Blues Festival brings ‘undeniable talent’ to the Limestone City in August
Live music will take over downtown Kingston from August 24 to 27, 2023, when the Limestone City Blues Festival returns for its 26th year.
The festival caps off the summer with “a roster of raw, unrestrained, and undeniable talent,” according to a release from the Downtown Kingston Business Improvement Area (BIA) who produce the festival. The music will begin with an opening night performance on the Confederation Park Stage. Then, catch two mainstage events in Springer Market Square, daily afternoon performances, and downtown club shows.
Fresh off the release of his sophomore album, Tears You Hide, Saturday night’s headliner, Jeremie Albino, expands the boundaries of Americana, folk, and country, with his brand of soulful storytelling and kinetic performances, the BIA noted. In 2019, the Toronto-based musician released his debut album, Hard Time, to critical acclaim, but it was with his EP, Past Dawn, that Albino solidified his bluesy, unfiltered sound, according to the release. The six-song collaboration was recorded over 2020’s quarantine and produced by Michael Trent of Shovels & Rope. Rounding out Saturday’s mainstage event are Jerry Leger & The Situation and vocal powerhouse Theresa Malenfant.
Friday night’s mainstage welcomes south Florida-bred Roosevelt Collier and his pedal steel guitar. According to the release, Collier was brought up in the “sacred steel” tradition of the House of God Church, and built his reputation alongside his uncles and cousins in The Lee Boys, known for their spirited, soul-shaking live performances. Opening for Collier is Bywater Call and Rob Lutes.
Opening the festival on Thursday night is Juno-nominated Durham County Poets — a “band” in every sense of the word. According to the BIA, each member writes and arranges and brings something unique to the table. Be it blues, soul, folk, R&B or gospel, it all weaves seamlessly together to create a truly authentic contemporary Canadiana sound.
The BIA stated that wristbands for the Limestone City Blues Festiva are available online. A $25 wristband gives you access to all three mainstage performances, as well as participating club shows. More information on the festival, which is presented in partnership with K-ROCK 105.7, is available at downtownkingston.ca.