The highlight concert of the 2019 White Rock’s Concerts for the Pier series, KALIMBA had 3500 people dancing in the streets to their favourite Earth, Wind and Fire songs.
The nationally touring show Kalimba, The Spirit of Earth Wind and Fire provides an Earth Wind & Fire experience so satisfying it transports audiences back to the excitement of the first time they heard these unforgettable songs. Lead vocalist, Thomas “Chazz” Smith, created Kalimba, The Spirit of Earth Wind and Fire in 2011 with the vision of honoring the beloved Earth Wind & Fire hits he and millions of others listened to while growing up. The 10-piece organization includes a full horn and rhythm section to reproduce the infectious grooves created by EWF’s Verdine White and Ralph Johnson. In February the loss of EWF’s founder and musical genius, Maurice White, left the world mourning, but Kalimba, The Spirit of Earth Wind and Fire faithfully honors his work by featuring lush treatments of the soaring vocal harmonies that are the hallmark of Earth Wind & Fire’s music and EWF’s late founder, musical genius, Maurice White. Performances authentically replicate the signature high notes of Maurice White’s sidekick, Philip Bailey.
Playing across the country at some of the nations most prestigious and historic theaters, music festivals, state fairs, corporate events and functions, casino’s, and larger clubs as well as upscale private parties and weddings, Kalimba, The Spirit of Earth Wind and Fire includes all of the hits: September, Shining Star, Boogie Wonderland, After the Love Has Gone, Let's Groove, That's the Way of the World, Devotion, Reasons, Sing a Song, Can't Hide Love, Getaway, Fantasy, PLUS for this show, KALIMBA will perform an EW&F take on some Christmas favourites.
Recorded in 1985, The Spirit of Christmas album finds Ray Charles performing a variety of holiday favorites including "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town," "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer," and the ballad "That Spirit of Christmas," which was featured in the hit movie National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation starring Chevy Chase.
Get in to the seasonal spirit of Ray Charles Christmas music, plus hear timeless hits like “Georgia”, “Let the Good Times Roll”, “Hit the Road Jack”, and “I Can’t Stop Loving You”, all amazingly performed by Mike Henry and his sizzling band.
Mike Henry's tribute to Ray Charles was created out of the tremendous respect he has for the artist. If you close your eyes you will imagine Ray is there performing all his great hits. Mikes' band consists of all star musicians: Steve Hilliam on sax, Derry Byrne on trumpet, Jen Lewin on keyboards, Russ Klyne on guitar & vocal, Lisa Simons on bass, Nino Depasquali on drums, and featuring Krystal Dos Santos on lead and background vocals. What a cast !
Mike Henry began his professional musical career in Las Vegas in the 1980s where he performed in the local hotels clubs & lounges. He rediscovered his gospel roots while performing with the vocal group The Gospel Ambassadors. He has performed at the Atlantic City Park Place, the Trump Castle, Tahoe Biltmore, Tahoe Hyatt, MGM Grand. as well as in Bangkok Thailand, at Club Fibus (the largest club in Asia), Taiwan China, Dubai UAE, and Oslo Norway.
“He’s just brilliant. He’s completely brilliant.”— Rolling Stone
Randy Hansen is a consummate performer with incredible depth who has always captured the imagination of his audience, drawing the masses into his experience, sending-off fans spell bound by his explosive showmanship and mastery of the electric guitar. Years of hard work and relentless perfection of his craft, he has earned the distinction of being a world-class guitar hero.
He has followed a “lets just do it” attitude all his life performing for millions through out his career. Born in Seattle, Washington on December 8, 1954, he began playing guitar when he was ten and later introduced to the work of the other Seattle guitarist, Jimi Hendrix, when he was thirteen years old. By sixteen he had his first band, Popsicle and by the age of eighteen he was a professional musician. He joined Kid Chrysler and The Cruisers in 1974 and spent four years with the group. It was with the Cruisers that he began developing what would become his world-renowned tribute to Jimi Hendrix.
By 1978 Hansen had named his act Machine Gun and went on the road, amazing audiences and other musicians with his prowess and panache. Hansen was hired by acclaimed film director Francis Ford Coppola to contribute to the sound track of the 1980 Academy Award Winner for Best Sound, “Apocalypse Now”. Hansen’s guitar pyrotechnics replaced parts originally performed by an eighty-piece orchestra and eighty-voice choir with his own orchestration on guitar and bass. The film led to a recording contract with Capitol Records and ever since has released numerous CD’s in Europe.
