TREASURE ISLAND – In addition to checking out the work of some of the world’s top sand sculptors this weekend, residents can tune up, plug in, and play at the Sunday afternoon Florida Music Beach Jam, part of Sanding Ovations, Treasure Island’s first master sand sculpting competition and music festival, Thursday, Nov. 19-Sunday, Nov. 22.
Sand sculpting will take place Thursday, Nov. 19; and Friday, Nov. 20 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Saturday, Nov. 21 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. behind the Bilmar Beach Resort. Judging will take place Saturday from 3:15 to 4 p.m. and people’s choice voting from 3 to 6 p.m.
The free event also features plenty of music and food, including the Sunday jam session.
Hosted by Pete Gallagher of the Florida Folk Show on WMNF Radio (88.5-FM), the Sunday jam starts at noon and rocks until sunset on the beach behind the Bilmar Beach Resort.
All musicians who play get free burgers, hot dogs and some frothy adult beverages, too.
Sanding Ovations is expected to draw thousands of spectators to watch a masterful exhibition of sand sculpting talent at the world-class level. While eight master sculptors work on their sand sculptures, those attending will hear some of the best musicians and performers in the Tampa Bay area.
Friday, beginning at 6 p.m., Cornfused plays some bluegrass, country, rock and even a little bit of beach music on the Landshark Lager Stage. Rock vet Greg Billings fronts his classic, hardworking bar band at 8 p.m.
Saturday’s events include the sand sculpting awards at 6 p.m. and fireworks at 8 p.m. Music begins at 4:30 p.m. with the rootsy and rural sound of Experimental Pilot; Sarasota Slim, deep from the blues trenches, plays at 6:30 p.m. and there’s a solid wall of live piano playing, feathered boas, laser lights and a whole lot of sunglasses when Rus Anderson takes the stage at 8:30 with his Elton John “Rocket Man Show.”
While sand sculptures line the beach, beachgoers can enjoy three days of food, drink, and arts and crafts vendors.
Parking on the beach at 112th Avenue and Gulf Boulevard is available for $10.
For more details, the event schedule, sand sculptor bios, and other Sanding Ovations info, go to www.mytreasureisland.org/sandin
govations.htm or call Treasure Island Parks and Recreation at 547-4575, ext. 237.
