By Eddie Hamp, Journalist, and Chyrisse Tabone, Photographer, Rock At Night Tampa
Review: Men At Work, Shonen Knife, Toad the Wet Sprocket – The BayCare Sound, Clearwater, FL – July 18, 2026
With threatening skies purportedly above, The Sound nevertheless ushered in Japanese Punk Pop Rock, California Alternative Rock, and an 80s Australian Pop Rock group. The bands did not disappoint, and fans were welcomed to some solid Rock At Night.
Shonen Knife, the Japanese pop-punk trio (fresh from their Japan tour), opened the show promptly at 7:00pm in their matching band outfits, exuding high energy and their trademark guitar sound. Lead vocalist and guitarist Naoko Yamano performed flawlessly for the crowd and had them cheering for “Sweet Candy Power”, a fun, upbeat and bubbly track reflecting Naoko Yamano’s love of her mint and honey candies. It is said these sugar treats bring her high-energy vocals and guitar playing to the tour.
Backed by guitar, sister Atsuko Tamano brought her own high energy to the songs, and drummer Risa Kawano not only had the same high energy but also sported a big smile throughout the entire 30-minute performance. I’m pretty sure the whole band must have been nibbling on the sugary “Sweet Candy” before they went on stage. Well done, Shonen Knife.
Toad The Wet Sprocket, the band with that fun and quirky name, brought their Santa Barbara, California Alt. Rock/Folk-Pop sound to the stage at 8:00. Known for many introspective and thoughtful, meaningful lyrics, the crowd listened to the Frontman and lead singer, Glen Phillips, play “California Wasted” on acoustic guitar. He sang about the irony of enjoying and living the perfect California environment, yet struggling with inner turmoil and lost opportunities. Providing flawless backup and harmony were Bassist Dean Dinning and Lead Guitarist, Todd Nichols.
Halfway through the set, Glen Phillips engaged the fans with playful talk, thanked them for their many years of support and loyal following, and hoped for some fun plans and places to go in Clearwater after the concert tonight.
At the end of their 60-minute set, the dynamic group brought everyone to their feet, and fans were dancing in their chairs to the original hits “All I Want” along with favorites “Fall Down” and “Walk on the Ocean”.
I wonder if Glen was able to make some post-concert party plans?
The headliner Men At Work came on stage at 9:30 pm and played continuously to 10:45 pm. In this mixed genre night of Punk Pop and Alt. Rock, the ’80s called, and they want their Men At Work!
The 6-piece band, led by founding member and frontman Colin Hay, along with his men (and wife), worked the crowd with their Australian Rock sound, bringing that familiar 80s vibe to the welcoming audience. With that unmistakable voice, Colin Hay hit the notes like it was yesterday, and wife Cecillia Noel brought the backup game with vocals, tambourine, and stage presence to an already tight performing group. The saxophone solos and backing were provided by a talented Rachel Mazer, who was spot on in rekindling the memories of the band that America loved in the 80s. Men at Work finished the job, with the fans anxiously waiting to hear “It’s a Mistake”, “Who Can It Be Now”, Be Good Johnny”, and the band’s last chart-topping hit “Down Under”. The audience was impressed at the end of the set – well played.
It’s good to know Men At Work … are still at work.
PHOTO GALLERY
I am a lifelong Tampa resident, semi-retired, and an adjunct professor at Hillsborough College. Although I studied Finance and Banking at the University of South Florida, my true passion has been music since the fifth grade. I learned to play guitar at an early age and played trumpet in the school band. Today, I play in three community bands in Tampa and keep busy following the local music scene and enjoying the outdoors.
