The Root in Fluents
8:00PM, Thursday, August 4

http://therootinfluents.bandcamp.com/

The Root In Fluents' debut album "Red River Flu" is an homage to their Winnipeg influences - both good and ugly. Borne out of a contagious mix of blues and hard rock, their musical flu is one which listeners can't escape. The quartet's main appeal lies equally in their inventive instrumentation and in Kevin Johnson's gritty vocals. With a wild live show littered with guitar harmonies and improvisation, it’s inspiring to see young artists with such talent! The RIF will be ending their Canadian tour back home with what will surely be a raw performance at the Great Woods Music Festival.

JOHN PRIMER & the Real Deal Blues Band
9:30PM, Thursday, August 4

http://www.johnprimerblues.com/

y any yardstick, Chicago guitarist John Primer has paid his dues. Prior to making The Real Deal for Mike Vernon's Atlantic-distributed Code Blue label, Primer spent 13 years as the ever-reliable rhythm guitarist with Magic Slim & the Teardrops. Before that, he filled the same role behind Chicago immortals Muddy Waters and Willie Dixon. All that grounding has paid off handsomely for Primer. His sound is rooted in the classic Windy City blues sound of decades past: rough-edged and uncompromising and satisfying in the extreme. He's one of the last real traditionalists in town. By the time he came to Chicago in 1963, Primer was thoroughly familiar with the lowdown sounds of Waters, Wolf, Jimmy Reed, B.B. and Albert King, and Elmore James. He fronted a West Side outfit for a while called the Maintainers, dishing out a mix of soul and blues, before joining the house band at the South side blues mecca Theresa's Lounge for what ended up a nine-year run. Elegant guitarist Sammy Lawhorn proved quite influential on Primer's maturing guitar approach during this period. Always on the lookout for aspiring talent, Willie Dixon spirited him away for a 1979 gig in Mexico City. After a year or so as one of Dixon's All-Stars, Primer was recruited to join the last band of Muddy Waters, playing with the Chicago blues king until his 1983 death. Right after that, Primer joined forces with Magic Slim; their styles interlocked so seamlessly that their partnership seemed like an eternal bond. But Primer deserved his own share of the spotlight. In 1993, Michael Frank's Chicago-based Earwig logo issued Primer's debut domestic disc, Stuff You Got to Watch. It was a glorious return to the classic '50s Chicago sound, powered by Primer's uncommonly concise guitar work and gruff, no-nonsense vocals. With the 1995 emergence of The Real Deal -- produced by Vernon and featuring all-star backing by harpist Billy Branch, pianist David Maxwell, and bassist Johnny B. Gayden, Primer's star appeared ready to ascend. He soon transferred back to the Wolf label for sets such as 1997's Cold Blooded Blues Man, 1998's Blues Behind Closed Doors, and 2000's It's a Blues Life

Braithwaite and Whiteley
11:30PM, Thursday, August 4

http://www.braithwaiteandwhiteley.com/

Acclaimed as “Blues Icons” by the Toronto Star, these two award winning performers have joined forces, keeping the blues alive. Kansas born multi-instrumentalist  Chris Whiteley has been playing, writing and singing the blues for over 30 years. As a teenager he met blues legend  Lonnie Johnson, and has since gone on to play with many great blues artists, including Sunnyland Slim, Taj Mahal, John Lee Hooker, Chuck Berry and John Hammond. Whiteley also performed and recorded with Blind John Davis, the great Chicago musician , who was the house piano player for Bluebird Records. Proficient on guitar, harmonica, trumpet and steel guitar, Whiteley has appeared on over 200 recordings, and his own recordings have led to many awards and accolades, including Jazz Report Blues Album of the Year, 4 Maple Blues Awards for his songwriting and horn playing, and 6 Juno nominations. He has performed throughout North America, including Saturday Night Live with Leon Redbone, Nashville’s famed Bluebird Café, and a featured concert at the prestigious Chicago Blues Festival.

