“The Black Honkeys” Open NBP Fiesta! at Nathan Benderson Park

One Friday evening, every month, the heart of the Suncoast will get a jolt of family-friendly music, food, and fun. NBP Fiesta! Fridays promise waterfront entertainment, food, drink, and exhibitors on Nathan Benderson Park’s Regatta Island, from 5:30-9 p.m. The inaugural NBP Fiesta! Friday is Oct. 23, and for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the American Cancer Society to fight against breast cancer.

Musical entertainment for the first event will be from The Black Honkeys, a regional favorite playing a mix of Motown, funk, rock, and soul.

Tickets are limited to 1,500 people and available for pre-purchase through the park’s website. Tickets are $10 each for ages 15 and older, and free for kids 14 and younger. Parking is free. The number of tickets will help ensure social distancing, organizers said.

NBP Fiesta – Brings Live Events back 2020 Style

“With limited opportunities for festivals and events, we are happy to provide the community this entertainment offering one Friday per month starting in October,” park Chief Operating Officer Stephen V. Rodriguez said. “This is a great chance to get out, enjoy some good music, food, and beverages, with plenty of space for social distancing.”

The Honkeys first appeared at the park at the 2019 NBP Fireworks On The Lake as the closing act, after the fireworks display. The nine-piece band voted “Best In The Bay” features world-renowned percussionist Gumbi Ortiz and the Ebony and Ivory Horn Section in what the band calls a “high-energy, good fun” show.

Tickets will be available at nathanbendersonpark.org. NBP Fiesta! Fridays are scheduled for Nov. 12 and Dec. 18, and in 2021 on Jan. 22, Feb. 12, and March 19.

Suncoast Aquatic Nature Center Associates Inc.

Suncoast Aquatic Nature Center Associates Inc. (SANCA) is a not-for-profit 501c3 business. It was created to manage Nathan Benderson Park (NBP), a community/public asset and world-class, multi-use sports venue. Our mission is to improve the quality of life for our community and be an economic generator for our region. SANCA’s primary purpose is to develop and promote NBP as a world-class event center, team training site, and Sarasota County Park, while providing outreach programs through recreation, safety training, education, and volunteering as a service to our community. Learn more at nathanbendersonpark.org/about-us/sanca-mission.

Photos supplied by Nathan Benderson Park