The Blues Witness

09/04/2024

CJSW Radio 90.9FM
The Blues Witness 6-7PM MST
Hosted by Cindy McLeod
Playlist Sept 4, 2024
Artist / Album / Song (** Canadian)

John Primer & Bob Corritore / Crawling Kingsnake / Stuff You Gotta Watch

Tia Carroll / You Gotta Have It / Move On

** Colin James / Chasing the Sun / Devilment

** Shakura S'Aida / Hold On To Love / (Taste Like) Honey

Vanessa Collier / Heart On the Line / Who's In Power

Buddy Guy & Junior Wells / Alone & Acoustic / Catfish Blues

** Diana Braithwaite & Chris Whitely / Forever Blues / Trouble No More

** Ray Lemelin / Thangs / San-Ho-Zay

Sonny Gullage / Go Be Free / Just Kiss Me, Baby

Damon Fowler / Barnyard Smile / Outskirts Of Town

** Steve Strongman / The Strongman Blues Remedy Vol 1 / Fine Young Man f. Dawn Tyler Watson

** Blue Moon Marquee / New Orleans Sessions / Some Ol Day

Mark Hummell / True Believer / Ghosted

** A Fist Full Of Blues / Lightning Strike My Boogie / Colour Me Blue

08/29/2024

THE BRANDON ISAAK BLUES TRILOGY
Sept 27, 2024
King Eddy (438 9 Ave SW)

Tickets are $25 - click the image to buy

https://www.showpass.com/calgary-bluesfest-presents-the-brandon-isaak-blues-trilogy/?fbclid=IwY2xjawE915dleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHQPbc5ZFBrUDvD_8KwlDcMojP18bCDYCrRk4C8rwWKKrscTVo7O6--8esg_aem_6PM7W7C_M6beGDOl2fIVjQ

A dash of Taj Mahal, a sprinkle of B.B. King and a few drops of Lighting Hopkins: stir it up, simmer on low and you have a recipe that sounds like Brandon Isaak.

This Yukon born songster performs a mixture of thoughtful, humorous, spiritual and catchy memorable songs; always delivered with world class guitar, harmonica and vocals. Brandon is a multi-instrumentalist who writes heartfelt, uplifting, funny and spiritual songs.

Seating Disclaimer: To accommodate as many live music fans as possible, we offer both seats and standing room at our shows. Seats are first come, first served. Please review the terms and conditions. Calgary Bluesfest is pleased to present The Brandon Isaak Blues Trilogy at the historic King Eddy on...

08/28/2024

CJSW Radio 90.9FM
The Blues Witness 6-7PM MST
Hosted by Cindy McLeod
Playlist Aug 28, 2024
Artist / Album / Song (** Canadian)

Toronzo Cannon / Shut Up And Play / Had To Go Through It To Get To It

Robbin Kapsalis and Vintage Number 18 / Soul Shaker / Boogaloo

** Jeff Healey / Mess Of Blues / Sugar Sweet

** Judy Brown / Say It / Mama Told Me

Memphis Royal Brothers / Memphis Royal Brothers / Hot Night In June

Shemekia Copeland / Blame It On Eve / Blame It On Eve

** Marcus Trummer / *single / Waiting For Change

** Colin James / Chasing the Sun / Come To Find Out f. Charlie Musselwhite

The Fabulous Thunderbirds / Struck Down / Whatcha Do To Me f. Elvin Bishop

Chicago Blues Lifters / Blues Scouts / Too Much Too Little f. Kimberley Johnson

** Amos Garrett - Doug Saum - Gene Taylor / The Return Of the Formerly Brothers / Don't Tell Me

** David Gogo / Yeah! / Give'er At the River

Tab Benoit / I Hear Thunder / The Ghost Of Gatemouth Brown

08/21/2024

CJSW Radio 90.9FM
The Blues Witness 6-7PM MST
Hosted by Cindy McLeod
Playlist Aug 21, 2024
Artist / Album / Song (** Canadian)

