Blues Festival tops previous attendance high by 30 per cent

THUNDER BAY – A record-setting 18,000 people attended last weekend’s 15th annual Thunder Bay Blues Festival.

The all-Canadian lineup drew 30 per cent more people than 2013, which was the previous record-holding year.

“People seemed to really embrace the incredible talent that was found in the all-Canadian line-upthis year,” said general manager and festival programmer Bob Halvorsen in a release.

“After all is said and done, I believe we had some of the best performances ever at this year’s festival.”

Organizers blamed the weak Canadian dollar for their decision to forego American talent in 2016, but it worked out spectacularly, Halvorsen said.

Led by headliners Burton Cummings, Colin James and Tom Cochrane, the bill also included the likes of Serena Ryder, Downchild Blues Band, Gowan and local acts such as James Boraski and MomentaryEvolution, The Roosters and The Chain.

The festival dates have been set for 2017. The event will run from July 7-9.