Songwriter Nep getting ready for a concert performance, with a makeup artist and stylist providing final touches in a candid, behind-the-scenes preparation photo.

Music, Show Previews, Tampa Bay Journalism Project

Tampa Bay’s best live music happening February 20-26

Including Nep, Model/Actriz, an immigrants rights benefit, and more.

by Ray Roa, Josh Bradley and J.C. Roddy February 19, 2026February 19, 2026

New Orleans rapper Juvenile posing in a yellow and white tie-dye t-shirt, wearing round gold-rimmed sunglasses, a thick silver Cuban link chain, and a luxury watch with his arms crossed against a plain white background.

Music

Ahead of next month’s new album, Juvenile returns for St. Pete concert

Last fall, the Hot Boy told Stereogum that the album’s title is a nod to how long he’s been waiting to put the music out.

by Ray Roa February 19, 2026February 19, 2026

Trombone Shorty (Troy Andrews) performing on trombone alongside guitarist Pete Murano at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park in downtown Tampa. The musicians are on an outdoor stage at night, illuminated by blue stage lights against a dark sky.

Music

Ahead of big birthday concert, Trombone Shorty returns to Tampa

He’s in Florida for Miami’s Montreux festival.

by Ray Roa February 19, 2026February 19, 2026

A high-action black and white photo of a NOBRO band member jumping mid-air while singing into a microphone on stage at the Horseshoe Tavern. The performer is wearing a bikini top and jeans, captured against a dark ceiling with disco balls and stage lights.

Music

Nobro is the reason to get to Descendents St. Pete concert early

Frank Turner is in the middle of the bill at Jannus Live, surrounded, as always by good company.

by Ray Roa February 19, 2026February 19, 2026

Brooklyn post-punk band Model/Actriz members Cole Haden, Jack Wetmore, Ruben Radlauer, and Aaron Shapiro posing on a dark, rocky coastline at night. They are wearing hoodies and puffer jackets, illuminated by a camera flash against a pitch-black background.

Music

Brooklyn electro quartet Model/Actriz brings gripping new LP to Tampa

Practice your ‘Pirouette’ before heading to New World.

by Ray Roa February 19, 2026February 19, 2026

Singer-songwriter Cory Branan performs live on stage at Eddie's Attic. He is smiling while singing and playing an acoustic guitar, positioned in front of a blue curtain and a banner for the music venue.

Music

Handsome Americana songwriter Cory Branan returns to Tampa this weekend

He’s hot, and hot off a collaboration with Tyler Childers.

by Ray Roa February 19, 2026February 21, 2026

rummer Shawn Watkins of the band Big Sad performing live; a wide-angle shot showing him behind a drum kit with a black bandana, mid-swing with drumsticks in a rehearsal or venue space.

Music

Donations from Tampa punk concert will benefit Miami-based immigrant justice nonprofit

Leave your black umbrellas at home.

by Ray Roa February 19, 2026February 19, 2026

St. Petersburg musician Mountain Holler (Mark Etherington) singing passionately into a microphone while playing acoustic guitar during a live performance.

Music, Show Previews, Tampa Bay Journalism Project

Mountain Holler and Billy Mays III come home for one-off concert in St. Pete

Mountain Holler has a handful of dates booked on this return home.

by Ray Roa February 19, 2026February 19, 2026

Music

Brooksville’s four-day Whippersnap music festival kicks off Wednesday

Karl Denson is among the headliners for the camping throwdown set for Feb. 18-21.

by Ray Roa February 18, 2026February 18, 2026

Selene San Felice clapping and singing with her bandmates on stage at Bayboro Brewing Co during a live performance with colorful lighting

Music

In three days, Ladies Rock Camp taught me three important lessons [PHOTOS]

Sister Rosetta started rock n’ roll. St. Pete’s women and trans artists are reclaiming it.

by Selene San Felice February 17, 2026February 18, 2026

A person with tattoos on their arm plays an acoustic guitar and sings into a microphone during a live performance in a dimly lit venue with colorful wall art.

Music

Photos: Michelle Shirelle and Jason Paul play St. Pete’s Potion Portal

Earthgirl and Vic Alvarez played support.

by Ray Roa and Ryan Metcalf February 16, 2026February 16, 2026

Music

Dead & Co.’s Oteil Burbridge is coming to play Dunedin Brewery’s Spring Beer Jam

The no-cover, four-day, festival weekend kicks off March 26.

by Ray Roa February 13, 2026February 16, 2026

Two women perform on a stage with a brick wall background. On the left, a guitarist in a shiny gold animal-print top plays an electric guitar. On the right, a bassist wears red heart-shaped sunglasses and a checkered jumpsuit while playing a red bass guitar. Behind them is a drum kit and a banner with the text 'Ladies Rock.'

