The 10th annual event of its kind, the Calgary Midwinter Bluesfest will take place from February 26th to March 3rd. Just like our beloved Chinook winds, this weeklong celebration of blues music offers a welcome reprieve from the frigid temperatures that characterize the late winter. The soulful sounds of blues music from both established artists and exciting up-and-comers will take over stages at a variety of locations, ensuring that many Calgarians get the chance to come out and experience some live shows.

This year’s headlining artists at the Calgary Midwinter Bluesfest are Dan Spalding, Toronzo Cannon, Brent Parkin, Lil’ Jimmy Reed, Big Bill Morganfield, Charlie Butler, Mr. Sipp, Jack Semple, Debra Power, Amos Garrett, Andy T, Angel Forrest, Bill Joe Green, Black Cherry Perry, The Claudettes, The Ghost Town Blues Band, Randy McAllister, Ray Lemelin, Sugar Brown, The Paul DesLauriers Band, and Williams, Wayne & Isaak. The festival provides an excellent opportunity to see your favourites play live and to discover some new artists.

There are always a number of free shows that you can attend at the Calgary Midwinter Bluesfest. If you’re looking to have a fun night out on a budget or if you’re interested in getting to know blues music, then you should definitely head to one of these shows. If you like what you hear, then consider attending a ticketed show as well. The Calgary Midwinter Bluesfest relies on ticketed events to keep coming back year after year, so show your support to your favourite artists and to the festival itself by attending a paid show or two.

Tickets are also available for the festival’s dance parties. Every year, a couple of nights of the festival are devoted to dancing the night away to high-octane blues that will really warm your bones. Festival-goers can also attend a variety of workshops and jam sessions where they can learn more about blues music. The Calgary Midwinter Bluesfest always begins with a vocal workshop where local blues singers can take a master class in vocal coaching, stage presence, and mic technique. Workshop participants then get the opportunity to sing in front of a live audience backed by a live band.

The Calgary Midwinter Bluesfest is presented by the Calgary Blues Music Association, a not-for-profit organization that also presents the Calgary International Blues Festival every summer. The Calgary Blues Music Association has made it their stated mission to preserve and foster blues music by putting on these festivals and by honouring local and regional artists during a public ceremony that takes place every year at the Midwinter Bluesfest. Awards are given out to Guitar Player of the Year, Bass Player of the Year, Drummer of the Year, Keyboard Player of the Year, Harmonica Player of the Year, and Horn Player of the Year. The ceremony is open to the public and free to attend.

At a time when the streets would otherwise be deserted, the Calgary Midwinter Bluesfest offers an enticing opportunity to get out and take in some of the culture and community that Calgary has to offer. This is a must-attend event for any aspiring blues musicians or for any fans of good music and vocal talent.