Dubbed as “Canada’s National Treasure” by Blues FM 91.1Radio Show Host Danny Marks, Diana Braithwaite is a dynamic blues singer who in 1999 was chosen by Sarah Mclachlan as one from 400 singer/songwriters to open Lilith Fair at the Molson Amphitheatre where she kicked off the show with a powerful opening concert for the 18,000 in attendance. Diana’s career as a solo singer-songwriter emerged as a teenager, but it was her opening show for John Lee Hooker at the Brunswick House in Toronto, that acclaimed her talent as a blues singer. Later on that same year, Albert Collins invited Braithwaite on the road to open the show for his band. Braithwaite’s shows  have led her into the company of some of the finest electric and acoustic blues guitarists including Mel Brown, Albert Collins, John Lee Hooker, Model T Ford and Jeff Healey. Braithwaite has recently released a CD single in the United Kingdom and Europe. Rollin and Tumblin features Chaka Khan’s former bass player Roger Inniss on bass. Braithwaite and Whiteley have often worked together over the years, and in 2006 they recorded the album  "Morning Sun", a collection of original songs written in the classic 30’s and 40’s style,  for Electro-Fi Records.

The reaction has been extraordinary, and the album has received rave reviews from across North America. Downbeat Magazine  praised the " special appeal " of their  “ attractive originals”, and CBC radio called the album "Expressive and beautiful."   The album was nominated for Blues album of the year.

The pair have maintained an active touring schedule, and together have continued to bring their unique brand of blues to appreciative audiences.

JW-Jones Trio
8:00PM, Friday, August 5

http://www.jw-jones.com/

"One of this country's top blues guitar stars" writes the Globe and Mail about 27-year old JW-Jones.

JW-Jones has played throughout the world (CANADA, USA, EUROPE, AUSTRALIA BRAZIL) and has been invited to share the stage with some of the biggest names in blues today (to play with, not open for), The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Junior Watson, Little Charlie & The Nightcats, Rusty Zinn Rick Holmstrom, Rod Piazza & The Mighty Flyers, Anson Funderburgh & The Rockets, The Mannish Boys, the legendary Hubert Sumlin, and many more.

Whether recording/touring with Jeff Asselin, and Martin Régimbald, or adding the heavy grooves of Jesse Whiteley on organ, the musicians with Jones always add a powerful energy to the stage.

During a special appearance with the band, Hollywood celebrity and fan, Dan Aykroyd (Elwood Blues) said "this is an amazing blues band, and I've played with the best!"

The Lionel Young Band
9:30PM, Friday, August 5

http://lionelyoung.net/

Violin meets the Blues. 2011 International Blues Challenge winner for the Lionel Young Band and winner of the 2008 International Blues Challenge (IBC) in Memphis, TN for solo performer. Throughout his career, Lionel Young has won numerous awards including: The Young Artist Award (Pittsburgh Symphony); The Westword's Best of Denver in 1989 for his band the Last Fair Deal. In 1992 he won a position with the Denver Chamber Orchestra and premiered a solo piece by William Hill with them in 1994. Also, he won another award for Best Blues Band in the Westword's Best of of Denver in 1996 and 1997 for his current band the Lionel Young Band

Lyndon John X
11:30PM, Friday, August 5

http://www.myspace.com/lyndonjohnx

LJX, better known as Lyndon John X is a singer-songwriter and guitarist from Toronto Ontario, Canada that burst onto the reggae music scene in 2007 with his first independent Reggae album titled ‘Two Chord Skankin’. Lyndon started with music very young, beginning at the age of 5 with the violin and piano. Shortly after, he started playing the guitar which he continues to study. Through his Grenadian parentage, he was introduced to Calypso and Reggae music. Reggae music seemed to become part of him, as it carried through while playing in various Jazz and Blues bands. At the age of 16, he recorded his first single titled ‘All My Lovin’ which also appears on his debut album.

“The importance of reggae doesn’t just begin with the drum and the bass.”

Lyndon feels reggae has and will forever be a revolutionary instrument thatbroadcasts injustices as well as a hopeful future all over the world.

“Once you get to understand the lyrics the message starts to penetrate!”

With his music, Lyndon’s creative plan is to fuse reggae with elements from other genres.

“It’s funny what you can do with things when you just change the rhythm.”

Lyndon’s musical electiveness stems from playing with bands and jamming with musicians of every kind. His main musical influences are Bob Marley & The Wailers, Burning Spear, Peter Tosh, Steel Pulse, Third World, Sly & Robbie, Morgan Heritage, Carlos Santana, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Jimi Hendrix and Wes Montgomery. Lyndon likes to keep himself open to all types of music.

