Weekend Sounds May 27-29

BRADENTON – It’s another weekend of great live music options from Bradenton to Cortez, down to Sarasota and Siesta Key. Check out The Bradenton Times Weekend Sounds to see what bands you can catch and where.

Sophisticated blues, a hint of jazz, and hot guitar define Kat Crosby and the Rhythm Gators. As lead singer and songwriter, Kat Crosby presents blues from a woman’s perspective. From songs that celebrate the man she loves to songs from a woman’s perspective of the world around her, Crosby's playlist is a combination of original music and storytelling and carefully chosen cover songs. An experienced and nationally recognized band that has played numerous festivals and other venues together for more than 20 years. No cover.

About the Venue:

Mattison's Riverwalk Grille is located along Bradenton's Riverwalk Park downtown. Mattison's and its staff pride themselves 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.

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:

Founded in 2001, Gilligan’s Island Bar prides itself 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.

22N is a party and dance band that plays music from the full spectrum of genres and generations. From pop, country, rock, metal, disco, and Top 40, if you’ve heard it on the radio, they probably play it. 22N is a high-energy group made of five musicians including a female lead singer. The group utilizes video screens and effect lighting to amplify their show. Some artists they cover include Bruno Mars, Pink, Adele, AC/DC, The Cult, Beastie Boys, Journey, Tom Petty, Maroon 5, Motley Crew, Prince, Def Leppard, Queen, Cranberries, and so, so many more! 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.

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:

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. Harts bait shop sells more than just bait, they offer 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.

Blues to Blackstreet, fronted by female vocalist and guitarist June Eysel, offers wide-ranging appeal to their audiences. As their name denotes, their style is eclectic, from one end of the genre spectrum to the other–with a little bit of everything in-between. The band is known for its ever-diverse blend of jazz and soul with performances of rock, reggae, blues, and pop. The sultry vocal stylings of Eysel complement the band’s broad portfolio. Band members include lead vocalist Eysel, guitarist John Volpicella, and percussionist Tom (Possum) Johnson. 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.

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 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.

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 music beginning in his youth, RJ has played everything from Chicago Blues to funk, soul, rock, gospel, country, salsa, and World Music.

RJ is joined on stage by Mike Kach, keyboardist to Dickey Betts & Great Southern, drummer Steve Camilleri, and bassist Burt Engelsman. The four have performed together and separately with numerous other well-known musicians and bands throughout their notable professional careers. 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, BBQ, 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.

Dirty Byrd is 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-native Brian Byrd has 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. No cover.

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.

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.