Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Free summer concerts at Van Wezel

Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall kicks off its FridayFest summer concert series June 25, presenting a free outdoor concert along the Sarasota bay front 5 p.m. the fourth Friday of each month through September. Here's what the venue says it has in store:

The first band performing will be Yesterdayze on June 25. A sixties tribute band, Yesterdayze, will play everything from The Beatles to Jimmy Hendrix, from Elvis to Dionne Warwick. The band’s musicians live and breathe the sound of the 60’s and invite their audience to join them in their journey to the past. Not only does Yesterdayze bring a blast from the past in their sound, but the musicians dress the part, recreating the entire 60’s experience.

On July 23, The Black Swamp Gypsies will bring everyone to their feet dancing a little bit of country. There are six full-time members of the band and they will be sure that everyone can relate to them through their music they play. They play all the songs that everyone knows and loves such as “This Time Tomorrow,” “Help Me Make It Through the Night,” and “Is There.” They just play great music; their energy is contagious!

The Big- Z Band is center stage on August 27. Big- Z plays a variety of popular titles and chart-topping hits with their own distinctive flair. Enjoy the electrifying showmanship of talented musicians while reminiscing to all of your favorite songs from Barry White to Luther Vandross. They are a resident band at the Ritz Carlton in the Ca d’Zan Room on Thursday and Friday nights. This Soul and Motown band will have you swaying and dancing throughout the night.

The last concert will be September 24, when Big Night Out wows the crowd with a blend of Latin and Caribbean dance music. An explosive horn section and a pulsing conga add to the bouncing rhythm section and passionate Bi-lingual female vocals. Big Night Out will have everyone out of their chairs and dancing.

FridayFest will be presented rain or shine. The venue is at 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. For more information, call 953-3368.

1 comment:

Walter Tully said...

Summer is the season for music. Different bands set the beat by playing different genres. I really like the musical variety in the performances that you mentioned in your post. We also have our own version of 'blast from the past' or 60s music in our locality. It's usually performed in one of the nights during summer concerts in Denver. My wife and I always look forward to the Latin nights and 60s music because these are reminiscent of our youth. Definitely, it's one of the best summer events in Denver where everyone can enjoy beautiful sounds and the cool summer environment.