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Festival
Express
Jack de Keyzer's song "That's The Only Time" won the International Songwriting Competition and he's one of the busiest blues artists on the festival circuit with appearances at the Azores Rhythm & Blues Festival (Jul 4), Festival International du Blues de Tremblant (July 8 & 9), PEI Jazz & Blues Festival (July 12), Markham Rotary Ribfest (July 13), Burlington Jazz & Blues Festival (July 19), FestiBlues International de Montreal (Aug. 7 & 8), L'il en Blues Festival (Aug. 9) and the Southside Shuffle (Sept. 7)
The Roundup is a brief outline of this year’s festivals. Jazz, folk and community festivals also feature blues music so be sure to check the websites for detailed schedule information. If there is a festival within driving distance of Toronto that you would like to have listed, please send the information to Sharon Grace at volnoir@hotmail.com for inclusion in the next Mapleblues.
Festivals are plentiful and diverse in July with two celebrating a milestone anniversary.
Beaches International Jazz Festival - Toronto
The summer’s favourite crowd pleaser celebrates a milestone 20th anniversary with a 10-day musical extravaganza taking place over two weekends from July 18 - 27! What started in 1989 as a small two-day community affair by President and Producer Lido Chilelli, has now evolved into an all-encompassing festival for the entire city of Toronto and beyond. Beaches Jazz is one of Toronto’s most successful events of the summer, attracting Canadian, American and International tourists to the city. It continues to be one of the few remaining free jazz festivals and the leading festival for promoting Canadian musical talent.
The Woodbine Park concerts is a new addition for 2008 and will kick-off this milestone anniversary. Beaches Jazz at Woodbine Park (Coxwell and Lakeshore Blvd. East) takes place July 18 (6 pm to 10 pm), Saturday, July 19 (11:30 am to 10 pm) and Sunday, July 20 (11:00 am to 9 pm) and features three stages, TD Canada Trust Music Main Stage, The New Generation Stage and the Youth Stage. A sample of the artists on the Main Stage include, Roxanne Potvin on Friday, Kelley Hunt on Saturday and Layla Zoe, Johnny Rawls and Lou Pride providing the blues content on Sunday.
Beaches Jazz has long been known for encouraging and fostering up-and-coming musicians and as the festival celebrates its 20 years, it also look toward the future. The New Generation and Youth Stage will focus on promoting and introducing young artists who are beginning to make an impact on the Canadian music scene.
Free TD Canada Trust Jazz Workshops and Lecture Series will be held from July 21 - 23, 7pm - 9pm at the Mennonite New Life Centre.
On Saturday, July 26 and Sunday, July 27 from 11:30am - 6:30pm, Master of Ceremonies and Musical Director, Bill King will welcome the line-up of local and international artists to the Alex Christie Bandshell at Kew Gardens. Here you’ll find Tad Robinson Band featuring Alex Schultz, Tab Benoit, Jamaica to Toronto w/Jay Douglas & The Mighty Popo, The Young Divas w/Bill King’s Rhythm Express and many more. Kew will also be filled with arts and crafts exhibitors displaying and selling their wares.
The Beaches Streetfest is bigger and better! with over 100 performers! The street is a 3-day celebration from 7pm-11pm, July 24 - 26 with melodies of calypso, new age, jazz, fusion, Latin, blues and Cajun. Artists include: David Rotundo, Carrie Chestnut, Fathead, Johnny Max Band, Steve Grisbrook, Julian Fauth, Erin McCallum, George Olliver, Blackboard Blues Band, Steve Grisbrook, Blue Room, Groove Corporation, and many others. For further details on artist schedule, workshops and the many happenings! www.beachesjazz.com
Burlington Jazz & Blues Festival - Burlington
This summer event, taking place July 18 - 20, has a growing
reputation as one of Canada’s best Jazz & Blues festivals and is celebrating
it's 5th anniversary The spectacular waterfront at Spencer Smith Park and the
views of Lake Ontario offer an amazing backdrop to the festival. The weekend
provides a wide variety of musical and cultural experiences for all. Artists
line-up includes: Jerome Godboo & David Rotundo, Jack de Keyzer, Tony Monaco,
Planet Earth, Jeff Healey's Blues Band and more! The festival features an
international foods fair promoting healthy, environmentally aware vegetarian
cuisine an Eco Living Symposium and is bullfrog powered with 100% green
electricity. The festival also features a holistic expo with natural
healthcare practitioners.
