BRADENTON BEACH – The three-day Coquina Beach Seafood & Music Festival kicked off Friday evening, Jan. 23, at the south end of Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach.
The festival was hosted and organized by Paragon Festivals.
Attending residents and visitors sampled fresh-cooked seafood from vendors serving shrimp, crab, lobster, oysters and other coastal favorites.
Live music filled the temporary festival grounds throughout the weekend, with a rotating lineup of bands performing beach-inspired grooves, classic rock, island rhythms, soulful jams and Cajun-influenced sounds.
Performing as Prodigal Sons, Dana Lawrence, Tom McNulty and Johnny Mac opened the festival Friday night, performing a mix of Americana, Cajun, folk and Irish-inspired tunes. Additional musical performances by Westbound and Down, Twinkle & Rock Soul Radio and others entertained the festival attendees.
Seafood was the focal point of the event, with vendors offering a wide range of dishes including Cajun-fried alligator, coconut shrimp, grouper, red Argentine shrimp and lobster-based specialties. Many meals were prepared on-site, giving guests the opportunity to watch as their food was cooked fresh.
Sandy Heisler, a seasonal resident from Ohio, praised the selection, saying, “Everything is awesome.”
Several attendees echoed similar sentiments, noting the variety of menu options available.
Atlantic City, New Jersey-based Vagabond Kitchen & Tap House owner Tom Harris has been featured on the Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-ins, & Dives” television show. As a festival vendor, he featured his three-way sandwich combo and his crab cake sandwiches.
Before reaching the food, drink and music areas, visitors passed through rows of arts and crafts booths featuring handmade artwork, clothing, jewelry and specialty items that included Caribbean-inspired spirits.
At the Island Dream Waves booth, Corpus Christi, Texas, resident Ryan Engelke showcased epoxy artwork, home goods and décor designed with a coastal theme.
The festival offered a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere, with many guests setting up beach chairs near the music stage or finding shaded spots to enjoy their meals. The beachfront location allowed visitors to enjoy views of the Gulf while attending the event.
Taking place on Saturday and Sunday too, the festival provided attendees with a weekend of food, music and community gathering at a scenic beachfront park.
