The long-running Sarasota festival promises big-name performers, a TV star, and plenty of motorcycles when it returns in February.
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One of Sarasota’s largest annual events has announced next year’s headlining entertainment, a celebrity guest and a (slightly) new name.
Thunder by the Bay Music & Motors Festival will return Feb. 13-15 to the Sarasota Fairgrounds. The 28th annual event is organized by and benefits Suncoast Charities for Children, which raises funds for local nonprofit organizations that offer programs and services to children, teens and adults with special needs and their families.
“For nearly three decades, this festival has been a significant charity fundraiser in addition to being a celebration of music, community, and fun,” Suncoast Charities for Children executive director Lucy Nicandri said in a statement. “As we head into our 28th year, we’re thrilled to bring in some exciting new additions that we know attendees will love — while keeping the heart and spirit of the event alive.”
This year’s musical headliners include Night Ranger, best known for their 1984 power ballad and Top 5 hit “Sister Christian” that was also memorably used in the 1997 film “Boogie Nights”; 38 Special, the Jacksonville-formed group whose songs include “Hold On Loosely” and “Caught Up in You”; and country music act Montgomery Gentry featuring Eddie Montgomery (who still tours under the name after his bandmate Troy Gentry died in a helicopter crash in 2017.)
Other guests will include Paul Teutul Jr., who rose to fame as one of the stars on the reality television series “American Chopper” and who also operates custom motorcycle company Paul Jr. Designs. Along with returning offerings including a bike show, motorcycle rodeo, vendors and food, this year’s event will also feature a car show and a motorcycle and car charity dice run — which may explain the slight name change from Thunder by the Bay Music & Motorcycle Festival to Music & Motors Festival.
Tickets go on sale Oct. 1, with options including general admission tickets starting at $15, limited Party Pit passes to get closer to the main stage performances, and limited VIP tickets offering premium seating and exclusive perks. Onsite weekend camping will also be available.
And if you want an early taste of Thunder by the Bay’s rock music and other festivities, Suncoast Charities for Children will also host a charity concert Saturday, Sept. 13 at Sarasota Sahib Shrine Event Center featuring Diary of an Ozzman, a tribute to the late metal icon Ozzy Osbourne who died earlier this year. For more information on the concert, Thunder by the Bay and other events, visit suncoastcharitiesforchildren.org.
Email entertainment reporter Jimmy Geurts at jimmy.geurts@heraldtribune.com. Support local journalism by subscribing.