Have Gun, Will Travel plans four shows near Bradenton

   Bradenton's biggest and best roots-rock band, Have Gun, Will Travel, has four dates planned in the area over the next few weeks, including a free show right here in town on the Riverwalk.

Have Gun, Will Travel

   Have Gun has just released its fourth studio album, "Fiction, Fact or Folktale?" on This Is American Music.
   Here's the show schedule:
   -- 10 p.m. Oct. 18: New World Brewery, 1313 E. Eighth 8th Ave., Tampa (Ybor City). 10 p.m. Call 813-248-4969. $10 advance, $13 day of show.
   -- 9 p.m. Oct. 19: Pickin’ Picnic at Bradenton Riverwalk. 9 p.m. Free.
   -- 3:30 p.m. Oct. 20: Clearwater Jazz Holiday, Coachman Park, Clearwater. $10/$35 in advance, $20/$40 day of show.   -- 8 p.m. Nov. 1: MacDinton's at Jannus Live, 16 Second St. N., St. Petersburg. 8 p.m. Free. Call 727- 565-0550.

Sequester causes cancellation of concert in Bradenton

   So, you’re wondering exactly what effect this sequester thing will actually have on you? You probably didn't figure concerts would be canceled, but that's what's happening.
   The Coast Guard Band has canceled its tour of the southern United States, including a planned stop at Bradenton’s Riverwalk on Saturday, March 9.
   A Coast Guard official told Realize Bradenton, the organization behind the Music in the Park series, that the band delayed announcing the cancellation until today in hopes that the sequester would be averted, and now that the sequester is in effect the Coast Guard has to save its money for more important things.
   So, no Coast Guard Band for us, but the Music in the Park series goes on. It starts tonight (Friday, March 1) with the Marc Mannino Jazz Quartet, and continues next week with the David Smash Band. Smash, we’re told, placed second in the Lithuanian version of America’s Got Talent, and plays early rock ‘n’ roll and blues.
  All the Music in the Park concerts run 6-8 p.m. and they’re all free. They're all on Fridays -- the Coast Guard Band concert was a rare exception. You can get more information on the series at realizebradenton.com.

REVIEW: Bradenton Blues Festival a huge success

Ruthie Foster offered a potent closing set at Bradenton Blues Festival.

Ruthie Foster closed an amazing day with a most fitting song.

A song that spoke to the overwhelming success of the inaugural Bradenton Blues Festival.

For her encore, the Grammy-nominated singer performed "Grinnin' in Your Face."


Most famously recorded by the legendary Son House, the song is a spiritual about triumph in the face of adversity.

For far too long, Bradenton struggled to establish itself as a destination spot for music lovers.

Not anymore.

Bradenton Beach resident Damon Fowler led his super group Southern Hospitality.

On Saturday, The Bradenton Blues Festival, which was produced by Realize Bradenton with much appreciated help from the Village of the Arts-based Blues Revue Magazine, attracted a crowd of 3,126.

That's more than triple what was expected for the debut event, organizers said.

And it's doubtful anyone in the audience, which included attendees from as far away as Canada, left disappointed.

Foster did a superb job as the headliner, elating the crowd with her singular brand of gospel-infused blues.

Read more.

—Photos by Wade Tatangelo.

Bradenton Blues Festival weekend starts today with free concert at Riverwalk

Kettle of Fish performs today during "Blues Appetizer Concert" at Bradenton Riverwalk.

It all begins today. Bradenton Blues Festival weekend. That means lots of awesome live music, a dazzling art exhibit and at least one killer party.

Oh yeah, many of these events are free.

For starters, famed performance photographer Joseph A. Rosen will be hosting a showing of his portraiture work at the Blues Revue magazine headquarters in the Village of the Arts at 1001 11th Ave. W.

The exhibit is today from 1-5 p.m. There will be images of B.B. King, Muddy Waters, Eric Clapton, Dr. John and many more greats. Information: 866-702-7778.

As for live music, festival producer Realize Bradenton, the nonprofit organization that played a key role in creating the renovated Riverwalk, kicks it off proper by offering the community a free preview to the festival this evening.

The "Blues Appetizer Concert" is 6-9 p.m. with performances by Tampa blues man Selwyn Birchwood Band and Sarasota blues-rockers Kettle of Fish, which features singer/songwriter Dana Lawrence, backed by a cast of equally impressive players including guitarist Berry Duane Oakley.

