BRADENTON — It's another weekend, and you know what that means. If you guessed another great lineup of local, talented musicians in Manatee, Sarasota, and surrounding counties, you would be correct. Check out The Bradenton Times Weekend Sounds to see what bands you can catch at your favorite venues.
Frankie Lombardi
Waterside Plaza
Friday - 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Frankie Lombardi is a drummer, vocalist, songwriter, guitarist currently performing in the Sarasota area as an acoustic solo artist as well as in duos and bands. Frankie Lombardi has been a drummer/vocalist for Dickey Betts & Great Southern since 2000.
No cover.
About the venue:
Experience the social side of Waterside Place! Enjoy live music on The Plaza, detox with yoga at Waterside Park and take in Sunday Funday at The Farmers’ Market. We’ve created a space for everyone to discover their happy place, to share laughs, and to make fond memories.
Firefly
Woody's River Roo
Friday - 7:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Firefly is not just a band; it's a captivating journey through music, led by some of the most talented and seasoned musicians in the industry. This dynamic group boasts members who have not only graced the stage of American Idol but have also toured extensively across the country, sharing their exceptional talents with diverse audiences. Their impressive credentials include performances for American presidents, a musical residency in Times Square, performance of the National Anthem for Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field, appearances on Fox, Telemundo, Univision and original studio recordings available on Spotify.
At the forefront of Firefly are two extraordinary vocalists: Genessa, famously known as the woman with a thousand voices, and Sean McDonald, a percussionist, drummer, and vocalist extraordinaire. Together, they create a unique and electrifying atmosphere, backed by a seasoned live band, that leaves audiences spellbound. Genessa's remarkable vocal range and ability to mimic various styles and voices, combined with Sean's powerful drumming and vocal prowess, make every performance an unforgettable experience.
Whether you're a fan of soulful ballads, high-energy dance and rock, or anything in between, Firefly delivers a musical experience that transcends genres and generations. Their live shows are a testament to their passion for music and their commitment to delivering top-notch entertainment. Experience the magic of Firefly and discover why they are celebrated as one of the most unparalleled live music experiences today. #getlit
No cover.
About the venue:
Woody's River Roo -- A gorgeous river view, friendly people, great food, good drinks, and experiences you won't forget - all waiting for you at The Roo with a view and the only thing missing is YOU.
JP Soars & The Red Hots
Cottonmouth
Friday - 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Playing the blues not only requires diligence and dedication, but also an inherent sense of purpose and passion. Guitarist and vocalist J.P. Soars knows those instincts all too well, having been imbued with absolute enthusiasm for the form. It’s not only steered his muse ever since, but also brought him to the heights of success and wide recognition. A first place winner of the Blues Foundation 2009 International Blues Challenge, the Albert King Best Guitarist Award, any number of Blues Music nominations as Best Contemporary Male Blues Artist, and a nod for Best Blues Album, he’s been the recipient of continuing critical kudos, extensive worldwide airplay and sales that have elevated him to the uppermost rungs of every major Blues chart.
Of course, Soars and his powerhouse trio the Red Hots — including drummer Chris Peet and bassist Cleveland Fredrick — are no strangers to live performance either. Soars and Peet have played together for the past 16 years, while Fredrick, “the new guy,” has been with the band since 2016. They’ve proven their mettle on stages both nationally and internationally, played blues festivals from Belgium to Brazil, and shared stages with the likes of Buddy Guy, Joe Bonamassa. Brian Setzer and Larry Graham.
Chris comes from a family with generations of musicians, and early on developed a style of his own. Chris has made a living as one of the hardest working and most requested drummers in South Florida and clearly is good company with these fine musicians, that call themselves the Red Hots, and yes they are just that….. Red Hot! Growing up in a family that includes generations of musicians, as well as music lovers, Chris learned to respect music of all eras, genres, and styles. He cites this early groundwork to be the main reason he appreciates and plays many different styles of music. He always says “My family never put a bad record on the turntable.and I think that made me a better musician before I ever picked up the sticks”.
He has played and recorded with numerous local bands throughout the South and Central Florida area. He has also done festivals and toured with following national and regional acts: Terry Hanck, Rich DelGrosso, Gypsy Blue Acoustic Revue, Calvin Newbourn, L.A. Jones, The Dillengers, Matt Stubbs, Sax Gordon Beale, Albert Castiglia, Phil Grande, and Adriana Samargia. Chris is currently touring with 2009 International Blues Challenge/Albert King award winner J.P. Soars. The most recent highlight of Peet’s career, in addition to winning the current I.B.C. title, occurred while joining legendary artist Matt Guitar Murphy – one of the original Blues Brothers – in an unforgettable recording session of Murphy’s favorites.
Bassist Cleveland Frederick is an aspiring musician who grew up in the Caribbean. He is drawn to exotic sounds and a variety of musical influences including Jazz, Latin, Reggae, African, Indian and Gospel. His main instruments are the electric and upright bass but dabbles with the sitar, an Indian stringed instrument.
Jazz is near and dear to him because it allows him alot of freedom and expression. His Jazz influences includes the Pianist Chick Corea, Bassist Michael Pipoqinha, Bassist Richard Bona, Weather Report, Sitarist Mita Nag and many more.
He has performed in various venues, including churches, hotels, and cruise ships along with touring doing festivals throughout the United States and abroad.
Cover $10 pre/$15 DOS
About the venue:
Cottonmouth - Bradenton Florida’s music venue serving southern soul cuisine and live music on our beautiful patio in the Village of the Arts. Dave Shiplett and crew will to serve you and give you an evening you will long remember with seating inside and outside and art from local artists on display. Cottonmouth is the place to hang and feed your soul.
