The Camrose Blues Festival is more than just a concert; it's a celebration of the raw, electric heart of blues music, set within the stunning, acoustically perfect confines of the historic Bailey Theatre. For our second year, we've brought together legendary performers and rising stars to deliver an unforgettable weekend. Join us for a deep dive into the roots of Canadian & American music, surrounded by a vibrant community of fellow enthusiasts.
Intimate, soulful, and historic. Experience the blues in a venue where every note resonates with history.
A non-profit festival committed to supporting local musicians, artists, and the preservation of the Bailey Theatre.
As a truly timeless art form, the blues continues to move hearts and inspire artists worldwide with its profound emotional depth.
Prairie-born singer-songwriter whose rootsy music blends deep authenticity.
Texas-born, Grammy-winning blues veteran whose career spans global stages.
Award-winning Canadian artist blending blues, rock, roots, and soul into high-energy performances.
“Mysticssippi” blues artist whose slide guitar seamlessly fuses blues grooves with Indian ragas.
High-energy Fraser Valley blues-rock outfit delivering electrifying originals.
Yukon-born world-class roots and blues showman known for heartfelt songs.
Edmonton’s dynamo blues voice and 2025 Juno Award Nominee.
The "Groove Guru" and former B.B. King Orchestra bassist.
Edmonton Blues Hall of Fame inductee and versatile multi-instrumentalist.
Thu July 16, 2026
Join us for the Festival Kickoff Party featuring live performances by local bands. Pay what you feel!
Buy TicketsFri July 17, 2026
Premium access to 2 days of the festival with exclusive VIP benefits.
Buy TicketsFri July 17, 2026
2-day festival pass with access to all performances and events.
Buy TicketsSun July 19, 2026
Join us Sunday morning for brunch and live performances by Graham Guest Trio.
Buy Tickets
🎸 Challenge Gift Alert! 🎸 Brian and Colleen Nelson, longtime supporters of live music and The Bailey Theatre Society, have put out a challenge. They invite potential donors to match their gift of $2000 or a contribution of your choice towards The Camrose Blues Festival.
We welcome support from businesses and individuals. Sponsorships are tax-deductible through the Bailey Theatre Society (a registered nonprofit). To discuss packages and benefits, please use our contact form or email jp@camrosebluesfestival.ca.
Join us on Thursday, July 16th at The Bailey Theatre for a Kick Off Party featuring live performances by local bands. Pay what you feel!
The Spotlight Bistro will be open, Mama Ghanouj and Grumpa's Gourmet Coffee trucks will be on site. Even though the kick off event is a "pay what you feel" event, seating will be limited so we encourage guests to register with the Bailey box office or via the Bailey website.
Back in November of 2024 a small group of like-minded Camrose fans and musicians of blues music started to discuss the idea of Camrose hosting an all-Canadian Blues Festival at the fabulous, historical Bailey Theatre in the heart of downtown Camrose.
Our inaugural committee meeting was held in early January 2025. All the committee members are supporters of the Bailey on so many levels. It was decided that the festival be named The Camrose Blues Festival, and any proceeds from the festival be it fiscal, or promotional be directed to The Bailey Theatre Society.
The Bailey Theatre is the oldest theatre in Alberta having been built in 1911. Recently it underwent a major restoration and is now the hub of the community's artistic endeavors and is noted for its spectacular acoustics.
It's the festival's intention to promote, foster, support, and celebrate the fantastic gift of blues music throughout our country and the world. We positively strive to Keep The Blues Alive.
Organizing Committee
Left to Right: Elliot Harder (Bailey Theatre Manager), Jane Cherry, Robert Renman, Kelly Olafson, John Person (committee chair), Barb Stroh, David Roth
Not in photo: Chris Rebus, Jan Nowakowski
2025 Blues Festival Highlights
American born, long-time Canadian blues and roots artist Tim Williams began his career as a teenager in the office coffee houses of Southern California. There, he came to the notice of Epic Records for whom he recorded his first LP in 1968, Blues Full Circle.
