SARASOTA, FL – On Saturday, April 20 – also known as 4/20 – West End 941 Productions will present HomeGrown Palooza, a full day and night of rock ‘n’ roll featuring only local acts. The event takes place at the Sarasota Fairgrounds (3000 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota) on “Main Field 8” (on the western side – follow the music!) from 11 a.m. until 11 p.m.
Attendees will also enjoy food trucks, beer, and vendors selling unique arts and crafts, jewelry, clothes and other items. Cost for entry is just $10 (cash only); the event is restricted to ages 18 and up.
Twinkle and Rock Soul Radio will headline the festival. Other acts slated to perform include: Bri Rivera SRQ, Devine AF, Triggerfish, The Alvis Brothers, Sons of Thunder, Version 3.0, Nobody’s Fool and Sound of Fury.
Longtime local musician and music fan Jeff Hardy has been planning this event for years, deciding to make it happen when the calendar provided an irresistible opportunity. Hardy, who moved to Sarasota in 1989 and has been a part of the music scene ever since, is looking to provide a great day of music at a cost anyone can afford.
“I’ve lived through the noise ordinance of the ‘90s, which helped to shut down a number of live music venues, I’ve lived through changing musical trends and more changes in my own band lineups than I might care to admit,” laughed Hardy. “But I’ve never stopped loving and playing rock ‘n’ roll. This area is rich in musical talent – I hope that local music fans will come out to support and enjoy themselves!”
While the calendar date may change, Hardy plans to make HomeGrown Palooza an annual celebration of homegrown rock ‘n’ roll.
Authentic rock, soul and blues singer Twinkle, who is headlining the festival, has devoted her life to music. She was signed to Warner Brothers for her debut album “Haunted By Real Life,” produced by Patrick Leonard (Madonna, Roger Waters, Pink Floyd); it garnered attention on the jazz/pop charts with the title song. Her music video, “Can’t Get Love With Money,” was featured on VH1 and a song of hers was featured on daytime soap opera “Days of Our Lives.”
She has performed and recorded with world-class musicians, including: Aerosmith, Rod Stewart, Dickey Betts, Brian Johnson, Sheryl Crow, Rusted Root, Paul Rodgers (Bad Company),Brian Wilson (Beach Boys), Bud Snyder (Allman Brothers, Dickie Betts Band), and many more. Her band, Rock Soul Radio, includes Tony LeClerc on bass and vocals, Lenny Brooks on guitar, and Benny Puckett on drums.
Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the gate; cash only. For more information, go to westend941.com/events or email homegrownpalooza@gmail.com.
About West End 941 Productions
Founded by longtime area musician and music fan Jeff Hardy, West End 941 Productions is committed to producing quality entertainment that is accessible and affordable for music fans on the West Coast of Florida and beyond. For more information, go to westend941.com.