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TONIGHT! Wed, March 27

Damon Fowler & Greg Poulos Acoustic!
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Damon Fowler was born and raised in Brandon, Florida, and first picked up a guitar at the age of 12. After being shown a few chords he quickly developed an affinity for the instrument…and also fell in love with the blues.  He was soon gigging regularly in small clubs in the Tampa Bay Area. After adding hints of R&B, soul, and country to his approach, Fowler learned to play lap steel guitar and Dobro and also added a wicked slide guitar style to his arsenal, and developed a versatile singing voice along the way, too.

Greg Poulos has had a long and eventful history, starting in his early teens. Of greatest interest to blues fans is probably the year he spent touring with the legendary Freddie King.  In the early winter of 1976, Greg was broke, hardly working, and living in an unheated garage. He heard that King was auditioning for a new rhythm guitarist. Freddie took one look at Greg’s near-homeless hippie attire and shook his head. That would never do.  He wasn’t even going to give Greg a listen until he learned that Greg had recently sat in with Sammy Lawhorn in Chicago. Greg finally got to take the stage and played like his life depended on it, with his friends whooping and hollering. Afterwards, Freddie invited Greg to a poker game (a very good sign!). Greg got the gig, and a few days later he was onstage playing alongside the legendary Freddie King.

Showtime -7:00pm–10:00pm

The Bradenton Women's Club -

1705 Manatee Avenue West, Bradenton
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Sunday, March 31

Ellie Lee & Friends at Skippers
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Ellie Lee Winner of numerous awards, Ellie is a blues/rock guitarist/singer/songwriter that fronts the band with her soulful voice, ripping guitar solos and her obvious joy in performing. Ellie’s guitar virtuosity has been compared to Jeff Beck, Albert King and Jimi Hendrix just to name a few. People enjoy the fact that Ellie plays and sings like there’s no tomorrow.

Showtime – 5:00pm-9:00pm

Skipper’s Smokehouse  - 910 Skipper Rd, Tampa
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Wednesday, March 27

  • Liz Pennock & Dr. Blues - The Hangar, St. Pete, 6-9pm
  • Brian Leneschmidt - Ferg's Sports Bar, St. Pete, 5-8pm
  • Jason Haram Group - Bunny and Pirates on Tap, Cortez, 6-9pm
  • The Divebombers - Maduro Cigar and Bar, Bradenton, 6:30-9:30pm
  • Terry Hanck Band - Englewoods on Dearborn Restaurant, Englewood, 7-10pm
  • Damon Fowler & Greg Poulos Acoustic - The Bradenton Women's Club, 7-10pm
  • Rick Honeyboy Hart - Captain Jack's Waterfront Grille, Tarpon Springs, 5:30-8:30pm

      Thursday, March 28

      • The Divebombers - Mattison's Riverwalk, Bradenton, 7-10pm
      • Josh Hoyer & Soul Colossal - Englewoods on Dearborn, Englewood, 7-10pm
      • Biscuit Miller & the Mix w/ Mike Imbasciani & his BluezRockerz - Punta Gorda Woman’s Club, Punta Gorda, 6-9pm

      Friday, March 29

      • Ari and the Alibis - Made In Italy, Venice, 8:30-11:30pm
      • Brian Leneschmidt - Thirsty Marlin, Palm Harbor 8-11pm
      • TC Carr & Bolts of Blue - Blue Rooster, Sarasota, 8-11pm
      • Backwater Blues Band – Ricks on the River, Tampa, 7-11pm
      • Jimmy Griswold - Finley's Irish Pub, Dunedin, 8:30-11:30pm
      • The Man & Guitar World Tour - Ballyhoo Grill, Tampa, 7-10pm
      • Lazy Boy & the Rockers – Brian’s Place, Hernando Beach, 7-11pm
      • Laura Rain and the Caesars – The Barrel Room, Ft. Myers, 9pm-12am
      • The Mudds Jazz & Blues Band - Whispering Oaks Winery, Oxford, 6-9pm
      • Mike Imbasciani & his BluezRockerz - Bert's Bar, Matlacha, 7:30-10:30pm

