Both the city of Treasure Island and its dedicated ladies’ auxiliary, the Treasure Islettes, celebrate their 60th anniversary this year. The only major event for the city is free to all “A Very Treasure Island 60th Birthday Party” on Saturday, May 2, kicking off at 4 pm in Treasure Island’s Community Center Park.
The party features legacy musicians who have played Treasure Island venues over the years. No other official events are budgeted, according to Jeff Jensen, City Public Information Officer.
Headlining the show at 8 pm is the big-band swing of the 22-piece Tomkats Jazz Orchestra, the Bilmar Beach Resort’s house band for over a decade.
CornFused kicks off the show with their blend of guitar, mandolin, banjo, slide, upright bass and gorgeous vocals, infused with the improvisational elements of jazz to create a sound all their own. Next at 5:30 are Sarasota Slim and his band. A true Florida cracker who plays blues, funk, boogie and slide guitar with heaps of warm Southern charm, he’s as authentic and talented as they come, earning his “Sarasota Slim” nickname from Rock Bottom (with whom he played, in The Jungle Bushmasters and The Cuttaways).
Florida native T.C. Carr, one of the premier harmonica players, and his original American blues and roots band Bolts of Blue, take the stage at 7 pm. T.C. is a familiar performer to many on the Gulf beaches “back in the day” as a founding member of the Mad Beach Band.
The big event is produced by the City of Treasure Island Parks & Recreation Department and is presented by Saunders & Walker, Consumer Justice Attorneys. Food and beverages are available in the Bucky the Pirate Food Court. Concertgoers should bring a lawn blanket or beach chairs, and parking is available for $15 in the parking lots surrounding the Community Center Park.Info: 727-547-4575 ext. 237.