The BayCare Sound<\/p>\n
Styx & Cheap Trick<\/p>\n
CLEARWATER \u2014 Styx will perform with special guest Cheap Trick on Friday, Feb. 27, 7 p.m., at The BayCare Sound, 255 Drew St., Clearwater.<\/p>\n
Tickets start at $58.50. Visit www.rutheckerdhall.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n Creating and recording new music is often considered the lifeblood of any band \u2014 an ethos Styx continues to embody with \u201cCircling from Above,\u201d the band\u2019s 18th studio album. The new studio effort was released in May 2025 via the band\u2019s label Alpha Dog 2T\/UMe. Spanning 13 tracks, the album navigates the complexities of the human experience through the intersecting lenses of technology and nature. \u201cCircling from Above\u201d features contributions from all seven members of the band, including founding guitarist\/vocalist James \u201cJY\u201d Young, guitarist\/vocalist Tommy Shaw, original bassist Chuck Panozzo, longtime drummer Todd Sucherman, keyboardist\/vocalist Lawrence Gowan, guitarist\/vocalist Will Evankovich and bassist Terry Gowan.<\/p>\n The seven men comprising Styx have committed to \u201cRockin\u2019 the Paradise\u201d together with audiences far and wide, and each one of them is committed to making the next show better than the last. They draw from over five decades of chart hits, joyous singalongs, and hard-driving deep cuts. Like a symphony that builds to a satisfying crescendo, a Styx set covers a wide range of stylistic cornerstones. From the progressively sweeping splendor that is \u201cThe Grand Illusion\u201d to the hunker-down fortitude of \u201cBlue Collar Man,\u201d from the majestic spiritual love for a special \u201cLady\u201d to the seething indictment of preening, primping pageantry for pageantry\u2019s sake of \u201cMiss America,\u201d the band draws on an unlimited cache of ways to immerse one\u2019s mind and body in their signature sound. Other familiar favorites include \u201cMan in the Wilderness, \u201cCrystal Ball,\u201d \u201cCome Sail Away\u201d and \u201cRenegade.\u201d<\/p>\n Cheap Trick, the iconic rock band hailing from Illinois, has been rocking stages and winning over fans with their timeless sound for over five decades. Known for their electrifying live performances, catchy melodies, and innovative songwriting, Cheap Trick has become a staple in rock music history. With hits like \u201cI Want You to Want Me,\u201d \u201cDream Police,\u201d \u201cThe Flame\u201d and \u201cSurrender,\u201d this legendary band continues to inspire and entertain audiences with their signature blend of hard rock and power-pop sensibilities.<\/p>\n Cheap Trick is part of the very fiber of American music, inspiring and delighting generations with their unique union of massive melodies and razorblade riffs, their own special brand of mischievous wit and maximum rock \u2018n\u2019 roll. They achieved mainstream popularity in the United States in 1979 with the triple-platinum live album \u201cAt Budokan\u201d and a Top 10 single, a live recording of \u201cI Want You to Want Me.\u201d More success followed with the album \u201cDream Police\u201d in 1979, which reached No. 6 on the Billboard 200.The band experienced another resurgence in late 1980s when they topped U.S. charts with power ballad, \u201cThe Flame.\u201d<\/p>\n Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2016, Cheap Trick maintain an almost constant touring schedule, having performed live more than 5,000 times since their formation, selling more than 20 million albums and building a dedicated cult following.<\/p>\n Bilheimer Capitol Theatre<\/p>\n Spyro Gyra<\/p>\n CLEARWATER \u2014 Spyro Gyra will perform on Friday, Feb. 27, 8 p.m., at the Bilheimer Capitol Theatre, 405 Cleveland St., Clearwater.<\/p>\n Tickets start at $62. Visit www.rutheckerdhall.com<\/a> or call 727-791-7400.<\/p>\n In 2024, Jay Beckenstein and band observed the 50th anniversary of what started as a diversion, something that was just for fun. It\u2019s a time that Beckenstein remembers fondly. He describes the beginning as \u201cthat period of time when I was in my 20s, when it was all raw and there were no expectations. It was all about having a good time and playing hard. It was a golden time.\u201d<\/p>\n It\u2019s a story that is familiar to fans of Spyro Gyra around the world. It began inauspiciously in 1974 when Beckenstein and a few musician friends in Buffalo, New York, organized a get-together on their shared night off from working in bands that actually made money. It was a simple, humble idea with a name that was likewise simple and humble: \u201cTuesday Night Jazz Jam.