Suncoast Charities for Children, organizer for the 24th Annual Thunder By The Bay Music & Motorcycle Festival, announced the traditional three day Festival is scheduled for February 18-20, 2022 at the Sarasota Fairgrounds. Presenting Festival sponsors include Rossiter’s Harley-Davidson, S&S Motorsports of Sarasota, and FCCI Insurance Group.
Next year’s Festival will once again feature continuous live music being billed as, “Where Rock Meets Country!” Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets for outdoor seating in front of a large outdoor stage. Featured headliner for the weekend is FireHouse, performing on Saturday, February 19, at 8 pm. FireHouse has 16 gold & platinum records, multiple billboard hits, and winner of the American Music Awards. Popular hits include “Love Of A Lifetime”, “When I Look Into Your Eyes”, and “Don’t Treat Me Bad.” Other bands performing include Slippery When Wet (Bon Jovi Tribute), Tobacco Rd Band, Free Fallin (Tom Petty Tribute), Bobby Friss, Diary of an Ozzman (Ozzy Osbourne Tribute), 30ot6, and The Verge.
Something new for those attending the Festival will be “Thunder Alley” located inside Robarts Arena featuring one of a kind custom motorcycle, car, and truck displays. Outside on the Festival grounds guests can enjoy over 100 vendors, a 17 class bike show, motorcycle stereo sound off competition, freestyle acts, a motorcycle burnout contest, a tented full bar area with seating, food court, and much more! On Sunday, February 20, a “United We Ride – America Strong” charity motorcycle ride will once again take place honoring veterans, active duty military, and first responders. The ride will begin at Rossiter’s Harley-Davidson and end at the Sarasota Fairgrounds.
Four additional fundraising events will also take place in advance of the traditional Festival. They include a Sporting Clay Tournament, “Born To Be Wild” Kickoff Party, “Taste of Thunder” private whiskey tasting experience at Cask & Ale, and a Thunder By The Bay “Rocks The Runway” Fashion Show at the Sarasota Yacht Club.
Festival Director, Lucy Nicandri, stated: “Thanks to our generous sponsors, and everyone who attends, the Festival continues to grow and make a significant charitable impact on individuals with special needs and their families right here in our local community. Thunder By The Bay continues to welcome motorcycle enthusiasts, while also offering a very affordable outdoor event the entire family can enjoy together. As we plan for next year, we will continue to ensure that all proper health and safety measures will be implemented to ensure the safety of our performers, vendors, volunteers, attendees, and staff.”
In 2021 the Festival raised $225,000.00 which enabled Suncoast Charities for Children to provide financial support to The Haven, Loveland Center, Children First, The Florida Center for Early Childhood, Sarasota Special Olympics and the Suncoast Foundation. Board President and local attorney, Greg Linehan, and the President of Rossiter’s Harley-Davidson, Rick Rossiter, will continue to serve as Honorary Co-Chairs for the Festival. Over the past 23 years, Thunder By The Bay has raised $2.1 Million for charity.
Festival gate admission is $5.00 on Friday and Sunday and $10.00 on Saturday (12 years and under free). Limited VIP tickets are now available on the Festival’s website. For tickets, vendor/sponsorship information, and complete listing of all Festival events visit thunderbythebay.org or call (941) 487-7904.
