WEEKEND: Village of the Arts in Bradenton hosts 'Sweethearts Artwalk'

Zoe Von Averkamp, right, serves visitors Eleanore Neumann and Dorothy Werner of Bradenton a little chilled sangria as they tour Averkamp's Divine Excess gallery and outdoor garden in during an Art Walk at Village of the Arts in Bradenton. HERALD FILE PHOTO

Read more here: http://www.bradenton.com/2012/05/04/4026512/art-walk-at-bradentons-village.html#storylink=misearch#storylink=cpy

Take a walk on the romantic side Friday and Saturday through the Village of the Arts in Bradenton during this month's Valentine Day's inspired "Sweethearts Artwalk."

Twenty galleries will be displaying pottery, jewelry, paintings, folk art, sculptures, art to wear in colorful 1920s cottages.

Looking for a romantic eating experience in the village? Check out one, or more, of the neighborhood's five dining destinations:

Arts and Eats, Charisma Cafe & Art, Downs' Bradentown Lunch & Dining House, Ortygia Ristorante, Sweets' Bakehouse.

All five restaurants will be open and offering specials Friday and Saturday.

Details: 6-9:30 p.m. Feb. 1 and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Feb. 2, The Village of the Arts, located 4 blocks south of Manatee Ave. between 9th St. W. and 14th St. W. in downtown Bradenton. Information: 941-747-8056 or www.villageofthearts.com.

Check out what else is going on in Weekend. 

Read more here: http://www.bradenton.com/2013/01/31/4372772/take-a-sweethearts-artwalk-through.html#storylink=cpy

Read more here: http://www.bradenton.com/2013/01/31/4372772/take-a-sweethearts-artwalk-through.html#storylink=cpy

WEEKEND: Thunder by the Bay, WBTT, Asolo Rep and more

The Marshall Tucker Band plays at 4:30 p.m. Sunday at the Thunder by the Bay Motorcycle Festival in downtown Sarasota.

Read more here: http://www.bradenton.com/2013/01/03/4336625/thunder-by-the-bay-motorcyle-festival.html#storylink=cpy

Put on your chaps and ride over to downtown Sarasota this weekend for the 15th annual Thunder By The Bay Motorcycle Festival. The three-day event begins with a "Born to be Wild" Kick Off Party 6:30 p.m.-midnight Jan. 4 at the Hyatt Regency, 1000 Blvd. of the Arts, featuring a 110th Harley Davidson Anniversary fashion show, cash food stations and bar and casino-style gaming. Tickets are $15 at the door.

The downtown festival is 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Jan. 5 featuring live music by the Lauren Mitchell Band, Bradenton Beach resident Damon Fowler, Kettle of Fish, Category Three and Highway to Hell. A special "Light Up The Night" LED Bike Show begins at 6 p.m. The second day of the downtown festival is 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

Read more.

Sarasota's Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe star honored to be in August Wilson's award-winning 'Jitney'

Asolo Rep continues to explore American character with 'You Can't Take it with You,' Sarasota 

And more in Weekend.

—Publicity photo

WEEKEND: Grand opening for Arts & Eats in Village of the Arts, Joe Nichols and more in Bradenton and beyond

There's a new player in the Village of the Arts.

And he wants to meet you.

Attendees are invited to join chef Jim Copening and Donna Slawsky for the grand opening of Arts & Eats Restaurant and Gallery in the heart of the Village of the Arts this Friday and Saturday.

Read more.

Country star Joe Nichols at Joyland and more in Weekend.

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

WEEKEND: Taste of Manatee at Bradenton Riverwalk and so much more

Blue Marlin, a foodie favorite specializing in local seafood that operates out of a 1920s cottage on Bridge St. in Bradenton Beach, will be making its first appearance at Taste of Manatee.

Owner Adam Ellis hopes that the rough weather won't keep him from serving his delicious stone crab macaroni and cheese dish, which will go for $5 a serving at the event.

If the local crabbers can't get to their catch, the Blue Marlin booth will serve fish rolls for $4. They are made with daily cuts of fresh fish lightly held together in a classic crab cake preparation and finished with garlic aioli.

 "We just want to show people we serve the freshest fish on the island," Ellis said.

 Read entire story. 

Many more events, shows, etc. featured in today's Weekend.

