Weekend Sounds September 23-25

BRADENTON – Bradenton’s live music fans won’t have to travel far to catch their favorite bands this weekend! While there are some fantastic shows lined up at Sarasota venues, many of the bands making the list this weekend are set to perform at Bradenton-area venues. Check out The Bradenton Times Weekend Sounds to see what bands you can catch and where.

Passerine’s distinctive sound combines the crisp rhythms of an acoustic guitar, the haunting voices of the fiddle and dobro (resonator slide guitar), and the resonant lows of an acoustic bass with inventive vocal harmonies and songwriting. Supported by the sounds of acoustic strings, Passerine offers a fresh take on traditional folk and bluegrass music, as well as a repertoire of original songs that range from sweet ballads to the edgier side of contemporary Americana. Cover $5.

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. Reservations are recommended due to limited capacity. 1114 12th Street West, Bradenton.

Sophisticated blues, a hint of jazz, and hot guitar define Kat Crosby and the Rhythm Gators. As lead singer and songwriter, Kat Crosby presents blues from a woman’s perspective. From songs that celebrate the man she loves to songs from a woman’s perspective of the world around her, Crosby's playlist is a combination of original music and storytelling and carefully chosen cover songs. An experienced and nationally recognized band that has played numerous festivals and other venues together for more than 20 years. No cover.

About the Venue:

Mattison's Riverwalk Grille is located along Bradenton's Riverwalk Park downtown. Mattison's and its staff pride themselves on their commitment to using sustainable practices and serving only foods that are hormone and antibiotic-free. They work with small family farms and source their produce and seafood locally. While their food draws a crowd, their live music gets them on their feet– the outdoor dining patio is spacious with plenty of room for dancing! 101 Riverfront Blvd, Bradenton.

Join Steve Arvey for an acoustic garden performance at Bunny and Pirates this Friday evening! Arvey began his career playing the Chicago blues circuit during the ’70s. During that period he shared the stage with many of the legendary blues masters from the Windy City. Now living in Florida, Steve is a fixture at major festivals and nightclubs throughout the South, Europe, and the Caribbean. He is also considered by many to be one of the top cigar box guitar players in the world today.

In the year 2001, Arvey recorded his album Fine Line, and in 2002, he set out on his first tour in Australia. Arvey's growing popularity earned him a slot at the 2005 Byron Bay Blues and Roots Festival. It was in 2005 that Arvey discovered the Cigar Box Guitar. He later signed to Warner International and appeared on the compilation CD from that festival which included tracks from Dave Matthews, REM, Jack Johnson, and other notable artists. $3 cover, for reservations, call 941-281-2582

From sweet to sassy, philosophical to irreverent, Stumble Creek is an eclectic mix of Americana with strong folk roots, hot bluegrass flashes, and rock-inspired riffs. Like every good creek should, Stumble Creek offers a range of sounds and sensations that provide a feast for the ears as well as the heart – a one-of-a-kind experience at every bend and turn. The band features Austin Kennedy (vocals, guitar, mandolin), Sara Stovall (vocals, fiddle), Heather Downie (vocals, guitar, mandolin), and Tom Hicks (vocals, upright bass). Cover $5.

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.

On Saturday, The Boomers Band will play their unique blend of 60s rock in the beer garden of 3 Keys Brewing. Performing at venues around the Suncoast, this Bradenton-based rock band plays a wide range of songs from 1964 to 1969. Lead singer/rhythm guitarist Bob Cary, lead guitarist Ted Mork, keyboard player and saxophonist Bob Hepler, bass player Todd Bohlmann, and drummer Mike Kennedy play an energetic mix from The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Doors, Steppenwolf, The Grass Roots, The Monkees and many more of the decade's iconic bands. 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.

Have Gun, Will Travel will perform this Saturday in advance of the band releasing its newest six-track EP, Silver Sounds.

HGWT is a local band born of Bradenton, Florida, a hometown that is referenced in several of their songs and their 2009 album titled Postcards from the Friendly City. Formed in 2006, the nationally acclaimed Alternative rock/folk band is known for its indie rock, classic country, hints-of-punk, Americana sound. Indeed, it is challenging to specify the genre, as it seems HGWT set off determined to make their own. The band's members consist of brothers Matt Burke (singer-guitarist) and Daniel Burke (bassist), and longtime friends guitarist Scott Anderson, drummer JP Beaubien, and keyboardist Edward Stork. Lead vocalist Matt Burke's songwriting draws on western themes of life and death, honor, and morality throughout the band's narrative songs.

Besides the growing numbers of their local and national fan base, HGWT has had its music featured on NPR, the PBS series Roadtrip Nation, and in a nationally aired Chevrolet commercial. Their song Blessing and a Curse was used in the final scenes and credits of the CBS drama The Good Wife, in 2012. 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 complement 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.

Damon Fowler is a masterful singer, guitarist, and songwriter. His music is representative of the many styles that make up the roots of American music. Critics have compared Fowler’s guitar work to Johnny Winter and Jeff Beck, while his slide guitar is reminiscent of the late Duane Allman. Fowler is known for his fiery guitar runs, while his lyrical work on lap steel and dobro makes him a stand-out performer among guitar heroes.

The Florida native’s hybrid of roots rock, blues, songwriting, and vocals has earned him professional accolades from fellow artists and music journalists alike and a nomination for the 2022 Blues Music Awards.

The Damon Fowler Band features Fowler, drummer Justin Headley, and bassist Chuck Riley.

The popular local band 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, and they have 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. If you like the sound of the Rolling Stones, Tom Petty, Otis Redding, Robert Cray, the Neville Brothers, Buddy Guy, Stevie Wonder, the Allman Brothers, or The Grateful Dead, you will love Kettle of Fish. 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.

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.