Festival Round-up

Festival season is winding down - here's hoping you made it out to hear some great blues under the stars (or, in some cases, under the blazing sun). There are still a few opportunities left:

Beaches Blues Festival Aug 30-Sept 1, Stan Wadlow Park, Toronto

Beaches Blues Festival has moved north of the beach and set up at the Stan Wadlow Park at Cosburn & Cedarvale in Toronto's east end. This is a low-key community event featuring 25 bands including Roy Young, The Aces, Crawling King Snakes, Larisa Renee, David Bacha Band, Cindy Booth Band, Kate Bernard, and the good news is that it's FREE!

Southside Shuffle September 5 _ 7 2003, Port Credit

The Southside Shuffle this year promises the biggest and best to date! The huge street shuffle will be a party with lots of food and great Blues. There will also be Blues in the clubs nearby in charming Port Credit, and in Memorial Park. The Carlsberg Main Stage line up features Downchild Blues Band, Fathead and Alex Pangman on Friday night. Saturday Mark `Bird' Stafford hosts Harmonica Knights feat Donny Walsh and David "Hurricane" Hoerl, Sue Foley, Jimmy Bowskill and Kenny `Blues Boss' Wayne, followed by Canadian legend _ David Wilcox. Sunday, don't miss the Southside Super Jam, featuring The Maple Blues Band and guests Jeff Healey, Donnie "Mr Downchild" Walsh, Chuck Jackson, and Kenny "Blues Boss" Wayne. This show is presented by the TBS.

Blues in the Park September 5- 6, Niagara Falls ON

Fireman's park in Niagara Falls Ontario will be smokin' with acts such as The Odyssey Blues Band featuring Suzanne Hyatt and Juno nominees Big Daddy G. featuring Tortoise Blue with special guest Dawn Tyler Watson on Friday, September 5. The Blues party continues on Saturday afternoon with Michael Pickett, Harmonica Dean and the Blues Lights, Steve Burnside and the Original Marquis, Rita Chiarelli and headliner Omar and the Howlers.

Gate tickets for this festival are $10.00 for Friday, $15.00 for Saturday or $20.00 for a weekend pass. www.bluesinthepark.com has all the directions and accommodation information you need for a great Blues weekend in Niagara Falls!

Harvestfest 2003, September 10- 14 Fredericton, NB

This years headline acts include Colin James, Lil' Ed and the Blues Imperials, Toronto's own David Rotundo and the Blue Canadians, Corey Harris, Deborah Coleman, exported Canadian Anthony Gomes and many more. The event is held over 5 blocks and 2 dozen venues in charming downtown Fredericton. Tickets range from $25.00 for a day pass to $125.00 for a weekend pass. There are free concerts at this event as well. Visit www.harvestjazzandblues.com for ticket info, schedule and tourist information.

Jazz in the Park Festival, September 19-20, Rotary Band Shell, Uxbridge ON

This new event wraps up the Saturday concert in the band shell with some great blues from Jack de Keyzer (6:10), Full Count Blues Band (7:20) and Downchild Blues Band (8:45). Tickets are $20. www.uxbridgejazzfestival.com

- Sarah French

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