Next Big Thing, put on by local radio station, 97X, is an annual holiday tradition for this That’s So Tampa writer since my first NBT in 2014. This year, the festival returns to its original stomping grounds in Coachman Park. On Sunday, December 3, Next Big Thing takes over the stunning new venue, The Sound. It’s located at 255 Drew St, Clearwater, FL. The festival is one day only this year and this is what you need to know.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
TICKETS: They still have tickets available in the 100, 200, and Lawn sections. Tickets start at $52.43 for the whole day. PSA: Pit tickets are sold out. If you want a shot at pit tickets – check out the ticket drops on the radio station’s website. They still have a handful of chances where you can win them.
ADVERTISEMENT
If you want a shot at a 4-pack of FREE tickets to the show, check out our giveaway on Instagram. We’re picking a winner on November 28, so get your name in the running while you can!
THE VENUE:
The Sound is Clearwater’s brand-new music venue. We’ve seen nothing but gorgeous waterfront sunset pics coming out of their shows so far. Check out their list of permitted/prohibited items before you head to the show.
Public parking is available throughout the downtown district. They recommend checking out the City of Clearwater’s downtown parking maps for the most up-to-date info. And of course, carpooling, rideshares, and public transportation are highly recommended if you’re able.
ADVERTISEMENT
This venue is cashless. All their points of sale for refreshments, merch, etc will only accept payment via all major credit cards. They do have reverse ATMs that can turn cash to card if you need them.
Let’s talk about this lineup we’re working with
Local Tampa alt-indie band ROHNA won the Hard Rock Battle of the Bands and the opportunity to open up the festival ahead of a fantastic lineup. They’ll be followed by little image, a band from Dallas, Texas, that reminds me of a mashup of M83, LANY, COIN, and Phoenix. Give their whole SELF TITLED album a listen before you go. I’ve got “BLUE” and “OUT OF MY MIND” saved.
Lovejoy is an indie rock band from Brighton, England. Equipped with a double kick drum and lyrics about romance, regrets, and missed connections – they’re a grunge-dance-y good time and a social media sensation. Give their songs “Normal People Things” and “Call Me What You Like” a listen before show day.
I never pass up a chance to see Bleachers and Misterwives and neither should you. MisterWives just released a new album Nosebleeds that I can’t wait to hear live. They took their dreamy indie dance-pop energy in another darker direction. The album shows what they and the world at large have faced in the last several years since their last album release. It talks about therapy, trying to change but not feeling like you’ve made any progress, relationships, and trying to figure life out in another “trip around the sun”.
Jack Antonoff’s Bleachers is one of my favorite live acts and a go-to if I need music to make me FEEL better. From older earworm gems like “Rollercoaster” and “I Wanna Get Better” to their most recent releases of “Alma Mater” and “Modern Girl” – you will dance, sing, and maybe even cry during this set. I don’t make the rules.
The Black Keys are one hell of a headlining band and they’re fantastic live if you’ve never seen them. They’re returning to The Next Big Thing stage for the first time since 2010. I’m not sure if you’ve lived if you haven’t heard “Howlin’ For You” live. Their borderline psychedelic shows are raw and visceral and they sound really damn good.
Get your tickets before they sell out. Follow The Sound on Instagram and Facebook to see all the awesome shows they have coming through their venue.
ADVERTISEMENT
