Longboat lets loose at concert series kickoff

The Longboat Chamber of Commerce is holding the second show on March 15, featuring the Dr. Dave Band.

By Dana Kampa
| 4:59 a.m. March 3, 2025

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Longboat Key residents shared their appreciation for an event focused on levity and togetherness at the kickoff of this season’s Savor the Sounds concert series, hosted by the Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce.

The first of three shows took place March 1 at the Karon Family Pavilion, with Big Z Band headlining. Even with overcast skies, plenty of music lovers made their way toward the main stage after the 4:30 p.m. start while opener Mike Sales sang and strummed his guitar.

Sales did his best to dispel the clouds with laid-back tunes including “I Can See Clearly Now” and “Smooth” by Santana.

Concertgoers, including Kathy Sanford, said they have been eagerly looking forward to the return of the concerts.

“We came last year, and we had so much fun we’re back with two tables,” she said.

By the time the band had played Gloria Gaynor’s iconic “I Will Survive,” most attendees had gotten on their feet to dance.

Many attendees brought their own picnics, but they also had five food trucks from which to choose: Buonissimo, Charrúa, The Currywurst Truck, The Maine Line and Georgia Girl.

Georgia Reed, owner of Georgia Girl, said it was her first time being part of the concert series, and she was excited to offer her soul food-focused cuisine. She said their chicken wings in particular are the perfect finger food to enjoy while grooving to the live music.

Bank of America marketing executive Jamie Kahns said the institution wanted to come on as the presenting sponsor to facilitate an evening of fun, especially as the community continues to work on rebuilding.

“We believe in bringing the community together, so we figured this was a great way to show people Bank of America is here, and we’re proud to support the Longboat community,” she said.

Upcoming shows

Those hoping to attend the live music nights have two more opportunities. The Dr. Dave Band performs on March 15, and Easy Street Band plays on April 19.

Tim Michael McCaig, a Brooklyn native, is scheduled to open both evenings. He has the likes of Johnny Cash, Neil Diamond, Van Morrison, Willie Nelson, Glen Campbell, George Strait and Gordon Lightfoot in his repertoire.

Gates open at 4:30 p.m. at 600 Bay Isles Road, and the headlining bands play from 5:30-8 p.m. Individual general admission tickets are $25, or up to eight guests can enjoy a sophisticated VIP table together for $250. Those wanting a table must register in advance and should note that a limited number of VIP spots are available.

To register, call 941-383-2466, stop by the chamber offices at 5390 Gulf of Mexico Drive, or visit longboatkeychamber.com.

Latraia Savage, singer with Big Z Band, helps kick off the latest Savor the Sounds concert series.

Bill and Debbie Ehret enjoy the first Savor the Sounds concert night of the season.

Opener Mike Sales welcomes concertgoers.

Most attendees at the first Savor the Sounds concert of the season were up and dancing before the evening's end.

Ellen Snyder, pictured, squares off against Allyn Snyder in a round of bean bag toss.

The Big Z Band headlines the inaugural Savor the Sounds concert night for the season.

Donna Hanvery, Janet Milliken and Jeanne Calderon start off the dancing.

Richard Fine, Linda Hurwitz, Kathy Sanford and Kathy Grieder booked two tables this year.

Georgia Reed, owner of the Georgia Girl soul food truck since 2020, said she is glad to vend at the concert series this year.

Pam and Andre Sampson, Stephenie and Mark Whitfield, and Regena and Rodney Perry take in the show.

Commissioner Gary Coffin gives Jack Helme a toss in the air as they enjoy an evening out at the concert.

The Big Z Band gets the crowd jumping with songs including "Superstition" and "Valerie."

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.