2025 Roots, Blues & Barbecue

COLIN JAMES

With 21 studio albums, 8 Juno Awards, 31 Maple Blues Awards, and multi-platinum record sales, Colin James has been a leading figure in blues and rock music for over 35 years. His latest album, Chasing the Sun, co-produced by Colin Linden, features collaborations with Lucinda Williams, Darryl Jones, Charley Drayton, Charlie Musselwhite, and Ann and Regina McCrary.

James’ 2021 album, Open Road, won the 2022 Juno Award for Best Blues Album and received a Blues Foundation nomination in 2023. His 2018 release, Miles To Go, debuted on the Billboard Blues Charts and remained in the RMR Blues Chart Top 10 for 14 weeks. Earlier in his career, his 1988 debut was the fastest-selling album in Canadian history, and his 1990 hit “Just Came Back” reached #3 on U.S. radio charts.

Over the years, James has shared stages and studios with legends like Bonnie Raitt, Keith Richards, Buddy Guy, and Carlos Santana. Known for his superb guitar work and powerful stage presence, he remains passionate about making music and connecting with audiences worldwide.

JULIAN TAYLOR

“Taylor is a unique and important voice on the Canadian roots-and-folk scene.“ ~ The Globe and Mail, Canada

“Among Canada’s most premier songwriters. Ultimately, Taylor remains unparalleled.” ~ SPILL Magazine

Julian Taylor is an award-winning singer-songwriter known for his soulful voice, thoughtful lyrics, and genre-blending sound that weaves together folk, roots, and Americana influences. His critically acclaimed solo work has earned him numerous honors, including Solo Artist of the Year at the Canadian Folk Music Awards, multiple Juno Award nominations, and recognition from the Polaris Music Prize.

Taylor’s albums, The Ridge and Beyond the Reservoir, are celebrated for their deeply personal storytelling, reflecting themes of resilience, growth, and connection. With a career spanning over 25 years, Taylor continues to captivate audiences with music that is both heartfelt and timeless.

SUZIE VINNICK

A Saskatoon native transplanted to the Niagara Region of Ontario, Canada, Suzie Vinnick is the proud owner of a gorgeous voice, impressive guitar and bass chops and an engagingly candid performance style. Suzie is a 3X Juno Nominee and has won 12 Maple Blues Awards, 2 Canadian Folk Music Awards and a 2024 ECMA with her project A’Court, Spiegel and Vinnick. She has also twice won the International Songwriting Competition – Blues Category. Her latest album is entitled “Fall Back Home”.

Tune your ears to one of Canada’s music greats, with “…a voice of spun gold and honey” Access Magazine

ANGELICA JONES

Angelica Jones has arrived—new name, same unstoppable energy. Formerly known as the Angelina Hunter Trio, this powerhouse band delivers the raw, electrifying sound fans know and love, now with a fresh identity. From gritty guitar riffs to soulful vocals, Angelica Jones is here to redefine blues for a new generation, all while staying true to the heart of their music.

The band, composed of three lifelong friends and mainstays of the Canadian music scene, has grown and cultivated their sound around the personality and stylings of Angelica on vocals and guitar. When she plugs in her Stratocaster, expect a wide range of style, emotion, and power. She can lull you in with sweet melodies and sear you with razor sharp blues attitude and screaming guitar lines. 

Angelica Jones has the power to shrink a venue or blow it up with her voice alone. Totally unique, when she begins to sing, she sounds like no one else. She can tell a sweet story with her voice or bewitch you with its intensity. It’s a powerful instrument on its own. The Trio is rounded out by Sandy Hunter on drums and Adam Bell on bass.

With performances blazing across festivals and venues throughout Canada, the show itself matches the power of the record delivering unforgettable musical moments that stick to your soul. As the word spreads, the band is having a great time delivering their brand of unique and distinctive rockin’ blues to vastly growing audiences across the country!

BRANDON ISAAK – MUSICAL HOST: 

Brandon Isaak, a Yukon-born songwriter, delivers a blend of thoughtful, humorous, and heartfelt songs, backed by world-class guitar, harmonica, and vocals. His music draws listeners in and keeps them hooked with catchy lines and memorable melodies.

A seasoned multi-instrumentalist, Brandon takes audiences on an emotional journey through uplifting, funny, and spiritual songs. With 37 years of touring experience across three continents and 13 European tours, his professionalism shines both on and off the stage.

His accolades include multiple Maple Blues Award nominations for songwriting, guitar playing, and album of the year, along with two Juno nominations. Brandon’s energy, musicianship, and connection with audiences make each performance a memorable experience.