- April 29, 2024
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Brian McCabe gets help from Connie McCabe with choosing a headwrap, at Headwraps by Connie
Photo by Ian SwabyAhre Corchnoy and Nicole Dianuzzo
Photo by Ian SwabyHeidi Wiegert and Sydney Duchow of Sacred Goddess Custom Fit Toe Rings, a local vendor, sold toe rings and ankle bracelets.
Photo by Ian SwabySarasota's Tyler Burke ("Turbo Tyler") enters the Globe of Death.
Photo by Ian SwabySarasota's Jenna Normandin is escorted from the Globe of Death by Sarasota's Thomas Monahan, following a stunt performance.
Photo by Ian SwabyThe Firefighters Fire & Iron Motorcycle Club brought together firefighter bikers from across the region: Lance Hilliard, Chris Krajic, Wendy Laurie, Jim Laurie, Sarasota's Marc Mainre, group president Skip Fletcher, Lisa Fletcher and Sarasota's Michael Lynch.
Photo by Ian SwabyRay and Mickie Young enjoy a performance by Molly Hatchet
Photo by Ian SwabyJohn and Marlene Welsh, who both come to the festival each year despite not being bikers, watch a performance by Molly Hatchet. “We come here every year,” said Marlene Welsh. “All of our friends come.”
Photo by Ian SwabyRobin Huff and Ashley Insalaco
Photo by Ian SwabyShawn Beamer, Parker Lee and Tim Lindsey of Molly Hatchet perform.
Photo by Ian SwabyLeslie Thomas gets a helping of dinner from Veronica Rodriguez.
Photo by Ian SwabyTwenty-six years ago, the idea for Thunder By The Bay Music & Motorcycle Fest began on a bar napkin of Lucy Nicandri, executive director of Suncoast Charities for Children. But gradually it's grown into the organization’s biggest fundraiser of the year.
Today, she said, the event draws people of many interests, both bikers and non-bikers, which aids the organization’s mission of raising funds for seven local nonprofits that support children.
Held from Feb. 16-19, the event featured motorcycle performances, local vendors offering riding merchandise, bands including this year’s headliners Molly Hatchet, Grand Funk Railroad and Creed Fisher, food and drinks and the chance to camp near the event site.
“I was a motorcyclist for many years, and I would go to rallies and said, Sarasota needs to have an event like this,” Nicandri said. “And it’s always been for charity… I'm passionate, very passionate about the cause behind it.”
The festival offered a chance for local motorcycle performers to impress audiences with acts that involved speeding around the interior of the Globe of Death and defying gravity.
“I’ve been all over the world, but when you’re performing at home, it is second to none,” said Joaquin Torres.
On the other hand, attendee Don Dennis came from Valdosta, Georgia. He said he enjoys traveling to events far away, and not only for the peace and relaxation of riding.
“You meet some really nice people that care,” he said.