Today Hansen’s’ audience is worldwide, through persistent demand by the fans in America and Europe, whether with The Randy Hansen Band or working with other entertainer’s. Steve Miller, Paul Rodgers (Free, Bad Company, The Firm, Queen), Buddy Miles, Don Wilson (The Ventures), Alan White (YES, John Lennon), Sammy Hagar, Herbie Hancock, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Robert Cray, Roger Fisher (Heart), Bob Segar and Hendrix alumni Noel Redding and Mitch Mitchell, are just a few of the many musicians he’s performed with.
Randy Hansen is a consummate performer with incredible depth who has always captured the imagination of his audience, drawing the masses into his experience, sending-off fans spell bound by his explosive showmanship and mastery of the electric guitar. Years of hard work and relentless perfection of his craft, he has earned the distinction of being a world-class guitar hero.
He has followed a “lets just do it” attitude all his life performing for millions through out his career. Born in Seattle, Washington on December 8, 1954, he began playing guitar when he was ten and later introduced to the work of the other Seattle guitarist, Jimi Hendrix, when he was thirteen years old. By sixteen he had his first band, Popsicle and by the age of eighteen he was a professional musician. He joined Kid Chrysler and The Cruisers in 1974 and spent four years with the group. It was with the Cruisers that he began developing what would become his world-renowned tribute to Jimi Hendrix.
By 1978 Hansen had named his act Machine Gun and went on the road, amazing audiences and other musicians with his prowess and panache. Hansen was hired by acclaimed film director Francis Ford Coppola to contribute to the sound track of the 1980 Academy Award Winner for Best Sound, “Apocalypse Now”. Hansen’s guitar pyrotechnics replaced parts originally performed by an eighty-piece orchestra and eighty-voice choir with his own orchestration on guitar and bass. The film led to a recording contract with Capitol Records and ever since has released numerous CD’s in Europe.
Today Hansen’s’ audience is worldwide, through persistent demand by the fans in America and Europe, whether with The Randy Hansen Band or working with other entertainer’s. Steve Miller, Paul Rodgers (Free, Bad Company, The Firm, Queen), Buddy Miles, Don Wilson (The Ventures), Alan White (YES, John Lennon), Sammy Hagar, Herbie Hancock, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Robert Cray, Roger Fisher (Heart), Bob Segar and Hendrix alumni Noel Redding and Mitch Mitchell, are just a few of the many musicians he’s performed with.
It’s not every guitar player that would get into a guitar duel with Joe Bonamassa, but Johnny A. played it to a draw. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DN2qZ34faFg . Blue Frog Studios is pleased to welcome for the first time, this featured artist on Joe Bonamassa’s Blues Cruise (see Guitar Player Mag article below).
Never content with complacency, and always up for a challenge, Johnny A again takes an adventurous left turn to present his distinct instrumental guitar approach for the very first time in a completely “solo” intimate atmosphere. Special emphasis on melody and arrangements from the British songbook of the 60s.
Boston Hall of Fame inductee Johnny A. is a Gibson and now Epiphone signature guitarist (the Johnny A. Gibson is one of their most popular selling signature models) is a spectacular performer guaranteed to mesmerize an audience with the 1st riff! Johnny has shared the stage with artists from BB King to Steve Vai and everybody in between and has performed at such prestigious festivals as Eric Clapton’s Crossroads, the Montreal Jazz Festival, and Tokyo’s Fuji Rock Festival. Coming back to his roots, Johnny has developed an intimate solo performance celebrating some of the greatest, and most influential, guitar work in history.
“Devotion to melodies, tight dynamics and succulent tones perfectly temper Johnny’s balance of fire and ice.” - Guitar World
“Johnny A let’s his guitar speak for him with eloquence and spirit.” - Washington Post
Never content with complacency, and always up for a challenge, Johnny A again takes an adventurous left turn to present his distinct instrumental guitar approach for the very first time in a completely “solo” intimate atmosphere. Special emphasis on melody and arrangements from the British songbook of the 60s.
Boston Hall of Fame inductee Johnny A. is a Gibson and now Epiphone signature guitarist (the Johnny A. Gibson is one of their most popular selling signature models) is a spectacular performer guaranteed to mesmerize an audience with the 1st riff! Johnny has shared the stage with artists from BB King to Steve Vai and everybody in between and has performed at such prestigious festivals as Eric Clapton’s Crossroads, the Montreal Jazz Festival, and Tokyo’s Fuji Rock Festival. Coming back to his roots, Johnny has developed an intimate solo performance celebrating some of the greatest, and most influential, guitar work in history.
