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Tag: The Center of Anna Maria Island

Parade celebrates the Island’s St. Patty’s Day spirit

Written by Lance Roy on . Posted in Entertainment.

 HOLMES BEACH – This year’s Anna Maria Island St. Patrick’s Day Parade included two camels, three pirate ships, multiple floats, costumed people and many local businesses and non-profit organizations. 

The Sunday, March 15, parade was presented by Duncan Real Estate and co-sponsored by AMI Dolphin Tours, Duffy’s Tavern, and The Center of Anna Maria Island. 

Last year’s St. Patrick’s Day parade was canceled due to stormy weather, but this year’s parade was blessed with excellent weather. 

Folks lined up early to get a good seat for the parade. – Lance Roy | Sun

About 30 minutes before the parade began, residents and visitors began lining up alongside Marina Drive, while others searched for viewing spots along the parade route. 

Original Sand Dollar owner Julia Duytschaver and Original Sand Dollar employee Claire Fuchs and AMI Outfitters owner Jennifer Hagey secured a nice viewing location near the skate park. 

Claire Fuchs, Julia Dutyschaver and Jennifer Hagey enjoyed the parade. – Lance Roy | Sun

“It is awesome to see such a large part of the community gather,” Duytschaver said as the parade began. 

“The parade was fantastic. It was so well-done,” Hagey said. “I used to take my son and daughter to the parade. It’s so fun to see.” 

Agents and staff from the Michael Saunders & Company real estate in Holmes Beach office welcomed parade spectators and offered them free hot dogs, chips, bottled water, beads and hand fans.

The parade participants lined up near Holmes Beach City Hall. – Lance Roy | Sun

Before the parade began, the parade participants lined up in the staging area near Holmes Beach City Hall. 

At 4 p.m., the parade began proceeding toward Anna Maria, traveling along Marina Drive, Palm Drive, and Gulf Drive, and into Anna Maria before turning left onto Pine Avenue en route to The Center on Magnolia Avenue.

Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer led the parade. – Lance Roy | Sun

Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer led the parade, riding on one of the police department’s all-terrain vehicles.

The Duncan Real Estate float was the first of many parade participants who threw beads and other items to the crowds that lined the streets. Many other local businesses, organizations and community groups also participated in the parade that celebrated the Island community’s St. Patrick’s Day spirit.

Duncan Real Estate presented the Anna Maria Island St. Patrick’s Day Parade. – Lance Roy | Sun

The participating organizations and businesses included the Anna Maria Island Garden Club, the Anna Maria Island Privateers, Islanders 4 Clean Water, the Anna Maria Island Moose Lodge, AMI Dolphin Tours and many others.

AMI Dolphin Tours co-sponsored the parade. – Lance Roy | Sun

Parade participants and attendees embraced the holiday spirit and wore festive green clothing, hats and beads in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day. 

As the parade made its way down the parade route, spectators eagerly collected the beads, candy and other treats that were tossed to them.

When sharing her post-parade thoughts on Monday morning, Duncan Real Estate Owner Darcie Duncan, who’s Irish, said, “The weather was perfect, the streets were lined with so many happy faces and lots of shenanigans were to be had. The parade has been part of the fabric of our community for many years and it is important to me to keep the tradition going. That is what community is all about and we just love that we can be a part of that. A big shout out to my Duncan Real Estate team; and thanks also to Chris Culhane, The Center, Ben Webb and Peggi Davenport. We can’t wait for next year! Slainte.”

Anna Maria Island St. Patrick’s Day Parade photo gallery:

The Duncan Real Estate-sponsored soccer team won The Center’s soccer championship and celebrated during the parade. – Lance Roy Sun

The Anna Maria Island Privateers arrived aboard their Skullywag vessel. – Lance Roy | Sun

The Crewe of Hernando de Soto raided the parade. – Lance Roy | Sun

Folks lined up early to get a good seat for the parade. – Lance Roy | Sun

The Michael Saunders & Company office in Holmes Beach gave away free hot dogs, chips, drinks, beads and hand-fans. – Lance Roy | Sun

Tailgaters arrived early to get a front row view of the parade. – Lance Roy | Sun

Parade-goers found shaded spots along Marina Drive, near Holmes Beach City Hall. – Lance Roy | Sun

The Anna Maria Island Moose Lodge participated in the parade. – Lance Roy | Sun

The Islanders 4 Clean Water organization was represented in the parade. – Lance Roy | Sun

Anna Maria Island Garden Club members rode in a decorated golf cart. – Lance Roy | Sun

Scott Cooper, Steve Oelfke and Sam Romero were members of the team the won The Center’s soccer championship. – Steve Oelfke | Submitted

CENTER SCOREBOARD: flag football and soccer

Written by SUN contributor on . Posted in Football, Soccer, Sports.

