Willie Nelson is set to perform at the BayCare Sound on May 17.

Willie Nelson is set to perform at the BayCare Sound on May 17.

Music scene: A quick look at concerts and music festivals on the way to the Tampa Bay area

By LEE CLARK ZUMPE, Tampa Bay Beacons

The BayCare Sound

Willie Nelson

CLEARWATER — Grammy winning artist Willie Nelson will perform on Sunday, May 17, 7 p.m., at The BayCare Sound, 255 Drew St., Clearwater.

Tickets start at $55. Visit www.rutheckerdhall.com.

With a seven-decade career, Nelson has earned every conceivable award as a musician and amassed reputable credentials as an author, actor, and activist. He continues to thrive as a relevant and progressive musical and cultural force. In recent years, he has delivered more than a dozen new albums, released a Top 10 New York Times’ bestsellers book, and again headlined Farm Aid — an event he co-founded in 1985. He has also performed at his annual Willie Nelson’s 4th of July Picnic.

Nelson started this decade by releasing four albums of newly recorded music — “First Rose of Spring” (2020), “That’s Life” (2021), “The Willie Nelson Family” (2021), and “A Beautiful Time” (2022). “A Beautiful Time” won the Grammy Award for Best Country Album. He also has also recently released three books, including “Me and Sister Bobbie: True Tales of The Family Band” (2020), “Willie Nelson’s Letters to America” (2021), and “Me and Paul: Untold Tale of a Fabled Friendship” (2022).

Nelson celebrated his 90th birthday in 2023 with multiple projects and events including a two-night star-studded concert at the famed Hollywood Bowl. Nelson was also inducted into The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2023.

On his most recent studio album, “Workin’ Man” (2025), Nelson sings 11 songs by Merle Haggard. “Dream Chaser,” his next album — which will be his 79th overall — is due on May 29 from Legacy Recordings.

Bilheimer Capitol Theatre

Our House

CLEARWATER — The only authentic tribute to Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young will return to the Tampa Bay area to celebrate the 57th anniversary of Woodstock 1969. Our House: The Music of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young will be presented on Saturday, May 16, 8 p.m., at the Bilheimer Capitol Theatre, 405 Cleveland St., Clearwater.

Tickets start at $44.50. Visit www.rutheckerdhall.com or call 727-791-7400.

The show features timeless Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young repertoire with an extraordinary ensemble of musical friends. What sets this apart is the stellar, historic lineup, featuring Steve Postell (guitar and musical director for David Crosby and The Immediate Family), acclaimed singer/songwriter Jeff Pevar (lead guitar for David Crosby, Graham Nash, CSN, Phil Lesh), Teresa James (vocals, keyboard) and Kipp Lennon (Roger Waters, David Crosby, Ambrosia).

Our House brings together a musical lineage that resonates with the very heart of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young’s legacy. The combined talents of these remarkable artists promise authentic and soulful renditions of the iconic tunes that have transcended generations, standing the test of time.

The production is not merely a tribute, but a testament to the enduring impact of the CSNY sound. Audiences can anticipate an immersive journey through classic hits such as “Déjà Vu,” “Wooden Ships,” “Helpless,” and “Carry On,” delivered with the finesse.

Ferg’s Concert Pavilion

Foghat and Nazareth

ST. PETERSBURG — Foghat and Nazareth will perform on Thursday, May 14, 7 p.m., at Ferg’s Concert Pavilion, 1320 Central Ave., St. Petersburg.

Tickets start at $25. Visit www.fergssportsbar.com.

The world of classic rock will ignite this spring as two of the genre’s most storied bands, Foghat and Nazareth, join forces for a co-headlining tour throughout North America in May 2026. This unprecedented lineup brings together decades of chart-topping hits, electrifying performances, and a combined legacy that has shaped the rock landscape across generations.

