Saturday June 5th Main Stage 1:30 PM

When Erin McCallum first heard Big Mama Thornton's "Hound Dog", she sensed something very special. She heard a sound and delivery that she identified with immediately, and continues to channel both in the studio and live performance.

Establishing a sound revolving around that voice - a captivating alto tenor - and ably supported by Trevor MacKenzie on guitar, Ron Lombard on bass, and Joe Pace on drums, Erin has twice been nominated for an Ontario Independent Music Award ("Best Blues Band")

With her strong vocals front and centre, MacKenzie's first-rate guitar serving as the soloing focal point and Lombard and Pace holding down the bottom end. McCallum leads the band through various musical excursions. Feel This is sure to surpass the acceptance of 5 a.m. Blues, that captures the imagination of DJ's and listeners in over 50 countries.

And it's just the beginning. Feel This, with obvious merits, is a stepping stone in the process. There are big things on the horizon for Erin McCallum.

http://www.erinmccallum.com/

Shannon Butcher – Toronto
Saturday June 5^th Main Stage  2:50 PM

If you want to define the musical essence of Shannon Butcher's new debut solo album, Words We Both Could Say, imagine jazz, pop and rock living in perfect harmony.

Following a glorious five-year run as a member of the acclaimed Swing Rosie, Butcher now offers ten dynamic interpretations of modern hits like Tears For Fears' "Mad World" and Glen Campbell's "Wichita Lineman."

"Jazz isn’t about one label or style; it’s not about one person or time," says Butcher. "It’s about the freedom to bring together all of your experiences and sing in the moment using every aspect of your musical personality."

Released on Butcher's own Summer Bloom Records, Words We Both Could Say is an open door invitation to fuse styles and transcend expectations.

"I just wanted to bring myself through all of these songs and through these words and amazing melodies and changes.”

Words We Both Could Say represents Shannon Butcher's present and future with an irresistible and spontaneous collection of music.
http://www.shannonbutcher.com/

Saturday June 5th Main Stage 4:10 PM

Trouble & Strife have been carrying the blues torch in Orangeville ever since forming in 1997. Larry Kurtz and Bruce Ley both make their homes in the beautiful hills surrounding Orangeville Ontario. It really comes out in their sound, the joy of the natural countryside resonates back to where the blues began in humble rural locations. They are winners of the Canadian Independent Music Awards Blues Group of the year in 2007, as well as nominees at the Maple Blues Awards and Toronto Blues Society Talent Search finalists. Trouble & Strife have had the privilege to play onstage with or open for James Cotton, Lucky Peterson, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Willie "Big Eyes" Smith, Bob Stroger, Downchild Blues Band, Jack DeKeyzer, Fathead, Kenny "Blues Boss" Wayne, Jeff Healy's Blues Band, Mel Brown, Garrett Mason, Paul James and many more!

http://www.myspace.com/troubleandstrifeblues

WC Clark – Austin Texas

Saturday June 5th Main Stage 4:10 PM

“If the blues is played right,” says Austin, Texas native W.C. Clark, “it makes your soul feel clean.” Indeed, master guitarist/vocalist Clark – known as “The Godfather of Austin Blues” – has been playing the blues right and cleansing souls from the east side of Austin to stages around the world for over 40 years. He's been mentoring countless young blues and soul players in the finer points of the music for almost as long. Blues stars from Stevie Ray and Jimmie Vaughan to Angela Strehli to Lou Ann Barton to Marcia Ball have all perfected their craft under Clark's tutelage. Clark's mix of modern Texas blues, searing guitar and heartfelt, Memphis-style soul vocals have made him a favorite of blues and R&B fans alike.

“W.C. Clark has it all…everything from good old rock 'n 'roll and gritty roadhouse R&B to strutting Memphis soul, second-line funk and contemporary blues.”

--Living Blues

The HOUSTON CHRONICLE said Clark is “one of Austin's most pervasive live performers…he is a powerful and poignant soul man with hard-earned blues wisdom.” The NEW YORK POST calls Clark “a legend of the blues world.”\

http://www.wcclark.com/

The Shuffle Demons – Toronto

Saturday June 5th 5:30 PM - Main Stage

What do you get when you cross 3 amazing saxophonists dressed in wacky clothes, a crazy dancing drummer and a killer upright bass player and have them sing songs about Buses, Roaches and Hockey and spend 1/2 their time playing in the audience? The Shuffle Demons, that's what!!! They were a band that captured the imagination of a generation with their antics and amazing no holds barred playing and stopped traffic on a regular basis. And now they're back!!

