Victoria Express

Groove to the Blues in Victoria

Attention Blues Brothers & Sisters – This Labor Day ride the passenger ferry from Port Angeles WA to Victoria BC for the 15th Annual Vancouver Island Blues Bash. Saturday, Sunday and Monday September 5 – 7, live Blues, R&B, Swing Blues….all shades of the Blues will be playing at the Ship Point Pier in Victoria’s Inner Harbour. Good food will accompany good music while the Big Rock Brewery graciously provides the “Big Rock Beer Garden” during festival hours.

Free performances between noon and 5:15pm each day. Some of the best Vancouver Island blues and R&B musicians will bring their talents to the stage: Gerry Barnum Band • Cruel Shoes • The PushBand • Soul Shakers • Deb Rhymer Band • Bloozecan • Summer & the Sinners • Jason Buie Band • The Kingmixers • Paul Black & TAXI • Bill Johnson Band • The Midnights.

Evening performances require a ticket. Saturday, September 5 at 7:30 The Insomniacs take the stage ($15). Sunday September 6 Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears play at 7:30 ($20). The Insomniacs, from Portland, Oregon, use vintage instruments to create joyous, 1950s swinging blues. According to Blues Review Magazine, “The Insomniacs could be legendary!” Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears hail from Austin Texas. They bring “wicked groove” to the stage, and hints of James Brown.

This is the perfect opportunity for a weekend getaway. The ferry between Victoria and Port Angeles is a relaxing scenic way to cross the Salish Sea. We offer a number of overnight specials to help make your weekend affordable. Remember, travel between the United States and Canada now requires a passport or an enhanced driver’s license.

Festival tickets are available at the McPherson Box Office and its outlets (250-386-6121 or online at www.rmts.bc.ca), Lyle’s Place and the Victoria Jazz Society office (250-388-4423).