The 2021 annual Florida Strawberry Festival will be a festivity unlike any other.
One of the biggest changes this year, due to the ongoing pandemic, is the cancelling of headline entertainment. Florida Strawberry Festival President Paul Davis said there was simply “no way” the festival could safely social distance the stadium while still ensuring everyone was able to attend that would want too.
However, that doesn’t mean there won’t be music. The festival is offering more on the grounds entertainment and free shows than ever before. Bands are coming to keep the music and the festivities at the festival going and many already have a large following in the community.
“This year is like no other,” Florida Strawberry Festival President Paul Davis said in a news release. “The amount of new food items, free entertainment, and attractions for the 2021 event are overwhelming! We are so blessed to be able to host such an event for our vendors and exhibitors. Year after year, they work to create something truly magical to give our guests, and this year will not disappoint.”
The following is a list of new free entertainers that are headed to the festival. If their names sound familiar, it’s because they’ve all played in Plant City before. In fact, the Krazy Kup soundstage was the initial introduction for all but one of the bands to the community. Now they’ve got a loyal following and are ready to once again bring some high quality entertainment to town.
“Ace” Jackson and the Jump Kings
Since 2010, Ace Jackson and the Jump Kings have entertained crowds with a high-quality blend of American songbook classics from the 1940s rhythm, roots, jump blues and swing, along with sing along 1970s radio classics still in rotation today. Plenty of entertainment for all ages! Ace Jackson and the Jump Kings will perform on the Wish Farms Variety Stage at 6 p.m. Sunday, March 7.
Bits of Grass
Their drive and timing are like a well-oiled machine, and the blend of their voices will bring you to tears as they deliver the message of life in a song! Bits of Grass skillfully transcends the soulful sounds of bluegrass with every performance to make you feel part of every song! Bits of Grass will perform on the Wish Farms Variety Stage at 6 p.m. Thursday, March 11.
Born Lonesome
Born Lonesome is an emerging prominent acoustic bluegrass ensemble hailing from Central Florida, and founded in 2019. Sharing the big stage with groups like Lonesome River Band, Russell Moore, Rhonda Vincent and more, Born Lonesome continues to transcend traditional bluegrass with their distinctive sound. Born Lonesome will perform in the Entenmann’s Showcase Tent daily at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. with no 11 a.m. show on March 7.
Bound No More
A local Christian band that loves Jesus and loves music! Using their musical abilities to share the love of Christ and to glorify God, Bound No More encourages others to sing His praises. If you’re looking for songs of worship, join Bound No More in the Entenmann’s Showcase Tent at 6 p.m. Monday, March 8.
Electric Woodshed
Former Battle of the Bands finalists and Tampa Bay area-based band performing an eclectic mix of live music, Electric Woodshed brings down the house with their 80s inspired sound. No matter what, you will always hear some great music in the woodshed! Come see Electric Woodshed performing in the Entenmann’s Showcase Tent at 6 p.m. Thursday, March 4 and Thursday,
March 11.
Florida’s Frank Sinatra, Don Juceam
Don Juceam is known as “Florida’s Frank Sinatra,” and, along with his world renowned “Le Orchestra Fantastique,” he performs all over Florida. Originally from a small town on the Hudson River named New York City, he has made the music of Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack more than just a hobby. “Florida’s Frank Sinatra,” Don Juceam, will be performing on the Wish Farms Variety Stage at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, March 4.
Florida Strawberry Festival Talent Show
If you have a talent, we want to see it! The winner will receive a $500 cash prize and a 12-month performance contract from Dark Horse Music Store. Head to the Festival’s website to get all the information you need to sign up. The stage is waiting for you! The Florida Strawberry Festival Talent Show will take place at 6 p.m. both Saturdays, March 6 and March 13, in the Entenmann’s Showcase Tent.
HeanonMusic
Heanon Tate is an internationally recognized recording artist, songwriter and producer. He is the founding father of HeanonMusic, a collective group of artists, worship leaders, musicians and producers that transcend music across cultural, generational and denominational boundaries to speak life into everyday realities. HeanonMusic will perform on the Wish Farms Variety Stage at 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 9.
Jimmy Mazz
With more than 40 years of entertainment experience, Jimmy Mazz truly understands how to entertain an audience. Laughter takes a musical journey through Jimmy’s favorite songs by a wide variety of performers from the classics to today’s contemporary artists hot off the Las Vegas Strip! You can catch Jimmy Mazz on the Wish Farms Variety Stage at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, March 11.
Joe’s Garage Band
Veteran musicians who blend covers of classic rock, blues, country and a smattering of original tunes make up the sounds of Joe’s Garage Band. Come see them take the stage in the Entenmann’s Showcase Tent at 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 9.
Mike Walker
Country singer Mike Walker will take you through the decades with his musical impressions of some of country music’s greatest icons. Tune in daily to see Mike Walker on the Wish Farms Variety Stage at 12:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. with no 4:30 p.m. show on March 14.
oxford noland
oxford noland is the indie rock brainchild of cousins Shua Harrell and Aaron Buckingham. Their musical connection was influenced early on through weekend gatherings at the farm listening to their family swap classic folk and gospel tunes. Catch oxford noland at 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 10 on the Wish Farms Variety Stage.
Sick Hot
Sick Hot is a young vintage rock band from Tampa that started in 2016. The band consists of Chris Erickson on bass, Cory Bernardi on drums, Brandon Chacon on rhythm guitar and Nik Wilson on vocals and lead guitar. Sick Hot plays original music with a handful of covers from classic bands like Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin, T. Rex, James Gang and more! Sick Hot will play on the Wish Farms Variety Stage at 6 p.m. Saturday, March 6.
SouthBound
SouthBound is a classic southern rock band from Central Florida. With a mix of country and blues, SouthBound’s sound is authentic and soulful. You can catch SouthBound on the Wish Farms Variety Stage at 6 p.m. Friday, March 5.
The Descendants
The Heart of “The Descendants” is to create and share songs of genuine worship. They reach others through worship with the love and unfailing promises of Jesus Christ and powerful music that gives honor and glory to Him because of what He did for us on the cross so selflessly. We hope to see you soon and join together singing humble songs to our King! See The Descendants on the Wish Farms Variety Stage at 6 p.m. Friday, March 12.
The Detectives
The Detectives is a local reggae band from Lakeland with ska and blues undertones influenced by life, love, and friendship. The Detectives are looking for you! You’ll find them in the Entenmann’s Showcase Tent at 6 p.m. Sunday, March 7 and Sunday, March 14.
Unpainted Souls
Unpainted Souls is a band that strives for authenticity. Their music seeks to communicate the beauty and sorrows of a forward-journeyed life. Don’t miss Unpainted Souls on the Wish Farms Variety Stage at 6 p.m. Saturday, March 13.
Valley’s End
Valley’s End is a singer/songwriter band who, through storytelling, music and ministry, want to help people live in a place of intimacy with God, their Father, and embrace their identity in Jesus. Valley’s End will perform on the Wish Farms Variety Stage at 6 p.m. Monday, March 8.
What Remains
Regardless of the size of the crowd or venue, What Remains plays emotional, powerful, spirit- filled music fueled by a love of God and each other. Having formed three years ago, What Remains continues to perform shows in and around the Tampa Bay area. What Remains will lead worship on the Wish Farms Variety Stage at 6 p.m. Thursday, March 4.