Top 5 concerts this week in Sarasota, Bradenton, Palmetto

We officially enter July this week, and with it comes a fresh new lineup of local events, including live music. Tuesday's Fourth of July festivities features the return of a free annual concert in Palmetto that's hosted names such as Smash Mouth and Wynonna Judd in the past, and has another national musical headliner this year.

Palmetto will also host a concert by a rising name in country music, while the owner of two restaurants and venues in Bradenton's Village of the Arts neighborhood celebrates his birthday with a free show at one of his places, with an acclaimed blues guitarist playing the other. Here are this week's highlights. Event details are subject to change.

75+ fun things to do in July in Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte counties

Biggest concerts, comedians coming to Tampa Bay, Sarasota in July, August and September

Ticket Newsletter: Sign up to receive restaurant news and reviews plus info on things to do every Friday

Louie TheSinger

Palmetto Mexican restaurant El Sombrero will host Louie TheSinger, a self-described "Texas-born Mexican that does country with flavor," for a concert this weekend. The performer's sound blends country with other genres, with this year's single "Down Here" seeing him joined by rapper and fellow Texan Paul Wall of "Drive Slow" and "Sittin' Sidewayz" fame. Louie TheSinger was also spotlighted in a recent Axios article proclaiming "Country music's next stars are Latino," mentioning him alongside other musicians including "The Voice" season 12 competitor Valerie Ponzio, Frank Ray and Kat & Alex. 9 p.m. Friday; El Sombrero, 1330 U.S. Highway 301, Palmetto; $40, $120 meet-and-greet; eventbrite.com

Rev. Billy C. Wirtz and Steve Arvey

David Shiplett, chef/owner of restaurants/venues Birdrock Taco Shack and Cottonmouth Southern Soul Kitchen in Bradenton's Village of the Arts, celebrates his 64th birthday with a free show at the former, featuring two favorite acts of his, Rev. Billy C. Wirtz and Steve Arvey. Along with hosting the weekly radio show The Rhythm Revival on WMNF, the Rev. Billy C. Wirtz has a dedicated following as a musician, blending irreverent lyrics with serious boogie-woogie piano chops. The Bradenton-based Arvey, meanwhile, is one of the area's busiest bluesmen, as well as a renowned cigar box guitarist. 7 p.m. Friday; Birdrock Taco Shack, 1213 13th Ave. W., Bradenton; free; 941-545-9966;  facebook.com/birdrocktaco

Davy Knowles

Cottonmouth's live music lineup this week, meanwhile, includes blues guitarist and singer Davy Knowles. The musician was born on the Isle of Man, where he also started the band Back Door Slam, which released the album "Roll Away" and played festivals such as South by Southwest and Bonnaroo (recording a live album at the latter) before breaking up in 2009. Knowles continued to pursue a solo musical career, touring with guitar favorites Jeff Beck and Joe Satriani and releasing albums from 2009's "Coming Up for Air," co-produced by Peter Frampton, to most recently 2021's "What Happens Next." 6:30 p.m. Saturday; Cottonmouth Southern Soul Kitchen, 1114 12th St. W., Bradenton; $25 advance, $30 day of; 941-243-3735; facebook.com/cottonmouthsoul

In Transit

Bradenton's Oscura, which has become one of the top spots to see both local and national indie music acts since reopening at a new location last year, this weekend hosts the Friendly City's own In Transit, featuring Oscura co-owner Ben Bakker among its members. The progressive indie-rock group played the venue last year after releasing their debut album "Signal Fires," featuring musical guests including Garrett Klahn of post-hardcore/emo favorites Texas is the Reason and Frank Lacatena of Tampa punks Slap of Reality. Two other Tampa Bay punk groups, Discord Theory and Held Up, join In Transit at this show. 7 p.m. doors, 8 p.m. show Saturday; Oscura, 816 Manatee Ave. E., Bradenton; $5; 941-201-4950; oscura.live

Great White

Palmetto's annual Fourth Fest, which celebrates the Fourth of July with festivities including a free concert featuring a national headliner, returns with Great White performing this year. The rock band rose to fame in the late '80s with songs such as "Rock Me" and their cover of Ian Hunter's "Once Bitten, Twice Shy," which was a No. 5 hit. The group's current lineup still features founding member Mark Kendall, with co-founder Jack Russell touring separately as Jack Russell's Great White. 6 p.m. Tuesday; Sutton Park, 1036 Sixth St. W., Palmetto; free; 941-723-4988; facebook.com/palmettocra

If you would like to be considered for this story, please email ticket@heraldtribune.com with your event information at least 10 days before our Thursday publication date.

Email entertainment reporter Jimmy Geurts at jimmy.geurts@heraldtribune.com. Support local journalism by subscribing.

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Top 5 live music concerts near me in Sarasota, Bradenton, Palmetto