Fall/Winter 2007
Drive Your Winter Blues Away … Plan a Summer Bluesfest Getaway!
Check out reviews of
some favourite 2007 In this issue: festivals … OBS AGM 3 Blues Heart Awards 4 then use our 2008 Electro-Fi Anniversary Show 5 Festival Calendar to Summer Festivals 2007 6 make your plans! Festival Calendar 2008 10
Cisco Ottawa Bluesfest 2007 11
Reviews 14
Postcards From The Road 18
Corporate Directory 22
New & Renewing Members Jagoda & Eugen Bacic, Gerald Bailie, Alex & Cathy Bell, David Brennan, Ross Brown & Lori Kerfoot, Bob Cavan, Paul Coffey, Kat Danser, Brent Diab, Louise Dontigny, Ken & Elizabeth Fraser, Vince Halfhide, Jack Logan, Murray MacIntosh, Elyssa Mahoney, Fraser Manson, Tom Morelli, Neil Newton, Claire O'Connor, Denis and Helen Paquin, Joanne Pilon, Roxanne Pilon, Tom Rowe, Jim Roy, John Savage, Ursula Scherfer, Mike Shea, Brian Slack, Michael Smith, Ken Stasiak, Liz Sykes, Diana & Stephane Thibodeau, Debra Thornington, Ian Tomlinson, Patrick Watters, Mark and Esther Weatherbee, Diane Wells, Marc Whittingham, Ross Wilson, Linda & Pat Yarema
2 OBScene Deadlines OBS CONTACTS Issue Copy Deadline Distribution Date Website: www.OttawaBluesSociety.com OBS Mission Spring March 15 Mid-April E-mail: Please use feedback form on website Summer May 30 End of June CORRESPONDENCE AND ADDRESS CHANGES To foster appreciation, Ottawa Blues Society promotion, preservation P.O. Box 708, Station “B” and enjoyment of the Ottawa, ON K1P 5P8 From the Editor … blues in all of its forms OBS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE AND DIRECTORS Unfortunately the best laid plans don’t President:: Liz Sykes always work out and our intended switch to Vice President: Brent Diab an electronic newsletter with the Fall issue Secretary: vacant of the OBScene didn’t happen. Directors : Brent Diab, Louise Dontigny, Ken Fraser, OBS Mandate Mike Graham, Debra Thornington, Linda Yarema Our plans to ’go electronic’ are still in the Treasurer: Mike Graham works, so this issue contains both the To bring together the blues com- Legal Advisor: Alan Hirsch intended electronic Fall issue as well as the munity in Ottawa through participa- OBS COMMITTEES AND CHAIRS Winter issue. We hope that we’ll be on tion in blues events and activities. schedule with the Spring electronic issue. Corporate Liaison: Ken Fraser To work with the blues community These things always take much more time Membership: Rob Dufresne than we expect! in expanding awareness and ap- Merchandise: Brent Diab preciation of the blues. Volunteers: Linda Yarema Our new website is still ’under construction’; we anticipate that it will be To publish a newsletter to inform OBScene STAFF functioning by early spring at the latest. the blues community of all aspects Editor: Liz Sykes of the local blues scene and events Although our highlights from last Summers Layout & Design: Commeleon Inc. as well as some highlights of the Festivals are later than we planned, they Writers: Louise Dontigny, James Doran, Ken Fraser, will provide you with an overview of several Canadian and international blues Mike Graham, JW-Jones, Jim Roy, Liz Sykes, Linda scenes of interest to OBS mem- Yarema. festivals we’ve attended and enjoyed. bers. Photographers: Eddy B (blueheartarchive.com), Perhaps you might include one or more of Louise Dontigny, Liz Sykes, Linda Yarema these festivals in your summer plans for To provide timely blues information 2008 … we’ve even included a calendar of to OBS members by a website & e- 2008 Festival dates to help you plan! OBScene is published quarterly by the Ottawa Blues mail. Society, and is available via membership in the Ottawa Blues Society. The opinions expressed in the The Blues community continues to lose To develop, maintain and increase many of its pioneers … and some of its reviews and critiques contained in this newsletter its membership as a means of fos- are those of the individual reviewers and do not younger members as well. If you are not necessarily reflect the opinion of the Ottawa Blues familiar with those listed on our back tering and supporting blues. Society. If you have a different opinion, please cover, please search their names on-line to To stage or assist in staging events share it with us. learn about their contributions to blues. that will foster appreciation and ADVERTISING RATES Please check the OBS website regularly for awareness of the blues. Business card size $ 25.00 updated information regarding upcoming Quarter page $ 50.00 To present a "Blues Heart" award Third page $ 75.00 newsletters and other OBS news, and to an individual who has made an Half page $ 100.00 please do not hesitate to contact me if you outstanding contribution to the Full page $ 200.00 have any questions. blues. 30% discount for institutional members. Liz Sykes 10% discount for four issues paid in advance. [email protected]
OBS News — Website and Newsletter Changes Our website ’renovation’ is in progress and we hope to unveil our new site within the next month. Our new design will make the website more current (and easier to update), more user-friendly, and more attractive. We hope to debut the new electronic version of The OBScene with the Spring 2008 issue. The OBScene will continue to be issued quarterly, but two issues will be available electronically (via our website) and two will be printed and mailed as usual. Our electronic issues will have colour photos and links to related websites. Of course, members will be free to download and print the electronic issues, if they wish. Stay tuned to our website -- www.ottawabluessociety.com -- for further info!
