There are plenty of options for local music lovers to choose from this weekend. The weekend sounds of The Bradenton Times can help you find the bands you want to see.
The club is hot.
Cottonmouth is a southern soul kitchen.
Friday night: 7 pm
Hot Club of SRQ plays gypsy jazz deeply rooted in the style of Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli. This trio’s music simply swings and is full of beauty and romance. The Hot Club of SRQ’s sound can best be described as a 21st-century hybrid of the famous Quintette du Hot Club de France. The likeness of these two ensembles is the violin and guitar that makes their music so captivating. Another likeness is the infectious groove known as La Pompe, which literally means the pump, and is an unmistakable hard-swinging rhythmical characteristic of this music. This style of swing jazz is more accessible to a broader audience. No cover.
There is a venue about it.
Located in Bradenton Village of the Arts, Cottonmouth Southern Soul Kitchen has quickly become one of Bradenton, Florida’s more popular outdoor music venues. Music is hosted on their intimate 80-seat capacity patio garden, a perfect setting under the branches of towering live oaks in the heart of VOTA. Known for his eclectic southern dining, Chef Dave Shiplett puts his creative spin on southern classics serving up his brand of southern 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.
The road is referred to as “Rye Road”.
The Motorworks is a craft brewery.
Friday night: 7 pm
Rye Road returns to the beer garden stage of Motorworks Brewing this Friday! 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, a sound sure to rock and move you! No cover.
There is a venue about it.
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, 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. 
The road is referred to as “Rye Road”.
There are monsoons.
Stottlemyer’s smoked meat.
Friday night: 7 pm
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.
There is a venue about it.
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 slow-cooked brisket, ribs, pulled pork, sandwiches and salads, and a unique atmosphere. Reservations are accepted. 19 East Road, Sarasota. 
There are monsoons.
The hours are not always straight.
Cottonmouth is a southern soul kitchen.
Saturday is a night time.
The Wandering Hours is an Americana music group known for entertaining audiences through engagement and for the expertise of their instruments. Banjo, mandolin, fiddle, guitar, and upright bass underscore the band’s thoughtful lyrics and storytelling. The Wandering Hours has been a staple of the live music festival circuit and were named Tampa’s Best of the Bay in 2019 and 2020 by Creative Loafing. The Wandering Hours are a neo-traditional mountain folk group featuring contemporary songwriting with an old-timey feel. No cover. 
The hours are not always straight.
Mike Kach and the rest of the group.
It was Hart’s landing.
Saturday is a night time.
Mike Kach, keyboardist to Dickey Betts & Great Southern, is joined by guitarist and vocalist RJ Howson, drummer Steve Camilleri, and bassist Burt Engelsman this Saturday for music in the park of Hart’s Landing. The four have performed together and separately with numerous other well-known musicians and bands over the course of their notable professional careers.
No One Left to Run with It, Nobody Knows, and Southbound were some of the Betts originals that Kach could be heard singing on. Get Away appeared on the Rockpalast: 30 Years of Southern Rock CD.
Fire branded in the Chicago blues circuit, roots-rocker and bluesman Howson picked up his skillful guitar chops performing and sharing the stage with blues icons and fellow musicians. He started playing drums in childhood. The current drummer of Matthew John’s Band is a man named Camilleri. Having toured with The Gregg Allman Band, performed as a member of former local band Eclipse, as well as having performed with the likes of James Brown, Freddie King, and John Lee Hooker, is just one of the things that Engelsman has done. There was no covering.
There is a venue about it.
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. 
Mike Kach is a photographer.
There is a rock and soul radio station.
Big top brewery
Saturday is a night time.
Locally-based singer and performer Twinkle has worked with Aerosmith, Dickie Betts, Rod Stewart, Gregg Allman, and countless others. In the 90s, she was signed to Warner Brothers for her debut album Haunted by Real Life produced by Patrick Leonard (Madonna, Roger Waters, Pink Floyd), which gained attention on the jazz/pop charts for its title song. Rock Soul Radio members are lead vocalist Twinkle, guitarist Lenny Brooks, bassist Tony LeClerc, and Benny Puckett on drums. Twinkle & Rock Soul Radio was recently named the area’s best band in TBT’s Best of Manatee Bradenton Awards. No cover.
There is a venue about it.
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, 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. 
The Facebook page for Twinkle and Rocksoul Radio.
The ship of fools.
The company is called Motorworks.
The time is 3-7 p.m.
Join Ship of Fools for another Sunday-Funday show at Motorworks! 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 Morrison, 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. 
The ship of fools.
The dog was dirty.
The island bar is named Gilligan’s.
Sunday: 6-9 pm
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. No cover. 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.
There is a venue about it.
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. 
The photo was posted on Facebook.
The blues went to Blackstreet.
There is a kitchen called theCortez Kitchen.
The time is 3-7 p.m.
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.
There is a venue about it.
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. 
Blues to Blackstreet was written by June Eyel.
GoTonight.com or the GoTonight app can be used to find more local music listings. Do you know of a great show or venue?
We’d love to hear from you at dawn.kitterman@thebradenton Times.