\u201d Every week a core group, Beckenstein and co-founder Jeremy Wall along with Jim Kurzdorfer and Tom Walsh, the rhythm section from the Buffalo Jazz Ensemble who Beckenstein and Wall had been playing with, would gather to jam. They were joined by various players from around town, including long time Spyro Gyra keyboardist Tom Schuman, who just wanted to have some fun playing jazz and its relatively new cousin, jazz fusion.<\/p>\n The idea grew and so did its audience until one week when the club owner insisted that Beckenstein come up with a name for the group to display on his new sidewalk sign. Beckenstein flippantly suggested \u201cspirogyra\u201d which is an algae he remembered from his biology classes. The next week, there it was adorning the sign out front mistakenly spelled Spyro Gyra. And so, it began and continued to grow.<\/p>\n Spyro Gyra\u2019s sound has remained instantly identifiable despite several personnel changes over the years. Jay Beckenstein denies that it was the result of any strategy.<\/p>\n \u201cHaving released 30-plus albums, we often made an effort to create something that didn\u2019t sound like the \u2018Spyro Gyra sound,\u2019\u201d he said. \u201cBut my saxophone playing is the vocal lead of the band and I have the voice I have. I\u2019m not a saxophone chameleon. I\u2019m just me. The good side of that is that there is only one me, so it\u2019s effortless. So that has kept a very consistent identity to the band. However, I would say that the band approach changed greatly at different times.\u201d<\/p>\n Bilheimer Capitol Theatre<\/p>\n Tusk<\/p>\n CLEARWATER \u2014 Tusk will perform on Saturday, Feb. 28, 8 p.m., at the Bilheimer Capitol Theatre, 405 Cleveland St., Clearwater.<\/p>\n Tickets start at $29. Visit www.rutheckerdhall.com<\/a> or call 727-791-7400.<\/p>\n Tusk has been crisscrossing the country since 2008 as the ultimate Fleetwood Mac tribute. But of all the Fleetwood Mac tributes playing around the United States today, what exactly sets Tusk apart? Is it more than five skilled professionals with decades of individual musical study, live performance, creative risk, and devotion to the art? Is it more than affection and respect for the Fleetwood Mac experience, an entity that endures over 50 years of musical and cultural evolution? Is it more than vocal similarities, common physical traits, or good costumes? Few acts would find success in the tribute scene without displaying some or all these characteristics. So, what qualities does Tusk possess that can\u2019t be learned, bought, or created simply from a desire to have them?<\/p>\n It is chemistry, synergy and intuition.<\/p>\n The history among the five founding members of Tusk goes back more than four decades. Two met while playing Little League baseball, while two others were classmates in every music subject imaginable from middle school band through high school jazz. All five have been playing music with one another over the years in various original bands, jam bands, singer-songwriter circles, and alternative rock groups.<\/p>\n Time, trust, and close friendship have cultivated an intimate familiarity with each other\u2019s musical nuances, shaping each performance with such precision that even the slightest variation, virtually imperceptible to all but the five musicians onstage, is met with a wink and a nod. Tusk is more than a band; they are a family. Experience the wonder of a Tusk show for yourself.<\/p>\n Bilheimer Capitol Theatre<\/p>\n Alicia Witt<\/p>\n CLEARWATER \u2014 Alicia Witt will perform on Sunday, March 1, 7:30 p.m., at the Bilheimer Capitol Theatre, 405 Cleveland St., Clearwater.<\/p>\n Tickets start at $39. Visit www.rutheckerdhall.com<\/a> or call 727-791-7400.<\/p>\n Actor and Billboard Top 30 charting singer-songwriter Alicia Witt has played her piano-driven pop-rock music all over the world, including at the renowned Grand Ole Opry. She appeared in 2023 on Fox\u2019s \u201cThe Masked Singer,\u201d winning her first episode as Dandelion. Witt\u2019s newest EP, \u201cWitness,\u201d came out in 2023. She released \u201cThe Conduit\u201d in fall 2021, which she co-produced, including single \u201cChasing Shadows,\u201d which spent five weeks on the Billboard Top 30 AC Radio chart.<\/p>\n Previous releases include \u201c15,000 Days,\u201d produced by Grammy award-winning producer Jacquire King; and the Ben Folds-produced \u201cRevisionary History.\u201d<\/p>\n Also known for her decades-long career as a prolific TV\/film actress \u2014 beginning with David Lynch’s \u201cDune\u201d at the age of 7 \u2014 Witt\u2019s music has been featured in numerous movies. She was most recently seen in Netflix\u2019s hit \u201cI Care A Lot,\u201d starring Rosamund Pike, and leading the cast of \u201cModern Persuasion.