Weekend Sounds: April 26-28

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.

Kristopher James
Music in the Park
Friday - 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Though he’s lived in the Sunshine State for most of his life, Kristopher’s talent for melody and song (now) extend far past the state’s line. Like his influencers Otis Redding, Amos Lee, and Roberta Flack, Kristopher’s voice is clear, controlled, and full of all-the-feels. As with all artists, Kristopher’s sound has ebbed and flowed, evolving yet remaining instantly recognizable. With the growth he’s experienced as an artist, Kristopher felt it was time to capture his songs, in their fully-imagined sound!

With his debut album “Kindness Never Quits”, featuring members of Scary Pockets, Kristopher caught the attention of Relix & Glide Magazine, Spotify Playlist curators and continued praise, such as “vocals are so powerful and as the song progresses, he showcases why he is one of the best singers out there. All that soul in one artist is just unbelievable” from Reignland Magazine.

Weather permitting.

About the venue:

Music in the Park -- 

Bring a chair or blanket, friends, and your leashed pups to this free, family-friendly music series.

Dr. Dave Band
Island Time Bar & Grill
Friday - 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

The Dr. Dave Band is known for their infectious energy and dynamic sound. They’re a powerhouse of talent, and it’s no wonder they received the 2018 Reader’s Choice Award for “Best Musical Group” from the Manatee/Sarasota Herald. 

Led by the gifted Dr. Dave himself, this band blends country, rock, and bluegrass in a way that’s truly unforgettable. Their version of CountryGrassRock is high-octane and epic, delivering a musical experience like no other! 

If you’re a fan of high-energy music and star-quality performances, you won’t want to miss the Dr. Dave Band. No cover.

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! 

Damon Fowler
Birdrock Taco Shack
Friday - 7:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.

Fowler is a masterful singer, guitarist, and songwriter. His music is representative of the many styles that make up the roots of American music. Critics have compared Fowler's guitar work to Johnny Winter and Jeff Beck, while his slide guitar is reminiscent of the late Duane Allman. Fowler is known for his fiery guitar runs, while his lyrical work on lap steel and dobro make him a stand-out performer among guitar heroes. The Florida native's hybrid of roots rock, blues, songwriting, and vocals has earned him professional accolades from fellow artists and music journalists alike.

Cover $20 pre/$25 at the door. 

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 (who also owns the 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, cool people... and TACOS! 1213 13th Avenue West, Bradenton.

Kiss Me, Kate
Manatee Performing Arts Center
Friday - 8:00 p.m. 

MPAC is Sizzling with Comedy Magic this Spring!

Kiss Me, Kate shines as one of Broadway’s most sparkling achievements. This is the winner of the first-ever Tony Award for Best Musical, alive with onstage romance, backstage passion, comedy high and low, a hilarious dash of Shakespeare’s Shrew, and the songwriting genius of Cole Porter at his stylish, sexy, sophisticated best, including “Too Darn Hot,” “So In Love” and “Always True To You In My Fashion.” Once again, Manatee Players catapults you to musical comedy heaven with Kiss Me, Kate.

An egotistical actor and producer named Fred Graham and his ex-wife, Lili Vanessi, are playing Petruchio and Kate in a production of "Taming of the Shrew." In both the real world and in the play, they bicker and romance in a "battle of the sexes."

Producing Artistic Director Rick Kerby directs and choreographs this production.

Rated PG.

Performance Dates:
Thursday, April 25, 2024 at 7:30 PM
Friday, April 26, 2024 at 8:00 PM
Sunday, April 28, 2024 at 2:00 PM
Wednesday, May 1, 2024 at 7:30 PM
Thursday, May 2, 2024 at 7:30 PM
Friday, May 3, 2024 at 8:00 PM
Saturday, May 4, 2024 at 8:00 PM
Sunday, May 5, 2024 at 2:00 PM
Saturday, May 11, 2024 at 8:00 PM
Sunday, May 12, 2024 at 2:00 PM

This show runs 2 hours and 30 minutes with a 15-minute intermission.

