Hornby Blues

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The Hornby Island Blues Workshop takes place every spring on Hornby Island. Each year they invite a dozen or so of the finest Canadian blues and roots musicians around to share their knowledge and inspiration with some lucky students. We thought - why not catch some of these great players, singers and all-round entertainers, and get them to do a show for us on the way? One of Vancouver's own teams up with three of the best from Eastern Canada. It's a simple but foolproof formula!

An exceptional stage presence, guitarist / singer-songwriter Cécile Doo-Kingué blends blues, afro-roots and soul to create a unique sound. Born and raised in New York City, first generation from Cameroon, she has lived in the USA, France, and is now an adopted Montrealer. Considered one of Canada’s most electrifying and versatile guitarists, she has explored blues, roots and life in their myriad of aspects, earning her accolades and multiple Maple Blues Award nominations for her exceptional guitar playing, soulful vocals, and powerful songwriting. Cécile Doo-Kingué is quickly earning a stellar reputation and a place alongside Canada’s current roster of great guitarists. Powerful and raw, Cécile Doo-Kingué’s guitar prowess, lyrics, and sound make for enthralling and intimate communion. "Full of sophisticated musicianship and striking lyricism." - Living Blues Magazine.

Read an article HERE written Alexander Varty about Cécile Doo-Kingué in the April 19th edition of Vancouver's Georgia Straight. 

Steeped in roots music, Rick Fines crafts a unique blend of warm-hearted blues, juke joint folk, and dockside soul that both embraces and defies the genres that influence him. As a veteran of the North American blues and folk circuits, he engages audiences with captivating songs, diverse guitar styling and his signature vocal growl. First gaining attention as part of the legendary Jackson Delta, he’s since released four solo albums, another with his own Rick Fines Trio, and a critically acclaimed disc with fellow troubadour Suzie Vinnick.  Along the way he has racked up both awards and accolades.  His 15-year stint with Jackson Delta received both Juno and Handy award nominations.  His partnership with Suzie garnered a Maple Blues Songwriter of the Year Award.  On his own, he’s pulled in two more Maple Blues Awards (for Solo Act of the Year), as well as an astonishing eight other nominations.  While his songwriting chops won him a 2003 International Songwriting Competition, he’s equally proficient on guitar – having played for legendary blues piano player Pinetop Perkins, songstress Colleen Peterson, folk icon Penny Lang, and many others. “The classic blues guitar picking and authentic-sounding vocals of Rick Fines were the sweetener ... an early opportunity to hear more would be welcome.” – The Herald, (Glasgow).

What kind of music do you want Paul Pigat to play? Blues? Jazz? Gospel? Bluegrass? Punk? Classical? Metal? Rockabilly? Western Swing? Something unique, say Mel Torme meets AC/DC? He could do it, and he could it well, he's that kind of guy. Paul Pigat can play just about every style and technique imaginable, with a modern twist that is both fluid and precise, and is without fail exhilarating in its intensity. Diversity in a musician is always a bonus, but of course at a blues concert Paul will narrow the scope for sure, to focus on his brand of country meets bebop blues and traditional delta finger style. With his rockabilly heart and his hobo soul this self admitted guitaraholic is like a pitbull on a bone when it comes to practicing his craft. “Hot enough to raise sweat on a chunk of granite!” - Monday Magazine. "His lead guitar is stunning and the generous breaks bristle with invention and at times are lightning fast.” - Now Dig This (UK).

Suzie Vinnick, 10X Maple Blues Award winner, 3X Juno Nominee was a Finalist in the 2013 International Blues Challenge (Solo/Duo Category) in Memphis, TN. She was the winner of the 2012 CBC Saturday Night Blues Great Canadian Blues Award and the 2012 SIRIUS/XM Blues Artist of the Year has released a new album entitled Live At Bluesville, a collection of roots, blues and gospel tunes featuring Suzie and her parlour guitar, Mabel. Me ‘n’ Mabel received a 2012 Juno Nomination and opened many doors for her including numerous US and international performances - opening for John Hammond at the Madison Square Park Conservancy in New York City and performing in Germany at the Women in (e) Motion Festival in Bremen. "Me 'n' Mabel is a blues album that includes Suzie's amazing singing, great material and wonderful acoustic playing and arranging. She's truly blessed with a rare voice that's playful, sassy and soulful...." - Holger Petersen, CBC's Saturday Night Blues.

Please note that the admission price for this concert includes a $2 Venue Improvement Fee that we are required by the St. James Square to collect from every patron. Starting in September 2016, the proceeds from this temporary fee will be used for construction projects such as ventilation, flooring and washrooms that will make the hall a nicer place for you to visit in the future. If you wish, you can make a secure donation by clicking on the big blue button at the bottom of the page at www.sjcommunitysquare.org. For information on donating by phone or post, please contact the St. James Square office at 604-739-9373.