Tim learned to slip easily from one style to another, having been inspired by the great country guitarists on shows like Town Hall Party, the blues of Lightning Hopkins and T-Bone Walker, the Hawaiian music of King Benny Navahi and the Mexican music that was everywhere in Los Angeles at the time.
After a hiatus he performed at the 1988 Edmonton Folk Festival, where he wowed every audience he played for. He won praise from folks like Jimmy Dale Gilmore and was reunited with his old pal Tom Russell.
Since then it has been a steady stream of tours, recordings, and interesting side projects. Tim was an active session musician and occasional producer.
Tim was diagnosed with cancer in August of 2025. He passed away in Calgary Alberta on November 28 at the age of 77. He was a master guitarist, a brilliant raconteur, a mentor to many and a pillar of the Canadian music community. May He Rest In Peace
Secondhand Dreamcar is a 9 piece soul and roots band fronted by Canadian Folk Music Award-nominee Dana Wylie and also featuring notable producer Harry Gregg on bass, Jamie Cooper on drums, Kyle Mosiuk and Chad Murphy (Dallas Smith) on guitar, Rooster Davis on organ, plus a horn section made up of Canada’s best – Dave Babcock on sax, Bob Tildesley on trumpet, and Peter Filice on trombone. Journalist and programmer Peter North has deemed the most exciting thing to come out of Edmonton since k.d.lang and The Reclines.
The band recorded their debut album Answer The Call in November of 2023 and it was released in November of 2024. They have kept busy selling out venues and a roster of festivals. In 2026 they received three Canadian Blues Music nominations and a JUNO nomination for Blues Album of the Year for Answer the Call. They have completed recording their second album Get Ready. Collectively they have won and been nominated for dozens of awards.
Guitar Rumble are an explosive mix of blues, Rockabilly and Rock and Roll led by three veteran guitarists Jimmy Guiboche, Bobby Cameron, Pete Turland with Mike Lent (bass) and Scotty Anderson (drums) rounding out the quintet. Their decades of experiences combined with their strong and electric energy are an instant hit with audiences who fall in love with their energy and deeply rooted sound. A powerful Alberta based band, who keep things alive and strong!
Brent Parkin is a veteran of the Winnipeg music scene and has been playing to audiences across Canada for more than 50 years.
Brent’s music is a mix of Chicago style Blues, Swing, Roots with some Country and Rock and Roll thrown in for good measure. He is comfortable playing with his band whether it be a 3 piece or up to 7 piece, solo or duo.
In the early 70’s he co-founded several blues bands including the popular band Houndog in 1976. He has been seen opening shows for such greats as James Cotton, Johnny Winter, Buddy Guy, Bo Diddley, Gatemouth Brown, Otis Rush and John Prime. A highlight for Brent was sharing the tour bus with B.B. King and his band as his opening act in 1983. Brent continues to play at many bars and nightclubs, as well as several concerts and festivals.
This local band of talented musicians are no stranger to blues. They started playing together more than 10 years ago and have gone on to play in a wide variety of bands around Alberta. They are composed of Robert Renman (guitar), Brandon Kroeger (drums), Myra Marshall (vocals) and Steven Hartman (bass). For the 2025 Camrose Blues Festival they harnessed their talents to bring the audience a delightful blend of old favorites and some that definitely surprised us! Definitely a group of Camrose favourites.
In a very short time Samantha King and the Midnight Outfit have made a remarkable impact on the live music scene. The band has graced prestigious stages including the Edmonton International Blues Festival and the Calgary Blues Festival, captivating audiences with their unique sound and high energy performances. They have showcased their music for the Arts Touring Alliance of Alberta SHOWCASE 2024, further cementing their growing presence in the Canadian music scene.
This dynamic group is turning heads with their electrifying sound and undeniable chemistry. At the heart of it all is the soulful, powerhouse vocals of Samantha King, who commands every note with raw emotion. Holding down the groove is the unstoppable Sandro Dominelli on drums – an absolute force that propels the band forward. The cool storm that is Marc Beaudin on electric bass brings the perfect balance of smoothness and intensity, while electrifying Chris Tabbert shreds on guitar, lighting up the stage with every riff.