      Saturday, March 30

      • Biscuit Miller & the Mix - Blue Rooster, Sarasota, 8-11pm
      • Ari and the Alibis - Seminole Hard Rock, Tampa, 9pm-1am
      • Howlin' Bob - LeBarge Tropical Cruises, Sarasota, 6-8:30pm
      • Memphis Rub Band - Angry Rooster, Bradenton, 9pm-1am
      • Blue Lightning Band - Sunset Lounge, Clearwater, 9pm-1am
      • Backwater Blues Band – Caddy’s On Central, St. Pete, 6-10pm
      • KoKo Ray & The Keepers - Riviera Dunes Dockside, Palmetto, 6-9pm
      • Kid Royal & The Hang-Ups - Darwin Brewing Co, Bradenton, 7-10pm
      • The Mudds Jazz & Blues Band - Whispering Oaks Winery, Oxford, 6-9pm
      • Charlie Morris Band - Herb's Limestone Country Club, Limestone, 12-4pm
      • Man & Guitar World Tour - Crabby Bill's Off the Hook, Westchase, 7-10pm
      • LC Williams and the Driver - Poochies Woof & Wine, Dunedin, 7:30-10:30pm
      • Mike Imbasciani & his BluezRockerz - Fedora’s Cigar Bar, Punta Gorda, 7-10pm

        Sunday March 31

        • RJ Howson - Hoosier Bar & Grill, Osprey, 5-9pm
        • Patty Sanphy - Lucky Lobster Co. Dunedin, 5-8:30pm
        • Brian Leneschmidt - Tarpon Turtle Grill, Tarpon Springs, 1-4pm
        • Lauren Mitchell - Florida Blueberry Festival, Kissimmee, 1 - 2pm
        • Doug Deming & The Jewel Tones - Snook's Bayside, Englewood, 3-6pm
        • Mike Imbasciani & his BluezRockerz - TT’s Tiki Bar, Punta Gorda, 4- 7pm
        • The Divebombers - Captain Eddie's Seafood Restaurant, Nokomis, 5-8pm

        Monday, April 1

        • TC Carr & Bolts of Blue - Ka'Tiki, Treasure Island, 6-10pm

        • Jimmy Griswold - Crabby Bill's, Indian Rocks Beach, 6-10pm

        • Laura Rain and the Caesars – South Street Grill, Naples, 6-9pm

        Tuesday, April 2

        • Lauren Mitchell - Blue Rooster, Sarasota, 7-10pm
        • Laura Rain and the Caesars – South Street Grill, Naples, 7-10pm
        • Mike Imbasciani & His Bluez Rockerz - Englewoods on Dearborn, Englewood, 7-10pm

        Wednesday, April 3

        • Liz Pennock & Dr. Blues - The Hangar, St. Pete, 6-9pm
        • The Mudds Jazz & Blues Band – Redsauce, Ocala, 6-9pm
        • Jason Haram Group - Bunny and Pirates on Tap, Cortez, 6-9pm
        • Josh Hoyer & The Soul Colossal - Englewoods on Dearborn, Englewood, 7-10pm
        • Jimmy Griswold - Captain Jack's Waterfront Grille, Tarpon Springs, 5:30-8:30pm
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        Every Day I Have The Blues!

          ↵

        Sundays:

        • Wendy Rich's "Supa' Sunday At The Shack" - 14519 Old Dixie Hwy, Hudson, 4-8 pm
        • 3rd Sunday -  "Buzz Jam" -  Ukulele Brands, 4805 LO'L Blvd, Land O' Lakes, 4-7pm 

        Mondays:

        • House of Trouble Jam - Green Iguana - 4029 S. Westshore Blvd, Tampa 10 pm 
        • Ed Wright Jam - Keith's Oaks Bar, 108 Lithia Pinecrest Rd, Brandon 7-11 pm
        • Freckled Fin Frenzy Jam - Freckled Fin, 5337 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 7–11pm

        Tuesdays:

        • Al Razz Blues Jam - Gil & Rick's Sports Bar, 1250 Seminole Blvd, Largo, 8:00-11:00pm
        • Clam Jam - Cortez Clam Factory, 10104 Cortez Rd W,  Bradenton, 7 pm  
        • Ed Wright Open Jam - Ybor Live - Lakeland - 5263 S Florida Ave, Lakeland, 8 pm-12 am
        • Barry Ertel Open Jam -  Coco Coronado, 317 Coronado Dr, Clearwater Beach, 7-11pm

