Palmetto, FL – The first-ever Palmetto Blues Festival set the stage for what promises to be a must-attend annual tradition, bringing two days of electrifying performances, soulful melodies, and a community united by the power of music. The festival, held on March 21-22 2025, drew an enthusiastic crowd, all eager to experience the heart and soul of blues music in an unforgettable setting.

At the heart of the festival are the performances from a fantastic lineup of talented artists. Annika Chambers, a powerhouse blues singer known for her powerful voice and emotional delivery, co-headlined the event with Paul Deslauriers, a gifted guitarist and blues musician whose skillful playing and stage presence have earned him widespread acclaim. The festival also featured Trey Wanvig as the headliner, a renowned performer whose mastery of the blues genre and electrifying live shows make him a standout in the music scene. His commanding performance undoubtedly left audiences captivated and craving more.

Friday’s performances set the tone for an incredible weekend with the Memphis Rub Band bringing high-energy blues, rock, and soul to the stage. The night continued with The Petty Experience, a tribute to Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, which had the crowd singing along to classic hits and reliving the magic of Petty’s legendary music.

Saturday kept the momentum going with stellar performances from the Charlie Morris Band and Doug Deming, whose masterful blues guitar and authentic energy left the audience in awe. 

One fan remarked, "Doug Deming absolutely blew me away with his performance! The passion and skill he brings to the stage is unmatched." 

The evening reached its peak with co-headliners Annika Chambers & Paul Deslauriers delivering a powerhouse set, followed by headliner Trey Wanvig, whose electrifying performance was the perfect finale to an unforgettable festival.

Beyond the music, the festival grounds buzzed with vibrant local vendors, delicious Southern cuisine, and interactive experiences that brought fans closer to the essence of the blues. Attendees raved about the immersive atmosphere, marking the Palmetto Blues Festival as a standout event in the region’s cultural calendar.

The Palmetto Blues Festival was held at The Yard, Bradenton’s newest amphitheater at Palmetto Marriott, which has quickly become a premier venue for live music and entertainment. With a capacity of up to 5,500 people, The Yard is set to host numerous upcoming festivals and events, solidifying its place as a central hub for arts and culture in the region.

In addition to exciting developments at The Yard, Bradenton is also making waves in the creative industry with the near completion of a brand-new recording and podcasting studio inside the Palmetto Marriott. This cutting-edge facility will be the first of its kind in Bradenton, offering artists and content creators an innovative space to produce high-quality recordings in a professional environment.

"We couldn’t have asked for a better turnout and response for our inaugural year," said Cayla Miraglia, Marketing Manager. "The passion from both the artists and the audience was truly something special, and we’re already looking forward to making next year’s festival even bigger and better."

With such a successful debut, the Palmetto Blues Festival has solidified itself as a new cornerstone event for blues lovers everywhere. Organizers have already begun planning for next year, ensuring that the festival continues to grow as a premier destination for music, culture, and community.

For more information on future events and updates, visit https://event.marriott.com/srqpm-palmetto-marriott-resort-and-spa/events

For media inquiries and interest in attending future events at The Yard at Palmetto Marriott , contact Cayla Miraglia, Cayla.Miraglia@Marriott.com

All photo credit goes to Wendy Dewhurst, please contact wsdewhurst@gmail.com for any photo inquires.