This crew of veteran western Canadian roots music players and out and out characters have a collective resume that boasts success in the blues, country, folk, roots-rock and singer-songwriter scenes over a period of four decades. Drawing on talents of musicians from Edmonton, Calgary, Bragg Creek and Vancouver, Front Porch has been juggling a number of shows and themes over the past decade with a core cast that is augmented by alumni, depending on the theme of the show.
For the 2026 festival Front Porch included bassist Ron Rault, harmonica ace Crawdad Cantera, guitarist Gord Matthews.
Since 2012 Front Porch Roots Revue has produced a tribute to The Band called Up On Cripple Creek which has played sold-out dates in soft-seaters and classy cabarets on the prairies while making appearances at festivals like The Vancouver Island Music Festival and the Wild Mountain Music Festival.
The Saskatchewan born Dave McLean has been earning respect since 1969, when he received his first guitar lesson from the legendary John Hammond after a gig. After that you wouldn’t stop him: he became a regular presence in the Canadian club and festival scene, where his profuse talents and obvious love of the blues won him the support of the aforementioned Muddy Waters, whose friendship ended up inspiring the title of McLean’s debut album, Muddy Waters For President.
Accolades, fortunately, have been a good deal more forthcoming than heaps of cash. McLean has been nominated for three Junos and won his first for 1992’s Saturday Night Blues. He’s also received a Western Canadian Music Award, a Prairie Music Award, a Great Canadian Blues Award and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Toronto Blues Society. In 2019, he was made a member of the Order of Canada in recognition of his influence in the field of Delta and Chicago blues, and his own mentorship of younger artists like Colin James, Shaun Verrault and Luke Doucette. More recently Big Dave took home a JUNO for the Blues Album of The Year with his recording of “This Old Life”.
Curtis Bessette grew up with a guitar close at hand as his father, Marcel Bessette, was a passionate musician and taught Curtis Old Time Rock and Roll. It was the blues that caught Curtis’ attention. A purist named Glenn Burrell taught him the ropes and most importantly how to jam at the age of 13 at Bud’s on Broadway in his hometown of Saskatoon. It was there that the young “Bluesician” would see, hear, and meet Big Dave McLean.
After years of jamming, the road called out to Curtis and it was one of his dreams to follow in the footsteps of his dad. He did so, with a band called McCuaig, touring Canada from coast to coast and beyond for 8 years.
The blues is still calling to Curtis and he hopes to carry the legacy of artists like Muddy Waters that Big Dave McLean had so graciously and authentically shared with him.
Yes. The Camrose Blues Festival is a family friendly event and is open to music lovers of all ages
Yes. Alcoholic beverages are available for purchase via drink tickets inside the theatre. There is a bar inside the auditorium as well as in the Spotlight Bistro.
Tickets are available at the Bailey Theatre Box office, the Bailey Theatre website and also through the festival's website
We energetically encourage you to purchase tickets for the entire weekend, so you will experience the overall vibe! However, we understand it may not be possible. So yes, individual day passes will be available once the weekend passes have been on sale.
Yes. In fact all seats will be reserved, which means no hassles with line ups, rushing to get your preferred seats, having to arrive extra early, leaving for an extended period? No problem, your seat will be there for you when you return.
Camrose has many options for overnight accommodation. The festival's sponsored hotel is Days Inn & Conference Centre by Wyndham Camrose Norsemen, norsemeninn.com. Camrose offers several other hotels, Bed and Breakfasts, and Airbnb's. Camrose also has a full service RV park. Information and booking can be found at camroservpark.com
You can park anywhere downtown on Friday evening (after 6pm) and on Sunday (all day). On Saturday however parking downtown is limited to 2 hours. Extended parking can be found at two lots - on a block east at 49 St & 51 Ave. (next to The Brick) and the other a block west of main street on 51 St and 51 Ave. Both lots are within an easy walking distance to the Bailey.
