The 13th Annual Southwest Florida Blues Festival set for today is bringing in blues fans from around the U.S. – and other countries.

“In fact, we have 22 people from Canada coming in just for the event, and we had just got a call for seven tickets to a group from Illinois,” said Jerry Tolliver, event coordinator.

Saturday’s event will be held at the German American Social Club in Cape Coral.

The gates open at 11 a.m. and the music will fill the German American Social Club from 11:45 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Tickets are $20 at the gate, with children 10 and younger free with a paid adult admission.

Bands will include seven featured acts, including five touring nationally.

This year’s line-up includes Screamin’ & Cryin’, Reverend Raven and the Chain Smokin’ Altar Boys featuring Madison Slim, Deb & The Dynamics, Albert Castiglia, Too Slim & The Taildraggers, Mac Arnold & Plate Full of Blues and headliner The Shaun Murphy Band, which is scheduled to go on at 7:45 p.m.

“It’s going to be a really good time for everybody and all the proceeds go to local charities,” said Tolliver.

Tolliver is a member of the charitable Matlacha Mariners, the event’s organizer.

“It is one of our biggest events to raise funds for charities, which include the local food panty, Beacon of Hope, F.I.S.H. (Fellow Islanders Sending Help) and also the Matlacha Community Rec Center whose kids who can’t get sponsored for their summer camp and Club Rec,” he said. “We’ve donated to the Boy Scouts, elementary music education and more.”

Tolliver is a blues lover and founded the Southwest Florida Blues Society.

Tolliver encourages attendees to bring their own beach chairs and blankets to the event.

He said beach umbrellas are not allowed only because they block the view of other people.

“Bring a hat instead,” Tolliver said for those looking to keep the sun out of their eyes.

Also no coolers, carry-in drinks or pets.

For more information, go to MatlachaMariners.com or SouthwestFloridaBluesFestival.com.

For more information on the Southwest Florida Blues Society and events go to SWFBS.org.