Our  line-up is finally complete and I’m proud to say we’ve got an excellent one for you again this year! Check out the Artist Bios!

Friday evening starts out just before 6:00 PM with a seasoned blues duo consisting of Dave Mowat and Ben Sures. Dave who hails from the Alderville First Nation near Peterborough has accompanied some of the best Canadian bluesmen on his harmonica. Ben is an accomplished guitarist and award winning songwriter and storyteller. This opening act is sure to delight.

Dave and Ben will be followed by Totally Unhooked. This five piece group led by Estelle Deschamps is made up of some excellent local musicians from Smooth Rock Falls, Cochrane and Iroquois Falls. The Temiskaming based Wabi Delta Blues Band is back again this year promising to deliver yet another blistering set for all to enjoy.

Mike Deway is a francophone artist from Quebec City leading a four piece group. He is a consummate professional and loves to play his interpretations of Chicago style blues from the likes of Buddy Guy, Muddy Waters and Freddie King. Mike will be followed by festival favourite Barrelhouse Blues Band from Kapuskasing. Dig Newton will close out the show on Friday night.

John Emms has been recruited to act as our MC throughout the evening.

While enjoying an excellent pancake and French toast breakfast on Saturday morning in the Community Center, you will again be entertained by Jack Larabee and a number of his friends, all veteran players from Timmins including Paul Colameco, Dan Chabot, Brian Machell, Kevin McMahon, Dale Nikoruk and Lee Wright. Jack and the Rippers, as these guys call themselves, promise to deliver the goods.

The music on the main stage starts at 1:00 PM this year with Danny B and Jake Thomas doing an acoustic duo. Jake’s amazing guitar will accompany Danny’s gravelly vocals and gut wrenching harp playing. Danny will also sub in as MC for the day on Saturday.

Shrimp Daddy and the Sharpshooters is led by native Montrealer Michael Reid. Mike now makes Toronto his home where he and the Sharpshooters have worked hard at perfecting their Mississippi and Chicago blues sound featuring the music of Willie Dixon, Muddy Waters and Howlin’ Wolf.

Jake and the Fundamentals are back again this year and they promise to deliver another 90 minutes of blistering Northern Ontario blues. Always the professional, Jake’s guitar “savoir faire” really is second to none.

Harrison Kennedy is a Juno Award nominee out of the steel-making, working-class neighbourhoods of Hamilton. His four piece will bring yet another new vibe to our stage this year.

Harrison will be followed up by Elmer Ferrer who closed out the show last year. Elmer is one of the most amazing guitar players I have ever watched. This world class three piece band will be joined by their countryman, one of Cuba’s premier percussionists. You can also expect Elmer to be accompanied by a very talented female vocalist this year by the name of Irene Torres.

Gary Kendall has been playing bass with the Downchild Blues Band for decades. We’re looking forward to having this four piece group bring their particular well-honed blues styling to our stage.

Saturday evening will be closed out by last year’s opening act, Erin McCallum. Erin won the hearts of all those fortunate enough to be there to listen to her belt out incredible renditions of her original material. She managed to impress us so much we decided to give her the opportunity to send you off smiling.

Sunday morning is always a little rough for most but we make sure we fill you up with an excellent, full menu hearty brunch served especially for whoever needs the nourishment to get home safe and sound. Brunch is served by the good people of the Porquis Agricultural Society at their hall across the street from the festival site. Jake Thomas and Danny B will entertain the breakfast crowd.

So there you have it. We are expecting beautiful weather this year since we kinda got short changed in that department last year. For those who have never been to Porquis, we have an excellent venue where fans are protected from the elements under what we call “The Big Roof”.

As an added attraction this year we have invited several classic car and bike owners to “shine ‘em up and show ‘em off”. Anyone interested should contact Ken Cosens in advance at 705-232-4675 or by email as space is limited.

We improved our camping area this year and continue to make changes to enhance our audience experience. We are proud to announce that we have been recognized again this year by Festivals and Events Ontario in their “Top 100” category, no small feat for a community the size of Porquis Junction.

So, come on out and help us celebrate the 13^th Annual Porquis Blues Festival, July 9^th, 10^th and 11^th!

Ben Lefebvre
Chair
Porquis Blues Society
May 22^nd, 2010

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