Photo courtesy of Vinny Marini
Updated Sept. 21, 1:17 p.m.
An earlier version of this article listed a different date for the “We May Be Right” show; we’ve updated the article to reflect this, and include the correct information.
The Gabber Newspaper regrets the error.
While there’s no shortage of live music at any given time in Gulfport, a new music series launching Sept. 25 ups the ante with national and international acts playing at the Catherine A. Hickman Theater.
The series comes from new-ish Gulfport resident, Vinny Marini, a music manager and promoter who brings years of experience via his company, BarrelHouse Talent.
For 15 years, Marini also hosted the radio interview talk show “Music on the Couch,” conducting a whopping 3,000 interviews with musicians. The show aired live every Monday evening on multiple platforms. He took the show on the road to Memphis for the International Blues Challenge, where he connected with top musicians.
And now Gulfport is reaping the rewards of Marini’s connections. He said that when he moved to Gulfport about a year ago, he just wanted to share the music of the internationally recognized musicians he knows.
On the roster are Tampa powerhouse Damon Fowler, New Orleans’ Jason Ricci and the Bad Kind, Eliza Neals from Detroit, and Tom Holland & The Shuffle Kings from Chicago.
Every show will have a local opener, including the Hot Tonic band, who will also headline two shows, one of these is a Burt Bacharach concert.
Bringing More Music to Gulfport
When Marini moved to Gulfport about a year ago, he knew he wanted to share the music. While looking around for a venue, he found the Catherine A. Hickman Theater and said he “looked around and went ‘Yeah — this is where we have to do something.’” The theater’s intimate feeling, which he compares to being in a big living room, was just right for his shows.
Though Marini isn’t a musician himself — he can’t sing or play a note, he said — he’s been doing radio since he had a bootleg CB radio show when he was 14 years old on Long Island.
Marini is aware of the void for Blues venues in South Pinellas, especially since the Palladium is now under construction. He knows his timing is lucky in that regard.
But the goal isn’t to make money from this, he said, and with most tickets costing $25, that rings true. Besides, he’s retired.
“This is a passion,” he said.
Here’s the lineup:
- Sept. 25, 2026 — Eliza Neals from Detroit brings Blues, Rock & Soul with original music. Vince Converse from Gulfport opens.
- Oct. 21, 2026 — Jason Ricci & The Bad Kind from New Orleans. Hot Tonic Duo opens.
- Dec. 11, 2026 — Damon Fowler from Tampa. Damon’s Holiday Shows are always special. Opening acts are T.C. Carr, Josh Nelms & Lenny Austin.
- Jan. 29, 2027 — Tom Holland & The Shuffle Kings. Trey Wanvig & Detroit Mike from Sarasota open.
- Feb. 13, 2027 — Hot Tonic Presents The Music of Burt Bacharach. The full orchestra will perform their interpretations of this brilliant songwriter’s music. Perfect for a Valentine’s Weekend date. No opener for this performance. *$35.00
- April 17, 2027 — The Hot Tonic Band, along with Vince Converse, have created a performance that reimagines the music of the great Jeff Beck. Opening will be Cassie Jean & The Fireflies from Sarasota. *$30.00
- April 24, 2027 — J.P. Soars & The Red Hots, playing a mix of blues, gypsy jazz, rock, and tender, touching ballads. Opening for The Red Hots is Frank Bang, out of Jupiter, FL.
- May 14, 2027 — Kat Riggins and Her Blues Revival. Opening for this show is Will Johns, one of Florida’s newest imports from England.
- June 26, 2027 — “We May Be Right” is the ultimate Billy Joel tribute band, direct from New York, making its Florida debut. No opener for this show. *$50.00
For tickets and more information, visit barrelhousetalent.com.
Catherine A. Hickman Theater, 5501 27th Ave. S., Gulfport.
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