The blues is about life - stories celebrating the good and conquering the bad - handed down from one generation to the next. Driving up Highway 101 towards the seventh annual Pender Harbour Blues Festival last weekend, I was looking forward to first-hand tales from blues legends I would encounter.
As Tim Hearsey introduced Friday night's headliner to the sold-out crowd at the Garden Bay Pub he said, "When I think of B.C. blues legends my first thought is Jim Byrnes."
Along with the Pender Harbour Blues All-stars, Byrnes performed two lengthy sets of original music plus rare and recognizable roots and blues. He melded the audience with the band by telling stories before many of the songs, then the band would start playing right on cue. One thing you can count on, Byrnes still has plenty of soul.
Saturday afternoon provided an opportunity for local blues artists to shine.
Altered and The Slow and White performed rocking blues at Crossroads Grill's beer garden and Joe Stanton hosted a solo act stage at John Henry's Marina.
Triple B's sponsored the main stage which included Mark Crissinger & The Bluebudzz playing original and classic blues; Dr. Fun & The Painkillers had the crowd singing and clapping along to their upbeat blues style; harmonica player and vocalist Steve Hinton kept the pace going with Chicago style shuffles and hypnotic grooves. Kudos to the backing band Pat Haavisto on drums, Sully Antonyk on bass and Peter van Deursen on keyboards.
David "Boxcar" Gates also treated us to an intimate set and the afternoon was finished off with a great set by Willie MacCalder and the All-stars.
In the evening, opening up for James Harman, Gates played the third of his four shows. Channeling his forefathers, the 28-year-old displayed his talents in the art of finger-style guitar picking and vintage song writing.
When Harman, Steve Kozak and the West Coast All-stars hit the stage at the community hall, the sold-out crowd danced all night. Harman is the real deal - all blues, all the time since 1964. This veteran only plays original music occasionally improvising lyrics right on the spot. The backing band led by Kozak was tight and dynamic. Each member was so talented that if you were tired from dancing you could just sit there and be blown away by the music.
At the end of the night, I caught Hearsey's last set at the Garden Bay Pub. After 30 years of performing, he drew from his huge repertoire and provided a wide variety of danceable numbers. His guitar style was the most unique and original of the weekend.
By noon Sunday the pub was full of folks ready to witness the all-star jam. For many hours, different players entertained a very appreciative crowd, which ended with, an intimate short set by Harman and his band.
Although I was not able to attend the Saturday or Sunday evening shows at the Rockwater, I was told by many that the resort did an excellent job hosting their very successful events.
Wrapping up the weekend was another Canadian music legend Willie MacCalder. The former Powder Blues Band member gave us two wonderful sets that sent us home smiling.
I was so impressed with the people that came out to the shows and the festival's organizers, volunteers and sponsors. Big thanks to artistic director/consultant Hearsey, blues society president van Dersen and Ron Johnston, owner of the Garden Bay Pub. Johnston helps keep the music scene alive on the Coast and this festival could not happen without him.
