BRADENTON — It's another weekend, and you know what that means. If you guessed another great lineup of local, talented musicians in Manatee, Sarasota, and surrounding counties, you would be correct. Check out The Bradenton Times Weekend Sounds to see what bands you can catch at your favorite venues.
L.C. Williams and the Driver
Cottonmouth
Friday - 6:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
L.C. Williams and the Driver formed some years back in the central Maine area when Souder and Williams, who had been playing as a blues duo, joined forces with bass player Phil Pitula to create a trio with a more driving, electric sound. Guitarist Trent Souder and harp player Lauren Williams had been playing together in various blues outfits since the mid nineties as The Taildraggers, The Marvin Lord Group, and Souder and Williams Blues Band. They hooked up with Phil Pitula, veteran of such bands as Sistah Sadie, Nevah, and Hot Wax, to form the short-lived Sweet Northern Blues Band, which played festivals and local haunts for about a year. Pitula rejoined Souder and Williams to create the stripped down powerful blues trio, then called The Blood Orange Martinis, whose old school sound was in part due to Souder's use of a foot snare instead of a full drum kit.
Located now in St. Petersburg, Florida, L.C. Williams and the Driver enjoy performing as a full band, backed by some of the areas best rhythm sections, while also still occasionally stripping down to play as a power trio when the occasion calls for it. No cover.
About the venue:
Cottonmouth - Bradenton Florida’s music venue serving southern soul cuisine and live music on our beautiful patio in the Village of the Arts. Dave Shiplett and crew will to serve you and give you an evening you will long remember with seating inside and outside and art from local artists on display. Cottonmouth is the place to hang and feed your soul.
The New Rulers
Birdrock Taco Shack
Friday - 6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
It's another reggae night at Bradenton hot spot, Birdrock Taco Shack. Get ready for the Reggae Rock Steady vibes of The New Rulers. Great horn section, great rasta feel, and a band that not only knows there music, but also knows the history behind it!
No cover.
About the venue:
Located in Bradenton Florida's Village of the Arts, Birdrock Taco Shack is not your average taco joint, but a unique funky-fun taco spot and live music venue. Owner and chef David Shiplett (who also owns the popular Cottonmouth South Soul Kitchen) doesn't serve up just any tacos. Dave has worked as a Chef in San Francisco, San Diego, Sarasota, and now Bradenton. Dine inside the eclectic artsy shack or outdoors on the porch and back patio. Great food, cool people... and TACOS! 1213 13th Avenue West, Bradenton.
22N
Woody's River Roo
Friday - 7:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Known for their electrifying performances and dynamic energy, 22N is a powerhouse group of 5 talented musicians who know how to bring the party to life.
From the classic hits of the 70s to the chart-topping hits of today, 22N delivers a diverse range of genres including rock, pop, country, top 40, and even disco. Whatever your musical taste, they’ve got you covered!
This high-energy band is all about creating an unforgettable experience for their fans. They are grateful for the support they receive and are dedicated to delivering an evening of pure entertainment that will have you rocking and dancing all night long. No cover.
About the venue:
Woody's River Roo -- A gorgeous river view, friendly people, great food, good drinks, and experiences you won't forget - all waiting for you at The Roo with a view and the only thing missing is YOU.
Danielle Mohr
3 Keys Brewing
Friday - 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Danielle Mohr has been making music as long as she can remember. Born and raised in Dunedin, this native Floridian is an acoustic guitarist, vocalist, and soul-pop singer/songwriter has made a notable name for herself in the music scene. She tours regionally and nationally. Most notably, she has performed at Festivals such as the Safety Harbor Song Fest and the Gasparilla Music Festival
At one of her live shows you can expect to hear clever and thoughtful lyrics dance playfully over her eclectic guitar melodies. She incorporates a looping pedal into her live performance to create layered tracks rich with harmonies and driving rhythm. Natural talent flows freely through Danielle as she artfully engages her audience to feel the music while enjoying her songs. She puts her mark on all music she plays, be they originals or covers.
No cover.
About the venue:
Located in Bradenton off of east Manatee Avenue, 3 Keys Brewing is a family-friendly brewery with a full kitchen serving up gourmet-style pub fare. Offering an inviting social atmosphere and weekly list of entertainment, music, and food and drink specials. Enjoy their expansive front porch or take in the sounds of the beer garden with a beverage in hand. Oh, and bring your 4-legged friends! 2505 Manatee Ave East, Bradenton.
Memphis Lightning
Big Top Brewing
Saturday - 7:00 p.m.