         Wednesdays:

        • Johnny Dreamwell's Jam - Brady's Back Yard, 340 Main St, Safety Harbor, 7 pm
        • Josh Lamkin Blues Jam - Ruby Elixir, 15 3 St. N, St. Pete, 9 pm
        • Al Fuller's Famous Blues Jam - Blue Rooster, 1525 4th St, Sarasota 7:30-10:30 pm

        Thursdays:

        • Marty Stokes Jam - Space 39, Patio De Leon, Fort Myers, 8-11 pm

        • Strictly Blues w/Jason Haram - Swordfish Grille, 4628 119th St, Cortez, 7-10 pm

        • Phil Stokes Jam - Red Tiki, 7361 46th Ave N, St Pete, 8-11pm

        If a jam needs to be added, revised, or deleted please send details to events@suncoastblues.
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        Friday, April 5

        Doug Deming & The Jewel Tones - Music In The Park
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        Realize Bradenton's “Music in the Park” series presents: Doug Deming is an American blues and roots guitarist/vocalist, born and raised in the Detroit area, currently residing on the Gulf Coast of Florida. Doug is the 2013 recipient of the Blues Blast Music Awards’ Sean Costello Rising Star Award. Drawing influence from greats like T-Bone Walker, Charlie Christian and Robert Jr. Lockwood, Doug’s traditional taste and style are evident in his original music, with three recordings of primarily original tunes to his credit. Doug Deming & the Jewel Tones play traditional blues, West Coast and Texas swing, and early 50s roots rock.

        Event Time – 6:00–8:00pm

        Mosaic Amphitheater - 606 3rd Ave W, Bradenton
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        Saturday, April 6

        Zenith Sunn w/ Eric Lindell & Anson Funderburgh

        At Skipper’s
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        Eric Lindell came to national prominence after relocating to New Orleans in 1999. He was picked up by Alligator Records in 2006 and recorded three albums for the label. He has since issued several CDs on smaller indie labels. Lindell's music has been described by USA Today as “pumping soul into funk, blues and roots-rock”…his musical style borrows from 1970s blues-rock, soul and R&B. The shuffling interplay of electric guitars, percolating organ and Creole horns never fails to make you feel like dancing all the way down Canal Street.”


        Born in 1954, Anson Funderburgh hails from Plano,TX. In high school, Anson got bit by the Blues bug via Jimmy Reed & Lightning Hopkins. By 1978 he had founded Anson & The Rockets w/vocalist & harp player Darrel Nulisch, who was replaced Sam Myers in 1986. Sam stayed ‘til his death in 2006.After Sam's death, Anson took a seven year hiatus from performing to devote time to his new family.2012 was the first of many tours of Golden State/Lone Star Review. Anson does the Delbert McClinton Sandy Beaches Cruise every year and has performed w/Boz Scaggs, Snooks Eaglin, Grady Gaines, Earl King & Jimmy Buffett.

        Showtime – 8:00pm-12:00am

        Skipper’s Smokehouse – 910 Skipper Rd, Tampa
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        Sunday, April 7

        Moonflower & Alex Lopez Xpress – Vintage Skipper's!

        Two great bands share the stage as they pay tribute to the music that helped form a generation…and change music forever.
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        The music and rhythms of Carlos Santana come alive as performed by Moonflower. Hear all of Santana’s greatest hits as they recreate the sound, feel and show of this rock icon. immerse yourself in the “Spirit of Santana”!
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        Acclaimed recording artist Alex Lopez and The Xpress will perform the classic British blues that started a music revolution…along with music from his own award-winning albums. Hear music from such British blues greats like Eric Clapton, Cream, Led Zeppelin, Gary Moore, Jeff Beck and more…and discover why critics are saying Alex will rejuvenate the blues for the next generation.

        Showtime – 5:00-9:00pm

        Skipper's Smokehouse - 910 Skipper Rd, Tampa
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        Thursday, April 11

        The Blues Fest "Kick Off Party"
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        The official Tampa Bay Blues Fest "Kick Off Party" is returning to the beautiful Palladium Theater, at 253 Fifth Avenue North, St Petersburg. Join us and our festival sponsors for a great show with Curtis Salgado, multiple BMA winner for best soul blues singer and stellar harp player! This show is guaranteed to blow your mind!! Get your festival groove going early and say hello to our guests from around the world, who have traveled to join us for the festival.

