2008 Back to the Blues Lineup!
The following artists booked for the 2008 Back to the Blues:
Danny Brooks
Returning once again to the Back to the blues stage we are pleased to introduce Danny Brooks from the Toronto area.
Christian Week magazine says this: “Brooks has found a style that permits him to perform gospel on the secular blues circuit—so he’s equally at home performing in a church as he is in a blues bar; ironically, there may be more uncomfortable folk in the church setting, as he lays the gospel down.
Imagine what his tavern audience might be thinking as Brooks sings, “He’s going to rock down every stronghold/ Rock down every chain/ Take whatever’s wrong and make it right.../ He’s in the soul shakin’ business and that’s why we’re here tonight!” It’s true that most early street corner blues singers included gospel in their repertoire; like them, Brooks has earned the right to sing about the grace of God, because he’s the real deal.” -D.S. Martin/Music Critic
Larry Howard
“Music used to be a God to me, now it’s a gift. So every night when I go on stage it’s not like a job. It’s like unwrapping new gifts every time I start a song.”
Peacemakers
The Peacemakers are a Winnipeg based band bringing to the table a lively blend of Gospel blues, southern style rock and old time country.
Formed in 2002 to provide music for a local Christian biker group’s summer rally, their popularity quickly grew in southern Manitoba’s Bible belt. With their dynamic first CD “Ready to Go” already a few years old, the band is currently working on their second LP which will be ready summer of ’08.
The Peacemakers have played dozens of venues across Western Canada and the Northern States, and their unique sound is a welcome treat for blues/rock enthusiasts that grew up digging the old school rock of the 70s and 80s.
Darrell Mansfield
Darrell Mansfield's blues style of Christian praise and worship is considered by many to be a great blessing to Christians the world over.
Darrell's ministry of harmonica and vocals has been bringing glory to Jesus Christ for almost 3 decades and just keeps getting better with time. His performances are more powerful now than at any other time in his music ministry, as his purpose is now settled. Darrell Mansfield longs to give something back to a world that reflects the neediness and hunger that drove him to the "Bread of Life."
Wes Mackey
Wes is a Bluesman who has a totally unique, individual sound and identity and very few emerging artists can lay claim to those very important and refreshing traits.
Wes Mackey has definitely paid-his-dues in full and he's got a special gift that he wants to share …. After all, we know what Real Blues should sound like, right? Wes Mackey has arrived.
The Trimmed & Burnin Blues Project
The T&BBP has been the vision of Shannon Coberly of Bellingham WA. USA and an on going project for over 7 years. This year they will be exploring different forms of Blues music from Funk Blues to Texas Country Blues ala Johnny Winter to Robert Johnson including some original music written by Cindy Thomas and a few written by Shannon Coberly.
“We’re going to play Blues and sing about real things that everybody goes through, the good, the bad, and the glorious”.
The Johnny Mannion Band
Johnny Mannion began playing blues in 1974. He played guitar with Texas blues man Tom Cat Courtney for 6 years from 1985-1991. He has fronted his own bands since 1997.
In 2003 Johnny was inducted into the Blues Hall Of Fame. In 2006 he was inducted into the Blues Hall Of Fame as Ambassador at Large and named to the Blues Hall Of Fame Board of Directors.
Johnny gave his life to Christ in 2003 and soon left his band at the time to dedicate his playing to the Lord. He started playing at his church where he met his future band members. All the guys in the band attend Eastlake Community Church in Chula Vista Ca and most play on the worship team there.
The Johnny Mannion Band also features Greg Bach on guitar. Greg has been playing blues for over 20 years. Greg has had a very successful career playing the blues most notably with Deja Voodoo prior to joining up with Johnny. Greg became a Christian and soon tired of the club scene and left his band. He was introduced to Johnny by Kevin McPeak original bassist for the band and he and Johnny have been playing together ever since. This year Johnny and Greg added Guy Boccia on bass guitar and Chris Lapacik on drums.