“Devotion to melodies, tight dynamics and succulent tones perfectly temper Johnny’s balance of fire and ice.” - Guitar World
“Johnny A let’s his guitar speak for him with eloquence and spirit.” - Washington Post
Formed in 1967, Chicago Transit Authority recorded their first album in 1968 before shortening their name to Chicago. Their famous self-description as simply “a rock and roll band with horns” simplified what was actually a remarkable fusion of classical, jazz, R & B and pop music.
The only musical act to name each album with a successive number starting with Chicago 3, (Chicago Transit Authority was #1, Chicago was #2). Chicago has sold over 100 million of them, and remains to this day within the Top Ten of all artists of all time in terms of album sales. In 1971 Chicago became the first contemporary musical act to sell-out Carnegie Hall for an entire week. In the US alone, Chicago has been honoured with 23 gold, 18 platinum and 8 multi-platinum albums.
The band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2016. Among their 21 Top-Ten singles are Questions 67 & 68, Beginnings, Make Me Smile, 25 or 6 to 4, Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?, I’m a Man, Saturday in the Park, Dialogue, Feelin’ Stronger Everyday, If You Leave Me Now, Hard to Say I'm Sorry to name a few.
WEST COAST CHICAGO West Coast Chicago is a group of musicians who share a mutual admiration of Chicago. The band was formed under the leadership of Paul Clarke inspired by Greg Farrugia. Paul’s in-depth knowledge of virtually every last detail of Chicago is encyclopedic. He knows who wrote what, who produced what, who replaced who, and every musical detail. Each player is dedicated to recreating the sound, energy and intensity of each and every song, and between song groupings, Paul enthusiastically recounts interesting facts and trivia that make West Coast Chicago interesting and informative as well as hugely entertaining.
THE BAND:
Paul Clarke: keyboards, vocals, narration
Mon Gonzales: lead guitar vocals
Scott Driscoll: vocals, guitar, percussion
Greg Farrugia: trombone, percussion, horn arranger
Garth Balint: trumpet, flugelhorn, percussion
Bryan Vance: saxophone, flute, percussion
Mike Crean: drums
Graham Clark: bass
DREAMS - the Ultimate tribute to Fleetwood Mac, is an authentic sounding, seven piece tribute to Fleetwood Mac. They perform in full costumes, similar to the actual styles worn by the original Fleetwood Mac. You will be taken back with all their favourite songs including Don’t Stop, Go Your Own Way, Landslide, Say You Love Me, The Chain and of course Dreams.
The band of professional musicians from Vancouver BC, Canada, has played many shows over the last few years in casinos, theatres and corporate events, all around the world. Some of those places include Las Vegas, the Dominican Republic, Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton and Regina, to name a few.
You will be amazed at how close Dreams - Canada's tribute to Fleetwood Mac, looks and sounds like the original Fleetwood Mac. They take you back in time, so you can experience this amazing music all over again.
The band of professional musicians from Vancouver BC, Canada, has played many shows over the last few years in casinos, theatres and corporate events, all around the world. Some of those places include Las Vegas, the Dominican Republic, Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton and Regina, to name a few.
You will be amazed at how close Dreams - Canada's tribute to Fleetwood Mac, looks and sounds like the original Fleetwood Mac. They take you back in time, so you can experience this amazing music all over again.
Possibly the most exciting and realistic Rod Stewart show next to seeing Rod himself. Brent Stewart offers one of the most authentic Rod Stewart tributes you will ever see. From the stylish suits and all the signature stage moves and a voice that's so close you'll swear it's Rod, Brent Stewart sets a new high standard for Rod Stewart tributes.
Brent's voice is so amazingly similar to Rod's that he has actually been hired on occasion to sing on recording sessions for songwriters that have been attempting to get songs placed with Rod. No one other than Rod sounds this close.
"I've never heard anyone sound that close to Rod Stewart, the crowd loved his show." Mike Reno - Lead singer of Loverboy
"Owning a British Bar for over 12 years my clientele know what Rod sounds like. Brent is Rod Stewart. Rod should sound as good at his live shows.” Chris Bradley - Promoter and ex-pat Brit
Brent's voice is so amazingly similar to Rod's that he has actually been hired on occasion to sing on recording sessions for songwriters that have been attempting to get songs placed with Rod. No one other than Rod sounds this close.
