Motley Crue's Vince Neil at Manatee's Ribfest

   So, last week, when the people from Gulfcoast Rhythm & Ribfest announced the headliners for this year's event, they talked about Fantasia, the Lee Boys and Foghat (with only the drummer remaining from the original lineup). Now all of a sudden their website is touting Vince Neil of Motley Crue. Vince Neil definitely trumps faux Foghat in the classic rock department, so it's surprising that they didn't make a bigger deal out his addition to the lineup.

Vince Neil will perform at Ribfest April 13

   Other acts new to the lineup since last week's announcement are locals Boss Hawg Band, blues players Doug Deming & Dennis Gruenling with the Jewel Tones, bluesy rockers the Mitch Clark Band, reggae band Trinity 7, the cast of Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe's "Soul Crooners 2," and soul singer Urban Mystic.
  Ribfest is set for April 12-14 at the Manatee County Fairgrounds. Neil performs at 8:30 p.m. April 13. Fantasia winds up Ribfest at 7 p.m. April 14.
 The complete schedule is here: www.gulfcoastribfest.com/entertainment
  You can read more here: www.bradenton.com/2013/03/14/4434823/foghat-and-fantasia-set-for-manatee.html#storylink=misearch

WEEKEND: ArtSlam on Bradenton Riverwalk, Gloriana at Joyland, Ribfest in St. Pete

Bradenton Riverwalk continues to be the area's top destination spot.

After relocating to the newly renovated park from downtown, the long-running Taste of Manatee reported its best year ever last weekend.

The third annual ArtSlam, formerly held on Old Main Street, is ready for similar success Saturday.

The Realize Bradenton event will again bring together professional artists, students, faculty and the public for a celebration of collaborative creativity.

Read more.

• Popular country act Gloriana to play Joyland in Bradenton following postponement in July

• Buddy Guy, Heart, Montgomery Gentry bring the noise to Ribfest in St. Petersburg

• 'Little Nemo in Wonderland' to have world premiere at Sarasota Opera 

And more in Weekend

• Also, don't forget about the fabulous Suncoast Food & Wine Fest. The 11th annual bash sponsored by the Lakewood Ranch Rotary Club will be 1-4 p.m. Nov. 10 at the Sarasota Polo grounds