\u201d<\/p>\n Bilheimer Capitol Theatre<\/p>\n Al Jardine & Pet Sounds Band<\/p>\n CLEARWATER \u2014 Al Jardine & Pet Sounds Band will present a tribute to Brian Wilson on Monday, March 2, 7:30 p.m., at the Bilheimer Capitol Theatre, 405 Cleveland St., Clearwater.<\/p>\n Tickets start at $59. Visit www.rutheckerdhall.com<\/a> or call 727-791-7400.<\/p>\n Jardine \u2014 guitarist, vocalist and songwriter \u2014 is best known for being one of the founding members of The Beach Boys. After his family moved to Hawthorne, California, in the mid-1950s, Al met Brian, Carl and Dennis Wilson and Mike Love, to form the band in 1961. Jardine played guitar, arranged and produced many songs and sang lead on the No. 1 hit \u201cHelp Me, Rhonda.\u201d In 1988, Jardine was inducted into the Rock \u2019n\u2019 Roll Hall of Fame as a member of The Beach Boys and in 2001, he was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award Grammy. In 2005, Jardine released \u201cSloop John B: A Pirate\u2019s Tale,\u201d a fun-filled adventure children\u2019s book based on the classic folk song (and Beach Boys hit) of the same name.<\/p>\n Jardine released his first studio album, \u201cA Postcard from California,\u201d in 2010, which was re-released to a worldwide audience in 2022 from Universal Music. Throughout the last decade and a half, Jardine has continuously toured with Brian Wilson, The Beach Boys (on their 50th Anniversary Tour) and on his own with his Endless Summer Band. With the summer 2025 release of a new four-track EP called \u201cIslands In The Sun,\u201d Jardine continues to produce new music on his own that captures the spirit and vibe of The Beach Boys\u2019 biggest hits.<\/p>\n In 2025, Jardine reformed the talented and seasoned members of Brian Wilson\u2019s touring band for many years as The Pet Sounds Band. This new show includes The Beach Boys\u2019 greatest hits like \u201cCalifornia Girls,\u201d \u201cHelp Me Rhonda,\u201d \u201cI Get Around,\u201d \u201cWouldn\u2019t It Be Nice,\u201d \u201cSloop John B,\u201d \u201cSurfin\u2019 USA\u201d and \u201cFun, Fun, Fun,\u201d as well as radio singles and fan favorites from The Beach Boys\u2019 critically-acclaimed catalogue.<\/p>\n Bilheimer Capitol Theatre<\/p>\n Jake Shimabukuro<\/p>\n CLEARWATER \u2014 Grammy nominated artist Jake Shimabukuro will perform on Tuesday, March 3, 8 p.m., at the Bilheimer Capitol Theatre, 405 Cleveland St., Clearwater.<\/p>\n Tickets start at $36. Visit www.rutheckerdhall.com<\/a> or call 727-791-7400.<\/p>\n Since gaining prominence in the early 2000s, the ukulele marvel has mesmerized audiences with his innovative and dynamic style, taking the instrument to dizzying new heights. Over a dozen solo albums, Shimabukuro has shown a knack for moving effortlessly between genres, sometimes in the same song. After being taught the instrument by his mother at age 4, Shimabukuro became a local phenom, performing on his own and in a local group, Pure Heart.<\/p>\n Early in his solo career he became a YouTube sensation when his cover of George Harrison\u2019s \u201cWhile My Guitar Gently Weeps\u201d went viral. Since then, he has gone on to play the world\u2019s most venerable venues, from The Hollywood Bowl to Lincoln Center to the Sydney Opera House and The N.O. Jazz Fests and collaborated with some of the world\u2019s greatest musicians, including Yo-Yo Ma, Bela Fleck and The Flecktones, Jimmy Buffett, Jack Johnson, Bette Midler, Ziggy Marley, Sonny Landreth, Billy Strings, Lukas & Willie Nelson and Warren Haynes. Shimabukuro has also won his share of awards and, just a few years ago he was nominated by President Joe Biden to serve as a Member for the National Council on the Arts.<\/p>\n Performing with Shimabukuro will be Jackson Waldhoff, a bass player from Honolulu, Hawaii. He grew up in Kyoto, Japan; and then moved to Hawaii in 2010. Waldhoff started playing guitar and bass as a way to make friends while learning English. In 2018, Waldhoff graduated from audio engineering school and worked as an audio engineer with Shimabukuro on several projects, including \u201cTrio,\u201d \u201cJake & Friends,\u201d and a track for Alan Parsons.<\/p>\n Jannus Live<\/p>\n Juvenile<\/p>\n ST. PETERSBURG \u2014 Rapper Juvenile will perform on Wednesday, Feb. 25, 7 p.m., at Jannus Live, 200 First Ave. N., St. Petersburg.<\/p>\n Tickets start at $63.15. Visit www.jannuslive.