Bob Stroger & the Headcutters / That's My Name / Pretty Girls

Tia Carroll / You Gotta Have It / Mama Told Me

** Kenny Blues Boss Wayne / Go, Just Do It / Sittin' In My Rockin' Chair

** Sue Foley / Live In Austin Vol 1 / Queen Bee

Sugaray Rayford / Human Decency / Aha

Gaye Adegbalola / Satisfied / Ain't Technology Grand

** Guy Belanger / Voyages / Bayou's Ride

** Garnetta Cromwell / Time To Shine / I Ain't That Woman

The Reverend Shawn Amos / Soul Brother No. 1 / Back To the Beginning

Zac Harmon / Floreada's Boy / Fake News

** Long John Baldry / The Best Of the Stony Plain Years / Dimples

** Jack de Keyzer / Solo / Feeling Good

** Samantha King & the Midnight Outfit / Samantha King & the Midnight Outfit / Mad Wind

Jovin Webb / Drifter / It's the Hawk

08/14/2024

CJSW Radio 90.9FM
The Blues Witness 6-7PM MST
Hosted by Cindy McLeod
Playlist Aug 14, 2024
Artist / Album / Song (** Canadian)

Chicago Blues Lifters / Blues Scouts / I Just Wanna Love You

Sonny Gullage / Go Be Free / Worried About the Young

** Blue Moon Marquee / New Orleans Sessions / Trickster Coyote

** Big Dave McLean / This Old Life / Young Fashioned Ways

Chris Cain / Good Intentions Gone Bad / Blues For My Dad

Shemekia Copeland / Blame It On Eve / Wine O'Clock

** David Gogo / Yeah! / Give'er At the River

** Bywater Call / Shepherd / Now and Never

Ronnie Baker Brooks / *single / Blues In My DNA

Alexis P Suter Band / *single / Wheels Beats

** Son Of Dave / A Flat City / A Flat City

** Diana Braithwaite & Chris Whitely / Forever Blues / Aged And Mellow Blues

** Gunn Blues Band / Family Matters / Circle Of Friends

Memphis Royal Brothers / Memphis Royal Brothers / Good God I Got The Blues.

08/07/2024

CJSW Radio 90.9FM
The Blues Witness 6-7PM MST
Hosted by Cindy McLeod
Playlist Aug 7, 2024
Artist / Album / Song (** Canadian)

Zac Harmon / Floreada's Boy / Never Have A Better Night

Misty Blues / I'm Too Old For Games (A Live Tribute to Odetta) / 900 Miles f. Gina Coleman

** David Gogo / Yeah! / Well Worth the Wait

** Dawn Tyler Watson / Mad Love / The River

Sonny Gullage / Go Be Free / Just Kiss Me, Baby

Rick Estrin & the Nightcats / The Hits Keep Coming / Diamonds At Your Feet

** Shakura S'Aida / Time / Time

** Colin James / Chasing the Sun / Open Your Mind

Chigago Blues Lifters / Blues Scouts / World's In A Tangle f. Bob Stroger, Billy Flynn, Kimberly Johnson, Kenny Smith, Joey J. Saye, Willie Oshawny, Ari Seder, Mike Avery

The Fabulous Thunderbirds / Struck Down / Nothing in Rambling ft. Bonnie Raitt, Keb' Mo, Taj Mahal & Mick Fleetwood

** Angelique Francis / *single / Train Coming w. Eric Gales

Ronnie Baker Brooks - Blues In My DNA

Mark Hummell / True Believer / Ghosted

08/07/2024

The winner of the 50/50 raffle has been confirmed:

M. Monaghan
Ticket #: C-2045
Order #: E7BC21
Device Name: CBM-PAX3

M. Monaghan won $6580.00.

Thank you to all who bought tickets and supported!

08/05/2024

20 YEARS

There are many gifts in this world but few greater than the power of music. It unites us, fills our hearts with joy, spreads love, truth, righteous power, and it makes this world a better place. The true beauty of a festival is that it’s the fertile ground for an abundance of these precious things to thrive.

