Blues
Fests
Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown
(right) is one of the most revered guitarists
(and multi-instrumentalists) in the blues today and at age 77
is still touring the world. He'll be appearing at The Toronto
Bluesfest, Sudbury Bluesfest and the Limestone Blues Festival
in Kingston
Last issue we gave some hints of what great blues awaits us this summer. This is our festival "round-up" with a comprehensive look at the blues festivals in Ontario and beyond. Maple Blues contributor Sarah French did an exhaustive survey of festivals taking place in and around our neighbourhood and will continue to provide updates through the summer. See you at the park!
Orangeville Jazz and Blues Festival, Orangeville ON
June 3 - 6
The second Annual Orangeville Jazz and Blues will be in full swing with a monster line up of Blues and Jazz musicians this weekend. Held Downtown Orangeville in various bars and restaurants, this year's festival includes free performances by Willie "Big Eyes" Smith, Trouble & Strife, David Rotundo & the Blue Canadians, Wayne Buttery & the Groove Project, Shawn Kellerman, Anderson/Sloski, Wickens/Knight, Alex Pangman & Her Alleycats and Fathead. Jazz music has a fine representation as well, with Jason Wilson & Tabarruk, Hilario Duran, Ryan Grist & Pat LaBarbera. There is plenty of music to be found in the local clubs starting with an opening night gala on Thursday, June 3rd featuring Danny Marks and the Bluz.fm band. Tickets for this show are $15.00 and will be held at Baba Ganoush. Jack de Keyzer appears at Main Event Centre on Friday ($10.00 cover), Brian "Colorblind" Blain will be at the Village Coffee House from 7 _ 10:00 pm, Juniper Grill features Chris Whiteley on Friday as well ($10.00 cover). Local favourite Paul James will tear it up at the Second Cup and Trouble & Strife with Maureen Brown appear at Winchester Arms on Friday. Saturday will be another busy day in Orangeville with Al Lerman and Terry Blankley at Juniper Grill ($10.00 cover), acoustic guitar from Alfie Smith can be heard at Serendipity Bistro and Mark "Bird" Stafford's popular Harmonica Knights featuring Jerome Godboo and Doctor Nick, will blow into Main Event Centre ($10.00 cover). There will be plenty of Blues and Jazz to be heard all weekend long, for directions and schedule information visit www.orangevillebluesandjazz.ca.
Barrie Jazz & Blues Festival, Barrie ON
June 11 _ 20
The Barrie Jazz and Blues Festival continues to grow and get better each year, and this year will be no exception. Featuring concerts, club dates, fundraisers, fashion shows and workshops _ there will be plenty to do this weekend in Barrie. Some of the musical guests on the roster are The Dial Tones, The Ronnie Douglas Blues Band, Soul Kings, Grant Lyle and Brotherhood, The Jack de Keyzer Band, The Bernie Senesky Trio, Hilario Duran and Found Sound, Michael Pickett, The Chuck Jackson Trio, and more to be announced at a later date.
For updates, schedule and location information go to www.barriejazzbluesfest.com.
Toronto Downtown Jazz Festival, Toronto ON
June 25 _ July 4
Another staple in the diet of Jazz and Blues fans in Toronto is the Downtown Jazz Festival. With a main stage in Nathan Phillips Square to numerous club dates, this is one of the biggest festivals in North America. This year you can expect to see Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, John Scofield Trio, Blind Boys of Alabama, Wynton Marsailis, Bela Fleck and the Flecktones. These shows are on the main stage. Some of the guests in the clubs will be Harmonica Knights w/ Mark "Bird" Stafford & Special Guest David Rotundo, Jack de Keyzer, George Benson, Adi Braun Quartet, Diana Braithwaite, John Dickie & Sisters Euclid with Kevin Breit, Magic Slim & The Teardrops, Silver Hearts, Steven C. Barr & The Red Rockets, Pat Carey's Jazz Navigators and so many more. Each of the club dates and main stage shows have varying ticket prices. Schedule and pricing information can be found on www.tojazz.com.
