Koko Ray & the Keepers kick off Friday Fest in Sarasota

If the rain that’s been drenching the Bradenton area lets up by Friday evening, Koko Ray & the Keepers will be playing a free outdoor concert on the grounds of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall.

But the forecast calls for more rain. And if the weather is nasty, the band will still play, but they’ll move inside Van Wezel, to either the grand foyer or the main stage.

It’s the first installment of Van Wezel’s Friday Fest series of monthly, free outdoor concerts featuring area bands. When the weather’s decent, the concerts take place on the bayside lawn, overlooking the water as the sun sets.

Anna Maria Island resident Ray Hansen has been teaching music for more than two decades through his music school. His band, Koko Ray & the Keepers, play blues, bluegrass, jazz, rock ’n’ roll and acoustic classics.

You’re invited to bring your blankets or lawn chairs. Food and beverages will be available from local vendors.

Other installments in the series for this year are Jah Movement (July 29), Rebel Heart (Aug. 26) and the Dr. Dave Band (Sept. 23).

Details: 5-9 p.m. June 10, Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. Free. 941-953-3368, vanwezel.org.

This story was originally published June 8, 2016 at 4:41 PM with the headline "Koko Ray & the Keepers kick off Friday Fest in Sarasota."