THUNDER BY THE BAY ANNOUNCES FESTIVAL SCHEDULE IN CELEBRATION OF ITS 20TH ANNIVERSARY
Suncoast Charities for Children has announced the official event schedule for the 20th Annual Thunder By The Bay Motorcycle Festival scheduled for February 15-18, 2018. This event continues to honor veterans, active duty military, and first responders. The two-day Festival portion of the weekend, being held at the Sarasota County Fairgrounds, will continue to offer free admission to the general public.
Thunder By The Bay plans to offer a wide variety of live music for all ages touting the theme “The Festival Where Rock Meets Country”. Headliners this year include Vegas McGraw performing on Saturday (Feb. 17) and The Bobby Friss Band on Sunday (Feb. 18). Vegas McGraw is a Tim McGraw tribute band featuring Nashville recording artist, Adam D. Tucker, who recreates the music and mystique of country music performer Tim McGraw. Adam and his talented crew have opened up for 42 national acts across the United States to include Taylor Swift, Trace Adkins, Jason Aldean, Charlie Daniels, Blake Shelton, Josh Turner, Luke Bryan, Eric Church, and Tracy Lawrence. The Bobby Friss Band continues to be a crowd favorite at major motorcycle Festivals around the country. They have performed at Harley-Davidson’s 100th Anniversary Celebration, Daytona’s Bike Week, and have appeared in concert with Pat Travers, Bad Company, Steppenwolf, and over 50 other national acts.
Other bands performing live on stage include the Alter Eagles (Eagles Tribute), Tobacco Rd. Band, Soul Circus Cowboys, China Grove (Doobie Brothers Tribute), U.S. Stones (Rolling Stones Tribute), Diary of an Ozzman (Ozzy Osbourne Tribute), The Boss Hawg Band, Twinkle, and The Billy Rice Band. The Festival will continue to offer vendor displays, stunt rider shows, a motorcycle charity ride, great food, a sporting clay tournament, and a “Born To Be Wild” Kickoff Party. New activities planned include a “Bikes On Main” Block Party, fireworks, a “Ride for Riches” charity event to include both cars & motorcycles, on-site camping at the Sarasota County Fairgrounds, a motorcycle rodeo, three types of bike shows, a “Miss Thunder By The Bay” contest, expanded VIP area, and a “Thunder Tap Room” featuring craft beer, cigars, and an area where guests can relax and play Cornhole, and Jenga.
Lucy Nicandri continues to serve as the Festival Director. Suncoast Charities for Children Board Member and local attorney, Greg Linehan, and the President of Rossiter’s Harley-Davidson, Rick Rossiter, are serving as Honorary Co-Chairs for the Festival. Thunder By The Bay is produced by Suncoast Charities for Children and is a major fundraiser for this local non-profit that provides support to over 8,000 local children, teens, and adults with special needs and their families. Over the past 19 years, Thunder By The Bay has raised $1.7 Million for charity. The 2016 Festival was last held in the City of Sarasota and generated an estimated economic impact of $8.8 Million and 8,400 room nights.
Suncoast Charities for Children has been the driving force behind this Festival for many years. Festival Director, Lucy Nicandri, hopes that guests will remember how important Thunder By The Bay is to the charity. “Most outdoor concerts and events, similar to Thunder By The Bay, charge an admission fee. Thanks to our generous sponsors, the Festival is able to continue offering free admission. By purchasing official Festival merchandise, patronizing outdoor bars run by the charity during the block party and Festival, or just by making a $5 donation to participate in the “Ride for Riches” event are just some ways to show support for Suncoast Charities for Children and have fun at the same time”, said Nicandri. Presenting Festival Sponsors include Rossiter’s Harley-Davidson, Manatee River Harley-Davidson, and Sarasota Ford. Major Festival Sponsors include Budweiser, FCCI Insurance Group, and The Loaded Barrel Tavern. For more information about the 2018 Festival be sure to visit: thunderbythebay.org