8-11 ALL GIRLS’ FLAG FOOTBALL (WEEK 7) 

Emily Moss Designs 20 (3-3-0)
Print Wizards 19 (4-1-1)

Sato Real Estate 26 (4-1-1)
Poppo’s Taqueria 19 (0-6-0) 

8-10 FLAG FOOTBALL (WEEK 7) 

Sato Real Estate 13 (3-3)
Grooms Motors & Automotive 0 (0-6)

Shady Lady Horticultural Services 23 (6-0)
Adrian Griffin Interiors 14 (5-1)

Gulfster.com 26 (2-4)
Solid Rock Construction 6 (2-4)

11-13 FLAG FOOTBALL (WEEK 7) 

Sato Real Estate 48 (3-4) 
Cloud Pest Control 6 (2-5) 

Impact Florida Windows 14 (3-4) 
USA Fence 12 (3-4) 

82 West Home Inspections 20 (7-0) 
Slim’s Place 0 (6-1) 

Reed Physical Therapy & Fitness 40 (4-3) 
G.I. Bins 17 (0-7) 

14-17 FLAG FOOTBALL (WEEK 7) 

Moss Builders 19 (6-0) 
Swordfish Grill 12 (5-1) 

Better on Bikes 27(3-3) 
MI-Box 25 (1-5) 

Solid Rock Construction 33 (3-3) 
HSH Design 20 (2-4) 

ADULT FLAG FOOTBALL (WEEK 6) 

Reel Coastal Properties 39 (5-1)
Beach House Real Estate 15 (3-3) 

Coaster Continent 46 (5-1)
Slim’s Place 39 (0-6) 

The Fish Guy Aquarium Services 42 (6-0)
Solid Rock Construction 33 (3-3) 

Salty Printing 26 (3-3)
Sandbar 19 (2-4) 

Moss Air 38 (2-4)
Edible Cookie Dough Cafe 20 (1-5) 

ADULT 35+ SOCCER (WEEK 7) 

Hogan’s Pool Services & Repair 6 (5-0-1) 
Bubble Binz 3 (1-3-2) 

MG Construction 4 (3-2-0) 
Emily Moss Designs 2 (2–40) 

ADULT INDOOR SOCCER (WEEK 7) 

Pool America 16 (3-2-0) 
Solid Rock Construction 10 (2-3-1) 

Salty Printing 0 (1-3-2) 
Sato Real Estate 0 (3-1-2) 

CENTER SCOREBOARD: flag football and soccer

Written by SUN contributor on . Posted in Football, Soccer, Sports.

 8-11 ALL GIRLS FLAG FOOTBALL (WEEK 5) 

Print Wizards 27 (4-0-1)
Sato Real Estate 6 (3-1-1) 

Emily Moss Designs 19 (2-3-0)
Poppo’s Taqueria 0 (0-5-0) 

8-10 FLAG FOOTBALL (WEEK 5)

Adrian Griffin Interiors 19 (4-0-0)
Sato Real Estate 14 (1-3-0) 

Shady Lady Horticultural Services 19 (4-0-0)
Solid Rock Construction 0 (2-3-0) 

USA Fence 25 (3-2-0)
Grooms Motors & Automotive 15 (0-4-0)

11-13 FLAG FOOTBALL (WEEK 5)

82 West Home Inspections 14 (5-0-0)
Impact Florida Windows 13 (2-3-0)

Sato Real Estate 35 (2-3-0)
G.I. Bins 0 (0-5-0) 

Reed Physical Therapy & Fitness 26 (2-3-0)
Cloud Pest Control 8 (1-4-0) 

Slim’s Place 28 (5-0-0)
USA Fence 6 (3-2-0) 

14-17 FLAG FOOTBALL (WEEK 5)

Swordfish Grill 31 (4-0-0)
HSH Design 13 (1-3-0) 

Solid Rock Construction 34 (2-3-0)
Wings ‘N Things 20 (1-4-0) 

Moss Builders 39 (4-0-0)
MI-Box 19 (1-3-0) 

ADULT FLAG FOOTBALL (WEEK 4)

Moss Air 14 (1-2)
Reel Coastal Properties 6 (2-1) 

The Fish Guy Aquarium Services 40 (3-0)
Sandbar 20 (1-2)

Beach House Real Estate 33 (2-1)
Salty Printing 28 (1-2)

Coaster Continent 41 (3-0)
Solid Rock Construction 40 (1-2) 

Edible Cookie Dough Café 27 (1-2)
Slim’s Place 24 (0-3) 

ADULT 35+ SOCCER (WEEK 5)

MG Construction 8 (2-2-0)
Bubble Binz 5 (1-2-1) 

Hogan’s Pool Service & Repair 5 (3-0-1)
Language Services Associates 2 (1-3-0) 

ADULT INDOOR SOCCER (WEEK 5)

Pool America 13 (2-2-0)
Salty Printing 3 (1-2-1) 

Solid Rock Construction 10 (1-2-1)
Slim’s Place 10 (1-2-1)

Atlanta Rhythm Section brings southern sound to The Center

Written by Lance Roy on . Posted in Entertainment, Music.

ANNA MARIA –The Atlanta Rhythm Section brought its classic southern rock sound to a sold-out crowd at The Center of Anna Maria Island on Saturday, Feb. 14.

Formed in 1970 in Doraville, Georgia, the Atlanta Rhythm Section has been part of the southern rock scene for more than 50 years and the band has released 16 albums.

The evening opened with Nashville-based solo artist Bella Garland. The up-and-coming performer played keyboards and guitar and delivered a soft opening set that spanned pop, country and folk.

The Atlanta Rhythm Section’s current lineup features original lead vocalist Rodney Justo, guitarist and vocalist Dave Anderson, keyboardist Lee Shealy, guitarist Steve Stone, bassist Justin Senker and drummer Rodger Stephens. 

Lead singer Rodney Justo, 81, is still going strong. – Jeff Higgins/The Center | Submitted

Justo sang lead vocals on the band’s 1972 debut album, “Atlanta Rhythm Section” but left the band before the release of their second album, “Back Up Against the Wall,” which was the band’s first album to feature Ronnie Hammond on lead vocals. Justo returned to the band in 2011.

