Friday Fest of the Bay – Rye Road County Music July 17, 2009-5-9pm FREE
Presented By the Wilde Automotive Family
FridayFest, the free outdoor summertime music series and celebration set along the bayfront of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, tunes up for an eclectic season of Caribbean, Salsa, Rock, Oldies and Country music from top Gulfcoast bands.
The four members of Rye Road know exactly what they want to do – take their combined passion and creativity for music and collectively conquer the Independent music industry while living their childhood dreams of a career in music.
Having musical influences that range from The Eagles, Alabama, Restless Heart, Journey, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Little Texas, and Bon Jovi, just to name a few, their homegrown Florida version of “Red Dirt Country Rock” music – which they describe as “Wanted Dead or Alive” meets “Sweet Home Alabama” – is certainly catching the ears of Music fans in Florida and the world wide internet.
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 inclement weather, the festival will move indoors to the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall.
Thank you to our sponsors: Sarasota Arts Council, Comcast, Bright House Networks, Budweiser, ABC-7, Pelican Press, Creative Loafing, 106.5 CTQ, The Van Wezel Foundation, Boar’s Head, Waste Services of Florida, Broadway Bar Restaurant, InterMedia Productions and Cameresi Designs.
As a delicious prelude to an evening of theater, Michael's On East invites you to enjoy the "Show Before the Show" at Michael's at the Van Wezel!
Take advantage of exclusive discounts, stay on top of the events schedule, and have a chance to win the "Two Tickets" Sweepstakes. Only Van Wezel e-mail subscribers are automatically entered each month, so sign up today and join in the fun!
It's easy to invite all of your friends on your favorite social networking site.
There are no special student priced tickets available for this event.
Curtain Calls are your opportunity to learn more about the creative process with our visiting artists. These informal pre- or post-performance discussions, all held at the Van Wezel, are FREE and open to the public. No tickets are required. Please join us!
Sorry, group tickets are not available for this event.
Special Requests
The Van Wezel strives to ensure that all people, regardless of ability, can enjoy our programming and our facility. Both the Main and Bayside lobbies are now completely accessible to people with disabilities. If you have a special request for accessible seating or special assistance materials, please contact the Box Office at 941-953-3368 at least three weeks in advance of the event. Elevators in both lobbies provide easy access to all levels of the Hall, including the Grand Foyer and Auditorium. In the auditorium, wheelchair seating is available in Sections A and C. Wheelchair patrons can be accommodated in restrooms off both lobbies.
For the Hard of Hearing
The Van Wezel offers the Sennheiser Infrared listening system. The Sennheiser system makes it possible for those with a hearing loss of up to 75% to hear a program from any seat in the auditorium. Sennheiser headsets are available for use free of charge in both lobbies before each show.
Patrons in Wheelchairs
Patrons in wheelchairs may enter through automatic doors in both Main and Bayside lobbies on ground level (no stairs). Only disabled patrons with tickets in wheelchair section may use the free parking facilities on the circle outside the Main Entrance. Your cooperation is requested. Additional free parking for handicapped is provided in the regular parking area. Cars must have necessary identification to qualify for these special arrangements. Wheelchair patrons can be accommodated in restrooms off both lobbies. There is a wheelchair on the premises for emergency use, thanks to the generosity of Easter Seals.
[cafe information]
Let's Get Social!
Connect with the Van Wezel through Social Media sites Facebook and Twitter. Connecting with us will allow us to get timely information and special offers to you in a convenient way. Plus we want to hear what you have to say!
Join our network and get exclusive offers!
Stay up to the minute on all things Van Wezel.