—PHOTO: People stop by the Thai Lotus tent for a taste of Thai cooking at a Taste of Manatee in downtown Bradenton. PAUL VIDELA — Bradenton Herald

WEEKEND: The Hold Steady, Have Gun Will Travel, to rock Guavaween music fest in Ybor City

City of Tampa officials have smartly shifted Ybor City's annual Guavaween bash from a debauched parade to a first-rate music festival dubbed The Many Shades of Ybor.

The Saturday event features The Hold Steady, one of the greatest rock 'n' roll bands to emerge in the past decade, performing at The Ritz from 10:50 p.m. to 12:20 a.m.

And don't miss Bradenton-based Americana band Have Gun Will Travel, which will be at Crowbar from 9:45 to 11 p.m.

The music festival includes more than 20 bands representing national, regional and local talent in seven venues throughout Ybor.

Read more.

For much more to do in the Bradenton area and beyond check out Weekend.

Read more here: http://www.bradenton.com/#storylink=cpy

Weekend roundup for Bradenton area and beyond

Dirty Dozen Brass Band cofounder Gregory Davis on 35-year legacy — influencing Trombone Shorty, Soul Rebels, etc. — and returning to Ringling Museum on Saturday.

Cinderella cofounder Eric Brittingham says he's ready for 'fun night' today at Lost Kangaroo Pub in Bradenton.

Bradenton area band Big Daddy celebrates 10th anniversary at Clancy's on Cortez Road.

Hunsader Farms Pumpkin Festival in Bradenton is back with acts from 'America's Got Talent.'

And much more in Weekend.

WEEKEND: Florida Georgia Line at Joyland, Trampled Under Foot at Aces, Boyz II Men at Mahaffey

Tyler Hubbard, left, and Brian Kelley of country music duo Florida Georgia Line.

The parents of Lakewood Ranch High seniors Josh "Bubba" Rogers and Brett "Bswag" Wagner have teamed with Joyland and one of the hottest new acts in country music for a benefit concert to celebrate their sons' birthdays and raise seat belt awareness.

The 1st annual B.U.B.B.A. Birthday Bash concert on Friday will feature a performance by Florida Georgia Line, with all of the ticket sales going to the Buckle Up for Bswag and Bubba Association.

Also known as B.U.B.B.A, the organization was started by Gena Rogers and Debbie Wagner, the mothers of the two boys who lost their lives as a result of a car accident on Christmas night last year.

Tyler Hubbard, of Monroe, Ga., and Brian Kelley, of Ormond Beach -- they formed FGL a couple years ago in Nashville -- will be holding a special meet and greet for the families and friends of Josh and Brett at the Bradenton country music venue.

During a recent phone interview with the Herald, Kelley recalled that some high school friends of his lost their lives in a car crash.

"We've always been about giving back and when we heard about this event we jumped at the chance," he said.

Read more.

• One of the most buzzed about acts on the blues scene of recent years, Trampled Under Foot makes a highly anticipated stop at Aces Live today in Bradenton.

Read more here: http://www.bradenton.com/2012/10/04/4224962/trampled-under-foot-at-aces-live.html#storylink=cpy

• Boyz II Men, which have a date in St. Pete today, brilliantly updated R&B in the 1990s with a New Jack Swing sensibility while never overshadowing the group's rich, smooth, timeless vocals.

• The Village of the Arts celebrates the opening of Bradenton's new Riverwalk (grand opening Oct. 18) and the inaugural Bradenton Blues Festival (Dec. 1) with "A River of Art in Blue" Artwalk.

Read more here: http://www.bradenton.com/2012/10/04/4224954/blues-artwalk-at-village-of-the.html#storylink=cpy

• And more in Weekend.

Read more here: http://www.bradenton.com/2012/10/04/4224960/boyz-ii-men-at-the-mahaffey-in.html#storylink=cpy

—Photo: Tyler Hubbard, left, and Brian Kelley of country music duo Florida Georgia Line. Adam Taylor/Republic Nashville

Read more here: http://www.bradenton.com/2012/10/04/4224952/florida-georgia-line-headlines.html#storylink=cpy

WEEKEND: 'Main Street Live' in Bradenton, 'Evita' at Manatee Players, Movieville and more

The popular Bradenton street party Get Down Downtown restarts today as "Main Street Live." The monthly bash on Old Main Street will now feature new music acts, new vendors from Suncoast Food Trucks and a food court with more tables in the intersection area across from the Lost Kangaroo Pub.

