Sometimes the best music doesn't happen in crowded arenas or noisy bars, but right under the trees with good friends, comfy outdoor patio seating, and a shared snack table. That's the spirit of the 41st Street Music Patch, a grassroots backyard concert series in Bradenton that's about to launch its third season.
The story of the Music Patch is as personal as it is musical. It began with Greg and Jude Creamer's longtime friends who had formed a family band, dubbed the "von Barnes Family Band." Every year, the Barnes would come visit the Creamers, no matter where they lived. Each time, they would try to create either a porch fest or find them a gig at a restaurant to give them opportunities to perform.
When Greg and Jude moved to Bradenton in 2021, they found a home with something special: a small backyard stage, shaded by live oaks and just big enough to gather 50 people. It didn't take long to picture the von Barnes Family Band playing that stage. And in the spring of 2022, they did.
That first concert planted the seed for what became the "Under the Live Oaks" series. Since then, it's grown into a true listening space for music lovers, neighbors, and touring artists passing through Bradenton.
Creating Space for the Music to Shine
The 41st Street Music Patch has hosted over two dozen concerts since its start, introducing Bradenton audiences to both homegrown talent and nationally touring artists. Unlike many traditional venues, these shows strip away distractions, allowing the music to take center stage. Guests reserve seats with a suggested $20 donation, all of which goes directly to the musicians. Attendees bring their own drinks, add something to the community snack table, and settle in for an evening of music under the oaks.
Artists often stay overnight with their hosts, saving on travel while building connections that make the Music Patch feel like extended family. The Listening Room Network has also played a key role, connecting the Patch with touring artists who seek intimate, respectful audiences between larger gigs.
By the end of this season, the Music Patch will have welcomed more than 25 different acts, with very few repeats. That variety has kept the line-up fresh and the audience coming back for more.
2025-26 Season Schedule
This year's season stretches from September through May, offering a mix of local favorites and touring performers from across the U.S. and beyond.
Saturday, September 13
7 - 9:30pm
The Arenas, Lasky & Nash Project - St. Pete, FL
Well-known jazz artists Allison Nash, Simon Lasky, and Alejandro Arenas reimagine Burt Bacharach's classics with their own jazz spin.
Seat Reservations
Sunday, October 19
6 - 9pm
Andy Sydow - Nashville, TN
A rock, folk, and Americana singer-songwriter whose lyrics capture "poetic realism."
Seat Reservations
Saturday, November 1
7 - 9:30pm
Patrick Sampson - Watertown, NY
A golden-voiced guitar virtuoso, eclectic and wise beyond his years.
Seat Reservations
Friday, December 12
7 - 9:30pm
John Patti - Sarasota, FL
An intimate warm-up concert with Bradenton's own steel drum artist, ahead of his Calyp-Soul Christmas show at MPAC.
Seat Reservations
Saturday, January 10
7 - 9:30pm
Avi Wisnia - Philadelphia, PA
Award-winning singer/songwriter drawing inspiration from the west-coast jazz scene of the 1950s.
Seat Reservations
Saturday, January 24
7 - 9:30pm
The Janzen Boys - Winnipeg, Canada
A harmony-singing family trio traveling south from the land of moose and polar bears. Bring the kids to this one.
Seat Reservations
Saturday, February 14
7 - 9:30pm
Jennings & Keller - Ft. Lauderdale, FL
An eclectic duo blending jazz, folk, and roots with a wide range of instruments and vocals.
Seat Reservations
Saturday, March 7
7 - 9:30pm
Erin Krebs & Jeff Johnston - Appleton, WI
A WAMI Award-winning jazz artist with a blues-inspired guitarist, delivering a fusion of styles.
Seat Reservations
Saturday, March 28
7 - 9:30pm
Nick Andrew Staver - Southern PA
Known for his working-class soul sound and steel guitar, his voice carries echoes of nostalgia.
Seat Reservations
Friday, April 10
7 - 9:30pm
Giulia Millanta - Florence, Italy & Austin, TX
A multilingual singer blending influences from Piaf to Norah Jones with a rich, evocative style.
Seat Reservations
Sunday, May 3
6 - 9pm
Barak Hill - Springfield, MO
Americana with heart and honesty, pairing strong melodies with lyrics that reach people on a personal level.
Seat Reservations
A Tradition Built on Friends and Music
The 41st Street Music Patch isn't a business...it's a labor of love, .... built on music, friendship, and the joy of bringing people together.
Each concert works because neighbors come together, enjoy the relaxed setup, share something on the snack table, and give their attention to the artists on stage. That simple mix of generosity and curiosity has made the Patch a true community tradition.
As the new season unfolds, the Music Patch reminds us that some of Bradenton's best cultural treasures can be found right in our own backyards, under the oaks, surrounded by good friends and unforgettable songs.
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