The Atlanta Rhythm Section kicked off their Valentine’s Day concert with “Homesick” and followed with a steady stream of well-known songs, that included “Champagne Jam,” “Spooky,” which was originally recorded by the Classics IV, “Large Time,” “I’m Not Gonna Let It Bother Me Tonight,” “Jukin’” and their signature songs and biggest hits, “So Into You” and “Imaginary Lover.” The show ended with, “Back Up Against the Wall.”

Throughout the night, Anderson and Stone delivered extended guitar solos that brought the audience to its feet. 

Dave Anderson excelled on the lead guitar. – Jeff Higgins/The Center | Submitted

After the show, Justo, 81, reflected on his longevity when asked what keeps him going.

“Unless I am beat down where I can’t get up, I keep going,” he said.

The concert was sponsored by the Sandbar restaurant and the Cedar Cove Resort and the concert proceeds benefit The Center’s youth programs.

Chris Culhane, executive director of The Center, expressed his gratitude for the strong turnout and the community support.

“We are very overwhelmed by the sold-out concert and have tons of gratitude toward the performers for what they give of themselves to help The Center,” Culhane said. “We look forward to future events.”

The bar concessions were provided by Sandbar Seafood & Spirits, with food offerings by Poppo’s Taqueria.

The Atlanta Rhythm Section performance was part of the Bradenton Gulf Islands Concert Series. 

The Center and the concert series will present John Oates and The Good Road Band on Sunday, March 1. Tickets are available at The Center website.

The Atlanta Rhythm Section features Justin Senker on bass and Steve Stone on guitar. – Jeff Higgins/The Center | Submitted
Lee Shealy played the classic Atlanta Rhythm Section keyboard parts. – Jeff Higgins/The Center | Submitted
Bella Garland was the opening act. – Jeff Higgins/The Center | Submitted
Bella Garland also played keyboards during her solo performance. – Jeff Higgins/The Center | Submitted
John Oates, of Hall & Oates, plays The Center on March 1. – The Center | Submitted

CENTER SCOREBOARD: flag football and soccer 

Written by SUN contributor on . Posted in Football, Soccer, Sports.

8-11 ALL GIRLS FLAG FOOTBALL (WEEK 3) 

Sato Real Estate 21 (2-0-1) 
Emily Moss Designs 6 (1-2-0) 

Print Wizards 31 (2-0-1) 
Poppo’s Taqueria 6 (0-3-0) 

8-10 FLAG FOOTBALL (WEEK 3) 

Adrian Griffin Interiors 19 (3-0-0) 
Grooms Motors & Automotive 0 (0-2-0) 

USA Fence 26 (2-1-0) 
Gulfster.com 20 (1-2-0) 

Solid Rock Construction 21 (1-2-0) 
Sato Real Estate 6 (0-2-0) 

11-13 FLAG FOOTBALL (WEEK 3) 

Slim’s Place 39 (3-0-0) 
Impact Florida Windows 6 (2-1-0) 

USA Fence 34 (2-1-0) 
G.I. Bins 6 (0-3-0) 

Sato Real Estate 20 (1-2-0) 
Reed Physical Therapy & Fitness 13 (0-3-0) 

82 West Home Inspections 41 (3-0-0) 
Cloud Pest Control 6 (0-3-0) 

14-17 FLAG FOOTBALL (WEEK 3) 

Moss Builders 22 (2-0-0) 
HSH Design 0 (0-2-0) 

Swordfish Grill 42 (3-0-0) 
Wings ‘N Things 7 (1-2-0) 

Better on Bikes 31 (1-2-0) 
Solid Rock Construction 20 (1-2-0) 

ADULT FLAG FOOTBALL (WEEK 2) 

Coaster Continent 47 (2-0-0) 
Moss Air 26 (0-2-0) 

Beach House Real Estate 42 (1-1-0) 
Edible Cookie Dough Cafe 40 (0-2-0) 

Reel Coastal Properties 36 (2-0-0) 
Salty Printing 19 (1-1-0) 

Solid Rock Construction 29 (1-1-0) 
Sandbar 27 (1-1-0) 

The Fish Guy Aquarium Services 33 (2-0-0) 
Slim’s Place 25 (0-2-0) 

ADULT 35+ SOCCER (WEEK 3) 

Emily Moss Designs 6 (1-2-0) 
Bubble Binz 3 (1-1-1) 

Language Services Associates 5 (1-1-0) 
MG Construction (1-1-0) 

ADULT INDOOR SOCCER (WEEK 3) 

Slim’s Place 10 Win by FF (1-1-0) 
Pool America 12 FF (1-1-0) 

Sato Real Estate 11 (2-0-1) 
Solid Rock Construction 7 (1-2-0) 

The Wailers bring reggae joy and harmony to Anna Maria

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Entertainment, Music.

ANNA MARIA – Making a return engagement and performing iconic songs made famous by Bob Marley and The Wailers, the current version of The Wailers brought their reggae and ska vibrations and bliss to The Center of Anna Maria Island.

Graced with beautiful weather, The Wailers’ outdoor concert on Saturday, Jan. 24, was much warmer than their chilly show in 2025.

The Wailers’ lineup for Saturday’s show featured multi-talented bandleader Aston Barrett Jr. on drums, although he usually plays bass. Barrett Jr. is the son of Bob Marley and the Wailers’ late bassist and bandleader, Aston Barrett.

