BRADENTON – From rock to blues, folk to jazz, country, or a bit of bluegrass, whatever your preference, it's looking to be another great weekend of live shows for 941's music fans. Check out The Bradenton Times Weekend Sounds to see what bands you can catch and where.
Dirty Byrd
Big Top Brewing Company
Friday: 7-10 p.m.
Dirty Byrdis one of the area’s favorite party bands. The Sarasota-based jam band performs blues, country, R&B, funk, jazz, rock, southern rock, and more. Led by two seasoned local musicians, Brian Byrd (pedal steel guitar and lead vocals) and Thorson Moore (electric guitar and vocals), and joined by talented musicians Damon Owens (percussion/drums) and Andrew Glasgow (electric bass). The band's shows frequently include some of the area’s most talented musicians as guest performers, creating shows that are unique each time the band takes the stage.
Sarasota-nativeBrian Byrdhas been performing nearly all of his life. He began his music career on the drums at age two. Byrd has performed with numerous bands in the Sarasota/Bradenton area and has built a large following across Florida’s Gulf Coast. His true passion–and perhaps what the musician is most known for–is the pedal steel guitar; however, his strong vocals do not go unnoticed against his many years’ experience with his favored instrument.
Thorson Moore is best known for his distinctive tone and invaluable guitar skill. Born in Hawaii, Thorson moved with his family at the age of 10 to Sarasota, beginning his musical journey in his early teens. The guitarist began as a drummer but later evolved into a highly experienced professional guitar player. Having performed and recorded with various bands and artists, played to festival crowds, and released an album of his own in 2014 entitled,Mr. NoBody, Thorson is a guitarist who carries a reputation not built upon raw talent and a genius intuition of music alone, but years of impassioned dedication to the instrument.
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, 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.
Ben Prestage
Cottonmouth Southern Soul Kitchen
Friday: 7-10 p.m.
The "Greatest One-Man Band," Ben Prestage is also the only two-time recipient of the Lyon/Pitchford Award for Best Diddley-Bow Player. Prestage's interesting approach to instrumentation–fingerstyle guitar, harmonica, banjo, lap-steel, fiddle, resonator guitar, foot drums, and strong vocals–has earned him invitations to perform across North America, Europe, and as far as North Africa. A 2012 nominee for the Independent Music Awards and the Blues Music Awards, his original songwriting earned him recognition as The Most Unique Performer at The Songwriters' Showcase of America, and he earned a 4th, 3rd, and 2nd placement at the International Blues Challenge over three consecutive years. Prestage performs American Blues, Roots Music, and Americana. $10 cover.
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.
Ben Prestage /PHOTO via musician website media use
Eric Von
Cortez Kitchen
Friday: 5-9 p.m.
"Country rock, island style." Singer-songwriter Eric Von is a Nashville recording artist, born and raised in Cortez, Florida. Von started playing guitar and writing music at just twelve years of age and was performing live by fourteen. Eric spent three years in Nashville, playing on Broadway, and writing and recording his second CD. His song, I Can't Help but Smile made it to number 64 on the Country Breakout Charts. In 2007, Von was named the Colgate Country Showdown winner for Central Florida, and advanced to secure the title of Colgate Country Showdown winner for the State of Florida that same year. In 2008 he was named the winner of Kenny Chesney’s Next Big Star of the Tampa Bay Area. No cover.
About the Venue:
Located in one of the oldest fishing villages in the United States, the Cortez Kitchen is a top destination for locals and tourists alike. Named for the body of water it sits on and known by locals as "the kitchen" due to its bountiful supply of fish and seafood, visitors love the laid-back Florida feel of Cortez Kitchen as well as the live music every weekend. Offering a full bar, old-fashioned seafood, and seaside views. 4528 119th Street West, Cortez, Bradenton.
Eric Von
Memphis Rub Band
Clancy’s Irish Sports Pub
Friday: 6-10 p.m.
Memphis Rub Band is a 4-piece band from the Sarasota/Bradenton area 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, and several tracks from the album have been played on area radio stations WMNF and WSLR, including Red Tide Blues. No cover.
About the Venue:
Clancy’s Irish Sports Pub is in west 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 Tiki-hut bar. 6218 Cortez Road West, Bradenton.
Memphis Rub Band
Stumble Creek
Jiggs Landing Outpost
Saturday: 4:30-7:30 p.m.
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). $5 cover.
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 a small cafŽ – 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.
Stumble Creek
The Monsoons
Stottlemyer’s Smokehouse
Saturday: 7-10 p.m.
The Monsoons are a Sarasota-based party band blending the funkiness of New Orleans with good old rock n' roll. Drummer Pat McDonald spent nearly two decades touring with the world-famous Charlie Daniels Band. Lead guitarist and vocalist Steve Junot is a seasoned musician from New Orleans who toured internationally with a zydeco band, as well as having performed countless solo shows. Bassist and vocalist Chris Guertin boasts a career that has taken him to over 90 countries as music director of cruise ships while also having performed as either band member or special guest bassist and vocalist in several locally favored bands. The three members form an experienced and professional trio, toss in their brand of charm and humor, and together the three create the perfect conditions for a good time. 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.
The Monsoons
Folknharmony
McCabe's Irish Pub
Friday: 7-10 p.m.
Folknharmony returns to Old Main with more of their folkngrooves this Friday. Dr. Zach Johnson (guitar/vocals), Nancy Gauvreau (guitar/vocals), and Beau Wilberding (Cajon percussion) have created a trio that’s musically astute, charming, and always a good time. The trio's interpretations of well-loved covers offer uniqueness and renewal that will have listeners falling in love with their favorite songs all over again. 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.
Folknharmony
Twinkle and Rock Soul Radio
Motorworks Brewing
Saturday: 7-11 p.m.
Twinkle and Rock Soul Radio return to the Motorworks beer garden stage this weekend. Twinkle has worked with Aerosmith, Dickie Betts, Rod Stewart, Gregg Allman, and countless others. In the '90s, she was signed to Warner Brothers for her debut album Haunted by Real Life, produced by Patrick Leonard (Madonna, Roger Waters, Pink Floyd) where it gained ready attention on the jazz/pop charts for its title song. Rock Soul Radio members are lead vocalist Twinkle, guitarist Lenny Brooks, bassist Tony LeClerc, and Benny Puckett on the drums. No Cover.
About the Venue:
Since 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 Street West, Bradenton, near the Village of the Arts.
Twinke and Rock Soul Radio
James Varnado & Johnny Barker Open Jam
Cottonmouth Southern Soul Kitchen
Sunday: 5-9 p.m.
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.
James Varnado
Ship of Fools
Motorworks Brewing Company
Sunday: 3-7 p.m.
Ship of Fools is a popular local Grateful Dead tribute band, formed in 2012 in Sarasota, Florida. The five-piece classic rock band also performs music by the Beatles, Rolling Stones, Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan, Jimmy Cliff, Van Morrisson, Chuck Berry, Bob Marley, Pink Floyd, The Band, Talking Heads, Warren Zevon, and more. Their fans appreciate their soaring leads, driving rhythm, and tight harmonies. Ship of Fools performs improvisational rock and blues, blending folk, bluegrass, and reggae, into a dynamic mixed sound, and performs at various venues and festivals locally. A danceable staple for your weekend sounds.
Ship of Fools
Kettle of Fish
Stottlemyer’s Smokehouse
Sunday: 4-7 p.m.
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.
Kettle of Fish
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?
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