Ladies in the House at Blues Brews & BBQ fundraiser
By Contributor
The events committee of the Kootenay Blues Society has been busy booking blues acts for the upcoming 2020 season and will start the year off by hosting the 7th annual Blues Brews and BBQ, which will be a joint fund raiser for Nelson CARES and Kootenay Co-op Radio.
The event will be held at Finley’s Bar and Grill on Saturday, Feb 29th at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $25. and are available at Otter Books and in advance at the venue.
The first Blues Brews and BBQ was organized seven years ago and the initial idea for this late winter event was first conceived by Richard Metzner and Clinton Swanson as a way to raise funds for things of importance in the community. The first two events raised funds to help keep the pristine Jumbo valley free from commercial development. This is now a reality, as it was recently announced that Jumbo will remain wild.
Subsequent years have seen proceeds go to Kootenay Co op Radio to support the station, help with upgrades and keep CJLY on the air.
Kootenay Blues Society has always tried to feature local talent for this event and this year will be no exception, with The Kootenay Women’s Blues Revue taking to the stage. This star studded line up consists of the finest female blues musicians the region has to offer, with featured performances by Laura Landsberg, Melody Diachun (Juno and National Jazz award nominee), Aryn Sherrif, Bessie Wapp, Jan Van Gold, Bonnie Johnson, Holly Hyatt Band, Judy Brown Band and culminating in a grande finale, with all the musicians on the stage.
As an added attraction, Violet Wolf will open the show with some acoustic blues. This promises to be a night to remember, as it is the first time all these performers have shared the same stage and the excitement is already building.
One of this years organizers, Judy Brown, says “This will be a rare opportunity to see eight of the finest women musicians in the Kootenay’s together on one stage. It’s an honour to be included, collaborate and play with these talented musicians in celebration of blues music”.
Host of Make Room For The Blues on CJLY Radio, Richard Metzner, says, “ Their is an abundance of female blues musicians in the Koots and we’re looking forward to presenting some of these great artists at this years event”.
One of the featured singers, Laura Landsberg, is quoted as saying “THE LADIES ARE IN THE HOUSE! I’m delighted to be a part of this fabulous Blues and Brews Celebration. A great chance to take in some of the Kootenay finest musicians”.
