The Sixth Annual Blues, Brews and BBQ, held at Seminole Casino Coconut Creek (SCCC), smashed all previous attendance records, with a sold-out crowd of more than 1,500 last Saturday, April 20. In addition, SCCC announced three days prior to the event that 100 percent of all ticket sales from April 15-20 would benefit The One Fund Boston, and the general public responded. Proceeds from ticket sales, plus donations from Seminole Casino Coconut Creek and from festival attendees came to a grand total of $17,429 that will go directly to victims of the Boston Marathon tragedy.
“This has been an unbelievable outpouring of generosity,” said Steve Bonner, president of SCCC. “This has always been a popular event, but this year it literally tripled in attendance. We are absolutely thrilled.”
The event featured live music from Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band, Albert Cummings, Bonerama with special guest Dave Malone of the Radiators, Tab Benoit and North Mississippi All-Stars. The tunes jammed from 2 p.m. until 11 p.m. to roaring crowds of blues lovers from around the state.
More than 100 varieties of premium beer were available for sampling, and all guests received a complimentary mini-mug to take home. Another big hit was the BBQ itself, with six of South Florida’s top BBQ icons participating in a BBQ cook-off, judged by a number of local radio personalities. The 1st place winner was Hickory Sticks BBQ, who received an award for $1,000; 2nd place went to Lucille’s Bad to the Bone BBQ, and 3rd place went to Sparky’s Roadside BBQ. All three winners received trophies to display in their restaurants.
“This was definitely an evening to remember,” said Bonner. “We already have plans for next year’s event to be even bigger and better!”