Downtown Bradenton, Florida will be buzzing with the blues from December 2nd through the 4th, 2016. While folks find themselves in that holiday craze between Thanksgiving and Christmas, this town knows how to throw a party.
It all begins at the Riverwalk Pavilion on Friday, December 2nd, at 6 pm when Mojoe Productions hosts a free Blues 
Appetizer concert. This is a bring your own blanket or chair event, featuring the music of Ari & the Alibis and Damon Fowler until 9 pm. For those who prefer a club setting, Deja Blues in the Blues Lounge will be taking place from 7 to 11 pm at The Brickyard. This indoor event features a performance by “Sunshine” Sonny Payne Award winning artist, Larry McCray. Tickets for the lounge show are $150 per person, which includes fabulous food, and a premium open bar to accompany the entertainment. All proceeds benefit the Women’s Resource Center of Manatee, making $100 of each ticket tax deductible.
On Saturday, December 3rd, its back to the Riverwalk for the annual Bradenton Bluesfest. The stage ignites beginning at 10 am and the lineup is no less than staggering.
Chicago blues man, Ronnie Baker Brooks headlines the event. Recognized as, “blues royalty” in his own right, he is the son of Blues Hall of Famer Lonnie Brooks, and brother of guitar slinger Wayne Baker Brooks. Grammy nominated super-group Golden State Lone Star Blues Revue, will be on hand with their all star lineup of Mark Hummel, Anson Funderburgh, Little Charlie Baty, RW Grigsby, and Wes Star. BB King Entertainer of the Year, Victor Wainwright & The WildRoots will rock the Pavilion stage, as will Grammy winning harmonica phenom, Jason Ricci. Rounding out the day’s entertainment will be Larry McCray, Sugar Ray and the Bluetones, Slam Allen Band, and Ilana Katz Katz. Tickets for the Bluesfest are just $45 the day of the event, but can be purchased in advance for only $30 at the site link below.
For fans wanting even more on Saturday, 2 venues will be hosting official after parties. Ace’s Live Music will have Biscuit Miller & The Mix on their stage, while The Blue Rooster presents local favorites, Kettle of Fish.
On Sunday morning, the event closes with a Blues Brunch from 10 am to noon at the Courtyard By Marriott Riverfront. They promise a true, southern style brunch buffet with live music from Doug Deming and the Jewel Tones.
Proceeds from the festival go to support Realize Bradenton’s youth, art, and music programs that are free to the community, including their Blues in the Schools program. Tickets to this world renowned, award winning blues weekend are limited, so get yours today, by clicking on the link below.
Bradenton Bluesfest
