20th Annual Giving Hunger The Blues In Sarasota
Giving Hunger The Blues is 20 years old! Starting out at the 5 O’Clock Club in 1996 to moving out onto Hillview Street over the years. Headliners such as AC/DC’s Brian Johnson, Rick Derringer and Allman Brother guitarist Dan Toler among others have all played GHTB. One of the highlight’s of the festival is Fogt’s Music All-Stars, a potpourri of the area’s top notch musicians who kicked off this year’s fest!
This year the beloved festival took over the grounds of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Center on the scenic Sarasota Bay. There were bouncy houses for the kids along with the Kid Stage for the young performers. Over a dozen tents of great food, drink and art. Free parking at Van Wezel is convenient.
Two stages for the star of the show- the music! Acts included Twinkle and Rock Soul Radio, Ari & the Alibis, Florida Blues Brothers, Jah Movement, RJ Howson, Gumbo Boogie, Reverend Barry and Funktastic Soul. There was something for everyone as rock, soul and of course the blues were all represented.
The proceeds benefit the Mayor’s Feed the Hungry Program and The Women’s Resource Center of Sarasota. Hope the weather for the 21st annual next year is as great as this year!
photos by Vicky Sullivan, Rock The Lens Photography