SaskTel Saskatchewan Jazz Festival
June 25 _ July 4
This is a great festival with events being held in Saskatoon, Regina, Moose Jaw, North Battleford and Prince Albert. The major part of the festival is being held in Saskatoon with acts like John Hammond Trio/Hubert Sumlin and JW Jones on Sunday, June 27 starting at 3 pm. Michael Jerome Browne performs on July 2, and the headline act of the festival is Aaron Neville on July 4. There will be a myriad of Jazz, World Music and Electronica to hear as well throughout the week. The tickets range from $5 - $50.00 depending on the show, and discounted multiple show tickets are available. Visit http://www.saskjazz.com for venue and performance information.
When Rick Fines (left) returns from his west coast tour, his Rick Fines
Trio will be playing Ottawa, Toronto and Wasaga Beach Bluesfests as well
as numerous folk festivals.
Cisco Systems Ottawa
Bluesfest, Ottawa ON
July 9 _ 18
This massive ten day festival is in its eleventh year and only gets bigger and better every time. With 5 stages and club shows, even the Blues fan with the most discerning taste will have a good time in the Nation's Capital this year.
The main stage line up has David Gogo on Friday, July 9 followed by George Thorogood and the Destroyers. Saturday features Roomful of Blues, Los Mocosos with headliners The Tragically Hip closing the evening. The fun starts early on Sunday, July 11 with Rick Fines Trio at 1:30, followed by Maple Blues Revue, Eddy Clearwater, and Legendary Bobby `Blue' Bland and the Funk Brothers with Joan Osborne and Sam Moore. The following Saturday has a killer line up that includes Tracy Nelson and Angela Strehli, Keb Mo', Marcia Ball and Robert Cray. Sunday features Jumpin' Johnny Sansone, Charles Walker, Betty Lavette, Tony D, Roxanne Potvin, Trevor Finlay followed by crooner Chris Isaak. Sunday July 18 is Gram Parsons day with tributes and dedications from Sid Griffin, Chris Hillman & Herb Peterson, Bernie Leadon, Renne Austin, and Gram Parsons tribute set.
The other stages for the Cisco Systems Bluesfest will have plenty of great music from Rick Fines, Jim Bryson, and Rory Block on the Black Sheep Stage July 10. There is also an Ottawa Folklore Centre workshop stage with informative hands-on workshops. Go to www.ottawa-bluesfest.ca for a complete schedule and general information.
Tremblant International Blues Festival, Mont
Tremblant QC
July 9 - 18
Stay Tuned for details! www.tremblant.com
Kalamazoo Blues Festival, Kalamazoo MI
July 8 _ 10
It is worth the drive across the border to attend this jumpin' Blues Festival. Confirmed artists for 2004 are Cephas & Wiggins, Groove Hogs, Kelley Hunt, Kenny Neal, Billy Boy Arnold & the All-Star Chicago Band, Renee Austin, Mighty Mo Rogers, Ellis Hooks and Delta Moon. The festival will take place at the newly renovated Arcadia Creek Festival Site. You can find pricing, schedule and directions on www.kvba.org.
Jimmie Vaughan
(left) once proclaimed from a festival stage that he would
not be coming back to Canada again after enduring a lot of grief crossing
the border. An army of Canadian admirers will rejoice that he has
reconsidered and is making several Canadian festival appearances,
Toronto Bluesfest, Ottawa Bluesfest, London, Tremblant and Edmonton. Here's to
a hassle-free road trip for this guitarist's guitarist
Markham Ribfest & Blues Festival,
Markham ON
July 9 _ 11
The second annual Markham Ribfest and Blues festival will be held at the Markham Fairgrounds. This event offers a great combination of Blues, a beer tent and award winning ribs! Friday night features Shawn Kellerman at 7:00 pm followed by Tone Dogs at 9:00. Saturday and Sunday the show starts early with performances from Tone Dogs, Roxanne Potvin, The Royal Crowns, The BeBop Cowboys, JW Jones, and headline act, Downchild Blues Band. This is a family event with children's activities each day. The driving directions and general information can be found at www.markhamribfest.com.