Guy and Chris have been playing together in a jazz combo. Guy serves on the worship team at Eastlake Community Church along with Johnny and Greg and is an accomplished player.
Chris has played drums for years and in addition to playing in jazz combos, he has done several gigs with theater productions.
The Johnny Mannion Band's concerts are a mixture of emotional, fiery playing and fun. all for Gods Glory.
Dusty Shoes
Dusty Shoes serves up a hot mixture of gospel, southern rock and blues. They dish it out trio style with a lot of energy, humour and love for entertaining. With their unique set up and improvisational tendencies, it's never the same show twice. Hailing form Abbotsford, Dusty Shoes has over fifteen years of songwriting and stories to share, but they alway make sure God's word is central within the joyful noise.
KL Williams & Rebel Soul
KL Williams began using drugs when he was 12 years old, shortly after his mother died from ovarian cancer. In one of his last phone conversations with his mother from her hospital room, Rick recalls her saying, "Of all the kids, I worry about you the most." Her words seemed almost prophetic. Shortly after her death, Rick began the fast spinning journey battling the demons of drugs and alcohol.
For over 20 years KL fed his addictions. When KL got clean and sober, he was 42 years old. The years had passed, and it was time for him to stop hurting his family, himself and the Lord.
After he started working the 12-step program, a member of Narcotics Anonymous, he met his wife, Dawn. She encouraged KL to explore his musical talents. He started writing gutsy blues music and lyrics about his life with Jesus and his battles with the devil. KL’s gravelly voice and rhythmic blues guitar combined for a musical treasure that comes from the heart – a life truly surrendered and one gripping onto God’s grace. K.L.Williams along with Terry Redenius on Bass and Mike Watters on drums play all original R&B music that attests to the redeeming power of Jesus Christ.
Darrell Lahay & the Chop Liver Band
Darrell Lahay is a pastor in the Fraser Valley and also works with B.C. Teen Challenge as Program Director. Darrell has lead worship music for the past 8 years in a multitude of settings. Although he has a heart for praise and worship music, Darrell always finds himself coming back to the blues, and enjoys to make guitars scream and yell when he’s given the chance! This year at B2TB Darrell and his talented group of musicians will endeavor to glorify God, make a joyful noise, and for goodness' sake, rock out!
Dr. Bones Blues Project
The motivation for this Greater Victoria BC group came when John and Gail Bones attended the 2007 Back2Blues Fest. Grace in the radical, scandalous, unending love of Jesus Christ!
Aron Loewen & Band
I love blues...but sometimes I miss the old gospel songs and hymns of my childhood. About 15 years ago, I adapted the song Solid Rock and covered it as a blues hymn with my worship team.
After the B2B's morning service last year, a fresh idea came to me. For three years running we've had great morning services but in my humble opinion missed one thing: singin' the blues as a form of worship. It was time to rewrite more of the old tunes and bring them to the festival as a sing-a-long blues worship set. That's my goal... to bring back the blues into mainstream worship. I'm bringing some unassuming musical friends who are willing to risk with me and step into the "Holy Wild" where we'll attempt to lead you in what will soon become second nature.
Dr Blu
From Edmonton comes Canada's new and upcoming blues band, these veteran musicians bring passion and innovation to the eternal themes of struggle, redemption and hope. They play a variety of styles depending on the venue- jump blues, country swing, shuffle and even light jazz for dining ambience. These guys are not afraid to play it and say it as it is. Band members are Dr. Randy Ritz, Don Noot and Allen Esser. They played our festival in 2006 and we look forward to having them with us this year. www.drblu.ca
Surrender
Reinier Ketting-Olivier of Surrender began as a one-man band writing songs of praise to God during a difficult time of life. Several years ago, Reinier added various musicians and began to perform his music in concert settings including local churches, parks, and the Chilliwack Gospel Blues festival. His current band is a family affair with son Jordan on drums and brother Marcel on bass. Completing Surrender's sound is vocalist Jennifer Boldt. Surrender has recently released their first CD entitled Out of the Woodwork. Their style is gospel blues and straight ahead rock with a few slower ballads thrown in for a change of pace.