We are deeply grateful for the world class artists who grace our stage, the support of our funders and sponsors, the world’s greatest volunteer team, the vendors and suppliers, and the blues fans who all help to create this magical experience.

We are proud to be a place that is welcoming and hospitable, where people dance, laugh and fill their hearts with happiness. Thank you to all for celebrating our 20th Annual Calgary International Blues Festival in such a glorious way! It is a milestone that we are both proud of and humbled by.

Long live the blues!

08/05/2024

WINNING RAFFLE NUMBER

If you have tickets with the order number

E7BC21

please email [email protected]

08/04/2024

The Calgary Bluesfest 50/50 raffle total is nearly $8500 with another full day at the festival ahead. The draw is tonight, so get your tickets online or see one of our volunteers on site at Millennium Park today!

https://www.rafflebox.ca/raffle/calgarybluesmusicassociation?fbclid=IwY2xjawEUhs1leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHdX9IgRPq0OoUfjqR4C0yDRL3XXqy17TT2yV4VkF_89WQgg4pcxc--BJrQ_aem_uUyUfR2_6Zw0xdVEUIU3zg

Join thousands of community organizations - big and small - who raise more funds for their worthy causes with Rafflebox.

08/02/2024

Blues guitar giant Chris Cain will tear up the Calgary Bluesfest MainStage on Saturday, August 1st. Thank you to Eric Volmers and the Calgary Herald for this brilliant interview of Chris.

Note: you’ll need to remove the space after https for access to the article.

https ://calgaryherald.com/entertainment/local-arts/former-1970s-teen-prodigy-chris-cain-brings-16th-studio-album-to-calgary-bluesfest

08/02/2024

Thank you to Eric Volmers and the Calgary Herald for this super interview with Sonny Gullage, who will be performing at Calgary Bluesfest on Saturday, August 3 at Calgary International Blues Festival. Sonny is making his Canadian debut at Calgary Bluesfest and we couldn’t be happier!

Note: you’ll need to remove the space after https for access.

https ://calgaryherald.com/entertainment/local-arts/destined-for-the-blues-sonny-gullage-25-comes-from-an-impressive-lineage

07/31/2024

CALGARY BLUESFEST DAY 3

July 31
Walk Through Blues History
King Eddy (438 - 9th Ave SW)
6:30-8pm
free event

Hosted by local blues historian, musician and songwriter John Rutherford. Prepare yourself for a fascinating interview with guest Richard Flohil, who will share stories of his work as a concert promoter, publicist, former festival artistic director and journalist. Richard Flohil presented some of the biggest names in blues, including Buddy Guy, B.B. King, Bobby Blue Bland for their Canadian debuts. Flohil has also worked with Ry Cooder, Long John Baldry, Leon Redbone, Honeyboy Edwards, Jeff Healy and a host of others.

07/30/2024

CALGARY BLUESFEST DAY 2
Acoustic Guitar Workshop
Memorial Park Library (1221 2 St SW)
6-7:30

Brother Ray Lemelin conducts our acoustic guitar workshop. Designed for those 16+ of all ages. Bring your guitar!

07/29/2024

CALGARY BLUESFEST.
DAY 1

Festival Kickoff Bash.
King Eddy (438 9 Ave SE)
7-11pm
Starring: Corbie Dorner Trio.
free event

Kick off the festival at Calgary's home of the blues, the iconic King Eddy! Featuring the killer trio of Corbie Dorner (keys), Brett Spaulding (guitar), Kent Macrae (drums).

07/27/2024

TODAY!
Sunalta Farmer's Market (1627 10 Ave SW)
Brother Ray Lemelin
11-1pm

Calgary Bluesfest will be on site at Calgary's favourite farmers market. We'll have a booth on site from 10-2, and Brother Ray Lemelin will be performing from 11-1PM! Brother Ray is a well known and much loved local musician.

Bring your bags as there will be 30+ local farmers, growers, bakers and makers, with incredible Alberta-made products along with some mighty fine blues!

