Fans of the blues, whether it’s Delta, Chicago or West Coast – jump, juke or barrelhouse – will likely find something appealing at the Port Theatre Saturday (May 12).
The show that night is the annual Blues Odyssey, featuring the lineup from the Hornby Island Blues Workshop.
“It’s a humdinger and a real mood swinger,” said David Gogo, who taught and performed at the annual festival since its inception 13 years ago.
The concert features Gogo with Dalannah Gail Bowen, Michael Jerome Browne, Paul Deslauriers, Rick Fines, Bill Hicks, Russell Jackson, Carlos del Junco, David Vest and Suzie Vinnick – any duo of which could easily sell out the Port Theatre, said Gogo.
The musicians perform in two groups of five, each performing a song or two.
“Sometimes for the encore we get everyone on stage for a big kumbaya,” Gogo said.
It’s the first time the concert has been held in Nanaimo and the central location of the Harbour City is expected to draw fans from all over the Island.
“We chose Nanaimo as the big venue this year,” Gogo said.
The concert is a culmination of the classes and workshops held at the week-long festival on Hornby Island, near the Comox Valley.
Workshops in guitar, bass, drums and more are offered by professional musicians to students of all ages and abilities.
“A lot of the students go there every year,” Gogo said. “It’s an annual trek,” adding that he learned a lot about playing guitar from the questions asked by his students.
The concert starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets $37; $34/members. Please call 250-754-8550 or visit www.porttheatre.com.
For more information on the Hornby blues workshop, please visit www.hornby-blues.bc.ca.
arts@nanaimobulletin.com