Together, Foghat and Nazareth have sold over 40 million albums worldwide, earning accolades and loyal fans on both sides of the Atlantic. Nazareth’s trailblazing approach brought Scottish rock to new heights, while Foghat’s relentless touring and radio hits made them legends of the American concert circuit. Their music has been featured in films, television, and continues to inspire new generations of musicians and fans alike.

The 2026 tour promises a string of unforgettable nights, featuring full sets from both bands, with the possibility of special collaborations and rare deep cuts from their extensive catalogs. Fans can expect to hear Foghat’s classics like “Slow Ride,” “Fool for the City,” and “I Just Want to Make Love to You,” alongside Nazareth’s “Hair of the Dog,” “Love Hurts,” and “This Flight Tonight.”

Jannus Live

Badfish: A Tribute to Sublime

ST. PETERSBURG — Badfish will perform on Saturday, May 16, 7 p.m., at, 200 First Ave. N., St. Petersburg.

Tickets start at $42.31. Visit www.jannuslive.com.

Up until now, the Rhode Island-based band has earned its keep paying tribute to Sublime, the short-lived but influential California group that brought ska-punk and reggae-rock to the mainstream. Badfish’s sincere celebration of Sublime’s musical spirit and legacy has earned them a loyal following. They have headlined theaters, sold out shows, and averaged 15 to 20 gigs a month.

Now, Badfish — which features Joel Hanks on bass, Scott Begin on drums, Pat Downes on vocals and guitar, Danny Torgersen on horns, keyboards, and guitars — has stomped into high gear with original songs. Badfish has released four singles so far, their newest being “Bad Things” (featuring DJ Hoppa), which is the follow up to “F You Pay Me” (featuring Grieves), which was released in June.

“Putting out original music alongside being a tribute band has always been a point of interest to us,” said Begin. “It’s been a tricky path to walk, though. Yet as the years have gone by and we’ve gotten to witness our little show turn into somewhat of a movement within the scene, we are at the point where we feel we have something of real heart and value to add not only to our show but to the American reggae scene.”

Concertgoers will hear Sublime staples “What I Got,” “Santeria,” and “Wrong Way” woven with Badfish’s own beat-heavy new single, “F You Pay Me,” as well as originals “High With You,” “Surf Party Lord,” and “Trippin’.” “F You Pay Me,” produced by Matt Keller, blends rock, reggae, and hip-hop along with lyrics about re-prioritizing self-preservation.

Mahaffey Theater

Luka Šulić

ST. PETERSBURG — Croatian-Slovenian cellist Luka Šulić will perform on Wednesday, May 13, 7:30 p.m., at the Duke Energy Center for the Arts — Mahaffey Theater, 400 First St. S., St. Petersburg.

Tickets start at $54.15. Visit themahaffey.com.

In 2022, Šulić stepped back from the intense touring schedule of 2Cellos to make space for creativity and to focus on family life — he has recently welcomed his fourth child. For the 2024 album “Life,” Šulić returned to his compositional roots to create music with an evocative sound world, enriched with luscious harmonies, soaring strings, and a cello line of transcendent beauty.

Šulić’s musical foundation was built upon original composition and an innate skill in instrumental arrangements — this album is his debut as a composer and arranger. From a young age, he began developing works for solo cello, and he has always been drawn to the rich, expressive sound world of a string orchestra — a sound able to take the listener to greater emotional depths. The tracks on this album are from ideas that have been gradually forming for many years, and given space to nurture, they have evolved into his musical depiction of “Life.”

Music4Life Living Arts Center

Michael Haney

CLEARWATER — Michael Haney will perform on Saturday, May 16, 7 p.m., at the Music4Life Living Arts Center, 1204 Rogers St., Clearwater.

Tickets start at $39.19. Visit wileyhouseconcerts.org.

According to his official website, Haney was about 6 years old when a great-uncle gifted him a guitar and he began learning to play. He’s been writing songs since he was a teenager, and he’d sometimes perform at family gatherings and among friends at college parties. But making a career out of making music always felt out of reach — until 2015.