"I've never heard anyone sound that close to Rod Stewart, the crowd loved his show." Mike Reno - Lead singer of Loverboy
"Owning a British Bar for over 12 years my clientele know what Rod sounds like. Brent is Rod Stewart. Rod should sound as good at his live shows.” Chris Bradley - Promoter and ex-pat Brit
Cousin Harley is the rocking hillbilly persona of Paul Pigat. This band has a hard-earned reputation for delivering everything from hot-rod rockabilly to foot stomping vintage country and western swing. Paul is joined by Keith Picot on upright bass and Jesse Cahill on drums to create an unstoppable rock 'n roll wrecking crew.
You'd never think it to look at Paul Pigat, but behind that unassuming grin and underneath those Doc Watson glasses lurks one of the most restless, combustible musical imaginations ever crammed like so much canned heat into a single body. Blessed with a jazz man's sheen, a rockabilly heart and a hobo's soul, there aren't many genres of music that don't pull at Pigat's wayfaring imagination like a magnet. In many ways, it's a mystery why Paul Pigat isn't a household name yet. Maybe he'd be a lot easier to pin down if he wasn't so darn good at so many different things. Still, you'd have to have been hiding under a pretty big rock to have never heard the immediately recognizable sound of his distinctive guitar playing as over the last several years this unassuming Vancouver native has quietly compiled a list of credits that would be the envy of anyone in the music business.
Whether he's playing a searing solo to elevate the soaring vocals of a traditional gospel rave up from The Sojourners or flying in to support Jakob Dylan at a showcase in New York, Paul Pigat's singular dedication and peerless work ethic have earned him a growing respect within music's inner circles. However impressive the list of credits he's compiled over the last few years has been — earned by supporting artists such as Neko Case, Jim Byrnes and Carolyn Mark — it's when you get to hear Paul on his own that his star really shines.
“There's always a few guitar players in any scene who are looked up at by the rest. Guitarist Paul Pigat is one such figure.” – The Province
You'd never think it to look at Paul Pigat, but behind that unassuming grin and underneath those Doc Watson glasses lurks one of the most restless, combustible musical imaginations ever crammed like so much canned heat into a single body. Blessed with a jazz man's sheen, a rockabilly heart and a hobo's soul, there aren't many genres of music that don't pull at Pigat's wayfaring imagination like a magnet. In many ways, it's a mystery why Paul Pigat isn't a household name yet. Maybe he'd be a lot easier to pin down if he wasn't so darn good at so many different things. Still, you'd have to have been hiding under a pretty big rock to have never heard the immediately recognizable sound of his distinctive guitar playing as over the last several years this unassuming Vancouver native has quietly compiled a list of credits that would be the envy of anyone in the music business.
Whether he's playing a searing solo to elevate the soaring vocals of a traditional gospel rave up from The Sojourners or flying in to support Jakob Dylan at a showcase in New York, Paul Pigat's singular dedication and peerless work ethic have earned him a growing respect within music's inner circles. However impressive the list of credits he's compiled over the last few years has been — earned by supporting artists such as Neko Case, Jim Byrnes and Carolyn Mark — it's when you get to hear Paul on his own that his star really shines.
“There's always a few guitar players in any scene who are looked up at by the rest. Guitarist Paul Pigat is one such figure.” – The Province
Guitarist Bill Coon combines the brilliance of a string quartet with the rhythmic drive of a jazz quartet with his album, Departure. The BC Double Quartet really is a departure for Coon as the music on this recording marries his love of jazz improvising with his passion for arranging and composition.
Jim Hall and Wes Montgomery have influenced Coon’s guitar style, while his writing owes much to Bill Evans, Kenny Wheeler and Maurice Ravel. Coon’s use of space, smart note choices and harmonic savvy provide the perfect counterpoint to trumpeter Brad Turner’s fiercely creative and melodic solos. Bassist Paul Rushka and drummer Bernie Arai create the heartbeat of the band and contribute superb solos.
As for the string quartet - Cam Wilson, Yule Yawney, Genevieve MacKay, and Finn Manniche play with a perfect combination of verve and precision and their magnificent contributions are integral to the success of the music. Violinist Wilson has a special role to play leading the strings he plays two wonderfully inspiring solos.
Whether it’s the rhythmic drive of Departure, the sophisticated folk feel of Sunday Morning, or the romantic Brazilian sensibility of Chorando Baixinho the marriage of classic string quartet and authentic jazz improvisation creates soul-stirring and memorable music.
