Those already thinking of summer will have to wait just seven months before some Canned Heat comes their way.
The 23rd annual Salmon Arm Roots and Blues Festival, taking place at the Salmon Arm Fairgrounds Aug. 14 to 16, has just announced the first of many performers for the 2015 line-up,.
One of the bands performing is celebrating 45 years since it headlined at Woodstock. With 38 albums to their credit, Canned Heat is still going strong.
The blues-rock-boogie band has been anchored throughout the past four decades by the steady hand of drummer/band leader Adolfo “Fito” de la Parra, who along with original bassist Larry “The Mole” Taylor and New Orleans legend Dale Spalding on harmonica, guitar and lead vocals are joined by John “JP” Paulus, while regular guitarist Harvey “The Snake” Mandel deals with serious health issues.
The Woodstock era of Canned Heat saw the band turn out a remarkable number of albums featuring classic tunes such as On The Road Again, Let’s Work Together and Going Up The Country (which many consider the unofficial anthem of Woodstock). These songs continue to find their way into major movies and advertisements and keep the band busy all over the world.
Also on the Roots and Blues roster is Oysterband, who have been making music for almost four decades.
The band continues to deliver some of the most inspired and uplifting folk music in the history of the U.K. scene.
Blurring the lines between traditional folk, folk-rock and punk-folk, at times with a decidedly political edge, Oysterband remains a vital unit in the British scene.
The band was named Group of the Year at the BBC 2 Folk Awards two years ago and their collaborative recording with June Tabor, Ragged Kingdom, was named Album of the Year.
A remarkable band that only makes it across the pond every five years or so (they performed last at the 17th annual Salmon Arm Roots & Blues Festival), Oysterband is a must see this summer.
And last but not least is the Stooges Brass Band, who emerged onto the scene in 1996. The band has since gained notoriety as a full-blown musical party immersing the crowd in a cut-loose vibe that is contemporary yet deeply rooted in the culturally rich musical legacy of New Orleans.
Once home to Trombone Shorty before he set out on his solo career, the Stooges Brass Band has earned their rank as one of the elite brass bands in New Orleans. The band consistently provides a welcome blast of true New Orleans spirit engaging audiences with their innovative blend of traditional New Orleans brass sounds, contemporary jazz and hip-hop beats.
The Stooges Brass Band continues to tour performing at venues throughout North America, appearing at famed festivals such as New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, Bonnaroo, South by Southwest, Utah Arts Festival, Discover Jazz, American Folk Festival, High Sierra Music Festival, Great American Brass Band Festival, and the Salmon Arm Roots & Blues Festival.
“The Stooges Brass Band puts on one of the most entertaining, audience-interactive shows of any band on the scene,” said Bestofneworleans.com.
From now until Feb. 27, Roots and Blues is offering special early-bird ticket pricing for weekend passes. Phone 250-833-4096 or visit www.rootsandblues.ca for more information or to purchase.
