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Blues Festivals in Florida

Despite being surrounded by white sandy beaches and lots of sunshine, plenty of Floridians still sing the blues, and celebrate them, too. Several blues festivals are held annually in the Sunshine State to pay homage to what originated on Southern plantations as African American spirituals and work songs. The familiar lyrical repeats and gradual chord progressions are staple stage fare. Good eats also enhance Florida blues events.

  1. Sarasota Blues Fest

    • Held in Sarasota's Ed Smith Stadium Complex, this event accommodates thousands, who lounge on the lawn while listening to acts like Buddy Guy, Fabulous Thunderbirds and John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers. The festival is usually held the first Saturday in November, and includes on-site food and drink vendors. Admission is charged.

      Sarasota Blues Fest
      Ed Smith Stadium Complex
      2700 12th St.
      Sarasota, FL 34235
      941-954-4101, ext. 5454
      sarasotabluesfest.com

    Tampa Bay Blues Festival

    • The Tampa Bay Blues Festival is a springtime affair, held for three days in early April at Vinoy Waterfront Park in Saint Petersburg. Single-day tickets, three-day passes, VIP packages and after-party tickets can be purchased. The 2010-slated headliners include Jimmie Vaughan, Kenny Wayne Shepherd and JJ Grey and Mofro. Past artists have included George Thorogood, Jerry Lee Lewis and Irma Thomas. Seafood, barbecue and other culinary offerings can also be had at the festival, along with beer, wine and arts and crafts.

      Tampa Bay Blues Festival
      Vinoy Waterfront Park
      500 Block of Fifth Ave. NE
      St. Petersburg, FL 33704
      727-502-5000
      tampabaybluesfest.com

    Tallahassee Jazz and Blues Festival

    • This Florida-panhandle event honors the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with music under the trees on two days in mid-March. The stage is set up at the Tallahassee Museum to accommodate not only blues, but rhythm and blues, jazz and swing. Admission is free for museum members and season-pass holders. Non-members must pay regular museum admission to attend.

      Tallahassee Jazz and Blues Festival
      Tallahassee Museum
      3945 Museum Drive
      Tallahassee, FL 32310
      850-575-8684
      visittallahassee.com

    Riverwalk Blues and Music Festival

    • This more intimate festival is held in the back lot of the Downtowner Saloon in Fort Lauderdale. It usually takes place over three days in mid-February and is hosted by Musicians Exchange, a local organization that promotes musicians and operates as a referral service. The blues festival itself has undergone several reincarnations, hopping around to different locations and featuring many acts. Performers have included the likes of John Lee Hooker, Etta James and Woody Harrelson.

      Riverwalk Blues and Music Festival
      Downtowner Saloon
      10 S. New River Drive E.
      Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
      786-380-0866
      riverwalkbluesfestival.homestead.com

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