Bandleader Aston Barrett Jr. usually plays bass, but he played drums at the Anna Maria show. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

Saturday’s lineup also featured Wendel “Junior Jazz” Ferraro on lead vocals and guitar, Owen “Dreadie” Reid on bass, Ricky Walters on lead guitar, Miguel “Scooby” Anderson on keyboards and backing singers Andrea Sawyers and Shanna-Lee Fletcher.

The ladies on backing vocals and Owen ‘Dreadie” Reid on bass. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

Just after 8:30 p.m., The Wailers’ ‘Roots, Rock, Reggae’ show kicked off with “Lively Up Yourself” and the next 90-minutes or so provided an endless string of well-known reggae classics that included “Is This Love,” “No Woman, No Cry,” “Stir it Up,” “Waiting in Vain” and “I Shot the Sherrif,” with many in the crowd dancing and singing along throughout out the show.

Ricky Walters on lead guitar. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

After a crowd-pleasing version of “Three Little Birds,” Ferraro said, “It’s gonna be alright.”

Before launching into “Jamming,” Ferraro said, “This is your party song right here.”

During the show, Barrett Jr., a fantastic drummer, sang lead vocals on one song. Ferraro also noted Barrett Jr. played the role of his father, Aston Barrett, in the 2024 biopic movie, “Bob Marley: One Love.”

Wendel “Junior Jazz” Ferraro sang lead vocals, played guitar and interacted with the audience. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

Before playing “Get Up, Stand Up,” Ferraro used the Jamaican, Rastafarian word, “Irie” when he said, “How are you feeling out there? That sounds like one Irie set of people – it means when you’re feeling so good that nothing can change that vibe.”

He then welcomed his brother Craig to the stage to play drums on a few songs.

The stellar setlist also included “Exodus,” “One Love” and more.

“Junior Jazz” and “Dreadie” during “Redemption Song.” – Joe Hendricks | Sun

The encore set began with Ferraro and Reid performing “Redemption Song” as a duo, followed by full-band versions of “Buffalo Soldier” and the show-ending “Could You Be Loved”

Performing solo, singer/songwriter Dylan Cotrone began the evening with a well-received opening set of his original songs.

Dylan Cotrone was the opening act. – Jeff Higgins/The Center | Submitted

Saturday’s concert was sponsored by the Sandbar restaurant, Cedar Cove Resort and the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. The concert proceeds will benefit The Center’s youth programs.

The Atlanta Rhythm Section will perform at The Center on Saturday, Feb. 14, and John Oates & The Good Road Band will perform at The Center on Sunday, March 1. For tickets and more information, visit The Center website.

Additional photos

Dave Huggins, Caleb Helmer and Lydia Ranallo before the show started. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Dancing to The Wailers. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
“Jamming” with The Wailers. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
The crowd near the front of the stage. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Brother Craig played drums on a few songs. – Joe Hendricks | Sun
Wendel “Junior Jazz” Ferraro had a beautiful voice. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

Center Scoreboard: flag football, soccer

Written by SUN contributor on . Posted in Sports.

CENTER SCOREBOARD 

8-11 ALL GIRLS FLAG FOOTBALL (WEEK 1) 

Print Wizards 32 (1-0-0)
Emily Moss Design 6 (0-1-0) 

Sato Real Estate 18 (1-0-0)
Poppo’s Taqueria 6 (0-1-0) 

8-10 FLAG FOOTBALL (WEEK 1)

Adrian Griffin Interiors 19 (1-0-0)
Gulfster.com 12 (0-1-0) 

Shady Lady Horticultural Services 13 (1-0-0)
Sato Real Estate 12 (0-1-0) 

USA Fence 28 (1-0-0)
Solid Rock Construction 24 (0-1-0) 

11-13 FLAG FOOTBALL (WEEK 1)

82 West Home Inspections 31 (1-0-0)
Sato Real Estate 0 (0-1-0) 

Impact Florida Windows 39 (1-0-0)
G.I. Bins 0 (0-1-0) 

Slim’s Place 32 (1-0-0)
Cloud Pest Control 0 (0-1-0)

USA Fence 39 (1-0-0)
Reed Physical Therapy & Fitness 35 (0-1-0) 

14-17 FLAG FOOTBALL (WEEK 1)

Swordfish Grill 37 (1-0-0)
Better on Bikes 6 (0-1-0) 

Wings ‘N Things 21 (1-0-0)
HSH Design 15 (0-1-0) 

Solid Rock Construction 30 (1-0-0)
MI-Box 12 (0-1-0) 

ADULT 35+ SOCCER (WEEK 1)

Bubble Binz 7 (1-0-0)
Language Services Associates 4 (0-1-0) 

Hogan’s Pool Service & Repair 4 (1-0-0)
Emily Moss Design 1 (0-1-0) 

ADULT INDOOR SOCCER (WEEK 1)

Solid Rock Construction Win by FF (1-0-0)
Salty Printing FF (0-1-0) 

Sato Real Estate 11 (1-0-0)
Slim’s Place 6 (0-1-0)

Blue Öyster Cult brings musical magic to The Center

Blue Öyster Cult brings musical magic to The Center

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Entertainment, Music.

ANNA MARIA – Blue Öyster Cult put on a stellar and well-received outdoor concert at The Center of Anna Maria on Dec. 10.

