Ballet dancers perform on stage in front of a backdrop depicting stone arches and a garden scene. A group of dancers in pastel costumes gather around a box at center stage, while another dancer in a blue dress balances on pointe with one leg extended gracefully to the side. A table decorated with flowers and a cake is set in the background, creating a festive atmosphere.
Tampa City Ballet Credit: Photo via New Tampa Performing Arts Center

2025 Annual Arts Festival: St. Pete Opera w/New Tampa Players/Vincent Pham/more Friday-Sunday, Sept. 12-14. 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday. 1 p.m. Sunday. No cover. New Tampa Performing Arts Center, Tampa

A tattooed musician wearing a black T-shirt and backwards cap plays electric guitar and sings into a microphone during an outdoor performance in front of a brick wall.
Jeff Brawer Credit: Photo by Riley Alexander

Benefit For Nickole: Jeremy Gloff w/Deb Ruby/David Kibby/Jeff Brawer/Navin Avenue Friday, Sept. 12. 7 p.m. $10. Deviant Libation, Tampa

A performer wearing a patterned sweater and baseball cap holds a microphone on an outdoor stage at night, lit by purple lighting.
Aych at Gasparilla Music Festival in Tampa, Florida on Feb. 16, 2024. Credit: Photo by Tyler Downey c/o Gasparilla Music Festival

Loud AF 2025: Sam P w/Rvkless/DaBaddest Lyrik/Hyfa/Fre$h P/Rhiannon/Simply Sosa/K Hazemore Through Sunday, Sept. 14. Multiple venues, Tampa and Ybor City

Arcane Arcade album release w/Lot Lizards/Rath & the Wise Guys/Weird Times Friday, Sept. 12. 7 p.m. No cover. The Potion Portal, St. Petersburg

A man with curly hair and a mustache stands outdoors in natural light, wearing a white shirt and necklace, with trees and rocky hills in the background.
Benson Boone Credit: Photo by Jonathan Weiner

Benson Boone Saturday, Sept. 13. 8 p.m. $125 & up (resale only). Benchmark International Arena, Tampa

Four band members walk together outdoors on a wet ramp bordered by red and white walls, with palm trees visible in the background. The man on the left, wearing a plaid flannel over a white shirt, smiles with his hand on his head. Next to him, another member with long hair in a dark jacket grins widely. The third member, in sunglasses, a messy blue shirt, and black coat, sticks out his tongue. On the right, the fourth member wears a black cap and jacket, smiling as he looks toward the group. The mood is playful and relaxed.
My Chemical Romance, which plays Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida on Sept. 13, 2025. Credit: Photo by Chapman Baehler

My Chemical Romance w/Evanescence Saturday, Sept. 13. 6 p.m. $82 & up. Raymond James Stadium, Tampa

Bearded man with a shaved head passionately sings into a microphone during a live performance. He wears a dark T-shirt, and his intense expression is highlighted under stage lighting. Another band member is partially visible in the background.
Slap of Reality Credit: Dave Decker

No Walls, No Cages – Punks vs. ICE Benefit Show: Slap Of Reality w/Las Nadas/Dead Mirrors/Phantom Power Saturday, Sept. 13. 7 p.m. $11. The Potion Portal, St. Petersburg

A woman with blonde hair, wearing a vibrant red strapless dress, sits gracefully at a grand piano. Her hands are resting on the keys, and she is looking to her left with a pensive expression. The piano is made of wood with a striking striped grain. In the background, there is a large, horizontal painting on a white wall that depicts a person's legs in high heels. A faint glimpse of a rug is also visible on the floor to the far right.
Oksana Kolesnikova, who plays Duncan McClellan Gallery in St. Petersburg, Florida on Sept. 14, 2025. Credit: Courtesy of Oksana Managment Group, Inc

Oksana Kolesnikova Saturday, Sept. 14. 6 p.m. $100. Duncan McClellan Gallery, St. Petersburg

Superheaven w/Cloud Nothings/End It/Soul Blind Saturday, Sept. 13. 5 p.m. $39.25 & up. The Ritz, Ybor City

Two musicians wearing cowboy hats perform together. The man in the foreground, dressed in a light-colored coat and sunglasses, plays a guitar, while the man in the background, wearing a denim jacket, looks on with a serious expression. The setting appears rustic and dimly lit.
Leon Bridges (bottom) and Charley Crockett, who play The BayCare Sound in Clearwater, Florida on Sept. 16, 2025. Credit: Photo by Torie Conroy via Columbia Records

