It's Fri., May 29. Live music is happening. You need something to do after this long work week. So, why not take the plunge? A breakdown of possibilities below...
Collie Buddz with OceanStone, Badda Skat Born in Louisiana, raised in Bermuda, schooled in Florida, singer-songwriter Collie Buddz has a unique pool of influences from which to draw, but has remained rooted in reggae-island sounds since his 2007 debut, puffing so much Mary Jane along the way he assumed a fitting handle and has dedicated much material to his No. 1 sweetheart. New track “Prescription” finds him chanting sing-song reflections about his dispensary desires (“Tell the doctor to write my prescription, to remedy my affliction … I need it, I need my weed, taking pills just ain’t my speed”) over dancehall-bumpin’ sounds. The single is the impetus behind his current California-Florida tour. (Jannus Live, St. Petersburg)
Benefit for Steve Connelly with Michael Miller & the Heart Machine, Ella Jet, Brian Merrill, Stan Arthur, John Kelly, Steve Connelly & more A precursor to the huge Skipperdome blow-out at the end of June, this charity concert is held for beloved local guitar slinger, songwriter, and producer Steve Connelly, who’s been dealing with run of ill fortune that started with his health and hit a harsh peak when the roof of his Zen Studios collapsed back in March, halting the work coming in and drying up the means of paying his medical bills. In a single month, the GoFundMe campaign set up to help him out has already reached 40 percent of its intended 20k goal ($11,338), which reinforces the impact he’s had on the local scene and reveals the numerous people who care about his well-being. (Hideaway Café & Recording Studio, St. Petersburg)
Kill Paris The LA-based producer otherwise known as Corey Baker plies EMD that grooves through disco, R&B and funk atmospheres. New album Galaxies Between Us is marked by glitch-hopping beats, fizzy low-end, and occasional guest spots like the sexy breathy cooing of Royal in catchy synth bouncing “Operate,” while “Gonna Get High” is a house dancing instrumental with brassy bright riffs and whirring builds and releases and “You Don’t Love Me No More” escapes to breezier yet fuzzier sonic climes with robo-effected vocals repeating the refrain. (Amphitheatre, Ybor City)
Young Dro He came up with help from fellow ATL Bankhead ‘hood native T.I., who signed Young Dro to his Grand Hustle label in 2006 and appeared on both LPs that followed and sole No. 1 Rap charter, “Shoulder Lean.” Young Dro has also dropped 14 mixtapes along the way, as well as appearing on three Grand Hustle comps as a member of the rotating label-spawned “Hustle Gang” with, among others, Iggy Azalea, T.I., B.o.B, and Travi$ Scott. (State Theatre, St. Petersburg)
Empire Cinema with Part Time Models, Ninehorn A trio of local indie rock sounds that includes the wheeling and surging, darkly textured alt rock sounds of Empire Cinema, and a mix of retro garage, post-punk and very light twang by Part Time Models (review of their new album here). Groove n’ crunch four-piece Ninehorn – featuring members of Alexander & The Grapes, Empire Cinema & Sun Signs – rounds out the evening. (The Venture Compound, St. Petersburg)
Thomas Wynn and The Believers with Hannah Harber Howling guitar-raging Wynn, soulfully singing, harmonizing and tambourine swinging sister Olivia, and all the rest of the Orlando-spawned Believers crew (harmonica player Chris Bell, bassist Dave Wagner,d rummer Ryan Miranda and keyboardist Colin Fei) return to the Skipperdome with a brawny, Southern-fried roots and blues rock throwdown. (Skipper’s Smokehouse, Tampa)
Florida Georgia Line with Frankie Ballard, Thomas Rhett It’s a big, boot-grinding bro-country duo – Brian Kelley (from Ormond Beach, Fla.) and Tyler Hubbard (from Monroe, Ga.) – who are backed by a full band that adds instrumental meat to songs touching on women (“Cruise,” “Angel”), drinking and letting loose (“Sun Daze,” “Tip It Back”), and downhome nostalgia (“Dirt”). Brah-country might be a more appropriate term… (MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheater, Tampa)
ALSO TONIGHT
Sugarbear Emerald Bar, St. Petersburg
Tampa May MAYhem Orpheum, Ybor City
Come Back Alice Ale and the Witch, St. Petersburg
Funny Bunny Ella’s Americana Folk Art Café, Tampa
Black Coast Royals/DEA + & Saint/Hail Dale/Jordan Esker & The Hundred Percent Fubar, St. Petersburg
Blast! Friday w/Greg Billings Band Cleveland Street, downtown Clearwater
Serotonic Dunedin Brewery, Dunedin
Homegrown: Tampa Edition, Local Hip-Hop Showcase Crowbar, Ybor City
Spenjamin Bach/Slade and the Wasters/Abortion Twins/Pig Pen Mic’s, St. Petersburg
Alex Lopez and the Xpress CD Release Party Cafe Charlie’s, Clearwater
Stadleman Brothers w/Fil Pate 8th Avenue Pub, Safety Harbor