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n Teruis \u201cJuvenile\u201d Gray was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, and grew up between his family\u2019s houses in the 10th ward and in the 3rd Ward Magnolia Housing Project. A child prodigy, Juvenile started writing professionally in his early teens and earned his moniker after being sought after to create the records that would become the foundation of Bounce Music. Starting with \u201cBeing Myself\u201d in 1995, Juvenile has released 12 albums including the top selling album by a black solo rapper of all time, \u201c400 Degreez.\u201d<\/p>\n Juvenile is credited with being the first Southern rapper to get national airplay with his seminal recording \u201cHa.\u201d<\/p>\n In 2025, Juvenile partnered with Crown Royal and Starter in a philanthropic venture launching a limited edition Super Bowl LIX starter jacket, along with Mannie Fresh and Drew Brees. All proceeds from jacket sales were donated to The Foundation for Louisiana. Juvenile was also highlighted by Apple Music in a special series for his contributions to hip-hop and the city of New Orleans. He also recently released several new singles including \u201cParty\u201d featuring Mannie Fresh; \u201cGo Live\u201d with B.G., and \u201cHot Boy Summer\u201d featuring Trombone Shorty. He recently partnered with Kush to launch a new line of products.<\/p>\n Jannus Live<\/p>\n St. Paul & The Broken Bones<\/p>\n ST. PETERSBURG \u2014 St. Paul & The Broken Bones will perform on Thursday, Feb. 28, 7 p.m., at Jannus Live, 200 First Ave. N., St. Petersburg.<\/p>\n Tickets start at $49.11. Visit www.jannuslive.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n The eight-piece soul outfit, based in Birmingham, Alabama, formed in 2012. The band consists of Paul Janeway (vocals), Jesse Phillips (bass), Browan Lollar (guitar), Kevin Leon (drums), Al Gamble (keyboards), Allen Branstetter (trumpet), Chad Fisher (trombone), and Amari Ansari (saxophone).<\/p>\n The ensemble burst into the world with their 2014 debut \u201cHalf the City,\u201d establishing a sound that quickly became a calling card and landing the band a slew of major festivals including Lollapalooza, Coachella and Glastonbury. Critical praise from the New York Times, Rolling Stone, SPIN and NPR followed, leading to shared stages with some of the world\u2019s biggest artists, such as Elton John and The Rolling Stones.<\/p>\n Their new self-titled sixth album marks a creative renewal \u2014 melding the band\u2019s adventurous spirit with a return to soulful, song-focused roots. Recorded at the legendary FAME Studios and produced by Eg White, the record blends psych-funk grooves, gospel-tinged ballads, and cinematic rock flourishes. Tracks like \u201cSushi and Coca-Cola\u201d and \u201cGoing Back\u201d reflect both personal introspection and the band\u2019s deepened identity after a decade of evolution.<\/p>\n The Palladium<\/p>\n Mafalda Minnozzi<\/p>\n ST. PETERSBURG \u2014 Charismatic singer and composer Mafalda Minnozzi will perform on Wednesday, Feb. 25, 7:30 p.m., at the Palladium at St. Petersburg College, 253 Fifth Ave. N., St. Petersburg.<\/p>\n Tickets start at $20. Visit mypalladium.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n Minnozzi will perform music from her latest album, \u201cRiofonic,\u201d a staple on the nation\u2019s top jazz radio stations with a full 24-week run on the prestigious JazzWeek charts. The show offers a captivating journey through an impressive career that spans Italy, Brazil, and New York with a repertoire that reflects this journey.<\/p>\n Minnozzi has performed with Milton Nascimento, Joao Bosco, Leny Andrade, Roberto Menescal and many others. Her albums for the American jazz market feature collaborations with David Liebman, Joe Locke, John Patitucci, Michael Wolff, Will Calhoun and others.<\/p>\n Known for a distinct improvisational language and a style that transcends the typical duo format, the artist and her longtime collaborator, guitarist\/producer Paul Ricci, promise an evening filled with musical sparks both on and off stage. Their synergy, honed through performances on important Jazz festivals and theaters globally, creates a truly transcendent experience.<\/p>\n Ruth Eckerd Hall<\/p>\n Steve Hackett<\/p>\n CLEARWATER \u2014 Prog rock icon Steve Hackett will perform on Thursday, Feb. 26, 7:30 p.m., at Ruth Eckerd Hall, 1111 McMullen Booth Road, Clearwater.<\/p>\n Tickets start at $57.25. Visit www.rutheckerdhall.com<\/a> or call 727-791-7400.