Wasaga beach Bluesfest, Wasaga Beach
July 9-11
The inaugural Wasaga Beach Bluesfest has the theme "Paving the road to your soul". The Main Stage will feature Taj Mahal (July 9), T-Model Ford & Spam, Kenny Brown & Cedric Burnside, the Maple Blues Revue, Eddy "The Chief" Clearwater, The Funk Brothers with Joan Osborne & Sam Moore (July 10). Roomful of Blues, Colin Linden and David Gogo play July 11. There will be a Roots Stage featuring Rory Block and Tony D and performances by several unknown American blues artists making their first appearance in Canada. They will be brought up by Tim Duffy as part of his Music Makers Relief Foudation, a charity that helps blues artists who need financial assistance. Visit their informative and entertaining website: www.musicmaker.org For more information on the festival, visit www.wasagabeachbluesfest.com
Porquis Blues Festival, Porquis Junction ON
July 10, 2004
The Porquis Blues Festival is celebrating their 7th Annual event in Porquis Junction. The Northern Ontario Community doubles in size for the 12 hours of uninterrupted Blues Music marathon. This year's line-up features Juno award winner Jack de Keyzer, Raoul and the Big Time, Jake and the Fundamentals, James Anthony, Johnny Williams, Little Lisa Gibson, Maureen Brown, the every popular home town favourites Hurtin' Blues Band, Brian "Colorblind" Blain and Sab, who organizes the exciting All-star Jam. For more information call 1-888-524-8880 or visit http://www.porquis.com/blues/blues_welcome.htm
Thunder Bay Bluesfest, Thunder Bay ON
July 9 _ 11
The third annual Thunder Bay Blues Festival is being held at the Thunder Bay Marina Park, on the shores of Lake Superior. With a slew of artists confirmed, the weekend will be full of fun, sun and great Blues. The festivities begin on Friday evening with Thunder Bay locals, The Blues Berries, Jack de Keyzer with Reverb Rockers, Larry McCray, and headliners Eric Burdon & the New Animals. Saturday Bourbon Haze takes the stage at 12:30 pm, followed by Dave McLean, Billy Joe Green, David Gogo, John Lee Hooker Jr., Professor Louie & the Crowmatixs with Tom `Bones' Malone, the Groove Hogs and Ten Years After. Sunday also has an exceptional line up featuring from Thunder Bay, Dave Jonasson, Roy Young & the Reverb Rockers, Renee Austin, Lamont Cranston, Canned Heat, Big Walter Smith, and Edgar Winter will close off the night. Also happening on Sunday from 11:00 am _ 12:30 pm will be 2nd Annual Guitar/Keyboard Players Workshop at the Community Auditorium featuring: Roy Young, Professor Louie, Jim McGinnis, Dave McLean, Matt Minglewood, and Billy Joe Green, hosted by Ari Lahdekorpi. Weekend passes are $38.00 and day passes are $20.00, Children 5 and under are free. Visit www.tbayblues.com for more information and directions.
Bluesfest International, Windsor & London ON
July 15 _ 18 in Windsor
July 16 _ 18 in London
These two festivals, happening the same weekend, are sure to satisfy anyone's Blues craving. Featuring acts such as Jeff Healey, Al Kooper & the Funky Faculty, John Lee Hooker JR., Ten Years After, Bobby "Blue" Bland, James Cotton, James Anthony, Mel Brown, Tea Party and Canned Heat. The best part is that if you really dig a certain act, the next day you can see it all over again! Tickets are a reasonable $40-$45.00 for a weekend passport, and $10-$20.00 for a single day ticket. Visit www.thebluesfest.com for more information.
Roxanne Potvin,
(left) the young hard-driving guitarist-singer who rocked
the house at last year's Women's Blues Revue will be gaining exposure
across Ontario with festival appearances in Ottawa (Ottawa Bluesfest),
Markham (Ribfest), Niagara Falls (Blues in the Park) and Toronto for The
Beaches International Jazz Festival.
