Ace’s Live aims for world-class music vibe in Bradenton

For the 13 years Renee Bennett has owned Ace’s Live, it has been her mission to turn it into a world-class, good-time music venue.

Ace’s has been around 28 years. It was called Rip Tides for a period of time, but Bennett brought back the Ace’s Live name when she purchased the business.

Located at 4343 Palma Sola Blvd., Ace’s Live offers live music seven days a week. And with a capacity of 189, Ace’s is large enough to throw a party while being intimate enough for every patron to have a back-stage pass, the staff likes to say.

“My family tore down a barn in Tennessee and brought it back. It gives us the great acoustics,” Bennett said of the walls and ceilings at Ace’s.

“Music is my passion, but the business is hard,” Bennett said of running a live music venue that also has a full bar and package store as well as a full-service kitchen.

“We have great local talent. I felt we needed to be on the circuit of regional and national acts as well. Geographically, we’re well positioned. We pick up a lot of bands traveling through the state,” Bennett said.

The Aces Live website, aceslivemusic.com, offers a who’s who of past entertainers and coming attractions.

Greg Jones, business development manager for Ace’s, said the venue offers “the best acoustics and the best sound system,” right here in Bradenton’s back yard.

“Our mission is to support the arts and culture of Manatee County and work with local organizations and charities,” Bennett said.

Partners have included Realize Bradenton, the Manatee Chamber of Commerce, Manatee Children’s Services, the Anna Maria Island Privateers and more.

All of that helped make Ace’s Live a finalist for the 2017 Manatee Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year awards, which were presented Friday at the Fete Ballroom at Polo Grill in Lakewood Ranch.

Adrienne White has served as Ace’s chef for the past 18 months.

“I love it, just being able to create a wide variety of food – something for everyone. We have daily specials and a brunch buffet on Sunday. I have been in the restaurant business forever,” White said.

Ace’s Live is tobbaco-free and open from 10 a.m. to midnight Sunday-Thursday and 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday. Dogs are welcome on the tiki hut porch at Ace’s.

Ace’s Live offers online ticket sales, a calendar of shows and a weekly email blast.

For more information, call 941-795-3886.

This story was originally published August 11, 2017 at 2:56 PM with the headline "Ace’s Live aims for world-class music vibe in Bradenton."