Side Door Cabaret returns with Jazz Songbirds on Friday and award-winning swamp blues on Saturday

The Palladium’s “Best-of-the-Bay” nightclub – The Side Door – is alive and kicking this weekend with two great shows.

Friday night, 3-22, marks the return of Denise Moore and her annual Songbirds – Women of Jazz show in celebration of Women’s History Month. This time Denise is singing with another Palladium favorite, Andrea Moraes Manson, who normally fronts O Som Do Jazz. The show will celebrate the music and lives of American artists Peggy Lee, Dusty Springfield (during Denise’s set) and Brazilian legends Elizette Cardozo and Elis Regina (during Andrea’s set). Backing up the Songbirds are more Palladium favorites – the La Lucha Trio — Alejandro Arenas (bass), Mark Feinman (drums), John O’Leary (piano). Showtime is 8 p.m. and tickets are going fast.

Saturday night, 3-22, is a celebration of a home town star who has gained a big interntional reputation. Tampa Bay’s own Selwyn Birchwood returns home for a show to celebrate his winning the International Blues Challenge in Memphis. Selwyn and his band beat out some 200 other bands last February. Opening the show will be Bradenton favorite Steve Arvey with his swamp rock trio, the Delta Swamp Rats. Get your wading boots on for a night of swampy southern blues, rock and boogie. Showtime is 8 p.m. and the dance floor will be open.

For tickets and information visit www.mypalladium.org or call the box office at 727 822-3590.