Singing the blues

Thousands poured into Marina Park on Friday night to catch the opening day of the ninth annual Thunder Bay Blues Festival.

The always popular event kicked off at suppertime on Friday with local legend Marc Potvin, followed in no short order by Michael Burks and Albert Cummings.

The evening wrapped up with a once-in-a-lifetime show by star-in-the-making Robert Randolph, who showed a hint of his gospel-raised musical education in a rip-roaring blues set that had the crowd on its feet.

The fun and festivities continue today at Marina Park, starting with Slap Johnson and the Trowellers at noon, followed by BluesFest staple Big Walter Smith.

Others on the bill on Saturday include Jimmy Thackery, Joanne Shaw Taylor, Eric Sardinas, Ana Popovic – who was supposed to be here last year but couldn’t make it – Tab Benoit and the much-anticipated closer Blues Traveler.