07/26/2024

I'm overjoyed that Alfonso Maiorana and his team have created this film to showcase our beloved Ellen McIllwaine.

One of the greatest slide guitar players that ever lived, Ellen made her home here in Calgary after spending years growing up and living around the globe. We were blessed to have her in our midst. Her fascinating story deserves to be told and I for one am thrilled to see this film being released.

Thank you for your vision, Alfonso, and thank you to your team, we know this will be a stunning film and we Ellen lovers are so very grateful. ❤

Here it is! The official poster for Goddess of Slide: The Forgotten Story of Ellen McIlwaine!

Stay tuned for film festival announcements in the coming weeks and months!


Poster designed by Anne Tremblay.

07/25/2024

The Calgary Bluesfest 50/50 raffle is now live! Get your tickets now and win up to $10,000!

Click on the image below to get yours!

Join thousands of community organizations - big and small - who raise more funds for their worthy causes with Rafflebox.

07/24/2024

Air conditioned and no smoke!

Cmon down to Gasoline Alley at Heritage Park for some great blues with John Rutherford & the Big Blues Trio.

We're live to air for the Blues Witness with Cindy McLeod from 6-8pm!

Free event. All ages.

07/24/2024

TONIGHT! JULY 24
6-8pm
Heritage Park's Gasoline Alley
free event
all ages

CJSW broadcasts the Blues Witness with host Cindy McLeod live on air tonight on 90.9FM! John Rutherford & the Big Box Trio will be performing live, so bring your dancing shoes! (you can also listen online at cjsw.com)

Due to smoke and heat, this show has been moved indoors to Gasoline Alley, right behind the gazebo at the main entrance to Heritage Park.

Presented in partnership with Heritage Park, Calgary Bluesfest and CJSW Radio 90.9FM.

07/24/2024

ANNOUNCEMENT

Blues In the Plaza
Tonight (Wednesday, July 24)
6-8pm
free event, all ages
Starring: John Rutherford & the Big Blues Trio

Due to smoke and heat, this event has been moved indoors to Gasoline Alley at Heritage Park, right behind the gazebo in the main plaza (by the front gates). Gasoline Alley is cool and fresh air is a bonus on these smoky days!

C'mon down and enjoy some great blues with John Rutherford & the Big Blue Box, which is being broadcast live on air at CJSW Radio, 90.9FM, with host Cindy McLeod!

07/22/2024

Hello everyone,

In celebration of Calgary Bluesfest’s 20th Anniversary, we wanted to do something that would create a legacy; inspire conversation; feature the work of Kalum Teke Dan, a brilliant local artist; have a stunning piece of public art beautify downtown west; and acknowledge we live and play on Treaty 7 lands.

We hired a local filmmaker, Wendell Tenove, to help us document the making of the mural. Please click on the image to view. We are thrilled with the results of the mural and the documentary.

Calgary Bluesfest celebrates its 20th Anniversary by having a mural installed at Millennium Park. The mural, by Blackfoot artist Kalum Teke Dan, is entitled ...

07/21/2024

Calgary Bluesfest is looking for volunteers. Join the team and discover some great music, enjoy the camaraderie and have fun! Click on the photo below - it takes you right to the application.

Join the team behind the blues music festival as a volunteer. Learn how you can contribute to the event and gain valuable experience while having fun.

07/17/2024

Does anyone I know own a Mesa Boogie MarkV 35?

