Average White Band with opener WBTT "Sistas in the Name of Soul"

Enjoy an all-out evening of funk and soul with FREE concerts by world-renowned Average White Band, with opener Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe "Sistas in the Name of Soul."

Guaranteed to be a crowd pleaser that will leave you feeling the rhythm and soul long after the performance is over.

Line-up:

• 7pm Opener: Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe "Sistas in the Name of Soul"
• 8pm Headliner: Average White Band

Come hungry and early! An assortment of Sarasota's favorite Food Trucks will be on hand serving delicious food beginning at 5pm -- including Big Blue Grilled Cheese Company, Dawg Pound, Killik’s Kitchen, LobsterCraft, Rock N Eggroll, Simply Greek, and The Taco Stop.

About

Average White Band is widely regarded as one of the best soul and funk bands in the history of music. AWB has included The Bay in Sarasota, Florida as part of their 2024 farewell tour along with other locations like Coachella, CA, Washington DC, and Detroit, MI.

The group will perform their biggest hits and fan favorites, such as US No.1 Pick Up the Pieces, Cut The Cake, Queen of My Soul, Walk On By, Schoolboy Crush, Let’s Go Round Again and many more.

Formed in London in 1972, the band - somewhat incongruously given their Scottish roots - took the influences of their R&B heroes such as Marvin Gaye, James Brown and Stevie Wonder, and Jazz greats Cannonball Adderley and The Crusaders, then developed their own authentic sound rapidly adopted by black audiences in the US, UK and worldwide. The group’s consistently accomplished song-writing helped them to achieve several Gold- and Platinum-selling albums and multiple Grammy nominations with Atlantic Records.

Having remained a perennial fixture at top venues and festivals across the world for over 50 years, the Average White Band’s farewell tour is a not-to-be-missed last chance for multiple generations of fans to experience the musical energy and trademark sound of one of the world’s truly great soul bands.

About

The mission of Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe (WBTT) is to produce professional theatre that promotes and celebrates African American history and experience, engages a broad base of patrons and audiences, supports the development of a dynamic group of aspiring artists, and builds self-esteem in youth of color.

“Sistas in the Name of Soul” features some of the company’s most popular and talented female singers: Syreeta Banks, Ariel Blue, Jazzmin Carson and Delores McKenzie performing soulful favorites by Aretha Franklin, Tina Turner, Gladys Knight, Diana Ross and more— guaranteed to get you singing and dancing along.

About The Bay Second Anniversary Community Celebration

This is one of nearly 70 FREE and exciting events at The Bay during the park's month-long Second Anniversary Celebration.

• Click here to explore the full Schedule of Events being offered throughout October.
• Click here for other FREE upcoming music events at The Bay.

Two Terrific Years at The Bay... 2X Your Impact!

It takes a little support from many to keep the park looking like new and offering FREE high quality events for everyone to enjoy. Please consider becoming a Friend of The Bay (or renewing your Friendship) today as every dollar of your gift* this year will be matched dollar-for-dollar by Gulf Coast Community Foundation – DOUBLING the impact of your gift to the park. to become a Friend of The Bay.

*Up to a total of $2 million

Host or Publisher The Bay Park Conservancy