The Capitol Centre's Bluesfest 2023 promises the most involvement of local artists in the festival’s history, including free outdoor concerts, buskers, artists, and off-site events.
The 7th Bluesfest will take place from Aug. 30- Sept 3.
See: Bluesfest ends with a scorching set from David Gogo
And: Popular Blues Cruise sold out
“We are so proud to have local artists and musicians involved in every aspect of the festival this year,” says the Centre's Director of Programming and Events Dan Misturada. “We are trying a few new things including a big kick-off fundraiser concert with Glass Tiger, keeping the always-popular Blues Cruise and Clash of the Canvas."
This year the outdoor festival-style concerts will be on Friday and Saturday and totally free.
"We have also added a blues-themed paint night in the gallery on Friday, and Gateway Brewing will be home to our Blues and Brews event on Sunday,” says Misturada.
In addition to Gateway City Brewery coming on board, The Moose Cookhouse is hosting after-parties on Friday and Saturday where blues fans can see musicians from the day’s concerts jamming into the night.
“We are excited to really immerse the community in blues by involving more locations and more local talent," says Marketing Manager Kerri Morin "We’ve refreshed the look of the festival and we hope to see lots of wonderful support from the community, as well as attracting visitors from outside the area."
This year’s event will have a slightly different format but will still include all the events that have become a staple over the past six events, and some new, exciting additions, says a release.
Wednesday, August 30
Glass Tiger Festival Fundraising Concert with local opening act, Caley Campbell and the Cadillacs* @ 7:30 pm in the Betty Speers Theatre- $65 for Capitol Centre Members, $70 Regular.
Thursday, August 31
Clash of the Canvas- Blues Edition- Live Painting Competition @ 7:00 pm in the WKP Kennedy Gallery - $10. Music by Shawn Sasyniuk*. Winner of Clash 2022, Joanne Abbott*, will also have her solo exhibition on display from Aug. 30- Sept. 3.
Blues Cruise with the Jesse Thomas Band* @ 7:00 pm aboard the Chief Commanda II- $45 for Capitol Centre Members, $50 Regular- Patrons must be 19+
Friday, September 1
Free Outdoor Concerts
4:00 pm- The Eugene Levities* (* denotes local musicians and bands)
5:00 pm- The King Street Five*
6:00 pm- Blue Screw*
7:00 pm- Guy Belanger
8:00 pm- Lance Anderson and NOLA Parish
9:15 pm- Headliner Shakura S’aida Album Hold on to Love was nominated for Contemporary Roots Album of the Year at the 2023 JUNO Awards
Bluesfest Paint Night with Marianne Vander Dussen* @ 7:00 pm in WKP Kennedy Gallery- $44- Patrons must be 16+
Saturday, September 2
Free Outdoor Concerts
12:00 pm- The Funkers*
1:00 pm- Dayv Poulin*
2:00 pm- J Houston Band*
3:00 pm- Jesse Thomas Band*
4:00 pm- Jenie Thai
5:00 pm- Paul Pruneau and the Journeymen*
6:00 pm- Campbell & Johnston
7:00 pm- Fog Blues and Brass Band
8:00 pm- Charlie A’Court
9:15 pm- Headliner Miss Emily (see video below)
Sunday, September 3
Blues & Brews with David Laronde* & Jesse Thomas Band* from 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm at Gateway City Brewery- No tickets required.
Tickets are on sale to the public Friday, March 10 at noon.
Purchase tickets for all ticketed events here.
Or contact the Redpath Box Office in person or by phone- (705) 474-4747- Monday through Friday, noon - 4 p.m.
For more information on Bluesfest 2023 go here.