<\/p>\n Hackett will be performing his \u201cBest of Genesis & Solo Gems\u201d show. Accompanying him on his four Florida dates will be long-standing musicians Lalle Larsson (keyboards), Nad Sylvan (vocals), Jonas Reingold (bass, guitar, backing vocals), Rob Townsend (saxophone, flutes, additional keyboards, backing vocals) and Felix Lehrmann on drums.<\/p>\n It has been 12 years since Hackett brought his classic \u201cGenesis Revisited\u201d show to the United States. Back then, in 2013, his North American and U.K. tours culminated in his acclaimed performance at London\u2019s Royal Albert Hall and the following release of the live DVD of that performance.<\/p>\n Since then, Hackett\u2019s timeless guitar work has been woven throughout the classic Genesis albums of the ’70s. In recent years, he and his world class band have brought several of these albums back to concert halls to even greater acclaim, and the 2025 tour featured the classic album \u201cThe Lamb Lies Down On Broadway.\u201d<\/p>\n Ruth Eckerd Hall<\/p>\n The Righteous Brothers<\/p>\n CLEARWATER \u2014 The Righteous Brothers will bring the \u201cLovin\u2019 Feelin\u2019 Farewell Tour\u201d to the Tampa Bay area for a performance on Saturday, Feb. 28, 8 p.m., at Ruth Eckerd Hall, 1111 McMullen Booth Road, Clearwater.<\/p>\n Tickets start at $54.75. Visit www.rutheckerdhall.com<\/a> or call 727-791-7400.<\/p>\n The tour promises a captivating musical odyssey, spanning the early days of rock and roll, the era of blue-eyed soul and as far reaching as the movie \u201cDirty Dancing.\u201d From heartwarming ballads to energetic rock anthems, every performance is a testament to the enduring power of The Righteous Brothers’ music and their connection to fans across the globe.<\/p>\n Take a journey through decades of timeless hits that have defined a generation, including \u201cYou’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin,\u201d \u201cUnchained Melody,\u201d \u201c(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life,\u201d \u201cSoul and Inspiration,\u201d \u201cEbb Tide\u201d and \u201cRock and Roll Heaven.\u201d<\/p>\n Bill Medley has been entertaining audiences for more than 60 years. His iconic bass-baritone helped earn The Righteous Brothers their place in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and is interwoven with the cherished memories of a lifetime of fans.<\/p>\n Safety Harbor Art & Music Center<\/p>\n Cash Box Kings<\/p>\n SAFETY HARBOR \u2014 The award-winning blues band The Cash Box Kings will perform on Friday, Feb. 27, 7:30 p.m., at the Safety Harbor Art & Music Center, 706 Second St. N., Safety Harbor.<\/p>\n Tickets are $30 in advance and $35 at the door. Visit www.safetyharborartandmusiccenter.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n The Cash Box Kings\u2019 most recent release is their dynamic 2023 Alligator Records album \u201cOscar\u2019s Motel.\u201d The group, co-led by Chicago blues vocalist and songwriter Oscar \u201cMr. 43rd Street\u201d Wilson; and Madison, Wisconsin-based harmonica giant, songwriter, and singer Joe Nosek, plays masterfully raw, unvarnished, old-school ensemble blues. Wilson\u2019s huge, emotive vocals and Nosek\u2019s blistering harmonica, along with an all-star band, fuel their razor-sharp original songs and always-incisive reinventions of obscure blues classics.<\/p>\n Recently, Wilson and Nosek were inducted into the Chicago Blues Hall of Fame.<\/p>\n On \u201cOscar\u2019s Motel\u201d \u2014 their third album for Alligator and 11th overall \u2014 The Cash Box Kings bring contemporary authority and old-school authenticity to each of the album\u2019s 11 tracks. The band \u2014 featuring guitarist Billy Flynn, drummer Kenny \u201cBeedy Eyes\u201d Smith, bassist John W. Lauler, and keyboardist Lee Kanehira \u2014 opens a door into the intoxicating spirit and sounds of 1950s and 1960s Chicago-based blues, and then they bring it all right up to the minute with Wilson and Nosek\u2019s original, instantly memorable songs.<\/p>\n With 10 previous releases to their credit and thousands of live performances under their belt, The Cash Box Kings have won widespread acclaim throughout the blues world.<\/p>\n Safety Harbor Art & Music Center<\/p>\n Moors and McCumber<\/p>\n SAFETY HARBOR \u2014 Moors and McCumber will perform on Sunday, March 1, 5:30 p.m., at the Safety Harbor Art & Music Center, 706 Second St. N., Safety Harbor.<\/p>\n Tickets are $30 in advance and $35 at the door. Visit www.safetyharborartandmusiccenter.