Albert Castiglia / COURTESY PHOTO
Suncoast Blues Festival debuted last year as a single day event and returns this week to the Sarasota Fairgrounds with Friday evening performances prior to the Saturday lineup. While no one has quite the same name recognition as last year’s headliner, Grammy-nominated octogenarian Bobby Rush, the acts are solid throughout with a roster of national talent ranging from up-and-comers such as Markey Blue and Brandon Santini to established stars like Anthony Gomes and Albert Castiglia who are both still in their 40s. Kettle of Fish will represent the local scene with a performance at the festival Saturday followed by an official after-party gig at the Five O’Clock Club.
FRIDAY LINEUP
6 p.m. JP Soars & The Red Hots
A former metal musician, Boca-Raton-based singer and guitarist Soars plays eclectic blues featuring an exciting, rock edge with his latest album “Full Moon Night in Memphis” also incorporating some Latin-flavored jazz.
7:15 p.m. Andy T-Nick Nixon Band
Andy “T” Talamantez and James “Nick” Nixon are a blues duo from Nashville responsible for the horn-laced booze anthem “Drink, Drank, Drunk,” which is the title track on their 2013 debut disc. The duo’s latest album, “Numbers Man,” came out on Blind Pig and contains swinging fun such as “Devil’s Wife.”
8:30 p.m. Anthony Gomes
Gomes emerged from his native Canada in the late 1990s and soon established himself as one of the better blues/rock guitarists and singers of his generation. For proof, check out his song “Love Sweet Love,” which has been played well over a million times just on Spotify. As for complete albums, Gomes’ debut “Blues in Technicolor” is a fine place to start.
Anthony Gomes / COURTESY PHOTO
SATURDAY LINEUP
12 p.m. Kettle of Fish
Sure, you’ve seen local favorite Kettle of Fish on the bar scene playing classic rock deep tracks but expect an exciting set of originals and vintage blues in this festival setting.
1:15 p.m. Markey Blue
Nashville-based Markey Blue’s recent debut album “Hey Hey” finds the front woman placing her sultry vocals over tightly crafted soul and R&B with help from co-bandleader and guitarist Ric Latina.
2:30 p.m. Sean Chambers Band
Fort Myers-based singer and guitar slinger Chambers has won over an international following with his distinctive mix of rock, blues and a bit of country. He fronts a power trio that includes Sarasota’s own Todd Cook on bass and backing vocals.
4 p.m. Brandon Santini
Memphis vocalist and harmonica player represents a fresh wave of young blues artists rooted in the music of the greats that came before them. In Santini’s case, he’s following in the footsteps of James Cotton, Kim Wilson and Charlie Musselwhite. For evidence of Santini and his band’s on-stage prowess, listen to his recent album “Live and Extended.”
5:30 p.m. Howard & The White Boys
A favorite of the Chicago blues scene beginning in the 1990s, Howard & The White Boys enjoyed national exposure as an opening act on a Buddy Guy tour across the country and have grown their fan base ever since with festival and club dates and releases such as the energetic “Rosa’s Lounge,” recorded in the Windy City venue of the same name.
7 p.m. Albert Castiglia
Born in New York but raised in Miami, Castiglia can crush a blues or guitar solo with the best (check out his cover of “All Along the Watchtower") and he’s also an accomplished singer earning favorable Van Morrison comparisons. Castiglia first entered the national blues spotlight when the legendary Junior Wells hired him for his touring band in the 1990s. Since releasing his solo debut album “Burn” more than a decade ago his star power has continued to increase thanks, largely, to his explosive live shows.
10 p.m. Kettle of Fish
Dana Lawrence and the rest of the top-shelf musicians in Kettle of Fish return for the after party at the Five O’Clock Club.
SUNCOAST BLUES FESTIVAL
5-10 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday; Sarasota Fairgrounds, 3000 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota; $15 advance/$20 gate for Friday; $20 advance/$30 gate for Saturday; two-day passes are $30 advance/$40 gate; $60 reserved seating (only available as a two-day pass); there are also camping options. Info: 941-758-7585; suncoastbluesfestival.com
WADE TATANGELO is an entertainment writer/editor and can be reached by email. Follow him on Twitter at @wtatangelo or Facebook.com/wade.tatangelo
