Weekend Sounds: November 17-19

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.

Champ Jaxon Band
Big Top Brewing 
Friday - 6:30 p.m.

Champ Jaxon is a twelve-year-old aspiring blues-rock musician based out of Southwest Florida. Champ was born in New Bedford, Mass. in 2010 and his family relocated back to their hometown in Florida in 2013 when he was three years old.

Champ has performed over 120 gigs with The Champ Jaxon Band in nine different states. He first performed on Music Row in Nashville in 2021 when he was just ten years old and Beale Street in Memphis a year later, representing the Southwest Florida Blues Society at the International Blues Challenge. He appeared on “The Ellen Show” with guest host Brad Paisley in December of 2021 and made his acting debut on NBC’s “Ordinary Joe” a month later. Champ also performed at the 2022 Young Artist Academy Awards in Hollywood, California, where he took home the “Outstanding Instrumentalist” honors.

In May of 2021, a video of Champ performing The Marshall Tucker Band’s “Can’t You See” went viral and was seen by the band, which led to them inviting Champ to a show and calling him up to perform that song with them. Two months later, they asked him to fill in on lead guitar for an entire set in Birmingham, AL, opening for the band Alabama at Oak Mountain Ampitheatre.

Champ has also been called up to play alongside The Allman Betts Band, Eric Gales, Chris Andersen (Outlaws), Scott Sharrard (Gregg Allman Band, Little Feat), Damon Fowler, and Frank Bang, among others. Additionally, The Champ Jaxon Band has been a supporting act on bills that included Gov’t Mule, Blackberry Smoke, Old Crow Medicine Show, St. Paul & The Broken Bones, and more.

The Champ Jaxon Band’s debut album, “The Grove”, was released in December 2021 and includes six original songs and one cover. The album was recorded at Farmadelica Sound in Bokeelia, Fla. and includes two songs that have music videos. In addition to a organically-grown following at live shows, Champ’s social media pages (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube) have over 85,000 combined followers and millions of views.

Champ’s signature guitar is a 1959 Les Paul Special he bought at Carter’s Vintage in Nashville. He also has a Gibson Flying V and Gibson SG, along with a Brad Paisley signature Telecaster gifted by Mr. Paisley himself on “The Ellen Show”, where they jammed together to end the episode. Champ also plays two custom-built Blind Armadillo guitars, Red Bear & Apollo, handmade for him locally in Venice, FL, by luthier Victor McGuire. Regardless of the guitar he decides to pick up, he plays them all through his Harry Joyce Custom 30W amplifier and speaker cabinet.

The Champ Jaxon Band also includes Champ’s father, Nate Winkler, (manager/rhythm guitar), Brent Adam (drums), and Nick Rosado (bass). Champ has been a student at The Rock Box Music School & Stage in North Port, FL, since 2019 and has also studied under Scott Sharrard. When he’s not performing, Champ is a normal kid who enjoys video games, Legos, Star Wars and Marvel movies, and spending time outdoors. 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.

Cory Nichols Album Release
Oscura
Friday - 7:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m.

Cory Nichols, a Florida-based rapper, fuses conscious hip-hop with Lo-fi and boom bap to create a unique sound. Influenced by rap icons like Andre 3000, Kendrick Lamar, and Lil Wayne, Nichols crafts songs that are as thought-provoking as they are rhythmically compelling.

Born into a family of musicians, Nichols was destined for a life in music. His journey was catalyzed by the unorthodox styles of artists like Lil Wayne, but it's his family—particularly his late sister Destiny and his son—that serve as his emotional compass. His music consistently explores the theme of pursuing dreams, regardless of life's challenges.

Nichols' recent single "Destiny" serves as a tribute to his late sister and encapsulates his focus on meaningful storytelling. While details about his upcoming album remain closely guarded, the project promises to be a significant addition to his discography. Managed by Chris Chacon and his company Modernwndr, Nichols is not just an artist but part of a broader creative collective.

Hailing from Bradenton, Florida, Nichols' music is deeply influenced by his hometown. What sets him apart in the rap world is his commitment to embedding a meaningful message in every track. As an evolving artist, Nichols has plans to incorporate live instruments into his performances and is developing visually captivating projects. His music serves not just as entertainment but as therapy, inviting listeners to connect emotionally.

Also performing are ChaGo, Young Savages and The Fly One.

7 PM Doors; 8 PM Music; Cover $5 - 18+

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.

Hymn for Her
Birdrock Taco Shack
Friday - 7:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m. 

Hymn for Her have been busy touring across the country and abroad over the past few years, injecting juiced-up backwoods country blues with a dose of desert rock psychedelia that has been described as “Hell’s Angels meets the Amish,” and “Hillbillies with electronics opening Pandora’s Box”

For their 3rd release, “Hymn for Her Presents . . . Lucy and Wayne’s Smokin Flames,” the twosome kicked it into high gear. They traveled to Ghetto Recorders/Detroit to work with Jim Diamond. They recorded live & mixed 12 original songs in just one week.

