Find out who is playing for free on the Tampa Bay Times Variety Soundstage.
Country
Nathan Osmond
12 p.m., 3 p.m. daily
Rising country star Nathan Osmond has four singles that have risen to no. 1 slots on music charts. With titles The Tailgate Song and Stars & Stripes, these anthems can easily fit onto a football pregame playlist. Osmond has recently opened for Chris Young, Carrie Underwood, Clay Walker Lonestar, Martina McBride and more. He was in the North American tour of the hit musical, “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” is a motivational speaker and does work with Children’s Miracle Network, a foundation started by his grandmother.
Skyler Clark
6 p.m. Thursday, March 10
Skyler Clark recently released “Tear It Up,” his debut EP, with production help from Plant City artist and Grammy-certified producer Cliff Brown. Clark, a 20-year-old University of South Florida student, spends his time between his daytime textbooks and nighttime gigs. The Thonotosassa native got his first music start in Plant City at O’Brien’s Irish Pub and has since been touring other Tampa Bay venues. He also has a Brooksville following, where he plays at Captain’s Corner bar.
Pop Country
The Truitts
6 p.m. Friday, March 4
Brett and Brigetta Truitt are a brother-sister duo based in Nashville but have local ties to Auburndale, Florida. The two are five years apart, but their musical tastes are similar. Brett produces most of the duo’s songs. The Truitt’s latest demo, “Break,” dropped in November.
Classic Country
Sara Rose Band
6 p.m. Friday, March 11
This five-piece — sometimes six — band is based in Tampa and specializes in pre-1980 country and western music by stars like Loretta Lynn, Patsy Cline, Hank Williams and George Jones. Sara Hagan is the vocal powerhouse to this group, and the band gets the “Rose” from her mother. (What’s more country than naming your band after your mama?)
Latin
HOLA Plant City!
6 p.m. Sunday, March 6, and Sunday, March 13
HOLA Plant City! is back on the Tampa Bay Times Variety Soundstage. Last year, there were a variety of bands and comedians to spice up the night at the Florida Strawberry Festival. This year, bands will be returning to play festive music in the most festive place in Plant City.
Americana Roots Rock
Rosewood Creek
6 p.m. Thursday, March 3
Rosewood Creek is a five-piece band based in St. Petersburg. Its high-energy show consists of the band’s original material, written by one of the three songwriters in the band, with cover songs sprinkled through in the band’s unique style. In addition to bass and drums, the band also plays acoustic and electric guitars, 12-string and lapsteel guitars, mandolin, fiddle, percussion and even a banjo or ukulele.
Danny Moody Band
6 p.m. Saturday, March 5
The Danny Moody Band is an Americana group based out of Tampa. The band mixes southern roots rock music with vintage vibe and a Florida tone. Among the band’s influences are the Eagles, Allman Brothers, Tom Petty and Lynyrd Skynyrd. The band just realeased its debut self-titled EP recorded at the Red Room in Ybor City.
Christian
The Moriah Project
6 p.m. Saturday, March 12
The Moriah Project was formed out of a genuine desire to create a worship atmosphere that is engaging and that resonates with the joy of Christ. The founding members, Mathew Leach, Caleb Higgins and Collin Higgins, have a combined 35 years of worship ministry experience. Experience this uplifting, energetic contemporary band that enjoys bringing its music to its audience and sharing its love for music and word.
Classic and Latin Rock, Blues
Jake Castro Band
6 p.m. Monday, March 7
Jake Castro is the 14-year-old lead guitarist and singer for his Palmetto-based band, which plays classic rock from the ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s, as well as Latin rock and blues. Jake got his first guitar at 6 and began taking lessons. When he outgrew his teachers, he began learning by ear. He’s been touring since he was 9, playing at the Florida Strawberry Festival, the Tootsie Orchid Lounge in Nashville and Club Vamp’d. He considers himself an old soul.
Jazz
Denise Moore and Then Some
6 p.m. Tuesday, March 8
This ensemble is brimming with sultry energy and rhythmic poise. Front woman Denise Moore has been a professional vocalist for 30 years. She began with one of Athen, Georgia’s best-known college bands, the Blanketts. When she moved to Tampa, she joined Paul Wilborn and the Pop Tarts before starting Denise Moore and Then Some in 1994.
Soul, Funk and R&B
Bobby G. Summers
6 p.m. Wednesday, March 9
Bobby G. Summers began his music career in the ‘80s with the urban group Deele. His first big production opportunity came when Motown offered him the chance to work on General Kane’s “In Full Chill” album, in 1986. Summers co-wrote, produced and performed on it. Since then, he’s worked with Caren Glasser, The Bar-Kays and Al Green.