More than 50 years after they formed in Long Island, New York, the five-piece band led by original lead vocalists and guitarists Eric Bloom and Donald “Buck Dharma” Roeser also featured longtime bandmates Richie Castellano on guitar, keyboards and vocals, Danny Miranda on bass and vocals and Jules Radino on drums.

Blue Öyster Cult brings musical magic to The Center
Eric Bloom and Donald “Buck Dharma” Roeser led Blue Öyster through a 16-song show at The Center. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

The quintet delivered an energetic 16-song, career-spanning set that highlighted Bloom and Roeser’s songwriting skills, their still-sublime lead vocals and each band member’s musical prowess.

The show started with the piano and synthesizer driven “Dr. Music” from the band’s 1979 album, “Mirrors,” followed by “Before the Kiss, a Redcap” from their 1972 debut album and the raise-your-glass biker anthem “Golden Age of Leather” from their 1977 album, “Spectres” – during which 81-year-old Bloom helped deliver the lyrical vow: “We made a vow to give it all we had to give, we made a vow to die as we had lived.”

Blue Öyster Cult brings musical magic to The Center
Eric Blooms ‘raises his glass’ while singing “Golden Age of Leather.” – Joe Hendricks | Sun

Bloom sang lead vocals on “That Was Me,” from the 2020 release, “The Symbol Remains” and the 78-year-old Roeser sang lead vocals on the band’s 1981 hit song, “Burnin’ For You.”

After “Cagey Cretins,” “ME 262,” “Harvest Moon,” “Hot Rails to Hell” and a beautiful rendition of “E.T.I. (Extra Terrestrial Intelligence),” Castillo took over the lead vocals and delivered a haunting rendition of “Tainted Blood” (also from “The Symbol Remains”) – a song that tells the tale of a vampire whose immortal love and soulmate dies after she drinks tainted blood, leaving him alone for eternity.

Lead singer/guitarist Eric Bloom played keyboards on some songs. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

Roeser then sang “Then Came the Last Days of May,” the tale of an ill-fated trio of young men seeking to get rich quick with an over-the-border drug run that turned deadly.

Next came the well-known crowd-pleaser “Godzilla,” followed by the instrumental piece, “Buck’s Boogie,” that served as an extended intro for the band’s most well-known song, “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper.”

Blue Öyster Cult brings musical magic to The Center
Lead guitarist Donald “Buck Dharma” Roeser was showcased in “Buck’s Boogie.” – Joe Hendricks | Sun

After a quick break, the band finished the night with their classic rock and roll anthem, “Cities on Flame With Rock and Roll.”

The seven-piece, Pittsburgh-based BB Steal 80’s LIVE! opened the show with an hour-long set of hits from the 70s and 80s originally performed by Journey, Fleetwood Mac, Tom Petty, Joan Jett, Simple Minds and others, with their cover of Pittsburgh native Donny Iris’ “Ah! Leah!” as a show highlight.

BB Steal 80s Live! opened the show. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

Reggae legends The Wailers will headline The Center’s first concert of 2026 on Saturday, Jan. 24.

Eric Bloom and Donald “Buck Dharma” Roeser have led Blue Öyster Cult for more than 50 years. - Joe Hendricks | Sun

Eric Bloom and Donald “Buck Dharma” Roeser have led Blue Öyster Cult for more than 50 years. - Joe Hendricks | Sun

Blue Öyster Cult gave a stellar concert at The Center. - Joe Hendricks | Sun

Blue Öyster Cult gave a stellar concert at The Center. - Joe Hendricks | Sun

Jules Radino has been Blue Öyster Cult's drummer since 2004. - Joe Hendricks | Sun

Jules Radino has been Blue Öyster Cult's drummer since 2004. - Joe Hendricks | Sun

Blue Öyster Cult fan Erik Rubietta got a copy of the setlist after the show. - Joe Hendricks | Sun

Blue Öyster Cult fan Erik Rubietta got a copy of the setlist after the show. - Joe Hendricks | Sun

Dave Lewis and Sharon Rosa are members of the Pittsburgh-based BB Steal 80s Live! - Joe Hendricks | Sun

Dave Lewis and Sharon Rosa are members of the Pittsburgh-based BB Steal 80s Live! - Joe Hendricks | Sun

Rick Peluso handled lead vocals on several songs performed BB Steal Live 80s! - Joe Hendricks | Sun

Rick Peluso handled lead vocals on several songs performed BB Steal Live 80s! - Joe Hendricks | Sun

Pittsburgh radio personality and Pittsburg Steelers PA announcer Larry Richert introduced both bands. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

Pittsburgh radio personality and Pittsburg Steelers PA announcer Larry Richert introduced both bands. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

The crowd awaited Blue Öyster Cult's performance. - Joe Hendricks | Sun

The crowd awaited Blue Öyster Cult's performance. - Joe Hendricks | Sun

Kids, adults have a ball at Lester Family Fun Day

Kids, adults have a ball at Lester Family Fun Day

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Anna Maria, Community News.

ANNA MARIA – Lester Family Fun Day helped ring in the holiday season at The Center of Anna Maria Island while raising money for The Center.

The Dec. 6 event featured inflatable bounce houses, slides and play areas, pony rides, a petting zoo that featured goats, ducks and a small pig, a visit from Santa, the Manatee High School Drumline, The Grinch’s dance contest, children’s games and activities, ice cream from Small Town Creamery and hot dogs donated by the Anna Maria Oyster bar and cooked by Duffy’s Tavern, which also provided and cooked the burgers.