Leon Bridges w/Charley Crockett/Reyna Tropical Monday, Sept. 15. 6 p.m. $40.50 & up. The BayCare Sound, Clearwater

A singer in a red striped shirt and black pants leans forward on stage, gripping a microphone and holding a tall mic stand, with dramatic stage lighting casting purple and yellow glows across the scene.
Cage the Elephant plays Austin City Limits at Zilker Park in Austin, Texas on October 8, 2016. Credit: Photo by Tracy May / Creative Loafing Tampa Bay

97X Next Big Thing Legends: Cage The Elephant w/The Moonrocks/Girl TonesWednesday, Sept. 17. 7 p.m. $45 & up. The BayCare Sound, Clearwater 

Project Pat w/Lil Timme Thursday, Sept. 18. 6 p.m. $35.06. Orpheum, Tampa

Also playing

Betty Fox Friday, Sept. 12. 8 p.m. $10. Skipper’s Smokehouse, Tampa

Bob Frierson Friday, Sept. 12. 7 p.m. No cover. Shuffle, Tampa

Brendan Mayer w/John Frinzi Friday, Sept. 12. 7 p.m. $28.52. NoiseMakers, St. Petersburg

Brian Caudill Friday, Sept. 12. 7 p.m. No cover. Woodwright Brewing Co., Dunedin

Chase Bryant Friday, Sept. 12. 10 p.m. $29 & up. Dallas Bull, Tampa

Classic Albums Live: Led Zeppelin II Friday, Sept. 12. 8 p.m. $44 & up. Bilheimer Capitol Theatre, Clearwater

The Dialogue w/Kristopher James Friday, Sept. 12. 8 p.m. $10. Oscura, Bradenton

DJ 45Revolver Friday, Sept. 12. 7 p.m. No cover. Dunedin Brewery, Dunedin

DJ Casper Friday, Sept. 12. 9 p.m. No cover with RSVP. Alter Ego, Tampa

Dueling Pianos Friday, Sept. 12. 7 p.m. No cover. Grand Central Brewhouse, St. Petersburg

Emo Night Friday, Sept. 12. 8 p.m. $17.65. Orpheum, Tampa

Ella Jet w/Josh Magwood Band Friday, Sept. 12. 6:30 p.m. No cover. Ruby’s Elixir, St. Petersburg

Freestyle Friday: DJ Eazy E Friday, Sept. 12. 7 p.m. No cover. Krate at The Grove, Wesley Chapel

Grego Anderson and Eric Golub Friday, Sept. 12. 7 p.m. No cover. The North End Taphouse, Gulfport

Greg Woodruff Friday, Sept. 12. 6:45 p.m. No cover. Gulfport Brewery, Gulfport

He$h Friday, Sept. 12. 10 p.m. No cover with RSVP, $10 for guaranteed entry. The Ritz, Ybor City

Jessica Rose Powell Friday, Sept. 12. 6:30 p.m. No cover. 3 Daughters Brewing, Clearwater

Kayko w/Lost Stars Friday, Sept. 12. 8 p.m. $25.67 & up. Music Hall at New World Brewery, Tampa

Legacy Duo Friday, Sept. 12. 7:30 p.m. No cover. The Ale and the Witch, St. Petersburg

Loud In Love: Darius J w/Markus Vance/J’Nelle Friday, Sept. 12. 7 p.m. No cover with RSVP. Crowbar, Ybor City

Sam Williams Friday, Sept. 12. 5 p.m. No cover. Biergarten at New World Brewery, Tampa

Speak Easy Friday, Sept. 12. 8 p.m. No cover. 3 Daughters Brewing, St. Petersburg

St. Pete Punk & Roll: Ending Apathy w/Rogues Gallery/Razor & The Boogie Men/Clockworkx/Bad Vibrations/Sevenstone/Sorry Barb/Movie Props/Last Bias/more Friday-Sunday, Sept. 12-14. 3 p.m. Friday, 12 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. No cover. Cage Brewing, St. Petersburg

Stick & Ditty Friday, Sept. 12. 7 p.m. No cover. Outcast Brewing Company, St. Petersburg