        Doors open at 7:00 - Curtis Salgado on stage at 8:00

        Palladium Theater -

        253 Fifth Avenue North, St Petersburg
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        Thurs. April 11 & Fri. April 12

        Sarasota Film Festival's African American Film Series

        Thurs. April 11  - Miles Davis: ‘Birth of the Cool’

        Miles Davis is the one jazz figure of the postwar era who had, and still has, the larger-than-life quality of a pop star. Directed by the gifted Stanley Nelson (“The Black Panthers; Vanguard of the Revolution”) this documentary film is a tantalizing portrait: rich, probing, mournful, romantic, triumphant and blisteringly honest.

        Fri. April 12 – “Bolden"

        This feature film tells the story of Buddy Bolden the first Cornet King of New Orleans. He was born in 1877. At the age of 30 he was committed to an asylum where he died in 1931. His only known recording has never been found. He is credited with inventing Jazz. With original music by Wynton Marsalis, this film tells the compelling, powerful and tragic journey of this unsung musician.

        Regal Hollywood 11 - 1993 Main St, Sarasota
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        Fri. April 12-Sun. April 14

        You Waited All Year…It’s Finally Here!
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        Friday, April 12th, 2019

        Spoonful of Blues - 12:30pm, J.T. Lauritsen & The Buckshot Hunters - 2:30,  Curtis Salgado - 4:30, Samantha Fish - 6:30,  and Jonny Lang - 8:30.


        Saturday, April 13th, 2019

        The Blackburn Brothers - 11:30am, Vanessa Collier - 12:45pm, Mr. Sipp - 2:30,The Connection w/ Mike Welch & special guests - 4:30, Shemekia Copeland - 6:30, and wrapping up with Boz Scaggs at 8:30.


        Sunday, April 14th, 2019

        Enjoy the “Louisiana Blues Experience” with Rosie Ledet & The Zydeco Playboys at 1:00pm, Mike Zito - 2:30, C.J. Chenier & The Red Hot Louisiana Band - 4:30, Kenny Neal - 6:30 and everybody’s favorite Tab Benoit at 8:30.
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        Vinoy Park - 701 Bayshore Dr NE, St. Pete.
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        Wednesday, April 17

        Blueberries & Blues!
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        Whispering Oaks Winery is bringing you some fine mid-week Blues, with three great acts!

        At 2:00pm it’s The Mudds - They play deeply felt Blues songs with jazz undertones. Many of their tunes are originals, the rest are from Blues and Jazz masters. When you hear their music, you want will to kick back and listen for a long time.

        At 4:00pm Sarasota Slim takes the stage. He’s a Florida native and proud of it.  There are early CDs on the Appaloosa label (from Milan, Italy) and self-produced CDs on the Possum Phono-Graphics label. The Sarasota Slim Band started in the mid 80's and has had all manner of talented musicians come and go through it.  The common thread being a love of blues-based music done right.

        6:00pm brings on Little Mike & the Tornadoes. This powerhouse blues band from New York City is led by singer, songwriter, and harp master, Mike Markowitz. The band is well-known for its flawless, high energy blues sound, modeled after the great Chicago bands of the 50’s. Little Mike is a mean harmonica player who cut his teeth in New York City, backing up legendary Bluesmen Pinetop Perkins, Hubert Sumlin, and Jimmy Rogers. He then moved to Florida, where he continues to perform and record

        Event Time – 1:30-8:00pm

        Whispering Oaks Winery  - 10934 CR 475, Oxford, FL
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        Sunday, April 21

        Whiskey Bayou Easter Party 

        w/Damon Fowler and Eric McFadden
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        Showtime – 5:00-9:00pm

        Skipper's Smokehouse - 910 Skipper Rd, Tampa
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        Friday, April 26

        Ari and the Alibis - Music In The Park
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        Realize Bradenton's “Music in the Park” series presents:  Ari and the Alibis infuse funk, jazz, and samba with blues, soul, and rock to create a memorable ear-catching sound. In 2016, they were nominated for best local band in Tampa Bay, and Ari for best Jazz vocalist. They also received Grammy nods in two categories: Best Rock Song (Dirty Little Secret) and Best Rock Performance (Dirty Little Secret and Bon Appetit).