The group, one of the most popular in the Bradenton area, has opened for acts such as the Marshall Tucker Band, Eddie Money and Molly Hatchet.

Kettle of Fish will be performing originals this evening as well as deep tracks by Jimi Hendrix, Little Feat and some of those Allman Brothers Band songs originally featuring the brilliant bass guitar work of the senior Berry Oakley.

"We thrive on the big stage," Lawrence said. "Looking at the wide variety of the people out there is a thrill and you just thrive off it."

Read more.

—Publicity photo by Chris Hicklin of Kettle of Fish (from left): Todd Cook, Thorson Moore, Garrett Dawson, Berry Oakley, Dana Lawrence. Photo provided.

Bradenton Blues Festival poster by 'Harry Potter' illustrator Mary GrandPré unveiled

A limited-edition poster created exclusively for Realize Bradenton and the Bradenton Blues Festival by Mary GrandPré, the world-famous illustrator of the "Harry Potter" books and Sarasota resident, was unveiled at the Bradenton Blues Festival’s VIP sponsor party on Saturday. 
 
More than 200 people attended, including this reporter and Bradenton Herald publisher/president Bob Turner.

The event was held at the historic Jennings Arcade off Old Main Street in downtown Bradenton.    

Local blues musician Steve Arvey and vocalist Rebecca Bird performed while people mingled, sipped wine and noshed on appetizers provided by O’Bricks Grill. 

The Bradenton Blues Festival, featuring Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Ruthie Foster and other national acts,  is Dec. 1 at the redesigned Riverwalk, along the Manatee River in downtown Bradenton.

GrandPré’s editorial work and children’s book illustrations have received national recognition. She was featured on the cover of Time magazine for her illustrations for the acclaimed "Harry Potter" book series. 

“The Bradenton Blues Festival and its music outreach programs are inspired ways to educate young people about the importance of music," GrandPré said in a statement. "I'm really excited that I can contribute to this important effort."

Posters signed by the artist are available for $50 to support Realize Bradenton’s youth and music programs. To inquire email johnette@RealizeBradenton.com.

UPDATED JULY 18: Neighbors need to make peace with Tarpon Pointe Grill & Tiki Bar in downtown Bradenton

UPDATED JULY 18: Before I walked over to Tarpon Pointe Grill & Tiki Bar Sunday around 6 p.m. Sunday (July 17) for another fun, relaxing evening, I received an email from Scott Tibbetts, owner of the land that houses Tarpon Pointe and neighboring Manatee Landings Marina. I then received an email from his investment partner Bruce Bottorff. I noticed the valet parking has already been implemented:

We are working on several issues that are synonymous with the rapid growth of the business. A few of them are:

1.  Parking

2.  Crowd Control

We have located two additional parking alternatives - the medical business complex just to the east of the Manatee Memorial hospital and the auto parts store at the corner of Manatee Avenue and 7th street.  We have purchased shuttle carts to expedite bringing people on and taking people off of the property.  We have also brought in a professional valet service that started Saturday evening.  Both of these free services will enable us to better control the crowds and improve on the parking situation for our neighbors.

We expect to have in excess of 100 employees within the next few weeks.

Original post:

Pic I took July 13 from the deck of Tarpon Pointe Grill & Tiki Bar.

I've had two enjoyable experiences at the newly opened Tarpon Pointe Grill & Tiki Bar, which sits along the Manatee River in downtown Bradenton. It's about a 20-25 minute walk from my place in Point Pleasant. I'll probably stroll by later today for a most tasty Tarpon Pointe Rita and quality music courtesy of the Venturas, which perform 6 to 10 p.m.

From my column running today:

Tarpon Pointe Grill & Tiki Bar should be a boon for downtown Bradenton.

The new destination spot features two tiki bars, tables for outdoor dining, an upstairs deck providing gorgeous views of the river and downtown, as well as sand volleyball courts and places to play the popular lawn game cornhole.

Its success could pave the way for Manatee River finally being dotted with bistros, cafes, upscale eateries and even boutiques....

So what could possibly be controversial about a family-friendly business occupying a beautiful piece of land formerly sullied by an abandoned house structure?

Music.

Continue reading my latest Buzz Worthy column "Make peace with Tarpon Pointe."

Click for info on Tarpon Pointe Grill & Tiki Bar.

Click for info on the Venturas.