6 Must-See Concerts This Week in Sarasota, Bradenton, Venice, and Beyond
FLORIDA — If you’re in the Sarasota-Bradenton area this week, you’re in for a treat. From rocking tributes to blues legends and swamp-born solo acts, the local music scene is lighting up the Gulf Coast with energy, emotion, and musical mastery. Here are six standout concerts you won’t want to miss.
Snowblind: A Black Sabbath Tribute in Venice
Following the recent passing of Ozzy Osbourne, fans can relive his iconic era with Snowblind, a Tampa-based tribute band focused on Osbourne’s legendary run with Black Sabbath. Expect haunting renditions of classics like “War Pigs,” “Iron Man,” and “Sweet Leaf.”
- 📍 Troll Music, 628 E. Venice Ave., Venice
- 📅 Saturday, Aug. 9
- 🎟️ $25
- 🔗 trollmusic.com
Rick Derringer Tribute Show in Bradenton
Celebrate the life and music of Rick Derringer with a star-studded tribute at 88 Live Piano Bar. Featuring his wife Jenda Derringer, plus artists like Tony Wilson, Steve Arvey, and Phil DeGracia, this event honors a Sarasota-area legend with hits like “Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo.”
- 📍 88 Live, 6640 Cortez Rd W, Bradenton
- 📅 Monday, Aug. 5
- 🎟️ $40 donation at door, RSVP required
- 📞 941-900-1133
George Lynch and Friends Return to Sarasota
Guitar virtuoso George Lynch (of Dokken fame) is back with a powerhouse lineup including Terry Ilous (XYZ, Great White) and Anthony Corder (Tora Tora). Expect heavy metal nostalgia at its finest at Big Top Live.
- 📍 Big Top Live, 975 Cattlemen Rd, Sarasota
- 📅 Thursday, Aug. 7
- 🎟️ $30.35 GA / $110.15 VIP
- 🔗 bigtoplive.com
J.P. Soars & the Red Hots at Englewoods on Dearborn
With four 2022 Blues Music Award nominations under their belt, J.P. Soars and the Red Hots deliver a fiery blend of Florida-born blues. Catch this band of seasoned pros at a local favorite venue.
- 📍 Englewoods on Dearborn, 362 W. Dearborn St., Englewood
- 📅 Thursday, Aug. 7
- 🎟️ $7
- 🔗 englewoodsondearborn.com
Ben Prestage’s Swamp Blues in Punta Gorda
A true one-man band, Ben Prestage blends Deep South swamp blues with raw foot-drumming and unique instruments like the diddley bow. His return to Celtic Ray Public House promises gritty and unforgettable solo artistry.
- 📍 Celtic Ray, 145 E. Marion Ave., Punta Gorda
- 📅 Thursday, Aug. 7
- 📞 941-916-9115
- 🔗 celticray.net
Matthew Curry Solo Show in Bradenton
Blues-rock guitarist Matthew Curry, who’s shared stages with Peter Frampton and The Doobie Brothers, is playing an intimate solo set at Cottonmouth Southern Soul Kitchen. Don’t miss his soulful guitar licks and Southern swagger.
- 📍 Cottonmouth, 1114 12th St. W., Bradenton
- 📅 Thursday, Aug. 7
- 🎟️ $5
- 🔗 facebook.com/cottonmouthsoul
Which show are you attending this week? Let us know and share your photos or concert picks at ChicagoMusicGuide.com!