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.
Friday Fest: Hot Tonic Orchestra
Van Wezel
Friday - 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Headlining the event is the Hot Tonic Orchestra, renowned for their high-energy performances that blend swing, Latin jazz, and popular music into a one-of-a-kind live experience. Led by bandleader Victoria Woods, whose sultry vocals and driving acoustic bass anchor the ensemble, and featuring the masterful arrangements of musical director and virtuoso guitarist Josh Hindmarsh, the band guarantees an evening of authentic swing, jazz, and irresistible Cuban dance rhythms.
Whether it's lighting up the stage with Latin American flair or putting their own unique spin on popular tunes, Hot Tonic Orchestra promises to deliver a memorable performance that will have the audience grooving all night long.
About the venue:
Friday Fest, the free, outdoor summertime concert series returns this year with an exciting lineup of bands who will bring the audience to their feet! The events run from 5-9 p.m. and are located on the lawn of the Van Wezel.
Bring blankets or lawn chairs, take in the music and the sunset, and enjoy food and beverage from local vendors!
Note: Bringing in food, beverages and coolers from outside Friday Fest is prohibited.
Al Donadi
Blue Marlin AMI
Friday - 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Over the past 10 years Al Donadi has been playing "live" on a weekly basis mainly on the West Coast of Florida. Living and working in the area allows him to connect with many of the local musicians, who all have influenced him in becoming the musician he is today.
"Everyone I've made music with has influenced me in someway or another. From small porch jams to festival stages; In Pennsylvania and down the east coast to the Florida community, So many talented souls I've had the opportunity to musically communicate with."
His last album was completed at the Spirit Ranch Studio with legendary Bud Snyder who engineered/produced The Allman Brothers Band, Gregg Allman Band, Dickey Betts and Great Southern, and Warren Haynes Gov't Mule.
"Im thankful for the musicians who worked hard with me creating this album. Jeff Arevalo on drums, Steve Duerst on bass, Dennis Wage on Hammond organ, Latonya Oliver - vocals, Justin Green - Saxophone, Eddie Tobin - piano. I couldn't have done it without you!"
Al continues to write and is working on another album. No cover.
About the venue:
Blue Marlin's cuisine focuses on daily fresh fish brought in directly from the Cortez fishing fleet.
Daily, local fish selections not only provides our restaurant with the freshest possible fish, but also gives us the ability to offer daily specials with that day’s catch.
Although the focus of the menu at Blue Marlin Seafood is fish, we also offer a variety of dishes including steaks, chicken & other landside features. There is something on the menu for everyone at every price point and they offer children’s meals too on the “Mini Marlins” menu.
Big D & the Dirty Deal
Cottonmouth
Friday - 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Big D & the Dirty Deal swings with catchy originals & covers of rocking rhythm & blues music of many styles including funk & soul. Scorching guitar, soulful vocals lowdown harmonica & a rhythm section that will make you shake everything you got!
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.
JSanti Trio
Tamiami Tap
Saturday - 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
JSanti (John Santiago) is a Musical Artist, Performer & Songwriter
Hailing from New York City. As an Americana artist, JSanti's musical style can be characterized by a mix of Blues, Rock, Soul & Country. Currently. JSanti releases music as a solo artist while also collaborating in an international music collective known as Prince Pauper.
From an early age, John found the process of writing, singing and performing songs to be intensely therapeutic. At the age of 13, he experienced a sudden and traumatic loss. His first love had died in a tragic car accident. Confused and uncertain, he felt lost and searched for an outlet. He dove fervently into different creative outlets. He was continuously writing poetry, and soon sought to bring these words to life, singing in a band with friends. John had found his process.
John Salaway
Birdrock Taco Shack
Saturday - 7:00 p.m.
Frontman. Acclaimed Grammy considered songwriter. Sideman. Nationally-endorsed multi-instrumentalist. Producer.
Since moving to Nashville in the early 2000s, John Salaway has become one of the city's most accomplished musicians, holding down a weekly residency at the world-class BB King's Blues Club while also playing shows with acts like Peter Frampton, Ben Folds, Anderson East, Zach Williams, and Denny Laine from the Moody Blues and Paul McCartney's Wings.
He's a drummer. A guitarist. A pianist. And with albums like 2019's Americana Dreams, he shows the full range of his abilities, mixing a lifelong appreciation for the Beatles' classic pop melodies with the southern-fried sounds of his adopted hometown.
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.
Kettle of FishOver its 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, and they have opened 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.
Led by lead singer, guitarist, and band founder Dana Lawrence, 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. If you like the sound of the Rolling Stones, Tom Petty, Otis Redding, Robert Cray, Stevie Wonder, the Allman Brothers, or The Grateful Dead, you will love Kettle of Fish. 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.
Friendly City Pride
Oscura
Sunday - 3:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Join us for the first Friendly City Pride on May 26th from 3 PM - 10 PM at Oscura Live in Bradenton, Florida!
Arts
Music
Vendors
Food Trucks
Performances
Drinks
Community Partners and Non-Profits
Become a Sponsor by emailing
Pride@friendlycity.foundation
Featured bands: Meteor Eyes, The Tilt, Sorry Barb, Peace Cult , nowincolor
Become a Vendor
https://forms.gle/nJ6ogGgQv5D1gJg29
Presented by: Fabulous Arts Foundation & Friendly City Foundation
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.