Weekend Sounds April 7-9

BRADENTON – This weekend, downtown Bradenton’s eclectic artists’ community, the Village of the Arts, will host its April ArtWalk. The Village in Bloom will be festive with the magic of spring, including flowers, fairies, gnomes, art–and lots of great live music! The VOTA ArtWalk runs this Friday from 6-9:30 pm and Saturday from 11 am - 4 pm. The popular monthly event features gallery exhibits, shopping, food vendors, and more. Check out the Bradenton Times Weekend Sounds to see what bands you can catch and where.

Cassie Jean and the Fireflies will be jamming a free ArtWalk performance at Cottonmouth this Friday evening in the Village of the Arts.

Cassie Jean Barbaresi and Rich Odato are Jean and the Fireflies, an Americana, alternative-folk, bluesy, songwriting duo performing and recording original music. Cassie Jean’s high energy and personality are out front in her songwriting and live performances. A naturally talented musician, she and Odato collaborate on the arrangements, with him adding to the melodies and structure based on his many years as a performing guitarist.

Cassie and the Fireflies' latest album,"Heart over Head," made the Roots Music Report's Top 100 Alt-Folk Albums of 2022. The album was produced by Bud Snyder of Baysound Studios, a Grammy-winning producer/engineer known for his work with the Allman Brothers, Gov’t Mule, Gregg Allman, and many others. The band will be performing many of the album’s songs live. No cover.

About the Venue:

Located in Bradenton Village of the Arts, Cottonmouth Southern Soul Kitchen has quickly become one of Bradenton’s more popular outdoor music venues. Known for its eclectic Southern dining, Chef Dave Shiplett puts his creative spin on Southern classics serving up his brand of 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.

Realize Bradenton's seven-week live concert series, Music in the Park, has returned to Bradenton’s downtown Riverwalk Park! This Friday, the family-friendly free concert will feature local band, the Eric Von Band. Singer-songwriter Eric Von is a Nashville recording artist, born and raised in Cortez, Florida. The Eric Von band performs its version of county rock, "island style."

Each Friday evening beginning March 24 and continuing through May 5, a different band will take to the park’s amphitheater stage for the free community concert, from 6:00- 8:00 pm. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets or chairs–and their furry companions on leashes are welcome as well! Food, beverages, beer, and wine will be available for purchase at the concerts.

The Riverwalk Mosaic Amphitheater is located at 606 3rd Avenue West, Bradenton, Riverwalk Park.

Blues band Memphis Lightning will return to Birdrock Taco Shack for VOTA’s Friday night ArtWalk. Born and steeped in tradition, Darren "Lightning" Thiboutot fronts the band's energized performances with lead guitar and vocals. Before the age of 21, Lightning played with the great blues legends Eddie Kirkland, Buddy Guy, Tab Benoit, Big Sandy, Bloodshot Bill, Jimmie Vaughan, just to name a few. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 the day of the show and can be reserved by phone at (941) 243-3735.

About the Venue:

Located in Bradenton Florida's Village of the Arts, Birdrock Taco Shack is not your average taco joint, but a unique funky-fun taco spot and live music venue. Owner and chef David Shiplett–also the owner of popular Cottonmouth South Soul Kitchen–doesn’t serve up just any tacos. Dave has worked as a Chef in San Francisco, San Diego, Sarasota, and now Bradenton. Dine inside the eclectic artsy shack or outdoors on the porch and back patio. Great food, good people... and TACOS! 1213 13th Avenue West, Bradenton

Another day of VOTA's ArtWalk means another day of music! For the second night ofThe Village in Bloom, Cottonmouth is bringing a double-header. On Saturday, Dirty D and the Dirty Deal and Doug Deming & The Jewel Tones will perform from 7-10 pm. It will be an evening of swinging rhythm and blues you won’t want to miss. Cover is $5 and includes both performances.

The live music continues in the Village of the Arts with Dead Set Florida rocking Birdrock Taco Shack. Dead Set Florida is a Tampa Bay-based band performing music of the Grateful Dead and The Jerry Garcia Band, as well as solo material from Bob Weir and Phil Lesh. The group was founded in 2017 by bassist and vocalist Christian Walker. Walker is joined by Paul Wolff (lead guitarist), Tucker Waud (keyboardist), Mike Garrie (drums and vocals), and Michael Pandiscio (rhythm guitar and vocals). Cover is $10.

Jack'D Upis a multi-award-winning male and female-fronted rock band. In 2021, the group reformed with two new members and then received three different Reader Choice Awards as best band.

The band consists of five talented musicians that have a blast playing live music (NO backtracks!). With four vocalists sharing songs, stellar harmonies, two incredible guitarists, and a driving rhythm section, every song gets you up and dancing.

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, wine, and a rotating batch of seasonal and specialty brews available, Motorworks is a great place to join friends for a fresh pint of beer or a cocktail. The tree-canopied Beer Garden hosts a raised deck, games, an outdoor stage, ample patio seating, and plenty of room to dance. Food offerings from local food trucks. 1014 9th Street West, Bradenton, adjacent to downtown’s Village of the Arts.

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-you-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.

Join James Varnado as he hosts Cottonmouth’s Sunday "Jazz and Blues Open Jam." Born in New Orleans, James Varnado relocated to Florida’s Gulf Coast in 2006. The locally known and respected drummer has years of performances under his belt. 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.

The venue's stable Sunday jam 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. No cover.