Even Mother Nature must be a blues fan.
After rainy weather forced the TD Niagara Jazz Festival indoors on Saturday afternoon, the sun was out Sunday – even if it was cool and a little bit windy – for Blues on the Battlefield.
Crowds flocked to The Battle of Beaverdams Park for the event, part of three days of Canada Day celebrations in Thorold.
Bob Liddycoat, who organized the musical lineup for the event, said it is popular with blues musicians. It all started with the former Canal Bank Shuffle which brought in established acts to venues throughout the city and it was a popular one with the performers.
“It was hard keeping them out,” he said.
What makes the Thorold event different than many other festivals is its reliance on artists playing original music. For example, The Waterstreet Band, which was the opening band, featured musicians who’ve played with the likes of Colin James.
“These are top-notch, world class original musicians," he said.
Other performers Sunday included The Andre Bisson Band, Steve Marriner and Local Electric and Derek Miller.
Thorold Mayor Terry Ugulini was happy the weather was co-operating Sunday, but he remained impressed of how the community and local business – namely Donnelly’s Pub and the Moose & Goose, stepped up to help bring the jazz fest indoors and allow for the show to go on.
“It really showed what the community can do when it comes together,” he said. “Businesses were stepping up to the plate."
As a new event, Mayor Ugulini said it was “well received” and enjoyed by everyone who turned out. And with Sunday’s better weather, he was looking forward to more.
“It’s expanding every year,” he said.
And the park is a perfect venue, he added, likening it to another green space in Thorold’s neighbour, the City of St. Catharines.
“This is our Montebello Park,” Mayor Ugulini said.
Liddycoat, meanwhile, was also looking forward to Canada Day itself, when well-established – and well regarded – local cover bands, The Figure Four and Vinyl Flux take to the stage at the bandshell, along with Hamilton band Orangeman.
“All of these bands have been such good ambassadors for music,” Liddycoat said.
The event also featured several vendors and food trucks, offering something for everyone as well as a kids’ zone, costumed characters and more.
Festivities continue Monday at the park starting at 1 p.m. with another music-filled day, concluding with fireworks at 10 p.m.