Kids, adults have a ball at Lester Family Fun Day
The kids made holiday cards to send to Santa. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

DJ Freeze played the music and served as the master of ceremonies, assisted by the SOZO Missions youth from Bradenton. The family fun concluded with a 50/50 raffle in which the winner was decided by golf balls dropped from a helicopter.

Kids, adults have a ball at Lester Family Fun Day
The dance contest featured an elf (Reef Roberts), a gingerbread woman (Bri Roberts), a snowman (Chris Culhane) and The Grinch (Caleb Roberts). – Joe Hendricks | Sun

After participating as the snowman in the Grinch’s dance contest and getting out of his costume, Center Executive Director Chris Culhane said, “Lester Family Fun Day is incred­ible. I think this is our 24th year – minus the COVID year it would be our 25th. Next year we’re going to have our 25th Lester Family Fun Day. We do it for the kids and we do it for the Lesters. That was their dream – to have an in­credible community event with old-school prices, old-school food, old-school tickets and old-school family fun. I think this is the busiest one we’ve had.”

Kids, adults have a ball at Lester Family Fun Day
The Grinch’s inflatable slide was a popular Lester Family Fun Day attraction. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

After their 3-year-old son Maverick rode the pony, his mom, Mackenzie, said she and her husband, Andrew, both grew up on Anna Maria Island.

“We love it,” Mackenzie said. “We’ve been coming since we were kids and we try to bring our kids every year. This brings the community together.”

Vivienne Ornelas was the last in line to visit Santa before he called it a day. Vivienne and her parents recently relocated from Denver.

“It’s fun,” she said of her first Lester Family Fun Day.

Kids, adults have a ball at Lester Family Fun Day
Former Denver resident and new Bradenton resident Vivienne Ornelas was the last youngster to visit Santa that afternoon. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

Vivienne’s dad, Larry, said, “It’s a fun event and I had lunch.”

When asked about his stop at The Center, Santa said, “It was fantastic, with a lot of nice people. A lot of kids were happy and a couple of them cried.”

Santa said the most requested items this year are Nintendo Switch gaming consoles, iPads and cell phones and he’s still compiling his nice and naughty list for the youngsters, and the grownups, too.

Santa said his prepara­tions are going well for his upcoming world-wide delivery day: “The reindeer are working out every day, Mrs. Claus has the elves working hard and we’ll be ready for the 24th.”

As he departed, Santa said, “Have a Merry Christmas.”

Kids, adults have a ball at Lester Family Fun Day
Right, Tom Sanger tossed the 50/50 raffle balls from the hovering helicopter. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

At approximately 2 p.m., a helicopter piloted by Sarasota Helicopter Services owner Stan Lee circled The Center a couple times with Tom Sanger Pool and Spa owner Tom Sanger and his daughters Violet and Daphne onboard.

Lee then briefly hovered the helicopter over the golf flag planted in the athletic field and Sanger emptied the bag of golf balls pur­chased by 50/50 raffle ticket holders in advance. The ball that landed closest to the pin won the raffle. After Culhane grabbed the winning golf ball, the kids raced in to collect the golf balls and place them in a cardboard box.

Kids, adults have a ball at Lester Family Fun Day
Center Executive Director Chris Culhane retrieved the winning golf ball that landed closest to the pin. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

The winning ball belonged to Anna Maria resident Marina Rosaco, who won half of the more than $3,000 raised by the raffle ticket sales that offered a single ball for $50 or three balls for $100. The other half of the raffle ticket proceeds went to The Center. Rosaco said she chose ball #93 in honor of her grandmother, Marina, who passed away at the age of 93.

The Center volunteers wore commemorative Lester Family Fun Day T-shirts. - Joe Hendricks | Sun

The Center volunteers wore commemorative Lester Family Fun Day T-shirts. - Joe Hendricks | Sun

Bradenton resident and Golden State Warriors fan Camden Meador visited with Santa. - Joe Hendricks | Sun

Bradenton resident and Golden State Warriors fan Camden Meador visited with Santa. - Joe Hendricks | Sun

This young lady slid down the inflatable slide. - Joe Hendricks | Sun

This young lady slid down the inflatable slide. - Joe Hendricks | Sun

This youngster had her face painted inside The Center gym. - Joe Hendricks | Sun

This youngster had her face painted inside The Center gym. - Joe Hendricks | Sun

Olivia Warbington fished for a prize, assisted by Kiwanis volunteer Jerry Buck and a hidden helper. - Joe Hendricks | Sun

Olivia Warbington fished for a prize, assisted by Kiwanis volunteer Jerry Buck and a hidden helper. - Joe Hendricks | Sun

The youngsters rushed in to help clean up the air-dropped golf balls. - Joe Hendricks | Sun

The youngsters rushed in to help clean up the air-dropped golf balls. - Joe Hendricks | Sun

Santa stopped to wish DJ Freeze and Shavonna Parker a Merry Christmas. - Joe Hendricks | Sun

Santa stopped to wish DJ Freeze and Shavonna Parker a Merry Christmas. - Joe Hendricks | Sun

These youngsters visited with the petting zoo goats. - Joe Hendricks | Sun

These youngsters visited with the petting zoo goats. - Joe Hendricks | Sun

After posing for photos all day, this likeness of Ralphie, from “A Christmas Story,” stood alone as the festivities wound down. - Joe Hendricks | Sun

After posing for photos all day, this likeness of Ralphie, from “A Christmas Story,” stood alone as the festivities wound down. - Joe Hendricks | Sun

Blue Öyster Cult set to rock The Center

Blue Öyster Cult set to rock The Center

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Entertainment, Music.

