Sponsors
Lineup
About Harbour Blues 'n Roots
The Harbour Blues ‘n Roots Festival (formally known as Vancouver Island Blues Bash) features local, international, and regional blues and R&B artists/groups in both free to the public and ticketed performances on the beautiful outdoor stage in Victoria’s Inner Harbour, Ship Point Picnic Site.
Tickets
Volunteer
Artist Lineup
The Harpoonist and The Axe Murderer
August 22nd ~8:15pm
One of Canada’s most incendiary live propositions, The Harpoonist & The Axe Murderer are relentless touring artists known for their high-energy performances. Shawn “Harpoonist” Hall vocals/harmonica and Matthew “Axe Murderer” Rogers guitar/bass/foot percussion released Apocalipstick in 2017, the follow up to 2014’s widely acclaimed A Real Fine Mess, which was nominated for “Blues Album of the Year” at the 2015 Juno Awards.
Shemekia Copeland
August 23rd ~8:15pm
Alligator Records’ American electric blues vocalist Shemekia Copeland possesses one of the most instantly recognizable and deeply soulful roots music voices of our time. Daughter of the late blues legend Johnny Copeland, the multi-GRAMMY nominee is honored worldwide for the fearlessness, honesty and humor of her revelatory songs.
Bywater Call
August 24th ~8:15pm
Toronto-based 7-piece supergroup Bywater Call mixes southern soul, blues, and roots music with the passion to create a powerful and moving experience for listeners. Their shows have been praised by European media for years, with lead singer Meghan Parnell lauded as one of the best female voices in blues and roots today.
Wet Future
August 22nd 7:00pm
Opening for Harpoonist & The Axe Murderer
Hailing from the Canadian west coast, Wet Future’s music can be compared to Brooklyn blues bands or the LA punk-rock scene. This high-octane alt-rock group consistently delivers the goods with a wildly sinister live-stage presence and an emphasis on creating a massive, raw sound that fans of many genres and generations can get behind.
James Vickers Band
August 23rd 7:00pm
Opening for Shemekia Copeland
James Vickers Band is an up-and-coming blues-rocking collective based in Nanaimo. Led by 15-year-old Gitxaala, Heiltsuk, Haida Nations and UK rising star, vocalist/guitarist/songwriter James Vickers, he has opened for the legendary Jim Byrnes, Crystal Shawanda, and Wide Mouth Mason.
Slim Sandy's Atomic Cocktails
August 24th 7:00pm
Opening for Bywater Call
Since 1980, vocalist/guitarist/harmonicist Slim Sandy has played roots and swing music with bands like Ray Condo and the Hardrock Goners and the Crazy Rhythm Daddies. With the Atomic Cocktails as well as his other band, the Hillbilly Boppers, he has toured all over the USA, Europe, and at festivals across Canada. Mixing jive, rhythm and blues, and swing from the 30s to the 50s, this Victoria-based group guarantees to get you dancing!
Venue
Ship Point Main Stage
Ship Point at 800 Block Wharf St.
Limited Seating
Food + Beverage (Licensed) Vendors on Site
All Ages
Free Performances (Aug 23/24)
Gates open at 11:30am
Performances from 12pm-4:30pm
Ticketed Performances (Aug 22-24)
Gates open at 6:30pm
Performances starting at 7pm
FAQ
- Lawn Chairs
- Sunscreen
- Water bottles
- Small sun shelters (for infants)
- Dancing shoes
- Animals (Except for registered service animals)
- Large sun shelters
- Outside alcohol
- Tobacco and/or Cannabis
- Professional recording equipment (unless previously authorized by the festival)
Yes, people in wheelchairs can access the site’s public areas!
Yes, children 12 years or younger will be admitted into a Ship Point Main Stage ticketed performance for free if accompanied by a ticket-bearing adult.
There will be bleachers, and due to the open license, there will also be tables and chairs scattered around the site. We encourage you to bring your lawn chairs!
Ruthie Foster
Ship Point, Harbour Blues ‘n Roots 2022
Samantha Fish
Ship Point,
Harbour Blues ‘n Roots 2023
AHI
Hermann’s Upstairs,
Harbour Blues ‘n Roots 2022
Fantastic Negrito
Ship Point,
Harbour Blues ‘n Roots 2023
Artist Submissions
Would you like to perform in the following:
– TD Victoria International JazzFest
– Harbour Blues ‘n Roots Festival
– Year Round Presentations (Mid-September to April)