Head south for some deep-down-in-the-soul goodness to warm your belly this holiday season.
The Bradenton Blues Festival spreads out along the town's scenic Riverwalk, and headliners offer a healthy mix of traditional and contemporary sounds. Highlights include right-as-rain singer guitarist Johnny Rawls (pictured), saxophonist Eddie Shaw and the Wolfgang; Trampled Under Foot, an up-and-coming sibling act led by Danielle, Kris and Nick Schnebelen; and powerhouse vocalist Shemekia Copeland.
[jump]The schedule is as follows: Albert Castiglia, 11-11:40 a.m.; Johnny Rawls, 11:55 a.m.-12:55 p.m.; John Nemeth, 1:10-2:10 p.m.; Anthony Gomes, 2:25-3:25 p.m.; Trampled Underfoot, 3:40-4:40 p.m.; Eddie Shaw and the Wolfgang, 4:55-6:05 p.m.; Shemekia Copeland, 6:20-7:35 p.m., and Doug Deming, Dennis Gruenling and the Jewel Tones perform between acts.
You can catch Blues on Main featuring Sarasota Slim with food and beverage vendors, and handmade crafters this Saturday, 5-11 p.m., on Old Main Street. In the evening, Tarpon Pointe Blues with Chris Duarte takes place 7 p.m.-midnight at Tarpon Pointe Grill & Tiki Bar, 801 Riverside Drive East, Bradenton.
Cap it all of on Sunday with the Gospel Blues Brunch 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on Old Main Street and free concert with by the West Coast Black Theater Troupe from noon to 1 p.m.
Siesta Key Trolley will offer rides all weekend — Friday 5-9 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Pedicab service is Saturday 9 a.m.-midnight, provided by Sun Ride Pedicabs. There are more than 2,000 parking spaces within a five-minute walk or a short 5-10 minute with a free trolley ride to the Blues Festival site.
Award-winner Rawls also brings his smooth vocals and fretboard chops for a limited engagement show tonight. The performer named Best Male Soul Blues Artist by the Blues Foundation and Blues Trail Marker honoree hits at The Brickyard, 427 12th St. W., at 7 p.m.
Make a weekend of it by staying overnight. The Hampton Inn, a recently renovated historic hotel in downtown Bradenton, is just a few steps from the action.
Visit bradentonbluesfestival.org for details.