Chuck Negron
Formerly of Three Dog Night
5:15 PM—Bradenton Main Stage
Chuck Negron, Formerly of Three Dog Night, has been captivating audiences for over five decades with his iconic vocals, unique humor and brilliant storytelling. His catalog of hits are timeless and appeal to music fans of all ages. Currently touring with his own band, Chuck spent the last two summers on the road with the highly successful Happy Together Tour hosted by Mark Volman and Howard Kaylan of The Turtles.
Rock-n-Roll first made an impact in Chuck’s life in the late 1950’s. By the age of 15, he had recorded his first single record and performed at the world famous Apollo Theater with his vocal group The Rondells. Columbia records came calling after Chuck and the Sorenson Brothers had radio success in central California with two single releases, “Sharon Lee” on the Marlinda Records label and “I Dream of an Angel” on the Heart Van label. In 1965, Columbia Records signed Chuck Negron-Rondell to a recording contract.
In 1967, he became a founding member of Three Dog Night.—a vocal trio having roots in R&B, rock-n-roll, and urban doo wop, who created a style of music that was totally new and unique.
The world was introduced to Chuck Negron and Three Dog Night in 1969 by the band’s first million seller “One.” Driven by Negron’s solo lead vocals on four million selling singles, three #1 records , (one which topped the charts for six weeks, “Joy To The World,”) five top 5 hits and seven top 40 hits, Negron put and kept Three Dog Night on the charts for six years. His soaring, soulful, four octave range and unique vocal styling became a part of the American landscape. While he was with Three Dog Night, they had a phenomenal 18 consecutive” Top 20” hits, 21 “Top 40” hits, eight Top 10 hits and four “Number One” hits. The group also had five “Top 10 albums and 11 top 20 albums during that time.
Vegas McGraw
#1 Tim McGraw Tribute Show
5 PM—Palmetto Main Stage
A powerful show that moves and marvels audiences everywhere…this incredible Tim McGraw tribute, performed by Nashville recording artist and Las Vegas entertainer Adam D. Tucker, accurately recreates the music and mystique of country music icon Tim McGraw. Tucker and his talented crew have opened up for 42 national acts all over the country including: Taylor Swift, Trace Adkins, Jason Aldean, Charlie Daniels, Blake Shelton, Josh Turner, Luke Bryan, Eric Church and Tracy Lawrence.
The timeless sound of Tim McGraw appeals to spectators of all ages, recalling memories and touching the hearts of all. The group showcases Tim McGraw’’ mega-hits from the 90s such as: “Don’t Take The Girl,” “I Like It I Love It,” “Everywhere” and many of his other hits. Experience the most authentic and widely acclaimed Tim McGraw tribute show touring today!
Let’s Groove Tonight
Ultimate Earth, Wind & Fire Tribute Band
3:30 PM—Bradenton Main Stage
The Earth, Wind & Fire tribute band—”Let’s Groove Tonight”—is comprised of talented musicians who are also huge Earth, Wind & Fire fans…passionate about accurately re-creating those iconic sounds. From the soulful vocals to the dynamic horns and funky rhythm section, ”Let’s Groove Tonight” is the next best thing to seeing the legendary Earth, Wind & Fire Live!
The band performs powerful renditions of all of Earth, Wind & Fire’s top hits, including: “September,” “Let’s Groove,” “Boogie Wonderland,” “Sing a Song,” “Shining Star,” “Reason” and more! So real, so lively, so amazingly genuine you’ll be doing double-takes all night long.
Sam Woolf
4:45 PM—Bradenton Main Stage
SAM WOOLF is a singer-songwriter who gained national recognition as a Top Five finalist on American Idol’s 2014 season. Best known for his original compositions and pitch perfect vocals, Sam has been hailed as a “natural singer whose soul and passion are undeniable in every note he sings.” With the support of his strong network of fans, dubbed the “Woolfpack,” Sam’s live performances and recordings has garnered millions of views on social media.
