Saturday October 7, 2023 5:30 PM

 

Brendan Mayer and Eric Erdman Return Together at The Habitat!

Brendan Mayer and Eric Erdman – a Dynamic duo that should NOT be missed!

Note – this is a Saturday show, music starts at 6:30PM, Doors at 5:30

About the Show…

Each are able to command the stage as a solo artist, but get them together, and music magic is going to happen. Last year’s show was a highlight of our year, and they have agreed to do it again! I know that you are here because you already know this is going to be a show to attend and there are no introductions needed… but read on if you are not convinced…

About Eric…

Eric Erdman was writing songs at 8 years old. When he and his older brother sat at the end of their family’s pier on Mobile Bay, they learned to play guitar to the rhythm of the waves and they pulled as many tunes from that water as they did fish.

Eric’s passion for and knowledge of music grew throughout his high school and college years. After graduating from University, Eric continued to pursue his music career, forming the funk rock band The Ugli Stick. The group recorded four albums and toured worldwide for years with Eric as front man. Soon Eric joined the writing staff in Muscles Shoals at legendary Fame Studios, where he not only met and impressed producer Jimmy Nutt, but also soaked up inspiration from the history and roots of the small north Alabama town known as “The Hit Recording Capital of the World.”

Smart lyrics, gorgeous melodies, soulful ballads: Eric’s range transcends genre. As a guitarist, Eric’s mastery and versatility has him touring with world class acts like the Buddy Rich Band, Kristy Lee, Nadirah Shakoor. Besides his own singer/songwriter credentials, Eric produces projects for other artists as well.

About Brendan…

Brendan Mayer is quickly gaining attention as an artist and songwriter, with his signature voice and intelligent songs. The son of acclaimed guitarist and songwriter, Peter Mayer, Brendan has crafted his unique voice from a young age. A long time resident of Nashville, Brendan was the lead singer of buzz-band, The Turf, sharing the stage with successful acts such as American Bang and Jeff the Brotherhood. Brendan was also a featured artist on Jimmy Buffett’s 2014 summer tour, and that same year he released his debut EP “The Getaway Car” on Mailboat Records.

With an introspective lyricism and engaging melodic sensibility that marries Americana, Folk, and Indie Pop, Brendan creates music that is somewhere between Nick Drake, John Mayer, The National, and Arcade Fire. He tours regularly throughout the United States and Europe, and has steadily built a loyal following.

Suggested Donation for this show is $20 a person, and there are limited VIP seats available as well by request, Suggested Donation for VIP is $35 a person… We will limit VIP requests to no more than 12! We are no longer able to offer pre-donations as we have not been able to locate a reliable method to do this going forward. All donations will be made at the door. We really ask that if you RSVP that you actually attend the show!

RSVP deadline is past

Saturday August 26, 2023 5:30 PM

 

Trevor Bystrom at The Habitat

About the Show…

It is quite likely that you are checking out The Habitat for the first time, as Trevor has a long-time following locally in the Bradenton area. We really hope you come out to see him at our location, as it will be a unique location to see him live – our sole reason to host shows is a love of music, we are a listening environment, and 100% of the donations that you contribute go to the musicians.

For our Habitatian regulars, We have been hoping to have Trevor play here for some time now, but all the dates we tried ended up not working out, and this is a good number of years in the works – you will not be disappointed in the quality of music you expect at The Habitat!

Trevor is presenting this show as a 3 piece, he will be joined by Benny Maldonado (Percussion, Congas) and Judit Rodriguez Maldonado (Minor Percussion and Backup Vocals) and he is also bringing 10 year old new sensation and budding prodigy Nora Bear (guitar/vocals)!

We encourage you to check out his web site: Trevor Bystrom

About Trevor:

Trevor’s love of music and conservationist spirit was fostered from a young age. He was born and raised on historic Anna Maria Island by a musical family. He grew up attending music festivals all around Florida. By 16 he had written many originals and began performing around local venues. At age 18, he started working on his first album, “Fly Away.” During that year, Morgan Greig joined on percussion and didgeridoo. The album was released and sold over 150 copies the first night. A few years later, Trevor and Morgan joined up with Kristie Armas on the bass to form The Tribal Trio. With this acoustic act Trevor released his second album, “Live and Direct.” It sold the entire order of 1,000 albums. After two years with this trio, Trevor’s songwriting visions led him to pursue a more dynamic project with a full size band.