ANNA MARIA – Best known for their classic rock radio staples “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper,” “Godzilla” and “Burnin’ For You,” Blue Öyster Cult is bringing their classic rock excellence and intelligence to The Center of Anna Maria Island on Wednesday, Dec. 10, joined by special guests BB Steal 80’s Live!.

General admission tickets for the outdoor concert are $75 and are still available at The Center website, www.centerami.org/concerts. General admission ticket holders are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs. VIP tickets are also available and include prime seating with a private bar.

The gates open Wednes­day night at 6 p.m. and Blue Öyster Cult will hit the stage at 8 p.m., preceded by the BB Steal 80’s Live! musical experience at 7 p.m. The Center is located at 407 Magnolia Ave. in Anna Maria.

Blue Öyster Cult

Although their concerts no longer feature the legendary laser shows they featured in the mid-1970s, Blue Öyster Cult still features original vocalist and rhythm guitar­ist Eric Bloom and original vocalist and lead guitarist Donald “Buck Dharma” Roeser. Roeser and Bloom have long been joined on stage by current bandmates Richie Castellano on guitar and keyboards, bass guitarist Danny Miranda and drummer Jules Radino.

Recent Blue Öyster Cult setlists span the band’s 50-plus-year recording history and their shows usually include “Cities on Flame With Rock and Roll” and the cautionary drug smuggling tale, “Then Came the Last Days of May,” from their 1972 debut album “Blue Öyster Cult.”

The slightly varied setlists sometimes feature a song or two from their 1979 release, “Mirrors,” or from their 2020 release, “The Symbol Remains” and always feature additional songs from their 1977 release, “Spectres,” and “Agents of Fortune.” Blue Öyster Cult used to frequently cover Steppenwolf’s “Born to Be Wild,” but that song rarely shows up in the setlist these days.

The band’s name features an umlaut punctuation mark atop the “Ö.” Inspired by the alchemical symbol for lead (a heavy metal) and the astrological symbol for Saturn, the band’s iconic “hook and cross” logo is among the most instantly recognizable rock and roll band logos.

Blue Öyster Cult set to rock The Center
Blue Öyster Cult’s classic “hook and cross” logo is among the most recognizable logos in classic rock history. – Wikipedia | Submitted

Sung by Roeser, the death-inspired “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper” was the featured song in the classic Saturday Night Live “More Cowbell” skit that first aired in 2000. The skit parodied Blue Öyster Cult in the re­cording studio and featured actor Christopher Walken as the record producer who demands more cowbell. The studio version of the song that appeared on the band’s 1976 album, “Agents of Fortune,” features a steady cowbell beat throughout the song. Some of the song lyrics also appear at the beginning of Stephen King’s post-apocalyptic novel, “The Stand.”

Opening act

BB Steals 80’s LIVE! features Rick Peluso (vocals), Sharon Rosa (vocals), Bob Boreland (drums), Hank DiPasquale (bass), Jeff Peluso (electric drums), Larry Donovan (keyboards) and Dave Lewis (lead guitar) and they collectively and authentically recreate memorable and beloved songs from the 1980s.

Center Scoreboard: Youth, adult soccer; adult basketball

Written by SUN contributor on . Posted in Basketball, Feature, Soccer, Sports.

YOUTH SOCCER
8- TO 10-YEAR-OLD DIVISION
Beach Bums 3 (2-5-0)
Solid Rock construction 2 (1-5-1)

Moss Builders 0 (4-1-2)
Vida Sports Ministry 0 (2-2-3)

Adrian Griffin Interiors 4 (5-0-2)
AMI Outfitters 4 (2-3-2)

11- TO 13-YEAR-OLD DIVISION
Solid Rock Construction 4 (3-3-0)
Print Wizards 3 (5-1-0)

La Creperie 4 (3-3-0)
AM I Coconuts 2 (1-5-0)

ADULT BASKETBALL
Slim’s Place 21, 21, 20 (3-3)
Island Lumber 19, 16, 22 (4-2)

Bradenton Home Inspections 21, 16, W (5-1)
Salty Printing 10, 12, F (2-4)

Solid Rock Construction 18, 21, 22 (3-3)
MI-Box 7, 10, 12 (1-5)

ADULT SOCCER WEEK 8
Pool America Win by Forfeit (8-0-0)
Slim’s Place F (1-6-0)

Moss Builders 8 (4-2-1)
Solid Rock Construction 4 (1-7-0)

West Coast Marine Construction 5 (2-4-1)
Sato Real Estate 2 (5-3-0)

Ross Built 5 (3-2-2)
Florida Impact Windows 5 (3-2-2)

Bubble Binz 5 (4-3-0)
Language Services Associates 3 (3-4-0)

ADULT SOCCER WEEK 9
Bubble Binz 10 (5-3-0)
Slim’s Place 1 (1-7-0)

Pool America 7 (9-0-0)
Florida Impact Windows 4 (3-3-2)

Solid Rock Construction 9 (2-7-0)
West Coast Marine Construction 3 (2-5-1)

Moss Builders 6 (5-2-1)
Language Services Associates 4 (3-5-0)

Ross Built Win by Forfeit
Duncan Real Estate (3-5-0)

Center Scoreboard: Basketball, Soccer

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Basketball, Soccer, Sports.

