Kitchener Blues Festival brings live music to downtown core

Expect the smooth, down-to-earth sound of blues music to take over downtown Kitchener this weekend.

The Kitchener Blues Festival returns to the City of Kitchener, kicking off with a ticketed fundraiser concert on Aug. 8, followed by free performances across four stages, and local bars across the downtown core.

Thursday’s fundraiser concert will see doors open at 5 p.m., headlined by eight-time Juno award winning blues rock artist Colin James, supported by Matt Weidinger Band.

The line-up of free concerts for this year’s festival online – including a “Meet the Artists” section with links to each performer’s personal website.

Also included in this weekend’s festivities will be a number of food trucks along Kitchener’s King Street, and in Victoria Park.

Those enjoying a night out will also be treated to late night music through the festival’s “12 Bar Blues” series, as artists showcase their skills at local bars and clubs on both Friday and Saturday at 11 p.m., with an additional evening show on Sunday.

In addition, festival organizers will also be awarding two Mel Brown Blues Awards this year. The first will be awarded to festival president Rob Barkshire on Thursday evening just before Colin James’ performance. Matt Minglewood will also receive the Mel Brown Blues Award on Sunday at the YNC stage, 4 p.m. ahead of the festival’s closing ceremonies.

If you’re heading to Kitchener to check out the festival, be advised that the city will have a number of road closures in place beginning on Thursday at 7 a.m. and rolling through to Monday morning. You can review a map of the closures here.