By Nanette Wiser
Hello, early summer! Before we heat up, take advantage of all the outdoor music at local bars, restaurants and festivals. When it’s time to cool off, head to The Palladium, Ruby’s Elixir, Bayboro Brewing, Ruth Eckerd Hall, Capitol Theater, The Mahaffey and of course, Monday night jazz jams at The Hangar with Al Downing Tampa Bay Jazz Association and CJ’s Backstage with TomKats Orchestra is the coolest evening in town!
RED, WHITE & BLUE
We’ll be celebrating America 250 all over Tampa Bay, from Gulfport’s Stars Stripes & Swing June 20 to Heritage Villages Big Bash July 11. On May 23 at The Mahaffey, The Florida Orchestra features Michael Chertock, piano, and Aaron Dworkin as narrator in a spectacular celebration of America’s 250th birthday, where the rich tapestry of the nation’s history and culture come to life through music. Anchored by Gershwin’s iconic Rhapsody in Blue, this heartfelt salute to veterans and the American spirit features Copland’s Lincoln Portrait, Barber’s Adagio for Strings, timeless jazz by Duke Ellington and more, with a rousing patriotic finale. The Gulfport Senior Foundation’s Stars, Stripes & Swing June 20 at The Maria Center features a live big band orchestra, dance competitions, fun activities and silent auction with the one and only sensational chanteuse, Laurie Loyst!
NORTH END TAPHOUSE & KITCHEN
Gulfport rocks, all year long and catching John Frinzi and other legends at various neighborhood bars would make John Prine proud. Prine called Gulfport home later in life and was recently featured locally in two films that aired at The Beach Theater and Green Light Cinema. With music nightly and an open jam some Mondays at North End Taphouse, look for Grego Anderson, Marianne & The Professor, Hot Tonic, Shaun Hopper, Taphouse Tuesday Tribe with Roxanne and other popular musicians on the alfresco stage. Find more music at O’Maddy’s, Hurricane Eddy’s and
The Peninsula Hotel.
GREEN LIGHT CINEMA, LOUNGE + KITCHEN
“It’s in the Lounge!” is the new battle cry for hip cats downtown. With indie films and Sunscreen Film Festival, trivia, comedy and music nights in The Lounge, owner Mike Hazlett’s vision has come alive and the sounds are amazing: James Suggs, The Jazz Librarians and GreenLit Improv with the Station 12 Studio gang. The casual sit-down restaurant and bar serve Argentinian-inspired empanadas, smash burgers, sandwiches, salads, small bites, and dessert, and is a hang-out for film lovers and artists of all kinds to gather for conversation and creativity. May’s evening entertainment features 5/16: Uncle John’s Band, 5/21 Trivia with Colton & Amber, 5/23: Boho Sideshow, 5/28 Spoiler Warning: Constantine, 5/29 Karaoke with Jay Ables and 5/30 The Pinky Debartlo Show comedy. There’s even a Page To Picture Book Club collaboration with Book + Bottle; the next one is May 31.
BLUES BOSSES
On May 20, The Palladium’s Side Door Cabaret for an unforgettable night with Bill Wharton, the Sauce Boss! Experience a high-energy blend of Bluesy slide guitar and soulful vocals as Bill ignites the stage with his unique sound. Sauce Boss mixes media like cornbread. Hot sauce, blues, chicken, funk, onions and okra, heartfelt songs, peppers and soul, seafood… and slide guitar, all go into the gumbo. The aroma fills the place. The crowd stirs up the pot. The Sauce Boss stirs up the crowd. It’s a soul-shouting picnic of Rock and Roll brotherhood, and at the end of the show, everyone gets a chance to sample the gumbo. Another blues legend June 18 is an intimate evening of authentic Delta Blues featuring Eden Brent. Born and raised in the Mississippi Delta, Eden Brent brings genuine Blues straight from its roots. Her performances blend Boogie-Woogie, Blues, Jazz, Gospel, and Soul, creating a powerful and deeply moving live experience. As a protégé of the legendary Blues pianist Abie “Boogaloo” Ames, Eden continues the Delta piano tradition with remarkable grit, heartfelt emotion, and unmistakable energy. Following a Piano Trophy win, four nominations, and a commanding performance at the 2025 Blues Music Awards, Eden Brent is now nominated for the Traditional Blues Female Artist in the 2026 Blues Music Awards.