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n Moors & McCumber have done more than just endear themselves to fans over the last 15 years \u2014 they\u2019ve built a genuine community. Bridging the gap between classic folk rock and contemporary Americana, they write heartfelt songs directly inspired by life\u2019s experiences. With \u201cWired to the Moon,\u201d their latest record released in 2023, they have created some of their most compelling work to date.<\/p>\n The sound of Moors & McCumber is adventurous, eclectic, and endlessly creative. Borrowing from rock, pop, blues, folk, and world music, the two multi-instrumentalists defy common logic and embrace spontaneity to bring their stories and songs to life. Their strong vocal harmonies and unconventional instrumentation combine to create a mesmerizing experience. At the center of it all is their evocative songwriting.<\/p>\n Prior to the duo\u2019s formation, James Moors, based in Wisconsin, and Kort McCumber, based in Colorado, each led prolific careers as solo artists. They had both already released six solo studio albums and had begun developing fanbases of their own. The two met at a music festival in 2005 and quickly bonded over their shared passions. They began performing together as something of a side project, but it immediately became apparent they were meant for much bigger things.<\/p>\n Safety Harbor Art & Music Center<\/p>\n Bobby Rush<\/p>\n SAFETY HARBOR \u2014 Blues musician, composer, record producer, and singer Bobby Rush, will perform Monday, March 2, 7:30 p.m., at the Safety Harbor Art & Music Center, 706 Second St. N., Safety Harbor. Tickets are $45 in advance and $50 at the door. Visit www.safetyharborartandmusiccenter.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n Rush was born Emmett Ellis Jr. outside Homer, Louisiana, in 1933. He twanged a diddley bow \u2014 a single-stringed American instrument which influenced the development of the blues sound \u2014 before he picked up his first guitar around age 11. His father, a preacher, knew enough about a harmonica to pass along a few riffs to his progeny.<\/p>\n The family relocated to Pine Bluff, Arkansas, in 1948.<\/p>\n Rush was still a teenager when he established himself as a professional blues musician. He adopted his stage name to avoid disrespecting his devout dad.<\/p>\n Beginning in the 1940s, he played with Elmore James in Arkansas. In 1953, he relocated to Chicago where he assembled a band that included a young Freddie King on guitar. Rush became part of the Chicago blues scene over the next decade and in 1964 he made his recording debut on the Jerry-O label.<\/p>\n In 1971, Rush broke through on the national charts with the lowdown funk grinder \u201cChicken Heads\u201d for Galaxy Records. The song has since become one of Rush\u2019s signature tunes, lending its title to his 2015 career spanning retrospective. In recent years the song has been featured in the Samuel L. Jackson film \u201cBlack Snake Moan\u201d and the HBO series \u201cBallers.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cRush Hour,\u201d an album for Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff\u2019s Philadelphia International Records in 1979, should have made Rush a huge star, but it didn\u2019t receive its proper due until the 2000s, when Rolling Stone recognized it as one of the best blues albums of the \u201970s. An encore LP was shelved, and Rush eventually moved back south to Jackson, Mississippi, which was fast becoming a last bastion of Southern soul-blues.<\/p>\n The ensuing years saw Rush put out roughly a dozen albums while he cemented his reputation as a chitlin\u2019 circuit legend, playing a minimum of 200 shows a year. He cut a series of memorable albums for LaJam, Urgent!, and Waldoxy, as well as his own Deep Rush Records.<\/p>\n Rush picked up his first Grammy nomination for his 2000 album \u201cHoochie Man.\u201d He was nominated again in 2014 for \u201cDown in Louisiana,\u201d and again in 2015 for \u201cDecisions.\u201d He finally took home his first Grammy in 2017 for \u201cPorcupine Meat.\u201d<\/p>\n In 2023, Rush released his most recent album, \u201cAll My Love for You.\u201d<\/p>\n Tarpon Springs Performing Arts Center<\/p>\n The Sensational Soul Cruisers<\/p>\n TARPON SPRINGS \u2014 The Sensational Soul Cruisers will perform on Friday and Saturday, Feb. 27-28, 7 p.m., at the Tarpon Springs Performing Arts Center, 324 Pine St., Tarpon Springs.<\/p>\n Tickets start at $39 for adults and $36 for Tarpon Arts members. Visit tarponarts.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n The Sensational Soul Cruisers are beginning a new chapter as recording artists under Banner Records. From their humble beginnings rehearsing in Freehold Borough at the chicken coops on Route 33 to the basement of the Cycle Shop on Throckmorton Street, this band has come a long way from its \u201cEddie and the Cruisers\u201d days and are ready to be added to the list of New Jersey\u2019s great recording acts.