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Harrison Kennedy (right) plays the Blues at Blue Festival in Collingwood (June 22 and 23). He can also be seen at The Toronto Ribfest (June 27), The Montreal Jazz Festival (July 1), the Mt. Tremblant Festival (July 12), the Ottawa Blues Festival (July 13) and the Kitchener Blues Festival (Aug 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.
June 5 - 8
Orangeville Blues & Jazz Festival
- Orangeville
Small town with the biggest blues feel northwest of Toronto. In it’s sixth year
with two full days of free entertainment on the Main Stage in Alexandra Park,
afternoon and evening on the Mill Street Stage and a newly added Streetfest!
You’ll see, Garrett Mason, Little G Weevil & Billy Gibson, John Campbelljohn,
Treasa Levasseur, Trouble & Strife, Fathead, Danny Marks, Jerome Godboo, Jack de
Keyzer, Danny Brooks, Paul Reddick, Johnny Max, Paul James, Layla Zoe, Elyssa
Mahoney, Alex Tintinalli, The Bluesers w/Chris Cotton, Sab & The Family Band,
Steve Strongman, Son Roberts, Daddy Long Legs, The Homeless, Brian Blain, Noah
Zacharin, Julian Fauth, Diana Braithwaite & Chris Whiteley, Erin McCallum,
Maureen Brown and more! Workshops on slide guitar, songwriting, harmonica, sax,
percussion. Farmer’s market, street vendors and a pancake breakfast! View the
schedule and details for information on the kick-off concert with The Fabulous
Thunderbirds, the opening night gala, closing party and participating venues at
www.orangevillebluesandjazz.ca.
June 6 - 7
Orillia Spring Blues Festival -
Orillia
After a one year hiatus, the Orillia Spring Blues Festival is back with key
organizers Joe Feicht and renowned musician, producer, arranger Lance Anderson.
The new Main Stage artists -- Matt Minglewood, Shakura S’Aida, Blackburn,
Johnny Max, Wayne Buttery and the Groove Project. In participating venues, Mel
Brown, Brian Blain, Danny Marks, Ronnie Douglas, Jake & The Fundamentals. For
showtimes and venues please visit
www.orilliaspringblues.com.
June 6 - 8
Waterfront Blues at Woodbine Park
- Toronto
A new name (formerly The Distillery Blues) and new location with the same high
standard of acts and talents. “Meet me where they play the Blues”. The
Bandshell Line-Up: Steve Strongman, Root Doctor, Ginia Sicilia, Fathead,
Sharrie Williams, Duke Robillard. The NorthernBlues Music Showcase: Paul
Reddick & The Sidemen and Watermelon Slim & The Workers.
www.waterfrontblues.ca.
June 12-23
Barrie Blues & Jazz Festival -
Barrie
Carlos del Junco, Sisters Euclid with Kevin Breit, Ronnie Douglas Blues Band,
Jack de Keyzer, James Anthony, Wild-T and the Spirit, Julian Fauth, the Dunk
Band and more. Please check the website for information as it appears at
www.barriejazzbluesfest.com.
Watermelon
Slim and the Workers were the big winners at the Blues Music Awards in Memphis,
taking home the "Blues Band of the Year" and "Album of the Year" trophies. They
will be appearing on Sunday June 8 at the Waterfront Blues at Woodbine Park,
Toronto (a free show) and later in August at the Limestone Blues Festival in
Kingston.
June 14
Brian's Not Just Blues Festival
-Young's Point
This one-day festival takes place from noon-5pm on the grounds of Young’s Point
General Store, a stone’s throw from the Trent-Severn Waterway. Enjoy five hours
of non-stop music, along with the eclectic selection of specialty foods, fresh
fudge and fresh bakery products provided by the General Store. Five hours of
entertainment provided by Kevin Carley, Rich & The Poor Boys, Johnny Max and Sab
& The Family Band. For directions
www.youngspointgeneralstore.com.
June 20-22
Wasaga Beach Fes t - Wasaga
Beach
There will be a whole lot of live entertainment at the third annual Beach Fest
including daytime and evening performance on the Main Stage. Roving buskers,
clowns and special guest appearances from local and well known out-of-town
celebrities! The Beach Stage hosts Fathead, Erin McCallum, Johnny Max, Groove
Corporation and David Rotundo
www.wasagabeachfest.com.
June 20-22
Blues at Blue Festival -
Collingwood
Downchild Blues Band, Dawn Tyler Watson, Shakura S'Aida, Harrison Kennedy, Wayne
Buttery and Groove Project, Erin McCallum, Jumpin' Dunkin Band, The Bearcats,
Mati Haskell & J.K. Gulley, Ronnie Douglas Band, The Gators
http://www.villageatblue.com/1.news.events/1.1.events.asp.