Uncle John’s Band Friday, Sept. 12. 7 p.m. No cover. Crooked Thumb Brewery, Safety Harbor

United Forces Friday, Sept. 12. 6 p.m. $22.56. Brass Mug, Tampa

Will Moseley Friday, Sept. 12. 8:30 p.m. $20. Bayboro Brewing, St. Petersburg

A Night of Drum N Bass: Femme.Antics B2B Jungle Rivers w/Hellman/Kay-S/Thee Joker/more Saturday, Sept. 13. 9 p.m. $10. Velvet Gypsy, Tampa

The Alex Lopez XPress Saturday, Sept. 13. 8 p.m. $5. Skipper’s Smokehouse, Tampa

Anchor Skate Supply 9th anniversary: DJ Bloodbathory

Saturday, Sept. 13. 6 p.m. No cover. Anchor Skate Supply, St. Petersburg

Austin Christopher and Jordyn Adams Saturday, Sept. 13. 6:30 p.m. No cover. Pistil House, St. Petersburg

Bill Floyd Saturday, Sept. 13. 1 p.m. No cover. 3 Daughters Brewing, St. Petersburg

Crypta w/Claustrophobia/Ramtha/Sacrilous Saturday, Sept. 13. 7 p.m. $35.06. Orpheum, Tampa

LOUD AF: Day Party w/DJ Brian Starchild /Wizard Craig/Wavy H2O/DJ Beezy Saturday, Sept. 13. 2 p.m. No cover with RSVP for ladies, $10 for everyone else. Crowbar, Ybor City

DJ Kueba Saturday, Sept. 13. 9 p.m. No cover with RSVP. Alter Ego, Tampa

Element Saturday, Sept. 13. 5 p.m. No cover. 3 Daughters Brewing, Clearwater

Ending Apathy w/Gabe Hernandez/MeteorEyes/Emily Owen Saturday, Sept. 13. 7:30 p.m. $10. Oscura, Bradenton

Face The Fence (EP Release) w/Sevenstone/Future’s Theory/Social Wreckage/Hiding In Walls Saturday, Sept. 13. 6:30 p.m. $10. Deviant Libation, Tampa

The Florida Orchestra: Amadeus Live Saturday & Sunday, Sept. 13 & 14. 7:30 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday. $44.50 & up. Mahaffey Theater, St. Petersburg

Full Fledge Unit Saturday, Sept. 13. 7 p.m. No cover. Grand Central Brewhouse, St. Petersburg

James Suggs & Friends Saturday, Sept. 13. 7:30 p.m. No cover. The Ale and the Witch, St. Petersburg

Judy Haines Saturday, Sept. 13. 3:30 p.m. No cover. The North End Taphouse, Gulfport

Justin Depth Saturday, Sept. 13. 8 p.m. No cover. Biergarten at New World Brewery, Tampa

Kaivon Saturday, Sept. 13. 10 p.m. $20.77 & up. The Ritz, Ybor City

Katie Talbert w/Kirk Adams Band Saturday, Sept. 13. 6:30 p.m. No cover. Ruby’s Elixir, St. Petersburg

The Method Saturday, Sept. 13. 6 p.m. No cover. Blush Tea and Coffee, St. Petersburg

Nate Currin Saturday, Sept. 13. 7 p.m. $28.52 & up. Music4Life Living Arts Center, Clearwater

NYC Dope x Freshly Done: Marc Smooth w/DJ Cosi/Eric L Beats/Billy Busch/Juan Coon Saturday, Sept. 13. 1 p.m. No cover. Biergarten at New World Brewery, Tampa

Nzou and The Afro Soul Saturday, Sept. 13. 7:30 p.m. No cover. The North End Taphouse, Gulfport

Outcast Brewing Company One Year Anniversary Party: Downsyde Up w/Hanah Selby/DJ Nugget Saturday, Sept. 13. 11 a.m. No cover. Outcast Brewing Company, St. Petersburg

Pink Turns Blue w/Some Days Are Darker Saturday, Sept. 13. 7 p.m. $22. Music Hall at New World Brewery, Tampa

Rob Hazen Saturday, Sept. 13. 1 p.m. No cover. 3 Daughters Brewing, Clearwater

Roc Helton Saturday, Sept. 13. 6:45 p.m. No cover. Gulfport Brewery, Gulfport

Rock Is Alive: Flem w/Fainting Narwhales/20th Diamond Army/more Saturday, Sept. 13. 6:30 p.m. No cover. NoiseMakers, St. Petersburg

