Weekend Sounds October 8-10

BRADENTON – The local music scene is providing another great weekend of options for 941 area music lovers. Check out the Bradenton Times Weekend Sounds to see what bands you can catch and where.

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 other legendary musicians. Having played since childhood, RJ has played everything from blues to funk, soul, rock, gospel, country, salsa, and world music. "My goal is to use music to show that the roots of all people are the same and to play it forward while paying tribute to the past and my mentors."

Bassist Gregg Voorhees (of the Gregg Allman Band) and drummer Brian Shepherd join RJthis Friday on Cottonmouth's patio stage. No 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. Be sure to try the mac and cheese, you'll be glad you did! Reservations are recommended due to limited capacity. 1114 12th Street West, Bradenton.

Originating in Fort Myers, The Freecoasters infuse American southern soul with reggae and rocksteady rhythms. Founded in 2014, the project was the brainchild of bassist and band-leader John Schiller. The vision was to blend in equal-measure '60s and '70s era American Southern soul music with Jamaican reggae and rocksteady. The union of like-minded musicians, with the vocal and songwriting talent of singer and guitarist Claire Liparulo, has generated the band a supportive and receptive following reaching outside of their home city. From humble beginnings, The Freecoasters have performed more than 500 shows, embarked on multiple national and regional tours, and have produced two full-length albums;Show Upin 2016 andA Different Kind of Heat in 2021. 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, 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 Sunshine Grill as a permanent food truck, they also have other offerings on rotation. Be sure to try their seasonal Pumpkin Stiltskin now on tap! 975 Cattlemen Road, Sarasota.

Reverend Barry & The Funk is an 8-piece funk & soul band from Sarasota, Florida, formed in 2013 by bassist and lead vocalist "Reverend" Barry Nicholson. Some of the band’s notable musical influences are Earth, Wind & Fire, Commodores, James Brown, Sly & The Family Stone, Stevie Wonder, The Black Crowes, Michael Jackson, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and many more. Band Members include founder Barry Nicholson on bass and lead vocals, Grammy-nominated Yaya Diamond with additional lead vocals, Dave Scott on guitar, backing vocals and keyboard, Tanmart Selby on keyboard, Grammy-nominated Ray C. Williams on drums, Chris Chiodo on trumpet, and Brad Esau on baritone saxophone. Cover $10

About the Venue:

Previously located in Bradenton, Florida, Joylandhas reopened its doors on the Manatee/Sarasota county line off of Lockwood Ridge Road in Sarasota. The music nightclub’s new location boasts a concert stage and sound system, 1800 square feet of dance floor, and live music 3 nights per week. Wednesday evenings are the venue’s blues nights, Fridays they host variety and/or dance bands, and Saturday nights feature country music performances. Already serving eight local crafts on tap, plus bottled beer selection and a fully stocked liquor bar with depth in whiskeys and tequilas, the venue has plans to roll out a new to the brand elevated bar food menu in the coming weeks. Joyland also has plans to expand their weekly offerings and shows, so be sure to keep an eye out for updates. 8341 Lockwood Ridge Road, Sarasota.

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. No Cover.

About the Venue:

Hart’s Landing is Sarasota’s oldest saltwater fishing bait and tackle store. Located near downtown Sarasota at the foot of the John Ringling Causeway, Hart’s is accessible by car or boat. Their rustic building is a piece of "Old Florida“ amongst the downtown Sarasota condominium skyline. Set near the largest fishing pier in Sarasota County, the Saprito Fishing Pier, and nestled beside Eloise Werlin Park. Hart’s bait shop sells more than just bait, offering light bites and snacks as well as beverages. There are plenty of benches, lawn space for your own chairs or blankets, and public restrooms available. A perfect bay view, real Florida, evening-in-the-park venue to take in live music. 920 John Ringling Causeway, Sarasota.

Celtic Conundrum brings to the stage an exciting mix of musical and vocal virtuosity with foot-stomping energy! Their music is a distinctive brand of infectious, energizing, and just plain fun. The band's original music, and their arrangements of traditional tunes, have earned Celtic Conundrum a reputation as being among pioneers of American Celtic. No Cover.

About the Venue:

Located in east Bradenton off of 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 don’t forget to bring your 4-legged friends! 2505 Manatee Avenue East, Bradenton.

Popular local band 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, with Benny Puckett on the drums. No Cover.

About the Venue:

Since its 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 Street West, Bradenton, near the Village of the Arts.

Doug Deming & the Jewel Tones play traditional blues, West Coast and Texas swing, and early '50s roots rock. Deming is an American blues and roots guitarist/vocalist, earning a Blues Blast Music Award nomination for Blues Band in 2013 and 2019. They also reached No. 3 on Billboard’s blues albums chart for their 2018 record Complicated Mess. Accompanied by bassist Andrew Goham (formerly of the Bottom Feeders), and percussionist Zack Pomerleau (a seasoned musician born and raised in Auburn, Maine), this trio is real deal rockin' rhythm & blues! 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.

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.

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.

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?

Email us: dawn.kitterman@thebradentontimes.com