Bradenton Blues Festival Boosts Local Economy Thanks To Strong Sponsor Support
The annual event draws thousands of attendees from across the country and world to enjoy the Bradenton Area
BRADENTON, Fla. — The annual Bradenton Blues Festival is nearly two months away and there are fewer than 150 tickets remaining. The annual event draws thousands of attendees from across the country and world to Bradenton, stimulating the local economy and exposing visitors to city and county assets. According to Johnette Isham, executive director for Realize Bradenton, the producer of the Bradenton Blues Festival, the event is renown on the blues circuit for selling out fast. “Fans purchased their tickets earlier than ever this year because they know that they will have a wonderful time at the festival and exploring the beautiful Bradenton area.” She says that more than 3,000 people from 30 states, ten foreign countries, and 225 different zip codes from within Florida alone attended last year’s event. “We always have individuals, couples, and groups traveling nationally and internationally to attend, and they purchase their tickets as soon as they go on sale.” For more information and to purchase tickets online, visit BradentonBluesFestival.org.
The Bradenton Blues Festival weekend returns to downtown Bradenton, bringing three days of events and acclaimed blues musicians, Dec. 6–8, 2019. Kicking off the blues weekend is the Blues “Appetizer” Concert, a free event, Friday, Dec. 6, 6–9pm; followed by the Bradenton Blues Festival, Saturday, Dec. 7, 11–8pm; and wrapping up the weekend is the Blues Brunch, Sunday, Dec. 8.
“The Bradenton Blues Festival joins businesses and organizations to support a common cause in celebrating Bradenton’s cultural distinctiveness. They understand that the arts and cultural industry means big business, and events like the annual Bradenton Blues Festival are a powerful way to promote our region to the world,” Isham explained.
Bradenton Blues Festival attendees fill hotels, restaurants, and businesses with affluent patrons who are eager to enjoy the Bradenton area. Local businesses and individuals believe in the impact of the annual blues event, and the 57 sponsors that have contributed financial and in-kind support to the production of the 2019 festival reinforce that commitment.
“We’re grateful to BMO Harris Bank, presenting sponsor for the eighth year in a row, and to all of the other business leaders who have stepped forward and shown such strong support for this festival,” says Isham. “They understand that great blues means great business for the Bradenton area.” She explains that Realize Bradenton directs the proceeds raised from the festival back into the community to support art and music programs for youth, including ‘Blues in the Schools.’
Musicians of national and international acclaim will take the stage on Saturday, including Grammy Nominated and Blues Music Award Winner Kenny Neal, four-time Blues Music Award nominee Toronzo Cannon, two-time Blues Music Award Winner Biscuit Miller & The Mix, Grammy nominated and multiple Blues Music Award Winner The Duke Robillard Band, U.S. Army veteran and Blues Music Award nominated Annika Chambers, Chicago Blues icon and Blues Hall of Famer John Primer & The Real Deal Blues Band, and Blues Foundation International Blues Challenge Best Unsigned Band winner Zac Harmon. 2016 Nashville Blues Challenge finalist Angela Easley will play between sets.
The Bradenton Blues Festival, presented by BMO Harris Bank, is Saturday, Dec. 7, 2019, on the Bradenton Riverwalk. Gates open at 10 a.m. Music starts at 11 a.m. and ends at 8 p.m. Festival tickets are available online for $45 for adults; $20 for students; and $10 for children, ages 5–12. Children ages four and under are free. Advanced ticket sales are available online at BradentonBluesFestival.org. General Admission tickets may also be purchased in-person at Creative Art Supply (formerly Keeton’s Office and Art Supply), 817 Manatee Ave. West, in downtown Bradenton. Each online ticket purchase includes a one-year bonus subscription of Blues Music Magazine, a $12.95 value. Blues Music Magazine is delivered in January, April, July, and October each year.
Festival Sponsors
Presenting Sponsor
BMO Harris Bank
Hosting Sponsors
Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (BACVB)
Blues Music Magazine
Callaghan Tire
City of Bradenton
Realize Bradenton
Ticket
Blues King Sponsors
Artefact Design
Bryan Gordon Designs
Florida Blue
Manatee Apparel Graphics
Manatee Printers, Inc.
NDC Construction
Pier 22
Cool Cats Sponsors
Mark T Elfervig, DDS, MAGD
Hampton Inn & Suites Bradenton Downtown Historic District
Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ)
Spectrum
New Orleans Sponsors
Andersen Racepark
Blue Rooster
Darwin Brewing Company
EB’s Drafting & Engineering
Florida Lawn Guy’s
Formella Construction
Gold Coast Eagle Distributing
Jeffcoat Blueprint
Jimmy John’s
Mojoe Productions, Inc.
OSA Global Security
Scott Kallins & Melton Little
US Tent Rental
Chicago Blues Sponsors
Connect Bradenton
D&D Seamless Gutters
Deborah & Emile Gauvreau
Dr. Robert Koser, MD
Florida Power and Light (FPL)
Goodwill Manasota
Go Tonight
Hernando de Soto Historical Society
Hillstrom Wright Plastic Surgery
Independent Jones
Janet Trettau
Jones Edmunds & Associates, Inc.
Keller Williams on the Water
Manson Roofing
National Health Insurance Agencies, Inc.
National Retirement Group
Stronger Moving & Delivery Service
Suncoast Blues Society
Tailored Thrones
Tervis
Trost Heating & Cooling
Urology Partners
USA Fence
WP Real Estate & Leasing
Yoga Arts
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About the Bradenton Blues Festival
Produced by Realize Bradenton, the Bradenton Blues Festival is a weekend concert featuring top blues musicians on the award-winning Riverwalk in downtown Bradenton. Proceeds from the Bradenton Blues Festival support Realize Bradenton’s youth, art, and music programs that are free to the community, including the “Blues in the Schools” education program.
About Realize Bradenton
Realize Bradenton is a nonprofit organization that promotes redevelopment and economic growth in downtown Bradenton by transforming places, engaging people, and realizing possibilities. For more information, visit: RealizeBradenton.com.
Realizing possibilities by transforming places & engaging people
Realize Bradenton Business Innovator Partners
Blalock Walters | BMO Harris Bank | City of Bradenton | FELD Entertainment | Florida Blue
Gettel Automotive | Manatee Memorial Hospital | Mattison’s Riverwalk Grille
Michael Saunders & Company | Mosaic | NDC Construction Company | Pittsburgh Pirates
O’Bricks Irish Pub & Martini Bar | SaraBay Suncoast Realty | Visit Bradenton Gulf Islands
