Calgarians are invited to snap along to the city’s annual blues music festival, the Calgary International Bluesfest, which kicked off this week.
The 20th anniversary festival is taking place at Cowboys Park (formerly Millennium Park) from Aug. 1 through Aug. 4, and features a wide array of blues artists.
Performers like Al Lerman, a veteran bluesman who shares his talent with his guitar and harmonica; JUNO Award-winning artist Angelique Francis who blends many different types of genres and instruments; and the legendary 93-year-old Bob Stroger who was awarded the best blues bassist award by the Blues Music Awards while in his 80s.
The Calgary International Bluesfest is the only blues festival held in southern Alberta, and is also one of the largest west of Ottawa, according to Cindy McLeod, Producer and Artistic Director for the Calgary International Blues Festival.
“It’s all the blues, but under the blues umbrella falls gospel and R&B and funk and soul. There’s a real dynamic turn of styles there and feel, and they’re all world-class musicians,” she said.
The two-decades success of the festival has stemmed from the environment that the festival has created for both blues music lovers and for the blues musicians themselves, McLeod said.
“Our festival is known for its hospitality and its warmth, and it’s a very relaxed and comfortable vibe. You’re not going to be mad with lineups and rules, it’s just really respectful and really casual,” she said.
“There’s an arts market—a very colourful arts market—and festival souvenirs, and autograph booths with artists, and it’s all volunteer-driven.”
Bluesfest has a big role to play in Alberta by putting a necessary spotlight and recognition onto the blues genre, McLeod said.
“I just think that the blues in Canada really deserves more profile, and I’m happy and proud to have been able to help facilitate some of that. Because when we started the festival, there wasn’t a single club left in Calgary that was featuring the blues,” she said.
Discounted tickets are available online at calgarybluesfest.tickit.ca, or full price at the gate. The tickets range from $50 for Thursday and Friday, and $75 for Saturday and Sunday.
Bluesfest kicks off daily at 4 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, and at 12 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
A Twilight Blues dance party follows nightly for festival pass holders that are above the age of 18, and runs from 10p.m. to 1a.m.
