BRADENTON -- Uncle Kracker, the Kid Rock protégé who became a rocker before he became a country star, will headline this year's De Soto Heritage Festival's Seafood Festival, officials announced Friday.

The seafood fest, the biggest and one of the most popular elements of the 10-day De Soto Heritage Festival, is slated for April 5-7, on the waterfront in downtown Bradenton between 10th and 12th streets west.

The seafood festival has always been free in the past, but not this year.

There's a $2 admission charge for everyone age 12 and older. Kids under 12 can still get in free.

Gary Kortzendorf, the chairman of this year's seafood festival, said some of the money from the admission price will be donated to two local charities: Manasota Operation Troop Support (MOTS), which provides a variety of services for military personnel, and Feeding Empty Little Tummies (FELT).

Uncle Kracker, who's known for such hits as "Follow Me," and "Drift Away," will perform at 8 p.m. April 6. But he's only the biggest name in a three-day lineup of acts that will perform on two stages throughout the festival.

Besides the live music acts, the festival also features all sorts of food -- not just seafood, but everything from barbecue to ice cream -- and a children's area with bounce houses and other activities.

For information, go to www.desotohq.com or call 941-747-1998.