Southwest Florida Blues Festival
To the editor:
“If You Missed It, You Missed It!”
Was the quote from Wayne Reed after this year’s Eleventh Annual Southwest Florida Blues Festival. Similar responses came from attendees indicating that this was the best blues festival yet. As usual the Mariners receive high marks on how well their events are presented. Beth McKee, one of this year’s featured artists said, “This is one of the best blues festivals I have performed at. It was run like a well-oiled machine. You guys definitely have it down.” We must confess, we owe a lot of credit to our sister organization, the Matlacha Hookers, for the invaluable support they provide each year.
Even though we have a good handle on how to produce a successful event, we couldn’t do it without everyone’s support. Believe it or not, it takes roughly 100 (+-) volunteers along with the support of area businesses, it takes a combination of things coming together to make it all possible. If you were one of the lucky ones who attended this year’s event, do the Mariners a big favor and thank those who helped make this year’s festival another one to remember. If you’re wondering who it is you should thank; its people like our sponsors, The Matlacha Hookers, The Greater Pine Island Chamber of Commerce, Harley-Davidson Buell of Fort Myers, First Note Music in Cape Coral, Dan Cutting and North Trail RV in Fort Myers, Bert’s Bar and Grill in Matlacha, 94.5 The Arrow (classic rock) Fort Myers, 1410/1660 The Avenue (timeless cool) Naples and Suncoast Beverage “Budweiser” Fort Myers. Others you should thank, and given the opportunity patronize, are the local businesses who advertised in the annual Blues Guide publication; Bert’s Bar and Grill, The Perfect Cup, Anglers Inn, Wild Child Gallery, Island Visions, Koucky (Koo’Ske) Gallery and Gardens, “Alondra” Sail Away In Paradise, TIB bank, St James Automotive, York Road Marine, Ragged Ass Saloon, Sutton and Associates Insurance Agency, “Pine Island Pam” (Pam Bieber) at Pine Island Realty, Carl’s Automotive Service, Kingfisher Aerial Sightseeing and Tarpon Lodge. We would like to send a huge thank you to Sun-Tech Electrical Contractors in Cape Coral, Cape Royal Country Club, Honch Construction and Demolition, Matteo Graphics, Bokeelia Trading Co., Pine Island Real Estate Guide, Fox 4 morning blend, WINK TV, The Pine Island Eagle, The Nautical Mile, Pine Island Visitors Guide, The News Press “Gulf Coasting”, The Breeze Newspapers, Happenings Magazine, Fort Myers Magazine, Gulf Coast Times magazine and many other publications and media outlets who helped make this event a success, Rainbow Records, of Cape Coral, Scissorhands Salon and Barbershop San Carlos Park, Buckingham Blues Bar (Buckingham FL.), WMNF 88.5 FM (Tampa), CityBiz.com Cape Coral, Valley Crest Landscape and Maintenance “Mgr. Scott Miller”, and Nanak’s Landscaping “Jim Fogle”. We would like to give a special thanks to our special guests, Megan Coite & Wade Thomas for performing our national anthem to open the festival and the Cape Coral High School “ROTC Color Guard” flag presentation during the national anthem. As always thanks to all of our food vendors and specialty vendors for their participation. Last but not least, thanks to all of the dedicated volunteers who worked throughout the day for the benefit of others.
During the past year the Matlacha Mariners have presented awards to local charities, groups, organizations and individuals totaling more than $25,000 and after the Blues festival it looks like they are poised to make a few more donations later this month. We look forward to seeing you at future Mariner Events. To see what’s on the calendar or to become a member, go to www.MatlachaMariners.org for details.
Thank You for Your Support,
The Matlacha Mariners