How about a blue Christmas?
Uncle Wiggly’s Tribute to the Blues Songs of Christmas is back this year with a performance at The Hub at Cowichan Station on Dec. 16 starting at 8 p.m.
Uncle Wiggly’s Hot Shoes Blues Band has been around since 1978. They are former RCA Recording Artists and members of the Victoria Music Hall of Fame.
The seven-piece group toured extensively in the ’80s opening for such legends as Muddy Waters, Joe Cocker, James Cotton, Koko Taylor and Paul Butterfield to name a few. Additionally, in January of 2015 UWHSBB had the opportunity to represent B.C. in Memphis at the International Blues Challenge.
So take a turn off the traditional path and enjoy a glimpse into the heart and soul of Christmas from a blues point of view.
Uncle Wiggly (Hank Lionhart) is known for his powerful voice and whether he is performing with gut-wrenching drive or gently caressing a moment of musical tenderness, you’ll feel the magic of the holiday blues right down to your toes. Guitarist Mark “Westcoast” Comerford’s authentic blues style captures the feeling and essence of all these great songs. Along with Andy Graffiti on drums, Jack Lavin on bass, Steve Ranta on keys, Wayne Kozak on sax, and Bryn Badel on trumpet, this show is the blues in every way shape and form.
It’s a collection of traditional blues Christmas tunes from the ’20s, ’30s, ’40s ’50s, and ’60s, by the likes of Louis Jordan, Big Joe Turner, BB King, Eric Clapton, Charles Brown, and Etta James.
It’s not the standard collection of carols, rather it’s a tribute that gives you a look into the souls of the fabulous music legends sharing their Christmas blues. A refreshing take on a holiday concert, it has played to sold-out houses and received rave reviews across the province for the past seven years.
Doors open at 7:30 p.m. with the show starting half an hour later.
Tickets are $20 in advance from Duncan Music or online at eventbrite.ca. If you wait to get them at the door they’ll cost you $25 and you might be disappointed to find the place is sold out. These shows usually sell out quickly.
lexi.bainas@cowichanvalleycitizen.com
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