The AfterParty
3:30PM, Saturday, August 6

http://www.sonicbids.com/epk/epk.aspx?epk_id=242223

http://www.myspace.com/theafterpartywinnipeg

From Winnipeg, MB, "The Afterparty" is a versatile group of music lovers that appreciates the value of song writing and form. With a unique combination of musical styles and a wide array of influences including Funk, Folk, Reggae, Afrobeat, Rock and Dance music, their sound covers a lot of ground while remaining purely their own. Their live show features expressive musicianship, soulful lyrics, a fat horn section and stylish groove. The Afterparty always plays to the crowd, whether they want to dance until their feet hurt, or sit back and fall in love with the band's new and original music.

Karen Lovely
5:30PM, Saturday, August 6

http://www.karenlovely.com/

...In just one year, Karen Lovely has shot onto the blues scene like Stack O' Lee's .44, capturing the 2nd Place Band Prize at the 2010 International Blues Challenge followed by 2011 BMANominations for BEST CONTEMPORARY BLUES ALBUM and BEST CONTEMPORARY BLUES FEMALE ARTIST. The title track of her sophomore release "Still The Rain" also received a 2011 BMA Nomination for BEST SONG. Backed by her stellar band, this singer delivers a blistering mix of contemporary and classic blues, R&B and Memphis soul.

Karen Lovely started singing the blues professionally in September 2007 and released her debut record "Lucky Girl" in November 2008. Since then, she & her band have delivered stand out performances that have garnered awards, critical acclaim and standing ovations at festivals and venues throughout the US and Canada.

"Even before Koko Taylor's passing, the number of outstanding female blues singers was alarmingly small. Things are looking up, though, due to the emergence of Karen Lovely." -Frank John Hadley, DownBeat Magazine

Ben Waters
7:30PM, Saturday, August 6

http://www.benwaters.com/

Ben Waters is one of world's leading Boogie Woogie/Rock N Roll Piano players. Although only 35 he has entertained  in Festivals, Theatres, and clubs for over 20 years, with over 3000 gigs under his belt. Together with his band he has toured the UK , Europe , Scandinavia , Canada , USA , the Middle East , Japan , Australia , and the West Indies . Ben’s energetic piano driven rock n roll shows have to be seen to be believed Ben Waters has a no nonsense approach to playing gigs. This is hard hitting music at its best. Combining the music of his heroes (Fats Domino, Jerry Lee Lewis Amos Milburn etc) with cutting edge original material. Ben Waters has shared the stage with some of the top names in the business, including Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, Jools Holland, Ray Davies, Dave Gilmore, Dave Stewart, Shakin Stevens, Status Quo, The Beach Boys, The Pogues, Leo Sayer, The Teenagers, Chris Jagger, Freddie Star, Screaming Lord Sutch, Shirley Bassey - to name but a few.Ben is currently working with the fabulous Charlie Watts!

PRESS RELEASE: Ben Waters has produced a tribute album to the " Sixth Rolling Stone", aka the pianist Ian Stewart. He was the keyboardist and co-founding member of the band before ultimately taking the role of road manger at the request of the band's management. Stewart proved a key figure in the band's history, as he contributed piano, organ, marimbas and percussion to all Rolling Stones albums released between 1964 and 1986 except for Beggars Banquet and also toured with the band during that span. Sadly, Stewart passed away on December 12, 1985 at the age of 47 after suffering a heart attack.

All profits from the Water's tribute album, "Boogie for Stu", will be donated to the Bristish Heart Foundation. This is a momentous CD--- includes the following artists: Jools Holland, who also contributed his recording studio for the album, Charlie Watts, Ronnie Wood, Keith Richards, Bill Wyman, Mick Jagger, Dave Green, Axel Zwingenberger, Ady Milward, Clive Ashley, 3 originals members of Ian Stewart's band the Rocket 88s, PJ Harvey, Tom Waters and of course Ben Waters. All wished to commemorate "Stu" --- the man and his music! The art work was created by Sir Peter Blake who designed the Sgt. Pepper album cover. Eagle Records released the CD on April 11, 2011.

