live music in Tampa Bay Archives - Page 2 of 12 - Creative Loafing Tampa

Musician Eemmyy performing on stage at Crowbar in Ybor City during an International Women’s Day concert. The artist, seen from behind wearing a patterned green jacket, raises an arm toward an enthusiastic, crowded audience under low club lighting.

Music

Tampa Bay’s best live music happening March 13-19

Including Gabriel Jacoby, John Legend, Cult Member, and more.

by Ray Roa March 13, 2026March 13, 2026

A vibrant, medium close-up shot of Cuban funk artist Cimafunk performing live at the Gasparilla Music Festival. He is grinning broadly, holding a microphone in his right hand while his left hand rests on his hip. He sports a high-top fade haircut, a neatly trimmed beard, and striking thick-framed white sunglasses. He is wearing a dark, shimmering long-sleeved shirt that catches the stage lights, which bathe the scene in deep purple and magenta hues. The background is softly blurred, showing the dark stage environment and the faint glow of festival lights, capturing a moment of high-energy joy and charisma.

Music

Gasparilla Music Festival releases daily lineup, adds Cuban funk star Cimafunk

Lovelytheband, Kasbo, and The Suffers have also been announced.

by Josh Bradley March 11, 2026March 11, 2026

A press photo of singer-songwriter Ron Pope sitting in the driver's seat of a vintage blue car. He is looking directly at the camera with a serious expression. He has a full, dark beard and long dark hair styled into two long braids that rest over his shoulders. He is wearing a simple off-white t-shirt. The interior of the car features tan and black upholstery, and the shot is framed through the open driver-side window, capturing a glimpse of a side-view mirror in the foreground.

Music

Ahead of Clearwater show, Ron Pope reminisces about the album that opened his eyes

‘I loved that they seemed like regular guys.’

by Josh Bradley March 4, 2026March 4, 2026

Music

Photos: Andrea Bocelli showcases his timeless-as-ever voice in Tampa

Oh mi amor.

by Ryan Kern March 3, 2026March 3, 2026

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

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

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

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 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

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

A portrait of musician Tori Amos. She is looking directly at the camera with a neutral expression. She has long, vibrant, wavy red hair with bangs. She is wearing a textured, crimson-red garment with a ruffled neckline. The background is a soft, out-of-focus mix of muted blue, tan, and grey tones, creating a painterly effect.

Music

Tori Amos brings new dystopian album to Clearwater this summer

Times of dragons, indeed.

by Josh Bradley January 21, 2026January 21, 2026

A wide shot of American singer-songwriter John Mellencamp performing live on a dimly lit stage with red backlighting. He is an older man with silver, swept-back hair, wearing a dark suit. He is playing a butterscotch blonde Fender Telecaster electric guitar and standing in front of a microphone. In the background, a large bass drum is visible, featuring his name "MELLENCAMP" and his hometown "Bloomington, Indiana" printed on the drumhead.

Music

John Mellencamp brings greatest hits tour to Tampa this summer

Maybe the thrill of living isn’t gone after all.

by Josh Bradley January 14, 2026January 21, 2026

A sun-drenched outdoor portrait of the jazz duo Acute Inflections. On the left, bassist Sadiki Pierre, a Black man wearing a tan flat cap, white button-down shirt, and dark suspenders, looks focused as he plays a polished wooden upright bass. On the right, vocalist Elasea Douglas, a Black woman in a white sleeveless dress and a white floral fascinator, smiles with her eyes closed, gesturing gracefully with one hand as if singing. They are positioned in a lush green park with a soft-focus background of trees and colorful flower beds, captured in warm, glowing natural light.

Music

New York City duo Acute Inflections bringing Harlem Renaissance celebration to Tampa this month

Move over, Postmodern Jukebox.

by Josh Bradley January 8, 2026January 8, 2026

A medium close-up portrait of musician Lil' Rev, a middle-aged man with a warm, friendly smile and blue eyes. He is wearing a black flat cap (newsboy style), a black blazer over a matching vest, and a dark shirt. A white instrument strap across his shoulder holds a ukulele, of which only the headstock and part of the fretboard are visible. The background is softly blurred, suggesting an outdoor setting with dappled sunlight.

Music

Venues across Tampa Bay host a series of ukulele concerts this spring

Why else would you come here for spring break?

by Josh Bradley January 7, 2026January 7, 2026

A musician sings into a microphone while playing an acoustic guitar, surrounded closely by an engaged crowd inside a small, dimly lit venue lined with posters and signage.

Music

Tampa Bay’s best live music happening January 8-15

Nearly two dozen shows featured here, with even more listed below that.

by Ray Roa and Josh Bradley January 7, 2026January 8, 2026

A high-contrast concert shot of a vocalist mid-performance on a dark stage. A single spotlight highlights the musician as they shout into the mic, with one hand visible on the fretboard of a guitar in the lower right corner.

Music, Show Previews, Tampa Bay Journalism Project

18 Tampa Bay concerts to kick off 2026

Including Roc Helton, Geri X, California Honeydrops, and more.

by Ray Roa December 31, 2025December 31, 2025

A full-length outdoor portrait of three individuals standing on a leaf-strewn grassy hill under the shade of trees. The person on the left wears a black and red jacket and blue jeans; the central person has blonde braids and wears a black turtleneck with jeans; and the person on the right wears an off-the-shoulder black top with a dark skirt.

Music

The Bends’ no-cover show, Donna the Buffalo, among best NYE concerts in Tampa Bay

Plus gigs from Sofi Tukker, Afrojack, Acraze and more.

by Ray Roa December 30, 2025December 30, 2025

A group portrait of the five members of the band Donna the Buffalo standing outdoors in a desert landscape. From left to right: Kyle Spark, Mark Raudabaugh, Tara Nevins, Jeb Puryear, and David McCracken. They are all smiling and dressed in casual, roots-rock attire, including flannel shirts and denim. Tara Nevins, in the center, wears a blue plaid shirt and a decorative belt, while Jeb Puryear to her right wears a patterned hat. The background features a large, rocky hill under the soft glow of golden hour light, with a rustic wooden building visible on the left.

Music

Before NYE gig in Clearwater, Donna The Buffalo’s Tara Nevins recalls the best gig she ever saw

by Josh Bradley December 23, 2025December 23, 2025

Music

Photos: Chiodos, Hawthorne Heights, more tear up The Ritz Ybor

by Josh Bradley December 19, 2025December 19, 2025

A high-contrast, dramatic photo of singer Josh Groban performing on stage. He is wearing a dark suit, a black shirt, and clear-rimmed glasses, holding a microphone close to his face with a focused expression. In the dimly lit background, several members of an orchestra are visible, including two cellists in the mid-ground. The lighting is moody, with purple and white highlights catching the performers against the dark stage.

Music

Josh Groban, Jennifer Hudson co-headline tour in Tampa this summer

They’ll raise us up.

by Josh Bradley December 18, 2025December 18, 2025