OBS Annual General Meeting Report 3 Irene’s Pub Thursday, December 12, 2007
Volunteers/Bluesfest Membership Please see pages 11-14 for a full report. The new look website should attract more Website members. The OBS is investigating the possibility of membership renewal via the website. Also being A new website is under development and expected considered is offering a multiple (2- or 3-year) to be online in early 2008. renewal. Newsletter OBS Involvement The Board proposed that the OBS produce two The OBS nominated Holger Petersen for the Blues paper newsletters (Summer & Winter) and two Foundation’s ‘Keeping the Blues Alive’ Award for electronic issues (Spring & Fall). Both types will be Pubic Radio and Holger was the recipient of this in the same format but the electronic issues will be award. Congratulations. available as pdf files form the OBS website and members will be welcome to download and print The OBS provided a letter of support for the Cisco them if they wish. The electronic issues will Ottawa Bluesfest application for fundging from the emphasize colour photos; the paper issues will be Canadian Heritage Foundation. made available as pdf files in a ‘past issue’ archive. Mike Graham represented OBS in supporting the This proposal, originally scheduled to begin with the DAWG FM radio license applications for all-blues Fall 2007 issue, has bee postponed to 2008. FM radio stations in Ottawa/Gatineau and Merchandise Peterborough. Mike has assisted DAWG’s Todd Bernard in obtaining a large number of letters of OBS merchandise prices were reduced this year at support from OBS members and local blues fans Bluesfest and a considerable amount of the OBS and musicians. Hearings for the Peterborough inventory was sold. Future merchandise items will license took place in December and the Ottawa/ be ordered in smaller quantities and we will Gatineau hearings, originally scheduled for endeavour to sell out merchandise from year to December, were postponed to late winter/early year and offer new/fresh items each year. spring 2008. A date has not yet been announced. Events OBS Board Elections - 2008-09 term There has been considerable discussion among The OBS Charter provides for a Board of not less Board members as to what types of events, if any, than 3 nor more than 8 Directors. The AGM the OBS should be involved with. A proposal has attendees supported the addition of two members been tabled, to be discussed by the incoming to the Board, bringing the total number of Directors Board, that the OBS will set an event budget each to six. year and will use event promotion funds to provide support to events already being planned by other Mike Graham was re-elected. Louise Dontigny and organizations rather than spending limited OBS Debra Thornington were elected as new Directors. funds on promotion/production of a few large The Board appointed Linda Yarema at the January events. OBS funds will thus give partial support to meeting of the Board of Directors. several events/organizations. Liz Sykes, OBS President
OBS Blues Heart Honorees 4 1998 Rainbow Bistro Maria & Greg accept the 1999 Mark Monahan, Ottawa Bluesfest 2005 Blues Heart Award 2000 Brian Murphy 2001 The late Larry ‘The Bird’ Mootham 2002 Not presented 2003 John Tackaberry, CKCU-FM 2004 Jim Roy, Ottawa Blues, Jazz & Swing Guide 2005 Maria Hawkins Sunday Blues, soul, R&B, funk & Maria’s 2006 Tucson’s original material at the Atomic Rooster: Maria & Greg
Blues Heart 2005 - Maria Hawkins It’s difficult to imagine there’s an Ottawa blues fan who doesn’t know Maria Hawkins. She is a renaissance woman (if there isn’t such a thing, there should be and Maria would be her!) To quote from her website, she is “a singer and arts program designer, facilitator and tutor, member of Leadership Ottawa, Ottawa Blues Society Co-founder, bandleader of The Maria Hawkins Band, member of the Social Planning Council, City of Ottawa – Arts Advisory Committee, Choirmaster Ottawa University’s Tabaret Hall and Algonquin College Alumni.” She’s also mother of three adult children and grandmother of three. Her involvement with the fledgling ‘Blues in the Schools’ program, sponsored by the Ottawa Bluesfest, led to her own programs, “Blues 4 Kids”, “Sing Thing” and “Sing Out”, year-round music entertainment and education projects which stimulate and engage individual and community awareness and appreciation of the arts and especially music. These programs are designed to benefit youth and the entire community – especially those individuals living with physical, mental, or economic disadvantage. Maria is a tireless worker and fundraiser