Looking for fun things to do this weekend April 26-28? Top 5 events in Sarasota, Bradenton
No other musician made quite the impact on the music scene of Sarasota and Manatee County like guitarist, singer, and songwriter Dickey Betts, who passed away at his Osprey home on April 18. On any given night, at any venue across the nation, chances are you might hear one of his famous Allman Brothers Band songs such as "Ramblin' Man," "Blue Sky," or "Southbound."
Locally, however, this often means hearing one of his songs performed by a musician who has played with Betts, as he formed various groups here in between his work with the Allman Brothers. For instance, Damon Fowler performs at Birdrock Taco Shack in Bradenton on Friday and then at Big Top Brewing in Sarasota on Sunday. Fowler, a gifted guitarist, singer, and songwriter who's a national blues star, boasts an extensive resume, including playing guitar in the Dickey Betts Band. In fact, Fowler appears on Betts' 2019 CD and DVD titled "Ramblin' Man Live at the St. George Theatre."
As you continue reading my selection of the biggest events happening today through Sunday in Sarasota and Manatee counties, including one of the largest parades in the Southeast, don't miss out on more live music events by checking out my colleague Jimmy Geurts' concert picks column. You will find information on the Fowler shows as well as a special tribute to the Allman Brothers, among other iconic acts, taking place at McCurdy's Comedy Theatre in Sarasota on Monday. It features Betts' longtime lead singer and keyboardist Mike Kach as well as other beloved Betts collaborators including bassist Berry Oakley Jr.
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1. De Soto Grand Parade with new route starting in downtown Bradenton
Boasting more than 150 entries and dating back to 1939, the De Soto Grand Parade is billed as one of the largest and oldest parades in the Southeastern United States. This year's parade features some significant changes that should make the annual event even more fun. The parade will now start in downtown Bradenton, where crowds will be able to enjoy a street party and watch floats stage before they head west down Manatee Avenue. 4 p.m. (pre-parade party), 7:30 p.m. (parade) Saturday; Manatee County Courthouse, 1101 Sixth Ave. W., Bradenton (party); Manatee Avenue (parade); desotohq.com/grand-parade
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2. Devereaux-Kaiser Car Show returns to Sarasota
A Sarasota tradition dating back to 1970, the Devereaux-Kaiser Car Show again will feature hundreds of cool, vintage vehicles that are at least 25 years old. There will also be food trucks, vendors and a beer tent. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday; Sarasota County Fairgrounds, 3000 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota; $5 donation for spectators, free for children under 10; dkcarshow.com
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3. Big Truck Day at CoolToday Park in North Port
Go ahead and honk the horns, pull the levers and take a close look at more than 40 big trucks, specialty equipment and heavy machines at the annual Big Truck Day, hosted by Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources and the Atlanta Braves. Guests can enjoy a craft area, pedal cars, inflatables as well as hands-on learning activities, and food will be available for purchase. 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Saturday; CoolToday Park, 18800 S. West Villages Parkway, North Port. For more information, visit scgov.net.
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4. ‘The Price is Right Live’ at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall
I've witnessed some sweet concerts at the Van Wezel over the years, by everyone from Bob Dylan and Ringo Starr to Dave Chappelle and Joan Rivers, but one of my favorite evenings at Sarasota's iconic purple hall took place when I attended "The Price is Right Live," back in 2013 when it was hosted by Jerry Springer. Alas, longtime Sarasota resident Springer is no longer with us, however, I'm sure attendees will still have a fun time trying to win cash and prizes while playing the famed TV pricing game happening on stage. 8 p.m. Friday; Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; $47-$67; 941-263-6799; vanwezel.org
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5. Music in the Park at Bradenton Riverwalk
Realize Bradenton's annual Music in the Park series concludes its 2024 season on Friday with a performance by singer-songwriter Kristopher James, who cites Otis Redding, Amos Lee, and Roberta Flack among his influences. James will be performing at the Riverwalk's main Pavilion stage, overlooking Rossi Park and the Manatee River. Attendees are reminded to bring a chair or blanket to this free, dog-friendly music event, which also features food and drinks available for purchase. For as long as I can recall, this event served beer and wine, but not when I visited on March 29. An organizer told me they elected not to because there wasn't enough demand and they were short-staffed. 6-8 p.m. Friday; Bradenton Riverwalk Pavilion at Rossi Park, 452 Third Ave. W., Bradenton; free; realizebradenton.com
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Wade Tatangelo is Ticket Editor for the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, and Florida Regional Dining and Entertainment Editor for the USA TODAY Network. Follow him on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. He can be reached by email at [email protected]. Support local journalism by subscribing.
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Best things to do in Sarasota, Bradenton this weekend: April 26-28
