Pickin' Picnic rocks out on Bradenton's Riverwalk

BRADENTON -- The cool breeze flowed off the Manatee River as many enjoyed the live music, food, drinks and art Saturday.

Hundreds came out to enjoy Realize Bradenton's fifth annual Pickin' Picnic on the Bradenton Riverwalk with a lineup of bands and food trucks to enjoy.

Eight-year-old Sanjuanita Gonzalez and her mother, Juana Perez, 35, were out for a jog on the Riverwalk when they stumbled upon the event, knowing right away it had to be some sort of concert. They were not disappointed as they sat on a bench in their workout clothes swaying to the music.

"I like the songs because he knows how to hit the high notes," Sanjuanita said with enthusiasm.

Her mother added in Spanish, "She wants to go dance up there."

Perez was happy to see something lively going on, she said.

"There were lots of people walking by so we knew there was something cool going on," her daughter said.

Joe Kozyra, 64, was sitting alone in his chair enjoying every minute.

"I love it," Kozyra said. "It's much better than living in Sarasota. There's so much going on downtown."

For him, it was great to just sit outside and enjoy the balmy weather, listening to the live music and

choosing from the selection of vendors.

"It's free," he said. "You can't beat it."

Realize Bradenton Executive Director Johnette Isham said she was amazed by the turnout, the performances and the weather. The event, while geared toward the millennial generation, attracts everyone from age 8 to 80, she added.

"It's all about live music, food and art," Isham said. "And that's what makes Bradenton truly a great place to work, live and play."

Isham reiterated, as she had told the crowd on stage, that corporate sponsor sponsorships allow Realize Bradenton to put on more than 70 free events each year.

"These 16 corporations and the city of Bradenton make it possible to build quality of life," she said. "Quality of life builds economic development."

Longtime Bradenton resident Terrie Hodges sat on a bench as she enjoyed Dropin Pickup's performance.

"We came out to see Dropin Pickup and the headliners and sisters Good Graef," Hodges said. "We are big fans of music. Earlier, we were out at Food and Wine on the Pine."

She said the music was wonderful.

"They are such a charismatic band, very unbelievable band," Hodges said.

And her "granddog" Tank also liked the music, she added.

Jessica De Leon, Herald law enforcement reporter, can be reached at 941-745-7049. You can follow her on Twitter @JDeLeon1012.

This story was originally published May 7, 2016 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Pickin' Picnic rocks out on Bradenton's Riverwalk ."