for many organizations in our community, including the Cancer Foundation Telethon, the Heart and Stroke Foundation, Breast and Prostate Cancer National Capital Walk-a-thon, The Food Bank and the United Way. She has been recognized for her contribution with awards from the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and Breast Cancer Action. Maria lives the OBS Mission Statement – “to foster appreciation, promotion, preservation and enjoyment of the blues in all of its forms” – and she was chosen the recipient of the 2005 Blues Heart Award. OBS presented her (tardily!) with this award at her Sunday late afternoon show in January at the Atomic Rooster (1st Sunday each month). Maria was very gracious in her acceptance, and insisted that co-credit be given to her guitarist Greg Szepietowski for his support of all her projects. She is truly a classy lady! Blues Heart 2006 - Tucson’s The Ottawa Blues Society Blues Heart Award is presented to an individual or organization that has made an outstanding contribution to fostering appreciation and awareness of blues music. The Ottawa Blues Society celebrated our 10th anniversary this year. Our 2006 Blues Heart honouree has steadfastly helped keep blues alive in Ottawa for much longer than our 10 years … through the ups and downs of the economy, high-tech downsizing and the effects of Ottawa’s anti-smoking bylaw. They have shown exemplary commitment to the live blues scene in Ottawa, featuring both local and visiting blues acts for three (sometimes more) Jim Jones accepts the days a week. Blues Heart Award Congratulations to our deserving recipient -- Tucson’s! OBS 2006 Blues Heart Award on display behind the bar Left: Front row seated - Mel Brown, Billy Boy Arnold; back row L to R – Michael Fonfara, Bob Stroger, Willie ‘Big Eyes’ Smith, Andrew Galloway & Alec Fraser
Right: Billy Boy Arnold at the Silver Dollar ElectroFi 10th Anniversary Party November 3, 2007
Photos courtesy of Eddy B blueheartarchive.com
5 Electro-Fi Records 10th Anniversary
November 3, 2007 marked the 10th anniversary for one of The evening started with a short set by Fathead (featuring Canada’s … make that the world’s! … best blues labels – the great John Mays on vocals) – one of Toronto’s best, Electro-Fi Records. To celebrate, Founder/President/ hard workin’ blues bands. Next came young Julian Fauth Director of Sales & Marketing/Chief Financial Officer/ who took the stage with just his piano and vocals and
Receptionist & Shipper (that’s right folks, he does it all!) earned major applause from the audience for his solo Andrew Galloway treated us all to a wonderful night of LIVE performance. Then Harrison Kennedy (accompanied nicely music from some of his label’s top artists at Toronto’s by Keith ‘Nappy’ Lindsay on keyboards) – the Hamilton famous (infamous?) blues club – The Silver Dollar on bluesman fresh off his brand new (and first with Electro-Fi) Spadina. I, along with Ottawa Blues Society President Liz CD “High Country Blues” delivered a powerful set. Lastly a Sykes, were fortunate enough to be there and we were posse of Chicago blues legends who have recorded with treated to a wonderful night of music. ElectroFi over the years took the stage including Willie ‘Big Eyes’ Smith on drums, Bob Stroger on bass, Billy Flynn on It was a packed house, which was great because ElectroFi guitar, with Julian sitting in on keyboards fitting in very certainly deserves the support. Look at the cornucopia of nicely. They got into the groove fast, played a few bodacious blues talent this label has brought us over the dynamite tunes then the great Billy Boy Arnold joined short 10 years that it has been in business: Mel Brown, them, blowing harp and singing those trademark songs of Snooky Pryor, Sam Myers, Enrico Crivellaro, Billy Boy his that have influenced everyone from Bo Diddley to The Arnold, Finis Tasby, Gary Primich, Paul Oscher, Miss Angel, Yardbirds, David Bowie, The Fabulous Thunderbirds and a Curley Bridges, Little Mack Simmons, Mark Hummel, L’il whole bunch more over the years. ‘Standing O’ at the end. Dave Thompson, Morgan Davis, Fathead, Harmonica Shah, It was a wide range of different blues styles all in one night Kenny ‘Blues Boss’ Wayne, Harrison Kennedy, Fruteland yet it worked beautifully because they had one thing in Jackson, Sharrie Williams, Pinetop Perkins, Johnny Laws, common – they were all great! That’s why they’re on Julian Fauth, Diana Braithwaite & Chris Whiteley – and ElectroFi! many more greats to come, I’m sure. There’s a quote on the electrofi.com web site under the I’ve been telling blues friends 10th Anniversary