Bradenton Blues Fest 2017

This year's totally sold out blues extravaganza at beautiful Riverwalk park in Bradenton Florida had the entire crowd already thinking and planning for next years festival!
The perfecto Sunshine State weather always adds clout to the fact that this is one of the premier annual festivals in the entire country.
Florida's own Sean Chambers took the stage a 11 AM! His latest recording; Trouble & Whiskey is his best yet and he and his stage band delivered a stellar live set from this recent album of originals and covers. Great stuff from these guys from start to finish!
It seems every Bradenton Blues Fest has a surprise diamond in the ruff you didn't see coming! This year I got blind sided by Vanessa Collier who had the crowd wrapped around her little finger with her music that cleverly combines blues, funk, rock & soul! Vanessa has the "It" factor and she exudes confidence on stage that rivals performers twice her age. The new album Meeting My Shadow played well live on the Festival Stage. Her hour long set ended way to quickly! All good things come to an end and off stage, Vanessa spent the next entire hour and a half meeting, greeting, taking pictures and signing her CD. Enough said.
     Great Chicago Style blues was up next as the award winning Nick Moss Band was front & center. Nick through the years has served as an incubator for all kinds of talent that takes off on their own under his tutelage. Case in point Michael Ledbetter guitarist and unique vocalist that has recorded with several other blues greats (Ronnie Earl, Monster Mike Welch) For quite some time now Nick has featured Dennis Gruenling on harp and vocals front and center. It is a plus for the live band as it adds some depth and diversity to their Chicago Style sound. Their set was exhilarating and had the crowd just wanting more and more.
     Next up was a trip down to Cajun Country NewOrleans with Chubby Carrier and the Bayou Swamp Band. Chubby and company had the audience dancing and singing along. Veterans of blues festivals around the world, Cajun Music speaks to everyone.
     Sugar Blue with his serious harp attack followed. Curtis Salgado and Joe Louis Walker rounded out the day and we will feature them on another edition of East Coast Blues News.
     As is customary, I had my trusty Nikon with me in one hand and a Photo Media Pass around by neck, so was able to get a few frames for your viewing enjoyment. See you soon.