The 20th Annual Pleasure Island Seafood, Blues & Jazz Festival, slated for Oct. 12-13, presents blues legend Buddy Guy, an American blues guitarist and singer credited with bridging the genres of blues and rock and roll.
The Grammy Award-winning artist’s most recent album “Rhythm & Blues” is an ambitious, guest star-laden double album that continues to receive rave reviews following its summer 2013 release, according to festival organizers.
With a career that spans more than 55 years, Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Buddy Guy is a critically acclaimed pioneer of the Chicago blues sound. Ranked 30th among Rolling Stone magazine’s list of the “100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time,” Guy’s music has influenced notable musicians such as Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page, Jimi Hendrix, Keith Richards, Jeff Beck, and Stevie Ray Vaughan.
Set against a scenic backdrop of the Cape Fear River, the relaxed riverfront setting is ideal for enjoying a weekend of great jazz, blues and seafood. It’s a world where the weather is warmer, the people are friendlier, the food is tastier, and the music is “blue-sier,” organizers said.
In addition to headliner Buddy Guy, the two-day Pleasure Island Seafood, Blues & Jazz Festival features 13 other musical acts, including national and regional blues bands such as: Wet Wille; The Slide Brothers; Randall Bramblett; Big Bump & the Stun Gunz; Justin Fox Trio; The Bobby Paltauf Experience; and Fatty Lumpkin and the Love Hog.
Jazz bands include: BLP’s Touch of Jazz; The FROG Project; Will McBride Group; Lee Venters & Vermillion Sands; Freeport; and Charlie & Rose Lucas.
A full performance schedule is available here.
While grooving to live music, attendees can also enjoy a wine tasting and savory seafood prepared by area restaurants. The Crafters Village will host arts and crafts vendors and the free Kidz Zone features Wilder West Magic Showdown, The Mr. Mark Show, face painting and more.
Two-day tickets are $40 in advance. If purchased at the gate Saturday-only tickets are $50; Sunday-only tickets are $15. Children 12 and under are admitted free of charge. Gates open at 11 a.m. and the music begins at 12:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Pets, coolers, videos/cameras and political materials are not permitted.
The Fort Fisher Air Force Recreation Area is located along Highway 421 South in Kure Beach.
Ticket locations
- The Silver Dollar, 3 Cape Fear Blvd., Carolina Beach
- Olde Salty, Carolina Beach Boardwalk
- Island Tackle & Hardware, 801 N. Lake Park Blvd., Carolina Beach
- Pleasure Island Chamber of Commerce, 1121 N. Lake Park Blvd., Carolina Beach
- Carolina Beach Furniture, 1021 N. Lake Park Blvd., Carolina Beach
- Bank of America, 123 Harper Ave., Carolina Beach
- Gravity Records, 612 Castle St., Wilmington
- Southern Sign, 5905 Carolina Beach Road, Suite 2, Wilmington
For more information or to purchase tickets, call 910-458-8434. Tickets are also available for purchase online through www.eventbrite.com and www.pleasureislandnc.org.