White Moses and the Fury
Hailing from the Abbotsford - Chilliwack area White Moses and the Fury are four highly skilled and entertaining young men: Byron Wiebe on vocals and harmonica, Norm Sawatsky on drums, Chris Teichrob and Matt Wilson on guitars. Their repertoire consists of blues gospel standards as well as original material. Their music has been described as " A pounding version of blues harmonica, 70's rhythm, rock guitar and whatever else comes along, wound up into an uproarious good time"
Their live CD including their original hit "Serviceman" is now available.
Knitting Club
Gene Murphy and The Knitting Club, of Maple Ridge have been performing at festivals and churches for the last 5 years using a southern blues rock style featuring three part harmony and slide guitar. Gene Murphy and his brother Darren were the driving force of the blues band Last Wild Sons who played in the Vancouver area in the early nineties. They opened for major recording artists such as BTO, Kentucky Headhunters and Colin James Since deciding to embrace Christianity he is writing and performing songs that talk about God's love for humanity. Gene is joined by Carol and Barry Keating, Dave Loewen and Rick Meadows. They have one Cd entitled Travellers on the Black Line, produced by their lead guitarist Rick Meadows.
Ken Whiteley
Whiteley has performed at countless festivals across North America, including Philadelphia Folk Festival, Chicago Blues Festival and the Winnipeg, Edmonton and Vancouver Folk Festivals, and has shared the stage with such notables as Pete Seeger, Leon Redbone, Guy Davis, Lonnie Johnson and many more. Hes also appeared on countless radio and television shows including Saturday Night Live and Leon Redbone. Often described as a playing encyclopedia for his depth and range of styles, Whiteley covers everything from blues and gospel to childrens music, and has composed over 300 songs.
Whiteleys musicianship has been recognized with numerous awards and nominations, including a Genie Award for Best Original Song (2004), 12 Maple Blues Nominations, and 21 Juno nominations. A sought-after producer, Whiteley has also received numerous accolades for his work, collecting 2 Juno Awards, 2 Grammy Nominations, 21 Juno Nominations, 4 American Gold Recordings, 10 Canadian Gold and Platinum Records.
For more info visit www.kenwhiteley.com
Steve Delamar & the Generation Gap
A seven piece band including a 3 pc. horn section. Members include Steve Delamar on guitar & vocals, Darrell Richards on Drums, Jaydee Delamar on bass, Jason Guillamette on Lead Guitar, James Stobbe: Saxes, organ & vocals, Thomas Houlden: trumpet, flugelhorn & vocals, Joel Colbourne: alto sax and vocals. Steve says, "We're playing a mix of R & B and Blues . Its a big sound and we're having a lot of fun." This is the fifth year Steve has been with us and its alway fascinating what kind of combo he puts together. He's gone over the top this year- not to be missed.
Sojourners
Enter The Sojourners... Will Sanders, Ron Small and Marcus Mosely. The trio originally came together to provide background vocals to Jim Byrnes' latest Juno award winning CD project, "House of Refuge". Jim was so pleased with the trio's contribution to his CD that he christened them, "The Sojourners".
Jim has graciously invited the trio to join him on several stages across Canada. Jim and the guys opened for Dr. John in 2006 Vancouver Jazz Festival. They were invited back to open for The Five Blind Boys of Alabama at last year's Jazz Festival and were also featured, along with the Good Noise Vancouver Gospel Choir , at the Vancouver Folk Festival. Additionally, last summer Jim and the Sojourners travelled to the Edmonton Folk Festival where they shared the stage with the historic The Campbell Brothers and the incomparable Miss Marie Knight. They also appeared at the Roots and Blues Festival in Salmon Arm in August, where they again shared the stage with Miss Knight and had the added surprise of meeting and performing with the very soulful Ruthie Foster.
The Sojourners are proud to announce that, thanks to the generosity and vision of Steve Dawson, their debut CD, "Hold On" was officially released on September 11, 2007 on the Black Hen Music label.
