2023 Schedule
- Monday
- Tuesday
- Wednesday
- Thursday
- Friday
- Saturday
- Sunday
Monday, July 31st
Jimmy Guiboche - Jr. Demchuk Quartet
6:00 - 10:00pm
King Eddy
(438 - 9th Ave SW)
Free Event
Featuring two of Alberta’s finest guitar players in one killer band, come kick off Calgary Bluesfest with us at the legendary home of the blues, the King Eddy!
Tuesday, August 1st
Guitar Workshop
6:30-8:00pm
Memorial Park Library (1221 2nd St SW)
Free Event
Hosted by guitarist Darren Johnson, this workshop is designed for those of various skill levels. Learn the basics of blues guitar, how to play a blues song, and the basic harmony that makes a song the blues. Hear about the role the guitar plays in the blues, and the cultural background that informs the music. All ages, all skill levels.
Click Here to Register for the Workshop
Wednesday, August 2nd
Darren Johnson
noon-1pm
Cathedral Church of the Redeemer (604 - 1st St SE)
Darren Johnson has been a fixture on the Calgary blues and roots scene for the past two decades. Darren has worked with the likes of Amos Garrett, Tim Williams, Jim Byrnes, John Lee Sanders, and The Blind Boys of Alabama to name a few. His music has been described as “somewhere in between Tom Waits and Leon Redbone, Howlin’ Wolf and Willie Nelson.” His songwriting is reminiscent of everyday situations for everyday people, while his sound is a throwback to yesteryear.
Walk Through Blues History
6:30-8:00pm
King Eddy (438 9th Ave SW)
free event, all ages
Hosted by local blues historian, musician and songwriter, John Rutherford, John leads an interview with Russell Jackson and Tony Coleman. Jackson and Coleman both worked with BB King, Katie Webster, Otis Clay and a host of others, and experienced the blues in many ways. The pair are now renowned as the Silent Partners. This interview will be profound and poignant, focusing on the history and authenticity of the blues, how the music has evolved, and how that evolution impacts the music, musicians and audiences.
Thursday, August 3rd
Mainstage
5:15 - 6:30pm - The Syndicate Of Soul
6:45 - 8:00pm - Samantha King & Midnight Outfit
8:15 - 9:30pm - Steve Strongman
Twilight Blues
10:00pm - 1:30AM
Kerby Centre (1133 - 7th Ave SW)
Festival Pass holders only - Ages 18+
Festival Headliner Band
Hosted by Kelly Kruse Band
Friday, August 4th
Mainstage
5:15 - 6:30pm - Thomas T Blues Band
6:45 - 8:00pm - Garnetta Cromwell
8:15 -9:30pm - Jack Semple
Twilight Blues
10:00pm - 1:30AM
Kerby Centre (1133 - 7th Ave SW)
Festival Pass holders only - Ages 18+
Festival Headliner Band
Hosted by Kelly Kruse Band
Saturday, August 5th
Mainstage
1:00 - 2:15pm - John Rutherford Trio
2:30 - 3:45pm - Memphissippi Sounds
4:00 - 5:15pm - Steve Marriner Band
5:30 - 6:45pm -Rita Chiarelli
7:00 - 8:15pm - Silent Partners w/special guests Wilbert Crosby & DK Harrell
8:30 - 9:45pm - Sugaray Rayford
Twilight Blues
10:00pm - 1:30AM
Kerby Centre (1133 - 7th Ave SW)
Festival Pass holders only - Ages 18+
10:00 - 11:00pm - Twilight Blues with Russell Jackson & Friends
11:15 - 12:15pm - Sugaray Rayford
12:30 - 1:30am - Twilight Blues with Russell Jackson & Friends
Sunday, August 6th
Mainstage
1:00 - 2:15pm - Kinjo & Young
2:30 - 3:45pm - Angelique Francis
4:00 - 5:15pm - Son Of Dave
5:30 - 6:45pm - Dave Babcock & the Nightkeepers w/ Keith Scott
7:00 - 8:15pm - Harps Of Gold ll
8:30 - 9:45pm - Diunna Greenleaf
Twilight Blues
10:00pm - 1:30AM
Kerby Centre (1133 - 7th Ave SW)
Festival Pass holders only - Ages 18+
10:00 - 11:00 - Twilight Blues with Russell Jackson & Friends
11:15 - 12: 15pm - Dave Babcock & the Nightkeepers w/ Keith Scott
12:30 - 1:30pm - Twilight Blues with Russell Jackson & Friends