Blues Rules At Ace’s This Weekend

Fans of the blues know where to go on the weekends.

, 4343 Palma Sola Blvd.

And this weekend, Ace's has two headlining acts bringing their own style of blues to Bradenton. And that's just Friday and Saturday. There's music on Thursday and Sunday, too.

A veteran singer-songwriter-entertainer for more than three decades, Tim (TC) Chandler began his professional career at age 16 in the band Traveler, which opened for names like Greg Allman Band, Hot Tuna and Doc Holiday.

His current band, 42 Blues Blvd., plays concerts throughout the south and is making a stop at Ace’s from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday.

The style takes a 180 when A Gentlemen Army, a Bradenton-based punk-rock band, begins its show at 10 p.m.

On Friday, Ace’s welcomes back Bryan Lee & The Blues Power Band. Lee, who lost his eyesight as an 8 year old, is a true blues great and veteran of the blues circuit in Milwaukee, Chicago and, since 1982, New Orelans. He’s been playing professionally since he was 16.

Rennee Bennett, Ace's owner, said the she and the Ace's crew are delighted to have Bryan Lee back. She said he's "the real New Orleans deal."

"A very special treat of musical magic," she said. "He has a very engaging personality, always pleasing the crowd with his charming personality and great guitar abilities."

Tickets are $8 in advance or $12 the day of. This is a non-smoking show.

Ace’s is at it again Saturday with blues guitarist Debbie Davies taking the stage at 9 p.m. Davies “wields an electric guitar as if it was a wand,” according to the Los Angeles Times.

She's an award-winning singer and songwriter who’s been nominated for various awards, included Best Contemporary Female Blues Artist in 1997 and 2010.

Davies honed her chops with the late, great blues singer-guitarist Albert Collins, among others, Bennett said.

"Her live performances light up the stage," she added. "We are delighted to have her back especially with her new CD being released on this tour."

Tickets are $12 in advance or $15 the day of. This also is a non-smoking show.

Let the sound of Walker Smith Group’s rythymic Chicago blues captivate you while dining on Chef Ron’s all-you-can-eat Italian buffet on Sunday. The band plays from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and the food comes out at 6 p.m.

There’s no cover charge on Thursday or Sunday. Sunday’s buffet costs $6.95.

Also happening in Bradenton this weekend:

• , 5600 Manatee Ave. W., may be most renowned for its famous ribeye cheese steak sandwich, but it has a menu of specials that are worth noting. Happy hour is 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and the daily specials are: $6.50 wings and $1 drafts on Monday, $1.50 longnecks on Tuesday, $6.50 nachos and $5.50 pitchers on Wednesday, $1.50 longnecks on Thursday, $1 drafts, $1.75 longnecks and $5.50 pitchers on Friday and $1.75 longnecks all day on Saturday.
• , 5526 15th St. E., is open from 8 a.m. until 2:30 a.m. six days a week but is closing at 8 p.m. on Sundays during the summer. The kitchen opens early. Drink specials from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday include $2 large drafts, $1.25 small drafts and $2.25 wells and wine.
• A few bucks can go a long way at , 1611 9th St. W., on a “Thirsty” Thursday night. Small draft beers cost $1 and larger beers and liquor are 2-for-1 throughout the game. The hometown Bradenton Marauders, class A-Advanced affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates, take on the Palm Beach Cardinals, farm team of the St. Louis Cardinals, at 6:30 p.m. Gates open at 6 p.m. To get tickets, visit the ballpark box office (recommended) or click here. After this Thursday game there are only four dollar beer nights left.
• , 5106 14^th St. W., has a back bar. If you haven’t checked it out, the time to visit is 10 p.m. Saturday for its “Drink ‘til You Drown” special. All-you-can-drink domestic beers and wells until close for $20.