The local live music scene is alive and thriving. Many in Manatee were sad to see landmark music spots Fogartyville Cafe and Rockerfella's go in the past year, but fortunately Aces Lounge and Rasher Tierney's Backroom have stepped in and stepped up in a big way, hosting original rock, blues, indie and folk artists on a regular basis.
The bigger venues that bring in national acts are a relatively short drive away. First stop over the Sunshine Skyway is St. Petersburg, where Jannus Landing hosts top-40 pop acts, rock and metal bands, alt-country crooners, hip-hop superstars and everything in-between. The outdoor courtyard venue has a capacity of about 1,500 and sits smack in the middle of downtown.
Keep driving north on Interstate 75 to Tampa, and you'll find world-renowned blues venue Skipper's Smokehouse, which keeps old Florida alive with its excellent cuisine, funky atmosphere and unparalleled lineup of critically acclaimed roots, funk, blues and rock. Tampa also is home to the Ford Amphitheatre and St. Pete Times Forum, where megastars such as U2, Justin Timberlake and The Rolling Stones play when they come to Florida.
For those looking for a good time at home in Manatee, here are a few popular options:
The Distillery: 108 44th Ave E, Bradenton
Featuring high ceilings, a large stage and solid sound system, The Distillery usually books cover bands, but also throws great nights of original music. Information: 739-7845 or www.the-distillery.com.
Aces Lounge: 4343 Palma Sola Blvd., Bradenton
A great big room with lots of character and history, Aces is quickly becoming the best place to catch local and regional acts in Bradenton. Information: 795-3886 or www.4aceslounge.com.
Rasher Tierney's: 5520 14th St., Bradenton
Rasher's has long been a popular nightlife spot, but it now also hosts the best lineup of original rock and indie music from Tampa, St. Pete and Manatee/Sarasota in its cozy backroom bar. Information: 752-1531 or www.myspace.com/rashertierneys.
D. Coy Duck's: 5410 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach
A popular island spot, D. Coy Duck's often gets packed on the weekends with live music fans dancing to local reggae and roots bands like Bootleg and Democracy. Information: 778-5888
Other Manatee venues that host live music include: Bradenton Cigar Bar, Peggy's Corral, Clancy's Irish Sports Pub & Grill, Tequila Beach and Zio's. If you're in Sarasota, make sure to check out The Beach Club, The Gator Club, the Five O'Clock Club and The Speakeasy for fun live tunes on the weekend. And as always, check out The Herald's Weekend guide every Thursday for our best bets.
