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  • 2026 WINTER BLUES FESTIVAL
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Edmonton Blues Society

  • Winter Blues Festival Program
  • 2026 WINTER BLUES FESTIVAL
  • Buy Tickets Here
  • Memberships & Renewals
  • Sign Up Page
  • About US
    • BOARD OF DIRECTORS
    • CONTACT US
    • 2025 Annual General Meeting
    • EBS Bylaws
  • VOLUNTEER PAGE
  • Winter Blues Festival History Pages
    • 2025 WINTER BLUES FESTIVAL
    • THE EBS 2020 ANNUAL BLUES FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS
  • Past EBS Performers
    • Past Blues Performers at EBS Events

WELCOME TO THE 8TH ANNUAL WINTER BLUES FESTIVAL  

CELEBRATING 20 YEARS OF KEEPING THE BLUES ALIVE  

Performer LineUp

DESIDINA - CAM STUDENTS  (Centre for Arts and Music)   🕓 4:00 PM – 4:30 PM

The future of blues begins here.  Opening this year’s Winter Blues Festival are the talented students from Edmonton’s Centre for Arts and Music (CAM).

The band is called DESIDINA and they are the senior band of the CAM Program and are all currently in high school.

The members are:

Alice - Lead Vocals

Kaeley - Lead Guitar

Veronica - Keyboard, Guitar, and Vocals  

Zoey - Rhythm and Lead Guitar, Bass  

Matteo - Bass, Guitar

(Mentor Curtis on Drums)

Known for nurturing emerging musicians through hands-on performance experience and mentorship, CAM continues to play a vital role in helping kids through music.

These young performers bring fresh energy, passion, and impressive musical skill to the stage. Their set is a celebration of blues with classic rock influences, interpreted through the lens of the next generation of artists who are helping to carry this timeless genre forward.

Festival audiences can expect heartfelt performances, dynamic musicianship, and a reminder that the blues is alive and well in the hands of rising stars.

 

The Black & Blues Band  🕓 4:50 PM – 5:50 PM

A festival favourite known for delivering big sound and bigger groove, The Black & Blues Band blends classic blues roots with modern flair. Their performances are packed with soulful vocals, tight rhythms, and the kind of chemistry that only comes from seasoned musicians who genuinely love playing together.

Comprising five talented local musicians, the band delivers a high-energy, soul-stirring performance. They seamlessly blend their unique musical backgrounds to create fresh interpretations of legendary blues songs while forging their own signature groove.

The Black & Blues Band isn't just about playing music - they’re about creating an unforgettable experience. Their performances are interactive, inviting audiences to sing along, clap to the beat, and immerse themselves in the power of live blues. Whether delivering a fresh take on a blues classic or reimagining today’s hottest new blues tracks, The Black & Blues Band brings an exciting and passionate energy that keeps fans coming back for more.

 

Rusty Reed   🕕 6:10 PM – 7:10 PM

Chicago-born bluesman Rusty Reed is the real deal and he calls Edmonton home. A multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, songwriter, with 2 JUNO's whose career spans decades of international touring and recording. He's played with some the greats: Gatemouth Brown, Solomon Burke, Otis Rush, Bo Diddley, Pinetop Perkins, 38yrs with Amos Garrett and a host of others.  

Reed’s musical style blends traditional blues, gospel, soul, and rock influences into a deeply emotional and electrifying live experience. Rusty’s music is rooted in authenticity, drawing from blues history while delivering it with modern fire and intensity.

Festival audiences can expect a set filled with rich storytelling, fiery harp solos, and the kind of soulful performance that reminds listeners why blues remains one of music’s most powerful and enduring genres.

 

Brandon Isaak  🕢 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM

Award-winning Canadian blues artist and currently nominated for 5 Canadian Blues Music Awards, Brandon Isaak is celebrated for his warm stage presence, masterful guitar work, and clever, heartfelt songwriting. A long-time favourite on the national blues circuit, Isaak blends traditional blues influences with roots, folk, and Americana flavours to create a sound that is uniquely his own.

Known for both his musical skill and engaging storytelling between songs, Brandon delivers performances that feel personal, genuine, and effortlessly entertaining. His ability to balance humour, emotion, and world-class musicianship makes him a standout performer and a cherished figure in the Canadian blues community.

Audiences can expect a set rich with memorable melodies, authentic blues spirit, and the easy charm that has made Isaak a festival favourite coast to coast.

 

Steve Marriner  🕘 9:00 PM – 10:30 PM

⭐ Festival Headliner

One of Canada’s most dynamic and versatile musicians, Steve Marriner closes out the evening with a powerhouse performance that showcases why he is widely regarded as one of the busiest and most respected artists in the country.

A multi-instrumentalist fluent in vocals, guitar, harmonica, bass, and drums, he's also one of the busiest musicians you'll meet. Marriner is a founding member of the JUNO Award-winning band MonkeyJunk, tours with Colin James, a studio musician, producer, collaborator with some of North America’s finest musicians, and all while also maintaining a thriving solo career - his recent recording called HEART MY HEART is nominated for a JUNO this year for BEST BLUES ALBUM.  He blends blues, rock, roots, and soul into a high-energy, unforgettable experience.

Marriner’s live shows are known for their intensity, musicianship, and spontaneity, keeping audiences captivated from start to finish. Expect a closing set filled with virtuosic performances, emotional depth, and the electrifying energy that makes him a standout headliner.

 

Thank you for supporting live music and keepin’ the blues alive!

We hope you enjoy the show! 

Please contact us at edmblues@gmail.com
 

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