One of the best music festivals on this planet wrapped up recently. It was the 15th Anniversary of the Lighthouse Blues Festival held in Kincardine Ontario.
The festival is not a large festival, but it sure does pack some big-time talent. We attended the festival and the following is a quick review of the music-packed weekend with some pictures as well. One disclaimer: there was so much going on, we can only highlight the Bruce Telecom Main Stage due to brevity. You can see more pictures on the Facebook page of The Escarpment Blues Society.
Friday the main stage opened up with a bang. The SheWolves Of London set the tone for the weekend with a rousing performance. They absolutely killed it with the Keb’ Mo’ tune, Put A Woman In Charge. The band features Cheryl Lescom on vocals and percussion, Sarah Smith on guitar and vocals, Chuckee Zehr on keys and vocals, Alison Dale on bass, saxophone and vocals, and Dale Anne Brendon on drums. What’s really exciting is they are now working on an album that is certain to be a smash hit.
Then the variety of music at the festival was highlighted when Blue Moon Marquee put out their unique style of music. They were recently honoured with a Juno Award for Blues Album of the Year for Scream, Holler & Howl. The duo consists of A.W. Cardinal on vocals and guitar, and Jasmine Colette, a.k.a. Badlands Jass on vocals, bass, and a custom foot drum kit. They entertained the crowd with authentically performed blues from a more traditional era.
JP Soars Gypsy Blue Revue featuring Anne Harris unleashed a set of fresh and exciting blues. They are a popular band out of Boca Raton, Florida. They set out to win the hearts of Canadians and that mission sure was accomplished. JP mixes it up with a crossbreed of genres that fuse into a distinctive display of blues and Anne Harris plays the fiddle with unbridled passion. Their new album is entitled Brick By Brick. Go get it!
Then one of the busiest guys in music, Steve Marriner let loose with Local Electric. It was a mainstay act that demonstrates why he’s won so many awards. I don’t think there’s an instrument he can’t play but did he ever smoke some tunes as he and Jimmy Bowskill traded licks back and forth on guitar. The audience loved every minute of it!
Samanth Martin and Dela Sugar were next up on the stage. Samantha is just now starting to flex her vocal cords as she re-takes the stage after giving birth to a baby boy. And she proved she wasn’t the least bit rusty as she belted it out with a fiery performance. Delta Sugar, who she considers co- vocalists, highlighting some fabulous singing from Sherie Marshall, featured some tunes from her latest album, The Reckless One.
What can you say about Colin Linden that hasn’t been said a million times before? Member of Blackie and the Rodeo Kings, his blues fused performance left everyone wishing for more. But outside of his musical expertise, he is a master storyteller. He related how he hung out with Howlin’ Wolf when Colin was just a kid. Great stories only matched by great music! What a sensational way to close out Friday night.
On Saturday the main stage turned volcanic as Rosie’s Smokehouse Deluxe kicked off the music. Wow is all I can say about this band. They are absolutely high energy, and if you go see them, wear asbestos clothes ‘cause they set the blues ablaze. Led by David Rose, aka Rosie on vocals on bass and vocals, Tony Moretta on guitar, Gabor Szepesi on keyboards, and Steven K. Henry on drums, this band is rocketing up the charts. Proof in the pudding – they just signed with a record label in the U.S. Look for great things from this band.
Then Garnetta Cromwell & The DaGroovmasters led the charge with a dynamic set of soul-blues that had folks up and dancing. Garnetta succeeded in overcoming a childhood of deafness to prove if you set your mind to it, anything is possible. Not only is she a great singer, but she’s a gold winning weightlifter and her album Time To Shine says it all.
David Gogo pulled out all the stops to show why he’s at the top of the music scene. All the way from Gogo Mountian in British Columbia, he’s a virtuoso on guitar and his expertise came to the forefront when pulled out his Flying V. David is a veteran of the music scene with a boatload of awards. Steve Marriner, Jimmy Bowskill and Gary Craig have joined David for his new album YEAH!
Annika Chambers and Paul DesLaurier were scheduled to appear on Saturday but had to cancel due to the death of Annika’s mom. Angelique Francis and her band stepped in on short notice to create a set of rockin’ blues. The band not only features great music, but they also put on a spectacular performance. You have to see them to believe them, so make sure you catch this great talent in the near future.
Then seasoned musician Steve Strongman brought energy and excitement to the crowds. Steve has a unique knack for entertaining in his own inimitable style. Once he starts a set, it’s obvious he creates a strong connection to the music lovers watching. He frequently jumps off the stage and wanders through the audience playing his guitar. Steve has recently co-produced, co-written and appeared on the new album by The Fabulous Thunderbirds entitled Struck Down. Now that puts him at the pinnacle of the music world.
To wrap up the evening, the mantle fell to The FOG Blues & Brass Band. Rocket-fueled blues is the best way to describe this performance. This 7-piece band led by Hills Walter on vocals features a horn section that blows the blues like no others. They hail from Wasaga way, and they have established themselves as one of Canada’s top-notch bands. Take a listen to their album 12 Bar Prescription and you’ll experience a sound that defies definition. What a marvelous band!
It was a thrilling ride at the Lighthouse Blues Festival and a tip of the blues fedora to all the volunteers, the board, and especially Rick and Marilyn Clarke for putting on such a good time. I can’t wait until next year!
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