Musicians and music-lovers convene at the Bradenton Riverwalk this Saturday for the third annual Bradenton Blues Festival. The event features eight headlining acts, including singer and blues pianist Marcia Ball, whose deft melding of high-energy performance and passionate ballads has earned acclaim across the country. With special offerings from nine area restaurants, it’s a day of celebration both for the blues and Bradenton.

“Not only is the blues an international language, but music and art drives quality of life and economic development,” said Johnette Isham, executive director of Realize Bradenton, a non-profit dedicated to furthering the growth of Bradenton and the organization behind the festival. “The Bradenton Blues Festival is part of a larger strategy that builds vitality and economic development in downtown Bradenton.”

The festival opens at 10am and the music begins at 11am with the versatile Doug Deming and the Jewel Tones, who, along with guest harmonica player Dennis Gruenling, bring a little bit of everything from traditional blues to Texas Swing and roots music. Followed up by a double-header from blues vocalist and guitarist EG Kight, “The Georgia Songbird,” and up-and-coming rumbler Samantha Fish, melding modern blues and a grungy flair.

The internationally acclaimed lineup for the remainder of the day includes Jimmy Thackery and the Drivers, Lil’ Ed and The Blues Imperials, Billy Branch and The Sons of Blues. Dave Muskett, finger-picking bluesman extraordinaire, rounds out the experience with his between-acts sets.

Not to be outshone, Bradenton’s restaurateurs and chefs have stepped up to the plate with a varied selection of menu items available for hungry festival-goers. Ortygia brings the Italian flavor while Yachtsea Grille serves up some Creole. SOMA Creekside chef Dave Shiplett and Cedar Reef Fish Camp’s Dean Donnelly showcase Florida cuisine alongside Fish-n-Chips from Anna Maria Oyster Bar, and Hickory Hollow and S.O.B. Burgers rock some fine American barbecue and burgers.

Pop Craft will be supplying the desserts and a draught from Darwin Brewing Company can wash it all down.

Bringing visitors this year from at least five foreign countries, 35 states and 180 Florida zipcodes, the Bradenton Blues Festival has become an international presence. Live-streams of last year’s festival reached 31 foreign countries, including Germany, the UK, Russia, Vietnam and Norway.

“I’ve got a vested interest in making Bradenton the best riverfront community in the world,” said Isham. “In the four years since Realize Bradenton was founded, we found a niche in doing high-quality musical events. We definitely see an appetite and we’re strategically positioned between the Tampa Bay area and Sarasota County.”

The Bradenton Blues Festival is Dec. 5 at the Bradenton Riverwalk from 10am-8pm. Tickets are $30 in advance and $40 at the gates. Student and child discounts available.

The only paid event of the over 70 that Realize Bradenton produces each year, proceeds go towards the non-profit’s free youth, art and music outreach programs.