All before the age of 21, Lightning has played with the late Great Blues Legend Eddie Kirkland, Buddy Guy, Tab Benoit, Big Sandy, Bloodshot Bill, Sean Mencher (High Noon, Ronnie Dawson), Bill Kirchen (Commander Cody) and Marty Sammon to name a few. He was selected as the first youth artist to represent the state of Maine in the International Blues Challenge Youth Show Case. Four years cancer free, Lightning has lived the blues and has proven to be among the greats, and compared to some of the biggest names to ever hit the blues, country and rock scene. Lightning fast, explosive stage show and soulful playing, Lightning is a showman at heart. He is currently endorsed by WB Gear(link on the bottom of the page) and Intune Guitar Picks.(Link on the bottom of the page) Guitar Gifts 4 U, Big Bends, SIT STRINGS, Lace Music Products, L-Guitar, Mental Cases, Mahalo Amps Steve Arvey Killer Strings, Barefoot Buttons, Williams Custom Guitars and Mainly CBGs Cigar Box Guitars.
Big Red - Going between the low driving Bass and groovin' on the skins, ridin' the back beat, and the backbone of Memphis Lightning is Grammy nominated and international touring and recording artist Darren "Big Red" Thiboutot. He has recorded and or played with artists such as Eddie "Bluesman" Kirkland, Pinetop Perkins, Lazy Lester, The Hoodoo Kings, Tab Benoit, Kenny Neal, Sonny Landreth, G.E. Smith, Clyde Stubblefield, T-Bone Wolk, Richard Bell, Christine Ohlman, Lucky Peterson, Troy Turner, Big Jack Johnson, Cub Koda, Colleen Sexton, ect.
ON THE KEYS - Rick Curran "Mr. Mayhem"
Proficient Perfection doesn't even do this man justice, with bowel shaking sustain and power like no other, the screaming organ sounds blended with the right amount of soul best describes this man!
ON THE DRUMS - Mr. Rock
A truly fantastic and ever changing character.
No cover.
About the venue:
Big Top Brewing Company is a Sarasota-based production brewery. A complement to Sarasota’s historical association with The Ringling Circus and the performing arts, Big Top has set out to create great beer worthy of the history and culture that is Sarasota. Featuring brewing, tasting, and live music from some of the area’s best performers. A spacious outdoor venue with an expansive beer garden, porch bar, and food truck. 975 Cattlemen Road, Sarasota.
Doug MacLoud
Fogartyville
Saturday - 8:00 p.m.
Doug MacLeod is known for his superb songwriting, guitar wizardry, warm soulful vocals, wit, and unforgettable live performances. At the heart of a Doug MacLeod performance is his knack for storytelling, bringing characters -- from the faceless to the legendary -- to strikingly real life.
MacLeod is a multiple Blues Music Award winner, including the 2020 Blues Music Award for Acoustic Artist Of The Year and the 2018 Blues Music Award for Acoustic Album Of The Year "Break The Chain."
In 2023 he won the Blues Music Award for Acoustic Artist Of The Year. He is nominated for the 2024 Blues Music Awards for Acoustic Guitarist Of The Year and Acoustic Album Of The Year-Raw Blues 1.
In March of 2022 he co-authored with Debra Schiff the blues murder mystery book MURDER AT THE CROSSROADS. In 2022 A SOUL TO CLAIM produced by Jim Gaines was released. It was named a Downbeat Magazine ‘Album Of The Year’ for 2022.
In March 2023 RAW BLUES 1 EP was released on Sledgehammer Blues/ Valley Entertainment. Doug is an international touring artist who writes and sings original songs that are based on his own life and experiences. He learned from the old masters and carries forward a valuable tradition.
Doug MacLeod | Saturday, July 27, 8 p.m. | Doors open at 7 p.m.
Tickets: $18 members; $20 not-yet-members; $10 students (13+)
For tickets: Click here.
Seranation
Oscura
Sunday - 6:30 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Seranation is an original band devoted to their own style of music. Residing in St. Petersburg FL, the band was founded in 2014 by members Adam Hocker (Guitar/back-up vocals), J.Carter (Lead vocals) and Bianca Schlosser (Bass/back-up vocals). Seranation has released two full length studio albums, "Island Thinkin' (2015) and "Livin' the Dream" (2018) which hit #1 on the iTunes Reggae charts and #5 on the Billboards. “Livin’ the Dream” was released under Pepper’s label, Law Records and their singles “Sweet Temptation”, “Dangerous” and “Surfboard” all debuted under Rome Ramirez’s label, Fresh Goods.
Seranation was a regional Florida act until they embarked on their first National Tour in March of 2018 and have been nationally touring ever since with acts such as Sublime with Rome, Michael Franti, SOJA and more. The band has been consistently recording in the studio in 2023, leading up to their highly anticipated 3rd studio album in 2024.
Other featured bands: Trevor Bystrom, The Sub Herbs
Cover $20
About the venue:
OSCURA has been reimagined and relaunched in the neighborhood of Old Manatee, with award-winning food and beverage programs, creative events, quality live music, and entertainment.
We are taking that established brand that was built over two and a half years in the previous location and adding new layers; with aesthetics that represent our view of Bradenton past, present and future.
For more local music listings in Bradenton and throughout the area, check out GoTonight.com or download the GoTonight app.
Artists and local venues, you can now sign up and input your own calendar info directly into the Bradenton Times website. Click here to learn more.
