FridayFest, set along the bayfront of the Van Wezel, continues with Rye Road July 17th, a local Sarasota/Bradenton Country band whose musical influences range from The Eagles to Lynyrd Skynyrd. FridayFest begins at 5pm and runs until 9pm.
With their own version of country music they call "Red Dirt Country Rock" which they describe as "Wanted Dead or Alive" meets "Sweet Home Alabama". The group blazed through 2008 at a break neck pace; playing over 200 shows on the west coast of Florida and opening for over 20 National recording artists such as Emerson Drive, Keith Anderson, Craig Morgan, Luke Bryan, and many more. March 2009 brought the highly anticipated release of their first independent CD, a combination of songs written by Chuck Reedy and Pete Tamburin. The tracks range from catchy pop mainstream Country to high energy Southern Rock with strong vocal hooks and stadium-size drums and guitars. With the bands freshman effort pending, the guys took the advice of fans and industry insiders to change the name of the band. A month long survey on the bands' web sites and at the bands' performances allowed the fans to voice their opinion and it was heard loud and clear. "RYE ROAD", a name that reflects the group's music and the band members West Coast Florida roots. "Rye Road is a road in East Manatee County where the youth use to hang out and party when we were younger. Rope swings, bridge jumping, good clean 'out in the country' fun," said Chuck Reedy.
Remember to mark your calendars for Yesterdayze a Woodstock Anniversary Celebration Aug. 28th and Big Night Out, a Caribbean vibe band, September 18th.
For the best mix in music add one part bandstand, one part sunset and one part shimmering Sarasota Bay and what do you get, FridayFest an ideal way to unwind after a busy week and usher in an upbeat weekend.
Guests are invited to bring blankets or lawn chairs. Local vendors offer food and beverages. Outside food is prohibited, along with coolers and weapons of any kind.
FridayFest runs rain or shine. In the event of inclement weather, the festival will move indoors to the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall.
The presenting sponsor is the Wilde Automotive Family. Thank you to our other sponsors: Sarasota Arts Council, Comcast, Bright House Networks, Budweiser, ABC-7, Pelican Press, Creative Loafing, 106.5 CTQ, The Van Wezel Foundation, Boar's Head, Waste Services of Florida, Broadway Bar Restaurant, InterMedia Productions and Cameresi Designs.
Tickets for the 2009-2010 season will go on sale in August. Subscriptions for Broadway, Dance and Orchestra/Classical series are now on sale.
For the best entertainment in Sarasota, Fl visit the Van Wezel, located at 777 N. Tamiami Trl., Sarasota, just a few blocks north of Main Street. For more information, call 941-953-3368 or visit www.vanwezel.org.