RuPaul’s Drag Race Saturday, Sept. 13. 8 p.m. $38.25 & up. Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater

Speak Easy Saturday, Sept. 13. 8 p.m. No cover. Dunedin Brewery, Dunedin

The TBone Hamilton Band (Album release) Saturday, Sept. 13. 7:30 p.m. $25 & up. Music Gallery, New Port Richey

Acoustic Sunday Brunch: Mike Davis Sunday, Sept. 14. 1 p.m. No cover. Skipper’s Smokehouse, Tampa

Cosmic Jenkins Duo Sunday, Sept. 14. 2 p.m. No cover. 3 Daughters Brewing, St. Petersburg

Daniel Childs w/The Family Funk Sunday, Sept. 14. 6:30 p.m. No cover. Ruby’s Elixir, St. Petersburg

Ernie Halter, Leify Green and Scott Hamilton Sunday, Sept. 14. 5 p.m. No cover. The North End Taphouse, Gulfport

Hot Tonic Sundays through Sept. 7. 6 p.m. No cover. Tiki Bar & Grill at 56th & Shore, Gulfport

Jack Wilkins (Sonny Rollins tribute) Sunday, Sept. 14. 3 p.m. $10 & up. Mainstage Theatre at HCC Ybor, Ybor City

Jazz Night Market Every second Sunday through Dec. 14. 5 p.m. No cover. Corner Club, Seminole Heights

Josh’s Jazz Trio Sunday, Sept. 14. 2 p.m. No cover. Grand Central Brewhouse, St. Petersburg

Josh Nelms w/TC Carr/Lenny Austin Sunday, Sept. 14. 5 p.m. No cover. The Ale and the Witch, St. Petersburg

Orlando Invasion: Klutch w/Krush Sunami Sunday, Sept. 14. 8 p.m. No cover before 10 p.m., $12.51 after. Crowbar, Ybor City

Plush w/The Crowned/Apricity Sunday, Sept. 14. 6 p.m. $20 & up. OCC Road House, Pinellas Park

Sam Bips Sunday, Sept. 14. 6:30 p.m. No cover. Independent Bar and Cafe, Tampa

Sunday Jazz In The Lounge: Bryan J Hughes & The Crew w/Matthew Mayes Sundays. 2 p.m. No cover before 5:30 p.m. $5 after. Floridian Social, St. Petersburg

The Sunday Sampler: The Ashley Gang Sunday, Sept. 14. 12:30 p.m. $15. Music Hall at New World Brewery, Tampa

Svntos Sunday, Sept. 14. 9 p.m. No cover with RSVP. Alter Ego, Tampa

Latraia Savage w/Shawn Brown Monday, Sept. 15. 6:30 p.m. No cover. Ruby’s Elixir, St. Petersburg

Dark Angel w/Sacred Reich/Hirax/Void Tuesday, Sept. 16. 5:30 p.m. $50.21. Orpheum, Tampa

Ken Apperson w/Kirk Adams & Co. Tuesday, Sept. 16. 6:30 p.m. No cover. Ruby’s Elixir, St. Petersburg

The Plot In You w/Northlane/Invent Animate/Windwaker Tuesday, Sept. 16. 7 p.m. $41.16. Jannus Live, St. Petersburg

Alex Malkovich Trio Wednesdays through July 22. 6 p.m. No cover. The Nash Keys Dueling Piano Bar, Clearwater

Chris Walker w/Seth Campbell Wednesday, Sept. 17. 6:30 p.m. No cover. Ruby’s Elixir, St. Petersburg

The Frights w/Flycatcher/Post Sex High Wednesday, Sept. 17. 7 p.m. $35.06. Orpheum, Tampa

Hot Tonic Wednesdays through Sept. 24. 6:30 p.m. No cover. The North End Taphouse, Gulfport

Live Bluegrass Jam hosted by Fil Pate Wednesdays. 7 p.m. No cover. The Ale and the Witch, St. Petersburg

Matt Frost Band Every third Wednesday. 8 p.m. No cover. Bayboro Brewing, St. Petersburg

