THUNDER BY THE BAY ANNOUNCES MUSIC LINEUP & CHANGES
THUNDER BY THE BAY ANNOUNCES MUSIC LINEUP & CHANGES
Thunder By The Bay’s relocation to the Sarasota Fairgrounds, and date change to mid-February,
proved to be very successful this year raising over $130,000 for Suncoast Charities for Children
and generating $7.8 Million in economic impact.
The 2019 Festival is scheduled for February 15-17 at the Sarasota Fairgrounds and has rebranded
its name to be the Thunder By The Bay Music & Motorcycle Festival. This year’s entertainment
lineup includes a variety of genres to include blues, rock, and country featuring national
recording artist Steelheart performing on February 16. Steelheart’s memorable hits include
“Angel Eyes” (I’ll Never Let You Go), “Everybody Loves Eileen,” “She’s Gone” as well being
the voice of Mark Walberg singing music hits from the movie Rockstar such as “Stand Up And
Shout” and “We All Die Young.”
Other bands confirmed for the 2019 Festival include Cowboy (Kid Rock Tribute), Ultimate
Garth Brooks, Nuthin Fancy (Lynyrd Skynyrd Tribute), Smokin (Boston Tribute), Double Your
Trouble (Stevie Ray Vaughan Tribute), In The Light of Led Zeppelin, Diary of an Ozzman
(Ozzy Osbourne Tribute), along with local bands such as Maiden Cane and The Verge. “Each
year we have a wide variety of outstanding talent performing on stage the entire weekend, and
guests are welcome to bring their lawn chairs. Our goal is to create better public awareness that
this legendary Festival celebrating 21 years is not just for motorcycle enthusiasts,” said Festival
Director Lucy Nicandri. “Even our traditional Sunday charity ride for cash prizes is now open to
all motorized vehicles,” Nicandri indicated.
Festival activities will include a variety of freestyle acts in front of the main stage, over 100
vendors, a bike and truck show, tented seating, great food and much more! For the first time
ever the Festival will charge a $5 gate admission (12 and under free). Advance $10 three day
passes, and VIP tickets may be purchased online at thunderbythebay.org beginning October 15.
“Thunder By The Bay has always been about raising money for children, teens, and adults with
special needs right here in our local area. Each year necessary costs to run the Festival increase.
By charging a minimal gate fee, this will allow Suncoast Charities for Children to continue
offering a wide variety of music and entertainment for our guests to enjoy and still raise money
for Suncoast Charities for Children,” said Nicandri.
The Festival will also hold a Sporting Clay Tournament (February 1) at Knight’s Trail Park and a
“Born To Be Wild” Festival Kickoff Party (February 8) with Soul Circus Cowboys performing at
the White Buffalo Saloon. Suncoast Charities for Children Board Member and local attorney,
Greg Linehan, and the President of Rossiter’s Harley-Davidson, Rick Rossiter, will continue to
serve as Honorary Co-Chairs for the Festival. Presenting Festival Sponsors include Rossiter’s
and Manatee River Harley-Davidson, Sarasota Ford and Budweiser. Major Festival Sponsors
include FCCI Insurance Group, Wittmer Linehan, and The Loaded Barrel Tavern. Over the past
20 years, Thunder By The Bay has raised $1.8 Million for charity. For information visit:
thunderbythebay.org
