Weekend Sounds: October 6-8

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.

Charlie Imes 
Wicked  Cantina AMI 
Friday: 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. 

When singer-songwriter Charlie Imes penned the rhyme “I’m leaving behind a trail of sand, bringing my beach all across this land,” he didn’t just have the basis for the title track of his forthcoming album. He summed up his approach to life.

Imes comes by his coastal vibe honestly. He honed his craft on the beaches of California from an early age, entertaining friends around the fire pit with his guitar, songs and stories. But dreams of a music career got sidetracked by office work, the launch of a legal services firm and a brief stint in San Diego politics.

It was surviving stage 3 colon cancer and a serious bout of diverticulitis a little more than 10 years ago that brought Imes back to music. He was in the midst of a painstaking recovery when his doctor advised him to eliminate stress from his life. So he ditched the suit and tie, strapped on his guitar and never looked back.

His performance style has stayed true to those early times. Whether imparting his laid-back, jazzy folk rock sound or directly addressing his audience, Imes is above all a storyteller. The songs he chooses, whether his own or borrowed from other musicians, speak to his life experiences, nuggets of which he shares with his audience. No cover. 

About the venue:

Wicked Cantina is on a mission to bring fresh, authentic (on the spicy side) Austin-style Tex Mex to town. Our restaurants are locally owned and operated by some taco-eating, margarita-drinking fanatics who can't wait to share their love of the Austin cuisine with you.

All of our food is handmade in-house daily. We specialize in delicious, Austin-style Tex-Mex as well as tasty American classics. Fresh food, fresh modern family-friendly vibe, a full liquor bar and ample parking await you.

Dashdown
Gulf Drive Café
Friday: 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. 

Dashdown is a critically acclaimed Americana singer/songwriter who recently toured the U.S. & Canada as an opener for rock icon Tommy Stinson of The Replacements & Guns N Roses and a repeat performer at America's #1 new music festival, SXSW in Austin. Dashdown also makes appearances as 'rock expert' on the METV program Collectors Call with Lisa Whelchel of Facts of Life fame. Dashdown moved from Chicago to AMI in June when 13 years of annual visits to the lucky island finally took root. Dashdown has a great sound to keep you entertained with a mix of covers and originals! No cover. 

About the venue:

The Gulf Drive Café was established in 1981 and has been a staple on Anna Maria Island for locals and tourists ever since. The current owners, George & Wendy Kokolis, purchased the historic property in 1987. The Kokolis’ extensive experience in the restaurant industry has expanded over 45 years. After celebrating over 20 years as owners, they decided to renovate and expand the Café into a bar, The Kokonut Hut and event space, The Sunset by Gulf Drive Café.

The property sits on 2 acres of waterfront on the Gulf of Mexico and has many offerings for guests to enjoy. It includes delicious meals, impeccable service, cold cocktails, and live entertainment.

Dr. Dave Band
Motorworks Brewing 
Friday: 7:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. 

The Dr. Dave Band is known for its infectious energy and dynamic sound. They’re a powerhouse of talent, and it’s no wonder they received the 2018 Reader’s Choice Award for “Best Musical Group” from the Manatee/Sarasota Herald. 

Led by the gifted Dr. Dave himself, this band blends country, rock, and bluegrass in a way that’s truly unforgettable. Their version of CountryGrassRock is high-octane and epic, delivering a musical experience like no other! 

If you’re a fan of high-energy music and star-quality performances, you won’t want to miss the Dr. Dave Band. Save the date for October 6th and let’s make it a night to remember! No cover.

About the venue:

BRADENTON’S BEER GARDEN AND TAPROOM - Join us for a lovely afternoon or evening in our famous Beer Garden under a 150-year-old oak tree or enjoy our Taproom that is full of our great beers, wine, spirits, and cocktails.

We strive to fine-tune award-winning craft beer delivered to satisfy anyone’s palate. Our beers and service are performance-driven, the same as the Hudson service center housed in our brewery during the 1940s and 50s.

Based on weather conditions, Live Music may be performed in the Taproom.

Charles Parker Band
Woody's River Roo
Saturday: 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. 