In the summer of 2016 Trevor Bystrom attended the 5 week summer program at Berklee College of Music. Here he joined the World Music ensemble, which started to lay down the bricks for Trevor’s path to Caribbean and Afro influenced music. The ensemble was a group of 12 students covering songs by Nneka and Richard Bona. This was one of Trevor’s most challenging weeks in his music career. In 2019 Trevor started recording his new album, a big project stretching the boundaries of Trevor past music. He called on Pedro Arevalo, a berkley grad and international touring musician, to help produce the album with him. This album brings out more latin, reggae, and calypso side. During a search for a percussionist, James Hershey found Benny Maldonado, a next level Latin Grammy nominated percussionist based out of Tampa. He took on this band like it was one of his own along with his wife Judit Maldonado who joined as vocalist and auxiliary percussionist.

During the tough year of 2020, one of Trevor’s passion projects blossomed. An artist he was collaboration on a single with together decided, with the current lock downs and loss of shows, to record a 6 song EP. For the next year Trevor and Peter worked endlessly to created this album remotely from their own studios over 8,000 miles apart. They successfully finished the EP “Mawanga & Bystrom” and set its release to be September 1st and dropping its first single “Some Day” on July 7th. At the same time this project came to light, Trevor’s band was building. Juna Serita joins as its core bass player and Zooey Seraphine joins with violin and sound scaping. The band of now 7 members released its 1st of the 5 live in studio music videos. Trevor released the rest of “Live in Studio” videos, EP “Mawanga & Bystrom” in September, a full album with his band in 2022, along with countless video projects, and continues to build his brand Blind Rooster.

Suggested Donation for this show is $20 a person, and there are limited VIP seats available as well by request, Suggested Donation for VIP is $35 a person… We are no longer able to offer pre-donations as we have not been able to locate a reliable method to do this going forward. All donations will be made at the door. We really ask that if you RSVP that you actually attend the show!

RSVP deadline is past

Saturday August 12, 2023 5:30 PM

 

Summer Songwriters Sessions at The Habitat

Featuring Aubrey Wollett and Bryton Stoll

Note – this is a Saturday show, music starts at 6:30PM, Doors at 5:30

About the Show…

With the success of the Summer Songwriters Session in the past, we are doing it again (this is a reschedule of the one we were not able to host last year) and we are excited to have two rising stars in the Trop Rock world – Aubrey Wollett and Bryton Stoll!

About The Artists – Aubrey and Bryton…

Aubrey:

Originally from the Tampa Bay Area of Florida Aubrey now spends her time in Nashville. Her smooth soulful voice, acoustic guitar playing, and relatable lyrics will have you listening on repeat. She originally worked on the business side of the industry for one​ of the top songwriters, Dallas Davidson,​ who has written hits for Luke Bryan, Blake Shelton, Jason Aldean, among many others. ​

She finds herself now touring all over the U.S. and has opened up for Country Artists such as Tanya Tucker, Billy Currington, Hunter Hayes, Wynonna Judd, LoCash, Carly Pearce, and opened for Jay Leno on his comedy tour in 2018. Wollett’s single “Saltwater Gypsy” was premiered on CMT won 2019 Music Video of the year for the International Singer Songwriter Association Awards. Wollett’s latest EP has a two hit singles “Beach Vibes” and “Better on a Beach” which has won another ISSA Award, nominated for Trop Rock’s Female Artist of the Year and On the Horizon and has had multiple songs hit #1 on the Trop Rock charts.

Wollett adds a refreshing beach vibe to this country music era with a captivating sound and catchy songs, you will enjoy her songs and stories during this Songwriters Series!

Bryton:

He is The Landlocked Sailor…

Bryton says… Some of my favorite memories are of sitting around a campfire on a beach in Kansas while my dad played the guitar and sang. The moonlight, the stars, and the fire all danced together on the water, while the rest of us danced on the sand.

There was some country, a little classic rock, and a whole lot of Jimmy Buffett. Years later, when I picked up my own guitar, I could feel all those influences come through me in the music I played and the stories I told.