CD that I think expresses the essence of for years to go to this great blues label perfectly: www.electrofi.com close your eyes, pick a couple of CDs from “It’s a simple formula - no teenage guitar heroes, no aging the menu that you’ve never rock stars re-discovering their imaginary “blues roots”, no heard before, buy them and fawning tribute CD’s, no pointless blues “fusion” CD’s, no listen up. I guarantee you will flavor of the month meets the blues CD’s, no "the blues is enjoy whatever you choose. I broke, here’s how we should fix it” CD’s, instead, just have yet to experience a bad recording on this label. plenty of straight natural Blues music served up by some of the real originators from Blues music’s greatest Now it’s even easier to make your choices – just buy the generation alongside with the best of this generation’s th brand new “Maximum Mojo” 10 Anniversary double CD emerging artists to whom the torch of the blues tradition set – it’s available from the website for only $17.99! has been passed. Keeping that torch burning and having There are one or more tunes from each of the above artists the privilege of releasing the music that we love - that’s – 32 cuts in total – all great! From there, you can identify what we’re most proud of here at Electro-Fi”. the ones you like best and then buy one of their full CDs to get more. “Maximum Mojo” makes the perfect gift for a Aye, and you do a grand job of it Andrew. Keep up the blues fan. awesome work. I know I speak for all true blues lovers out there when I say thank you for all the great music you have th Not all of the ElectroFi artists were at he 10 Anniversary given us over the last 10 years. Looking forward with Party at The Dollar – it would have taken Massey Hall and excitement to the next 10! more than a few nights to accommodate everyone if that were the case – but it was an excellent cross section. James Doran
6
MIKE GRAHAM’S SUMMER The fest is run by the ‘Mr. Blues’ of enamours him to the crowd … you just BLUES FESTIVALS Syracuse – Bernie Clark. Under his can’t help liking this guy! Roy has direction, with numerous volunteers, toured for the last 30 years and Each of the last five years after working Syracuse puts on a free fest that is appeared at numerous festivals. Don’t at the Blues Fest, I embark on travels to packed with great blues in the fine miss him if you have a chance to catch a number of blues festivals during the venue of Clinton Square. .I strongly his act. summer. This year I attended the York recommend this fest … oh yes, and if Chenango is a very relaxing experience State Blues Festival, the Chenango you go, head over to the Dinosaur Bar-B- … everyone brings a lawn chair and Blues Festival and the Limestone City Que, the home of Syracuse Blues and everyone is ‘country friendly’. The Blues Fest. I strongly recommend the best ribs I have ever had!! admission price is $15, the concession attending these festivals as the music, Chenango County Blues Festival prices are quite low -- beer is only $3!!! the people and the venues are unique Norwich, NY and quite enjoyable. Limestone City Blues Festival August 17-18, 2007 Kingston, ON New York State Blues Festival www.chenangobluesfest.org August 21-24, 2007 Syracuse, NY This year’s 15th Annual Chenango www.kingstonblues.com July 21-22, 2007 County Blues Festival was a blast! The www.nysbluesfest.com For many years I have been attending festival takes place in mid-August at the the Limestone City Blues Festival, set in The New York State Blues Festival takes Chenango County Fairgrounds in historic Kingston, Ontario. The festival place on two stages, placed at either Norwich, New York (50 miles from is a 4-day event and features the best in end of Clinton Square in downtown Syracuse). The venue is a rural setting blues from the Kingston area and Syracuse. This year’s 16th annual fest fair grounds with a main stage and an abroad. Internationally-renowned featured Sean Carney, Blues Guitar ‘acoustic tent’. The main stage featured artists descend upon ‘Lime Stone City’ Women (Sue Foley, Deborah Coleman, Savoy Brown, one of the earliest British to the scenic waterfront Confederation and Roxanne Potvin). On Saturday, the blues bands and fronted by the founder, Park (in the daytime) and numerous Budweiser Main Stage featured guitarist Kim Simmonds. When you downtown venues for nightly headliner Tommy Castro. Sunday’s add the incomparable Rod Piazza and entertainment. On Saturday night, headliner was Buddy Guy preceded by the Mighty Flyers and Janiva Magness Market Square hosts a main stage Walter Trout (who was excellent), the (no stranger to Ottawa Blues Fest fans) concert where, this year, the Tony D Mighty Lester (who stole the show) and to the bill, you have an energetic Band, Downchild Blues Band, and the James Hunter from England. afternoon of entertainment. Of course, venerable veteran James Cotton every fest has a ‘surprise’ and for me it The Dinosaur Bar-B-Que stage featured appeared. The previous night, Jeff was the appearance of Australian, Geoff some the great local blues acts from the Rogers (from Ottawa) and the legendary Achison who has a reputation as a Syracuse blues scene. On both Sonny Landreth put on a stellar show at guitar’s guitarist. Equally adept at Saturday and Sunday afternoons a the Brock Street Stage. acoustic or electric styles, Geoff and his number of musicians got together to band play a high energy and soulful During the daytime, each day, the fest present the Syracuse Blues All-Stars l style. presents 6-8 acts featuring the best in and ll. These guys rocked!! And Kingston area local artists, and often showed that Syracuse Blues musicians When each main stage act ends, some acts from Ottawa. With the don’t take a back seat to national everyone heads over to the extremely purchase of a $10 wristband, you can acts! In particular, appearances from large acoustic tent. This tent features gain admittance each night to the Joe Whiting & Mark Doyle, along with three tremendous acts. This year’s numerous clubs hosting some of the Tom Townsley and Bernie Clark (of highlight was Roy Book Binder, a master acts appearing at Confederation Park as Bernie Clark & The Rhythm Sharks) left player, singer, writer and ‘teller of well as other groups. From traditional the crowd buzzing with pride in their tales’ (many of them are true). His acoustic to rock & swing blues, this fest great home-grown talent. poignant humour and laid back style delivers year after year. The Kingston DUTCH MASON BLUES FESTIVAL Left, Festival site
Right, The Blueprints on stage
(photos Louise Dontigny)
7 area is beautiful and filled with bridge toll is $40.75 and the fare for the Southside Shuffle many historic sites … couple this with a ferry is $64 for a car and one Port Credit Blues & Jazz Festival great fest, I would recommend that you passenger; the ferry is more expensive Port Credit, ON add this to your travel plans for next but I opted for it, saving on gas while September 7-9, 2007 year. The fest has it all – relaxing in enjoying a pleasant 75-minute crossing. www.southsideshuffle.com Confederation Park (while listening to Note: toll and ferry costs are paid once the blues), excellent main stage acts, as you leave the island; there are no This year's festival took place in the great nightly entertainment, fine dining tolls on entering. newly renovated Memorial Park, a much larger area to accommodate this and the beauty of historic Camping is available in a huge field next downtown Kingston expanding festival; a second smaller to the festival site, the Truro Raceway stage has been added – the Sick Kids for $25 per night. If you don’t want to South Stage, which boasted an award LOUISE DONTIGNY’S SUMMER be awakened at 6 am by music and winning lineup and all for free. early party starters, be sure to request a BLUES FESTIVALS Admission to the Main Stage was spot in a quiet area! reasonable – a 3-day pass-$30, Friday- I have attended the Southside Shuffle The festival ran from Friday evening Saturday-$25 with slightly cheaper day twice in the past; this summer I until Sunday at 6 pm. The lineup passes available as well. There were travelled to my first Dutch Mason Blues included Keith Hallet, Ottawa’s Sue also various artists performing Festival. Foley, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, the throughout the weekend in 19 different Blueprints, Ross Neilsen, Joe Murphy & venues close to the festival site. Dutch Mason Blues Festival the Waterstreet Blues Band, James Truro, NS Friday night's highlights were Kenny Cotton, Buddy Guy, Theresa Malenfant, August 10-12, 2007 ‘Blues Boss’ Wayne, Downchild Blues Morgan Davis, Matt Minglewood and www.dutchmason.com Band and The Powder Blues Band. The Garret Mason. after-show at the Legion that night was Six years ago I came back to the Ottawa I attended the Saturday only. It was not to be missed as all the artists were area after living in beautiful Prince wonderful to see The Blueprints on a big there, including Gatineau’s 16-year old Edward Island for 10 years. This outdoor stage; they gave a great Ricky Paquette, who amazed everyone summer I went back to the island for a performance and the crowd loved with his skillful