BRADENTON – Is catching live music at a great venue on your weekend to-do list? We got ya covered! From Bradenton to Sarasota, there’s no shortage of rock'n sounds to be found. Check out the Bradenton Times Weekend Sounds to see what bands you can catch and where.
Hot Club of SRQ
CafŽ in the Park
Friday: 7:30-9:30 p.m.
Hot Club of SRQ trio will tell you they play gypsy jazz deeply rooted in the style of Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli. This music simply swings and is full of beauty and romance. The Hot Club of SRQ’s sound can best be described as a 21st century hybrid of the famous "Quintette du Hot Club de France." The likeness of these two ensembles is the violin and guitar create the fire and magic that is so captivating. Another likeness is the infectious groove known as "La Pompe" which literally means "the pump" and is an unmistakable hard swinging rhythmical characteristic of this music. This style of swing jazz is more accessible to a broader audience and can get anyone tapping their toes! No cover.
Unable to make their Friday show? Catch Hot Club SRQ next Thursday, July 29, at The Blue Rooster in Sarasota, 7:30–10:30 p.m. Cover $5
About the Venue:
Located in Payne Park, downtown Sarasota, Cafe in the Park captures the spirit of a quintessential urban cafe terrace. The perfect place for a great coffee, a fresh sandwich, and live music. The family-friendly spot has menu selections of healthy cafŽ style food, non-alcoholic beverages, beer and wine, all served in a community park setting. Truly a great place to catch a live show. 2010 Adams Lane, Sarasota.
The Divebombers
Blue Marlin AMI
Friday: 7- 10 p.m.
The Divebombers are, "Toe tappin' knee slappin' foot stompin' good ol' American music." Members George Worthmore (Blues Hall of Fame inductee), Nat Langston (Sarasota's fingerpickin' whiz-kid), and Chad Clifford (veteran rock bassist) perform music from the likes of George Jones, Johnny Cash, Glen Campbell, Jerry Reed, Merle Travis, Chet Atkins, and Non-Fat Elvis. No Cover.
About the Venue:
Blue Marlin is located in a 1920’s cottage on historic Bridge Street where the first bridge to Anna Maria Island was located. Their courtyard, "The Trap Yard", provides an intimate nautical vibe with full service dining, or more casual dining fare from their "Street Food“ menu ordered "trap-side" at their outdoor kitchen. Featuring full craft cocktail bar and coastal cuisine. Reservations are recommended for dine-in. 121 Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach.
The Divebombers: George Worthmore, Chad Clifford, Nate Langston
Kimi Tortuga w/ guest Jackson Harpe
Caddy’s Bradenton
Friday: 6-10 p.m.
Kimi Tortuga is a versatile singer-songwriter based in the greater Tampa Bay area. Beginning her musical journey with piano at just 5 years old, later picking up wind instruments, and eventually teaching herself ukulele and guitar. Her voice possesses a rich and dynamic soulfulness. Frequently performing as a solo artist, Tortuga will be joined by Tampa Bay trumpet player Jackson Harpe this Friday at Caddy's Bradenton. No cover.
About the Venue:
Located riverside in Bradenton, Caddy's can be reached by foot from the nearby Riverwalk Park, by car, or by boat via the Manatee River. This pet-friendly tropical-themed venue has scenic riverside views, two large tiki huts, and an outdoor stage. They offer a full bar menu with local craft beers, and an American food menu.
801 Riverside Drive East, Bradenton.
Singer songwriter Kimi Tortuga
(photo credit: James Zambon)
The Monsoons
Gilligan’s Island Bar
Friday: 6-9 p.m.
The Monsoons are the hippest new party band, blending the funkiness of New Orleans with good old rock n' roll. Born of the three members’ realization that they had something rare between them– decades of professional experience and a vision for having fun–the trio brings the sounds of blues, southern rock, and pop while tossing in their personal brand of charm and humor, creating the perfect conditions for a good time. No cover.
About the Venue:
Founded in 2001, Gilligan’s Island Bar prides themselves on serving quality food, cocktails, and great service. The venue hosts live music on their front deck, offers back patio seating, a tiki bar, and a fire pit for cooler nights. The flickering tiki torches, palm trees, and cool Gulf breezes are exactly what you have been looking for. Located on Siesta Key, 5253 Ocean Blvd, Sarasota.
Guitarist Steve Junot, drummer Pat McDonald, and bassist Chris Guertin
Jah Movement
Motorworks Brewing
Saturday: 8-12 p.m.
They say that music is the language of the soul, and nothing could be truer for Jah Movement. Composed of inspirational musicians and skillful performers, the artists behind Jah Movement have earned their reputation as one of the area’s best reggae bands. Jah Movement will get you moving with the sounds of reggae, soca, R&B, funk, and soul. No cover.
About the Venue:
Since their opening in 2014, Motorworks Brewing has quickly become one of the most-awarded breweries in Florida with over 22 national and international medals. With 20+ beers on draught, a full liquor bar, an expansive wine collection, and a rotating batch of seasonal and specialty brews available in the taproom, Motorworks is a great place to join friends for a fresh pint of beer or a cocktail. Their tree-canopied beer garden hosts a raised deck, games, outdoor stage, ample patio seating, and room to dance. Food offerings from local food trucks. 1014 9th St W, Bradenton.