On March 8, at the sensational sell out pre launch CD concerts at the Ambassadors Theatre in London, England most the artists mentioned above performed plus Mick Taylor and Mick Hucknall ! Rock ' n Roll history was made that evening!!

Ben together with his very talented band will be performing some of the material from the album as well as his usual eclectic power- driven boogie woogie and rock 'no roll interspersed with some of his unique original work at this years 16th annual Great Woods Music Festival.

Stan Webb's Chickenshack
9:30PM, Saturday, August 6

http://www.stanwebb.co.uk/

Playing firstly in skiffle bands, Webb formed the first version of the blues band, Chicken Shack in 1965. The band played in Hamburg, Germany over the next couple of years, as Webb perfected his playing techniques. They signed to the Blue Horizon record label in 1967, where their label mates were the fledgling Fleetwood Mac. The group was then composed of Webb, Christine Perfect, drummer Dave Bidwell, and bassist Andy Sylvester (who would later play with the British blues ensemble, Savoy Brown). Chicken Shack enjoyed their heyday in the mid to late 1960s, when R&B was a popular music form in England. Their music was traditional in make-up, and the group covered a variety of American blues standards, as well as composing several home-spun tunes. Their repertoire included, arguably, their most played track - "I'd Rather Go Blind". This song was originally recorded by Etta James, written by Ellington Jordan and Billy Foster, and became a modern day blues classic.Chicken Shack are probably most remembered for including Perfect on keyboards and vocals in their line-up. She rose to far greater fame when she later joined Fleetwood Mac becoming Christine McVie after her marriage to the band's bassist, John McVie.Chicken Shack's line-up has evolved and changed considerably over the years with Webb being the only constant factor. In 2001, Webb released his first solo album for over eight years when ''Webb'' appeared on the Indigo Records label.

Fathead
11:30PM, Saturday, August 6

Fathead may be the best blues and roots band to come out of Canada since Ronnie Hawkins hired the future-Band to become his backup group, The Hawks, in the mid-1950s. An ultra-tight ensemble, Fathead brings together the most respected musicians in the United States' northern neighbor to create an energetic blend of funk, soul and rockin' blues. "Real Blues" referred to the group's harp and guitar-dominated sound as "one of those rare, much sought after, but seldom achieved, chemical/spiritual reactions that happens when all the right ingredients come together: talent, personality, humour, united vision and a little bit of hoodoo/voodoo". "The Toronto Star" praised Fathead when it commented, "If the blues were a sports league, Fathead would be the equivalent of an all-star team".

FATHEAD's latest CD "WHERE’S THE BLUES TAKING ME" is the crown jewel in the band's seven CD catalogue thus far. It's been a long but steady climb since FATHEAD formed in 1992, and the band has been tearing it up on the North American festival and concert hall circuit ever since - winning over new fans every time they play - making FATHEAD one of the country's top roots acts. Signed to the world renowned ELECTRO-FI RECORDS' imprint, their previous release "BUILDING FULL OF BLUES" garnered them a second coveted JUNO AWARD (Canada's "GRAMMY") in 2008 for "Blues Recording Of The Year".

That they have been described as a Blues Tour De Force comes as no surprise. Georgia-raised lead singer JOHN MAYS has had a storied career that began in the Southern gospel tradition, crossing over into Doo-Wop, R&B and Blues, not to mention a stint with the Godfather Of Soul JAMES BROWN. He has won numerous Maple Blues Awards for “Male Vocalist Of The Year”. Band leader AL LERMAN is a journeyman musician who plays with sizzle and a whole lot of soul. He’s garnered several MAPLE BLUES AWARD nominations for both his harp and saxophone playing as well as his song-writing. Bassist OMAR TUNNOCH played in seminal Toronto bands Whiskey Howl and Wooden Teeth, and has played with John Lee Hooker, Etta James and Paul Butterfield. He along with Lerman, is a major contributor to FATHEAD’s arsenal of original material. Guitar ace TEDDY LEONARD has played with Morgan Davis, Colin Linden, Rick Danko, Paul Reddick and a host of others. Along with iconic drummer BUCKY BERGER (2009 Drummer Of The Year), Fathead creates a fresh sound that is immediately recognizable as their own. They have a ball wherever they play and it shows!