Yes. Artists will have cd's and merch available for purchase. The Camrose Blues Festival will also be selling T-Shirts and sunglasses.
Smoking is not allowed inside the Bailey Theatre. The City of Camrose bylaw states that smoking is prohibited within 5 metres of the entrance to the theatre.
Yes and please do! We are a nonprofit festival. All proceeds go to the nonprofit Bailey Theatre Society. You will be the lucky recipient of an official tax receipt and a proud dynamo of keeping the blues alive. Donations may be made at bailey box office or online at baileytheatre.com
Yes. There is The Spotlight Bistro located inside of the Bailey. There will also be a food truck and coffee truck located right outside the theatre's doors. Camrose also offers a vast array of eateries and restaurants where you can enjoy a meal.
The City of Camrose offers a free community bus. Please visit camrose.ca under Popular Services you will find Transit. Here you will discover information regarding pick up/drop off locations and schedules. Camrose also has taxi services available.
The Bailey Theatre
5041 50th Street, Camrose, AB T4V 1R3
Raised in the Canadian Prairies, music was always around Owens growing up. Artists such as Elvis, Odetta, The Band, Mavis Staples, Bonnie Raitt and Bob Dylan were formative in her teen years. But more than just listening, she took comfort in writing her own songs, seeing music as a way to process the chaotic nature of life and give visibility to her own feelings. And even when Owens took a 15-year respite in order to raise a family, she never fully put a cap on her passion for music, volunteering as a music therapist, occasionally performing, and always continuing to write songs.
Since 2015, Ollee has shared stages across the Canadian Prairies and as far south as Memphis with artists like Matt Anderson, Blue Moon Marquee, Tim Williams, Albert Castiglia and Dawn Tyler Watson. Owens started 2025 with a dynamic set at the legendary BB Kings in Memphis, TN and spent the summer playing shows and festivals from Saskatoon to Vancouver Island. She plans to continue touring stages and festivals across Canada and Internationally, making new friends and fans wherever she goes.
“Music does so much more than entertain,” Owens says, ” It gives a voice to a wide breadth of experiences and feelings, touching those looking for a connection. It has the power to heal wounds and be a welcoming source of light and comfort in the darkness.” It’s for all those reasons and more that Ollee Owens keeps singing, lighting the path for her fellow travellers.
Ollee’s music continues to set her intentions as a talented artist who deals in authenticity, openness, and honesty paving the way for a lasting musical connection.
Over the course of his five-decade career, Texas-born Donald Ray Johnson – Grammy Award winner and five-time Maple Blues Award nominee, has performed across North America, Europe and Asia, including at the prestigious Madison Square Gardens and Chicago’s Soldier Field.
Donald Ray grew up near the cotton fields of Bryan, Texas, where as a young teen he would secretly hide side stage at the local club and listen to legends such as Freddie King, Albert Collins and Johnny Copeland. At age 14, Donald Ray borrowed a drum set and began playing professionally at local juke joints (with pianist Nat Dove, organist Joe Daniels and guitarist Lavernis Thurman), and at live radio shows. It wasn’t till he finished two naval tours during the Vietnam War that he could buy his own kit.
A Taste of Honey’s self-titled debut album and single, Boogie-Oogie-Oogie went platinum, and the album garnered them the 1979 Grammy Award for “Best New Artist,” the first African American band to ever win the award. They also performed their hit single live that same evening. The group disbanded after releasing only a few albums, and Donald Ray struck out on his own, returning to his roots as a bluesman.
After visiting long time friend and pianist Dale Rene in Montana in the early 1990s, Donald Ray made his way to the city he now calls home, Calgary, Alberta, where he’s settled and has since made his mark on the Canadian blues scene.
