Polk Museum of Art in Lakeland Florida Announces Musical Lineup for Red, White & The (Chicago) Blues

This Year’s Fundraiser to

Rock the Chicago Blues Sound

Polk Museum of Art

800 East Palmetto Street

Lakeland, FL 33801-5529

polkmuseumofart.org   (863)688-7743

Polk Museum of Art proudly welcomes blues artists Billy Seward and the Lauren Mitchell Band to the Red, White & The (Chicago) Blues concert from 6:30 to 11 p.m. Friday, October 25.

As a blues musician hailing from the Midwest, Seward is a product of the musical culture of Chicago and Memphis, two cities at the center of the soul and blues universe. His playing style holds true to the Chicago West Side and is a reflection of blues kings such as Magic Sam, Otis Rush and Luther Allison. His latest album, Better Place, was recorded at the legendary Ardent Studios in Memphis. Today, he and his band are based in Sarasota.

The Lauren Mitchell Band, which recently released its first album, Please Come Home, also is based in Sarasota, where it has earned a strong reputation for all-or-nothing performances. The band’s sound includes a high-energy mix of blues and soul, covers and originals. One of the Gulf Coast’s best up-and-coming female vocalists, Mitchell is a classically trained singer who isn’t afraid to break all the rules.

In addition to an amazing blues show, the event features hors d'oeuvres by Texas Cattle Company and craft beers.

Event tickets are on sale now for $50; admission includes two drink tickets. For an additional $25 (discounted to only $15 for ticket purchases through October 18!), attendees can join the Blues Club and obtain access to unlimited drink wristbands. A cash bar also will be available. Attendees must be 21 years old.

This fundraiser for the Museum is organized by a committee chaired by Lori Wilson. Sponsors (as of Sept 20) include Citizens Bank & Trust, MIDFLORIDA Credit Union, and Publix Super Markets Charities.

For more information on volunteering or sponsorships, or to purchase tickets, please call 863.688.7743, ext. 240, or visit www.PolkMuseumofArt.org/RWB.

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Polk Museum of Art in Lakeland, Florida, is a private, not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting the arts in Central Florida. The Museum is one of the Top 10 art museums in the State of Florida, an Affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution and the only art museum accredited by the American Association of Museums serving the 561,000 residents of Polk County. Museum hours are 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Tuesdays – Saturdays; 1 – 5 p.m. Sundays; and closed Mondays and major holidays. Admission is free for Museum members. General admission is $5 for adults and $4 for seniors (62 and older). Children and students with student IDs are admitted for free. Special exhibition fees may apply. Admission is free to all on Saturday, thanks to our corporate partner, MIDFLORIDA. The Museum is fully accessible.