guitar playing. visit. While there, I was overjoyed to them. Ross Neilsen was outstanding as find out that one of my favourite bands well with his electrifying Blues Among those in the Saturday lineup when I lived there, The Blueprints (rossneilsen.com); 17-year old Keith were Detroit Women and Buddy Guy. (www.theblueprintspei.com), a PEI- Hallett (bluestube.com/keith) joined Sunday featured Krista Blondin's Janis based Blues band with an electric edge, him on stage for a while and impressed Joplin Tribute – she not only sings Janis' would be opening for James Cotton and the crowd with remarkable talent for his music, she emulates her whole concert Buddy Guy at The Dutch Mason Blues age. Garrett Mason was awesome as persona … she looks, sounds, dresses Festival on August 11. The Blueprints were James Cotton and Buddy Guy. The and moves like Janis. The Pretzel Logic- CD entitled “Blues With a Feeling” was after-show jam in a tent near the stage Steely Dan Tribute was followed by nominated for the 2007 East Coast was a lot of fun; former members of the Lighthouse whose show delighted the Music Awards ‘Blues Recording of the Dutch Mason band joined others on audience. Year’ and won the 2007 Music PEI ‘Jazz stage and the place was jumpin'. Free shows at the Sick Kids stage & Blues Recording of the Year’ award. I very much enjoyed this festival – the included Valdy, David Gogo, Lunch at I decided to go to Truro to experience great performances, the size (not too Allen's (featuring Cindy Church, Mark this festival for the first time. From big), the convenience of camping on Jordan, Ian Thomas and Murray Charlottetown, it takes about 2¼ hours site, the friendly fun-loving people, great McLaughlan), Kenny ‘Blues Boss’ to get to Truro, either by taking the food (succulent fish and chips made Wayne, and Detroit Women's Sunday Confederation Bridge or the ferry from with fresh hake and fresh cut fries). Morning Gospel Show – what a way to Woods Island to Nova Scotia. The
SOUTHSIDE SHUFFLE
Left: Sick Kids Stage
Right: Elyssa Mahoney & Lucas Haneman (photos Louise Dontingny)
8 start the day! This year’s Junior Jam Chicago Blues Festival There’s so much to see in Chicago (my was held at the Sick Kids stage – young Grant Park, Chicago IL favourite US city) that I always go a few blues enthusiasts (up to the age of 18) June 7-10, 2007 days early – so I can make my have a chance to perform on stage. www.chicagobluesfestival.org pilgrimage to the Art Institute, take a Ottawa’s Elyssa Mahoney blew everyone Chicago River architecture cruise, visit away once again, and Ricky Paquette 2007 was my 9th Chicago Bluesfest and the museums and aquarium, check out gave a stunning performance. This this festival is on my ‘can’t miss’ list. the view from the Sears or Hancock year’s Junior Jam included special Chicago IS blues in my book … from the Towers and just soak up Chicago’s guests, The Side Effects, an Omaha- moment I arrive there are musicians, ambiance. It’s an easy city to get based blues band with remarkably and blues, everywhere – musicians around in – if you’re a walker, you’ll talented musicians, all under the age of playing in O’Hare Airport when I arrive, have lots of opportunities; if not, the bus 16. Also appearing was The Douglas more in the ‘L’ stations (tho’ I have yet and elevated train system – the Watson R&B Revue with Mississippi to see anyone playing actually ON the aforementioned ‘L’ – are reasonably- Pete, winners of the 2007 Toronto train to the city!), blues in the clubs, priced, as are the cabs. Most blues Blues Society Talent Search. blues in the street. The Festival runs fans try to stay near the festival, but from Thursday noon ‘til Sunday evening The Saturday afternoon free Street downtown Chicago hotels are pricey, so in beautiful Grant Park, right downtown. Shuffle is always fun. Ottawa duo you definitely have to book well in There’s a headliner show every evening Elyssa Mahoney and Lucas Haneman advance (early January at the latest!) in the Petrillo Bandshell – it requires a Band were one of the crowd's ticket, but a ticket, like all the music at A group of Ottawa blues fans (some are favourites; this young team has written this festival, is FREE. (You have to line OBS members) attend the Chicago beautiful songs and their performances, up earlier in the day to get your Petrillo festival every year so there are always always excellent, cover a wide range of ticket and can’t enter the Bandshell familiar faces around. It’s amazing how music styles … a musical ‘match made until late afternoon.) The Chicago often you run into people you know, in