The Bay Sarasota celebrates Father's Day

By Dana Kampa
| 10:45 a.m. June 17, 2025

Sarasota
Neighbors

Sundays at The Bay had a special twist last weekend, drawing a full house at The Oval of families looking for a way to celebrate Father's Day.

The Rockefellers played for the first time at The Bay, offering fan-favorite throwback songs like "You Make Me Feel Like Dancing," "My Girl," "Still the One," "Smooth Operator" and more.

Jonathan Farthing, owner of J.F. Gator Construction, turned the upper deck of the stadium into a dance floor as he and his daughter, Julianna, swayed to the tunes of the rock 'n' roll band.

He said their family was glad to find a laid-back, fun event where they could enjoy the early evening breeze and celebrate the holiday.

The Rockefellers are an ensemble band based in Naples, led by vocalist Autumn Tselios.

Attendees brought their dogs and bubble-blowing tots to enjoy the summer event, catching a breeze off Sarasota Bay while taking in saxophone solos and guitar riffs.

This weekend, R&B artist Kristopher James also makes his first appearance at The Bay. Drawing inspiration from artists including Otis Redding and Amos Lee, James is known for blending R&B and rock for a high-energy, powerful performance.

James hits the stage at 6 p.m. at The Oval, 1055 Blvd. of the Arts. For a full calendar of upcoming shows and other activities, visit TheBaySarasota.org.

Jonathan Farthing and his daughter, Julianna, turn the top deck of The Oval into a dance floor as they celebrate Father's Day with a special Sundays at the Bay show.

The Rockefellers' lead vocalist, Autumn Tselios, plays a special Father's Day show at The Bay.

Drummer Cayce Dillard plays the Father's Day special at Sundays at The Bay.

Families packed The Oval for the Father's Day performance by The Rockefellers.

The Rockefellers' vocalist Autumn Tselios cracks up the band at The Bay.

The saxophone rules at The Rockefellers' Father's Day performance at The Bay.

The band offered throwback tunes including "You Make Me Feel Like Dancing" and "My Girl."

author

Dana Kampa

Dana Kampa is the Longboat Key neighbors reporter for the Observer. She first ventured into journalism in her home state of Wisconsin, going on to report community stories everywhere from the snowy mountains of Washington State to the sunny shores of the Caribbean. She has been a writer and photographer for more than a decade, covering what matters most to readers.