In 2014, Sam released his debut EP Pretend, produced by Grammy award-winner Danny Blume. The album, which was released independently, debuted at #9 on the Billboard Heatseakers Chart. Most recently, Sam released two new singles, “Fast ‘n’ Dirty,” and “Stop Thinking About It,” which he co-wrote with Stephen Puth (brother of singer-songwriter Charlie Puth). Additionally, he recorded “On It” with the Como Brothers at Germano Studios in New York City with Grammy Award-nominated engineer Kenta Yonesaka.
Couch Music Education Foundation Students
11 AM—Bradenton Main Stage and Palmetto Main Stage
The Del Couch Music Education Foundation is a non-profit organization formed to provide area youth with the opportunities to create and learn the art of music, to record and listen to their musical creations and to provide a platform where they can enhance their musical, cultural, academic and life opportunities.
Focusing on underprivileged and disadvantaged youth, but available to all, the Foundation works with local schools and civic organizations to provide services that have been drastically reduced over the years or are no longer available in area schools. To provide musically inclined kids with these opportunities, the Foundation has arrangements with organizations such as The Boys & Girls Clubs, The YMCA and the Palmetto Youth Center.
Under the Moon & Friends
1 PM—Bradenton Main Stage
A dynamic 3 piece band, Under the Moon performs around the Tampa Bay area at
various functions including: The Farmers Market, The Reserve in Sarasota and the Art Ovation Hotel. Featuring Delaney Couch, Savannah Waller and Ivan Biletsky, all members are seniors at Manatee School for the Arts.
Shaman
2 PM—Bradenton Main Stage
Formed by Del Couch, Shaman has toured throughout the southeast for 20 years, performing at corporate functions, weddings and street parties. Playing almost every genre, they are known for their high-energy dance sets. Featuring Dian Kalley on vocals, Kenny Crawley on Drums, Dr, Erol Ozsever of guitar and Del on keyboards and trumpet.
Trevor Bystrom Band
2 PM—Palmetto Main Stage
Trevor Bystrom plays a wide range of instruments in various styles, including a
Weissenborn slide guitar, 12-string guitar, and an instrument he built himself
called an ngoni (African harp). Spanning multiple genres, his original
compositions continue to explore new world sounds and grooves. Trevor is a
singer-songwriter at his core, having begun writing his first year of high school,
and enjoys the process of seeing his originals come to life, from the initial
acoustic versions of his songs, to the engineered art of the recording studio.
Trevor and Morgan joined up with Kristie Armas on the U-bass to form, The
Tribal Trio. With this acoustic act, Trevor released his second album, “Live and
Direct,” which sold almost 1,000 copies without a label. After two years with this
trio, Trevor’s songwriting visions led him to pursue a more dynamic project with a
full size band.
Billy Rice Band
3 PM—Palmetto Main Stage
Billy Rice was born in Ohio and moved to Florida at age 7. He bought his first guitar from Sear’s & Roebuck using money he saved by mowing lawns. With a band of schoolmates, he played his first professional performance at 14 years of age. He has toured extensively throughout Florida and graced the stage with acts such as: Toby Keith, Mark Chesnutt, David Lee Murphy and recently was an opening act for Keith Urban.
Andy Pursell Band
4 PM—Palmetto Main Stage
The Andy Pursell Band was started by lead singer/songwriter Andy Pursell in 2015 and has performed at venues such as: Grand ‘Ole Opry, Hard Rock Café, and the Whiskey a Go Go blending country with a rock edge. The band keeps fans on their feet with an energetic mix of originals and cover songs.
In 2016, the band was named “Favorite New Country Artist” by the Tampa Bay Music Network and this year opened up for John Micheal Montgomery at the Punta Gorda Downtown Hoedown Festival. They were also a supporting act for Clay Walker at the Kix Country 92.9 Fest in Port Charlotte, FL and the headline act for the 2017 Suwannee River Jam.