That year, Haney found himself at a crossroads. He was looking for his next gig after a decade as a sports radio producer and on-air personality in his native South Carolina, but he wasn’t finding the right thing.

Haney decided to move to Nashville that September. Now signed to Rock Ridge Music, he’s honing his warm, comforting Americana sound under the guidance of producer Ben Jackson.

Haney’s songs “Fool’s Gold” and “Get That Far” highlight his strong but soothing voice. While they sound like lovelorn laments, they’re rooted in Haney’s experiences in the music business.

Jason Mraz takes the stage at Ruth Eckerd Hall on May 16.
Jason Mraz takes the stage at Ruth Eckerd Hall on May 16. [ PHOTO BY JEN ROSENSTEIN/ASHLEY W | Photo by JEN ROSENSTEIN/ASHLEY WHITE PUBLICITY ]

Ruth Eckerd Hall

Jason Mraz

CLEARWATER — Grammy Award winning singer/songwriter Jason Mraz will perform on Saturday, May 16, 7:30 p.m., at Ruth Eckerd Hall, 1111 McMullen Booth Road, Clearwater.

Tickets start at $82. Visit www.rutheckerdhall.com.

Mraz will bring his “Still Yours Tour” to Clearwater with special guest Gregory Page.

Known by hits such as “I’m Yours” and “I Won’t Give Up,” Mraz is a two-time Grammy Award winner and Songwriters Hall of Fame Honoree whose live performances captivate audiences worldwide. In 2023, he released his eighth studio album, “Mystical Magical Rhythmical Radical Ride,” featuring the single “I Feel Like Dancing.” The same year, he placed second on the 32nd season of “Dancing With The Stars.”

Mraz also performed as Dr. Pomatter in “Waitress” on Broadway. In addition to his musical endeavors, Mraz also champions philanthropy with his nonprofit, the Jason Mraz Foundation, which supports programs focused on inclusive arts education and the advancement of equality.

Page is a London‑born, Southern California-based singer‑songwriter and guitarist with a prolific global career, blending folk, Celtic, American roots, jazz, blues, ragtime, and swing into his own evocative style while captivating audiences with his warm voice, masterful guitar work, and poetic storytelling.

The BayCare Sound

Bush

CLEARWATER — Multi-platinum rock band Bush will perform on Wednesday, May 13, 6:30 p.m., at The BayCare Sound, 255 Drew St., Clearwater.

Tickets start at $66.50. Visit www.rutheckerdhall.com.

Bush will bring “The Land of Milk and Honey Tour” to Clearwater in support of their critically acclaimed new album, “I Beat Loneliness.” The run will feature special support from Mammoth and James and the Cold Gun. Taking its cue from their latest album and the band’s eighth No. 1 single on U.S. Active Rock Radio, the tour promises to deliver the same emotional punch — unfiltered and undeniably Bush.

After three decades, Bush remain one of rock’s most enduring and dynamic forces. With over 25 million records sold, a Grammy nomination, 1.1 billion streams, and 28 consecutive Top 40 hits, the London-formed band continues to define modern rock. Their anthems “Glycerine,” “Machinehead” and “Comedown” remain staples across radio and film, while their influence spans generations of fans.

The Six One Five Collective plays the Tarpon Springs Performing Arts Center on May 15.
The Six One Five Collective plays the Tarpon Springs Performing Arts Center on May 15. [ Photo SUBMITTED ]

Tarpon Springs Performing Arts Center

Six One Five Collective

TARPON SPRINGS — The Six One Five Collective will perform on Friday, May 15, 7 p.m., at the Tarpon Springs Performing Arts Center, 324 Pine St., Tarpon Springs.

Tickets start at $39 for adults and $36 for Tarpon Arts members. Visit tarponarts.org.

In the spirit of the Highwaymen, Little Big Town, Old Dominion and Fleetwood Mac, the Six One Five Collective is an award-winning, all-American band rooted in the heart of Nashville. Their road show is an eclectic mix of original solo music, hit songs they’ve written for other artists, and high-energy covers that define the “Six One Five sound.” Their music feels like an open road, full of freedom, adventure, and hope.

