ANNA MARIA – The Center of Anna Maria Island was rocking June 11 as Simon Kirke and The Empty Pockets took the stage for the second show in the Bradenton Gulf Islands Concert Series.
The show was the first show that Kirke of Bad Company and Free fame and the Chicago-based The Empty Pockets had played in more than a year, since the COVID-19 pandemic brought live music to a halt in early 2020.
Captiva Island musician Johnny Jensen kicked off the show, followed by a short set from The Empty Pockets before Kirke joined them on stage.
During the set, Kirke played some of his greatest hits including “Movin’ On,” “Ready for Love,” “Bad Company,” “Shooting Star,” and even a Bob Marley-inspired reggae version of “Feel Like Making Love.” The crowd was already dancing but they really got on their feet and danced during an encore performance of “Alright Now.”
Kirke appeared as a part of the Bradenton Gulf Islands Concert Series brought to Anna Maria Island by the Bradenton Area Convention Center and The Sandbar Restaurant.
The next show on the schedule is Steve Augeri of Journey on June 17 followed by the final performance of the season, The Grass Roots on July 2.
For more information on the concert series or to purchase tickets, visit The Center’s event page.
Bad Company’s Simon Kirke plays a Bob Marley-inspired version of the hit “Feel Like Making Love” with The Empty Pockets during a show at The Center of Anna Maria Island. - Kristin Swain | Sun
Prior to Simon Kirke taking the stage, The Empty Pockets helped warm up the crowd with a few of their own songs. - Kristin Swain | Sun
Simon Kirke entertains the audience with one of his many stories of life on the road. - Kristin Swain | Sun
Simon Kirke takes a moment to slow things down by playing “Maria”, a love song that he wrote for his wife. - Kristin Swain | Sun
Simon Kirke jams out with Josh Solomon of The Empty Pockets. - Kristin Swain | Sun
Rock and roll legend Simon Kirke plays some of his biggest hits with The Empty Pockets as a part of the Bradenton Gulf Islands Concert Series at The Center. - Kristin Swain | Sun
Simon Kirke of Bad Company and Free rocks out on the drum kit during a rendition of “Movin’ On” at The Center of Anna Maria Island. - Kristin Swain | Sun
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