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From Thursday, February 23, 2012
SK (Regina) Mid-Winter Blues Festival
For Immediate Release - December 6, 2011 Mid-Winter Blues Festival Growing in 2012 The 18th annual Mid-Winter Blues Festival is set to expand in 2012, thanks to a new sponsorship agreement with Casino Regina. The Casino Regina Show Lounge will feature three nights of outstanding musical talent February 23-25. Festival president Greg Mildenberger says the support from Casino Regina means an increased profile for the festival, an amazing venue for the national and international performers that attend, and increased enjoyment for music lovers. The sponsorship is valued at $10,000. “Casino Regina’s sponsorship is an exciting and prominent element of this festival which has grown in popularity over the years,” Mildenberger said. “In fact, the Mid-Winter Blues Festival has evolved into a destination festival, where people from across the Western provinces are traveling to Regina specifically for this event. “ “Events such as the Mid-Winter Blues Festival are a great way to feature incredible talent from world renowned artists and musicians right here at home.”said Minister Responsible for SaskGaming Ken Cheveldayoff. “SaskGaming is thrilled to support this fantastic event that will give people the opportunity to enjoy this talent here in Regina, as we welcome tourists to our great province.” In the past year, Casino Regina and Casino Moose Jaw have contributed $750,000 and countless volunteer hours to community events and organizations.
THURSDAY, FEB 23
DAVID GOGO We've been trying to get multi award winning David Gogo in the festival for a number of years, but scheduling never seemed to be in our favor. Fortunately the stars lined up for us this year and we're very pleased that he will be our kickoff artist for the 2012 festival.
MAGIC SLIM & THE TEARDROPS Would it be possible to have a "blues" festival without someone from Chicago? We believe that this is Slim's first time in Regina and you won't want to miss the great sound he gets from his tight backing band, The Teardrops.
THE LEGENDARY DOWNCHILD BLUES BAND When one thinks of Canadian blues, Downchild is usually one of the first names that come to mind. John Belushi & Dan Aykroyd were such fans of Downchild that they included their music into the original Blues Brothers movie. When Downchild comes to town a party is sure to break out.
FRIDAY, FEB 24 JP SOARS Every year there seems to be that one unknown act that takes everyone by surprise. We feel that act this year will be JP Soars. Winner of the 2009 International Blues Competition in Memphis, JP started his musical career in the Heavy Metal scene but is now immersed in the blues, to the point of building his own 2 string "cigar box" guitars. You won't want to miss JP Soars and his band, The Redhots when they make their way from Florida to Regina for the first time.
NIGEL MACK AND THE BLUES ATTACK - BIG BAND Returning from Chicago to his prairie roots, Nigel's "triple threat" style of blues is always a crowd pleaser. This year Nigel will be bringing in his big band, including a full horn section, as opposed to his usual power trio. A full wall of sound will definitely add a new dimension for blues festival fans to enjoy.
COCO MONTOYA Starting his career touring with Albert Collins as the drummer for the Icebreakers, Coco's prowess on the electric guitar was soon noticed by John Mayall who was reforming the Bluesbreakers. Staying with the Godfather of the blues for almost a decade, Coco was part of the two guitar sound of the Bluesbreakers along with fellow Californian Walter Trout. Going solo in 1995, Coco has released eight CD'S and still keeps up a hectic touring schedule. From California to Europe and now to Saskatchewan, Coco Montoya is a legend you won't want to miss.
SATURDAY, FEB 25 HARD LUCK & TROUBLE Relatively new to the Regina Blues scene, the three members of Hard Luck & Trouble will all look familiar to local blues fans. Having honed their skills in various bands around Regina this power trio just released their new CDin the summer of 2011. If you haven't seen Hard Luck & Trouble yet, the Show Lounge is the best place to support local music.
TRACY NELSON Starting out in the '60's as part of the iconic group MOTHER EARTH, Tracy has shared stages with Jimi Hendrix, The Grateful Dead and Janis Joplin. She has also had hit songs with Willie Nelson and just released her Victim Of The Blues CD which is nominated for two Blues Music Awards. We're glad that Tracy has returned to her blues roots and is bringing her amazing voice to Regina for this year's festival
WALTER TROUT Walter has a definite blues pedigree that you won't want to miss. Growing up in New Jersey, Trout learned the blues listening to his brothers record collection including the Paul Butterfield Blues Band and the two guitar sound of Elvin Bishop and Mike Bloomfield. Moving to California in the 70's, Trout soon joined the remaining members of Canned Heat for a number of years. The turning point in his career came when he joined John Mayall's Bluesbreakers where he was paired with Coco Montoya and was able to be part of the two guitar sound he remembered from his youth. Five years with the Bluesbreakers took him to new heights of international touring. Since going solo in 1989, Trout has released 20 CD's and continues a hectic touring schedule across Europe and North America including performances at most major blues festivals. Walter Trout is a legend who's performance will be talked about for years and you don't want to miss it.
Location Casino Regina Show Lounge, 1880 Saskatchewan Dr, Regina, SK |