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As a kid I remember being obsessed with a B.B. King CD that my father had in the family car. I would always ask for it to be played when we were driving and later on after getting my license, I would often play it by myself as I travelled the roads of the northern Ontario mining town that I grew up in.

The blues, a genre that sprung directly from the experience of Black people in America, was able to travel across time, space and culture to resonate with a skinny and awkward white Canadian teenager. 

As I’m writing this newsletter, I can hear the sounds of While My Guitar Gently Weeps, covered by Canadian blues icon Jeff Healey, floating in through my window from one of my neighbours’ backyards.

Nanaimo may be a long way from the Deep South, but the blues live here too.

You can get all the blues you can ask for this weekend at the 20th annual Nanaimo Blues Festival in Maffeo Sutton Park. More on that and other events are in this week’s newsletter.

Thank you for reading,

Mick Sweetman

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🔎 Watch for 🔍

The Nanaimo Blues Festival will run from Friday, August 8 to Sunday, August 10 at Maffeo Sutton Park. A three-day pass is $195, while day passes for Friday and Saturday are $85 and Sunday is $65. Tickets are available on the Nanaimo Blues Society's website. Photo courtesy of the Nanaimo Blues Society. 

Got the inside scoop of an event you think should be shared? 

Let us know by sending Mick an email.

🎵 Listen 🎤

Wednesday, August 6, 3 p.m.: Back Row Brass will play a pop-up concert in a private garden beside Joseph Creek in Departure Bay as part of the Symphony's Summer Sizzle Festival Tickets cost $42. 

Wednesday, August 6, 6 p.m.: Multi-disciplinary artist Truth will perform at the Bowen Park Amphitheatre as part of the City of Nanaimo’s free Concerts in the Park series. 

Thursday, August 7, 6 p.m.: The Nanaimo Blues Festival kicks off with a launch party at The Queen’s featuring Gerry Barnum, Kelly Fawcett, Paul Black and Big Hank and The Smokin’ Hot Toasters. Tickets cost $35. 

Thursday, August 7, 9 p.m.: Local singer-songwriters Blake Deal, David Bitonti and Liam Busche play an acoustic show at The Vault Cafe. Tickets cost $15.

Friday, August 8, noon: Dave Teichroeb will perform at Heritage Mews as part of the Old City Quarter’s Sounds of Summer concert series. 

Friday, August 8, 9 p.m.: Massirraytorr will play a record release party with Ida Maidstone at The Vault Cafe. Tickets cost $15. 

Saturday, August 9, 6:30 p.m.: Kids With Knives, Ancient City Teahouse Party and The Next will play an all ages indie and alternative rock show at The Globe Live Studio. Tickets cost $15. 

Saturday, August 9, 7 p.m.: Country music trio The Heels will play at the Nanaimo Bar. Tickets cost $20. 

Saturday, August 9, 9 p.m.: A mini fest of riot grrrl sounds and pop punk will rock The Vault Cafe with Luna Land, WUT, Guidon Bear and Savy. Tickets cost $15.

🎭 View 🖼️

August 7 to August 17: The Nanaimo Fringe Festival will feature actors and playwrights performing a plethora of plays. The Fringe Festival’s schedule is available on The Port Theatre’s website, or you can download an at-a-glance version. Tickets cost $16 for an individual show, or a five-show pass can be purchased for $72. 

Thursday, August 7 , 5 p.m.: Join Germaine Koh in a playful art installation, League Nanaimo,  on Thursday nights during the Commercial Street Night Market as she turns the Nanaimo Art Gallery into an experimental arena where visitors are welcome to jump, throw, dance, run and touch — all actions that are usually frowned upon in art museums.

Friday, August 8, noon: Take a lunchtime tour of the Nanaimo Art Gallery’s current exhibition, League Nanaimo. Tickets cost $5 or are free for members.

⛹️ Meet 🎲

Thursday, August 7, 5 p.m.: The Commercial Street Night Market features artisan vendors, food trucks, musical performances, a vibrant kids’ zone and a new inclusive zone creating a festive family atmosphere.

Saturday, August 9, 10 a.m.: The Pickleballooza pickleball tournament will take place at Beban Park. Registration is $50 per person. 

Saturday, August 9 to Sunday, August 10: The Gabriola Island Woodworkers Guild’s annual Wood Show will take place at the Gabriola Arts and Heritage Centre.

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