Blues Festival to Return to Lakewood Ranch for Second Year

LAKEWOOD RANCH — The Lakewood Ranch Blues Festival returns to Waterside Park at Lakewood Ranch on Saturday, Dec. 6. Tickets for the all-ages-welcome festival are $75 in advance, $95 at the door, if available; and ages 12 and under are admitted for free. A limited number of front-of-stage seating tickets are available for $150.

The second annual all-day festival will feature a lineup of seven nationally touring blues performers, including numerous Blues Music Award nominees and winners. The event, produced by Independent Jones and Benjamin Productions, debuted last year in honor of the legacy of Johnette Isham.

“After the incredible response to last year’s debut, we’re thrilled to bring the Lakewood Ranch Blues Festival back for its second year,” said Morgan Bettes Angell, president and CEO of Independent Jones. “We’re raising the bar this year – more music, more flavor, and even more soul!”

Featured acts include Albert Castiglia, Chambers DesLauriers, Johnny Rawls, the Shaelyn Band, Toronzo Cannon, Eden Brent, and Desoto Tiger. Gates open at 9 a.m.; the first act will kick off the day’s performances at 10 a.m., and the festival’s last band will take the stage at 6:30 p.m.

The event will feature local food vendors offering a variety of food and drink, as well as artisans showcasing unique goods and festival merchandise. Attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in interactive activities and enjoy the lively shopping and dining atmosphere of Waterside Place, as festival re-entry is allowed throughout the day.

 “We are thrilled to once again welcome the Lakewood Ranch Blues Festival to Waterside Park this December,” said Nicole Hackel, events and resident experience manager for Lakewood Ranch. “Last year’s event brought an incredible lineup of talented musicians that energized the community, and we can’t wait to see the caliber of artists that will take the stage this year. It’s always a joy to see residents and visitors come together to celebrate live music in such a beautiful setting.”

Waterside Park at Waterside Place is an open-air venue, surrounded by beautiful Lake Kingfisher. Guests are welcome to bring towels, blankets, or chairs, including those with attached canopies or umbrellas. The festival offers ample, free, convenient parking; a map is available at lakewoodranchbluesfestival.com.

This year, the festival is partnering with The Food Bank of Manatee, a program of Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee (mealsonwheelsplus.org). Non-perishable items will be collected for the organization, and a portion of the festival’s proceeds will be donated directly to the organization.

“With the beautiful setting of Waterside, coupled with the great music and performers, The Food Bank of Manatee is grateful to be this year’s nonprofit partner of The Blues Festival,” said Maribeth Phillips, president and CEO of MOW PLUS. “The funds raised will enable us to provide our critical life-changing and lifesaving programs for those in need.”

For more information about the Lakewood Ranch Blues Festival, including ticket sales, lineup information, and sponsorship opportunities, please visit lakewoodranchbluesfestival.com.