The Thunder By The Bay Music & Motors Festival is bringing three days of legendary rock, high-energy entertainment and everything motors to the Sarasota Fairgrounds in February.
This year’s lineup features Rock & Roll Hall of Famers Cheap Trick, legendary rocker Bret Michaels, and Southern rock icons The Marshall Tucker Band serving as the festival's headline acts on Feb. 19-21.
“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,” said Lucy Nicandri, executive director of Suncoast Charities for Children. “As we head into our 29th year, we’re thrilled to say that despite increased expenses, we were able to maintain affordable ticket prices while
keeping the heart and spirit of the event alive."
Presenting sponsors include Motor Classic USA, Precision Garage Door Service of Sarasota, and Top Tier Towing. The James M. Doss Charitable Foundation liked next year’s lineup so much, Nicandri said, that it decided to turn up the volume on giving by renewing its support with a $50,000 matching-grant challenge. All donations made between now and the festival will be matched dollar for dollar, up to $50,000.
"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,” Nicandri said.
With a mix of music, motors and entertainment, Thunder By The Bay continues to be one of Southwest Florida’s premier annual events, attracting thousands of fans for a weekend packed with unforgettable live performances and nonstop fun.
Joining the headliners are Foreigner Experience, Redemption Road, Soul Circus Cowboys, The Seger Experience, and The 100 Proof Band, with additional entertainment and activities throughout the weekend, including car and motorcycle shows, vendors, a motorcycle rodeo, charity dice run, Universal Championship Wrestling and more.
Discounted tickets thru Dec. 31
Tickets for the 29th annual Thunder By The Bay Music & Motors Festival are sale at ThunderByTheBay.org. General admission starts at $15, and children 12 and younger are admitted free.
Limited Party Pit passes will put fans closer to the main-stage performances, while limited VIP tickets offer premium seating, exclusive perks and the ultimate Thunder By The Bay experience. Discounted ticket offers are available through Dec. 31. Free parking and onsite camping will also be available for those who want to make Thunder By The Bay a full-weekend experience.
While Thunder By The Bay has become known for its legendary entertainment, its greatest impact happens long after the music stops. One hundred percent of the festival’s net proceeds benefit Suncoast Charities for Children, which funds critical programs and services for local children, teens and adults with special needs through 10 local nonprofits.
Thunder By The Bay has raised more than $3.3 million for charity, helping support programs and services that strengthen children, adults and families throughout the community. Visit ThunderByTheBay.org.
Submitted by Lucy Nicandri
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Legendary rockers headline Thunder By The Bay Music & Motors Festival
