Friday Fest free outdoor concert series returns to the Van Wezel with Kettle of Fish
Friday Fest, the free outdoor summer concert series at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, returns this week with an exciting lineup of bands who will bring the audience to their feet. All events run from 5-9 p.m. and take place on the lawn at the Van Wezel.
Opening the Friday Fest series on June 16 is returning favorite, Kettle of Fish, which plays blues, soul, and funk with the energy of rock ‘n roll. Kettle of Fish is one of the hottest live bands in Southwest Florida, headlining to thousands and opening for such acts as Eddie Money, Marshall Tucker, Elvin Bishop, Dickey Betts, and others.
The series continues on July 21 with One Night Rodeo, an American contemporary country band. This group of seasoned musicians has opened for superstars such as Rascal Flatts, Keith Urban and Montgomery Gentry.
Making their Friday Fest debut on Aug. 11 is TEN-76, a high-energy band that covers classic and modern rock. From their Lakewood Ranch homebase, TEN-76 regularly plays many of the local venues and are expanding in the Southeast. The band has volunteered their time and entertainment for charities serving breast cancer patients, fire victims, veterans, first responders, and children in need to help raise funds and awareness.
Closing out the series on Sept. 22 will be reggae band Jah Movement, winner of Manasota Honors 2021 Musical Artist of the Year. Jah Movement features a glorifying sound where individual talents of each member come together. Highlighting the talented ensemble is hometown vocalist extraordinaire Shantel Norman. Adding their own touch of R&B, soul and funk to some of the best live reggae music, Jah Movement is a favorite across the Suncoast.
Bring blankets or lawn chairs, take in the music and the sunset, and enjoy food and beverage from local vendors. (Bringing in food, beverages and coolers from outside Friday Fest is prohibited.) Sponsors include the Herald-Tribune, Gettel Automotive Group, Hale Law Group, Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation, ABC 7, SRQ Media, and Mattison’s Catering. For more information, visit VanWezel.org.
Submitted by Muffy Lavens
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Kettle of Fish kicks off free outdoor concert series at the Van Wezel
