TAMPA BAY BLUES FEST "KICK OFF PARTY"

The Tampa Bay Blues Festival is excited to present the music of the Blood Brothers and Piper & The Hard Times at our Official Kick Off Party at The James Museum on Thursday, April 8, 2027 from 6:00pm to 11:00pm. This is a special event that combines the very best in art and music - you will not want to miss this unique opportunity!

MUSEUM VIEWING - 6pm to 8pm

The Blood Brothers Band - 9:45pm to 11:00pm

The Blood Brothers Band combines the talents of two incredible blues guitarists and vocalists - Mike Zito and Albert Castiglia. This is a true blues super group, and Blood Brothers have won a Blues Music Award for "Best Blues Rock Album of the Year" and charted at #1 on Billboard as the top U.S. Blues Album.

Mike Zito has won an amazing 9 BMA Awards for his blues music and Albert Castiglia has garnered an impressive 5 BMA's. Simply put, this is one of the most exciting blues rock bands in the world and you don’t want to miss this show.

Piper & The Hard Times - 8:00pm to 9:15pm

Piper & The Hard Times is a roots blues and rock group from Nashville, that has exploded onto the music scene after winning the prestigious 2024 International Blues Challenge in Memphis. Their debut album, "Revelation" also charted at #1 on the Billboard Blues Charts and has received worldwide radio play. The band received a Blues Music Award for "Best Emerging Artist" in 2025, and this group is destined for greatness in the blues music world.

This combination of Blood Brothers and Piper & The Hard Times promises to be one of the very best blues theater shows of the year. Please buy your tickets early! This concert looks like a sell out!

Venue

The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art is Florida’s largest and finest collection of Native American and Western art, sculptures, jewelry, and rare artifacts. The museum features an incredible collection of over 400 original paintings and bronze sculptures, including American west artifacts and photographs. The James museum is a spacious gallery encompassing 26,000 square feet of modern floor space. You can find out more information about this unique museum at thejamesmuseum.org.

Info

Guests at the Kick Off Party will be afforded access to the museum from 6:00 to 8:00 pm, as a feature of our Official Kick Off Party. This collection of world-class art is absolutely fantastic, and our guests will enjoy viewing prior to the concert with Blood Brothers and Piper & The Hard Times.

The concert will be presented in the museum’s large Raymond James Mesa Hall and adjoining Arroyo space, offering a magnificent venue for the concerts!

This event’s combination of great blues music and impressive art is the perfect way to begin your festival experience!

Seating is limited, so please order your Kick Off Party tickets today here!

This is a very special opportunity and will impress guests with some of the City’s finest art and amazing blues music in a classy , intimate setting!

Parking

Downtown street parking and amble parking at the South Core Parking Garage, 101 1st Ave South, levels 3 & 4, St Petersburg. The South Core parking garage is located directly behind the James Museum. This museum is situated in the heart of St. Petersburg and a short walk from our downtown hotels.