Whether it’s a song about life, love, or the lack of, I want to take listeners to their own place where worries fade and solutions become more clear. I may not be able to make problems disappear, but as the Landlocked Sailor I do know how to find a beach, even in the middle of Kansas!

Suggested Donation for this show is $20 a person, and there are limited VIP seats available as well by request, Suggested Donation for VIP is $35 a person… If you would like to ask for the VIP experience (preferred seating, concert poster, goodie bag, etc), please state so in the notes field so we know! As always, 100% of donations go straight to the artist, and with your donation, we also have a raffle for an artist’s CD and a bottle of Siesta Key Toasted Coconut Rum!

RSVP deadline is past

Saturday July 29, 2023 5:30 PM

 

John Friday at The Habitat

About the Show…

John’s First show at The Habitat!

About John:

John Friday, the Tropical Balladeer, is a singer/songwriter originally from Maryland. John got his first guitar when he was 13, after attempts at learning the piano and the clarinet were less than successful. For years, John was never far from that guitar. He took it backpacking in the White Mountains of New Hampshire; while working on a crabber in Chesapeake Bay; even while skiing in Maine & Colorado. He still has that guitar, although his collection has grown somewhat over the years.

An eclectic set of interests led John through the gamut of college majors, including biology; education; engineering; mathematics; business (“I’d always made fun of business majors, and suddenly I was one!”); computer science; classics (the most useful part of a classics degree is that you can say “Do you want fries with that?” in Latin!); and finally, one that combined many of John’s interests, History. It took a mere twenty years to complete his baccalaureate, as little things like raising children and going to war kept him busy. John’s love of History is readily evident, as he will discuss historical events at the drop of a fin-topped hat.

When it came time to “get a grown-up job,” John put away childhood dreams and joined the Army. A series of injuries led to a medical discharge after thirteen years of service. Moving back to the Mid-Atlantic region, John shortly realized that (1) he’d never really grown up and never would, and (2) his childhood dreams of making music were still powerful. Eventually, those dreams led to a southward move. “Dreams…don’t leave childhood without them!”

We also encourage you to check out his web site: John Friday

Suggested Donation for this show is $20 a person, and there are limited VIP seats available as well by request, Suggested Donation for VIP is $35 a person… We are no longer able to offer pre-donations as we have not been able to locate a reliable method to do this going forward. All donations will be made at the door. We really ask that if you RSVP that you actually attend the show!

RSVP deadline is past

Saturday June 24, 2023 5:30 PM to 10:00 PM

 

Jonas Lorence and Monallo at The Habitat

About the Show…

A New Pairing of Musicians for a back and forth songwriters adventure, Jonas Lorence and Monallo!

About Jonas:

Jonas Lorence has been playing guitar in the Austin Texas and surrounding areas for over 20 years, touring with original artists such as Lonely Child, the Dealers and Mark McKinney, and more recently with the Stooch Band. He is also one of the founding members of the central Texas sensation the American Gypsy Band, and of course, how you likely know him, the Jonas Lorence Band, performing at many ParrotHead events.

Jonas Lorence has won multiple awards from the Trop Rock Music Association including the prestigious Horizon Award for 2021 “Verona Corona” by the JLB was named #1 song of 2020 by Tikipod Radio. You can also catch the JLB on many of your favorite Trop Rock stations including Radio Trop Rock, Tikiman Radio, Radio A1A, Shore Life Radio, Tikipod Radio as well Radio Georgetown 106.7 and Texas Select Radio.

About Monallo:

Songwriter, former environmental scientist, amateur beach bum, aspiring boat captain.

After a near fatal car accident at age 16, monallo picked up a guitar and began writing songs. He played in various bands over the next few years until losing his voice completely at 23. Not sure if he would be able to sing or even talk well going forward, monallo put it all on the line after the ensuing vocal cord surgery and began writing, recording and touring more than ever before.

Inspired by real-life experiences and the world that surrounds us all, monallo’s warm sound, vivid imagery and organic style produces songs that are both true to the heart and easy to listen to. Some are lighthearted, some are heartfelt, but they each set a relaxing, down-to-earth tone that we can all enjoy.

