HOUSTON and SARASOTA, Fla., June 22, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — ExtremeTix, a leader in ticketing technology and entertainment services, and Three Zebras Entertainment, the entertainment division of ExtremeTix, today announced the acquisition of the Sarasota Blues Fest from executive producer Barbara Strauss.

The Sarasota Blues Fest is Sarasota‘s largest musical event and has been a stepping stone for up and coming artists and a showcase for legends since its inception in 1991. Everyone from the “King of Rock ‘n’ Soul,” Solomon Burke, to Derek Trucks, Gregg Allman, Dr. John, Buddy Guy, Little Feat, Delbert McClinton and Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue have graced the stages at the festival over the years.

Barbara Strauss will continue in her role as executive producer of the festival this year and act as a consultant to future festivals. “We couldn’t ask for a better partner in the citizens of Sarasota and a visionary leader and live music producer of Barbara’s caliber,” said Charly Garrett, president of ExtremeTix. “We’re looking forward to continuing the legacy of excellence and seek to provide Sarasota with enriching and engaging programming for years to come.”

Sarasota County Commissioner Jon Thaxton is thrilled that ExtremeTix and Three Zebras will provide a steady hand in the continuity of the festival and said, “From Beethoven and ballet to the blues, Sarasota is all over the arts! One of my favorite events is the Sarasota Blues Fest. No pirouettes or rondos here, just authentic American blues, played by the hottest bands in the country. It’s not to be missed.”

“I am very excited to pass the torch to ExtremeTix and Three Zebras,” said Barbara Strauss, executive producer of the Sarasota Blues Fest. “I have been ready to move on to other projects for a long time. Finding a team as committed to blues and live music as ExtremeTix and Three Zebras is a dream come true for myself and Sarasota.”

About ExtremeTix

ExtremeTix is a leading provider of innovative ticketing solutions and a broad range of event services powered by the Three Zebras Entertainment division. Focused on driving client success, the company boasts the best service and support with no start-up fees. Additionally, ExtremeTix provides clients with intuitive event creation and management dashboards and a full suite of social media and interactive engagement tools. Based in Houston, the company has branch offices in Tampa, Grand Rapids, Cincinnati and New York and services clients across the US and Canada. For more information on the live music ticket experts at ExtremeTix, visit www.extremetix.com.

About The Sarasota Blues Festival

The Sarasota Blues Fest was started in 1991 by the Sarasota Blues Society and has blossomed into the largest musical event in Sarasota under Barbara Strauss, native of Sarasota who has produced the festival since 1993. Grammy Award Winners, Rock and Roll Hall of Famers and Lifetime Achievement Award Winners have been part of what has made this event a Sarasota Institution. Partial proceeds from the event have always been earmarked for charity. All Faiths Food Bank Backpack Program will be 2011’s recipient. The 21st Annual Sarasota Blues Festival will be held Saturday, November 5, 2011. Artists performing at the fest will be announced at a later time at www.sarasotabluesfest.com.

For additional information, please contact:

ExtremeTix: Deven Nongbri, dnongbri@extremetix.com; 800-370-2364, x323

SOURCE ExtremeTix