Every year since 1995, Vinoy Park in St. Petersburg, Florida has been the place to see some of the biggest names in blues music showcase their talents.

This year, the Tampa Bay Blues Festival takes place April 13-15. Blues enthusiasts from all over the world come to enjoy the beautiful scenic views Florida has to offer, and to gather with family. Of course, there's also the music!

Steve Lineweaver has been attending the Tampa Bay Blues Festival for seven years and is very excited for this year’s event.

“I am solo with my brother this year, who lives locally in Tampa," Lineweaver said. "We all love music, especially the blues, and it is simply a great time to spend with my brothers for a long weekend. It also brings my other siblings and mom great pride and pleasure knowing we all want to get together and be in each other's company, and make the efforts to do so.

"Heck, last year I flew into Baltimore from Scotland on Thursday and was down here Friday morning for the start of the fest!”

According to the Tampa Bay Blues Festival’s official website: “Tampa Bay Blues Festival has established itself as one of the world's preeminent blues concerts, having presented over 250 of the world's greatest live blues musical performers. Over the years our stage has welcomed legends such as Buddy Guy, George Thorogood, Taj Mahal, Robert Cray, Delbert McClinton, Little Feat, Jonny Lang, Los Lobos, Jerry Lee Lewis, Koko Taylor, Jimmie Vaughan, Irma Thomas, Susan Tedeschi, and others, in what has truly become a magnificent celebration of music!”

"My favorite memory is finally being able to see Koko Taylor the last time she was here," Lineweaver said. "We also saw her 18 months later in Wilmington, Delaware shortly before she passed away.”

For those who enjoy the luxuries of VIP seating, they offer a special VIP Package with “front” stage seating, a large VIP tent with free food, beer, soda, and, of course, access to the beautiful views of Tampa Bay. Those with general admission still get to enjoy tasty food, including barbeque, Cuban cuisine and other amazing culinary experiences.

Participating vendors will include arts, crafts, premium beer, wine and more. Proceeds from the blues festival will benefit the Pinellas Association for Retarded Children. Online ticket sales have ended, but you can still purchase your tickets at the gate on the day of show, cash only.

For more information on the Tampa Bay Blues Festival, visit www.tampabaybluesfest.com/