07/10/2024

CJSW Radio 90.9FM
The Blues Witness 6-7PM MST
Hosted by Cindy McLeod
Playlist July 10, 2024
Artist / Album / Song (** Canadian)

Altered Five Blues Band / Testifyin' / Whiskey Got Me Married

Sam Joyner / Come What May / Too Many Cooks

** Annika Chambers & Paul DesLauriers / Good Trouble / Stand Up

** The Harpoonist & the Axe Murderer / Live At the King Eddy / Mama's In the Backseat

Chris Cain / Good Intentions Gone Bad / Good Intentions

Sierra Green & the Giants / Here We Are / He Called Me Baby

** Mike Clark Band / 0-60 / Wagel Butt Rock

** Guy Belanger / Voyages / Bayou's Ride

Sugaray Rayford / Human Decency / Ain't That A Man

Mark Hummel / True Believer / Sop Messin' Round

** Mud Bay / Best Laid Plans / My Disposition

** Angelique Francis / *single / Train Coming w. Eric Gales

JP Soars / Brick By Brick / That's What Love Will Make You Do

** Suzie Vinnick / Fall Back Home / Salt & Pepper

07/03/2024

Sign up to join us for the best weekend of the summer! The 20th Annual Calgary Bluesfest runs Aug 1-4 at Millennium Park. See all the smiles in this photo? That's the vibe! 🙂

Join the team behind the blues music festival as a volunteer. Learn how you can contribute to the event and gain valuable experience while having fun.

07/03/2024

CJSW Radio 90.9FM
The Blues Witness 6-7PM MST
Hosted by Cindy McLeod
Playlist July 3, 2024
Artist / Album / Song (** Canadian)

Benny Turner / Journey / I Wanna Give It To You Baby

Thornetta Davis / Honest Woman / Feels Like Religion

** Johnny Max Band / Roadhouse Soul / Time Well Wasted

** BC Read / 1000 Miles / Just Walk Away

The Reverend Shawn Amos / Soul Brother No. 1 / It's All Gonna Change

Toronzo Cannon / Shut Up And Play / Him

** Diana Braithwaite & Chris Whiteley / Gold Cadillac / Hoodoo Man

** Billy Joe Green / *single / Shotgun Wedding Blues

Sonny Gullage / Go Be Free / Just Kiss Me, Baby

** Donald Ray Johnson / Bluesin' Around / You're the One For Me

Eden Brent / Getaway Blues / What You Want

** Ndidi O / Simple Songs For Complicated Times / Too Late

** Chris Antonik / Monarch / You're Killing My Love

Sista Monica Parker / Living In the Danger Zone / Glory Hallelujah

06/26/2024

CJSW Radio 90.9FM
The Blues Witness 6-7PM MST
Hosted by Cindy McLeod
Playlist June 26, 2024
Artist / Album / Song (** Canadian)

Bobby Rush / All My Love For You / I'm the One

Bob Corritore & Friends / Women In Blues Showcase / Don't Mess With the Messer f. Diunna Greenleaf

** Jack de Keyzer / Solo / I'm A King Bee

** Samantha King & the Midnight Outfit / Samantha King & the Midnight Outfit / Mad Wind f. Steve Marriner & Jesse O'Brien

Chris Cain / Good Intentions Gone Bad / Still Drinking Straight Tequila

Jason Ricci & the Bad Kind / Behind the Veil / Baked Potato

** Cecile Doo Kingue / Anybody Listening Part 2 / Sunshine Lady

** MonkeyJunk / All Frequencies / Say What?

Eddy "The Chief" Clearwater / Soul Funky / Cool Blues Walk

Keeshea Pratt Band / Believe / Monkey See, Monkey Do

** David Rotundo / So Much Trouble / She's Dynamite

** Angel Forrest / Hell Bent With Grace / Mother Lover

Kid Ramos / Old School / Mashed Potatoes and Chili

** Jimmy Zee / Ride / Feels Alright To Me

06/26/2024

CALGARY BLUESFEST AT CANADA DAY.
Mike Watson
3pm
Olympic Plaza
free event, all ages

We are pleased to partner with the City of Calgary for their Canada Day celebrations, featuring Mike Watson on the Olympic Plaza Stage.

06/25/2024

In celebration of our 20th Anniversary, we've got a few things going on. The first is that we're very pleased to have a new website! Check it out!

Welcome to the ultimate blues music festival! Discover the soulful rhythms and vibrant community celebrating the best in blues. Join us for an unforgettable experience.