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The Music Compound’s fifth annual Beer, Bands and BBQ Festival took place at The Bazaar at Apricot and Lime in downtown Sarasota, on Saturday, March 30, from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Part of a long-standing American tradition combining delectable food with a plethora of hand-crafted beers and a wide variety of live music, the Music Compound's version of the BBQ fest has received rave reviews since its inception a half-decade ago. “We had nearly 500 people attend this year’s Beer, Bands and BBQ Festival,” says Jenny Alday Townsend, owner of the Music Compound. The $5,000 in proceeds raised benefited local charity Every Child Inc., Sarasota, which helps area children who face socioeconomic challenges. Under the auspices of Every Child Inc., Sarasota, the Music Compound “will be providing more scholarships for foster families to attend summer camp and specialized workshops,” Townsend says. “We plan to extend our Boys and Girls Club programs, along with our music therapy program for teens. The Music Compound team is also working on a music education series for all ages.” Live entertainment at this year’s Beer, Bands and BBQ Festival featured several local bands: The Blue Kangaroos, The House Brand, Los Rojos, Experimental Farm Road, Red Vibes, The Barker Project, Music Compound Staff and Special Guest Laylow, Trey Wanvig Band, and Kara and Kaleidogroove, as well as performances from Music Compound students. Food choices included Smokin’ Momma Lora’s, Pineapple Express, Pizza SRQ and Bad Girls Baking Co-op. Patrons also shopped from a variety of vendors, such as Second and Seed, Origami Owl, Mary Kay, Boho Beach Babe Boutique and Maggie Mandell Art & Design. For those who missed the Beer, Bands and BBQ Festival, you can still check out the different shops and offerings at the Bazaar on Apricot and Lime, 821 Apricot Ave. (off of 8th Street, one street west of N. Lime Avenue), which is open Thursday-Saturday from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Call the Bazaar at (941)343-2712. Music Compound’s current campaign in its ongoing mission to give back to the community is raising funds for Easter Seals in recognition of April as Autism Awareness Month. For more on the Music Compound, visit www.MusicCompound.com or call (941)379-9100.