Steve is an acclaimed numerous award winning Canadian artist, with more than 20 years of relentless touring and recording. Steve has earned a reputation as one of Canada's most versatile and hard working musicians. Nicknamed “The Swiss Army Knife” for his multi-instrumental talents. He is fluent in vocals, guitar, harmonica, bass, and drums. Marriner is a founding member of the multi awarded JUNO winning band MonkeyJunk, tours with Colin James, a studio musician and producer. His recent recording called Hear My Heart is nominated for a JUNO this year (2026) for the Best Blues Album. This song writing singer sits at, or near the top of the list, as “Canada's hardest working person in show biz.” He blends blues, rock, roots, and soul into a high-energy, unforgettable experience. Steve’s live shows are known for their intensity, musicianship, and spontaneity, keeping audiences captivated from start to finish.
“Mysticssippi” blues man Harry Manx has been called an “essential link” between the music of East and West, creating musical short stories that wed the tradition of the Blues with the depth of classical Indian ragas. He has created a unique sound that is hard to forget and deliciously addictive to listen to.
Harry forged his distinctive style by studying at the feet of the masters, first as a sound man in the blues clubs of Toronto during his formative years and then under a rigorous tutelage with Vishwa Mohan Bhatt in India. Bhatt is the inventor of the 20-stringed Mohan Veena, which has become Harry’s signature instrument.
Born on the Isle of Man, Manx immigrated to Ontario with his parents when he was a child. He started working with bands as a ‘roadie’ at age 15 and gradually worked his way up to becoming the regular sound man at the well-known El Mocambo (blues) club in Toronto. There he worked with a slew of blues legends. Harry admits that blues is still at the heart of much of his work. “I’ve always had one foot in the blues from those days … what I got from those artists is a groove. That’s what I’m particularly interested in is the groove, and that’s the way I play blues”. “I went to Europe when I was 20 and started making money as a busker,” recalls Manx. “I’ve worked mostly as a musician since then, though I did some theatre work for a while. I was a one-man band with drums and cymbals for a time too. It was really a lot of fun”
The journey has been great so far.” Manx is a prolific artist, releasing 12 albums in a 12 year span with no signs of stopping. He has received seven Maple Blues Awards, six Juno nominations, the Canadian Folk Music Award in 2005 for Best Solo Artist and won CBC Radio’s “Great Canadian Blues Award” in 2007.
His most recent original release, “Om Suite Ohm” was voted by the Montreal daily La Presse as one of only 4 CDs to watch for in 2013. Guitar Player Magazine called it “his most fully realized work to date”. Blend Indian folk melodies with slide guitar blues, add a sprinkle of gospel and throw in some compelling grooves. It’s a recipe that goes down easy and leaves you hungry for more.
Led by Andrew Michael Zaghloul, winner of the 2024 Fraser Valley Music Awards Blues Artist of the Year, the Andrew Michael Blues Band is a live n’ electric blues rock group based out of the Fraser Valley BC. Performing their original blues rock music and some of the best British and American blues covers, this high energy band brings elements of Colin James, Cream and ZZ Top to audiences of all ages. The Andrew Michael Blues Band has been making its name playing across the Fraser Valley and Greater Vancouver area, with major shows this year at the Chilliwack Ribfest, Abbotsford Agrifair Main Stage opening for Tom Lavin, and upcoming Harrison Hot Springs Bands on the Beach. Backed by Don Addley on harmonica, Ron Johnson on bass and Kevin Rush on drums, the Andrew Michael Blues Band will keep you dancing!
A dash of Taj Mahal, a sprinkle of B.B. King and a few drops of Lighting Hopkins: stir it up, simmer on low and you have a recipe that sounds like Brandon Isaak.
Crowds always leave Brandon’s shows with a smile on their face and a need to come back for more. This Yukon born songster performs a mixture of thoughtful, humorous, spiritual and catchy memorable songs; always delivered with world class guitar, harmonica and vocals. Lyrics are paramount and it’s obvious when you see his accolades and hear his music. After 35 years in the business, this international touring artist is always asked back as he’s a total pro off and on the stage. If you like top notch blues, hard hitting lyrics and great night of entertainment, Brandon Isaak is your man.