        Event Time – 6:00–8:00pm

        Mosaic Amphitheater - 606 3rd Ave W, Bradenton
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        Saturday, April 27

        Selwyn Birchwood Band At The Palladium!
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        With his fiery guitar and lap steel playing, his trailblazing, instantly memorable songs and gritty, unvarnished vocals, Selwyn Birchwood is among the most extraordinary young stars in the blues. His deep familiarity with blues tradition allows him to bust the genre wide open, adding new sounds, colors and textures, all delivered with a revival tent preacher’s fervor and a natural storyteller’s charisma. Selwyn and his band have crisscrossed the U.S. and Europe repeatedly, delivering unforgettable live performances. With his new album, Pick Your Poison, Birchwood, along with his band—saxophonist Regi Oliver, bassist Huff Wright and drummer Courtney “Big Love” Girlie—takes a major step forward, crafting visionary blues for a new generation of forward-looking fans.

        Showtime – 8:00-11:00pm

        Palladium Theater - 253 5th Ave N, St. Pete
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        Sunday,  April 28

        RJ Howson & Friends Do Brunch!
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        Fire branded in the Chicago blues circuit, roots rocker and bluesman RJ Howson picked up his skillful guitar chops performing and jamming with blues icons at Buddy Guy's Legends club, Rosa's Lounge, Kingston Mines, Blues on Halstead and many other clubs in the Windy City and performing all over the midwest; he now resides here in the Bay Area.

        Brunch Time - 11:00am - 2:00pm

        Mattison's Riverwalk - 101 Riverfront Blvd, Bradenton
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        The Twelve Bar Rag is now available on our website for viewing or downloading! Now you can access the latest issue of our bi-monthly newsletter when and where you choose to connect to the net. www.suncoastblues.org Click on the "News" tab to see any recent issue.

        If you have something to sell or promote, please consider an ad in our 12 Bar Rag.   

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        Deadline is 1st of the preceding month - email your ad to [email protected]  

        Please keep your Suncoast Blues Society

        membership current!!   


        We want you to stick around and continue to receive the weekly Blues Update and the bimonthly 12 Bar Rag. Your expiration date can be found on the bottom of your Membership Card. If you have questions about membership, please contact Len Lomas at: ​[email protected] 
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             https://www.facebook.com/Suncoast-Blues-Society-208523331703/
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        Sunday:

        • WSLR 96.5  - Sarasota 

        3:00-5:00 pm - Velvet Hammer Blues with Beth Hammer
        ​Monday: 

        • WMNF 88.5 - Tampa
        • 6:00-8:00 pm - Mo Blues Monday with Larry Lisk
        • 8:00-10:00 pm - 360 Degrees Of Blues with Harrison Nash

        Alternating Tuesdays:
        WSLR 96.5 - Sarasota    

        • 2:00-4:00 pm-Back Alley Blues with Steve Arvey

        Alternating Tuesdays:
        WSLR 96.5 - Sarasota   

        • 7:00-9:00 am Blues to Bluegrass with John Dickman
          Friday:

        WMNF 88.5 - Tampa    

        • 3-5 pm Rev. Billy's Rhythm Revival
        • 7-8 pm Route 66 Mike "Vinyl" Humphries

        Saturday - Tampa: 

        WMNF 88.5

        • 3-6 am Mellow Music Encounters with Rick Collins
        • 6-8 pm Soulful Soiree with Cheryl Mogul

        Every Day-Sirius XM Satellite Radio, Channel 70, BB Kings Bluesville 24 hours a day 
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        President/ Entertainment - Lafayette Reid - [email protected]
        Vice President/Grants - James Randolph - [email protected] 
        Sec'ry/Pub. Rel.- Warren McDougle - [email protected] 
        Treasurer -  Terri O'Brien - [email protected] 
        Membership - Kyle Morris - [email protected]
        Merchandise - Cheryl Spradling - [email protected]
        12 Bar Rag Editor - George Willett - [email protected]
        12 Bar Rag Layout/Art - Franc Robert -[email protected] ​
        Weekly Email- [email protected]                                   Gig Listings -[email protected]
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