Bluesfest hits the Capitol stage this weekend

Bluesfest is set to get underway on this Saturday, June 1 and will provide a music experience for not only the blues enthusiast, but anyone who can’t get enough of the guitar! Local guitar legend Tom Lockwood and founder of the Chatham-Kent Guitar Summit, has once again created a diverse and exciting schedule that will knock your socks off!

The inaugural Bluesfest and main event starts at 7:30 p.m. and will showcase the diversity of blues history by highlighting the music’s acoustic roots in the early set with performances by veteran performers Ray Whaling, Tom Lockwood and Kelly Hoppe (Mr. Chill from Big Sugar). The energy ramps up in the electric set with performances by Steve Walker (Superfly) and Michael Schatte, backed by Mark Wolfe (drums) Brent Hunter (bass) and Tom Lockwood. The headline act is scheduled to take the stage at 9:30 p.m. and features 2 time Juno and 7 time Maple Blues award winner, Jack de Keyzer and Band with special guest Tom Lockwood.

Jack de Keyzer is a blues guitarist, singer, song writer, producer and one of the finest blues guitarists on the scene today. The British born, Canadian resident’s career has spanned over three decades. De Keyzer has released seven CD’s and one DVD as a leader and appeared as a session guitarist on hundreds of recordings. As a session guitarist he has appeared with many artists including Etta James, Otis Rush, John Hammond Jr., Ronnie Hawkins, Duke Robillard, Robert Gordon, Willy Big Eyes Smith, Bo Diddley & Blue Rodeo. In 2010 and 2003 de Keyzer was awarded Canada’s highest musical honour the Juno award for Blues Album of the Year, for The Corktown Sessions (2010) and 6 String Lover (2003).
For more information and music clips http://www.jackdekeyzer.com/

For your afternoon pleasure, Blutonium will perform at 2 p.m. in the Unigasco Lounge and outdoor patios.

Blutonium consists of Scott Campbell (Vocals), Jeff Mifflin (Guitar), Rick Chrysler (Drums) and Bob Wilson (Bass). They have established a great reputation In southern Ontario playing a mix of blues and R&B. The rhythm section of Bob and Rick is one of the best around and were the original bass and drum unit in the legendary Quadrant Band. Bob also had spent time touring and recording with Kim Mitchell and Domenic Troiano. Jeff Mifflin is a well rounded guitarist who provides adroit rhythm parts and scorching solos. New member Scott Campbell brings fresh energy to his vocal styling.

In the interest of making the debut Bluesfest a learning experience as well as an entertainment event, two guitar workshops: an electric guitar workshop with Tom Lockwood at 10 a.m. and an acoustic guitar workshop with Michael Schatte at noon. These workshops will give musicians the tools they need to help explore the intricacies of blues playing.

Workshops:
10 a.m. with Tom Lockwood. 12 p.m. with Michael Schatte.
Venue: Rotary Lounge, St. Clair College Capitol Theatre
Cost: $10 per person. Sign up by calling Lesley at 519-380-0174 or emailing lgrand@stclaircollege.ca.

Afternoon Event:
12:30 p.m. lunch by William Street Café. 2 p.m. Blutonium.
Venue: Unigasco Lounge & adjoining outdoor patios.
Cost: $10 per person for performance only, or $25 including lunch

Main Event:
7:30 pm – Acoustic set with Ray Whaling, Tom Lockwood & Mr. Chill
8:30 pm – Electric set with Michael Schatte, Steve Walker, Brent Hunter, Mark Wolfe & Tom Lockwood
9:30 pm – Headliner Jack de Keyzer & Band wsg Tom Lockwood
Venue: St. Clair College Capitol Theatre, reserved seating

Cost: $30 or $40 for premium seats.
Prices are plus 5% handling fee (except workshops).

Buy: By phone at 519-354-8338 or toll-free 1-866-807-7770
In-person at 75 William St. N., Chatham
Online at http://www.chathamcapitoltheatre.com/