Bozzini’s is celebrating its 35th anniversary this month and one way they are showing their appreciation is by putting on the biggest musical event yet in their intimate Upstairs Lounge on April 21 and 22.
“I personally don’t recall there ever being a weekend of music with artists of such high stature, talent, and accolades in Chilliwack,” says owner and music booker, Emmanuel Asprakis. “To be able to do it in such an intimate venue, at a reasonable ticket price is pretty cool.”
The 35th Anniversary Concerts/Festival is a line-up that is an all-star list of Juno and Maple Blues (including the 2017 winners for guitarist and harmonica players of the year on the same night) award winners, a member of the Austin, Texas Music Hall of Fame and legendary artists who will fill your evening with the best in blues, folk, roots, and western swing.
Last year’s 34th anniversary show was such a success that it has morphed into a two-nighter this year with six talented artists that it would not be a stretch to call it a festival. There are two shows per night, one for early birds and one for night owls. And as a thank-you, those purchasing tickets to both nights will receive 20 per cent off their meals.
Appearing on Friday, April 21 will be Shari Ulrich, a two-time Juno Award winner, member the BC Entertainment Hall of Fame, member of vaunted trios with Rick Scott and Joe Mock of The Pied Pumkin, Bill Henderson and Roy Forbes in UHF, Barney Bentall and Tom Taylor in BTU amongst many other accolades.
She’ll be joined by Gurf Morlix who has been inducted into the Austin, Texas music Hall of Fame and produced of some of the greatest artists in Americana music, (Ray Bonneville, Ray Wiley Hubbard) was the bandleader for Lucinda Williams for 10 years as well as being a special songwriter and performer in his own right.
The third world-class headliner of the evening is Petunia, of Petunia and the Vipers performing solo. Petunia regularly packs the Harrison Memorial Hall and tours Western North America on a regular basis. He’s been described as Tom Waits meets Elvis at Woody Guthrie’s hobo junction.
Saturday night, Bozzini’s features two of the most decorated blues artists in Canada: The Maple Blues award winner three years running (2015-2017) for harmonica player of the year, Harpdog Brown, accompanied by ace guitarist, Jordan Edmonds.
They’ll be joined by this year’s Maple Blues award winner for guitarist of the year, the six-time Juno nominated David Gogo.
Don’t miss this rare chance to see these two stellar purveyors of blues music in the same room. It is a very rare treat.
Rounding out the evening will be the folk stylings of the multi-talented singer songwriter Sean Burns who is one of our favourite artists and an authentic storyteller.
Bozzini’s 35th Anniversary Concerts takes place April 21 and 22. Show times for both nights: early shows 5 p.m. (doors at 4 p.m.), tickets $ 32.50 (per night); late shows 9 p.m. (doors at 8 p.m.), tickets $35 (per night).
Tickets available in person at Bozzini’s or call 604-792-0744 to reserve by phone. For exact set times, go to Bozzinisrestaurant.ca.
