Outlaws to perform in Sarasota at Robarts Arena with Michael Kach Group, Tony Tyler Band and more

The Outlaws will  headline the "No Worries" Benefit May 4 at Robarts Arena in Sarasota along with fellow Southern rock standouts the Michael Kach Group with special guest Chris Anderson and Tony Tyler Band plus Cowboy Keith Rich as well as "special guests."

The concert, with a 50/50 raffle and silent auction, is a benefit for Cody Long, a local  26-year-old recently diagnosed with testicular cancer.

One of the original Southern rock outfits, the Outlaws current lineup continues to delight fans with such 1970s favorites as "There Goes Another Love Song" the epic "Green Grass & High Tides,"  "Breaker Breaker," "Hurry Sundown" and the band's 1981 hit version of "(Ghost) Riders in the Sky."

Details: 5-11 p.m. May 4, Robarts Arena, 3000 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota. Tickets: $25 (advance), $30 (door), $5 (children under the age of 12), $85 (VIP; advance ), $100 (VIP; at the door). For information contact Michael Murphy at 941-809-5247.


—Publicity photo


Damon Fowler's Sugar Shack Mondays with special guest Mike Kach

“I’m a mere student of the great ones, and to play with one of the legends and call him a bandmate and brother, it’s so surreal,” Tyler said from his new home in Sarasota.

http://www.outlawsmusic.com

http://www.robartsarena.com

A new Rolling Stones album?

Sure, the Rolling Stones haven't made a really good album since 1981's "Tattoo You" — and that was made up of mostly leftovers.

But 2005's "Bigger Bang" wasn't bad.

In fact, tracks like the Keith Richards-sung "This Place is Empty" and the Mick Jagger kiss-off "Oh No Not You Again" are at least fun, if not essential, listening for serious Stones enthusiasts.

And yes, I'm one.

Which why I'm excited about Ronnie Wood saying the Rolling Stones will meet in a recording studio later this month "to just throw some ideas around."

Top 10 Keith Richards songs

Flying Wallenda family attending Sarasota Film Festival for world premiere of 'The Show Must Go on': watch trailer

The Sarasota Film Festival confirmed today that Tino Wallenda and the Flying Wallenda family will attend the world premiere of "The Show Must Go On" April 20 at the Sarasota Opera House.

The documentary explores the special family bond that exists within Sarasota's own high-flying Wallenda clan, one of the most famous, long-running circus acts in the world.

Check out the trailer, this doc definitely should be worth checking out — especially if you're a circus geek like me.




Pro wrestlers at the festival?

Not sure why but, yep, that's right.

WWE stars Kelly Kelly and Rey Mysterio will be attending the April 21 screening of horror-thriller "The Day" alongside cast members Dominic Monaghan, Ashely Bell and director Douglas Aarniokoski.

I talked to "Lord of the  Rings" trilogy and "Lost" star Monaghan on Thursday for a story that will run here on Sunday.

SFF also announced today that New York Giants Hall Of Fame linebacker Harry Carson will attend the screening of "American Man" April 19 at the Sarasota Opera House.


www.bradenton.com/sarasota-film-festival

www.sarasotafilmfestival.com

www.wallenda.com 

TODAY: Pink Martini at Straz in Tampa

Pink Martini, playing today at the Straz Center in Tampa, takes audiences back in time and around the globe with a fresh, fun, one-world spirit.

The group's 12 musicians sing in about twice as many languages; mixing originals by leaders Thomas Lauderdale (piano) and China Forbes (lead vocals) — pictured — with obscure covers such as "Amado Mio" from the classic 1946 film noir "Gilda" starring Rita Hayworth.

Read more. 

Forbes wrote and sings the great ditty "Hey, Eugene!"

It's about a boy who didn't call.

 Enjoy.

UPDATED 4/9: Top 10 summer concerts for Tampa Bay

UPDATED 4/9:

Hottest summer concerts coming to Tampa Bay

Spring is barely a couple weeks old but it's already time to start making plans for the top concerts of the summer.

I know this because my girlfriend has planned everything from transportation to room and meals for us to see Sugarland at the 1-800-ASK-Gary Amphitheatre — in July! 

Yeah, Bruce Springsteen, the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Jimmy Buffett played here in March but there are plenty more biggies coming through Tampa Bay between now and Labor Day.

Here are the hottest tickets of the summer (by date):

1. Van Halen: April 14, Tampa Bay Times Forum
Van Halen returning to Tampa; check out new single 'Tatoo'

2. Beach Boys: May 5, Straz center
Beach Boys to play Tampa

3. Lady Antebellum: May 11, Gary Amphitheatre
Interview: Lady Antebellum’s Hillary Scott

4. Kenny Chesney and Tim McGraw: June 2, Raymond James Stadium  
Kenny Chesney and Tim McGraw tour headed to Tampa

5. Neil Diamond: June 3, Tampa Bay Times Forum
Neil Diamond has Tampa date at St. Pete Times Forum

6. Coldplay with Robyn and Wolf Gang: June 28, Tampa Bay Times Forum 
Madonna 'loves' Robyn and you should, too!

7. Def Leppard with Poison: June 30, Tampa Bay Times Forum
Rock of Ages: Let’s talk Def Leppard’s greatest hits

8. Sugarland: July 28,  Gary Amphitheatre
Sugarland revels in role of Nashville rebels

9. Kiss with Motley Crue: July 28, Gary Amphitheatre
Crue singer on three decades of decadence

10. Jason Aldean: Aug. 10,  Gary Amphitheatre
Country star Jason Aldean in Tampa

Tyrese 'would love' role in 'Avatar 2'

Tyrese Gibson wants to put on the "blue suit."

"Respectfully Sir Mr Cameron I want in on #Avatar2," reads a recent Tweet by the "Transformers" actor/R&B crooner. "Yup... This is Tyrese Gibson let me know when the 'Blue Suit' fitting is!"

According to IMDB.com, James Cameron's "Avatar 2" won't hit theater until 2016.

"I don't even know if there's going to be an 'Avatar 2' but I'm a huge fan of that (first) movie and huge fan of this very brilliant amazing man (Cameron)," Gibson said by phone from his Los Angeles home. "I would love an opportunity to add working with him to my story."

Speaking of stories, the former fashion model and published author also said he has written six screenplays and has another book in the works.


I interviewed Gibson today for an upcoming feature to advance his April 15 appearance at Gulf Coast Rhythm & Ribfest taking place at the Manatee County Fairgrounds in Palmetto.

Bon Iver to play Tampa

Indie folk act Bon Iver (that's “bon ee-VAIR”) will be perform at the Straz Center in Tampa on June 7.

Tickets go on sale noon, April 7.

Fronted by singer-songwriter Justin Vernon, the band also consists of Mike Noyce, Sean Carey and Matt MacCaughan.

The group’s second album "Bon Iver, Bon Iver" was released last June and named best album of the year by the music snobs over at Pitchfork Media. At the Grammy Awards this year the album won Best Alternative Album and the group was named Best New Artist, despite having released its debut disc in 2007.

Regularly priced tickets start at $39.50 and may be purchased by calling 813-229-7827, 800.955.1045 outside Tampa Bay or at www.strazcenter.org.

—Publicity photo of Justin Vernon