25 years later, the Shuffle Demons return to form with a greatest hits album, a DVD and a whole lot of demonic attitude. So get ready to sway in your seat, jump to your feet and dance to the Demon beat!

http://www.shuffledemons.com/world_details.php

Ronnie Baker Brooks – Chicago

Saturday June 5th Main Stage 6:50 PM

When he debuted with GOLDDIGGER in 1998, much of the blues world was already familiar with Ronnie Baker Brooks via his long apprenticeship as bandleader for living legend patriarch, Lonnie Brooks. His primal effort helped him earn a WC Handy Award nomination for “Best New Blues Artist” and enough encouragement from fans and media to light the runway for takeoff of a successful solo career.

The four years spent carefully cultivating his latest recordings have paid great dividends with THE TORCH, the epitome of a courageous and genre-bending release.

An apt analogy, “THE TORCH” symbolizes Ronnie Baker Brook’s role in the evolution of contemporary blues. A legacy steeped in the Chicago music tradition, he is ignited by passion for the family craft and fuelled by the responsibility of being crowned steward of the form by some of its most venerable masters. Ronnie bears the flame of a generations-old muse to an ever-widening modern audience.

“You won’t hear me singing songs about working in the fields or trying to move up from out of the Delta, because those aren’t my experiences…” Ronnie says, “but you will hear songs about growing up on the south side of Chicago and the things you see in the ghetto as a kid. They’re different experiences, so I might sing about them a different way, but it’s still the blues.“

http://www.ronniebakerbrooks.com/

Sunday June 6th Main Stage 12:10 PM

Beloved local singer Heather Katz is back with her blues band to rock the main stage!

She has performed with world-class artists such as Blind John Davis, James Brown, Long John Baldry, Otis Clay, Solomon Burke, and Matt "Guitar" Murphy. She was one of the first in the Toronto Blues Society "Women in Blues" series at Toronto's Albert's Hall.

Heather released her long overdue debut CD "Tell Mama" with long time friend and producer Virgil Scott at the helm. Her band mates include a virtual who's who from the Canadian Blues and Jazz circuit with the likes of Garth Vogan, Simon Wallis, Terry Blersh, Charlie Cooley, Peter Jeffrey and Michael Fonfara of Downchild Blues Band to name a few.

July 2008 Heather and her husband Michael Griffin became the proud new owners of BROADWAY MUSIC located in Orangeville.
http://www.myspace.com/heatherkatz

Kevin Breit – Elora

Sunday June 6th Main Stage 12:10 PM

Kevin has recorded with Norah Jones, Rosanne Cash, Susana Baca, Bill Frisell, k.d. lang, Cassandra Wilson, Holly Cole, Amos Lee, Jane Siberry, Jeb Loy Nichols, Dal Bello, Molly Johnson, Serena Ryder, Lou Reed, Ani DeFranco, Natalie McMaster, Marc Jordan, Carlos del Junco, Jane Bunnett, Janis Ian, Barra MacNeils, the Rankins, Wailin’ Jennies, Lynn Myles, Ian Tyson, Celine Dion, Autorickshaw, Quartette, Michael Kaeshammer, Andrea Koziol, Melanie Doane, Susan Crowe, Patti Scialfa and many others. Kevin has performed on recordings that have earned 13 Grammy Awards.

With the Sisters Euclid, he has recorded six CDs, and received a Juno Award for the Run Neil Run recording.

Breit’s trio, Folkalarm, has recorded 5 CD’s and have toured throughout Canada. Kevin was awarded a Gemini Award for his collaboration with Misha Brueggergossman for Both Sides Now...a celebration of Joni Mitchell.
http://www.kevinbreit.com/

Ryan Grist - Orangeville

Septet  featuring Brandi Disterheft and Pat LaBarbera"

Sunday June 6th  Main Stage 1:40 PM

A graduate of the Humber College Jazz Program, Ryan studied with Don Thompson, Pat Labarbera, Hilario Duran, Mark Promane, and privately with Alex Dean. Performance wise, Ryan has consistently surrounded himself with exceptional talent featuring Mike Malone , Pat Labarbera, Alex Dean, Kevin Turcotte, Joe Sealey, Lorne Lofsky, Pat Collins and Barry Elmes! In the Orangeville community Ryan has been voluntarily running the Orangeville District Secondary School's Jazz band now for 10 years and is a member of the Board of Directors for the Orangeville Blues and Jazz Festival, a position that he takes great pride in.

www.ryangrist.com

Sunday June 6th Main Stage 1:40 PM

Bassist and composer Brandi Disterheft is one of jazz’s brightest lights. Still in her twenties, she is known for her imaginative live shows and well-conceived recordings. Her debut album won her the 2008 Juno award for album of the year. She has performed in Japan, Haiti, Vienna, at the esteemed Carnegie Hall, and with Diana Krall.

