We are pleased to present the following line-up of live entertainment on the Dignam Family Stage at Pioneer Plaza:
James Hawkins
Returning to our stage is James Hawkins. He is a singer/songwriter from Venice, Florida. For about 10 years he has knocked around the Florida Folk scene performing in many different venues from coffee houses to a couple of concert halls. Some folks have described his music as a mix of Woody Guthrie and Harry Chapin but we will leave that judgment up to you.
James has performed on Sarasota radio WSLR 96.5. His major project is called “Turn Back Time” which deals with Florida History through stories and songs and brings traditional Folk music and stories to the classroom.
His specialty is crafting and performing songs about our rich Lemon Bay Area history. A perfect fit for a Celebration of Old Florida!
John Tuff
We are pleased to welcome back John Tuff. Starting out performing for a fundraiser at the Englewood United Methodist Church, John Tuff is now in his 13th year with emphasis on good old-time country music, the kind many of us grew up with on the radio: music of legends, such as Johnny Cash, Hank Snow, Ernest Tubb, George Jones, Johnny Horton, and more. Good music, good times and great fun! Get ready to lift your spirits and travel back to the good old days!
Kindred Band
David and Joni Romano are multi-instrumentalists and singers from the Niagara area in Canada. They have been singing and playing together for 40+ years. Their current band Kindred, back in Canada, consists of 3-5 members that play “roots” based music (folk, blues, country, bluegrass, Americana).
David has also played in a British Invasion Band, Classic rock band and is currently in a local country band while snowbirding in Englewood.
Craig Manning, a Massachusetts guitarist who winters in Englewood. He plays both electric and acoustic guitars in many styles, including finger-style, rock and jazz, smooth jazz, country, Gypsy, folk and bluegrass, and uses open tunings frequently. He began playing at the age of 12, listening to Chet Atkins, the Ventures, and Duane Eddy.
Vinyl Recall
John Munn arrived in Englewood in 2016. Love of music started early in this one in choirs and musical theatre. He picked up the bass at age 13. In Englewood, he created and hosted both Groovin’ In The Gallery (An Open Mic) in 2018 and Wednesdays@5 (Community Supported Weekly Concert Series) in 2023. The Vinyl Recall Band was his first band, though he plays music with almost anyone. He also created a 50’s band called Johnny And The Hubcaps that debuted at Pioneer Days in 2024. Currently, his has a tribute band called Desperados: A Tribute To The Eagles which is booked in the Englewood area.
Bill Acquaro has been playing drums since grade school. He has been living in the North Port area since 2019. He has played in local bands since arriving from Massachusetts. He and John Munn met through a garage band and cofounded the Vinyl Recall Band. He is a retired Amtrack Engineer. Music is his hobby and says he is “living the dream” in SW Florida.
Silvano Stasolla is an Italian musician/singer-songwriter whose passion for music dates back to the late 60s. In 1977 he joined an international traveling band, touring Europe, playing drums and guitar and recording music for 22 years. In 1998 he moved to CT where he was a member of a gospel rock band for 8 years. In 2022 he came to FL and joined the music scene in Englewood with different groups like Desperados and Vinyl Recall. He also has a YouTube channel where he posts all his music videos.