The most celebrated Manatee Players of recent years are returning to downtown Bradenton today for the opening of "Evita."

After debuting last June at Lakewood Ranch Cinemas, Movieville International Film Festival returns with screenings in Sarasota and an event in Bradenton.

Read more here: http://www.bradenton.com/2012/09/20/4206946/movieville-international-film.html#storylink=cpy

The good witch of rock 'n' roll returns to the Tampa Bay area in support of her latest solo album, "In Your Dreams."

The Players Theatre's 83rd season opens today with the often overlooked gem "Applause."

Read more here: http://www.bradenton.com/2012/09/20/4206919/the-players-of-sarasota-open-season.html#storylink=cpy

And more in Weekend.

Read more here: http://www.bradenton.com/2012/09/20/4206948/stevie-nicks-to-play-mahaffey.html#storylink=cpy

Read more here: http://www.bradenton.com/2012/09/20/4206924/manatee-players-production-of.html#storylink=cpy

—Music fills the air as the Michael Mac Band plays during sunset on Old Main Street in Bradenton. HERALD FILE PHOTO by Paul Videla.

Read more here: http://www.bradenton.com/2012/09/20/4206937/popular-bradenton-street-party.html#storylink=cpy

Read more here: http://www.bradenton.com/2012/09/20/4206937/popular-bradenton-street-party.html#storylink=cpy

WEEKEND: Elton John opens USF Sun Dome in Tampa, Toby Keith, Go-Go's and more

Rocket Man and Madonna rankler Elton John will be fronting a five-piece band to open the newly renovated USF Sun Dome Friday in Tampa.  

Toby Keith is ready to raise 'Red Colo Sup' at Ask Gary Amphitheatre.

Will the Go-Go's to go 'wild' at Mahaffey in St. Petersburg?

Singer Betty Fox headlines 'Countdown to the Blues' in Bradenton. 

And much more in Weekend.

—Publicity photo of The Go-Go's.

Read more here: http://www.bradenton.com/2012/09/13/4197416/elton-john-to-open-newly-renovated.html#storylink=cpy

WEEKEND: 'Legally Blonde' at Manatee Players in Bradenton, Fabulous Indepedent Film Festival, D.L. Hughley and more

The movie "Legally Blonde" has been charming audiences ever since hitting cinemas a decade ago.

The equally popular musical ran on Broadway (2007-08) before touring North America (2008-11).

The show opens the Manatee Players' 66th season today in downtown Bradenton.

Recent University of Miami graduate and Sarasotan Cassandra Caballero (pictured) landed the lead role of Elle.

Read more here: http://www.bradenton.com/2012/08/16/4159957/legally-blonde-opens-manatee-players.html#storylink=cpy

Continue reading.

Read more here: http://www.bradenton.com/2012/08/16/4159957/legally-blonde-opens-manatee-players.html#storylink=cpy

Fabulous Independent Film Festival in Sarasota opens with 'Sassy Pants': interview  

D.L. Hughley headlines comedy show at The Mahaffey in St. Petersburg 

'Countdown to the Blues' in Bradenton continues with Nitro and Sarasota Slim

And more in Weekend.

Photo — Elle, played by Cassandra Caballero, in a scene from the Manatee Players production of Legally Blonde at the Riverfront Theatre. GRANT JEFFERIES/Bradenton Herald GJEFFERIES@BRADENTON.COM

WEEKEND: Caroline Rhea at McCurdy's, Sarasota (interview), Jerry Garcia Tribute, Jason Aldean and more

Caroline Rhea has been all over television for the past two decades.

But the 48-year-old Canadian also stays busy pursuing her first love, stand-up comedy.

"It's like you're having a dinner party and have to make a connection," Rhea said by phone. "I'm old school, I want people to feel entertained."

Read more here: http://www.bradenton.com/2012/08/09/4149987/caroline-rhea-ready-to-talk-motherhood.html#storylink=cpy

Continue reading my interview with Rhea, who performs Aug. 10-12 at McCurdy's Comedy Theatre in Sarasota.

