The BC Smoke Shop Harbour Blues 'n Roots Festival! Victoria BC
Celebrate the end of summer on a high-note with the newly titled BC Smoke Shop Harbour Blues ‘n Roots Festival, happening Thursday, August 25 – Sunday, August 28, 2022. Formerly known as Vancouver Island Blues Bash, this festival will bring the “blues in all shades for your soul” and include more genres such as roots, country, rock, and world. Featuring artists such as Ruthie Foster, Alex Cuba Band, and William Prince, as well as free-to-attend performances on the main outdoor stage at Ship Point and late night shows at Hermann's Upstairs, you’ll be rockin’ and groovin’ on the dance floor in Victoria’s inner harbour and beyond!
BC SMOKE SHOP HARBOUR BLUES 'N ROOTS FESTIVAL Thursday, August 25 – Sunday, August 28, 2022 Formerly Vancouver Island Blues Bash
Ticketed performances at Ship Point $39 each (plus service charges) SAVE BIG! Buy all three Ship Point performances for only $99! Available: Royal & McPherson Box Office (250-386-6121 / www.rmts.bc.ca)
RUTHIE FOSTER BANDplusAHI Friday, August 26 ~ 7pm | $39
“Often when she is onstage, Ruthie Foster can seem like the rising of a mighty storm. A transcendent singer with uncommon power and emotion, she’s plenty capable of letting loose at any given moment.” – Austin 360
Austin-based, four-time Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Ruthie Foster has duetted with Bonnie Raitt, shared a stage with the Allman Brothers, and traded verses with Susan Tedeschi. Drawing influence from legendary acts like Mavis Staples and Aretha Franklin, Ruthie developed a unique sound, described as folk, blues, soul, rock, and gospel. She was most recently nominated for a 2022 Grammy for her album, Live at the Paramount (2020), for “Best Contemporary Blues Album”. Her live shows can attest to her incredible on-stage presence and impeccably nuanced voice. Foster’s artistry really is in a league of its own, and you can welcome her back to Victoria at the Harbour Blues ‘n Roots Festival after a long absence!
ALEX CUBA BANDplusGeorge Leach Saturday, August 27 – 7pm | $39
“Wicked guitar, undeniably soulful vocals. His package is simplicity and he wears it well.” – popmatters.com
Havana-born singer-songwriter/guitarist, now based in Smithers, BC, Alex Cuba incorporates a unique amalgam of styles. He has collaborated with artists ranging from Jason Mraz to Ron Sexsmith and Nelly Furtado, and brings together melodies, pop-soul hooks and rock chords in songs that may seem to barely resemble traditional Cuban form. His career includes eight albums and over 20 awards and nominations, including a 2022 Grammy Award for “Best Latin Pop Album,” Mendo. Cuba last played in Victoria when the VJS presented The Fall Sessions in 2021. That performance was so outstanding, we had to invite him back to perform on an outdoor stage with his full band as part of the inaugural Harbour Blues ‘n Roots Festival. Don’t miss it!
WILLIAM PRINCEplusCalum Graham Sunday, August 28 – 7pm | $39
“This is Prince at his best: his rich, gentle vocals perfectly capturing the spirit behind his heartfelt lyrics.” – Exclaim!
Folk/country singer-songwriter and member of Peguis First Nation William Prince has impacted many across North America. Prince’s influences, from gospel to classic outlaw country singers, are expertly shaped by his rich baritone and profound lyrics. After his debut album, Earthly Days (2017), won a Juno award for “Contemporary Roots Album of the Year”, Prince’s latest 2020 album, Gospel First Nation, now explores the complicated relationship between colonialism and faith with grace and empathy. With gentle guitar strums and unhurried tempo, Prince’s deep, soothing voice will connect with Harbour Blues ‘n Roots audiences to close the festival in a heartfelt, transcendent performance for everyone.
Opening for William Prince, Victoria-based fingerstyle guitarist/singer-songwriter Calum Graham was named one of the World’s top 30 guitarists under 30 by Acoustic Guitar Magazine. His original melodies embrace elements of folk, world, and blues. Join us at Ship Point as he brings songs from his new 2022 album, Sympatheia!
Ticketed performances at Hermann's Upstairs $32 each (plus service charges) Available: Hermann's Upstairs (www.hermannsjazz.com)
AHI Thursday, August 25 – 9:30pm | $32
“AHI is standing on the shoulders of giants… with personal stories of growth delivered with his soaring vocals and an expanded palette of instruments and sounds.” — NPR
Ontario-born, Juno-nominated singer-songwriter AHI (pronounced “eye”) delivers the captivating, raw power of gravel-on-silk vocals like never heard before. Blurring lines between roots, folk, pop, and soul, don’t miss this indie-soul rising star as he makes his Victoria debut at the Harbour Blues ‘n Roots Festival in a performance to engage audiences from all walks of life.
Opening for Ruthie Foster Band on Friday, August 26.
LINDSAY BEAVER Friday, August 26 – 9:30pm | $32
“Two of the hottest young singers and musicians coming out of Austin, Texas.” - American Blues Scene
Alligator Records artist and regular performer at Antone’s Nightclub, Austin-based Lindsay Beaver tackles everything from blues to jazz to R&B ballads to raucous rock ‘n’ roll. With guitarist/husband Brad Stivers, Beaver is known for her fearless vocals and drumming, and Stivers for his signature vocal and guitar style. Returning to Victoria, Beaver and her band will lay it all on the line in a must-see performance!
GEORGE LEACH Saturday, August 27 – 9:30pm | $32
“A humorous charm, soulful blues songwriting, searing gutsy vocals… He’s got it all.” — BC Musician Magazine
Sta’atl’imx Nation, Juno award-winning singer-songwriter/guitarist George Leach’s music covers soulful blues roots, slide guitar riffs on his double-neck Gibson, and traditional rhythms with a modern twist. His diversity and incredible vocal range touch on classic rock, balladry, funky and confident modern rock grooves. Leach is currently working on his third album and is excited to perform at the Harbour Blues ‘n Roots Festival!
Opening for Alex Cuba Band on Saturday, August 27.
