TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Suncoast Pinellas News

Big Turnout Expected for Dunedin Wines the Blues

ADVERTISEMENT

By Mark  Schantz | The Suncoast News

Published: November 8, 2008

DUNEDIN - More than 30,000 revelers from around the Suncoast are expected at the biggest street party kick-off for the winter season, Dunedin Wines the Blues, next weekend.

The 18th edition of the festival, which increases in attendance each year, begins at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 8, in downtown Dunedin along Main Street and plays on into the night.

"With the tough economy, everyone is in the same boat, people want to get out to a place they can afford, relax and forget their troubles," said Michael Bryant, committee chairman.

Wines the Blues prides itself on always being an affordable event because it is designed to promote the downtown not to make a lot of money, Bryant said. Admission and all the music is free. Wine tasting is only from $5 and $6 a glass, he said.

The Dunedin Downtown Merchants Association, with help from the city, its cadre of volunteers and its Community Redevelopment Agency, created Wines the Blues.

Everyone pitches in to help, Bryant said. For example, the group New World Celts will serve as gatekeepers for the event, spotlighting the city's Scottish heritage to event goers, he said.

"The poor economy doesn't stop people from partying," said Kandi Bryant, an event committee member and co-owner with husband Michael of Dunedin Brewery.

Wines the Blues combines several free live music concerts with samplings of great fine wines from two dozen vineyards from all over the world.

This year award-winning wines - six white and eight reds - will be available at reasonable prices under three big tents, she said.

Among this year's selections is a Wakefield white wine, Unoaked Chardonnay, which won a gold medal at the International Wine and Spirits Competition.

Dunedin Wines the Blues attracts a more laid-back, mellow crowd than Downtown Merchant's other signature event, Mardi Gras in February, Kandi Bryant said.

This event attracts people who enjoy the blues and fine wine, she said.

This year's musical headliner, who will perform on stage in Pioneer Park, is Michael "Iron Man" Burks, a contemporary Chicago bluesman, who earned his nickname as a result of intense electric guitar performances.

Other performers scheduled to appear are local blues artists Julie "Angle For Blues" Black, heralded as one of the new dynamic blues singer-songwriters, and bluesman Jimmy Griswold.

Additional live music, including some rock-oriented performances, will take place throughout downtown; at Dunedin Brewery, La Maison Restaurant, Chica-Boom Room and Bellini's.

Along with downtown taverns and eateries serving up drink and food specials, Wines the Blues will feature its own food court with 15 different vendors and 30 craft and novelty vendors lining Main Street.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT