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. 

Acclaimed journalist and political satirist PJ O’Rourke swung by Michael’s On East yesterday for a luncheon and presentation with the Sarasota Tiger Bay Club. Local dignitaries in attendance included Sarasota Mayor Willie Shaw, Vice-Mayor Susan Chapman and County Commissioners Carolyn Mason and Alan Maio.

It was near an hour of O’Rourke at the top of his game, simultaneously irreverent and thoughtful, weaving humor and blunt observation into a scathing look at American politics. Though largely focused on issues of economics and government dysfunction, O’Rourke had plenty to say on a variety of topics. Here are some of the highlights.

On the Sarasota Tiger Bay Club: “I’m very pleased to be speaking to a nonpartisan political group. I didn’t even know such a thing existed in this day and age.”

On 2016 Democratic Presidential Candidates: “[Hillary Clinton] retains her iron grip on 2nd place.”

Other potential nominees skewered by O’Rourke included Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren, Vice President Joe Biden, former Vice President Al Gore and former US Secretary for Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius.

On 2016 Republican Presidential Candidates: O’Rourke pre-emptively credited New Jersey Governor Chris Christie with the best bumper sticker of the campaign reading “Sit Down and Shut Up.” Said O’Rourke, “It’s how all important family conversations begin in the rest of America.”

Other Republican candidates included Kentucky Senator Rand Paul, Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal and former Florida Governor Jeb Bush.

On Congressional gridlock: “The two most frightening words in Washington are ‘Bi-partisan Consensus.’ It’s like my doctor and my lawyer agreeing with my wife that I need help.”

On Democrats and Republicans: “All politicians, Democrat and Republican, want government to fix all of our problems, from curing cancer to getting the Kardashians off TV. I vote Republican because they have fewer ideas.”

On the uselessness of committees: “We have all been on a committee. We know what happens to a person when the become a committee member – Committee Brain. A camel is a seeing-eye dog designed by committee.”

On Gonzo journalist Dr. Hunter S. Thompson: “He was the last of the great beat poets. Maybe the first of the great beat poets.”

On his career: “I make fun of politics for a living, but after 44 years of covering politics I realize I’m enjoying myself about as much as a grizzly bear getting a bikini wax. I hate politics.” 

Fashion is having a mod moment and the fervor of the '60s is swinging through Sarasota in short and sexy color-blocked numbers, graphic prints and shades that pop. Go bold or go home, mixing abstract pieces that radiate the novel art of the decade. Take a monochromatic magic carper ride back to the era, incorporating high-contrast elements into everything from pointed pumps to rollerball pens.

Check out a variety of mod treasures in the region, including these glasses from Influence Style, in the new On Trend section of SRQ Magazine. 

SRQ

Having recently completed a major move to new corporate headquarters and a manufacturing facility located on McIntosh Road in Sarasota earlier this summer, Mullet’s Aluminum Products was presented the prestigious Aluminum Association of Florida’s 2014 Award of Excellence for the Canopies, Walkway Covers and Carports category at the organization's State Board Meeting. Mullet’s Aluminum was contracted by Skanska USA, currently ranked as the 7th largest contractor in the US, for fabrication and installation of aluminum-clad canopies at the south and west entries at the new Sarasota Memorial Hospital Courtyard Tower.  

Mullet Aluminum

Odato Marketing Group announced the appointment of Scott Merriman as creative director for its Tampa Bay- and Pittsburgh-based team. A Pittsburgh native, Merriman is well known in his hometown, having served in two of that city’s respected boutique agencies as creative and digital director and as a senior graphic/web designer. His extensive experience includes creative work for brands such as GNC, rue21, McCain Foods, Rich Products, Bing, Microsoft, Highmark, PPG and Eaton. 

Odato Marketing

ROBRADY announced the addition of J. Colin Leonard as director of manufacturing operations. Leonard brings 15 years experience working at the Crane Co. in divisions ranging from Aerospace, Engineered Materials, Controls, Fluid Handling, and Merchandising Systems divisions. A Six Sigma Lean Black Belt and professional member of the Industrial Designers Society of America, Leonard has a degree in business management as well as a graduate degree in global sustainability focusing on water resources. 

ROBRADY Design