The annual Maine Blues Festival will be held in Naples and is always on Father’s Day weekend.
While the 2014 Festival is still being planned, there are usually about 40 live acts and bands performing at 12 or so venues. The 2014 festival will run from Friday, June 13, through Sunday, June 15. Come for one day or for all three.
You will need to buy a ticket which can be purchased online here: http://mainebluesfestival.tix.com/.
There is a “Cruise-in” on Saturday at Naples Town Beach, so bring your antique or classic cars and show off a bit. The Cruise-in is from noon to 6 p.m. and everyone in your car can get a MBF ticket for the reduced price of $10. There is also going to be a guitar raffle — but not just any guitar — this one is a cigar box guitar.
Yes, you read that right. It’s made by artisan Jim Savage from a Federal Cigar box. To see how it was made, go to: www.mainebluesfestival.com/guitarraffle.cfm
So go for a few hours or a few days, but go.
You’ll love it, and so will dad.
For more information about festival events go to: www.mainebluesfestival.com
For more ideas while you are in Naples, read on.
Causeway Dairy Bar
894 Roosevelt Trail
Naples
561-0982
It’s right on the causeway and I can vouch for the wonderful ice cream they serve, but they also have sandwiches so stop in. If you’re there on Saturday between 2 and 4:30 p.m., you can enjoy listening to Dave Mello, a one man blues band. Mello will also perform from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Sandy’s on Long Lake.
Captain Jack’s
34 Naples Marina Lane
Naples
693-5225
www.facebook.com/CaptainJacksNaples
You can either drive your car or your boat to Captain Jack’s at the Naples Marina. Stop in there on Friday night between 6 and 9 p.m. and sit on the deck and listen to the blues sounds of The Pat Pepin Duo. To hear a sample of the music, go to: www.youtube.com/user/patipep
15 Kilton Drive
Naples
318-2387
Other than your feet, a bike is the easiest way to get around during the festival. Check out this shop, they have rentals and can fill all your biking needs.
Maine Antique Bottle and Glass Museum
23 Naples Green
Naples
939-0205
Walt Bannon is the owner of this unusual shop showcasing antique bottles and glass and he can give you a tour of the shop and tell you the story of most of the pieces he has. And, on Saturday from noon to 7 p.m., there will be various blues artists performing on the Village Green just outside the shop. There will also be vendors and children’s activities from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Route 302 “The Causeway”
841 Roosevelt Trail
Naples
693-6861
What could be better than live music while aboard this historic Mississippi River-style paddle wheeler? Blues cruises will be offered on Friday, from 7 to 9 p.m., featuring the Delta Knights, and on Saturday The Blues Hounds will be aboard from noon to 2 p.m.; Mark Miller & Friends from 3 to 5 p.m.; and Denny Breau from 6 to 8 p.m.
Cruises will continue Sunday, with the Bellamy Jazz Band performing from noon to 2 p.m. and Downeast Soul Coalition from 3 to 5 p.m.
And, performing dockside from 9:30 to 11:30 p.m. on Friday, will be the Ann Marie Smith Blues Band, and from 9 p.m. to close on Saturday, the Blue Willow Band.
For ticket information, go to: www.songoriverqueen.net/blues
327 Roosevelt Trail
Naples
693-1002
There won’t be any blues artists performing here, but you will find award-winning lobster sandwiches and other great food to satisfy your hunger. So, stop off here on your way to or from the festival and see what’s cookin’.
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