Old Florida’s music comes alive at Cracker Fest 2026. The festival takes over Pioneer Plaza on Saturday, February 14, from 10 in the morning to 4 in the afternoon, filling the day with live sets from local favorites and returning acts. You’ll hear everything from folk and country to classic rock and Americana, music that feels like home in these parts.
James Hawkins, a singer-songwriter from Venice, returns with years of Florida folk in his back pocket. Hawkins has played everywhere: coffee shops, concert halls, you name it. Sarasota’s WSLR 96.5 has even featured him on-air. His songs tell stories, often digging into Florida’s past. His project, Turn Back Time, explores the state’s history through original music, and his focus on Lemon Bay Area stories fits right in with Cracker Fest’s old-Florida spirit.
Patti and John Tuff are back too, with John Tuff leading the way through country classics that take you straight back to the Golden Age of Radio. Their set list reads like a who’s who of country legends: Johnny Cash, Hank Snow, Ernest Tubb, George Jones, and Johnny Horton all get their due. If you grew up listening to country, you’ll feel right at home.
Then there’s Vinyl Recall, a trio out of Englewood with Joe Licinski on drums, Silvano Stasolla on guitar, and John Munn on bass. They bring an unpredictable mix: classic rock, pop, and those deep cuts you don’t hear every day. These guys have been around Englewood’s music scene for years, playing in tribute bands, community events, you name it.
Don’t miss the Tanner Legz Band, either. Guitarist Craig Manning, multi-instrumentalist Jeff Cowherd, and cellist Renee Wold come from all over the musical map, like bluegrass, folk, orchestral, and jazz. Together, they create a sound that’s layered, rich, and rooted in the region’s talent.
Put it all together and you’ve got a festival soundtrack built on history, community, and pure fun…