As a former environmental scientist, monallo is passionate about the environment, with an especially soft spot for any body of water. monallo has been recognized as a Global Ambassador for the “Plastic Ocean Project” since 2018. A percentage of proceeds from all shows and album sales are donated to POP. In 2019, monallo was recognized as a BYObottle Artist, joining highly touted artists all working to make the music industry more sustainable.

We also encourage you to check out both their web sites: Jonas Lorence and Monallo

Suggested Donation for this show is $20 a person, and there are limited VIP seats available as well by request, Suggested Donation for VIP is $35 a person… We are no longer able to offer pre-donations as we have not been able to locate a reliable method to do this going forward. All donations will be made at the door. We really ask that if you RSVP that you actually attend the show!

RSVP deadline is past

Saturday June 10, 2023 5:30 PM to 10:00 PM

 

Sunny Jim and Lefty Lucy at The Habitat

About the Show…

Sunny Jim is our Long-Term Local Trop Rock Icon. He has performed at The Habitat quite a few times, both solo and with others, and this time, he is bringing us something new – Lefty Lucy!

This is going to be a wonderful show The Habitat

About James:

A live performance by James “Sunny Jim” White calls up sea breezes, palm trees. sandy beaches and good tropical vibes. Audiences often end up dancing in conga lines and moving to the up-tempo rhythms of his original music, a blend of influences that range from the Caribbean to California, by way of Texas. White, was born in San Antonio, raised in California, and then spent 12 years in the Cayman Islands. In the Caribbean, he perfected his solo show featuring guitar, vocals and backup tracs. He added steel drum and soaked up the culture of the West Indies, infusing his songwriting with the influences of Caribbean masters. It was in Cayman that he picked up the nickname “Sunny Jim.”

About Lefty Lucy:

Longtime friends, Lucy Malia and Nick DiBlasio, began Lefty Lucy in the Philadelphia area. Shortly thereafter, the two started touring playing as a duo, trio, and a five-piece band.

Over the course of their career in Music, they have become the house bands in many exotic locations like Bermuda, St. Thomas, Puerto Rico, St Croix, and St John performing at many of the best known locations there.

They also spent 6 years in Las Vegas performing as the house band for Toby Keith at his “I Love This Bar and Grill,” at Harrah’s as well as many nightclubs on the famous Las Vegas Strip; Margaritaville, Planet Hollywood, The Flamingo, Carnaval Court, The Piano Bar, O’Shea’s.

It was in Las Vegas that Lefty Lucy’s five-piece Country band was chosen as the Opening Act for Kenny Chesney at the MGM Grand Garden Arena playing their original music to a sold-out crowd of 18,000 people.

Now making Florida their home while they are not in Colorado, Lefty Lucy is based in the Sarasota area playing The Hard Rock in Tampa, and places in and around Sarasota and Siesta Key.

We also encourage you to check out both their web sites: Sunny Jim Music and Lefty Lucy

Suggested Donation for this show is $20 a person, and there are limited VIP seats available as well by request, Suggested Donation for VIP is $35 a person… We are no longer able to offer pre-donations as we have not been able to locate a reliable method to do this going forward. All donations will be made at the door. We really ask that if you RSVP that you actually attend the show!

RSVP deadline is past

Saturday April 29, 2023 5:30 PM

 

Ariella Returns to The Habitat to help kick off our 2024 season!

About Ariella

Previously performing at The Habitat as a full-band show under the name Ari and The Alibis, This high-energy duo returns for an intimate show at The Habitat. Infusing Funk, Jazz and Samba with Blues Soul and Rock, Ari and the Alibis created a memorable ear-catching sound and quickly became one of the top acts in their native Tampa Bay music scene, with recognition with nominations for best local band in Tampa Bay and Ari for best Jazz vocals, and Grammy nods in two categories: Best Rock Song (Dirty Little Secret) and Best Rock Performance (Dirty Little Secret and Bon Appetit).  Appearing now a a duo, they continue to be a don’t-miss show, and they always bring their A-game when the crowd is attentive and listening to their music!