Boasting three Grammy nominations, the outfit has toured around the world, opening for John Legend, India Arie, John Hiatt, Kenny Chesney, Jon Pardi, Old Dominion, and others. They’ve played the Grand Ole Opry stage, performed at C2C, and toured extensively overseas. Their songs have been written for household names like Kelly Clarkson, George Strait, Luke Bryan, Cole Swindell, Lee Brice, Marc Broussard, Sister Hazel, and several TV shows such as “Nashville,” “Parenthood,” and “Virgin River.”

The Six One Five Collective-penned song “Kindness” was featured on the 21st season of “American Idol.”

OCC Road House

Stormbringer

CLEARWATER — Stormbringer will perform on Thursday, May 14, 6 p.m., at OCC Road House, 10575 49th St. N., Clearwater.

General admission is free; VIP table experience is $75. Visit www.occroadhouse.com.

According to Paragon Festivals, Tampa Bay’s own Stormbringer has featured the very same members for the past 21 years. The band effortlessly delivers air-tight renditions of hit songs like Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” and Bon Jovi’s “Livin’ on a Prayer.” A stunning concert act that also possesses a rockin’ catalogue of non-stop party and dance songs, the band provides crowd-pleasing music to perfectly match any large event.

Stormbringer features soaring lead vocals, crisp four-part harmonies, thunderous drums, dramatic keyboards and crunching guitars in their hundred-plus song repertoire.

Band members include John Vasalakis, lead vocals; Rick Moon, guitar and vocals; Dana Newcomer, drums; Eddie Pecchio, bass and vocals; and John Zahner, keyboards and vocals.

Journey brings the “Final Frontier Tour” to the Benchmark International Arena on May 15.
Journey brings the “Final Frontier Tour” to the Benchmark International Arena on May 15. [ PHOTO COURTESY OF GRANDSTAND MED | Photo courtesy of GRANDSTAND MEDIA ]

Benchmark International Arena

Journey

TAMPA — After more than five decades of electrifying performances, chart-topping hits and timeless anthems, the iconic rock band Journey is saying goodbye the only way they know how, with a thunderous, full-throttle “Final Frontier Tour” spanning cities across North America. Presented by AEG Presents, Journey’s final tour will make a stop in the Tampa Bay area on Friday, May 15, 7:30 p.m., at Benchmark International Arena, 401 Channelside Drive, Tampa.

Tickets start at $65.45. Visit www.ticketmaster.com.

The Rock & Roll Hall of Famers will be touring an all-new stage production across North America with their catalog of global chart-topping hits, including “Don’t Stop Believin,” “Any Way You Want It,” “Faithfully,” “Lights” and more in a celebration of legacy, love and the fans who made it all possible.

Journey features founder Neal Schon (lead guitarist), Jonathan Cain (keyboards, backing vocals), Arnel Pineda (lead vocals) Jason Derlatka (keyboards, vocals), Deen Castronovo (drums, vocals) and Todd Jensen (bass). Neal Schon is a three-time Hall of Fame inductee, having been inducted to the Oklahoma Hall of Fame, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the Grammy Hall of Fame. Jon Cain is a recipient of two BMI songwriter awards and was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Journey.

“This tour is our heartfelt thank you to the fans who’ve been with us every step of the way, through every song, every era, every high and low,” said Schon, a founding member of the band. “We’re pulling out all the stops with a brand-new production; the hits, the deep cuts, the energy, the spectacle. It’s a full-circle celebration of the music that’s brought us all together.”

Since the group’s formation in 1973, Journey has earned 19 Top 40 singles, 25 gold and platinum albums and has sold over 100 million albums globally.

Crowbar

Chuwi

TAMPA — Chuwi will perform on Wednesday, May 13, 7 p.m., at Crowbar, 1812 N. 17th St., Tampa.

