One of Sarasota's biggest annual festivals has announced next year's musical headliners, including a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame-inducted group and a rock star turned reality TV star.
Cheap Trick, Bret Michaels and The Marshall Tucker Band will headline the 29th annual Thunder by the Bay Music & Motors Festival, taking place Feb. 19-21 2027 at Sarasota Fairgrounds, according to a press release.
Tickets go on sale Wed., Oct. 14, with discounted ticket offers through Dec. 31. General admission tickets will start at $15, with children ages 12 and younger admitted for free, with limited party pit and VIP options as well.
Inducted into the Rock & Roll
Hall of Fame in 2016, Cheap Trick is known for '70s power-pop tracks such as "I Want You to Want Me" and "Surrender," as well as their '80s power ballad and No. 1 hit "The Flame." The group still features frontman and Safety Harbor resident Robin Zander, as well as lead guitarist Rick Nielsen and bassist Tom Petersson.
Bret Michaels is the frontman of glam metal group Poison, best known for songs such as their own No. 1 '80s power ballad "Every Rose Has Its Thorn," "Nothin' But a Good Time" and "Talk Dirty to Me." Michaels is also a solo artist, starred in the VH1 dating/reality show "Rock of Love," and won the third season of "The Celebrity Apprentice."
Southern rockers The Marshall Tucker Band's hits include "Can't You See," "Fire on the Mountain" and "Heard It in a Love Song." The group's current lineup still features founding frontman Doug Gray.
Joining the headliners will be the Foreigner Experience, Redemption Road, Soul Circus Cowboys, The Seger Experience and The 100 Proof Band. Other attractions will include car and motorcycle shows, Universal Championship Wrestling and more.
The event is organized by, and benefits, Suncoast Charities for Children, which funds programs and services for local children, teens and adults with special needs through 10 local nonprofit agencies.
“For nearly three decades, Thunder by the Bay has been a significant charity fundraiser in addition to being a celebration of music, community and fun,” Suncoast Charities for Children executive director Lucy Nicandri said in a statement. “As we head into our 29th year, we’re thrilled to say that despite increased expenses, we were able to maintain affordable ticket prices for our attendees while keeping the heart and spirit of the event alive. We’re excited to welcome everyone back to the Sarasota Fairgrounds for another incredible weekend, all while making a difference for local individuals with special needs.”
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit thunderbythebay.org.
Email entertainment reporter Jimmy Geurts at jimmy.geurts@heraldtribune.com. Support local journalism by subscribing.
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Sarasota festival announces rock legends for 2027 lineup
