Clearwater to host series of concerts, events for grand opening of The Sound amphitheater

The city of Clearwater will hold a weeklong series of concerts and family events June 28 through July 4 to celebrate the grand opening of The Sound, the new music venue under construction in Coachman Park.

Ruth Eckerd Hall, which was hired by the city to book and operate events, manage food and beverage service and provide the staffing it takes to run The Sound, on Monday announced a series of concerts by Colbie Caillat and Gavin DeGraw on June 30; Dave Koz Summer Horns Tour with guests Candy Dulfer and Eric Darius on July 1; and guitar legend Peter Frampton on July 2.

There will also be three free community concerts, children’s games and activities in the park, and on July 4, the day will end with what promises to be the largest fireworks display in Clearwater’s history accompanied by the Florida Orchestra.

The amphitheater, with 4,000 covered seats and an additional 5,000 on the lawn, will be a niche in Tampa Bay as an outdoor, boutique performance venue that will be a site for concerts, graduations and community events with the Intracoastal Waterway as the backdrop.

Tickets for the headliners are $9 to $129.50 and go on sale April 14. But even the free concert on July 4 requires tickets that will be available starting May 2 at TheSoundFLA.com. General admission is first-come, first-served. Chairs are limited, so bring a blanket for the lawn.

The amphitheater is the centerpiece of an $84 million project known as Imagine Clearwater that will also include a garden, a bluff walk, a gateway plaza and green space.

“I am thrilled to kick off my first week as mayor by sharing the exciting week of events and activities planned for the park, which marks a significant milestone for our city,” said Mayor Brian Aungst Sr. “The grand opening of Coachman Park and The Sound represents a new era of entertainment and recreation in Clearwater.”

Susan M. Crockett, CEO of Ruth Eckerd Hall, said, “Clearwater will truly be celebrating with a wonderful grand opening week that offers something for everyone.”

Schedule

June 28: The weeklong celebration begins with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the park at 5 p.m. The first concert will be a free-to-the-public event, with the artist to be announced soon, a statement from Ruth Eckerd Hall said.

Daily recurring events: There will be health and fitness classes, food and beverage experiences, exhibitors, children’s games, as well as activities and park amenities such as a splash pad, large playground and walking trails.

June 29: Celebrating Clearwater diversity, there will be a multicultural market and crafters, as well as dance troupes and musicians showcasing their talents. Children’s activities will include inflatables, face painters and other family-friendly activities. The day will end with a free community concert featuring local favorites, the Black Honkeys Band.

June 30: Kicking off the weekend, there will be a craft beer garden, a variety of children’s activities and buskers and street entertainment. Local musicians will perform on The Green in the park throughout the day, and visitors can sample a variety of foods from the food truck experience. The day will close out with a concert by Grammy winner Colbie Caillat and singer Gavin DeGraw starting at 7 p.m. Tickets are $9-$99 and will go on sale April 14 at 10 a.m. at rutheckerdhall.com and the ticket office by calling 727-791-7400.

July 1: Community Day will begin with a 5K, a craft beer garden, performances on The Green, a farmers market and events honoring Clearwater’s neighborhoods. There will be a concert at 7 p.m. by Grammy nominee Dave Koz with special guests Candy Dulfer and Eric Darius. Tickets are $9-$50 at rutheckerdHall.com.

July 2: Clearwater Celebrates Hispanic Culture will feature dance classes, musical performances on The Green, such as Rumbero’s De Tampa, and DJs and Hispanic cuisine from numerous food trucks. The day will end with a concert by Grammy-winning singer Peter Frampton at 7 p.m. on his Never Say Never tour. Tickets are $9-$129.50.

July 3: Clearwater Celebrates Wellness highlights the passive recreation areas of Coachman Park. Participants can join a community volunteer cleanup that day.

July 4: The celebration ends on Independence Day with a classic car show, a farmers market, buskers and street entertainers. The grand finale will be “the largest fireworks display in Clearwater’s history accompanied by The Florida Orchestra.” Following the fireworks, there will be an immersive silent disco party to keep the celebration going.