Cisco Systems Toronto Bluesfest , Toronto ON
July 16 _ 25
The second annual Cisco Systems Bluesfest will take place at Exhibition Place, downtown Toronto. As with last year, there will be a mainstage, a roots stage and a theatre stage. There are virtually hundreds of hours of this weekend. Confirmed are mainstage acts Jimmie Vaughan and Lyle Lovett on July 16. Jumpin' Johnny Sansone, Renee Austin, Charles Walker, Betty Lavette, Kathleen Edwards, and Chris Isaak on July 17. Sunday has Tracy Nelson & Angela Strehli, Marcia Ball, Keb' Mo' and Wyclef Jean. Some of the other performers on the stage are the Tea Party, Little Charlie & the Nightcats, Candy Kayne, Sonny Landreth, Wilson Picket, Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown, Earl Scruggs, Rick Fines, The Holmes Brothers, Ken Whiteley & Friends, Omar & the Howlers, Sarah Slean and many, many more. Ticket prices range from $45.00 for a weekend passport and $20.00 for a single day pass. There are also hotel and ticket packages available. Check www.torontobluesfest.com for more information.
Partis Gras, Toronto ON July 16 _ 18
Held at the historic Distillery District site Downtown Toronto, with street theatre, fashion, dance and music, Partis Gras will be a show not to be missed. There will be 4 stages of music throughout the area including the Trinity Main Stage, Rack House Stage, Tank House Patio and Brewery Lane Patio. Some of the performers on the Main Stage this year are David Rotundo, Curley Bridges, and Jane Bunnet. Featured at Brewery Lane Patio will be Gary Kendall, George Oliver & The Gangbusters, and young newcomers Down With Webster. For a complete schedule of concerts, and other events visit www.beachesjazz.com/partigras.
Beaches International Jazz Festival,
Toronto ON July 16 _ 25
A staple in summertime entertainment for the past 16 years in Toronto has been the Beaches International Jazz Festival. With a street festival and mainstage concerts, this is the place to be July 16th through the 25th. Featuring William Carn Quintet, Roxanne Potvin, Nicolas Brancker & the Barbados Allstars, Jack Soul, and Kid Ramos on Saturday, July 24. Sunday has Heilig Manouevre, Great Uncles of the Revolution, Bill King's Saturday Night Fish Fry, Son Ache, and Byther Smith. The music starts at noon on both days. The incredible Streetfest line will be announced later on. Stay tuned, or visit www.beachesjazz.com for updates.
New York State Rhythm & Blues Festival, Syracuse NY
July 16 _ 18
Downtown Syracuse hosts the annual Rhythm & Blues Festival in Clinton Square. The main stage line up this year includes Jony James, Dave Alvin, Southside Johnny, Long John Baldry, The Kingsnakes and Johnny Winter on Saturday. Sunday has a Blues Brunch with Los Blancos at Ambrosia, a guitar roundtable, Dwayne Dopsie & the Zydeco Hellraisers, Campbell Brothers and Robert Cray Band. The main stage shows are free, and club cover charges will vary. Check www.nysbluesfest.com for info.
Sudbury Bluesfest, Sudbury ON
July 23 _ 25
The first Sudbury Bluesfest will be held at Laurentian University, and includes 2 stages for music. The main stage line up includes Blue Rodeo on Friday, Omar & the Howlers, Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown and The Tragically Hip will headline the evening on Saturday. Sunday has a great schedule including Little Charlie & The Nightcats, Candye Kane, Guitar Shorty, Sonny Landreth and Wilson Pickett. The roots stage also has some great music lined up for the weekend, including Blackie & The Rodeo Kings on Friday, Greenfield Main, Scott Holt, The Unintended, and The Sadies on Saturday. The formidable Ken Whitley performs gospel on Sunday, followed by Anders Osborne, Tarbox Ramblers, and Matt Minglewood. The tickets for this festival can be purchased through Ticketmaster and are $85.00 for a Gold Circle Passport, $40.00 for a general admission festival passport, and $20 - $25.00 for single day passes. Go to www.sudburybluesfest.com for more information.
