No one sings the blues when they visit scenic Pender Harbour - except, that is, for the first weekend in June that marks the opening of blues season.
The Garden Bay Pub and Marina, home of popular Sunday musical jams, will host the sixth annual Blues Festival showcasing just a few of B.C.'s finer musicians.
Ron Johnston, festival director, owner of the pub since 1982, and a self-proclaimed frustrated musician, likes to gather the best to his waterfront inn, which will be packed with fans from June 5 to 7.
Friday, June 5, at 9 p.m., hear blues singer and guitarist Russell Marsland whose music is influenced by jazz, funk and world beat. Saturday, June 6, at 9 p.m. Joani Bye's powerful voice will be featured. She fronts some of Vancouver's top rock and rhythm and blues bands. Tim Hearsey, blues musician and Juno award-winning songwriter, performs at 2 p.m. on Sunday, June 7.
Festival director Peter Van Deursen on the Hammond organ, Andy McQueen, drums, Dennis Marcenko, bass, and Tom Colclough on sax will form the house band.
The festival is produced by the Pender Harbour Blues Society, a not-for-profit organization committed to preserving, nurturing and promoting B.C.'s blues in all its forms.
All performances are at the Garden Bay Pub and Marina at 4958 Lyons Rd., Garden Bay, except for one free show on Saturday afternoon from 1 to 3 p.m. across from the IGA in Madeira Park. At the pub, doors open at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and at noon on Sunday. Seating is limited, so come early and enjoy the food. Advance tickets are at the Garden Bay Pub, or get tickets at the door: $20, inside seating, $15 deck seating.
For more details, see http://penderharbourbluesfestival.com.
