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JOY DAVIS-PLATTCountry singer Chad Bradford will perform tonight and Saturday at Weeki Wachee Springs' tiki bar, the Pirate's Pub.
WEEKI WACHEE - In an effort to build on the success of its new Pirate's Pub tiki bar, Weeki Wachee Springs is hoping to expand its appeal to country music audiences.
This weekend, Nashville singer Chad Bradford and his five-piece band, Dollar Short, will bring a mix of new and old country music to the Florida-themed pub.
"We're doing very well with it," said Weeki Wachee general manager Robyn Anderson. "Most of our customers have found us through word of mouth."
Since opening earlier this summer, the outdoor tiki bar has seen weekend crowds of about 100 people. Anderson said she credits the pub's success to its laid-back atmosphere.
"I think we're a very different type of setting for most people," she said. "We're more relaxed. People come here in flip-flops."
Though the bar is licensed only for wine and beer, Anderson said that talented local acts like Stan Prinston, Electric Red and Smooth have drawn crowds to the umbrella-covered bar near the park's sandy beach.
"Many of these bands have their own following," she said. "So they get a bit of a surprise when they come to see a show here."
The bar's popularity has convinced Anderson that the time is right to take a chance on bringing a new artist into the area.
A native of Hatton, Ala., Bradford, 29, moved to Nashville in 2000 and said he sometimes misses the small-town feel of places like Hernando County.
"Hatton is a real small town," said Bradford, who recently finished recording his first release, Dollar Short. "I'm from a place that's pretty much like Mayberry."
For his Florida audiences, Bradford said the band will play several of its regional hits as well as country rock music.
"We'll just have a variety of music - maybe throw in some classics," he said. "We're going to have a good time."
Bradford and Dollar Short will perform from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. today and Saturday. There is a $2 cover charge, with drink specials throughout the evening. For information, call 596-2062.
- Joy Davis-Platt covers Hernando County arts and entertainment and can be reached at 848-1435. Send e-mail to joy@sptimes.com