<\/p>\n The Soul Cruisers have been under the direction of legendary Jersey Shore sax player Screamin\u2019 Steve Barlotta for over 30 years. He has catapulted this band from the recesses of a dingy basement to over 200 performances a year while capturing the true essence of the Jersey Shore sound and its true R&B roots. While the band travels to and plays concerts in theaters, clubs, public festivals, and private events throughout the country, they will be spending quite a bit of time up & down the east coast this year.<\/p>\n Over the past three decades the Soul Cruisers have been fortunate enough to grace the stage with many great artists, including Bruce Springsteen, Little Anthony and The Imperials, Gloria Gaynor, John Cafferty, Southside Johnny, The Emotions, Bon Jovi, Smokey Robinson, Stevie Wonder. They are also a long-time favorite house band at New York City\u2019s famed Copacabana.<\/p>\n Kevin Steele<\/p>\n Bayboro Brewing<\/p>\n TAMPA \u2014 Kevin Steele will perform on Friday, Feb. 27, 8 p.m., at Bayboro Brewing, 2390 Fifth Ave. S., St. Petersburg.<\/p>\n For information, visit www.eventbrite.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n Steele, the legendary lead singer and frontman of Roxx Gang and The Mojo Gurus, is back with his first solo record, \u201cOne Thing Left To Do.\u201d He will celebrate the release of his new record at Bayboro Brewing Company, performing the new record in its entirety, backed by an all-star band of Tampa Bay musicians featuring guitarist Billy Summer.<\/p>\n The new songs showcase Steele\u2019s masterful songwriting across all the musical styles that have shaped his colorful career, including glam, punk, rock, blues, and even southern gospel. His band Roxx Gang were one of America\u2019s great bands and the first rock band signed to Virgin Records in America. Their debut record, the classic “Things You’ve Never Done Before,” sold over 250,000 copies.<\/p>\n Benchmark International Arena<\/p>\n Barry Manilow<\/p>\n TAMPA \u2014 Barry Manilow will perform on Friday, Feb. 27, 7 p.m., at Benchmark International Arena, 401 Channelside Drive, Tampa.<\/p>\n Tickets start at $41.85. Visit www.ticketmaster.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n Fans can look forward to an unforgettable evening as Manilow performs his greatest hits, including \u201cMandy,\u201d \u201cI Write the Songs,\u201d \u201cLooks Like We Made It,\u201d \u201cCan\u2019t Smile Without You\u201d and \u201cCopacabana (At the Copa).\u201d With his signature showmanship and timeless catalog, each performance will be a once-in-a-lifetime celebration with one of music\u2019s most legendary performers.<\/p>\n With a career spanning more than five decades, Manilow has become one of the most celebrated entertainers in history. Named the No. 1 Adult Contemporary Artist of all time by Billboard and R&R magazines, he has sold more than 85 million albums worldwide, released over 40 albums and earned 51 Top 40 singles, including 13 #No. 1s and 28 Top 10 hits. A Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee, Manilow has earned Grammy, Tony, and Emmy Awards and has been honored with the BMI Icon Award.<\/p>\n His long-running Las Vegas residency has been hailed among the city\u2019s best and his record-breaking appearances at Radio City Music Hall cement his place as one of the venue\u2019s all-time greats. In addition to his recording and touring success, Manilow\u2019s original Broadway musical Harmony was named a 2023 New York Times Critic\u2019s Pick, further underscoring his enduring creativity. Beyond the stage, he founded the Manilow Music Project, which has donated millions of dollars in instruments and resources to schools across the country, ensuring future generations have access to music education.<\/p>\n Hard Rock Event Center<\/p>\n Rod Stewart<\/p>\n TAMPA \u2014 The legendary two-time Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inducted singer, songwriter and performer Rod Stewart will perform on Tuesday, March 3, 8 p.m., in the Hard Rock Event Center at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, 5223 Orient Road, Tampa.<\/p>\n Tickets start at $275. Visit Ticketmaster.com<\/a> or seminolehardrocktampa.