Music

Ladies Rock premiers new grrl bands in St. Pete this weekend

CL’s managing editor will be a rockstar, for one night at least.

by Selene San Felice February 10, 2026February 10, 2026

Gemini said A high-contrast, black-and-white group portrait of Don Was and the Pan-Detroit Ensemble captures the nine-piece collective posed on an outdoor metal staircase against a rustic brick building. In the front center, Don Was sits prominently, wearing his signature wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and a dark hoodie. He is flanked by vocalist Steffanie Christi’an to his right and drummer Jeff Canaday—wearing a "Bad Brains" T-shirt—to his left. Standing in the far-left foreground is saxophonist David McMurray, distinguished by a patterned scarf and sunglasses. Behind them on the middle steps sit percussionist Mahindi Masai, wearing a "Lions" T-shirt and a fedora, and trombonist Vincent Chandler in a baseball cap. At the top of the stairs, framed by a large wooden door, stand the remaining members: guitarist Wayne Gerard in a leather jacket on the left, trumpeter John Douglas in the center, and keyboardist Luis Resto on the right wearing a fedora. The image, credited to Tristan Williams, exudes a gritty, soulful Detroit aesthetic, reflecting the band’s deep roots in the city's musical legacy.

Music

Ahead of Clearwater concert, production legend Don Was reveals the album that set him free

A Blue Note record, no less.

by Josh Bradley February 10, 2026February 10, 2026

A high-energy, close-up shot of a shirtless drummer performing on a dark stage. The individual has a shaved head, is wearing large black headphones, and is shouting into a microphone with a wide-mouthed expression of intense focus. They are holding wooden drumsticks mid-performance, with the scene illuminated by a dramatic blue spotlight in the upper right corner.

Music

Photos: Sex Mex brings Texas flavor to Bradenton

Pet Lizard, Wolf-Face, and Spanish Bombs opened.

by Ray Roa and Ryan Metcalf February 9, 2026February 9, 2026

Joey Valence and Brae posing on a camouflaged military trailer in a desert setting. Joey Valence (right) stands in an all-black outfit with orange Nike Dunk high-tops and a red Alpinestars glove, while Brae (left) sits wearing a pink and blue striped "Golf Wang" style flower shirt and black shorts. Both artists are sporting their signature 90s-inspired streetwear and wraparound sunglasses against a clear blue sky.

Music

Interview: Ahead of St. Pete show, Joey Valence & Brae talk Crocs, writing, and getting older

The duo is at Jannus Live on Feb. 13.

by Gabrielle Reeder February 6, 2026February 6, 2026

Four people pose for a group portrait in front of a white draped backdrop. One person stands in the center back wearing a green bandeau top and a matching wrap, while three others are seated in front of them: one on the left in a tan textured suit, one in the center foreground on a red plastic crate wearing a white tank top and green trousers, and one on the right in a brown button-down set. They are positioned on a brown rug, and a potted palm tree is visible on the far left.

Music

Chuwi, the secret sauce on ‘Weltita’ by Bad Bunny, will play a Tampa concert this summer

Puerto Rican music’s moment comes to Ybor City in May.

by Ray Roa February 6, 2026February 6, 2026

Music

Photos: Bad, Bad Things and Emo Night Tampa rip Rock the Park

by Ray Roa and Ryan Metcalf February 6, 2026February 6, 2026

A dynamic, close-up live performance shot of a musician playing a white electric guitar under intense green stage lighting. The person wears a striped t-shirt and a black headband with white text, their face partially obscured by bright, starburst-like light flares. The background is dark with a warm orange glow visible on the left, capturing the high-energy atmosphere of a concert.

News & Views

Tampa Bay’s best live music happening Feb. 5-12

Including Emo Night Tampa’s Rock the Park takeover, a J Dilla memorial, Digable Planets, and more.

by Ray Roa, Selene San Felice and Josh Bradley February 5, 2026February 5, 2026

A close-up, dramatic live performance shot of a person with a grey-flecked beard and short hair singing into a microphone. They are wearing a light pink windbreaker with a teal collar over a brown button-down shirt and a long beaded necklace. The scene is bathed in atmospheric blue and red stage lighting, with a second microphone stand visible in the blurred background.

Music

Righteous ’90s hip-hop legend Digable Planets brings ‘Blowout Comb’ reunion to St. Pete

Planets’ mainstream success stopped on the Grammys stage when it dared to speak up.

by Selene San Felice February 5, 2026February 5, 2026