Janiva Magness headlines Bradenton Blues Festival

For the fourth time in its four-year history, the Bradenton Blues Festival for 2015 will feature a woman headliner. Janiva Magness, the great blues and soul singer, tops a lineup that's heavy and blues talent and features a several top-tier blues women.

The festival is slated for Dec. 5 on the Bradenton Riverwalk. Officials of Realize Bradenton, which organizes the festival, announced the lineup on Wednesday. The Blues Foundation named Magness the B.B. King Entertainer of the Year in 2009. Koko Taylor had been the only woman to win that honor.

Other acts scheduled to appear are Rick Estrin and the Nightcats, Joanna Connor, Mike Zito and The Wheel, Larry Garner, Super Chikan and the Fighting Cocks, Girls with Guitars and In Layman Terms.

For tickets and information, go to brandetonbluesfestival.org

-- Marty Clear

This story was originally published March 18, 2015 at 4:02 PM with the headline "Janiva Magness headlines Bradenton Blues Festival ."