Tim Hortons Southside Shuffle, Port Credit, Sept 11-13 2026
- Ken Wallis
- 2 hours ago
- 3 min read
By Ken Wallis | The Sound Cafe Journal
28 Years of the Southside Shuffle: Chuck Jackson on Building a Blues Tradition
When the second weekend of September rolls around, Port Credit transforms. The streets fill, the bars buzz, and the lakeside air hums with guitars, horns, and the unmistakable pulse of the Blues. Tim Horton's South Side Shuffle Blues & Jazz Festival, now in its 28th year returns September 11–13, and founder/artistic director Chuck Jackson couldn’t be more excited.
“We’re South Side Shuffle, man. We’re gonna be shuffling on all weekend long,” Chuck says, beaming with pride.
How It All Began
The Shuffle’s origin is pure legend. Chuck recalls playing at Roc'n Doc's back in 1999 and “I still am. I’ve been playing there for 28 years now.” A conversation with friends Dave Boyce and the bar’s owner sparked the idea of a festival. The Port Credit BIA wasn’t immediately convinced.
“They thought old blues festivals… that’s going to attract motorcycle gangs,” Chuck laughs.
To ease concerns, he added jazz to the mix, and the Shuffle was born.
That first year was simple with a soccer field at Highway 10 and Lakeshore, Downchild and Fathead played. There was no liquor license, no cover charge, and a handful of bands scattered through bars and streets. Jack de Keyzer played. Stan Street performed in an actual car wash. “We started small,” Chuck says, “and now 28 years later, we have over 100 bands and over the 28 years, probably 10,000 musicians.”
Legendary Moments
Ask Chuck about standout performances and he doesn’t hesitate.
“Buddy Guy was probably the biggest draw we ever had. He just tore the place apart.”
The Shuffle has hosted giants: Mavis Staples with the Blind Boys of Alabama, Charlie Musselwhite, the Fabulous Thunderbirds, Average White Band, and more. Chuck still reminisces at seeing Buddy Guy perform on the very baseball diamond where he once played first base.
The festival has also nurtured rising stars. Jimmy Bowskill first appeared at age 11 and now plays with Blue Rodeo and the Sheepdogs. Steve Marriner, once a young Shuffle performer, returns this year fresh off a Juno win.
The Team Behind the Music
A festival of this scale doesn’t happen without hard work. Chuck credits a powerhouse volunteer force and a dedicated board.
“We have close to 300 volunteers every year,” he says. Chair Kristine Kane leads grant efforts, critical in a post‑COVID sponsorship landscape. Longtime contributors Jeff Jones, Krista Blondin, and Christopher Lauden handle programming, advertising, and social media.
And every year, Mississippi artist Stan Street creates the festival’s signature artwork.
“We’ve got a wonderful, wonderful team,” Chuck emphasizes.
For a full list of board members see southsideshuffle/aboutus
A Weekend of Music Everywhere
Chuck calls the Shuffle “Blues Disneyland,” and he’s not wrong. Everything is close, walkable, and buzzing.
Street Shuffle — Saturday Afternoon
Twenty bands line the street from 1–5 PM, showcasing Ontario’s vibrant blues scene with no admission fee.
Mississauga Main Stage — The Paid Stage
This year’s lineup is stacked:
Friday:
Blackberry Smoke
Kim Mitchell
Jack de Keyzer
Jon Hines Band
Saturday:
Blackberry Smoke (headlining)
Cameo Blues Band with special guests Chuck Jackson and Tom Barlow
Suzie Vinnick
Samantha Martin & Delta Sugar
Sunday:
Cheryl Lescom & the Tucson Choirboys
The Weber Brothers
Steve Marriner & The Local Electric
Lance Anderson’s Slowhand: The Music of Eric Clapton featuring Matt Weidinger
Free Stages & Bars
Two free stages, including the World Stage, offer everything from roots to global fusion. “Not very often you get to hear a band with a tuba in it,” Chuck laughs. And of course, Port Credit’s bars are packed with live music all weekend.
Tickets & Program
Tickets are available at SouthSideShuffle.ca and at Impressionable Gifts in Port Credit. Saturday’s Blackberry Smoke show is selling fast, and Bourbon Street tickets are already gone.
The full festival program is available online and in print at the park entrances. Jeff Jones leads its creation, delivering one of the most comprehensive festival guides in Canada.
Looking Ahead to Shuffle Weekend
Chuck’s enthusiasm is infectious. “I appreciate all you do for the blues, and of course we’ll see you at the shuffle.”
For thousands of fans, the South Side Shuffle isn’t just a festival, it’s a tradition, a reunion, and a celebration of Canadian blues culture at its finest.
Wandering from stage to stage feels like Halloween: every stop is a treat.
