Friday Fest Comes To An End, 'Big Night Out' Dance Band Performs 9/18

FridayFest, set along the beautiful bayfront of the Van Wezel is coming to an end for the free summer concert series but not without a bang from Big Night Out September 18th, 2009. Big Night Out is a 7 piece tropical style dance band who performs a blend of Latin, Caribbean, Funk and Motown dance music. FridayFest begins at 5pm and runs until 9pm.

Big Night Out performs nostalgic music, but with a Latin twist. They fused Latin, Caribbean and American pop to create a sound of their very own. They are considered to be a "creative cover band" because they do not play songs anything like the originals, instead they filter James Brown and the Isley Brothers through their own sound of Latin dance rhythms and jazzed up horns. Another unique thing about this group is that all seven members are all part of other local bands. Band members include Bruce Glasberg-Leader and trombone, Joni Adno-vocals, percussion & dance, Keith Green- trumpet & vocals, Brian Bolen-sax and flute, Tony Shepard-guitar, Doug Conroy-bass and vocals, Edsel-conga, percussion & vocals and Paul Cartwright-drums.

If you are looking for some lively entertainment with rockin' horns, a pulsating conga and great bi-lingual female vocals join Big Night Out at the Van Wezel September 18, 2009 starting at 5pm and running till 9pm. FridayFest is 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 Select, ABC-7, Pelican Press, Creative Loafing, 92.1 Lite FM, The Van Wezel Foundation, Doctors Hospital, Boar's Head, Waste Services of Florida, Broadway Bar Restaurant, InterMedia Productions and Cameresi Designs.

Single tickets for the full 2009-2010 season will be available on Sept 13th, 2009. Subscriptions for Broadway, Dance and Orchestra/Classical series are on sale now. 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.