Top 6 concert picks for Sarasota-Bradenton-Charlotte: Jan. 27-Feb. 2

Harry Connick, Jr.

Singer and actor Harry Connick, Jr. will visit Sarasota's Van Wezel for a show that also serves as the headlining entertainment for this year's Van Wezel Foundation Inspiration Gala. Connick recently earned his latest Grammy nomination for Best Roots Gospel Album for last year's "Alone with My Faith," previously winning three Grammys, including for his double-platinum "When Harry Met Sally..." soundtrack. Connick has also appeared in movies such as the Pinellas County-shot "Dolphin Tale" films, TV shows such as "Will & Grace" and on Broadway including a Tony-nominated role in "The Pajama Game." 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 27; Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; $162-$207 concert, gala sold out; 941-263-6799; vanwezel.org

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Interview: Harry Connick, Jr. on Grammy-nominated new album, 'Dolphin Tale' before Sarasota show

Hot tickets: Biggest concerts, comedians coming to Sarasota-Bradenton, Tampa Bay now through March 31

Kansas

Van Wezel's lineup this week also includes rock group Kansas on an anniversary tour for "Point of Know Return," their multi-platinum 1977 album that turns 45 this year. That album includes the wistful acoustic ballad "Dust in the Wind," a No. 6 hit that has become one of the band's best-known songs along with their 1976 rocker "Carry on Wayward Son." Though former lead singer Steve Walsh retired from the group in 2014, Kansas still features original drummer Phil Ehart and guitarist Rich Williams, and the band has continued to release new music, including 2020's full-length "The Absence of Presence." 8 p.m. Friday; Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; $68-$141; 941-263-6799; vanwezel.org

Frank Bang

Punta Gorda pub and venue Celtic Ray's live music lineup this week includes bluesman Frank "Bang" Blinkal. The performer started out in the blues hub of Chicago, working at Buddy Guy's Legends club before joining the blues legend's band as a touring guitarist for five years. These days, he serves as a frontman himself, having released albums such as 2016's "The Blues Don't Care" under the name Frank Bang & The Cook County Kings. 9 p.m. Friday; Celtic Ray Public House, 145 E. Marion Ave., Punta Gorda; 941-916-9115; celticray.net

Dailey & Vincent

Bluegrass stars Dailey & Vincent visit Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center on their Fun in the Florida Sun Tour. The group includes singers and multi-instrumentalists Jamie Dailey, formerly of Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, and Darrin Vincent, formerly of Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder. Dailey & Vincent have won 13 International Bluegrass Music Association Awards, including Entertainer of the Year three times, and earned three Grammy nominations. Their most recent album was 2018's "The Sounds of Christmas," joined by country legend Dolly Parton on the song "Road to Bethlehem." 7 p.m. Sunday; Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center, 75 Taylor St, Punta Gorda; $39-$69 (plus taxes/fees); 941-833-5444; charlotteharborecc.com

The Choir of Man

This concert and homage to the power of the local pub visits Sarasota's Van Wezel while on its North American tour. The show set in a pub, complete with a real working bar, features an all-European cast with skilled singers, instrumentalists and tap dancers. Audiences can expect to hear pop, rock, folk, Broadway and pub songs, including hits from Adele, Queen, Paul Simon, Katy Perry, Red Hot Chili Peppers and others. 7 p.m. Sunday; Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; $22-$57; 941-263-6799; vanwezel.org

John Ford

Cincinnati singer-songwriter John Ford will play a series of Sarasota-Manatee shows, starting this week with Cottonmouth in Bradenton and J.R.'s Old Packinghouse Cafe in Sarasota. Ford describes his sound as a blend of the blues of the 1920s and 1930s, Robert Johnson and Son House, a bit of 1940s country and a pinch of gospel rhythm. Can't make either of these shows? Ford is set to play numerous other Sarasota-Manatee shows in February. 6 p.m. Tuesday; Cottonmouth Southern Soul Kitchen, 1114 12th St. W., Bradenton; 941-243-3735; facebook.com/cottonmouthsoul; 6 p.m. Wednesday; J.R.'s Old Packinghouse Cafe, 987 S. Packinghouse Road, Sarasota; 941-371-9358; packinghousecafe.com

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This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Top 6 Sarasota-Bradenton-Charlotte concert picks, Jan. 27-Feb. 2