If you are a fan of the blues, the Suncoast Blues Festival in Sarasota Florida is a good place to see some of the best in the business. For one weekend each year, a diverse range of artists perform on the Amalie Arena stage. You’ll be able to enjoy a variety of music in a fun and friendly atmosphere.
Amalie Arena
The Sarasota Blues Festival has been a storied event in the Sarasota community since it was first held in 1991. It started at the county fairgrounds in Sarasota, but the festival moved to the Ed Smith Stadium Complex in 2006. In 2006, the Sarasota Blues Society sold the festival to ExtremeTix, a Houston-based company.
For the last two years, the festival has been held at LECOM Park on the St. Pete waterfront. This year’s event will also take place at the Orpheum Theatre in Tampa. However, several of the bigger concerts are still scheduled for local venues.
This year’s festival will include a variety of national and international blues artists. The main concert is set for Saturday. On Sunday, the festival will feature a street carnival and parade. There will also be a food festival and the opportunity to try different types of seafood and meat dishes. Many talented musicians from both the local and regional circuits will also perform.
The festival will feature a variety of cultural activities, including a big band competition, dance contest, and a 5k run. This is a 10-day event, so there’s plenty to do if you’re interested in taking some time off to enjoy the sights and sounds. Several local radio stations will also host end of the year concerts.
The Sunshine State has been home to numerous successful rap acts over the past few years. This includes Bell Biv DeVoe, who has released a multi-platinum album Poison in 1990. He is one of the biggest names in the Florida music scene, and is set to play this year’s festival.
Besides his music, the festival is a celebration of Florida’s culture. During the festivities, guests can participate in a variety of family-friendly activities, from a parade to a food festival to a fivek run.
The Sunshine State is also known for its plethora of electronic music festivals. One of these is the Sunset Music Festival, which takes place each year in downtown Tampa. Throughout the three days of the festival, the event will feature a street carnival, a parade, and live entertainment.
Another major festival is the Firestone Grand Prix, which is hosted in the heart of the city’s waterfront. The race is open to both adults and children, and it features a course along the water’s edge. Other events in the area include a sports tournament, a bowling tournament, and an outdoor soccer game.
Whether you want to attend a concert, watch a sporting event, or just get some shopping done, the Tampa Bay area has something for everyone. You can enjoy live music, delicious food, and a wide range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. And of course, you can even try your luck at Clay shooting.
The Sarasota Blues Fest has fought hard to earn the reputation as the best music festival in the region. However, despite its success, it was ultimately bought by ExtremeTix in 2012. Since then, the festival has re-branded as the Florida Blues and Music Festival.
Suncoast Blues Festival
The Suncoast Blues Festival is an event to be on the lookout for when visiting the Sarasota area. This event is a one day event that will feature a few of the best blues acts in the region. Aside from the music, the venue will also feature a number of other enticing amenities. These include a number of craft beverages, full liquor bars, and an onsite marketplace featuring local vendors selling everything from tee shirts to handmade jewelry.
As you can probably guess, the event is produced by a couple of blues buffs. Paul Benjamin and Greg Herndon, owners of Mojoe Productions and Paragon Festivals respectively, have assembled a talented roster of blues gurus to grace the sands of the Gulf Coast. Not only will attendees be treated to a weekend of music and fun, but also a chance to help a great cause. For example, this year’s event will raise money for the Family Promise of Sarasota. One hundred percent of the proceeds will go to helping the less fortunate.
The Suncoast Blues Festival will be held at the Sarasota Fair Grounds on March 3 and 4. There are a handful of other events that will take place during the same time frame, including the Downtown Sarasota Blues Festival. Some of the more popular bands performing on the big stage will include the Kat Riggins Band, EG Kight, and the Balkun Brothers. To round out the festival, the Dirty Dozen Brass Band and the Fabulous Thunderbirds will be doing their thing.
In fact, the event is so popular that it has become a bi-annual event. With a number of bands, vendors, and other entertainment options, the weekend is a sure fire hit. Attendees can bring their own RVs or tents, but there will be a few campgrounds onsite for those who like the comforts of home. Those with a fetish for music and beer will enjoy the beer and food selections that make the Tampa Bay Blues Festival a local favorite.
While there is no such thing as a best of all time lineup, the organizers do a solid job of ensuring that attendees are not disappointed. That includes providing them with a number of non-musical perks, from VIP wristbands to free valet parking. Among the most memorable parts of the experience are the people you meet and the fun you have in general. You’ll even get to take in some of the local sights, thanks to the location’s proximity to Anna Maria Island and the downtown district. Moreover, the festival is a short walk away from the Ringling Museum of Art.
Lineup
Sarasota Blues and Music Fest is a yearly family-friendly music festival that offers an eclectic range of artists. This year’s lineup features nationally acclaimed headliners along with regional favorites. In addition to great music, the event also provides family-friendly activities.
The 24-year-old festival is hosted by the nonprofit Realize Bradenton, which focuses on educating locals about the arts and sciences. In addition to performances, the festival includes educational workshops and exhibits. Guests can also purchase specialty food items and drink from a variety of local vendors.
The Sarasota Blues and Music Festival features a variety of acts, including Grammy Award-winning musicians and top 40 performers. For the full weekend, a Blues Brunch and blues after-parties will be held. If you can’t attend the entire festival, you can purchase tickets for individual days. There are several ticket options, so check out the website for details.
For a full day of live music, fans can see Delbert McClinton, who won a two-time Grammy. He will be joined by Ana Popovic, who has been nominated for seven Blues Music Awards. Another notable performance is that of Lady A, who has been ranked number three on the Billboard blues albums chart.
Other acts include Dikki Du and the Zydeco Krewe, Shakura S’Aida, and Dustin Arbuckle and the Damnations. The festival will close with a Blues Brunch at Mattison’s Riverwalk Grill.
There are many other events in the area, but if you’re looking for a day of blues, the Bradenton Blues Festival is a must. It’s the largest annual music festival in the region. You can purchase tickets online, or call ahead. Typically, the event sells out well in advance.
If you’re not able to make it to the Bradenton Blues Festival, you can always go to the Doggie Beer Garden at Motorworks Brewing in Sarasota. Attendees can enjoy live music and a brunch with food trucks. Proceeds from the event benefit the Bradenton Pet Rescue Foundation. Ticket buyers can purchase VIP packages, which give them access to a private restroom, upgraded beer and wine, and closer seating to the stage.
There are plenty of fun things to do in the Florida Gulf Coast. From art festivals to live music events, there’s always something happening. But if you’re looking for a more family-friendly option, Coachella Music Festival will take place in Indio, California, on April 12th-15th.
The 22nd annual Sarasota Blues and Music festival is set for March 3-5, 2020. Tickets will be available for sale beginning October 1. Some of the past performers have included Solomon Burke, Buddy Guy, Gregg Allman, and Solomon Burke.
Sarasota’s annual Blues Festival is a family-friendly event that is dedicated to raising funds for charity. It’s also a great way to experience the local culture.