The first concert in the free series is Friday (Jan. 29).

CLEARWATER – The 2016 Blast Friday concert series in downtown Clearwater will blast into the stratosphere with hot bands playing a combination of cool sounds, funky beats and rug-cutting tunes certain to thrill and entertain audiences of all ages.

The free Blast Friday concert series, held once a month from January to May, promises a rocking time with versatile bands – including an American Idol winner – performing rock, funk, rhythm and blues and soul.

The first show is Friday (Jan. 29) with Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes bringing their style of Jersey Shore eclectic rock, blues and funk to Clearwater. The eight-piece band has been a big influence to many hit bands and has played with many of the greats, including Bruce Springsteen and Miami Steve Van Zandt.

The Feb. 26 Blast Friday show features former American Idol winner David Cook, who has a certified Platinum album and received critical acclaim on his albums that have reached the U.S. Billboard 200 chart. The singer-songwriter plays with a solid backing band that complements his soulful voice and poignant lyrics on his hits, such as “Laying Me Low,” “The Last Goodbye,” and “Come Back to Me.”

The March 25 show features the classic rock band Atlanta Rhythm Section, which has released 16 albums in its more than 40 years of playing its quintessential rock, rhythm and blues and folk. The six-piece band hits the stage surely to perform its legendary hit “Imaginary Lover.”

The April 29 show brings it all back home with three local bands hitting the stage. The Greg Billings Band and the Black Honkeys will perform the soul, funk and blues, which fans have loved for years. Special guest for the show will be the Betty Fox Band, who also have a huge local following as they channel their exquisite soul and the sound of Janis Joplin.

The final Blast Friday concert will be May 27 and features the popular band Here Come the Mummies. The eight-piece Nashville band has a soul and funk sound rivaling George Clinton. Its horn section adds an added emphasis to the band’s uplifting sound and energy. The special guest for the show is Noah Guthrie, who brings his blues and soul to Clearwater in support of his debut album “Among the Wildest Things.”

All the concerts are free and each Blast Friday begins at 5:30 p.m. and ends at 10 p.m. The bands perform on the Tampa Bay Times Cleveland Street Stage located at Cleveland Street and Osceola Avenue. There will be food trucks, vendors, beer, wine and non-alcoholic drinks. There will also be activities for children. The community is also invited to enjoy downtown Clearwater’s Cleveland Street District with its eclectic restaurants and shops.

For informationa about Blast Fridays, go to myclearwater-fl.com.  For information about the Cleveland Street District, go to clevelandstreetdistrict.com.

Clearwater | Blast Fridays | Cleveland Street | Cleveland Street District | TB Reporter

#Clearwater #BlastFridays #ClevelandStreet #ClevelandStreetDistrict #TBReporter