death, honor, and morality. Burke will perform some of the songs that have garnished HGWT its popularity among fans adding in a sprinkling of cover tunes. Have Gun, Will Travel has built one of the strongest regional followings on the Gulf Coast in recent years, combining folk, pop, rock, and classic country influences to create a sound all their own. No cover.

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.

Folknharmony is a cocktail of close vocal harmony, expressive acoustic guitar, and folk-ish songs. Dr. Zach Johnson (guitar/vocals), Nancy Gauvreau (guitar/vocals), and Beau Wilberding (Cajon percussion) have created a trio that's musically astute, charming, and always a good time. The trio's interpretations of well-loved covers offer uniqueness and renewal that will have listeners falling in love with their favorite songs all over again. No cover, but reservations are recommended.

About the Venue:

Located in Payne Park, Downtown Sarasota, Cafe in the Park captures the spirit of a quintessential urban cafe terrace. It's the perfect place for a great coffee, a fresh sandwich, and live music. The family-friendly spot has menu selections of healthy cafŽ-style food, non-alcoholic beverages, beer, and wine, all served in a community park setting. Truly a great place to catch a live show. Please no outside food or drink. 2010 Adams Lane, Sarasota.

This Friday, Rye Road will return to the Big Top stage to perform in the expansive beer garden of Sarasota’s favorite Brewery. Rye Road 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:

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, 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.

Al Fuller brings his special style to every performance. Smooth, fluid guitar playing with an easy sound, or hard-hitting blues that speak of nights in dark, smokey places. Fuller has been singing, playing, and composing music for most of his life. A veteran performer, Fuller has entertained troops in Vietnam, and played in England, Spain, Canada, Mexico, and all over the United States. $5 cover.

About the Venue:

Jiggs Landing Outpost is located inside the Manatee County Park Jiggs Landing. The outpost features a public boat ramp, fishing, cabin rentals, kayak and canoe rentals, bait shop, and small cafe–but they are also a live music venue! The outdoor venue is on the Evers Reservoir and Braden River with prime views of the sunset. Enjoy a beautiful natural venue in a historic area in the heart of East Manatee. The cafŽ offers a light menu, adult and soft beverages, snacks, and Big Olaf ice cream. 6106 63rd Street East, Bradenton.

The Stillhouse Shakers are a string band based in the Tampa Bay area. The trio strives to authentically represent the music of America's past while blending their own unique styles into a high-energy show, filled with history, hilarity, and a wide variety of folk, fiddle, blues, ballads, and "breakdowns." The band is comprised of award-winning musicians who come from all over the country. Floridian Tyler Nall on fiddle, Tennessee native Camden Pugh on banjo, and Holly Foss from Minnesota on guitar. $5 cover.

Locally-based singer and performer 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 drums. Twinkle & Rock Soul Radio was recently named the area's best band in TBT's Best of Manatee Bradenton Awards. No cover.

Sinewaves is a southwest Florida rock band comprised of four multi-instrumental musicians and friends. The band’s setlists include renditions of popular songs from multiple genres including rock, blues, funk, soul, country, and more. Through their personalized interpretations of yesterday's classics and today's hits, Sinewaves is on a mission to deliver renewed life to the songs they cover, and "sonic nostalgia" to audiences. Every set is unpredictable and sure to keep the dance floor moving. 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 their front deck, 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.

22N

22N is a party and dance band that 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, 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, an 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.

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.

This Sunday, RJ is joined by Garrett Dawson on drums (Butch Trucks, Melody Trucks, Vaylor Trucks) and Matt Walker on bass (Butch Trucks) No cover.

"Country rock, island style." Singer-songwriter Eric Von is a Nashville-based recording artist. Born and raised in Cortez, Florida, Von Started playing guitar and writing music at twelve and was performing live by fourteen. Eric spent three years in Nashville, playing on Broadway, and writing and recording his second CD. His song I Can't Help but Smile made it to number 64 on the Country Breakout Charts. In 2007, Von was named the Colgate Country Showdown winner for Central Florida, and advanced to secure the title of Colgate Country Showdown winner for the State of Florida that same year. In 2008 he was named the winner of Kenny Chesney’s Next Big Star of the Tampa Bay Area. $5 cover.

About the Venue:

88 Live Piano Bar is one of Bradenton’s newest live entertainment hot spots. Steeped in ambiance, the 5000-square-foot venue has already hosted some of the area’s finest musicians and entertainers to sold-out shows. Featuring a light menu of appetizers, sandwiches, and pizzas, the family-owned venue "loves and lives music" in an atmosphere described as "classy and sassy."6640 Cortez Road West Suite A, Bradenton.

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.

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.