Reverend Barry & Funktastic Soul to wrap up 2017 Friday Fest series on Sept. 15 at the Van Wezel

Performing arts hall also will feature Yesterdayze and the West Coast Black Theatre Troupe for Sept. 30 special event as part of World Rowing Championships’ community activities

Reverend Barry & Funktastic Soul will perform on Sept. 15 at the Van Wezel. Image courtesy City of Sarasota

Reverend Barry & Funktastic Soul “Featuring The Hellacious Horns” are set to be the last band of this year’s Friday Fest series at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall in Sarasota, “but [they] won’t be slowing anything down!” a Van Wezel news release says.

“The band will be grooving” on the Van Wezel’s bayside lawn on Friday, Sept. 15, from 5 to 9 p.m., the release adds. “Bring your dancing shoes and get ready for the best of Michael Jackson, Earth Wind & Fire, Stevie Wonder, and more,” the release says. “You won’t want to miss one of the [few] bands in Florida with a 4-piece horn section, delivering the authentic sound of funk and soul music!” the release adds.

Members of the public are invited to bring blankets or lawn chairs so they can take in the music along with the Sarasota sunset; food and beverages will be provided by local vendors.

Friday Fest will take place rain or shine, the release points out; in the event of inclement weather, the event will be moved indoors to the grand foyer or main stage of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall.

Outside food and drinks, coolers and large umbrellas are prohibited, the release notes.

Additionally, the Van Wezel has announced it will welcome athletes participating in the World Rowing Championship and visitors from around the world — as well as other members of the public — for a free event called Sunset on the Bay on Saturday, Sept. 30. That will take place on the Van Wezel bayside lawn, as well, featuring Yesterdayze and the West Coast Black Theatre Troupe from 4 to 8 p.m.

As with Friday Fest, the release notes, outside food and drink will be prohibited, along with coolers and large umbrellas.

For additional information, visit VanWezel.org.