Van Wezel Hosts Free FRIDAYFEST This Summer, Begins 6/25

FridayFest, the FREE outdoor summertime music series and celebration set along the bay front of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, will present four outstanding local bands performing salsa, oldies, country and Motown beginning June 25 with Yesterdayze; July 23, The Black Swamp Gypsies; August 27, The Big Z Band and September 24, Big Night Out, the 4th Friday of each month.

FridayFest will take place the fourth Friday of each month. The first band performing will be Yesterdayze on June 25 beginning at 5 p.m. A sixties tribute band, Yesterdayze, will play everything from The Beatles to Jimmy Hendrix, from Elvis to Dionne Warwick. The band's musicians live and breathe the sound of the 60's and invite their audience to join them in their journey to the past. Not only does Yesterdayze bring a blast from the past in their sound, but the musicians dress the part, recreating the entire 60's experience.

On July 23, The Black Swamp Gypsies will bring everyone to their feet dancing a little bit of country. There are six full-time members of the band and they will be sure that everyone can relate to them through their music they play. They play all the songs that everyone knows and loves such as "This Time Tomorrow," "Help Me Make It Through the Night," and "Is There." They just play great music; their energy is contagious!

The Big- Z Band is center stage on August 27. Big- Z plays a variety of popular titles and chart-topping hits with their own distinctive flair. Enjoy the electrifying showmanship of talented musicians while reminiscing to all of your favorite songs from Barry White to Luther Vandross. They are a resident band at the Ritz Carlton in the Ca d'Zan Room on Thursday and Friday nights. This Soul and Motown band will have you swaying and dancing throughout the night.

The last concert will be on Friday, September 24, when Big Night Out wows the crowd with a blend of Latin and Caribbean dance music. An explosive horn section and a pulsing conga add to the bouncing rhythm section and passionate Bi-lingual female vocals. Big Night Out will have everyone out of their chairs and dancing.

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 is an ideal way to unwind after a busy week and usher in another great weekend in Paradise.

Guests are invited to bring blankets or lawn chairs. Local vendors offer food and beverages. Outside food and drink is prohibited; coolers and weapons of any kind are prohibited as well.
FridayFest takes place rain or shine. In the event of inclement weather, the Festival will move indoors to the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall.

For the best entertainment in Sarasota, visit the Van Wezel located at 777 North Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. For more information, call 941-953-3368 or visit www.vanwezel.org.