Thunder by the Bay roars into Sarasota Fairgrounds

SARASOTA — After relocating last year to Lakewood Ranch for the first time in its history, Thunder by the Bay has roared back into Sarasota to celebrate its 20th anniversary.

The free motorcycle and music festival marked its move to the Sarasota Fairgrounds on Saturday with the theme “The Festival Where Rock Meets Country.”

Vegas McGraw, the Tim McGraw tribute band that played at the Bradenton Area River Regatta earlier this month, headlined with an 8-9:30 p.m. performance. Before the country hits were played, Diary of an Ozzman took the stage to perform the hard-rocking anthems of Ozzy Osbourne. The mix of country and rock acts started at noon with a performance by Manatee County-based Southern rockers The Boss Hawg Band.

The festivities also feature bike shows. And, before each band performs at the fairgrounds, a special Eagle Award is presented to a local veteran.

Sunday's festivities

Thunder by the Bay continues today at the fairgrounds with gates for the free event opening at 10 a.m. 

Bobby Friss is a popular rocker across Florida who had a regional hit while living in Tampa with the song “You Can’t Come Back” off his 1988 album “Cut Loose.” Friss' band, which recorded the more recent “Live from Bike Week” album in Daytona, will close Thunder By the Bay with a performance scheduled for 3:30 to 5 p.m.

The always popular "Miss Thunder by the Bay" contest is at 2:45 p.m.

While traditionally held in downtown Sarasota on Saturday and Sunday, motorcycle engines and live music did inundate the city streets Friday evening during the free "Bikes on Main" block party featuring performances by local favorites Twinkle and her Rock Soul Radio group as well as The Billy Rice Band. 

Suncoast Charities for Children, a nonprofit that assists local children, teens and adults with special needs, produces Thunder by the Bay.

“Most outdoor concerts and events, similar to Thunder By The Bay, charge an admission fee," said Lucy Nicandri, the executive director of Suncoast Charities for Children and Thunder by the Bay, in a statement. "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 (that took place Saturday) are just some ways to show support for Suncoast Charities for Children and have fun at the same time.”

Interested?

Thunder by the Bay is a free event held at Sarasota Fairgrounds, 3000 Ringling Blvd. Here is Sunday's schedule:

10 a.m.: gates open

11 a.m.: national anthem and bike blessing

11 a.m.-2 p.m.: 18-class bike show ($20 registration; trophies at 4 p.m.)

11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m.: Soul Circus Cowboys (country band)

12:45-2:15 p.m.: Alter Eagles (Eagles tribute band)

2:45 p.m.: “Miss Thunder By The Bay” contest preliminaries (finals at 5:15 p.m.)

3:30-5 p.m.: Bobby Friss Band (rock band)

For more information visit thunderbythebay.org.