Bill Coon guitarist/arranger/composer
Brad Turner trumpet and flugelhorn
Paul Rushka acoustic bass
Bernie Arai drums
Cameron Wilson violin
Yuel Yawney violin
Genevieve MacKay viola
Finn Manniche cello
Jim Hall and Wes Montgomery have influenced Coon’s guitar style, while his writing owes much to Bill Evans, Kenny Wheeler and Maurice Ravel. Coon’s use of space, smart note choices and harmonic savvy provide the perfect counterpoint to trumpeter Brad Turner’s fiercely creative and melodic solos. Bassist Paul Rushka and drummer Bernie Arai create the heartbeat of the band and contribute superb solos.
As for the string quartet - Cam Wilson, Yule Yawney, Genevieve MacKay, and Finn Manniche play with a perfect combination of verve and precision and their magnificent contributions are integral to the success of the music. Violinist Wilson has a special role to play leading the strings he plays two wonderfully inspiring solos.
Whether it’s the rhythmic drive of Departure, the sophisticated folk feel of Sunday Morning, or the romantic Brazilian sensibility of Chorando Baixinho the marriage of classic string quartet and authentic jazz improvisation creates soul-stirring and memorable music.
Bill Coon guitarist/arranger/composer
Brad Turner trumpet and flugelhorn
Paul Rushka acoustic bass
Bernie Arai drums
Cameron Wilson violin
Yuel Yawney violin
Genevieve MacKay viola
Finn Manniche cello
With 2018 marking the 10th Anniversary of Adele’s sensational “19”, KATIE MARKHAM took to the stage with an incredible performance recreating the magic started by Adele a decade before. Say hello to SOMEONE LIKE YOU.
This immaculate concert production recreates the magic of Adele’s music from her three hit albums, “19”, “21” and “25”, reminding audiences why they first fell in love with her beautiful music. Featuring the smash hits “Chasing Pavements”, “Make You Feel my Love”, “Set Fire to the Rain”, “Someone Like You”, “Rolling in the Deep”, “Hello” and the multi-million seller “Skyfall” as well as a selection of songs by some of the legends that inspired Adele, SOMEONE LIKE YOU is the quintessential show for any fan of Adele.
KATIE MARKHAM has been singing and dancing since she was six years old. When she started winning singing talent contests at aged 15, she started to focus on her unique and stunning voice. In 2013, she was approached to enter X Factor and got to the last 7 finalists, emerging from the experience an entirely different person; an artist with full confidence in her vocal ability. In 2015, Katie was approached by producers of Adele Live at the BBC to appear on the show as part of an Adele tribute feature. Adele selected all the tributes herself and loved Katie’s audition video, selecting her as one of eight Adele performers to be in the BBC show where she performed alongside her idol.
Within a year the SOMEONE LIKE YOU show was born. Katie is absolutely thrilled to be leading the national theatre production; a show which gives her the chance to portray Adele in exactly the way she has always dreamed. KATIE MARKHAM says: “There is a real beauty to Adele’s music. I think that’s why it appeals to so many people, she lays raw emotion out for all the world to see.”
Celebrate Valentines weekend with the music of one of the most legendary rock & roll bands of all time, ‘THE EAGLES’. The Eagles are one of the world's best-selling bands, having sold more than 150 million records, including 42 million copies of Their Greatest Hits (1971-1975) and 32 million copies of Hotel California.
Performing hits like “Hotel California”, “Peaceful Easy Feeling”, “Tequila Sunrise”, “Heartache Tonight”, “Lyin’ Eyes”, “One of these Nights”, and many more, they are the fifth-highest selling music act and the highest-selling American band in U.S. history.
Eagle Eyes audiences are captivated by the stunning replication of the trademark vocal harmonies that the Eagles have been noted for. Eagle Eyes are a 'must see' for all Eagles fans whether they are fans of classic rock, country rock with a twinge of bluegrass. The four members of Eagle Eyes have over 120 years of combined experience as professional touring musicians:
Jack Gunderson/ Bass & Vocals - fills the vocal role of Glen Frey along with being one half of the tight and unified rhythm section as the bassist with Eagle Eyes.
Jason Dunajski / Guitars & Vocals - fills the vocal role of Don Henley and Randy Meisner and one half of the guitar tandem along with Ray Harvey and possesses the instrumental prowess of past Eagles members Don Felder and Bernie Leadon.
