Manatee-Sarasota musicians have a rich tradition of taking care of their fellow players and community members with fund-raising performances.
This upcoming weekend two such benefit performances are scheduled.
Both are for great causes and feature former Allman Brothers Band guitarist Dan Toler, a recipient himself of much support since being diagnosed last year with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.
On Saturday, Toler and his Faith Worship group are scheduled to perform from 6 to 9:30 p.m. as part of the Josh Rogers & Brett Wagner Benefit Concert at Hunsader’s Rockin’ Ranch, 23810 53rd Ave. E., Myakka City.
All proceeds from the $10 admission price (children ages 12 and younger free) are going to offset the medical costs associated with the Christmas Day tragedy that took the lives of the Lakewood Ranch High School teens who loved mudding, hunting, four-wheeling, football, wrestling, and hanging with their friends.
The event takes place from 4 p.m. until midnight. There will be food, mechanical bull riding, face painting, prize drawings, and a bonfire.
In addition to Toler, Whiskey Blind and the Mumbo Jumbo Band are scheduled to play. Tony Tyler with Come Back Alice will start at 10 p.m. to wrap up the night.
For more information call 941-757-9307 or e-mail rogerswagnerbenefit@gmail.com.
The next day, on Feb. 26, Toler will join a virtual who’s who of local rock and blues luminaries at Aces Live, 4343 Palma Sola Blvd., Bradenton, at the Benefit for Bob Slicker.
The musicians are performing throughout the day to raise money to offset expenses due to injuries the general manager sustained while working at the venue.
Here’s the confirmed schedule:
n Ben Hammond, Noon-12:45 p.m.
n Betty Lou Fox, 1-1:45 p.m.
n Blue Star (with Brian Byrd), 2-2:45 p.m.
n Diana Catherine with Berry Duane Oakley, 3-3:45 p.m.
n Josh Lamkin, 4-4:45 p.m.
n Kim Betts-Gingrich and the Gamble Creek Band, 5-5:45 p.m.
n Dan Toler and Tucci, 6-8 p.m.
n Kettle of Fish, 8:15- 9:15 p.m.
n RJ Howson Band, 9:30-10:30 p.m.
And yes, Kim Betts-Gingrich is the daughter of founding Allman Brothers Band guitar great Dickey Betts, who lives in Sarasota.
And Berry Duane Oakley is the son of original ABB bassist Raymond Berry Oakley III.
At the all-star jam starting around 10:45 p.m. any number of special guest are expected to appear including Damon Fowler, Steve Arvey, Lauren Mitchell, Charlie Whitt and Chaz Trippy, just to name a few of the advertised possibilities.
Admission for this first-rate concert is free but, please, put some cash in the donation basket.
There will also be prize drawings and a portion of the food proceeds will go to Slicker.
For more information call 941-795-3886 or visit http://4aceslounge.com.
Wade Tatangelo, features writer/columnist, can be reached at 941-745-7057. Visit heraldbuzzworthy.blogspot.com.
