Aiming to draw music fans from beyond the borders of Manatee County, the DeSoto Seafood Fest is bringing Uncle Kracker, a national star with broad appeal, to perform Saturday at the annual event taking place Friday through Sunday in downtown Bradenton.
The singer of the smooth-rock smash “Smile” who has famously collaborated with rap-rocker Kid Rock and country crooner Kenny Chesney, will perform on the main stage within view of the brilliantly renovated Bradenton Riverwalk that opened in October.
“He can reach more people,” said Gary Kortzendorf, Seafood Fest chairman, of his headliner. “There’s a lot of people that come to seafood festival, but maybe we can pull some people who have never been before because of Uncle Kracker; get more Sarasota people to check out downtown Bradenton and especially see the new Riverwalk."
In addition to booking the most famous music act in seafood history, organizers are charging admission for the first time. But the price shouldn’t deter many.
Children age 12 and younger are free. Everybody else will have to pay $2. That is $15 less than concertgoers handed over at the door to see Uncle Kracker perform last year at a packed Joyland in Bradenton.
Plus, part of that $2, according to Kortzendorf, will go to Manasota Operation Troop Support and Feeding Empty Little Tummies.
“I don’t think people will have a problem paying $2 knowing a portion is going to charities,” Kortzendorf said. “I think it’s very fair. I mean, where else can you get this kind of entertainment for $2?”
Seafood Fest entertainment schedule
Friday, April 5
Main Stage West Stage
5:30 Kettle of Fish The Dweebs
8:00 Highway to Hell AC/DC Tribute* Boss Hawg
Saturday, April 6
Main Stage West Stage
11am Soul R Coaster Shotgun Justice
1:30 Gladezmen Renegade
4:00 The Dweebs Kettle of Fish
6:30 Big Daddy Whiskey Blind
8:30 Uncle Kracker Wicked Jester
Sunday April 7
Main Stage West Stage
11am Steve Arvey Del Couch Foundation Kids
1:30 The Dweebs Gladezmen
4:00 The Boneshakers Big Daddy
*Highway to Hell AC/DC Tribute is also performing Sunday at Giving Hunger the Blues in Sarasota