Tickets start at $36.99. Visit www.crowbarybor.com.

The Puerto Rican musical group Chuwi was founded by siblings Willy, Lorén and Wester Aldarondo in 2019. The outfit blends plena, salsa, indie rock, and Caribbean pop. They first attracted global attention after being featured on Band Bunny’s song “Weltita,” released in January 2025. The band performed alongside Bad Bunny for all 30 sold-out nights of his historic “No Me Quiero Ir de Aquí” concert residency at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico in the summer of 2025, and joined him on stage at the 26th annual Latin Grammy Awards.

MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre

Pitbull

TAMPA — Rapper Pitbull will perform on Saturday, May 16, 8 p.m., at the MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre at the Florida State Fairgrounds, 4802 U.S. 301 N., Tampa.

Call 813-740-2446 or visit www.livenation.com.

Global superstar Pitbull returns with the “I’m Back Tour,” a massive outing with special guest and Grammy Award winner Lil Jon.

Pitbull remains one of the most consistent live performers of his generation and a dominant force on the road, earning multiple top touring placements throughout his career. As reported by Billboard Boxscore, Pitbull has grossed more than $250 million and sold more than 4.7 million tickets globally throughout his career. His last run, “Party After Dark Tour,” was notably the biggest solo tour of his career with over 50 dates in 13 countries. With Lil Jon’s high-octane set joining the bill, the “I’m Back Tour” promises his signature full-throttle celebration across amphitheaters and stadiums nationwide.

The Orpheum

Drug Church

TAMPA — Post hardcore band Drug Church will perform on Wednesday, May 13, 6 p.m., at the Orpheum, 14802 N. Nebraska Ave., Tampa.

Tickets start at $35.06. Visit www.theorpheum.com.

For over a decade, Drug Church have been building a very strong case that they’re the best loud guitar band in the game. Their fifth full-length album, “Prude,” is a 28-minute blast of aggression, melody, irreverence, and genuine heart. The album is so downright satisfying it tricks you into thinking there’s nothing all that surprising about a difficult-to-pigeonhole punk band from Albany, New York, somehow having a career at all, much less one that would last over 10 years.

Band members include vocalist Patrick Kindlon, guitarists Nick Cogan and Cory Galusha, bassist Pat Wynne, and drummer Chris Villeneuve. The band came into being in 2011 with a singular amalgamation of eye-popping aggression, bulletproof hooks, and incisive lyricism, and rather than reinventing themselves on every record, they’ve simply aimed to get better and better at a sound they can actually call their own.

The Orpheum

Dropout Kings

TAMPA — Nu metal outfit Dropout Kings will perform on Saturday, May 16, 7 p.m., at the Orpheum, 14802 N. Nebraska Ave., Tampa.

Tickets start at $28.69. Visit www.theorpheum.com.

According to the band’s official website, Dropout Kings are a generational evolution of rap-infused rock bands such as Linkin Park and Limp Bizkit, fusing together heavy metal sounds with the progressive rhythms of hip-hop and trap music. Dubbing it as “trap metal,” DOK prides themselves on pioneering and molding the genre, crafting unique soundscapes that feel familiar yet fresh and innovative.

Songs like “Scratch & Claw” feature impactful and introspective rap lyrics and haunting yet passionate vocals over polished, metal inspired, instrumentation, while “Going Rogue” pushes the creative threshold of what a band can excel to be.

The band formed in 2016. Their debut album, “AudioDope,” was released in August 2018 through Napalm Records. The album received rave reviews, being heralded for its refreshing yet nostalgic sound while blurring the lines between rock and hip-hop.

In 2019, Dropout Kings signed to Stay Sick Recordings and released the “GlitchGang” EP. In 2021, DOK signed with Suburban Noize Records and re-released the “GlitchGang” EP, only further cementing them as a force to be reckoned with. Their most recent studio album, “Yokai,” was released in 2025.

