Top 5 concert picks for shows this week in Sarasota, Bradenton and Punta Gorda

This week's concert picks include a show that could serve as a Top 5 list all on its own, as Bradenton restaurant Birdrock Taco Shack throws a bash celebrating its seven-year anniversary with a lineup of musicians such as Billboard blues album chart-topping, Blues Music Award nominee Damon Fowler and Bradenton Americana group Have Gun, Will Travel frontman Matt Burke.

You'll find other noteworthy concerts by blues, punk and reggae musicians this week throughout Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte counties, including a new group featuring members of other area bands playing its first-ever show. Here are this week's highlights; event details are subject to change.

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Joel DaSilva

Punta Gorda Irish pub and venue Celtic Ray will kick off its live music lineup this weekend with Joel DaSilva. The South Florida-based guitarist and singer-songwriter released his latest album "Against the Grain" last year, showcasing a blend of blues and rock influences, including a cover of rockers Cage the Elephant's song "Ain't No Rest for the Wicked." Along with his solo career, DaSilva was also a member of the rockabilly-influenced act the Hep Cat Boo Daddies, which performed with musicians including B.B. King and The White Stripes. 9 p.m. Friday; Celtic Ray Public House, 145 E. Marion Ave., Punta Gorda; 941-916-9115; celticray.net

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Memphis Lightning

Also set to play Celtic Ray this weekend, along with Cottonmouth Southern Soul Kitchen in Bradenton's Village of the Arts neighborhood the night before, is blues group Memphis Lightning. The band features father and son duo Darren "Big Red" Thiboutot Sr. and Darren "Lightnin'" Thiboutot Jr. Memphis Lightning has also released music including the album "Borrowed Time," featuring special guests including Grammy-winning guitarists Paul Nelson and Brent Mason. 7 p.m. Friday; Cottonmouth Southern Soul Kitchen, 1114 12th St. W., Bradenton; $15; 941-243-3735; cottonmouthsoul.com; 9 p.m. Saturday; Celtic Ray Public House, 145 E. Marion Ave., Punta Gorda; 941-916-9115; celticray.net

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Jah Movement

You have double the chances to see local reggae favorites Jah Movement at downtown Sarasota's Gator Club this week, as they play there Friday night as well as their weekly gig Thursday. Featuring singers Shantel Norman and Damie Caines, who used to play in fellow popular reggae band Democracy with his late father Oswald "Ham" Caines, Jah Movement regularly headlines local venues and festivals, including its own annual block party Osfest held in front of Gator Club. Can't make either of these shows? The group is also set to play Rodney's Jamaican Grill in Palmetto on Sept. 9 and Van Wezel's free outdoor concert series Friday Fest on Sept. 16. 9:30 p.m. Friday and Thursday, Sept. 8; The Gator Club, 1490 Main St., Sarasota; 941-366-5969; thegatorclub.com

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Birdrock Taco Shack 7-Year Anniversary

Cottonmouth's sister restaurant Birdrock Taco Shack, also owned by Chef Dave Shiplett and located in the Village of the Arts, will celebrate its seven-year anniversary with a shindig at the new digs it recently relocated to, featuring several of the area's top musicians. Former Anna Maria Island resident Damon Fowler, whose latest release "Alafia Moon" topped Billboard's blues chart and earned a Blues Rock Album Blues Music Award nomination, is set to perform along with fellow guitarist/singer-songwriter Matt Burke of acclaimed Bradenton alt-Americana act Have Gun, Will Travel. Cigar box guitar guru Steve Arvey, surf group the Moaimen, roots rockers The Divebombers and punk band Las Nadas will also perform. 3 p.m. Saturday; Birdrock Taco Shack, 1213 13th Ave. W., Bradenton; 941-545-9966; facebook.com/birdrocktaco

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Suburban Wasteland, Heavyheavy, Danny Wampole

McCabe's Irish Pub, in the heart of downtown Bradenton, hosts this night of punk and alternative music, including one band playing its first-ever show. Suburban Wasteland, a punk cover band featuring members of local groups such as A Gentlemen Army, Signal 76 and The Headwrecks, will make its debut "with a set of pop-rock hits from the 2000s." They'll be joined by Heavyheavy, who will perform "a raucous set of post-grunge and post-emo originals," with Suburban Wasteland member Danny Wampole opening the show. 8 p.m. Saturday; McCabe's Irish Pub, 302 Old Main St., Bradenton; no cover; 941-896-3126; facebook.com/McCabes-Irish-Pub-116523795093529

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This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Top 5 Sarasota, Bradenton, Punta Gorda concerts this week near me