The duo certainly covers a lot of musical territory in Smokin Flames. Their wild-eyed mash-up of country, blues and punk led U.K. music critic Steve Bennett to call H4H’s sound “a riotous, rocking roadkill stew,” while others have referenced such diverse bands as Captain Beefheart, Primus, X, R.L. Burnside, JS Blues Explosion and the Ramones.

Impressively, the two create their “ripsaw sounds” (Los Angeles Times’ Randy Lewis) with only a few instruments. Wayne (with the devilish voice), mainly playing the kick-drum, high-hat, acoustic guitar and harp, serves as the group’s rhythmic driving force. Lucy (of the fallen-angel voice) delivers a gritty squall on her “Lowebow” — a custom-made cigar-box guitar: “The Riff Monster.”

Their daughter would often take part on piano and vocals, which led to her joining the band. In 2022, the trio played 60 dates in Europe during the summer. The family band will be touring the US in 2023. 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.

Elvis on Tour: The Elvis Presley Experience 
Manatee Performing Arts Center
Saturday - 2:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. 

In the spring of 1972, Elvis Presley embarked on a fifteen-day, fifteen-city tour across America! Performing in his prime, Elvis was followed closely by MGM cameras as he delivered some of the most high-energy, thrilling performances of his career!

Matt Stone, a nationally-acclaimed Elvis Tribute Artist, who was named by Graceland as one of the top performers on the planet, will be BACK in the building at Manatee Performing Arts Center to recreate these jaw-dropping performances!

He has even earned the approval of Elvis’ friends and family, who have said:

“When I heard… now if I close my eyes that’s Elvis. It touched my heart. The only person I ever heard sing like that was my brother, and was real close—SCARY— that’s how close it was.”
-Billy Stanley (Elvis' Step Brother)

“Matt is incredibly gifted & handsome, with incredible energy and sex appeal.”
-Joyce Bova (Longtime Elvis Girlfriend)

Matt has even been heard on SiriusXM's ELVIS RADIO!

For information, visit https://www.mattstoneaselvis.com

•Our concession area will offer beverages and light snacks for purchase. Please note that there is a $5 minimum purchase when using a credit card.
•This show is reserved seating
•Everyone coming to see the show must have a ticket regardless of age
•All ticket sales are final and non-refundable.
•Discounted tickets for Season Subscribers, teachers, students, and active military can be purchased by calling the Box Office.
•The Box Office will open hour prior to the performance.

Additional FREE Parking
401 7th Street West
Bradenton, FL 34205

Avey Grouws Band
Cottonmouth Southern Soul Kitchen
Saturday - 7:00 p.m. 

Avey Grouws Band blends blues, roots, rock and soul as powerfully as the Mississippi River runs through their home in the Quad Cities of Iowa & Illinois. Led by powerhouse vocalist Jeni Grouws and ace guitar man Chris Avey, the two-time top ten Billboard charting band are known for their gritty sound and engaging shows. Sophomore album, "Tell Tale Heart", was recorded in Nashville, TN with Grammy award winner, Casey Wasner (Keb' Mo', Taj Mahal). Released September 2021, "Tell Tale Heart" debuted #7 on the Billboard Blues Album chart. Avey Grouws Band also hit #10 on the Billboard with their 2020 debut album, "The Devil May Care".

Avey Grouws Band toured the US this past year, including Kansas City, two Florida tours, an East Coast tour and a trip to Las Vegas to play the Big Blues Bender along with acts including Keb’ Mo, Beth Hart, Tab Benoit, Samantha Fish and many more.

Cover $10 pre/ $15 DOS

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.

Steve Junot 
Stottlemyer's Smokehouse
Sunday - 12:00 p.m.

In the last 20 years, Steve Junot has played over 5000 gigs.

When you ask him how he's lasted so long, he'll give you one big reason. "I realized early on that it's not about me... it's about playing what the audience wants to hear."

He loves giving 'em what they want so that they can have fun.

"If the audience is in the mood to chat with each other, I'll play some laid back, softer stuff so that they can chat. Or if they're in the mood to really listen, dance or cut up and I'll deliver that too. It's all about reading the crowd and giving them what they want so they have a great time. "

Sometimes someone in the crowd will make a request, other times Steve just scans the audience and seems to be able to pinpoint the right song at the right time. And with a repertoire of over 1000 songs, he can pretty much handle any audience.

But his favorite is taking requests.

"I love when I get a crowd who has eclectic tastes. One of my favorite nights was when someone requested an Elvis song. Right after I played it, someone else requested a Lil' Wayne song. Man, that's about as far reaching as it gets in a two song span, but I loved it! And so did the crowd."

To sum it up, Steve has the repertoire and experience to deliver the fun. No cover

About the venue:

East of I-75 on Fruitville Road, Stottlemyer’s Smokehouse is an open-air barbecue restaurant set under an expansive outdoor tiki hut, including an old-Florida style Tiki-bar. Established by the Stottlemyer family, the family-friendly restaurant and live music venue serves brisket, ribs, pulled pork, sandwiches, and salads in a unique atmosphere. Reservations are accepted. 19 East Road, Sarasota.

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.