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| 2012 Bradenton Blues Festival The inaugural Bradenton Blues Festival, slated for December 1, 2012, 10 a.m.-8 p.m., at the redesigned Riverwalk, along the Manatee River in downtown Bradenton, will feature some of the top blues acts in the country, says Johnette Isham, executive director of Realize Bradenton, the festival's organizer. "Our artistic director, Paul Benjamin, has assembled a world-class lineup of artists of national and regional acclaim, " she says. "This is going to be one heck of a hot inaugural festival. We expect to attract blues enthusiasts from around the region and country." Benjamin, who founded and still produces the North Atlantic Blues Festival in Rockland, Maine, says that he was thrilled with the response he received from the artists. "This festival will play host to some America's finest blues artists. Ruthie Foster, Kenny Neal, Dave 'Biscuit' Miller, Southern Hospitality, Johnny Sansone, Homemade Jamz, the Steve Arvey Horn Band with Henry Lawrence, and Ben Prestage have all come on board, " says Benjamin. "With acts like this, we're expecting a ticket sell-out well in advance of the festival." Isham adds that festival organizers are offering a special offer for people who purchase tickets before June 1, 2012. "The general admission will be $30 at the door, " says Isham. "But if people buy advance tickets on our website before June 1, they'll get them for $25. As an added bonus, we'll include three issues of the Blues Revue magazine and a blues music CD (a $17.50 value)." For tickets and general information, visit www.BradentonBluesFestival.org. "Dozens of businesses, organizations and individuals are supporting this event, to help rock our region with a world-class festival and show the world that the city of Bradenton and Manatee County is great place to live, work, play, and visit!" says Isham. "The response from event sponsors has been overwhelming. We're delighted to announce that the festival's Presenting Sponsor is M&I, a part Of BMO Financial Group." Kerry Ward, vice president of M&I, expressed why M&I is taking a leadership role as the Presenting Sponsor of the inaugural festival. "We feel this is a great opportunity to be part of the momentum building in the downtown area and to partner with Realize Bradenton as they continue to create great destinations and events in our community, " he said. "This event has the potential to become world-class and we hope the business community will join us in helping to make that happen." Isham says that event sponsors will experience the blues in VIP style designed by Lisa Arrigo of LA Events Inc., including exclusive use of the VIP Pavilion, a full bar, and gourmet culinary stations prepared by Pier 22. Best of all, VIP guest have access to private bathrooms decorated in blues style. About the Artists Ruthie Foster Ruthie Foster can burn down any stage with her combustible blend of soul, blues, rock, folk and gospel. Her astonishing voice has earned her a long array of awards. Foster collaborates on stage and on recordings with a diverse list of artists, including Warren Haynes, Big Head Todd, Bonnie Raitt, Eric Bibb and Paul Thorn. She's a regular favorite at an equally diverse list of festivals, including the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, the Monterey Blues Festival, Merlefest and the Kate Wolf Festival. Visit www.ruthiefoster.com. Kenny Neal Kenny Neal was born in New Orleans and raised in Baton Rouge. He began playing music at a young age, learning the basics from his father, singer and blues harmonica master, Raful Neal. Kenny is known as a modern swamp-blues master and multi-instrumentalist, drawing musically from the sizzling sounds of his native Louisiana. Visit www.kennyneal.net. Dave "Biscuit" Miller Raised by his grandmother in the south side of Chicago, Dave "Biscuit" Miller was born into the blues. Now based in Indianapolis, singer-bassist Miller projects overtones of blues, funk and soul. According to DownBeat magazine: "He's a real crowd-pleaser, quick with sensual come-ons, as in the metaphor-feast, 'Butter My Biscuits, ' and the dreamy, tender-hearted 'Blow A Kiss.'" Visit www.biscuitmiller.com/biscuit. Johnny Sansone The New Orleans-based harmonica player and vocalist Johnny Sansone brings his music to life with his robust voice and instrumental prowess. His original compositions have won him numerous awards. His show has been called "raw and dangerous." Big City Blues says of this phenomenal performer: "You would swear the harmonica is crying real tears." Visit www.johnnysansone.com. Southern Hospitality Southern Hospitality's natural chemistry on stage offers a powerful and dynamic showcase of the Blues. Blind Pig's Damon Fowler has joined forces with fellow Florida guitarist/singer JP Soars and WildRoots Record's Memphis-based piano player/singer Victor Wainwright. Damon, Victor and J.P. will leave no corner of the blues unexplored and no fan of the blues unhappy. Visit www.damonfowler.com and http://www.facebook.com/pages/Southern-Hospitality/122609727837839?ref=ts. Homemade Jamz Aside from being the "Youngest Blues Band in America, " Homemade Jamz is on a remarkable journey. The three band members, Ryan, Kyle, and Taya Perry—all siblings spanning from 13 to 19—have released their third record, "The Game, " which is full of sturdy, rocking blues. The album highlights the different personalities and unique styles of each member while giving them all moments to shine. This inspired band is simple, lean, and refreshing with an amazingly unique and mature sound. "They've got a great future ahead." – B.B. King. Visit www.hmjamzbluesband.com. Steve Arvey Horn Band featuring Henry Lawrence Steve Arvey’s career spans about three decades playing all over the United States, Europe, America, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand with some of the toughest critics lauding his talent. Few performers can match Arvey’s showmanship and the joy he brings to the audience. Featured vocalist, Henry Lawrence, three-time Super Bowl Oakland Raider star, commands the same attention on stage as he did on the football field. Lawrence began singing as a child in school, in church, and as a migrant farm worker. Visit www.stevearvey.com and www.henrylawrence.com. Ben Prestage From an electrified mix of swamp and delta blues comes the one-man-band, Ben Prestage, who lights up any stage with his homemade guitars and drums. Prestage’s inspired approach to instrumentation (finger-style guitar, harmonica, banjo, lap-steel, fiddle, resonator guitar, foot-drums, vocals) and his award-winning songwriting have made him one of the foremost blues artists of our time. Visit www.benprestagemusic.com. write your comments about the article :: © 2012 Jazz News :: home page |