Nov 12 - ARIELLA
ARIELLA is an esoteric embodiment of sensory enlightenment, this performance of music can be composed of Jazz, Blues, Bossa, Samba, Tango, Theater, Rock, Soul, and so much more. With elegant vocals by the charismatic Ariella McManus, a singer with emotional depth and a songwriter rich with breadth, she eloquently combines stunning melodies with transcendent grooves to create an immersive embrace. Teamed with guitar maestro, Nicolaas Kraster, a talented wunderkind from Fredonia, NY, that’s been compared to Ottmar Liebert, Paco de Lucía and Pat Metheny, the pair effortlessly craft an engaging path to the spiritual promised land. Described as "passionate music performed at the highest level, with intimate and honest lyrics that express, and welcome, vulnerability, with masterfully played rhythms that can move mountains with an explosion or a whisper". They believe audiences yearn to explore the farthest reaches of what music can offer, that from simple songs to grand composition, our audiences possess the depth to be truly moved in many ways. Our mission is to share the music that inspired us through the songs we’ve written and the covers we’ve re-imagined.
Dec 3 - Chris Trapper
Chris is a Grammy nominated, American songwriter, musician and actor best known as the singer and guitarist of the band The Push Stars and for his song “This Time” from the film August Rush . Chris embarked on a successful solo career, touring all over the globe and releasing nine full-length albums to date. Chris has recently toured and opened for; Don McLean, Pat Benatar, Belinda Carlisle, 3 Dog Night, REO Speedwagon, Colin Hay, Alan Doyle, Sammy Hagar, Rob Thomas, Chris Isaak, John Prine and many others. His songs regularly heard on XM Radio and in several major studio films including “There’s Something About Mary”, The Devil Wears Prada”, “Some Kind Of Beautiful” & August Rush. He and his songs have appeared on television shows such as Pepper Dennis, ER, and Malcolm in the Middle. This will be Chris's second time performing in The Coconut Cabana Concert Series, his shows are typically in arenas, stadiums and large music venues, do NOT miss this rare chance to see up close and personal this extremely talented, incredible songwriter and performer in such a close and intimate setting!
Jan 7, 2024 - Taylor Abrahamse
Taylor is a 2021 Kerrville Newfolk winner, FAI & NERFA official showcase performer, Canadian Idol & Mariposa finalist, and co-founder of Silverthorn Studios, a much-loved Toronto recording studio which is anticipated to re-open in partnership with legendary listening venue Hugh's Room Live in 2024. He has written with platinum-selling and emerging songwriters, written & performed music for projects such as the film 'About Fate' starring Emma Roberts, and ‘Fangbone!’ (Disney XD), one of many animated TV series in which Taylor also stars. His acclaimed 2020 debut studio album was produced in partnership with the great Eddie Kramer (Jimi Hendrix, The Beatles, KISS), and received a deluxe edition with 10 more tracks in 2021. His newest release, ‘Live In Lockdown Vol 1’, was one of many projects Taylor wrote & recorded as a frantic & bittersweet farewell to the original Silverthorn Studios space.
Feb 11, 2024 - Halley Neal
Halley Neal is a folk singer and songwriter based in Nashville, TN. Inspired by artists like Joni Mitchell and Shawn Colvin, Halley’s sound combines inspirations of classic folk music and modern day singer-songwriters and her live shows center on themes of positivity and peace. Graduating from Berklee College of Music in 2019, Halley was chosen from the graduates to perform a song at Berklee’s Commencement Concert at Agganis Arena. The concert honored the 2019 Berklee honorary doctorates, Missy Elliot, Justin Timberlake, and Alex Lacamoire, who all attended the show. In her final semester at Berklee, Halley collaborated with artist Plot Twist and her former band Rose & Kennedy to write and release a single called “Lover” which shortly after gained notable traction on Tik Tok. Since it’s release in July 2019, the song has gained over 27 million streams and has seen global acclaim with covers and Tik Toks of the song posted by people from all over the world. This will be the second time Halley has performed at The Coconut Cabana Concert Series, we welcome her back!
March 3, 2024 - Alice Wallace
Alice Wallace picked up and moved to Nashville in December 2019 from her longtime home in Southern California, she could never have predicted that three months later the world would come to a grinding halt. But the Americana singer/songwriter, whose early 2019 album “Into the Blue” earned her accolades from across the country and the world. Rolling Stone Magazine selects her song "The Blue" to be "One Of The 10 Best Country and Americana Songs To Be Heard Now". In 2017, Alice was named the Female Vocalist of the Year at the California Country Awards. Her vocal power and control is one of the first things noted in every review she ever receives, and this new batch of songs puts that power on full display.
APR 6 - YOLOFEST 2024
Rob Benton
Returning for YoloFest '24, Boston and Key West Based, Rob Benton has spent the last decade as both a solo artist and a member of the duo "Key West Kings" with Hip Hop artist K-Rush. His history includes being lead guitarist performing alongside artists as diverse as Nelly, Lee Brice, Lansdowne, Skidrow, Everlast, LFO, New Kids On The Block, J. Geils Band and many more! Rob also made an appearance on NBC’s “America’s Got Talent” television show, later earning a contract with MGM Grand headlining a yearlong residency at Circus Circus Casino on the Las Vegas strip. A dynamic performer, Rob Benton‘s style is extremely unique, by combining percussion, looping, beat boxing, electrified rock and hip hop elements to his solo acoustic playing, Rob fills out his sound like a four-piece band. Whether playing tracks from his own albums, “Dawn Meets Day & Key West King’s "Caroline Street" or covering one of the multitude of artists who have influenced him over the years. Rob makes every song his own and once you see his style, energy and unique swagger, you will become a fan and follower like thousands of others.
Jason Bonham
Jason Bonham, a regular at YoloFest, is professionally known as "Thunderbear". He is a singer songwriter originally from Ohio. In 2014, he won a contest on 96K-Rock (Ft Myers, FL) winning an opening slot on a 3 Doors Down show. Afterwards he traveled to Nashville to record songs (Dangerous Addiction, Set Me Free, and Popcorns A Smokin) with Greg Upchurch and Chet Roberts of 3 Doors Down. While in Nashville he performed at the legendary Tootsie on Broadway. Jason has performed at every YoloFest to date and we are happy he is returning for YOLOFEST 2024!
3597 San Carlos Dr * St James City, Florida
Dec 3, 2023 CHRIS TRAPPER
We are happy to welcome Chris Trapper back for a second performance at The Coconut Cabana. Chris typically fills concert halls and large venues and is frequently heard on Sirius XM Radio's "Coffeehouse" channel. Don't miss this rare opportunity to meet this extremely talented, Grammy nominated songwriter up close and personal!