Displaying items by tag: Ray Charles

GOT BLUES?

Clearwater, FL (Feb. 2009) - Since 2006, seafood and blues music fans have been drawn to Coachman Park by the annual Knology Sea Blues Festival. The festival is the perfect way to spend a weekend, chilling on the grass, indulging in seafood and listening to some of the best blues acts around.

This year’s four-day extravaganza kicked off on Cleveland Street with blues fans braving the “cold weather” to enjoy a performance from Tampa local Julie Black, and a debut of her new song “Ever Since” off of her second album due out in April. Julie recently displayed her phenomenal voice at Clearwater’s Pangea Café. “It was a warm environment and neat café,” she said, and also mentioned how nice the owners are. 

Friday night Malcolm & the House Rockers took the stage, followed by Southside Johnny & The Ashbury Jukes. Fans danced in the park and enjoyed grouper sandwiches, a “sea in a sack” and even fried alligator. Saturday night featured John Nemeth, Lil’ Ed & The Blues Imperials and Jonny Lang. Sunday night finished up the extravaganza with performances from Kenny Neal, Marcia Cross and Elvin Bishop. 

Bryan Morris, the drummer for Elvin Bishop, loves getting to play at festivals like this. “Oh man. It’s the best”, he said. “When you get out there and see all the fans, that’s what makes you feel good.” But of course, the blues is in his blood. His father was a blues musician who played for Ray Charles.