Pocono Blues Festival, Pocono Mountains, Lake
Harmony PA
July 23 - 25
The Pocono Mountains in Pennsylvania are a picturesque location for an outdoor Blues festival. Since its inception in 1992, this intimate festival has been growing to be one of the top Blues festivals in the USA. This year brings Wallace Coleman, Byther Smith, and Eddie Shaw and Wolf Gang on Friday July 23 for a VIP pre-show social. Saturday's line up on the main stage features King Alex & the Untouchables, Eddie C Campbell, Nora Jean Bruso, Mighty Mo Rogers, Bobby Rush, Chick Willis, and Bobby "Blue" Bland. The festivities get under way at 11:30 AM. Sunday the main stage has The Campbell Brothers, Memphis Gold with Charlie Sayles, Jackie Payne, Roy Gaines, Mavis Staples, Magic Slim & the Teardrops and Blind Boys of Alabama. Again, the music begins at 11:30 AM. There is also a tent stage with artists such as Billy Branch & Kenny Neal, Big George Brock & the Houserockers, Jimmy Burns, and the Kansas City Blues All-Star Review. Tickets for the VIP show on Friday are $25.00, Saturday and Sundays shows are $24 - $29.00 each day. For driving directions, lodging information and general FAQ, visit http://www.jfbb.com/summer-blues-festival.asp .
Harbourfront Centre, Toronto ON
July 27
Sadly, there will be no blues festival at Toronto's Harbourfront Centre for the first time in many years but several blues and blues-friendly shows are being planned including a pier party with the legendary Neville Brothers on July 27. The show will be held at the CIBC stage on the waterfront. Opening the show is the incredible Harrison Kennedy. Tickets are $30.00 advanced and $35.00 at the gate. Visit www.harbourfrontcentre.com or call the Information Hotline (416) 973-4000.
Southcoast Blues Festival, Dunnville ON
July 30 _ August 1
Considered by many to be the "nicest little Bluesfest in Ontario" the Southcoast Blues Festival will be announcing its line up June 19. Stay tuned! Contact mudcatblues@hotmail.com or visit www.readerscafe.com for updated information.
Maximum Blues de Carleton, Carleton Saint-Omer QC
August 4 _ 8
Anyone who's been there says there's no venue like it anywhere on the planet - and always some great blues. These people know how to party. Lineup will be announced on June 9. www.maximumblues.net
Blues, Brews and BBQs, Kitchener ON
August 6 - 8
This is a free festival in downtown Kitchener. Lineup to be announced later this summer. www.bluesbrewsandbbqs.ca
Oshawa Jazz and Blues Festival, Oshawa ON
August 9 _ 14
Promising to be an all-star event, the Oshawa Jazz
and Blues festival has many different concerts, workshops and
artisan shows. There will be a workshop hosted by
Jack de Keyzer called `The Evolution of Blues Guitar from Robert Johnson
to Jimi Hendrix' at the Oshawa Public Library on August 9.
Tickets for this interactive lecture are $10.00. There is also a local
Jazz
and Blues Showcase on Aug. 11, a Swing night on August 12, a World
Beat party on Aug. 13, and the main concert will be on Saturday, August 14.
This all day event will surely be a crowd pleaser with acts including Jack
de Keyzer and his All-Star Blues Revue featuring
Carlos Del Junco and Paul James, Jaymz Bee and the Royal Jelly Orchestra, Marty and
the Mojos, The Andy Earle Band, and The Evidence Jazz
Band with Donny Satin. There will be an Artisans Alley with local crafters
and artists selling and displaying their work. The events are taking place
at various locations throughout Downtown Oshawa.
Check http://jazzandblues.eclipseconcerts.com for more information.
