The Sweetwater Music Series takes place at every Sunday market from 12-4pm, Nov-May.  We have an open mic session from 12-1pm, and again from 3-4pm - all welcome!  We also have featured artists from 1-3pm.  No charge for the music, though tips for the musicians are welcomed.  We have wonderful local musicians as well as several internationally-known artists who frequent our stage - come check it out!

February 7 - Wally Bivens with Dapper Dan Band; Jim Mason

1 pm Wally Bivens with Dapper Dan Band, an area favorite, is set to pick the strings at Sweetwater this Sunday.  Dapper Dan Band plays Americana music concentrating on folk and bluegrass, with variety from Bob Dylan to John Prine and even legendary bluegrass artist Ralph Stanley for inspiration. Wally’s original hit single, “Business of Living,” was released last year and is now available on Itunes. The group brings strong harmonies, funky guitars and enough heart to get people smilin'. Wally has been the front man for Dapper Dan band for the past 10 years, first known as the Muscle Memory Band and now in its present incarnation. Wally’s soulful vocals are haunting and clear.

2 pm  Hymn for her (Maggi and Pierce Ternay-- formerly of the touring band Maggie Pierce & EJ)

The Ramones of bluegrass meet John Wayne and travel across the U.S in a 16 foot 1961 Bambi airstream playing shows, recording an album in their trailer and filming a movie about the adventure. Throw in a 2 year old rugrat and a 10 year old hound dog, a cigar box guitar, a banjo and kick drum and you got yerself some stompgrass. "Hymn for Her’s 2008 debut album, Year of the Golden Pig, is an elegant folk/alt-country collection spanning many themes: life, death, love, suicide and even doggy affection." Rolling Rock Review, Monterey CA

February 14 - Dan Feinman, Doc Smith (I am waiting for Markus to get me bios and pix)

21 - Keith Hope, James Hawkins & Cold Harbor Band

1 pm --Keith Hope has performed for many years at the Florida Folk Music Festival, Will Mclean Festival and has written songs about Florida for decades. Key Biscayne Cowboy examines the changing climate in South Florida's land development boom. This music is all Florida...so be prepared to take a journey through the back woods, the everglades and into the urban world of south Florida.....Keith Hope is a Florida Music Treasure !

2 pm-- James Hawkins is a singer/songwriter living in Venice Florida who has been writing songs for the last 10 years or so.  He has performed regularly at Florida Folk Festival, Clearwater Folk & Arts Festival, Wings & Strings, Gamble Rodgers Festival, Barberville Folk & Arts Fest, Lake County Folk & Arts Celebration, the Barberville Spring Fling and the Will McLean Festival. And twice had songs included on Songwriter Compilations CD's released by the Friends of Florida Folk.
Cold Harbor Band includes standout performers recognized in their own right, including, LeighHumes on back up vocals, Pasco Paul on dobro and Steve Humes on bass and mandolin.

28 - Tampa Jam Group 1-3 p.m.

An informal group of musicians that get together to jam on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month.  Regulars include many Sweetwater favorites and music volunteers: Rick Ferriss (leader), Jimmy Payne, Dave Dawsey, Russell Roush, Dr. J, Susan Fox, Haven Whiteside, Terra Pressler, Ron Gilbert, Dr. Dan Madock, Cece Youkum, Ted Lilley, Jon Butts, Linda Goodwin, Andrea Walsh, Jim Glover and many more. Come and join the fun.  Meet the jammers and get invited to the next jam.