Shaped by a menagerie of influences that resonate from the likes of Kiss, Elvis, The Beatles, Alan Jackson, Tom Petty, The Eagles and every glam metal band in between, Charles Parker's unique and contemporary sound is a meld of pop and rock dusted with a hint of Americana, folk and country blues.

"My heart is not in it to cater to a specific genre, nor put in a box. I just write in the moment and write what moves me. I hope my music lends itself to a greater audience, young and old, on any music channel."

Charles released his debut album, BRING BACK THE SUN, in 2017; the 15-track project showcases infectious melodies and refreshing vulnerability. The title track ("Bring Back The Sun") charted at #81 on the MusicRow Country Breakout Chart. Charles is in the studio recording a series of tracks set to rollout just "When Jesus Calls." 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!

Bryan Spainhower
Sage SRQ
Saturday: 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. 

Bryan Spainhower is a world-renowned guitarist and musician, known for his exceptional skill and passion for world music. Born and raised in the United States, Bryan was first introduced to music as a child, learning to play the guitar at an early age.

Over the years, Bryan has traveled extensively, immersing himself in the musical traditions of cultures from around the world. From the flamenco rhythms of Spain to the intricate melodies of India, the percussive beats of Africa to the haunting ballads of the Middle East and the dancing rhythms of Cuba, Bryan has studied and mastered an incredible array of musical styles.

Today, Bryan is recognized as one of the world’s leading experts in world music guitar. His performances are renowned for their virtuosity, complexity, and emotional depth, drawing on a lifetime of musical experience and a deep appreciation for the rich cultural traditions that inspire his art. No cover.

About the venue:

Sage Restaurant brings a unique international culinary experience to its downtown location. Guests are treated to worldly cuisine with carefully curated and inspired cocktails.

Cuban Project: Historias
Manatee Performing Arts Center 
Saturday: 8:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.  

Sarasota Contemporary Dance (SCD) is kicking off its 18th season presenting works in both south and north counties expanding SCD's reach and cultivating relationships with area theaters, says SCD's Artistic Director Leymis Bolaños Wilmott. Cuban Project: Historias - Mi Historia, Tu Historia, y Nuestra Historia (My Story, Your Story, Our Story) captures the depths of Bolaños Wilmott’s history and experiences as part of an immigrant Cuban family.

In Cuban Project, Leymis Bolaños Wilmott dives into her family history, investigating her parents' forced migration through the exodus of children known as Operación Pedro Pan. Operación Pedro Pan took place in the early 1960s and is still to this day the largest historical exodus of unaccompanied children in the Western world. Between December 1960 and October 1962, over 14,000 unaccompanied minors were sent to the U.S. by their parents who feared indoctrination and the Cuban government taking away their parental rights.

“After the passing of my grandfather four years ago, I knew there was an urgent need to share the Cuban-American experience, specifically my family's story,” comments Artistic Director Leymis Bolaños Wilmott. “The platform I have been given- to direct a dance company and share my family’s story- is one I do not take lightly. My work is a direct byproduct of that which is embedded in the Cuban people: the sacrifices and perseverance of my parents and grandparents.”

Tickets: $30-$38; Contact the Box Office at 941-748-5875.

This performance is made possible through the generous support of the Johnson Singer Art Fund.

Trevor Bystrom 
Island Time Bar & Grill
Sunday: 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. 

Born and raised in Holmes Beach, Bystrom developed a passion for world music at an early age, falling in love first with the sounds of the Caribbean and later immersing himself in the work of a wide array of African artists. At sixteen, he began performing live and writing his own songs, blending folk, blues, rock, and reggae with an eclectic palette of international influences and wrapping it all up in lyrics calling for peace, understanding, and equality. No cover. 

About the venue:

Island Time Bar and Grill is located on Anna Maria Island’s Bridge Street. Situated on the ground floor beneath the Bridge Street Bistro, Island Time Bar & Grill offers an open "no-walls" tropical indoor/outdoor beachside bar setting with welcoming gulf breezes. Their varied menu serves from their upstairs restaurant, Bridge Street Bistro, featuring fresh ingredients, surf-to-turf, and made-from-scratch recipes by chef Jimmy Lopatinski. Full bar, beachy cocktails, specialty, and classic margaritas, and cold beer! 

For more local music listings in Bradenton and throughout the area, check out GoTonight.com or download the GoTonight app.

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