Van Wezel Announces BIRD STREET PLAYERS Added to FridayFest Summer Lineup

FridayFest opens this Friday, June 8 from 5 PM-9 PM with Yesterdayze.

July 13th is Adrian Ray and his country music band. His self titled album, which has been described as “Heavy Country”, bridges today’s Country Music with Classic Rock.

August 10th The Venturas , a Sarasota staple, will be doing some of their best Jazz, Latin and Blues renditions, right here on the Bayfront.

Announcing the September 14th band, Bird Street Players! This high energy funk, soul and reggae band has driving bass lines, wicked horn solos, a rhythm section that doesn't stop and a front man who's sure to keep you movin'! Originally based in Tampa/St. Petersburg, The Bird Street Players frequent the music scenes of New Orleans, Key West, Orlando and festivals all over the country.

FridayFest is a FREE community event. Each FridayFest runs from 5 PM-9 PM. Bring your blankets or lawn chairs, take in the music and the sunset, enjoy food and beverage from local vendors, and get in on some great raffle prizes. Guided by fabulous emcee Cliff Roles, it’s sure to be a blast. FridayFest takes place rain or shine. In the event of inclement weather, the Festival will move indoors to the Grand Foyer of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. Bringing in food and drink from outside the Fest is prohibited; coolers and weapons of any kind are also prohibited.

Presenting sponsors are Sunset Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and MetroPCS. The Talent Sponsor is Business by the Bay. Additional sponsors are Comcast, Bright House Networks, Budweiser, Van Wezel Executive Director’s Council, ABC 7, The Observer Group, The Van Wezel Foundation, Boar’s Head, Mattison’s ,Waste Management, InterMedia Productions, Cameresi Designs, WSRZ 107.9 (June & August) WCTQ 106.5 (July) and Lakewood Ranch Medical Center (September). The concert series is paid for in part by Sarasota County Tourist Development Tax Revenues.

The Van Wezel box office located at 777 North Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. For more information, call 941-953-3368 or visit www.vanwezel.org.