Reggae band, Jah Movement
Memphis Rub Band
Cottonmouth Southern Soul Kitchen
Saturday: 7-10 p.m.
Memphis Rub Band is a 4-piece band from the Sarasota/Bradenton performing a blend of blues, rock, funk and R&B. Starring Gary Drouin on guitar, Scott Matzke on bass and vocals, Dan Ryan on keys, and David Wells on drums/vocals they perform both covers and original music. In 2018 Memphis Rub released their first album, "Taste", several tracks from the album have been played on area radio stations WMNF and WSLR, including "Red Tide Blues". No Cover, but seats are limited.
About the Venue:
Located in Bradenton Village of the Arts, Cottonmouth Southern Soul Kitchen is Bradenton Florida’s newest venue serving southern soul cuisine. Live music is hosted on their intimate 80 seat capacity patio/garden. Known for its eclectic southern dining, Chef Dave Shiplett puts his creative spin on southern classics serving them up in this 100-year-old cottage that doubles as an art gallery. Check out their event page for other upcoming shows! Dining reservations are highly recommended due to limited capacity. 1114 12th St W, Bradenton.
Gary Drouin (guitar), Scott Matzke (bass/vocals)
Dan Ryan (keyboards), and David Wells (drums)
Nikola Baltic
State Street Eating House + Cocktails
Saturday: 7-10 p.m.
Making a special solo appearance this Saturday, guitarist Nikola Baltic will be performing Latin and gyspsy jazz. Founder of the Hot Sun Quartet, Baltic began studying classical guitar at age nine and began playing professionally at age twelve. He was accepted to Eastern Michigan University at age 17 for classical guitar performance and later accepted to the Manhattan School of Music in New York. Nikola has studied with guitarist Manuel Barreco and David Russell and has received positive reviews in Guitar Player Magazine. No Cover.
About the Venue:
Enter State Street Eating House + Cocktails and in an instant you’re in a mid-century industrial-chic eating-house. The once defunct bakery has been restored to be the home of some of Sarasota’s finest craft cocktails. Featuring Napa inspired cuisine by Chef Adam Ruth, State Streets’ fresh innovative food and great cocktails is what earned it accolades for "Best New Restaurant", "Best Burger", and "Best Cocktail" six years in a row. 1533 State Street, Sarasota.
Jazz guitarist, Nikola Baltic
Kettle of Fish
Stottlemyers Smokehouse
Sunday: 4-7 p.m.
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 our local area’s favorite singer-songwriters. 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 Tiki-bar. Established by the Stottlemyer family, the family-friendly award-winning restaurant and live music venue serves slow-cooked brisket, ribs, pulled pork, sandwiches and salads, and a unique atmosphere. Reservations are excepted.
19 East Road, Sarasota.
The Kettle of Fish band plays to crowd.
Damon Fowler
Big Top Brewing
Sunday: 2-5 p.m.
Catch Damon Fowler this Sunday as he returns to Big Top’s "Blues & Brews“ the venue’s weekly residency concert. Fowler is a masterful singer, guitarist, and songwriter. A hard-driving troubadour, his music is steeped with soul and representative of the many styles that make up the roots of American music. He has gained the respect of his peers given his featured slot in Butch Truck’s Freight Train band and his side gig as guitarist in the Dickey Betts Band. Critics have compared Fowler’s guitar work to Johnny Winter and Jeff Beck, while his slide guitar is reminiscent of the late Duane Allman. The Florida native’s hybrid of roots rock, blues, songwriting, and vocals have earned him professional accolades from fellow artists and music journalists alike. 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 compliment to Sarasota’s historical associations with The Ringling Circus, performing arts, great architecture, the best art and design schools, and world-renown tourism, Big Top Brewing artistically crafts world-class beers, inspired by their hometown. Featuring brewing, tasting, and live music on Porter Way in Sarasota. Food selection partnered with Sunshine Grill food truck. Be sure to try the Fowler IPA while you’re there!6111 B, Porter Way, Sarasota.
Singer, songwriter, and guitarist, Damon Fowler
RJ Howson & Friends
Mattison’s Riverwalk Grille
Sunday: 11 a.m. Blues Brunch
Fire branded in the Chicago blues circuit, roots rocker and bluesman RJ Howson picked up his skillful guitar chops performing and sharing the stage with blues icons and fellow musicians at Buddy Guy’s Legends, Rosa's Lounge, Kingston Mines, BLUES on Halstead, and many other clubs in the Windy City as well as countless other venues across the Midwest. RJ continues to be steeped in the southern stews since moving to Florida with openers for Butch Trucks & the Freight Train Band, Dickey Betts & Great Southern, the Atlanta Rhythm Section, Molly Hatchet, Buddy Guy, and a host of legendary musicians. No cover.
About the Venue:
Mattison's Riverwalk Grille is located along Bradenton's Riverwalk Park downtown. Mattison's prides itself 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.
Musician RJ Howson performs for audience.
For more local music listings in Bradenton and throughout the area, check out GoTonight.com or download the GoTonight app. Know of an awesome local venue or upcoming show?
