Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels to Headline Blues on the Green
The Island Arts Foundation is proud to announce the dates for the 2010 Blues Fest, where Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels have already been booked to headline the ten band, two day festival held on the greens of the Fort Myers Beach Golf Course, May 1st and 2nd.
Last year over 525 folks attended Blues on the Green and this year the event promoter, Carl Conley, expects that number to grow. When interviewed, his excitement could barely be contained.
“Our lineup this year will be superhot,” he said. “Mitch has some of the finest, hungriest Detroit musicians playing today with his band – they will be taking no prisoners!”
Tickets are twenty dollars for a single day and twenty-five for both days of the show. Food and drinks are available and attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets to stretch out on the grass in front of the stage. A limited number of VIP tables will also be available.
“We have a fantastic place to host a blues concert here at the Fort Myers Beach Golf Course”, said owner, Chip Durpo. “Where else can you see a concert this close to the Beach and sit on such lovely greens?”, he asked.
Last year all ten VIP tables sold out affording those patrons seating directly in front of the stage. “We're just releasing ticket and table sales this week since we just got confirmation that Mitch Ryder and his band have bought their plane tickets,” said Karen Mills, IAF Board member and artist coordinator.
The event is produced and promoted by the Island Arts Foundation. Sponsors include FishTale Marina, Gavin's ACE Hardware, Quenzel & Associates, Thomas Coyne, Covanta Energy, the Island Sand Paper, Red Coconut RV Resort and the Town of Fort Myers Beach.
Ryder and his band, The Detroit Wheels have sold millions of records and their classic hits, Devil With the Blue Dress On and Good Golly Miss Molly represent core American rock and roll revered the world over. Ryder is also a big fan of the blues and says “he's looking forwardto playing at Blues on the Green.”
To get everybody in the mood for blues, the IAF will be hosting a kick-off party on Sunday, April 11th featuring 18 time Grammy Nominee Gene “King Sax” Walker. The event will be held at the Purple Heart Theater at 2915 Estero Boulevard, Fort Myers Beach from 4pm to 7pm.
“Having King Sax here is always a gas”, exclaimed stand up bassist, Vince Evans, a fifty- five year veteran of the stage who coincidentally hails from Walker's hometown of Columbus, Ohio, “I remember Gene in the hayday of Columbus music in a Town that has produced some awesome musicians including Nancy Wilson and Rahsaan Roland Kirk.
Walker, who has played with a who's who list of notables including the Beatles, Neil Diamond, Aretha Franklin, The Isley Brothers, Sam Cooke and Jackie Wilson, says he's “thrilled” to be back on the Beach. “The IAF has had me down several times and the Beach is like a second home to me, I have some real nice fans on the Island and always look forward to entertaining at the Purple Heart Theater. Since it has been completed its an incredible facility. It's almost like the best kept secret in Southwest Florida. Carl and his crew bring in some super talent. You just never know who or what you'll see there.”
Tickets for the event are limited and first choice goes to members - who often take most of the 110 seats that are being offered for the kick-off. “We were sold out for Gary Pucket, the Christmas Concert and the recent ‘Honeyboy' Edwards show, so I urge everyone to get their ticket soon”, said Mills.
To make sure you see both shows, call 765-6988 or go to www.islandartsfoundation.org where reservations can be made online via Pay Pal or credit card for either General Admission or one of the limited VIP tables. Those interested can also join the more than 200 members currently on the IAF rolls supporting the performing arts on Fort Myers Beach.