Ken Ermter/ Drums & Vocals - being the engine of Eagle Eyes keeping the tempo of the songs flowing while adding the all important role of providing harmony vocals the staple of the distinctive Eagles sound.
Ray Harvey/ Guitars & Vocals - is Eagle Eyes exacting version of infamous Joe Walsh with his dynamic lead solos and soulful slide guitar parts not to mention 1/4th of Eagle Eyes’ spot on vocal styling.
Don’t miss this extraordinary opportunity to experience the best of the Eagles in the intimate concert setting of Blue Frog Studios. This show always sells out fast.
DOIN IT RIGHT WITH THE POWDER BLUES!
For over four decades Powder Blues has been Canada’s leading blues band. The mix of swing, blues, jazz, rock & roll and r & b has an appeal so wide that people from seven to seventy swing side by side at a Powder Blues concert. Over the years the band has toured non-stop through Canada, the United States and overseas, spreading feel-good music that makes people dance and shout.
Powder Blues debut album, ‘Uncut’, was ignored by major labels who said there was ‘no market for the blues’. Undiscouraged, the band sold it off stage and sent it to radio stations whose switchboards lit up with calls asking, ‘who’s that?’ After selling 30,000 copies in a few weeks, the same record labels competed to distribute this ‘non-commercial’ product. To date Powder Blues have sold over a million records worldwide.
Band highlights include winning Canada’s Juno, headlining the world-famous Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland, winning the Blues Foundation Award in Memphis, Tennessee and touring the US and Europe with legends like Willie Dixon, John Lee Hooker, B.B. King, James Brown, Albert Collins, James Cotton and Stevie Ray Vaughn.
Leader, Tom Lavin has written many of the band’s best-known songs including ‘Doin’ It Right’ (‘On the Wrong Side of Town’) and ‘Boppin With the Blues’. Born in Chicago where he worked with local bands and blues legends, Tom moved to Vancouver gigging in the downtown nightclub scene. This led to work as studio musician, song writer, band leader, record producer and film composer.
Tom has won BCMIA awards for ‘Guitarist, Singer, Songwriter and Producer of the Year’, a Juno award for ‘Best New Band’ and the American W.C. Handy award. He has over a dozen gold, and platinum records for Powder Blues, Prism, April Wine, Long John Baldry, Amos Garrett, and many others.
2020 is the band’s 42nd Anniversary. Their more than dozen CD titles and DVD continue to sell world-wide making Tom Lavin & the Legendary Powder Blues one of Canada’s longest-standing musical ambassadors.
For over four decades Powder Blues has been Canada’s leading blues band. The mix of swing, blues, jazz, rock & roll and r & b has an appeal so wide that people from seven to seventy swing side by side at a Powder Blues concert. Over the years the band has toured non-stop through Canada, the United States and overseas, spreading feel-good music that makes people dance and shout.
Powder Blues debut album, ‘Uncut’, was ignored by major labels who said there was ‘no market for the blues’. Undiscouraged, the band sold it off stage and sent it to radio stations whose switchboards lit up with calls asking, ‘who’s that?’ After selling 30,000 copies in a few weeks, the same record labels competed to distribute this ‘non-commercial’ product. To date Powder Blues have sold over a million records worldwide.
Band highlights include winning Canada’s Juno, headlining the world-famous Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland, winning the Blues Foundation Award in Memphis, Tennessee and touring the US and Europe with legends like Willie Dixon, John Lee Hooker, B.B. King, James Brown, Albert Collins, James Cotton and Stevie Ray Vaughn.
Leader, Tom Lavin has written many of the band’s best-known songs including ‘Doin’ It Right’ (‘On the Wrong Side of Town’) and ‘Boppin With the Blues’. Born in Chicago where he worked with local bands and blues legends, Tom moved to Vancouver gigging in the downtown nightclub scene. This led to work as studio musician, song writer, band leader, record producer and film composer.
Tom has won BCMIA awards for ‘Guitarist, Singer, Songwriter and Producer of the Year’, a Juno award for ‘Best New Band’ and the American W.C. Handy award. He has over a dozen gold, and platinum records for Powder Blues, Prism, April Wine, Long John Baldry, Amos Garrett, and many others.
2020 is the band’s 42nd Anniversary. Their more than dozen CD titles and DVD continue to sell world-wide making Tom Lavin & the Legendary Powder Blues one of Canada’s longest-standing musical ambassadors.