Welcome to the Capitol Centre's Bluesfest 2023!
Check out all of our local artists and musicians by looking for the *
Wednesday, August 30
Glass Tiger
7:30 pm in the Betty Speers Theatre
$65 for Capitol Centre Members, $70 Regular
Opener: Caley Campbell and the Cadillacs
About Glass Tiger: Originally known as Tokyo, the band formed in Newmarket, Ontario in 1981 and spent several years cutting their teeth in the bar scene of the day. With rapidly growing popularity, it didn’t take long for all the major record labels to come courting, culminating in their signing of a world-wide recording deal with Capitol Records in 1985.
Changing their name to Glass Tiger, their debut album, The Thin Red Line quickly became an unstoppable force, rocketing up the charts to become the fastest selling debut in Canadian history, spawning no less than five hit singles.
Grammy nominated and five-time award winners of both The Junos and Canadian Classic, the band has shared stages and recording performances with some of the world’s leading acts including; Rod Stewart, Tina Turner, Bryan Adams, Journey, Julian Lennon, and Cheap Trick (to name a few).
Enjoy music by Bear Claw Bob* who will be busking on Main Street in front of the Capitol Centre as patrons enter.
Thursday, August 31
Clash of the Canvas- Blues Edition
7:00 pm in the WKP Kennedy Gallery with music by Shawn Sasyniuk*
$10
Come experience this exciting, live painting competition where artists compete in two timed rounds with Shawn Sasyniuk* providing music for inspiration. The winner of this year’s competition will receive their own exhibit at the 2024 Capitol Centre Bluesfest. Winner of Clash 2022, Joanne Abbott*, will have her solo exhibition on display from Aug. 30- Sept. 3.
Blues Cruise with the Jesse Thomas Band*
7:00 pm aboard the Chief Commanda II
$45 for Capitol Centre Members, $50 Regular- Patrons must be 19+
From 7:00 pm until 10:00 pm, join the fun on the Chief as it cruises Lake Nipissing while enjoying live music with The Jesse Thomas Band. Boarding begins at 6:30 at the Government Dock where Steph's Total Percussion* will be providing beats to get patrons in the mood to party!
Friday, September 1
Free Outdoor Concerts- No Tickets Required
In the parking lot behind the Capitol Centre
4:00 pm- The Eugene Levities
5:00 pm- The King Street Five
6:00 pm- Blue Screw
7:00 pm- Guy Belanger
8:00 pm- Lance Anderson and NOLA Parish
9:15 pm- Headliner Shakura S’aida
Bluesfest Paint Night with Marianne Vander Dussen*
7:00 pm in WKP Kennedy Gallery
$44
Come to the Kennedy Gallery for a blues-filled evening with your friends, family, coworkers, a date, or on your own, where you can easily learn to make your very own blues-themed painting!
It's FUN art, not fine art! No experience required, just follow along while local artist, Marianne Vander Dussen guides you step-by-step through the painting in just two hours. If you're feeling inspired, change the colours to suit your style, or let your creative mind explore as you feel!
We provide all the painting supplies: an 11" x 14" canvas, acrylic paint, brushes, and a good time! Get boozy with your brushes- your ticket includes one free beverage (alcoholic or not, your choice) from our cash bar throughout the evening. Patrons must be 16+.
Saturday, September 2
Free Outdoor Concerts- No Tickets Required
In the parking lot behind the Capitol Centre
12:00 pm- The Funkers
1:00 pm- Peter Cliché
2:00 pm- J Houston Band
3:00 pm- Jesse Thomas Band
4:00 pm- Jenie Thai
5:00 pm- Paul Pruneau and the Journeymen
6:00 pm- Campbell & Johnston
7:00 pm- Fog Blues and Brass Band
8:00 pm- Charlie A’Court
9:15 pm- Headliner Miss Emily
Sunday, September 3
Blues & Brews with David Laronde* & Jesse Thomas Band*
From 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
At Gateway City Brewery
Free- No Tickets Required