ADULT BASKETBALL WEEK 4

MI-Box 20, 17, 21 (1-2-1)
Slim’s Place 20, 21, 19 (1-2-1)

Salty Printing Win by Forfeit (1-3-0)
Solid Rock Construction Forfeit (2-2-0)

Island Lumber 22, 21, 22 (3-1-0)
Bradenton Home Inspections 19, 8, 20 (3-1-0)

ADULT SOCCER WEEK 5

Moss Builders 2 (2-1-1)
Ross Built 2 (2-2-1)

Language Services Associates 6 (2-2-0)
Impact Windows 2 (2-2-1)

Bubble Binz 4 (2-2-0)
Duncan Real Estate 3 (2-3-0)

Pool America 3 (5-0-0)
Sato Real Estate 2 (3-2-0)

Slim’s Place 3 (1-3-0)
Solid Rock Construction 2 (1-4-0)

YOUTH SOCCER

8- TO 10-YEAR-OLD DIVISION WEEK 4

Adrian Griffin Interiors 6 (4-0-0)
Beach Bums 1 (0-4-0)

Vida Sports Ministry 4 (2-1-1)
AMI Outfitters 2 (1-3-0)

Moss Builders 2 (3-1-0)
Solid Rock Construction 1 (1-2-1)

11- TO 13-YEAR-OLD DIVISION

Print Wizards 4 (4-0-0)
Solid Rock Construction 3 (1-3-0)

La Creperie 7 (2-2-0)
AM I Coconuts? 0 (1-3-0)

Anna Maria Elementary celebrates Fall Festival

Anna Maria Elementary celebrates Fall Festival

Written by Leslie Lake on . Posted in Entertainment, Festivals.

The Anna Maria Elementary Fall Festival at The Center of Anna Maria Island on Saturday, Oct. 18 featured a costume parade, rides, games, food and a pumpkin patch. Last year’s event was canceled due to Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

Costumed students participated in the Halloween parade. - Leslie Lake | Sun

Costumed students participated in the Halloween parade. - Leslie Lake | Sun

Costumed students participated in the Halloween parade. - Leslie Lake | Sun

Costumed students participated in the Halloween parade. - Leslie Lake | Sun

Madeline Jones takes a ride down the slide at the AME Fall Festival. - Leslie Lake | Sun

Madeline Jones takes a ride down the slide at the AME Fall Festival. - Leslie Lake | Sun

A monster bounce house was one of the featured rides at the AME Fall Festival. - Leslie Lake | Sun

A monster bounce house was one of the featured rides at the AME Fall Festival. - Leslie Lake | Sun

The rock wall was a big hit at the AME Fall Festival. - Leslie Lake | Sun

The rock wall was a big hit at the AME Fall Festival. - Leslie Lake | Sun

Three princesses participate in the AME Fall Festival costume parade at The Center of Anna Maria Island. - Leslie Lake | Sun

Three princesses participate in the AME Fall Festival costume parade at The Center of Anna Maria Island. - Leslie Lake | Sun

Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer led the costume parade around The Center of Anna Maria Island at the AME Fall Festival. - Leslie Lake | Sun

Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer led the costume parade around The Center of Anna Maria Island at the AME Fall Festival. - Leslie Lake | Sun

Center Scoreboard: Flag football, youth soccer, adult soccer

Written by SUN contributor on . Posted in Football, Sports.

ADULT FLAG FOOTBALL SEMI-FINALS
Slim’s Place 39
Solid Rock Construction 32

Solid Rock Electrical 40
Coaster Continent 33

ADULT FLAG FOOTBALL FINALS
Slim’s Place 32
Solid Rock Electrical 27

YOUTH SOCCER
8- TO 10-YEAR-OLD DIVISION
Solid Rock Construction 5 (1-0)
Beach Bums 3 (0-1)

Moss Builders 2 (1-0)
Vida Sports Ministry 0 (0-1)

Adrian Griffin Interiors 3 (1-0)
AMI Outfitters 2 (0-1)

11- TO 13-YEAR-OLD DIVISION
Print Wizards 6 (1-0)
Solid Rock Construction 3 (0-1)

La Creperie 2 (1-0)
AM I Coconuts? 0 (0-1)

ADULT SOCCER
Pool America 6 (2-0-0)
Moss Builders 4 (1-1-0)

Florida Impact Windows 7 (2-0-0)
Bubble Binz 5 (0-2-0)

Sato Real Estate 5 (1-1-0)
Duncan Real Estate 2 (1-1-0)

West Coast Marine Construction 4 (1-1-0)
Slim’s Place 3 (0-1-0)

Ross Built 6 (1-1-0)
Solid Rock Construction 2 (0-2-0)

Center Scoreboard: Soccer, flag football

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Football, Soccer, Sports.

ADULT SOCCER WEEK 1

Impact Windows (1-0) 5
Sato Real Estate (0-1) 4

Pool America (1-0) 11
West Coast Marine Construction (0-1) 1

Duncan Real Estate (1-0) 6
Solid Rock Construction (0-1) 5

Ross Built (1-0) 5
Language Services Associates (0-1) 4

Moss Builders (1-0) 6
Bubble Binz (0-1) 5

FLAG FOOTBALL QUARTER FINALS

Coaster Continent 45
Salty Printing 44

Solid Rock Construction 37
Reel Coastal Properties 6

Slim’s Place 46
Edible Cookie Dough Café 24

Solid Rock Electrical 52
Cortez Pump & Sprinkler 15