Weekend Adventures in Bradenton: May 4-6, 2012

BRADENTON – May is coming in with a roar. There's a host of events and activities this weekend. Wine, women and song seem to be the theme, and don't forget that Saturday is Cinco de Mayo. From concerts to tastings to the usual first Friday activities, there is plenty going on. Grab your sombrero: it's time for a Weekend Adventure in Bradenton!

On Friday night, there will be a big concert at Bradenton Municipal Auditorium to raise money for the Del Couch Music Education Foundation. The foundation is a 501(C)(3) non profit organization formed to provide students with the opportunities to create and learn the art of music, record and listen to their musical creations and provide a platform in which they can enhance their musical, cultural, academic and life opportunities. From rock 'n' roll icons like Rick Derringer and Jefferson Starship's Marty Balin to Country music Hall of Famer Jeff Cook (Alabama) and even local acts like the Billy Rice Band, the five-hour show is sure to be an evening to remember. The show starts at 6 p.m. and tickets are $50. Visit the foundation's website for more information.

Friday night will also bring another First Friday in Palmetto, where there will be the usual car and bike show and community block party at Slick's Garage. The first weekend of the month also means that ArtWalk is back in Bradenton's Village of the Arts (Friday May 4th from 6-9:30 p.m. and Saturday from 11-4 p.m.). South Village Gallery is hosting Karen Klosky and friends for a Music Jam on Friday at 7:00 p.m. Join in with your guitar, harmonica, drums or voice, or just show up and enjoy the vibe.

Blue Marschmello is showing its latest round of Fart Art and a sneak peak at some of the work you'll see in the Lost & Found Show. Village Voices is holding a glass blower demonstration out front featuring artist Geoff Cummins, and don't forget the Cinca de Mayo Salsa tasting contest being hosted by the Artists Guild of Manatee. Find more information, hours of operation, map and gallery listings at http://www.thevillagemagazine.net.

The Palmetto Community Redevelopment Agency is adding dinner to this Friday's Movie in Park event, featuring the Shrek spinoff Puss in Boots. It will be served by the Palmetto Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). Hot dogs, hamburgers, chips and drinks will be sold at affordable rates to guests from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in an effort to raise money for a building restoration on the historic National Guard Armory structure, which serves as headquarters for the VFW.

On Saturday, get out to Anna Maria Island for Food and Wine on Pine, a culinary and cultural experience that will be held from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Historic Pine Avenue in the city of Anna Maria. The event will showcase the very best in food, wine, art and music that our area has to offer, in a unique and fun-filled event! It will include delicious and unique food from 22 of the area's finest independently owned restaurants, approximately 20 artists dotting Pine Avenue from Northshore Drive to the Historic City Pier, more than 30 musical acts, over 30 upscale wines, craft and domestic beers, street performers, childrens' events and activities and more.

This weekend also sees the return of what is becoming a nationally-renowned event in its 5th year, the Anna Maria Wedding Festival, a strolling-style, island-wide, fun and informative festival where you can visit with over 60 wedding professionals in the natural settings of their businesses with over $10,000 in prizes. This year's festival includes complimentary limousines and trolleys, live entertainment, fashion shows, cake tastings, wine and food samplings, mock weddings, photo sessions, hair and make-up demos, vendor giveaways and more. The festival kicks off with a "Welcome Reception" on Saturday at 4 p.m. Visit the festival website for more information.