Show Previews Archives - Creative Loafing Tampa

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

Before diving into more serious questions about their career and music, hip-hop duo Joey Valence & Brae (which often goes by its initials, “JVB”) took on a hard-hitting question about whether they had heard about Crocs’ new collaboration with Lego. Brae jumped to respond, showcasing his elite fashion knowledge, telling Creative Loafing Tampa Bay, “Dude, […]

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.

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

Four people stand evenly spaced in a horizontal line on a stone ledge overlooking a vast, calm body of water under an expansive, cloudy blue sky. They are all wearing dark, casual clothing, including t-shirts and jackets, with three of the four wearing sunglasses. The individual on the far left has a full beard and a leather vest with patches, while the individual second from the left has long wavy hair and camouflage pants.

Music

Georgia band Insomniac brings meditative metal to Tampa on Wednesday

Its debut LP is called ‘Om Moksha Ritam,’ folks.

by Ray Roa February 5, 2026February 5, 2026

A candid indoor shot of a person with a beard wearing a grey-and-black baseball cap, a black long-sleeved shirt, and a silver chain. They are looking to the side with a concentrated expression. The background is filled with musical equipment and media, including a large upright bass, a drum cymbal in the foreground, and shelves packed with vinyl records and electronics.

Music

Tampa producers to honor J Dilla on the 20th anniversary of his death

Heads pay homage this Sunday at an open aux event.

by Selene San Felice and Ray Roa February 4, 2026February 5, 2026

A dramatic black-and-white, high-contrast action shot of a shirtless person with short hair and glasses. They are captured mid-movement with one leg kicked high into the air toward the left of the frame and one arm raised, their muscles tensed and expression focused. The background is entirely black, making the subject appear spotlighted in the darkness.

Music

Jay Reatard-channeling Texas band Sex Mex comes to Bradenton on Friday

A gig well worth the short road trip from Tampa or St. Pete.

by Ray Roa February 4, 2026February 4, 2026

A person with long blonde hair lies horizontally across a tufted, cream-colored chaise lounge. They are wearing an all-white suit and black high-heeled slingback shoes, with one leg bent upward resting on the back of the sofa. They are holding a violin and bow across their torso while looking directly at the camera. The background consists of a dark, textured brick wall and a grey concrete floor.Bronwyn Keith-Hynes

Music

Bronwyn Keith-Hynes, former fiddler for Molly Tuttle, brings solo project to St. Pete this weekend

Travelin’ McCourys fiddler Jason Carter is on the bill, too.

by Ray Roa February 4, 2026February 4, 2026

An overhead shot of a shirtless person with long dark hair lying on their back in the snow. Their eyes are closed, and their arms are bent upward at the elbows with palms facing up. Several small tattoos are visible on their torso and arms, and they are wearing bracelets on both wrists and dark nail polish.

Music

Nashville songwriter Jef Bjarnson brings Inner View project to Tampa on Thursday

TV Extra, a new electro project featuring Nathan Heck, opens.

by Ray Roa February 4, 2026February 4, 2026

A live performance shot of two musicians on a dark stage illuminated by a bright blue spotlight with a starburst flare. In the foreground, a person with long hair and a white graphic t-shirt plays a black bass guitar. Behind them, another person in a grey shirt plays an electric guitar. Both are focused on their instruments, with various effect pedals and cables visible on the stage floor.

Music

Bill., a Tampa band of indie-rock lifers, releases loud, unforgiving debut LP

The band supports ‘Wimmer’ when Emo Night Tampa takes over Rock the Park on Feb. 5.

by Ray Roa February 4, 2026February 4, 2026

A photo of Post Malone performing with a green background next to a photo of Jelly Roll performing with an orange background.

Music

Post Malone and Jelly Roll bring ‘Big Ass Stadium Tour’ to Tampa this Spring

Fresh off a triple-Grammy win, Jelly Roll is ready to get political.

by Selene San Felice February 3, 2026February 3, 2026

A portrait of a person with curly auburn hair standing in a dry, grassy field at dusk. They are wearing a tan suede jacket over a dark top with a patterned scarf and brown trousers, posing with their hands in their pockets. The background features a vast horizon under a pale blue sky with soft, streaking clouds and a distant line of trees.

Music

Americana star Kathleen Edwards, now living in the Tampa Bay area, plays hometown show on Thursday

She’s at The Skipperdome for WMNF.

by Ray Roa February 3, 2026February 3, 2026

Five individuals stand together with their arms around each other on a brick-lined rooftop during sunset. The group is dressed in a mix of casual styles, including green trousers, a red satin jacket, and a copper-colored jumpsuit. In the background, a sprawling city skyline featuring several skyscrapers is visible under a clear, pale blue sky.

Music

Gasparilla Music Festival 2026 lineup: Mt. Joy, Two Friends, Gov’t Mule coming to Tampa in April

More than 50 more acts will be announced soon.

by Ray Roa January 28, 2026January 29, 2026

A studio portrait of Americana musician James McMurtry sitting against a dark, textured backdrop. He is wearing a grey fedora with a black band, a bright red short-sleeved button-down shirt with gold embroidered vertical panels, and blue jeans. He has long, greyish hair and wears a large turquoise cuff bracelet on his right wrist. He is holding the neck of an Epiphone acoustic guitar resting between his legs, looking directly at the camera with a neutral, steady expression.

Music

Before Tampa show, James McMurtry recalls the best gig he ever saw

Johnny Copeland showed him screamin’ solos and smooth string changes.

by Josh Bradley January 27, 2026January 29, 2026

Music

Pusha Preme says he’s headlining the ‘first ever’ Afro-symphony in Tampa

He’s giving out tickets via Instagram DM.

by Laura Troyer January 22, 2026January 22, 2026

Bill Murray & His Blood Brothers band promo photo featuring guitarists Mike Zito, Albert Castiglia, and Jimmy Vivino at Thalia Hall in Chicago.

Music

Bill Murray brings his all-star blues band to Clearwater this spring

Mike Zito and Albert Castiglia are in the lineup for Bill Murray & His Blood Brothers.

by Laura Troyer January 22, 2026January 22, 2026

A black-and-white portrait of a person with short white hair and a warm smile, wearing a patterned tuxedo jacket and a dark bow tie with a white flower pinned to the lapel. They are posed behind a dark surface, likely a piano, with dramatic lighting creating a soft shadow in the background.

Music

Al Downing Jazz Association hosts free Saturday concert in St. Pete

This annual concert honors Downing’s legacy as well as the work and teaching of Dr. Martin Luther King. Jr.

by Ray Roa January 22, 2026January 22, 2026

A musician with dark hair and a beard sings passionately into a microphone while playing an acoustic guitar during a live indoor performance. They are wearing a black graphic t-shirt and blue shorts. In the background, another individual plays acoustic guitar while seated, and a colorful banner with cartoon illustrations hangs behind the stage area.

Music

Minneapolis punk band Off With Their Heads returns to Tampa this weekend

Two totems of Florida punk and emo open at New World.

by Ray Roa January 22, 2026January 22, 2026

A promotional group portrait of the rock band Close Enemies, featuring legendary Aerosmith bassist Tom Hamilton. The five band members stand in a row outdoors against an industrial backdrop of a weathered stone ledge, a red brick wall, and a dark brown garage door.

Music

Ahead of Largo show, Aerosmith’s Tom Hamilton recalls the best gigs he ever saw

Rock giants in a small room.

by Josh Bradley January 21, 2026January 21, 2026