www.burlingtonjazzbluesfestival.ca
Layla Zoe (right) plays the Porquis Blues Festival (July 5), Festival International du Blues de Tremblant (July 8 & 9), Beaches Jazz - Woodbine Park (July 20)
More in JULY
July 3 - 13 Cisco Bluesfest-Ottawa The mandate of the Ottawa Bluesfest organization is to provide a world-class event known as the Cisco Ottawa Bluesfest. This event showcases local, regional, national and international artists. This multi-staged, 11-day music showcase features some of the best talent available and continues to increase its diversity and programming scope. Currently, the festival is the largest music festival in the Ottawa area and is the biggest blues festival in Canada as well as one of the most popular in North America. Here's a sample from this year's line-up: Allen Tousaaint, Anson Funderburgh & The Rockets, Dr. John, Debbie Davies, Harrison Kennedy, Harry Manx w/Kevin Breit, Johnny Winter, JW Jones Band, Keb' Mo, L'il Ed & The Blues Imperials, L'il Dave Thompson, L'il Brian Terry & The Zydeco Travelers, Michael Jerome Brown, Otis, Taylor, Blind Boys of Alabama, Porkbelly Futures, Robert Randolph, Taj Mahal, Steve Marriner, Walter Trout. For more information and artists schedule see www.ottawabluesfest.ca
July 5 - Aug 23
Welland
Downtown Concert Series
- Welland
The Niagara Blues and Jazz Society are presenting the free Welland Downtown
Concert Series. Performances take place at the Civic Centre/City Hall.
Scheduled artists include: Big Rude Jake (July 5), Treasa Levasseur (July 12),
Danny Brooks (July 19), Danny Marks (July 26 - 5:00pm performance time), The
Riddim Riders (Aug. 2), Chris Bottomley’s Brainfudge (Aug. 9), Alexis Baro (Aug.
16) and Duke Robillard Band & Bharath and His Rhythm Four (Aug. 23). For more
details www.niagarabluesandjazz.com
July 4 - 6 Porquis Blues Festival-Iroquois Falls Kenny “Blues Boss” Wayne, Ricky Paquette, Layla Zoe, Slidin’ Clyde Roulette Band, SAB & the Family Band, Jennifer Plummer, The Shaftmen, Paul DiSalle Band. Please check the website for artist performance dates and ticket prices at www.porquis.ca
July 4 - 6 Mariposa Folk Festival - Orillia For more than 40 years, Mariposa has been presenting world class creators and performers of folk, roots, blues, gospel, acoustic and world music traditions. 7 stages of musical performances, artisan’s village, folk play area for families with young children. This year’s line-up includes Taj Mahal, Harry Manx, Ken Whiteley, Porkbelly Futures. For ticket prices and more information www.mariposafolk.com
July
10 - 13
Bluesfest International
- Windsor
Headlining
the Thursday night opening is Taj Mahal. Other headliners throughout the
festival are Rick Derringer and David Wilcox Also see Richie Havens, Frank
Marino & Mahagony Rush, Motor City Women, John Nemeth, Steve Burnside and the
Marquis, Rory Gallagher Tribute with special guest Pete Brown and more. Your
4-day passport to the blues: $50. Daily prices available.