Edmonton Labatt Blues Festival,
Edmonton AB
August 20 _ 22
Edmonton will be host to a number of Blues giants all weekend long. Starting at 5:30 on Friday Morgan Davis will take the stage followed by Chubby Carrier & the Bayou Swamp band, finishing off with the legendary James Cotton. Saturday the music gets underway at 2:30 pm with Donald Ray Johnson, Sugar Ray & The Bluetones, Lil' Ed & the Blues Imperials and Roomful of Blues. Sunday August 22 will feature Gary Primich, Steve James, Maple Blues Award winner Kenny "Blues Boss" Wayne, Sista Monica Parker and Jimmie Vaughan. Tickets for the Edmonton Labatt Blues Festival are $70.00 for a weekend pass, and $30 - $40.00 for single day passes. The shows are being held at Heritage Amphitheatre, Hawrelak Park in Edmonton. The festival info line is (780) 708-7230, or visit www.bluesinternationalltd.com for directions and schedules.
Burnaby Blues & Roots Festival, Burnaby BC
August 21
The fifth annual Burnaby Blues & Roots Festival will be taking place at Deer Lake Park from 1 -10 PM. The day will be filled with the sounds of Colin James, Roseanne Cash, Buckwheat Zydeco, Tarbox Ramblers, Jim Byrnes featuring Steve Dawson and Jesse Zubot and from Madagascar, African band Jaojoby. Tickets for the festivities are $30 - 40.00 for students and seniors, $40-45.00 for adults. Children under 12 are free. Click on www.burnabybluesfestival.com for lodging information and tickets.
Limestone City Blues Festival, Kingston ON
August 26 _ 29
Performers include Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown, hometown star Georgette Fry, Michael Pickett, Bettye LaVette, Chris Chown, Jack de Keyzer, and more. www.kingstonblues.com
Southside Shuffle, Port Credit ON
September 10 -12
This festival put together by Downchild front-man Chuck Jackson just keeps getting better every year. The club-crawl alone is worth the trek to PortCredit. The big blow-out for the end of the season. Lineup to be announced. www.southsideshuffle.com
Blues in the Park, Niagara Falls ON
September 10 and 11
Being one of the leading tourist destinations in the world, Niagara Falls can really throw a good party. This weekend will be no exception as Blues artists and fans from across North America converge on the Honeymoon capital for a Blues Festival. Located at Fireman's Park, Niagara Falls, Blues in the Park will prove to be an exciting weekend of Blues with acts such as James Anthony, Roxanne Potvin, The Committee, Carlos Del Junco and Piece of My Heart on Friday. Saturday features Gatorbait, Jack de Keyzer, Harmonica Dean and the Bluelights, LMT Connection, Steve Burnside & the Original Marquis with Donna Rose, Savoy Brown and David Gogo. The tickets for this weekend are $10.00 for Friday, $15.00 for Saturday or $20.00 for a weekend pass. You can get lodging info, complete schedule and directions at www.bluesinthepark.com.
Harvest Jazz and Blues Festival, Fredericton
NB
Sept. 15 - 19
This excellent festival features 150 performances, 20+ stages, 5 city blocks over 5 days. Last year's Harvest Jazz & Blues Festival was the largest, most diverse and totally dynamic celebration of the blues, jazz and world music ever to fill the streets of an Atlantic Canadian City. Five days of adrenaline-revving electric blues, sultry jazz, the traditions of the Mississippi Delta and the Louisiana Bayou, laid back Jamaican reggae rhythms and some very cool modern grooves made Harvest Jazz & Blues Festival 2003 one of the premier music events on the East Coast. 2004 looks great so far with Nicole Nelson, JW-Jones Blues Band, The Mike Murley / David Braid Quartet, Jon Cleary and the Absolute Monster Gentlemen and more. See www.harvestjazzandblues.com.
Ann Arbor Blues Festival, Ann Arbor MI
October 1 _ 3
Canal Bank Shuffle, Thorold ON
October 21 _ 23
- Sarah French