Tickets: $30-$44
•Our concession area will offer beverages and light snacks for purchase. Please note that there is a $5 minimum purchase when using a credit card.
•This show is reserved seating
•Everyone coming to see the show must have a ticket regardless of age
•All ticket sales are final and non-refundable.
•Discounted tickets for Season Subscribers, teachers, students, and active military can be purchased by calling the Box Office.
•The Box Office will open one hour prior to the performance.
•The event will be held in Stone Hall
•Additional Complimentary Parking-401 7th Street West, Bradenton, FL 34205

Rye Road
Peggy's Corral
Saturday - 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Rye Road has been rocking audiences up and down the Gulf Coast of Florida for over a decade. Their sound is a unique blend of new country and rock. The band features Pete Tamburin’s emotional vocals and country-influenced guitar, drummer Dan Garrido’s solid rhythms and amazing high harmonies, the energetic and booming bass lines of Bryant Crawford, and the soaring keyboards of Tim Meyer. Catchy, accessible melodies under lyrics that everyone can relate to. No cover.

About the venue:

Peggy's is a friendly establishment with a great atmosphere of good times to be noted by their ceiling of pictures. A down home atmosphere where everyone is welcomed. Great Music, Great Staff & People..

Come "Re Discover" Peggy's "Rockin" Corral.

Stockton Bros.
Swordfish Grill
Saturday - 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Stockton Bros. - Acoustic duo of two brothers (Cam and Tony Stockton), bringing tight harmonies and a family inspired passion for FEEL GOOD music. No cover.

About the venue:

Good vibes, great food and beautiful views! 

Like a jewel hiding in the mystique of the Cortez Fishing Village, the Swordfish Grill is right on the Sarasota Bay, creating a place that initiates relaxation and a laid-back ambiance. The staff is trained to take care of your every need, whether it be a cocktail, beer, or an item on the menu. Management oversees the kitchen, making sure all food items are fresh and prepared properly.

The Headbang
Motorworks Brewing 
Saturday - 7:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.

The Headbang is an 80’s Hard Rock Show on a mission to help you relive the youthful energy of that decade. Covering many 80’s heavy hitters such as, Mötley Crüe, Poison, Ozzy Osbourne, Van Halen, Bon Jovi, Def Leppard, KISS, Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, Warrant, Dokken, Billy Idol, Whitesnake, Beastie Boys, Judas Priest, Europe, Ratt, Bryan Adams, Twisted Sister, Journey, Dio, Quiet Riot, and many more, they’re ready to rock with you at Motorworks on April 27th!

Fix your big hair, grab your leather jacket, and come join us on the dance floor for a timeless party guaranteed to remind you of the golden era of MTV (when they still played great music videos).

Reservations can be made here – a $10 cover charge will be included.

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.

Liz Longley
Fogartyville
Sunday - 7:00 p.m. 

The Berklee College of Music grad worked alongside 5-time Grammy-nominated producer, Paul Moak, on her much awaited sixth album, Funeral For my Past. The journey of her self-release made music industry headlines when her devoted fanbase raised over $150,000 to help her purchase the rights to and independently release the album. Longley became the #4 most funded solo female musician in Kickstarter history – a story covered by Billboard Magazine.

Embraced by the press and music fans alike, Funeral For My Past was described as a “…stunning new album!” (Forbes), “…from Americana to gospel-flavored soul to shimmering pop anthems” (Billboard), and included in “100 Albums Released in 2020 to Put on Your Radar” (Newsweek). The Nashville-based musician has found a loving give-and-take with listeners: Longley shares her music with the world, enriching fans’ lives, and in return, they provide her with the means necessary for her to make music on her own terms.

Tickets: $20 members; $25 not-yet-members; $12.50 students (13+)

Simply Greek Food Truck will be serving at 6:00 pm.

For tickets: Click here

About the venue:

Fogartyville is a special gathering place for those who truly appreciate music and community. Nothing draws people together like a shared musical experience, and the listening room atmosphere at Fogartyville enables people to fully appreciate that experience.

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.