ABOUT US

OUR STORY

Just before launching in 2015, co-founders Morgan Bettes and Wade Hamilton found themselves faced with a problem – they kept hearing from Millennials in the Bradenton area who wanted more than what the area had to offer! They were sick of the typical bar scene and starving for  something more. What was the number one thing they wanted? Quality, live entertainment in their hometown. Determined to act rather than talk, Independent Jones was born. Founded on the desire to create more opportunities to showcase live music and celebrate local artists, Morgan and Wade felt that their city deserved more – more art, more experiences, more community. Independent Jones has since paved the way for live entertainment booking over 500 gigs since inception, and producing over 300 events to date.

Independent Jones has worked with groups including local farms like Honeyside Farm, Frog Song Farm, and Geraldson Community Farm, numerous nonprofits including Realize Bradenton, The Manatee Performing Arts Center,  and merchant associations, businesses like #1 master planned community, Schroeder-Manatee Ranch developer of Lakewood Ranch, and featured countless local, regional, and working our way to more nationally touring artists and bands.

TIMELINE

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2015

Launched

Morgan Bettes and Wade Hamilton launched Independent Jones to enhance the local music & entertainment scene in Bradenton, Florida

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2016

 1st Partnerships

Independent Jones announces two community partnerships:Main Street Merchants Live, the first Downtown Bradenton Street Party

Venice Mainstreet Inc. to produce the first Venice Beach Party

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2017

2nd Partnerships

Summer of 2017, Independent Jones announced partnership with Schroeder-Manatee Ranch, Developer of Lakewood Ranch, Florida

Launched the first farmers’ market in Lakewood Ranch

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2018

Ranch Nite Wednesdays

Launched Ranch Nite Wednesdays in Lakewood Ranch (article link)

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2019

Lakewood Ranch

Farmers’ Market in Lakewood Ranch becomes year round 

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2020

3rd Partnerships

Appointed interim Market Management Team for the Sarasota Farmers’ Market (Responsible for the market’s reopening during COVID 19)

Announces partnership with Realize Bradenton for market management of the Downtown Bradenton Public Market (formerly the Downtown Bradenton Farmers’ Market)

Hosted Pups at Premier, Premier Sports Campus, a carnival for dogs 

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2021

Rosemary Night Market Launch

 

Launched the Rosemary Night Market in the Rosemary District, Downtown Sarasota

Independent Jones has since paved the way for live entertainment booking over 500 gigs since inception, and producing over 300 events to date.

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2021

Successful move of Lakewood Ranch Farmers’ Market

 

Successfully moved the Farmers’ Market at Lakewood Ranch to final home at the destination, Waterside Place. 

 

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2021

First Ranch Nite Wednesday at Waterside Place

 

Launched another successful season of the popular annual series Ranch Nite Wednesday at the new Waterside Place in Lakewood Ranch, Florida.

 

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2021

Awarded Grant by CRA Bradenton for Main Street Live

 

Awarded grant by the Community Redevelopment Agency of the City of Bradenton to produce the series Main Street Live for 2022-2023.

 

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2022

Venice Farmers Market

 

Awarded the Venice Farmers Market contract by the City of Venice

 

MEET THE CREW

Morgan J. Bettes-Angell

President and CEO, Waxwing Corp, Independent Jones

As CEO, Morgan leads the company’s impact and partnership development, and the company’s large-scale productions. Morgan has been managing markets for the last 6 years, and has been producing events in the entertainment industry for just over a decade. Morgan’s past experience was working and producing events in the non-profit sector serving the public while working with government and municipalities.

UNCOMMON FACT ABOUT ME… I played classical piano starting at 4 years old until I was a junior in high school.

IN MY FREE TIME… I love to eat and drink around the world with my family and husband!

MY HIDDEN TALENT IS… Tetris or foosball…

THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE I’VE EVER BEEN GIVEN… Work hard, the rest will come.

MY FAVORITE FOOD IS… French fries.

MY SPIRIT ANIMAL IS… A wild horse.

Ryan Angell

Owner of Angell Media House and
Independent Jones Director of Photography

Ryan is a cinematographer and the man behind Angell Media House working with clients like Discovery Channel, Disney World, Tito’s Vodka and more. Ryan leads the company’s overall digital vision and content creation… Ryan makes us look good.

FAVORITE GENRE OF MUSIC… Top 40 and classic rock.

MY HOMETOWN… Venice, FL.

MY HIDDEN TALENT IS… I can solve a Rubik’s cube in under 2 minutes.

WHAT WAS YOUR CHILDHOOD DREAM… Professional baseball player and take photos for Nat. Geo & Discovery.

THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE I’VE EVER BEEN GIVEN… Treat others the way you want to be treated.

MY FAVORITE FOOD IS… Bacon and BBQ.

MY SPIRIT ANIMAL IS… A phoenix.

Antonio Hernandez

Chief Events Officer, Independent Jones

As Chief Events Officer (CVO), Antonio’s role is to collaborate, coordinate, and make things happen while aligning with the organization’s business strategies and vision.

UNCOMMON FACT ABOUT ME… I once trained for the Coney Island Hot Dog Eating Contest, but failed to register.

IN MY FREE TIME… I wander the woods, the caves, the earth and the seas.

MY HIDDEN TALENT IS… Cooking.

THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE I’VE EVER BEEN GIVEN… Don’t judge an idea because you’ve already judged the person giving it.

MY FAVORITE FOOD IS… Tacos.

MY SPIRIT ANIMAL IS… Ant or a hawk.

“A better understanding of the impact that live music culture has on a community’s vitality, identity, safety, and overall quality of life, is essential. That’s what we’re here for.”

EXPERIENCE INDIE LIVE

Looking for the haps around town with live music? Markets, late night, community events, and more!