Michael Allman Band at the Swordfish Grill
The Michael Allman Band is a hot group. They play some great places in Florida and around the country. When I heard that the band was going to be playing in the Sarasota / Bradenton / Anna Maria Island area I was surprised and excited. I asked Mark Bartlett, General Manager of the Swordfish Grill how he got the Michael Allman Band to play at this great Cortez venue. His answer, “I asked Michael and he said yes!” That’s all it took…..a phone call and a little Facebook messaging!
The weather was a little shaky so the band was moved indoors! It did not change a thing. The Swordfish Grill was rocking inside and outside on the beautiful deck! You could feel the building vibrating. The band sang lots of their original music like a Mule Named Whiskey, What’s the World Coming To and other original tunes along with popular Allman Brothers Band magical music.
The Swordfish Grill was a musical “love fest.” Folks were dancing, singing, enjoying fabulous food and drink and just having a good old time! I even caught the kitchen chefs rocking & rolling as they were performing their magic creating Grouper Sandwiches, Shrimp Scampi, Oysters Rockefeller, Chicken and Pecan Salad, Burgers and so much more. Both bars were jumping! Lots of cold beer, mixed drinks and soft drinks were enjoyed by the huge crowd. Fans of the Michael Allman band traveled long distances to see them perform. There was even a surprise visit from the “Florida Blues Brothers!”
The servers at the Swordfish Grill are the best…..the friendliest bunch of guys and gals. They were working so hard Sunday afternoon and they all had smiles on their faces and went out of their way to make sure that everyone had a cold drink and great food at their tables. Congratulations ladies and gents. A special “thank you” to Tara who made sure that the Grill was running smooth.
A storm came in towards the end of the evening but it didn’t matter. Everyone came inside and enjoyed the rest of the show. Photographer extraordinaire, Mark Kracker managed to find a place to get a great picture of the sunset! Mark has the knack of taking very unique photos of his subjects.
If you haven’t been to the Swordfish Grill at 4628 119th Street West in Cortez, it’s time that you check it out. From Anna Maria Island, it just over the bridge. You never know who you will see at the Grill. Check out their entertainment schedule for the rest of September.
They have a great new website: www.swordfishgrillcortez.com. …….photos by Mark Kracker