Benefit Concert For Manatee Performing Arts Center

A fund-raiser doesn’t have to be boring.

Live music and a cash bar can help put the FUN in fund-raiser, and that’s certainly the case this Saturday.

Local bands GoodbyEddie and Lawyers, Guns & Money are performing live at a benefit starting at 7 p.m. at the Manatee Players Community Theatre, 102 Old Main St. Money raised at this event will go toward construction of the new Manatee Performing Arts Center, being built on the Promenade at Riverwalk. The Promenade lies just northeast of downtown Bradenton’s core.

The Manatee Players will relocate from its current 67-year-old building and into the new arts center when it is completed. The performing arts center will also be home to other concerts, plays and events.

Individual tickets are available for $25. Sponsorships are $500 to $1,000, although any contribution is welcome. Sponsorships, in addition to recognition, will include eight tickets for $1,000 and four tickets for $500 with priority seating along with your logo or color advertisement displayed above the bands during the concert.

There will be a cash bar available before and during the concert.

Call the Manatee Players Box Office for tickets at 941-748-5875 or buy them online at www.manateeplayers.com. For sponsorships contact Tom Nader at 941-737-6880 or tom4639@verizon.net.

Also around town this weekend:

• Live music at , 1418 13th St. W., during the monthly Village of the Arts ArtWalk. Blues artist RJ Howsom Band on is playing on the restaraunt's patio starting at 7 p.m. Friday. Food specials from talented Chef Gaetano from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Details: 941-741-8646.
• , 4343 Palma Sola Blvd., has a twin billing Friday night with live music from singer-songwriter Matt Woods and local band Have Gun Will Travel. Woods, who describes his music as classic country to straight-forward and greasy rock n’ roll, will open for Have Gun Will Travel at 9 p.m. The band describes its music as Americana/folk/indie/rock. Tickets are $7 in advance or $10 the day of the show.
• , 420 301 Blvd. E., is hosting its monthly party this Saturday with a lasagna extravaganza for all with side dishes courtesy of the bar's patrons. Stop by and fill your stomach. Food comes out around 5 p.m.There  will be a raffle and a 50/50. Hi-Way is the oldest family-owned bar in Manatee County.
• Fireworks aren’t just for July 4^th and New Year’s Eve. There will be a fireworks display after Saturday’s baseball game at between the hometown Marauders and the Palm Beach Cardinals. Game starts at 6:30 p.m. Fireworks start after the last out. Get your tickets at the McKechnie Field box office, 1611 9^th St. W., or visit www.bradentonmarauders.com.
• , 7423 Manatee Ave. W., has Service Industry Night every Sunday with 2-for-1 drink specials for those who qualify and $3 Fireball shots. Service Industry Nights are common at bars and pubs, and although the rules may vary slightly depending on the location, the drink discounts are usually for fellow bartenders, barbacks, waiters/waitresses, etc. Also - karaoke at 8 p.m.