Brandon Isaak is a one of a kind world class roots and blues showman ! He engages with an audience, getting them involved and part of the show. New fans are made at every show as they leave the venue still singing catchy lines and humming new melodies. Brandon is a multi-instrumentalist who writes heartfelt, uplifting, funny and spiritual songs. This Yukon born artist takes his audiences on an emotional journey through the varieties of his original songs. He has honed his craft over the past 37 years and it shows every night. His gravelly singing voice always astounds people that wonder how that big voice comes out of his smaller frame! He has played in three continents and 8 country’s, as well as 13 European tours.
Brandon has been nominated for many awards including Maple Blues for song writing of the year, blues act of the year, producer of the year, guitar player of the year, album of the year . He also has 2 Juno nominations under his belt.
Get ready—Edmonton’s dynamo blues voice, Samantha King, takes the stage for a time of raw emotion, soul-stirring vocals, and electrifying blues energy you can feel in your bones. Juno Award Nominee (2025) for Blues Album of the Year—a testament to her powerful debut album and Samantha’s commanding presence on the Canadian blues landscape. Praised as “Alberta Blues Royalty”, Samantha’s music is fueled by authenticity. Her voice resonates with passion and grit—the perfect match for blues lovers and newcomers alike.
Witness live the voice behind a Juno-nominated blues album—a special milestone in Canadian blues history. Be primed to enjoy a spirited, high energy musical set that’ll linger long after the last melody fades.
Russell B. Jackson - The Groove Guru. “Find the pocket, play the groove, and you get the calls.”
Russell Jackson has more than five decades under his belt as a master of both acoustic and electric bass. He’s fluent in many styles and was the first to employ the slap bass in a blues context, over time earning the moniker, “the Groove Guru”. A disciple of the legendary Willie Dixon, Russell continues to champion the tradition of the stand-up bass.
Memphis born, as a young man Russell Jackson moved to Chicago to hone his craft. He was soon hired by one of the blues city’s greats, vocalist Otis Clay. During this time, he was spotted by none other than Mr. B.B. King, who invited him to join the B.B. King Orchestra. He spent the next seven years travelling the world with the legendary ‘Ambassador of the Blues’. Memorable moment include performing with the B.B. King Band for a New Year’s Eve (2016) television production of Austin City Limits, and the induction of B.B. into the Austin City Limits Hall of Fame.
Russell is a highly sought after educator who teaches in workshop settings and privately. His master classes are available locally or online. Teaching credits include the Hornby Island Blues Camp (2012, 2013, 2024), the Tom Lee School of Music (1997-99), Master Classes for the Blues Foundation’s International Blues Challenge (2017-20), among the many.
Russell’s been sought out to be a Music Director in a number of settings, including his work with Touring Chicago Bluesfest from 2005-10 that featured Willie Hayes, Shakura S’Aida, Tasha Taylor, Wayne Baker Brooks, Kenny “Blues Boss” Wayne, Eddie Taylor Jr. Wilbert Crosby, James Armstrong, Sandra Hall, D.C.
Making his home in Edmonton since early boyhood, Graham Guest has spent nearly all of his years playing music. A keyboard player since toddlerdom, Graham has continued to develop his musical sensibilities in the arenas of singing, songwriting, arranging, and band leading, as well as by gratifying his enthusiasm for learning to play a multitude of instruments.
In addition to his own projects, Graham has travelled internationally with roots music luminaries of all stripes, performing and/or recording with artists ranging from Lazy Lester to the Rockin’ Highliners, from the Swiftys to Billy Boy Arnold, all the while holding down the keyboard chair in the band of Juno award winner Sue Foley.
In 2023 Graham was inducted into the Edmonton Blues Hall of Fame. Graham has been a mainstay on the stage at the Edmonton Blues Festival. In 2024 The Graham Guest Band released their album Tragic Magic. His performance at the 2025 Saskatoon Blues Festival was legendary! Graham along with his band and fans are enthusiastic about the release of their live album which was recorded over 2 nights in the spring of 2024 at the Edmonton Yardbird Suite.