The Shakes Society
Motorworks Brewing
Friday - 7:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
The Shakes Society is a multi-talented, multi-instrumental band. Their unique blending of Soul, Funk, Ska and Rock is like no other band, creating their own unique genre, not easily fitting into traditionally defined categories.
The Shakes Society is a very interactive experience so don’t be surprised if you find yourself dancing with the horn players as they cruise through the crowd. They are always dancing, moving and singing. They never cease to amaze. Be ready to dance and sing and party because there is no way to escape the groove in the room.
The only thing to do now is to experience them for yourselves at a live show. No cover.
About the venue:
Venue: BRADENTON’S BEER GARDEN AND TAPROOM - Join us for a lovely afternoon or evening in our famous Beer Garden under a 150-year-old oak tree or enjoy our Taproom that is full of our great beers, wine, spirits, and cocktails.
We strive to fine-tune award-winning craft beer delivered to satisfy anyone’s palate. Our beers and service are performance-driven, the same as the Hudson service center housed in our brewery during the 1940s and 50s.
Based on weather conditions, Live Music may be performed in the Taproom.
Mojo Filter
Island Time Bar & Grill
Saturday - 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Mojo Filter - Central Florida's premier cover band for your favorite rock songs from the 70's - Today.
Mike Williams - Vocals, Guitar
Dustin Porter - Drums, Backup Vocals
Eric Dahlman - Guitar, Backup Vocals
Cory Dahlman - Bass Guitar, Manager, Marketing
About the venue:
Island Time Bar and Grill is located on Anna Maria Island’s Bridge Street. Situated on the ground floor beneath the Bridge Street Bistro, Island Time Bar & Grill offers an open "no-walls" tropical indoor/outdoor beachside bar setting with welcoming gulf breezes. Their varied menu serves from their upstairs restaurant, Bridge Street Bistro, featuring fresh ingredients, surf-to-turf, and made-from-scratch recipes by chef Jimmy Lopatinski. Full bar, beachy cocktails, specialty, and classic margaritas, and cold beer!
Undercover Rasta
The Gulf Drive Cafe
Saturday - 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Undercover Rasta composes and performs a rich mixture of soul, funk, pop and rock that is mostly rooted in Reggae that sometimes have the sensibility of Lovers Rock; the edgy rawness of Punk; the smooth feel of Latin Jazz; the joy and happiness of Funk; and the thoughtfulness of Roots & Culture. No cover.
About the venue:
The Gulf Drive Café was established in 1981 and has been a staple on Anna Maria Island for locals and tourists ever since. The current owners, George & Wendy Kokolis, purchased the historic property in 1987. The Kokolis’ extensive experience in the restaurant industry has expanded over 45 years. After celebrating over 20 years as owners, they decided to renovate and expand the Café into a bar, The Kokonut Hut and event space, The Sunset by Gulf Drive Café.
The property sits on 2 acres of waterfront on the Gulf of Mexico and has many offerings for guests to enjoy. It includes delicious meals, impeccable service, cold cocktails, and live entertainment.
Derek Lersch Band
Joyland
Saturday - 8:45 p.m. - 12:00 a.m.
Derek Lersch is a nationally touring country artist based out of Sarasota, FL. Passion for music and drive to succeed took nationally touring artist, Derek Lersch from performing Aerosmith’s “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” at age 3 for family to now having performed over 500 shows in last couple years. Opening for acts like Rodney Atkins, David Nail, Jay Allen and others as well as performing at Raymond James Stadium and Amalie Arena, Derek thrives on the big stage. In just 2023, Derek and his band hit the road hard having travelled over 30,000 miles and played in 21 states.
Born in the small town of Scituate, Massachusetts in 1995, Derek moved to Florida at age 3. He grew up listening to all of the greats, from legends like Aerosmith, Tom Petty, and The Eagles to Michael Jackson and Garth Brooks. “I grew up on all kinds of music. From classic rock, pop, country, everything! You got to remember I’m a 90s kid too so even the Backstreet Boys and Shania Twain have influences in my music.” Derek attributes many of his stage antics and sound to the various musical influences he grew up on.
After learning how to play the piano and the guitar in high school, Derek started writing songs and performing some of his favorite songs. It wasn’t long before he booked his first show. Today with over 350 shows played, Derek’s favorite thing is still performing live. “There’s nothing better than a crowds energy and emotions. It’s truly what drives me.”
Cover 21+ $5.23; 18-20 $20.90
About the venue:
Joyland Live Music Night Club in Sarasota is one of the area’s best experiences for live music. Our concert-quality sound system delivers premium sound fidelity, while elevated seating areas provide enhanced views of the stage and dancefloor. Concerts often feature national music artists.
Enjoy live music every Friday and Saturday night, along with dance music from the best DJs in Southwest Florida. Joyland is your favorite dance club to party with friends, meet new friends, dance, and enjoy the best live music in the Sarasota-Bradenton area.
James Varnado Blues Jam
Cottonmouth
Sunday - 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
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.
About the venue:
Cottonmouth - Bradenton Florida’s music venue serving southern soul cuisine and live music on our beautiful patio in the Village of the Arts. Dave Shiplett and crew will to serve you and give you an evening you will long remember with seating inside and outside and art from local artists on display. Cottonmouth is the place to hang and feed your soul.
For more local music listings in Bradenton and throughout the area, check out GoTonight.com or download the GoTonight app.
Artists and local venues, you can now sign up and input your own calendar info directly into the Bradenton Times website. Click here to learn more.
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