Christone ‘Kingfish’ Ingram at at Gasparilla Music Festival in Tampa, Florida on Feb. 18, 2024. Credit: Photo by Daryl Bowen c/o Gasparilla Music Festival

There’s still no sign of a new date or lineup for the next Gasparilla Music Festival, so when Christone “Kingfish” Ingram (who played a killer, rainy set at Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park last February) headlines opening night of this year’s 30th anniversary installment of Tampa Bay Blues Festival, it may bring back memories to last year’s swampy festival.

Also on the bill this weekend is dreadlock-rocking Aussie teen Taj Farrant, Walter Trout—a former member of John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers—and of course, Selwyn Birchwood, without whom the festival would feel empty.

This intimate Thursday party and show with Ronnie Baker Brooks & North Mississippi Allstars at Palladium Theater kicks off the next three days of blues players from around the country taking over the downtown St. Pete waterfront.

Other artists coming to Vinoy Park from Friday-Sunday, April 11-13 include JJ Grey & Mofro, Tab Benoit,, Ana Popovic, and more.

Tickets to various Tampa Bay Blues Festival 2025 pre-shows and events are still available and start at $45.