www.thebluesfest.ca
July 11 - 13 Bluesfest International - London Headlining the Friday night opening in London is Taj Mahal. Other headliners throughout the festival are Colin James, Rick Derringer and David Wilcox. Richie Havens, Frank Marino & Mahogany Rush, Motor City Women, Roomful of Blues, Steve Burnside & The Marquis, Rusty Wright Band, Stu Heydon and more. Your 3-day passport to the blues: $50 Daily prices available. www.thebluesfest.ca
July 11 - 12 Founders’ Fair-Orangeville Celebrate summer and the founding of Orangeville with Downtown Orangeville’s 39th annual Founders’ Fair! Broadway comes alive with buskers, craft kiosks, farmer’s market and a Main Stage all amongst the historic downtown area. There will be two stages of entertainment. The Main Stage will feature Danny Marks on July 11 and Brokenjoe w/Jerome Godboo, Alec Fraser and Joe Toole on July 12. Both performances begin at 7:00 pm www.discoverbroadway.ca
July 11 - 13 Markham Rotary Ribfest and Music Festival - Markham In it’s sixth year this festival is proud to present top-notch musicians as well as providing enjoyment for the entire family. This year’s Main Stage artists include, Colin James, JW Jones, Jack de Keyzer, Danny Marks, Mark “Bird” Stafford, Chuck Jackson, Johnny Max, Tonedogs, Sourpuss, Royal Crowns, Mr. Rick & The Biscuits and starting it all off on Friday will be James Anthony. www.markhamribfest.com
July 18 - 20 Mississauga Rotary Ribfest - Mississauga With proceeds going to support the community, this free festival is held at the great open plaza in front of Mississauga City Town Hall. The Main Stage has something for every musical taste and the show begins at noon and runs to 11pm Friday and Saturday. Noon until 6 on Sunday. Fathead, Chuck Jackson, Johnny Max, Julian Fauth, Frank Cosentino Band, The Bluesual Suspects, Loco Zydeco www.mississaugarotaryribfest.com
July 18-20 Home County Folk Festival - London Julian Fauth, Porkbelly Futures, Jackie Washington, Mose Scarlett. www.homecounty.ca
AUGUST
Aug 4 - 10 Oshawa Jazz & Blues Festival - Oshawa Now in its seventh year, this festival features some of the best of Canadian jazz and blues performers, local artisans, children’s entertainment, food vendors and much more! Mark the date on your calendar and check the website for the schedule of performers yet to be announced. www.oshawajazzandbluesfestival.com
Aug 7 - 10 Toronto Festival of Beer - Toronto A celebration of Canada’s rich brewing history, but this festival is more than beer tasting; with blues, jazz, country and R&B performers. www.beerfestival.ca
Aug 8 - 10 Kitchener Blues Festival-Kitchener All blues, all free, all the time. Robert Cray Band, Fabulous Thunderbirds, Mavis Staples, Downchild Blues Band, Mel Brown, Rita Chiarelli, Commander Cody, Daddy Long Legs, Maureen Brown & Big Hand, Big Jack Johnson & The Oilers, Big James & The Chicago Playboys, Harrison Kennedy, Chuckee Zehr & The Craw Daddies, Slick Ballinger, Mason Rack Band. www.kitchenerbluesfestival.ca
Aug 15 - 17 Summerfolk - Owen Sound Summerfolk has become a perennial favourite with performers as well as patrons because of it’s intimate atmosphere located at the beautiful Kelso Beach Park on the shores of Georgian Bay. A sampling of artists include, Harry Manx, Jory Nash, Little Miss Higgins, Toby Walker. For a complete listing and ticket prices www.summerfolk.org
August 17 Red, Whites and Blues Festival - Sparta Anderson & Sloski, Chris Murphy Band, Da Blooze Brothers, Suzanne Hyatt & the Odyssey Blues Band. Check website for times and ticket information. www.quaiduvin.com
Aug 21 - 24 Limestone City Blues Festival - Kingston Headliners for this festival have been announced and they are Jimmy Bowskill, Roomful of Blues with special guest Julian Fauth, Watermelon Slim & the Workers with special guest Gary Clark Jr., Georgette Fry Blues Band. Club listings are yet to be announced. For updates and admission information check the website. www.kingstonblues.com
Aug 29 - Sept 1 Canada's Largest Ribfest - Burlington The Soulsetters, Steve Strongman, Andy Earle, Downchild Blues Band, All Star Blues, Rhythm & Bones, Alex Tintinalli. www.canadaslargestribfest.com
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER
Sept 5-7 Southside Shuffle - Port Credit It’s the 10th anniversary for this much anticipated blues and jazz festival. Mississauga's musical Mardi-Gras! The Main Stage features Average White Band, Pat Travers Band, Homemade Jamz, The Funk Brothers, Charlie Musselwhite, Fathead, Loco Zydeco, Anthony Gomes, Carlos del Junco, Jeff Healey's Blues Band and The Downchild Blues Band. David de Eyre Square features Elyssa Mahoney & Lucas Hanneman, Diana Braithwaite & Chris Whiteley, Harrison Kennedy, Jack de Keyzer, Jeff Rogers. The Fram Slokker Street Shuffle will host artists such as Trouble & Strife, Maria Aurigema, Brokenjoe, Mr. Rick & the Biscuits, David Rotundo, Steve Strongman and more to be announced! The winner of the TBS Talent Search will have a showcase at the festival as well. The line-up continues to grow! www.southsideshuffle.com
Sept 19 - 21 All Canadian Jazz Festival - Port Hope Danny Marks www.allcanadianjazz.ca
Oct 23-25 Canal Bank Shuffle-Thorold www.canalbankshuffle.com
A LITTLE FURTHER AFIELD
June 30 - July 6 Festival International de Jazz de Montreal-Montreal
Harry Manx, Little Miss Higgins, Big Rude Jake, Jamaica to Toronto, Jack de Keyzer, Harrison Kennedy, Garrett Mason, Shakura S’Aida, The Blind Boys of Alabama, Aretha Franklin, Steely Dan, Michael Jerome Browne, Ricky Paquette, Keb’ Mo, Taj Mahal, Bettye Lavette, Sonny Landreth, L’il Ed and the Blues Imperials, Guitar Explosion w/Paul Deslauriers, Trevor Finlay and Steve Strongman. www.montrealjazzfest.com
July 4 - 6 Thunder Bay Blues Festival-Thunder Bay Roomful of Blues, Jimmy Bowskill, Jason Ricci & New Blood, Ana Popovic, Tracy K, David Rotundo, Walter Trout, Coco Montoya, The Fabulous Thunderbirds www.tbayblues.ca
July 4 - 13 Festival International du Blues de Tremblant-Mont-Tremblant, Que. Johnny Winter, John Hammond, Keb' Mo, Harrison Kennedy, Ana Popovic, Sonny Landreth, Johnny Max Band, Paul James Band, Garrett Mason, Steve Strongman, Jack de Keyzer, Layla Zoe, Jerome Godboo, Steve Marriner, Danny Brooks, Fathead, Walter Trout and the Radicals, Roomful of Blues, Jimmy Bowskill, Michael Jerome Browne, Kenny Blues Boss Wayne, Shakura S’Aida, L’il Ed and the Blues Imperials, Paul Deslauriers Band, Julian Fauth, Pinetop Perkins, Los Lobos, Jeff Healey Blues Band, Savoy Brown. www.tremblant.ca/blues
July 18 - 19 Quincy Area Blues Festival - Quincy, Illinois Shawn Kellerman and more! www.quincyblues.com
Aug 6-10 Maximum Blues International - Carleton-Saint-Omer, Que.
Garrett Mason, Duke Robillard, Pat the White, Boppin’ Blues Band, Steve Marriner. www.maximumblues.net
Aug 7 - 10 FestiBlues International de Montreal - Montreal, Que. Cotton Belly’s, Jack de Keyzer, David Rotundo, Coco Montoya, Papagroove, Pascale Picard Band, Releve en Blues, CLIO & The Blueshighway, and more. www.festiblues.com
Aug 8 - 9
L’il en
Blues Festival
-
St-Laurent-de-l’ile-d Orleans, Que.
David Gogo, Coco Montoya, Runaway Slide, Lise Hanick, Jack de Keyzer, Walter
Trout. www.lileenblues.ca
Aug 8 - 9 Cowpie Blues Festival - Caledonia, Michigan The Chicago Rhythm & Blues Kings, Biscuit Miller & The Mix, Motorcity Josh & The Big 3, Mem Shannon & The Membership, Those Delta Rhythm Kings, The Jimmie Stagger Band, Vincent Hayes Project, The Alligators. www.cowpiebluesfestival.com
August 8 - 10 Dutch Mason Blues Festival - Truro, N.S. Bonnie Raitt, Hubert Sumlin, James Cotton, Walter Trout, David Gogo, Jimmy Bowskill, Garrett Mason and more. www.dutchmason.com
Aug 14 - 17 Donnacona au Rythme du Blues - Donnacona, Que. www.donnaconablues.com
Aug 22 - 24 Edmonton’s Labatt Blues Festival - Edmonton, Alta. The James Cotton Band w/Pinetop Perkins & Hubert Sumlin, Downchild Blues Band, Charlie Musselwhite, Janiva Magness, Marcia Ball, L’il Ed & The Blues Imperials and more! For schedule and ticket information: www.bluesinternationalltd.com
Sept 9 - 14 Harvest Jazz & Blues Festival - Fredericton, N.B. Bonerama, Buddy Guy, Champion, Homemade Jamz, Sarah Jane Morris, Slick Ballinger and more to be announced! www.harvestjazzandblues.com
Sept 19-21 Great Atlantic Blues & Beyond Festival - Halifax, N.S. Johnny Winter, John Hammond, Charlie Musselwhite, Bettye Lavette and many more international artists.
October, 2008 - June, 2009 Blues on the Rideau - Westport This is a Dinner & Show Series featuring some of Canada’s best blues artists. The new season of artists will be announced soon. www.choosetheblues.ca
- Sharon Grace
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