http://www.brandidisterheft.com/

Pat LaBarbara – Toronto

Sunday June 6th Main Stage 1:40 PM

Pat is considered one of the finest saxophone soloists working within the framework of John Coltrane's principals. LaBarbera became best known for his solo work with the bands of Buddy Rich (1967-1974), Louis Bellson, Woody Herman and his own groups. He is a member of the faculty at Humber College. A true intellectual of improvisation, he has been among the key members of the Toronto jazz scene for more than 30 years.

http://www.myspace.com/patlabarbera

Bharath & His Rhythm Four – Montreal

Sunday June 6th Main Stage 3:00 PM

When you first hear the music of Bharath and his Rhythm Four, it's kind of spooky. They've not only recreated the sound of those great Chess blues albums of the '50s, but, more importantly, they've also captured the feeling.

Bharath has been the heart and soul of the Montreal blues scene for the past 15 years -- ever since he bought himself a harmonica for his 20th birthday. "When people say blues is a feeling, they're not kidding," says Bharath Rajakumar, harmonica player and lead vocalist for the Montreal blues band. "There's a little extra bit you've got to put in there to make it blues. You put your heart into it."
http://www.myspace.com/bharathandhisrhythmfour

Sunday June 6^th Main Stage  4:20 PM

Born in Havana, Cuba, Luis Mario's earliest musical influences came from his father Luis Ochoa Sr. singer, guitarist and founding member of "Trio Voces de Oro", one of Cuba's most romantic ensembles.

At the age of 11, Luis Mario began full time music studies at some of Havana's most renowned conservatories. After 13 years of intense studies, he graduated with an honors B.A. in classical guitar from The University of Havana's Institute Superior of Arts (ISA). While most of his extensive learning was in the classical genre, his heart never abandoned his roots in "popular music".

In 1990 Luis Mario moved to Toronto, Canada, embracing the city as his new home. In 1992, he formed his band Cimarrón, (See-mah-rón, meaning "free spirit"), and three years later recorded their first CD A La Cubana. Being one of the first recordings to emerge from Toronto's Latin music scene, the album introduced Canadian audiences to the ensemble's unique sound; tracks from this CD were featured on the TV series Traders.

Apart from his productive composing, performing and recording schedule, Luis Mario teaches Latin Jazz Ensemble at the renowned Humber College Institute.

In May 2008, Luis Mario’s released his 4th CD Momentos Cubanos - his first with his new quintet - where he showcases his virtuosity and versatility with authority. A nominee in 2007 for Canadian Latin Jazz Artist of the Year, Ochoa is joined here by acclaimed Cuban pianist Hilario Durán and a dynamic rhythm section of bass, drums and percussion.

http://www.luismario.com/

Hilario Duran

Since his move to Canada, Hilario Durán has become an integral and important part of the Canadian music scene. His current musical projects as a leader include The Hilario Durán Trio’, ‘Hilario Durán & Orquesta Havana Remembered’ and ‘Hilario Durán & His Latin Jazz Big Band’. Hilario is a faculty member at Toronto’s Humber College, acting as both adjunct Piano Professor and Ensemble Director. Hilario also currently performs as a special guest with international artists and orchestras.

http://www.hilarioduran.com/

Sunday June 6th Main Stage 5:40 PM

Born in Canada, Shawn Kellerman is son of the owner of the legendary Canadian blues club Pop The Gator, a temporary stopover and host to many of the greatest touring artists (Big Twist & The Mellow fellows, Angela Strehli, Robert Cray, Jimmy Johnson, The Texas Heat, Ronnie Earl & The Broadcasters) of our time. It was there, in the front row at one unforgettable show after another, that the young guitar wizard's roots were planted, and where he began to blossom into the full-blown force that he is today.

Having not only played, but toured, with greats like Bobby Rush, the soulful Mississippi showman, and Mel Brown, the renowned guitarist behind the album Together Again BB King & Bobby Bland, Shawn Kellerman has amassed an arsenal of first-hand experience that would make any guitar purist blush. His unique ability to deliver both contemporary and traditional guitar styles gives him an edge, making him a much-requested guitarist/sideman on the professional touring scene.

"Shawn hit the stage smokin' with energy and left it dripping in sweat" - Tim Holek (Blues on Stage Internet Review)

With tours and gigs on both the Chitlin' Circuit and the five-star touring scene, Shawn Kellerman has lit his own brand of fire in 20 countries and festival stages around the world. Having earned acclaim at a young age, Shawn, now in his thirties, is grateful to be able to share a story he can best tell with his hands, to those lucky enough to see him perform live.

http://www.shawnkellerman.com/