Jerry Garcia tribute concert by WSLR in Sarasota with Uncle John's Band

Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan at Ask Gary Amphitheatre, Tampa

Jason Mraz at Ask Gary Amphitheatre, Tampa

And more in Weekend.

WEEKEND: Chris Tucker, Have Gun Will Travel, Wiggles, WMNF Fest and more

• Chris Tucker at The Mahaffey in St. Petersburg 

• WMNF Americana Fest at Skipper's Smokehouse 

• Tampa Identity electronic dance music festival at Ask Gary Amphitheatre in Tampa 

• The Wiggles perform after Ray-Orioles game at Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg 

• Actress Robin Givens stages her play 'Joy in the Morning' in Bradenton with Manatee Players 

• Bradenton bands rock to raise money for Manatee Players 

•  Bradenton band Have Gun Will Travel with Matt Woods at Aces Live in Bradenton 

Check it out in Weekend.

 

—Publicity photo of Rebekah Pulley, who will be performing at WMNF's Americana Fest.

WEEKEND: 'Women' at South Florida Museum, 'Spider-Man,' Katy Perry, Tab Benoit and more

'The Women,' which will be screened July 6, kicks off South Florida Museum's latest Film Fridays series 'Complex Portrayals: Women on Film.'

Read more here: http://www.bradenton.com/2012/07/05/4102282/film-fridays-at-south-florida.html#storylink=cpy

Film Fridays at South Florida Museum in Bradenton focuses on female characters

'Spider-Man,' a new beginning for an old friend 

'Katy Perry: Part of Me' will please her fans, but ...

Swamp-blues star Tab Benoit with Sol Driven Train, Skipper's Smokehouse, Tampa 

And much more in Weekend. 
 

WEEKEND: Three Dog Night play free Fourth of July fest in Palmetto (interview), fireworks, Coldplay, 'Magic Mike' and more

Three Dog Night headlines Palmetto's free Fourth of July party at Sutton Park; singer Cory Wells on band's new platinum record; just saying no: interview


Full list of fireworks, rock 'n' roll planned for July 4th holiday in Manatee

Loved and loathed: Coldplay at Tampa Bay Times Forum 

Review: Soderbergh and his strippers work it with feeling in 'Magic Mike'

And much more in Weekend.

—Photo shows Fouth of July fireworks exploding over the Manatee River. By PAUL VIDELA/pvidela@bradenton.com. 
 

WEEKEND: Bon Iver at Straz in Tampa plus 'Prometheus,' Puscifer, 'Turbulence' and more

Singer/songwriter Justin Vernon wins fans over with husky falsetto, rugged romanticism and facial hair.

Tool and A Perfect Circle mastermind Maynard James Keenan brings his other project to Ferguson Hall.

Read more here: http://www.bradenton.com/935/#storylink=cpy

Orlando band brings ska, reggae and punk to the party.

And much more in Weekend. 

Read more here: http://www.bradenton.com/935/#storylink=cpy

—Photo: Justin Vernon, Fall Creek Wisconsin, August, 2010, by D.L. Anderson

Read more here: http://www.bradenton.com/2012/06/07/4068522/bon-iver-to-play-straz-center.html#storylink=cpy

Read more here: http://www.bradenton.com/935/#storylink=cpy

WEEKEND: John Prine, Lucero, Sarasota Blues and Brews, Paul Thorn, Kelly Richey and more

Lucero performs May 25 at State Theatre in St. Petersburg.

'Angel from Montgomery' originator unlocks vaults with new release 'The Singing Mailman Delivers.'

Read more here: http://www.bradenton.com/935/#storylink=cpy

Read more here: http://www.bradenton.com/935/#storylink=cp

Singer/songwriter touring in support of first covers collection 'What the Hell is Goin' On?'

Jam band hero gets help from keyboard legend.

And much more.

Read more here: http://www.bradenton.com/935/#storylink=cpy

Read more here: http://www.bradenton.com/935/#storylink=cpy

Check it all out in Weekend.

Weekend: Uncle Kracker, 'Fanny Brice,' Lisa Lampanelli, Heatstroke Hot Rod Hoedown, 'Don Quixote' and more

Uncle Kracker performs May 18 at Joyland in Bradenton.

From country and blues to theater and ballet, here's what's running in today's edition of Weekend.

—Publicity photo