Day Two: Blues Fest Thunder Bay
By Jacqueline Nelson
Once again the sounds of the blues filled the air as the hot July weather welcomed the 9th Annual Thunder Bay Blues Festival. Touted as one of the best summer blues festivals, musicians from all walks of life are honoured to play on the shores of Lake Superior. Thousands of people were entertained by such varied musicians as Jimmy Thackery &The Drivers, Joanne Shaw Taylor, Ana Popovic, Eric Sandines, Tab Benoit and Blues Traveler.
For anyone who has ever been lucky enough to have experienced New Orleans, you know that once you have heard Southern Blues it pulses through your veins and lives in your heart. This year, I was lucky enough to once again be able to attend what is my humble opinion one of the best music festivals that I have been to. When I arrived, Jimmy Thackery and The Drivers were on stage. Their energy, fabulous instrumentals and Thackery’s solid voice had people dancing in their seats. Not only was the talented band a true joy to watch, but Thackery was nice enough to have played with other bands that had missing band members. Now that is a man with music in his soul.
Next up was 24 year old Joanne Shaw Taylor Smith from Birmingham, England. She walked on stage with her flowing blonde hair flying in the wind, her sweet smile beaming across the stage and her Fender Telecaster strapped across her chest…..and then she began to play. WOW!! Her gutsy mix of blues rock and her husky voice mad this writer want to jump out her seat and dance to the music. Discovered by Dave Stewart of the Eurhythmics at the tender age of 16, Thunder Bay was lucky enough to have snapped her up for her only Canadian tour date.
One of the greatest things about this year’s blues festival was the international flair that we Thunder Bayites got to experience. Belgrade born, Ana Popovic exploded onto the stage with her charisma, energy and excitement. The only continental European ever nominated for a Blues Music Award for Best New Artist in 2003, Popovic can play everything from jazz to blues rock. The audience loved her and was especially thrilled to see her come back on stage for a song with Blues Traveler.
My biggest thrill of the day was my introduction to Eric Sardines. In one word, this performer was WILD!!! When you look up energy in the dictionary, this man’s picture must be next to it. When he walked on stage with his black leather cowboy hat, his long black hair and his sexy smile, you knew you were in for a treat. Sardines’ slide guitar was all about edge and attitude. He attacked his guitar and played blues with all the passion in the world. You could tell that this man loved what he does. Born in Fort Lauderdale, Florida in 1970, he has become one of the biggest attractions in today’s blues market. Known for his flamboyant presence and buzz-saw slide guitar, this man is a “must-see” for any blues fan.
The last show of the evening before the main attraction, Blues Traveler, was Louisiana’s own Tab Benoit. Nicknamed The Cajun Blues Master, he is known for his impromptu live performances. Shows are never planned, he plays form the heart and never knows where this may lead. A self taught artist, he has won such prestigious awards as Contemporary Male Artist, three years running, and Contemporary Blues Album. There wasn’t a person left seated in the crowd as Benoit’s crisp blues floated through the air.
The Thunder Bay Blues Festival is a must for die-hard blues fans, music fans and fans of life!! Nowhere else can you experience the vitality, the beauty of the Lake and the great spirit of Nanabijou looking down upon you? If you haven’t been, plan on skipping camp for one weekend next year and dance to the rhythm way into the night.
Follow Us!