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n Drawing from his illustrious 50-plus year catalog of hit songs, Stewart personally creates a unique setlist for each show, taking audiences on an unprecedented ride through every era of his career with chart-toppers like, \u201cMaggie May,\u201d \u201cDo You Think I\u2019m Sexy,\u201d \u201cSome Guys Have All the Luck,\u201d \u201cHot Legs,\u201d \u201cInfatuation,\u201d \u201cYou\u2019re in My Heart,\u201d \u201cRhythm of My Heart,\u201d \u201cYoung Turks,\u201d \u201cTonight\u2019s The Night,\u201d and \u201cForever Young,\u201d as well as a few surprises and legendary covers in the mix. Fans will experience an extraordinary night of entertainment with a dynamic stage production and his award-winning 12-piece band and backup vocalists.<\/p>\n Music4Life Living Arts Center<\/p>\n Jeff Coffey<\/p>\n CLEARWATER \u2014 Singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Jeff Coffey will perform on Saturday, Feb. 28, 7 p.m., at the Music4Life Living Arts Center, 1204 Rogers St., Clearwater.<\/p>\n Tickets start at $39.19. Visit wileyhouseconcerts.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n From May of 2016 to January of 2018, Coffey resided as the lead tenor vocalist and bassist for the multi-platinum selling, Rock \u2018n\u2019 Roll Hall of Fame group Chicago. He shared the stage with the likes of Earth Wind and Fire and The Doobie Brothers, just to name a few. After leaving Chicago, he then began occasionally touring as bassist for Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Famer Don Felder. He also tours and makes special appearances with original Chicago drummer Danny Seraphine and his band CTA.<\/p>\n As an artist, Coffey has released four solo albums which were well received by radio and music fans. His songs are very relatable and bridge the gap between pop, rock and country. Two singles from this CD, “Through Your Eyes” and “Long Way Home,” made it to the Top 20 on the FMQB AC\/40 Charts. Much of Coffey\u2019s music has been featured on numerous TV shows on several major television networks.<\/p>\n Brass Mug<\/p>\n Vicious Rumors<\/p>\n TAMPA \u2014 Power metal band Vicious Rumors will perform on Thursday, Feb. 26, 7 p.m., at Brass Mug, 1450 Skipper Road, Tampa.<\/p>\n Tickets start at $24.92. Visit www.facebook.com\/brassmugtampa<\/a>.<\/p>\n Vicious Rumors was founded in 1979 in the San Francisco Bay area in California. The band co-created the bay area metal scene. Brainchild of Geoff Thorpe, the band has been active on the metal scene since forever, actively touring through the last 30 years. Vicious Rumors is recognized for their guitar works and harmonies, as well as the variety of their tracks.<\/p>\n The band released their most recent studio album, \u201cThe Devil\u2019s Asylum,\u201d in August 2025. Current band members include Thorpe, Larry Howe, Robin Utbult, Denver Cooper, and Brian Betterton.<\/p>\n Crowbar<\/p>\n Nep<\/p>\n TAMPA \u2014 Nep will perform on Wednesday, Feb. 25, 7 p.m., at Crowbar, 1812 N. 17th St., Tampa.<\/p>\n Tickets start at $21.82. Visit www.crowbarybor.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n Born in Daytona, Nep is an indie\u2010pop singer-songwriter known for blending garage rock, folk and pop with raw lyricism and comedic honesty. Her breakout came with the release of her EP \u201cNep\u2019s Storybook\u201d in 2024, but she made waves with tracks like \u201cAll Around Beauty,\u201d \u201cBiketoberfest,\u201d \u201cFlorida Girl\u201d and \u201cDaytona.\u201d Her debut full-length album \u201cNoelle\u201d dropped in October 2025.<\/p>\n Nep has built a strong following online with TikTok clips, sold out venues in major U.S. cities, and toured alongside artists like mxmtoon and Ricky Montgomery.<\/p>\n Crowbar<\/p>\n Mo Lowda<\/p>\n TAMPA \u2014 Mo Lowda will perform on Friday, Feb. 27, 7 p.m., at Crowbar, 1812 N. 17th St., Tampa.<\/p>\n Tickets start at $34.99. Visit www.crowbarybor.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n Born out of the house show scene in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Mo Lowda & the Humble is an indie rock band that has since evolved into a nationally and internationally touring act. Coming off their 2020 full-length release, \u201cReady Coat,\u201d the band continues to tour all over the country, including festivals like Firefly, Peach Fest, Mountain Jam, and more. Their tight grooves provide the foundation for textural guitars and memorable vocal melodies. Toeing the line between precision and spontaneity, the band creates a unique, interactive experience every time they hit the stage.<\/p>\n The Orpheum<\/p>\n A Killer\u2019s Confession<\/p>\n TAMPA \u2014 Alternative metal band A Killer\u2019s Confession will perform on Saturday, Feb. 28, 7 p.m., at the Orpheum, 14802 N. Nebraska Ave., Tampa.<\/p>\n