Chaunces Trio Thursdays. 8 p.m. No cover. Oscura, Bradenton

Climbing Trees Thursday, Sept. 18. 7 p.m. No cover. The North End Taphouse, Gulfport

June Bunch Thursday, Sept. 18. 6:30 p.m. No cover. Pistil House, St. Petersburg

Kai7en Thursday, Sept. 18. 6 p.m. No cover. 3 Daughters Brewing, St. Petersburg

Pickin’ Splinters (Bluegrass jam) Thursdays. 7 p.m. No cover. Woodwright Brewing Co., DunedinSpice & Sound: 

Temporal Taal Collective presents Spice & Sound: An Immersive Musical Experience Thursday, Sept. 18. 7:30 p.m. $10 & up. Hough Hall at Palladium Theater, St. Petersburg

Tony Castellano w/Hiram Hazley and Le Jazz Thursdays. 6:30 p.m. No cover. Ruby’s Elixir, St. Petersburg

Recurring events

Alex Malkovich Trio Wednesdays. 6 p.m. No cover. The Nash Keys Dueling Piano Bar, Clearwater

Keeping It Country: DJ Moss Every third Friday. 7 p.m. No cover. Krate at The Grove, Wesley Chapel

Live Bluegrass Jam hosted by Fil Pate Wednesdays. 7 p.m. No cover. The Ale and the Witch, St. Petersburg

Le Jazz w/Tony Castellano and Ken Loomer Thursdays. 6 p.m. No cover. Ruby’s Elixir, St. Petersburg

Saturday Sounds: DJ Cub Saturdays through Aug. 1. 8 p.m. No cover. Independent Bar & Cafe, Tampa

Hiram Hazley w/Le Jazz Thursdays. 10 p.m. No cover. Ruby’s Elixir, St. Petersburg

Le Jazz Sundays. 11:30 a.m. No cover. Boulevard Burgers & Tap House, St. Petersburg

Sunday Jazz in the Lounge: Boho Sideshow Sundays. 2 p.m. No cover. Floridian Social, St. Petersburg

Sunday Jazz Project: Sandi Grecco w/James Suggs/Mark Moultrup Sundays. 3 p.m. No cover. The Studio Public House, St. Petersburg

Sunday Jazz with The Crew Sundays. 6 p.m. No cover with RSVP. Floridian Social, St. Petersburg

Shawn Brown Tuesdays, 8 p.m. No cover. Pete’s Place, Tampa

DeadPhishSpread Wednesday: Matt Weis, John Sabal, and Christian Walker Wednesdays. 7:30 p.m. No cover. Cage Brewing, St. Petersburg

Hot Tonic Wednesdays. 6:30 p.m. No cover. The North End Taphouse, Gulfport

Kid Royal Band Every other Wednesday. 8 p.m. No cover. Bayboro Brewing, St. Petersburg

Live Bluegrass Jam hosted by Fil Pate Wednesdays. 7 p.m. No cover. The Ale and the Witch, St. Petersburg

CageGrass: Fil Pate Trio Thursdays. 7:30 p.m. No cover. Cage Brewing, St. Petersburg

Pickin’ Splinters (Bluegrass jam) Thursdays. 7 p.m. No cover. Woodwright Brewing Co., Dunedin

Uncle John’s Band Thursdays. 8 p.m. No cover. Bayboro Brewing, St. Petersburg

CageGrass: Fil Pate Trio Thursdays. 7:30 p.m. No cover. Cage Brewing, St. Petersburg

Chaunces Trio Thursdays. 8 p.m. No cover. Oscura, Bradenton

John O’Leary w/Jean Bolduc/Bryan J Hughes Every last Thursday of the month. 7:30 p.m. No cover. The Horse and Jockey, South Pasadena

Le Jazz w/Tony Castellano and Ken Loomer Thursdays. 6 p.m. No cover. Ruby’s Elixir, St. Petersburg

Pitch in to help make the Tampa Bay Journalism Project a success.

Subscribe to Creative Loafing newsletters.

Follow us: Google News | NewsBreak | Reddit | Instagram | Facebook | BlueSky

This article appears in Sept. 11-17 2025.

Read his 2016 intro letter and disclosures from 2022 and 2021. Ray Roa started freelancing for Creative Loafing Tampa in January 2011 and was hired as music editor in August 2016. He became Editor-In-Chief...