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Brenden Glick, bottom left, and friends share some laughs over food and drinks as they enjoy live blues music coming from Coleman Hawkins Park at Felix Street Square Friday night. The Bikes and Blues Festival kicked off as a large crowd turned out for barbecue, brats, beverages and blues after the skies cleared up.

The second annual Bikes and Blues Festival got off to a slow start Friday night but organizers expect it to pick up the pace today.

The event kicked off in front of a small crowd at 6 p.m. to the soul-soothing sounds of Dan Bliss.

“I think it got off to a little bit of a slow start but we’re picking up,” said Mark Sheehan, president of the Coleman Hawkins Jazz Society.

The brisk chill in the air combined with Friday night football games and other activities may have been a contributing factor for the low attendance.

“I think a lot of people look forward to this festival and they may be at other things tonight but those are the people who will be here tomorrow,” Mr. Sheehan said.

On Friday night Bobby Degrote swayed to the rhythm with his 2- and 6-year-old godchildren and their parents.

“This is great because you can do Friday and Saturday,” said Mr. Degrote, who plans to return today.

Although he prefers the society’s annual jazz festival to the blues festival, he said the food and free music make it worth while.

The Steele family experienced its first Bikes and Blues Festival Friday.

“It’s a nice night so we thought we’d get out and enjoy it,” said Doug Steele.

Mr. Steele and his wife, Nicole, have worked hard making sure their three young children have an interest in music. Their boys, ages 4 and 6 are already deep into piano lessons and swayed to the sounds of Dan Bliss.

The family has plans to attend next year.

“It’s really something great to do as a family,” Mr. Steele said.

Megan Tilk can be reached at megantilk@npgco.com.