The Orpheum

Lords of Acid

TAMPA — Lords of Acid will perform on Sunday, May 17, 6 p.m., at the Orpheum, 14802 N. Nebraska Ave., Tampa.

Tickets start at $41.70. Visit www.theorpheum.com.

Praga Khan, the visionary behind Lords of Acid, stands as a trailblazer in the realm of electronic dance music. Initially making waves as a DJ, Praga evolved into an artist, birthing Lords of Acid as one of his side projects.

The Lords of Acid’s impact on the EDM scene is indelible, with 3 million albums sold in the United States alone, solidifying their legendary status. Their debut album, 1992’s “Lust,” laid the foundation for the EDM movement, influencing a new generation of electronic bands, DJs, and producers — a legacy that endures to this day.

The band is set to release a new studio album, “Acid Reign,” in 2026.

The Ritz Ybor

Nicole Moudaber

TAMPA — Nicole Moudaber will take the stage on Saturday, May 16, 10 p.m., at the Ritz Ybor, 1503 E. Seventh Ave., Tampa.

Tickets start at $20.77. Visit www.theritzybor.com.

Moudaber is one of the industry’s true trailblazers. She is among a select few artists who can lay claim to having had such an instrumental impact on the global electronic music scene. Moudaber’s unparalleled production talent and intuitive ability to work a crowd has seen her captivate audiences worldwide, becoming one of the most sought-after DJs on the planet — but Moudaber is much more than a DJ. This is a woman who has dedicated her life to advancing underground culture and championing women worldwide.

Hailing from Nigeria and currently based in London, Moudaber’s journey to becoming one of the most revered names in the dance music scene is as dynamic and boundary-defying as her music. From her beginnings as a promoter in Beirut’s underground club scene to becoming a globally adored DJ, producer and label boss, Moudaber’s career is a testament to her relentless passion and uncompromising vision.

Skipper’s Smokehouse

Sean Chambers & The Savoy Brown Rhythm Section

TAMPA — Sean Chambers & The Savoy Brown Rhythm Section will perform on Friday, May 15, 8 p.m., at Skipper’s Smokehouse, 910 Skipper Road, Tampa.

Tickets are $14.48 in advance. Visit skipperssmokehouse.com.

Hailed as one of the top 50 blues guitarists of the last century by Guitarist Magazine, Florida-born Sean Chambers has been lighting up the blues scene since his career began in 1998 alongside Chicago blues icon Hubert Sumlin. His fiery guitar work and gritty vocals have earned him a devoted following and a string of critically acclaimed albums. His ninth and latest release is “Live From Daryl’s House Club,” featuring the Savoy Brown Rhythm Section, including Pat De Salvo on bass and Garnet Grimm on drums.

Chambers began his career in the blues back in 1998 when he toured with the legendary Hubert Sumlin as his guitarist and band leader until 2003.

Andrés Cepeda brings his tour to the Straz Center on May 19.
Andrés Cepeda brings his tour to the Straz Center on May 19. [ PHOTO COURTESY OF THE STRAZ CENT | Photo courtesy of THE STRAZ CENTER ]

The Straz Center

Andrés Cepeda

TAMPA — Andrés Cepeda will perform on Tuesday, May 19, 7:30 p.m., in Ferguson Hall at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts, 1010 N. W.C. MacInnes Place, Tampa.

Tickets start at $49.40. Visit strazcenter.org.

After a year marked by international recognition and a new creative chapter, Cepeda is hitting the road for his highly anticipated U.S. tour. This tour arrives as the Colombian singer-songwriter celebrates three nominations at the 2025 Latin Grammy Awards for his acclaimed album, “Bogotá.”

With a show that blends the emotional depth of his repertoire with an impeccable performance, the tour will deliver an intimate, elegant and profound musical experience. Each show will be a celebration of Cepeda’s artistic journey and of the strong bond he has built over the years with Spanish-speaking audiences throughout the United States.

Author
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LEE CLARK ZUMPE, Tampa Bay Beacons
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