The Southwest Florida Blues Festival (SWFBF) is one of the best kept secrets in all of Southwest Florida, gaining recognition from many people around the country as one of Florida’s premier Blues Festivals. Over the past few months this “laid back” festival has fans inquiring about this year’s lineup.

Continually more and more musicians are requesting to perform at the Southwest Florida Blues Festival, not only local and regional talent, but national and international touring artists as well. Everyone is amazed with the quality of talent we bring to the stage each year with overwhelming praise on how professionally the event is presented. This year’s lineup is no exception and the Mariners are very excited because they will be presenting Seven Great Bands for your listening enjoyment.

Slated for the November 21st 2009 SWFBF are nationally known touring artists, Moreland and Arbuckle. “Guitar Edge” magazine named guitarist Aaron Moreland as one of 10 blues legends in the making. “Blues Revue” magazine states that Moreland and Arbuckle’s music is Grade-A Mississippi Blues.

Appearing onstage will be blues music award nominee, Robin Rogers who was nominated for Best Female Blues Artist in 2009. In 2007, Robin’s song “Colorblind Angel” finished second in the International Songwriter’s Competition.

You’ll also have the pleasure of seeing Motor City Josh and the Big 3. Josh’s musical talents have been likened to those of Albert King, Dr. John, and Chris Cain.
BluesCritic.com says his work “is at least better than half of the stuff you'll hear any day on Alligator, Blind Pig et al. Visit motorcityjosh.com and tell me I'm wrong.”
Josh’s new CD “44” is a tribute to Howlin’ Wolf and it’s nothing short of amazing.

Recent Grammy award nominee and young guitar slinger Shane Dwight is guaranteed to have people on their feet asking for more. "Shane Dwight has been compared to George Thorogood; both are hard-charging blues rockers who put plenty of blood, toil, and sweat into their performances, and while Dwight's a better singer and songwriter, his guitar playing is also more subtle, more dynamic, and draws on more varied sources. ...it's best to just let Shane and the boys play until they are done, and to simply hang on and enjoy the ride!" 
- Rick Allen, Vintage Guitar Magazine.

Get ready for Larry Grisham and The Beat Daddys. Larry has a new band which boasts a total of seven Grammy nominations! “ A Smokin' four piece band,singer, harp player Larry Grisham, originally from Indiana, has got a great sound! Don't take my word for it - check these guys out for yourself! Our Blues Breaker Hit of the Week!" - Elwood Blues (Dan Aykroyd)  HOUSE OF BLUES Radio Show.
Mitch Ryder of Spin Magazine says, "their music feels like Johnny Winter and Carl Perkins meet Bob Seger and Mitch Ryder". "Great in your face, southern rockin' blues" - Jef Funk, 96.1 Mobile, AL.
You’ll also get the very special show from saxophone player Terry Hanck with his East Coast band JP Soars and The RedHots. Terry Hanck is a classic case of “paying one’s dues” before fame comes calling. After 30-odd years of playing alongside more celebrated blues artists like Elvin Bishop, Etta James, Albert Collins, Bonnie Raitt, Steve Miller, Robert Cray, Charlie Musselwhite, and a host of other big-name performers, it’s high time for Mr. Hanck to come into his own! Terry was also a 2009 Blues Music Award Nominee for Best Blues Instrumentalist, horn category. "A fabulous entertainer, my favorite saxophone player." ~ Elvin Bishop.

As an added treat, JP Soars and The RedHots will be performing as Terry Hanck’s East Coast band. Soars won the Albert King Blues Guitar award, confirming that this young kid from Arkansas, who may not have started out as a blues player, has surely found his place in the blues world. The band has also proven their popularity. It wasn't just in Florida when they took home top honors winning the 2009 International Blues Challenge; a trio of talented musicians where each one brings something special to the band and a band definitely worth checking out!!!
Everyone gets excited when we announce Deb & The Dynamics will be on stage. Still the premier band to see in Southwest Florida, Deb & The Dynamics continue to bring their frenetic live shows to music lovers everywhere. The band is currently planning a new live CD and may use some of their performance from the festival for the project. As always you can expect to hear plenty of blues and soul combined with a level energy that needs to be witnessed to be believed. Deb & The Dynamics continue to live up to their title of the hardest working band in Southwest Florida. In a recent interview with the News Press keyboardist, Russell described a Deb & The Dynamics show as “a revival without the religion”.

Saturday November 21st. will be a day of music you will not want to miss, so mark your calendars and plan to attend the 10th Annual Southwest Florida Blues Festival. This event will take place at the German American Social Club located at, 2101 SW Pine Island Road, Cape Coral Florida 33991 (a.k.a. State route 78). This is an outdoor venue. Blankets chairs and sunscreen are encouraged. No coolers, carry in beverages or pets, please. This is a Matlacha Mariner nonprofit fundraiser which supports music education, youth groups, senior citizen support networks and other local charities. Admission is a $10.00 advance donation for adults or just $15.00 at the gate. Children 11 and under are free with paid adult. The Mariners have ensured there will be plenty of ice cold beverages, lots of great food, and a variety of art and craft vendors. The Mariners will also be raffling off to give away at the event, two different kayaks and a 46 inch big screen TV. During the festival the Mariners will also have tickets available for a chance to win a 2010 Harley Davidson Softail Deluxe motorcycle. Each ticket requires a $20.00 donation and there are only 1,500 tickets available. The Matlacha Mariners invite you to come out and enjoy a fantastic day of music, food and fun during the 10th Annual Southwest Florida Blues Festival. It all takes place on Saturday November 21st. 2009. Gates open at 11:00 AM, with music from 11:30 AM to 9:00 PM.