Rock and Roll Hall of Fame band to headline charity concert in Manatee. What to know
Sixty years ago, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame band Lynyrd Skynyrd formed in Jacksonville, Florida.
Now the legendary band, with special guest Marcus King, is set to play a charity concert at the Bradenton Area Convention Center on Nov. 15 to benefit Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key employees who have been out of work since Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton produced catastrophic damage.
“When we got the call, we were happy to jump on board,” lead vocalist Johnny Van Zant said in a statement provided to the Bradenton Herald. “The band is a Florida band, and our manager lives in Sarasota County as well. So, we have family, friends and many fans effected by these storms. If we can raise some money for those in need and take people away for a night of great music, then hopefully that is a ‘win-win’ and brings a little comfort to the community, then, LET’S GO!’”
Helene caused more than $400 million in an early damage assessment before Milton struck two weeks later for an additional $351 million in damage to unincorporated Manatee County.
The storms also shuttered dozens of island-based businesses that rely heavily on tourism, including restaurants, beach equipment rental shops and short-term lodging.
Milton made landfall as a Category 3 hurricane on Siesta Key — the first hurricane to make direct landfall in Sarasota since hurricane records were first kept in the 1800s. Part of Milton’s devastation was wiping out the Rod and Reel Pier, an iconic landmark on Anna Maria Island.
“We are excited to support this important initiative through our Tourist Development Council, featuring one of Florida’s most legendary Hall of Fame rock bands,” said Manatee County Commissioner Mike Rahn. “This concert will help raise funds for our barrier island hospitality employees—dedicated individuals who have consistently provided first-class service to our residents and visitors.”
All proceeds from the event will benefit two local non-profit organizations, Shuckin’ Good Cause and The Center of Anna Maria Island’s Hurricane Relief Fund, according to a news release. Displaced hospitality workers will then be able to apply for grant assistance through the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association, officials say.
Lynyrd Skynyrd to perform in Palmetto
Lynyrd Skynyrd started in 1964, before releasing their first album in 1973. The band popularized the Southern rock genre with songs such as “Sweet Home Alabama,” “Free Bird,” “Simple Man” and “Gimme Three Steps.”
In 1977, the band’s future was altered when a plane crash claimed six lives, including lead singer Ronnie Van Zant, guitarist and vocalist Steve Gaines and backing vocalist Cassie Gaines.
The band went on hiatus, before reuniting in 1987 with Van Zant’s younger brother, Johnny, becoming the group’s lead singer. In 2006, they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
November’s concert marks the second time they’ve performed at the Bradenton Area Convention Center, having played the venue in 2002, according to ConcertArchives.org.
How to buy tickets
Tickets go on sale starting Monday at noon on The Center’s website. Ticket prices range from $75 for general admission to $500 for a VIP ticket that includes a meet-and-greet party with the band and a photo opportunity.
For more information, visit www.CenterAMI.org/concerts.
This story was originally published October 25, 2024 at 4:55 PM.