heaven’! Ricky Paquette worked his festival, which entertains about despite the size of the crowd! magic at the Street Shuffle as well. 750,000 fans each year over its four This festival is very well organized, with days, presents blues on four CHICAGO no long lineups anywhere, great food performance stages, plus the evening BLUESFEST and vendors, lots of free parking and Petrillo show, and several street spots. Kids from good restaurants nearby, and plenty of There’s also a seminar/discussion tent Stone great music of various genres to please and another tent which shows vintage Academy everyone. As Tom Lavin of The Powder TV and film of Chicago blues musicians, Blues Band mentioned during their many now gone. Willie Dixon’s Blue show, it is a world class festival. I once Heaven Foundation has a booth, as again enjoyed it tremendously. does Koko Taylor, and with familiar bars Rosa’s Lounge and Kingston Mines. Fruteland LIZ SYKES’ SUMMER BLUES A Bluesfest weekend highlight is the Jackson, FESTIVALS Sunday morning Delmark Brunch at the Chris Whiteley & Jazz Record Mart. Delmark label-owner Chicago skyline I’ve attended the Chicago and Pocono and JRM proprietor Bob Koester hosts Blue Festivals almost every year for the the brunch each year. Juice, coffee, last 10 years. Each year I try to get to a pastries, fruit – all free – are consumed ‘new-to-me’ festival; this year, I made it by early-rising blues fans, while listening to The Distillery Blues Festival, a festival to some of Chicago’s finest blues talent Great Lakes I had been looking forward to attending and shopping for blues – CDs, DVDs, Blues Society for some time. even vinyl! Summit (photos Liz Sykes) 9 Distillery Blues Festival Toronto ON Pocono Blues Festival June 15-17, 2007 Big Boulder, Blakeslee PA www.distilleryblues.com July 27-29, 2007 www.jfbb.com/summer-blues- Most years this festival takes place the festival.asp same weekend as the Chicago Bluesfest, but in 2007 the dates did You can’t beat the location of not conflict. I’ve wanted to attend this this festival – it’s held at Big festival since it started, a few short Boulder Ski Hill. The two years ago. Many blues fans prefer stages are approximately a 5- smaller festivals with a line-up that minute walk apart, but the focuses on blues – if that’s what you’re conformation of the mountain looking for, it’s the definition of this prevents any sound bleed festival. And … it’s free! between the two. There’s a The 3rd Distillery Blues Festival took third tent stage with seating place in Toronto’s Distillery District, and cover from rain and/or filled with heritage buildings. The 2007 sun. This is a two-day festival, version of the festival featured several but a few years back, a Friday local and area bands and headliners night VIP Pre-show was added Danny Brooks, L’il Dave Thompson, (with dinner included in the Johnny Rawls and Sugar Ray and the ticket price). Most festival- Blue Tones. Opener for Saturday’s goers stay in hotels/motels in Main Stage was Toronto’s Shakua the Pocono area, but be S’Aida, 2nd place finisher in the recent warned that they fill up quickly. International Blues Challenge in There are rental condominiums Memphis TN. Gary Kendall and his very near the festival site, but band were featured on another stage. these must be reserved a year in advance! In 2008, this festival has a new location and a new name – it will take Festival organizer Michael place in spacious 30-acre Woodbine Cloeren has an amazing talent Park in the Beaches area of the city, for finding musicians you haven’t heard or seen on the and will now be called Waterfront Blues. Festival organizer Rico Ferrara festival ‘circuit’ and has booked tells me that it’s easy to get to unique ‘showcases’ you won’t Woodbine Park by public transit, find anywhere else. A highlight there’s lots of parking, and there great this year was ‘going to church’ shops and restaurants nearby. And he Sunday morning with the Lee guarantees that the line-up – which Boys. In 2007, a full-colour has in the past featured Sugar Ray & festival program was The BlueTones, Johnny Rawls, Jimmy introduced – a wonderful Burns, The Reba Russell Band, Darrell keepsake of a great weekend! Nulisch, and Michael Powers among DISTILLERY BLUES FESTIVAL others – will, once again, be terrific. I From the top: Festival crowd sunny day; POCONO BLUESFEST don’t doubt it! This festival is highly Danny Brooks; Gary Kendall; Top of page: ‘Going to church with the Lee Boys. recommended! Johnny Rawls; Darrell Nulisch; Right, from top: Guy Davis; Harmonica Shah; Rosie Sugar Ray & the Bluetones Ledet; rubboard player; Otis Clay. (photos Liz Sykes) (photos Liz Sykes)
