Weekend Sounds March 11-13

BRADENTON – Bradenton residents won’t have to travel far for some great live music this weekend, as nearly all the shows listed in this Friday’s column are right here at home. Check out The Bradenton Times Weekend Sounds to see what bands you can catch and where.

Hot Club of SRQ will tell you they play gypsy jazz deeply rooted in the style of Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli. This trio's 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 that create the fire and magic that make their music 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. No cover.

About the Venue:

Birdrock Taco Shack is OPEN again! Birdrock's new larger location is located at 1213 13th Ave West, just a couple of blocks from its original location in Bradenton Florida's Village of the Arts. Bird Rock is a unique funky-fun taco spot. Owner and chef David Shiplett–also the owner of popular Cottonmouth South Soul Kitchen–doesn’t serve up just any tacos. These are Dave Shiplett tacos, including duck and lobster tacos! Dave has worked as a Chef in San Francisco, San Diego, Sarasota, and now Bradenton. Dine inside the eclectic cozy shack or outdoors on their patio. Great food, cool people... and TACOS! 1213 13th Avenue West, Bradenton.

Greg Short & Friends is led by singer-songwriter and 12-string guitarist Greg Short. From Morgantown, West Virginia, and Sarasota. Short has been performing live shows for over 30 years. The musician is known for his widely diverse sound, which includes offerings from classic rock, blues, and country (old and new), along with original compositions. He has had the pleasure of working with some of music's greatest legends including Travis Tritt, Charlie Daniels, Marshall Tucker Band, Kansas, and Shenandoah. Short has worked with several projects over the years–both in the studio and on stage–with his brothers, sons, wife, and friends including the Short Brothers Band, Brother Short, and the Short Brothers acoustic show. Cover is $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. CafŽ offers a light menu, adult and soft beverages, snacks, and Big Olaf ice cream. 6106 63rd Street East, Bradenton.

They say that music is the language of the soul, and nothing could be truer for Jah Movement. The band was awarded 2021 Musical Artist of the Year by Manasota Honors. 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 its opening in 2014, Motorworks Brewing has 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 Street West, Bradenton, near the Village of the Arts.

Clover’s Revenge brings a mix of two Irish musical traditions: acoustic pub music & Celtic punk rock. Utilizing simple instrumentation, the trio creates an explosive sound, with detailed harmonic lines, complex rhythms, and provocative original lyrics. Steeped? – no, their Irish speed folk is pickled in the traditions of the Dubliners, Pogues, Silly Wizard, and Flogging Molly. The band insists upon high-speed, technical traditional tunes and punk rock badassery. Featuring Beau Wilberding's percussion on the Cajon drum, Zach Johnson on guitar and vocals, and John Barron on vocals, mandolin, and guitar. High energy, high fun. No cover.

About the Venue:

Located in Downtown Bradenton, McCabe's Irish Pub is one of Old Main Street’s must-stop watering holes. The venue provides an authentic atmosphere of the traditional Irish Pub-lic gathering place with a wide selection of beer and spirits. The Irish-owned and operated neighborhood pub hosts live music that stays compatible with a pub environment intended to support community gathering and socializing. This venue does not serve food. 302 Old Main St, Bradenton.

Al Fuller brings his special style to every performance. Smooth, fluid guitar playing with an easy sound, or hard-hitting blues that speak of nights in dark, smokey places. Fuller has been singing, playing, and composing music for most of his life. A veteran performer, Fuller has entertained troops in Vietnam, played in England, Spain, Canada, Mexico, and all over the United States. No cover.

About the Venue:

Blue Marlin is located in a 1920s 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 a full craft cocktail bar and coastal cuisine. Reservations are recommended for dine-in. 121 Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach.

On Saturday, solo musician and singer-songwriter, Nora Ricci will be bringing her "soul rock" to fans at Bunny & Pirates. Named "Best Musician" by City Xtra Magazine of Jacksonville in 2015, Ricci joined the Tampa Bay local music scene when she relocated to southwest Florida a few years ago. Her shows typically revolve around her guitar playing and guitar-percussion technique, but the multi-talented artist has been known to occasionally show her ease on the keys in performance as well. Her style brings a sound that's upbeat and percussive. $3 Cover.

About the Venue:

Located on Cortez Rd in West Bradenton, Bunny & Pirates is a place where you can always feel welcome. Whether it’s your first visit or hundredth, their intimate space is, "like hanging out in a friend's backyard." The pet-friendly venue is a mix of deli, market, and pub. Their drink menu offerings range from coffee and tea to craft beer and wine. Food menu includes charcuteries, sandwiches, salads, paninis, and treats. Live music is hosted in the "picnic" beer garden. Call ahead for reservations (941) 281-2582, 12404 Cortez Road West, Bradenton.

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. They have also 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. 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.

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. 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 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 great local beer. A compliment 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. Partnered with BubbaQue's BBQ as a permanent food truck. Be sure to try the Fowler IPA! 975 Cattlemen Road, Sarasota.

The Dr. Dave Band is a high-energy country and classic rock band. They’ve received five Reader's Choice Awards–including 2021 Reader's Choice Best Local Musical Group/Performer– for their feel-good, make ya’ smile performances. Band leader Dr. Dave plays guitar, electric fiddle, and banjo. Dr. Dave describes their music as "Kick-grass country-rock." No cover.

About the Venue:

Clancy’s Irish Sports Pub is in Bradenton off Cortez Rd. Clancy’s is known for its bar-fare food, full liquor bar, live entertainment, and, most of all – fun! Their casual and relaxed atmosphere has been described as, "Irish Tavern meets Jimmy Buffet." Music is provided inside and outside, with their outdoor venue featuring a coastal vibe and famous Tiki-hut bar. 6218 Cortez Road West, Bradenton.