June 20-29
Toronto Jazz Festival - Toronto
Blues highlights at Toronto Jazz Festival will include Al Green (June 19 at the
Sony Centre - formerly the Hummingbird), Dr. John (June 20), Maceo Parker (June
20 at the Sound Academy - formerly The Docks), Susan Tedeschi and The John
Hammond Quartet (June 21), James Hunter (June 24), Blind Boys of Alabama (June
25) all at the Main Stage in Nathan Phillips Square. Bill King's Saturday Night
Fish Fry does a free show in Nathan Phillips Square at 5pm on the 27th and local
favourite Roxanne Potvin plays The Pilot on the last day of the festival, Sunday
June 29. The Silver Dollar will present Finis Tasby on June 21 and a special
10th Anniversary party for Raoul and the Big Time on June 28. More blues in the
clubs with Mike McKenna, The Nationals, Blues Butcher, Havana Blues, Chuck
Jackson, Brokenjoe, Mr. Rick & The Biscuits, Betty Jackson and B-3 player Tony
Monaco. www.torontojazz.com.
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
it’s 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, Jack de Keyzer,
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.
www.ottawa-bluesfest.ca.
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.
John Hammond (right) will be appearing at the Toronto Jazz festival on a double bill with Susan Tedeschi on June 21. John plays mostly solo when he makes it up to these parts but this a rare occasion to hear him rocking out with a full band, and a great band it is - Bruce Katz on keyboards, Marty Ballou on bass and Neil Gouvin on drums and percussion.
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
Burlington Jazz & Blues Festival
- Burlington
This summer event has a growing reputation as one of Canada’s best Jazz & Blues
festivals. The spectacular waterfront at Spencer Smith Park and the views of
majestic Lake Ontario offer an amazing backdrop to the festival. The entire
weekend provides a wide variety of musical and cultural experiences for all.
The festival features an international foods fair promoting healthy,
environmentally aware vegetarian cuisine and Eco Living Symposium. Artists
line-up includes: Jerome Godboo & David Rotundo, Jack de Keyzer, Tony Monaco,
Planet Earth, Jeff Healey’s Blues Band and more!
www.burlingtonjazzbluesfestival.com.
July 18-27
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! 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 Boulevard
East) takes place July 18 (6 pm to 10 pm), Saturday, July 19 from 11:30 am to 10
pm and Sunday, July 20 (11:00 am to 9 pm) Roxanne Potvin plays Friday, Kelley
Hunt plays Saturday and Layla Zoe, Johnny Rawls and Lou Pride provide the blues
content on Sunday.
The New Generation Stage will promote and introduce young artists who are making an impact on the Canadian music scene such as 13 year old jazz piano sensation, Matt Wigler. 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 and many others. The Alex Christie Bandshell at Kew Gardens offers a weekend of more awesome entertainment with artists such as Tab Benoit, Tad Robinson Band featuring Alex Schultz, Jamaica to Toronto Revue w/Jay Douglas & The Mighty Popo and popular jazz pianist Bill King’s Rhythm Express featuring The Young Divas. With so much to see, hear and do at this extravaganza, keep an eye on the website for schedule and locations. www.beachesjazz.com.
AUGUST
Despite having just given birth to a baby boy on May 5, hard-rocking blues guitarist Ana Popovic (left) continues her mission to conquer North American audiences with appearances at both Windsor and London bluesfests as well as the Thunder Bay Blues Festival and Mt. Tremblant.
Aug 4-10
Oshawa Jazz & Blues Festival -
Oshawa
Now in it’s 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! It’s not too soon to mark the date on your calendar.
www.oshawajazzandbluesfestival.com.
Aug 7-10
Toronto Festival of Beer-Toronto
A celebration of Canada’s rich brewing history, hosted by experts of the brewing
craft from around the country. More than 200 brands of beer on-site for a
Canadian premier celebration of the golden beverage. 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 Festiva l
-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
Harry Manx and Kevin Breit (right) are having a busy festival season, together and separately. They do their duo thang at The Ottawa Bluesfest. Kevin performs with the Sisters Euclid at the Barrie Jazz & Blues fest and Harry has solo appearances at Mariposa and Summerfolk in this area as well as the Montreal Jazz Festival, Winnipeg Folk Festival and the Vancouver Folk Festival.
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. The Fram Slokker Street Shuffle will host artists
such as Diana Braithwaite, Trouble & Strife, Maria Aurigema, Elyssa Mahoney &
Lucas Hanneman, Brokenjoe, Mr. Rick & the Biscuits, David Rotundo, The Niagara
Rhythm Section, Dave Murphy Band 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 5-8
Chicago Blues Festival - Grant
Park, Chicago
Johnny Winter, James Cotton, Koko Taylor, Eddy “The Chief” Clearwater, Buckwheat
Zydeco, Lil’ Ed & The Blues Imperials, B.B. King!
www.chicagobluesfestival.org.
June 30-July 6
Festival International de Jazz de Montreal-Montreal
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, 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 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.
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
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.
www.atlanticbluesfest.com.
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 in June. In the meantime, one show
remains in the 2007/2008 series. June 20 - Finis Tasby.
www.choosetheblues.ca.
- Sharon Grace
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