MARCH June 26-July 6, 2008 August 2-3, 2008 August 22-24, 2008 10 March 26-30, 2008 Montreal Jazz Festival Sky High Blues Festival Edmonton Labatt Blues Festival Festival Jazz et Blues Montreal QC Rock Creek BC Edmonton AB Saguenay QC www.montrealjazzfestival.com www.skyhighbluesfestival.com www.bluesinternationalltd.com www.jazzetblues.com August 30, 2008 JULY August 7-10, 2008 Coal Flat Blues Festival APRIL July 3-13, 2008 Calgary Blues Festival Port Burwell ON April 26-26, 2008 Cisco Ottawa Bluesfest Calgary AB www.coalflatsblues.com Canal Bank Spring Shuffle Ottawa ON www.calgarybluesfest.com Thorold ON www.ottawa-bluesfest.ca SEPTEMBER www.canalbankshuffle.com July 3-13, 2008 August 7-10, 2008 September 5-7, 2008 Festival International du Blues Great Woods Music Festival Southside Shuffle Beausejour MB MAY de Tremblant Port Credit ON www.greatwoodspark.com/ May 10, 2008 Mont Tremblant QC www.southsideshuffle.com Festival-greatwoods/ Festival de Blues Deux-Montagnes www.tremblant.ca
Deux-Montagnes QC September 8-9, 2008 August 7-13, 2008 www.bluesmontreal.com/ July 7-9, 2008 Blues In the Park communique.html Thunder Bay Blues Fest Oshawa Jazz and Blues Festival Firemen’s Park, Niagara Falls Thunder Bay ON Oshawa ON ON www.oshawajazzandbluesfestival.com JUNE www.thebayblues.ca www.bluesinthepark.com
June 5-8, 2008 August 9, 2008 Orangeville Blues & Jazz July 10-13, 2008 September 9-14, 2008 Bluesfest International Maple Ridge Jazz & Blues Harvest Jazz and Blues Festival Orangeville ON Festival http://webhome.idirect.com/ Windsor ON Fredericton NB www.thebluesfest.com Maple Ridge BC www.harvestjazzandblues.com ~larryk/ www.jazzblues.ca
July 11-13, 2008 September 15-21, 2008 June 6-8, 2008 August 9-12, 2008 Waterfront Blues Bluesfest International Great Atlantic Blues & Beyond London ON Festiblues Festival Woodbine Park, Toronto ON Montreal QC www.distilleryblues.com www.thebluesfest.com Halifax NS www.festiblues.com www.atlanticbluesfest.com
June 12-23, 2008 July 18-20, 2008 Burlington Jazz’n Blues Festival August 10, 2008 Barrie Jazz & Blues Burnaby Blues & Roots Festival OCTOBER Barrie ON Burlington ON October 23-25, 2008 www.burlingtonjazzbluesfestival.com Burnaby BC www.barriejazzbluesfest.com www.burnabybluesfestival.com Canal Bank Fall Shuffle Thorold ON July 18-20, 2008 June 14, 2008 www.canalbankshuffle.com Toronto Parti Gras August 14-17 208 West Island Blues Festival Distillery District, Toronto ON Donnacona au Rhythme du Dollard-des-Ormeaux QC US FESTIVALS www.torontopartigras.com Blues www.westislandbluesfestival.com Donnacona QC April 25-27 & May 1-4, 2008
www.donnaconablues.com New Orleans Jazz & Heritage June 18-21, 2008 July 18-27, 2008 Festival Edmonston Jazz and Blues Beaches International Jazz August 15-17, 2008 New Orleans LA Festival Festival Salmon Arm Roots & Blues www.nojazzfest.com Edmonston NB Toronto ON Festival www.jazzbluesedmundston.com www.beachesjazz.com Salmon Arm BC June 5-8, 2008
www.rootsandblues.ca Chicago Bluesfest June 20-22, 2008 July 24-27, 2008 Grant Park, Chicago IL Wasaga Beachfest Calgary Folk Festival August 15-24, 2008 www.chicagobluesfestival.us Wasaga Beach ON Calgary AB Summertime Blues www.wasagabeachfest.com www.calgaryfolkfest.com Nanaimo BC July 25-27, 2008
www.nanaimobluesfestival.com Pocono Blues Festival June 20-29, 2008 AUGUST Blakeslee PA Sasktel Saskatchewan Jazz Maximum Blues August 21-24, 2008 www.jfbb.com/summer-blues- Festival Carleton QC Limestone Blues Festival festival.asp Saskatoon SK www.maximumblues.net Kingston ON www.saskjazz.com www.kingstonblues.com Info compiled from internet 11 OK then! Another Bluesfest under As far as Blues/Bluesy or Blues- our belts! Quite an experience it was influenced acts go, it was not bad: too! We had a new venue to figure out and maneuver around. It was Steve Marriner huge. Tony D and his Power hour Ruthie Foster Janiva Magness Diunna Greenleaf There was lots of water too – around Leo Kottke us and often on us – yes we had a Jonny Lang Elmer Ferrer bit of rain this year. Not enough to The Robert Cray Band dampen spirits much — just enough Candye Kane to allow us to sell out of rain Even fronted by two busy roads with Papa Mali ponchos, barn jackets and baseball The Mighty Popo high traffic volumes, the landscape caps. Not a bad thing. Ndidi Onukwulu still had something of a rural feel to Ten Years After it — it covered that much ground. Detroit Women Buddy Guy Chris Duarte Chris Cain Lucky Peterson Larry McCray Watermelon Slim Matt Anderson Stephen Fearing Colin Linden Rick Fines Richie Righteous