We also encourage you to check out their web site: Ariella

Suggested Donation for this show is $20 a person, and there are limited VIP seats available as well by request, Suggested Donation for VIP is $35 a person, you can request this through the notes field on the RSVP… All donations are made at the door. We really ask that if you RSVP that you actually attend the show – if you find you cant, please let us know at least 48 hours before the show so that we may offer your spot to someone else…

Saturday May 27, 2023 5:30 PM

 

Christie Lenée at The Habitat

About the Show…

Lenée took First Place at the International Fingerstyle Guitar Championship in 2017, was voted Acoustic Guitarist of the Year by England’s Music Radar in 2019, and was named one of the “Best Acoustic Guitarists in the World Right Now” by Guitar World Magazine in 2020.

And she is coming back to The Habitat

Christie Lenée is a captivating performer with a devoted following among instrumental, folk-pop and rock band audiences. Combining guitar mastery, contemporary singer/songwriter and a passion for storytelling, she thrives onbringing people together through the language of music.

Christie’s unique guitar work and profound instrumental compositions are well described as ‘Michael Hedges meets Joni Mitchell and Dave Matthews.’ Among the vast community of fingerstyle and tapping guitarists, her niche is the integration of melodic pop lyricism with catchy hooks that excite both modern commercial listeners and classic purists. With a menu of percussive and sonic effects, and larger than life sounding instruments, her solo shows embody layers of orchestral elements with a wide array of dynamics and harmonic textures.

We also encourage you to check out her web site: Christie Lenée Music

Suggested Donation for this show is $20 a person, and there are limited VIP seats available as well by request, Suggested Donation for VIP is $35 a person… We are no longer able to offer pre-donations as we have not been able to locate a reliable method to do this going forward. All donations will be made at the door. We really ask that if you RSVP that you actually attend the show!

RSVP deadline is past

Saturday February 4, 2023 5:00 PM

 

Cautionary Tales

Album Release

Dean Johanesen

Featuring the 24 Hour Men, Live Production of Artwork by DV Cooper, Rebekah Pulley Opening

Every so often, something magical happens…

Dean Johanesen has been one of our favorites since we first met. It is music like his that convinced us we needed more places to LISTEN to music.

Dean was looking for the ‘right’ place to do his Album release, and asked us if The Habitat would host it.

We said yes.

The 24hr Men will Join him

Rebekah Pulley will Open for him

BV Cooper will produce a Live Art Piece

Speakeasy attire will be encouraged

Dancing sidestage will be occurring

An event to remember will happen

if you don’t have facebook, please RSVP below…. if you DO have facebook, please follow this link to Dean’s version of the event page, there is more information, and we have more of the RSVPs in one place

We also encourage you to check out his web site: Dean Johanesen

Suggested Donation for this show is $20 a person, Please also consider bringing extra for Rebekah as the opener, and extra for the artwork that will happen during the show that DV Cooper will raffle at the conclusion. All donations will be made at the door. We really ask that if you RSVP that you actually attend the show!

RSVP deadline is past

Saturday January 28, 2023 5:30 PM

 

Donny Brewer at The Habitat

About the Show…

It’s Donny Brewer, Y’all… Yep, that pretty much covers it. I know you know him already, have seen him a hundred times, and you know you need to be here!

But wait… There is one of you that doesnt know who Donny is? OK. take 2….

Just a Texas boy living on the road. He’s not Jimmy Buffett, Bob Marley, or even Kenny Chesney, nor does he want to be. Those famous guys make wonderful music, but the difference is, they probably won’t have a drink with you or throw you into to their lyrics at your friend’s backyard show. And they certainly won’t invite you on their bus to sing on an album or share a catamaran with you and maybe write some songs. But Donny will. Why? Because while he may win awards and tour the world, he’s just a super fan like you. He may love Trop Rock and Drinking Songs, but he loves any kind of music, as long as he can share it with his friends, his family, …his zimzalas… all over the world, in tropical places and big ol’ stages and back yards, with a cold skinny beer or a rum and somethin’, because a songwriter’s life is like a fishbowl margarita – ya need someone to share it with.

There is so much more to say, but If you need more to go on, come to the show, your donation gets you a whole seat, but you’ll only need the edge!

We also encourage you to check out his web site: Donny Brewer Music

Suggested Donation for this show is $20 a person, and there are limited VIP seats available as well by request, Suggested Donation for VIP is $35 a person… We are no longer able to offer pre-donations as we have not been able to locate a reliable method to do this going forward. All donations will be made at the door. We really ask that if you RSVP that you actually attend the show!

RSVP deadline is past