Loving The Blues

  The Nanaimo Blues Society has been providing a festival experience for Blues fans since 2004. It was founded by Bill Lucas (aka Billieboy) and has become stronger than ever. The 2016 Festival featured Friday headliner, Tommy Castro, Saturday with Kim Simmonds and Savoy Brown and closed Sunday with Rick Estrin & The Nightcaps. And a dynamic line-up of other Blues musicians including the best from our island. Summer of Summer & The Sinners Lazy Mike Mike Mallon and Brian Whitty of Lazy Mike & The Rockin' Recliners Carson Mallon of Lazy Mike & The Rockin' Recliners Tommy Castro of Tommy Castro and the Painkillers Renovation Blues Band Bill Johnson Sue Foley Neil Gregory Gunhold of Kirby Sewell Band So much fun! Shakura S'Aida Mark Crissinger Carlos Del Junco Brandon Isaak and his Saints of Swing David Gogo Rick Estrin and the Nightcats Guitars signed by Performing Musicians over the years David Vest Blue Moon Marquee

 As of 2015, I am one year into the Blues Scene in the Nanaimo area. I have started going to the Blues Jam on Sundays at the Queen's, a bar in Nanaimo (more on that later). For now, here are some photos and a short commentary on the 2015 Summertime Blues Festival held in August. The headliners for this year are Marcia Ball, Elvin Bishop and CJ Chenier. Marcia Ball Elvin Bishop CJ Chenier It was a powerful festival. Each band brought a completely different take on the Blues from other bands. Who knew that there were so many ways to create, play and present the Blues. It kept me immersed all weekend. With CJ Chenier, I was introduced to Zydeco for the first time. The local bands and bands from the mainland all were masters in their own right.  Frank Alexander of Alexander's Bluestime Band was full-on. He has passed on now, but he took the initiative to bring Blues alive on Vancouver Island, partly through starting the Sunday Blues Jam in Nanaimo. His wife has continued it. You w...