November 26, 2013
Realize Bradenton Announces
“Blues in the Schools”
A 2014 Bradenton Blues Festival Education Initiative
December 5 Manatee High School
“Georgia Songbird” EG Kight and blues guitarist Dave Muskett will visit Manatee High School as part of Realize Bradenton’s “Blues in the Schools” educational outreach program.
(Bradenton, FL) Bradenton’s next generation of musicians will get a musical treat Friday, December 5, 2014, when 2014 Bradenton Blues Festival headliners EG Kight and Dave Muskett visit Manatee High School to share their music, experiences and professional advice with students.
“We’re delighted to offer our young and budding musicians and music fans this rare opportunity,” says Manatee High School music teacher Linda Boone. “The complementary talents of these two blues artists will help our students better understand the professional world of the music industry.”
Judy Sedgeman is the board chair of Realize Bradenton, the organizing force behind the 2014 Bradenton Blues Festival. As Sedgeman sees it, education is key to the festival. “The Blues in the Schools program gives us a meaningful way to support our community’s youth and arts education efforts,” she says, adding that the program is made possible by funding from Beall’s Inc., and by proceeds from sales of the festival’s limited-edition poster illustrated by Don Brandes, a former Hallmark artist and current Ringling College faculty member.
Early in her career, EG Kight was dubbed “The Georgia Songbird,” and today she is celebrated as a major blues vocalist. With her rich voice and a mastery of the guitar that has her holding her own next to any other player, Kight mesmerizes audiences of all ages, both as a solo and with her band. Kight’s musical style—a blend of Americana, southern rock, blues, pop, jazz, gospel and funk—transcends musical boundaries and has been called “country-flavored southern-fried blues.”
Dave Muskett is a sophisticated finger-style blues guitarist, serving classic masters such as Doc Watson, Fury Lewis, and Robert Johnson, along with contemporary giants, including Taj Mahal, Roy Bookbinder, and Chris Smither. Muskett’s original songs range from fun, up-tempo numbers to pieces with moody and soulful overtones that put the listener in mind of the deep and dark origins of the blues.
The 2014 Bradenton Blues Festival returns to downtown Bradenton’s Riverwalk, December 6, 2014, with an all-star lineup that includes veteran singer and songwriter Marcia Ball, the double-edged guitar dynamics of Jimmy Thackery and the Drivers, the rollicking Lil’ Ed & the Blue Imperials, multiple Grammy nominee Bill Branch & The Sons of Blues, young whirlwind Samantha Fish, “Georgia Songbird” EG Kight, local stars Doug Deming and the Jewel Tones with harmonica virtuoso Dennis Gruenling; and refined finger-style blues guitarist Dave Muskett, who will entertain audiences between the major acts. Southern-inspired cuisine, craft beverages, and an array of vendors complement the live music to create a comfortable, family-friendly experience in the park-like setting alongside the Bradenton Riverwalk. Proceeds from the festival support Realize Bradenton’s free youth, art, and music outreach programs.
Gates open at 10 a.m. The music starts at 11 a.m. and ends at 8 p.m. Tickets for the 2014 Bradenton Blues Festival are $30 in advance; $40 at the gate, cash only; $25 per person for groups of 10 or more; $20 for students; and $10 for children, ages 5-12. Children four and under will be admitted free. A limited number of reserved front-of-stage seats are available for $75 per person. Last chance to buy $30 tickets is the “Blues Appetizer” concert with the Bridget Kelly Band and the Lauren Mitchell Band, December 5, 6-9 p.m., at Riverwalk Pavilion, 452 3rd Avenue, or online at BradentonBluesFestival.com. Tickets are available online and at Keeton’s Office & Art Supply, 817 Manatee Ave. West, in Bradenton. For more information and to buy tickets online, visit www.BradentonBluesFestival.org. To view festival video online, visit www.bit.ly/bradblues.
The 2014 Bradenton Blues Festival Sponsors:
Presenting Sponsor
BMO Harris Bank
Hosting Sponsors
Realize Bradenton
Blues Music Magazine
Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau
Downtown Development Authority
City of Bradenton
Blues Kings
Callaghan Tire
Tidy Coast Event Services
Don Brandes Illustrator
Manatee Printers Inc.
Pier 22
Artefact Design
Sarasota Magazine
SEE Magazine
Biz (941)
Urology Partners
Bryan Gordon Design
Bradenton Herald
Bright House Networks
Cool Cats
Florida Blue
Blue Rooster
Tarpon Pointe Grill & Tiki Bar
OSA Global
New Orleans
Tropicana
Jeffcoat Blueprint
Mojoe Productions
PepsiCo
SRQ Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport
Firkins Nissan
Planet Stone Marble & Granite
Anna Maria Oyster Bar
Halfway Bar
Where Will We Go Tonight
Turner Tree & Landscape
NDC Construction Company
Manatee Apparel Graphics
Gold Coast Eagle
Dr. Mark T. Elfervig, DDS
Hampton Inn & Suites Bradenton Downtown Historic District
Andersen Racepark
Fawley Bryant Architects
Bealls Inc.
Tarpon Point Grill & Tiki Bar
Michael & Christy Messer
METV
Chicago Blues
Courtyard Marriott Bradenton
Iaboni Real Estate Inc.
Clear Sunset Carwash
Air & Energy
Goodwill Manasota
USA Fence
FPL
Stan D. Perkins, Keller Williams Realty
Manson Roofing, Inc.
Sandbar Seafood & Spirits
Aces Live
Stewart Engineering Consultants
Suncoast Blues Society
Fetch Pet Care Bradenton
Hillstrom Facial Plastic Surgery
Manatee Community Federal Credit Union
Essenson Law Firm
US Tent Rental
Blues Bar Buzz
The Blue Rooster
Ace’s Live
Darwin Brewing Company
About Realize Bradenton
Realize Bradenton is a non-profit organization that brings people together to create a vibrant and prosperous Bradenton area. For more information, visit: www.RealizeBradenton.com.
