Blues on Whyte Grand re-opening featuring Jason Elmore & Hoodoo Witch.

While live music venues seem to come and go around Yeg-town there is one that stands out as a cornerstone of all things LIVE!

Blues on Whyte in the Commercial Hotel is getting a much deserved spruce up. With no major changes since it opened it’s doors back in 1985, it was time to do some updates. While the original charm and character will still be in place it needed some updates like a complete overhaul of the audio system, new stage, new furniture, a new bar and  better sight lines from around the room. Denton Morrell, the Blues on Whyte manager, mentions that it was important to consult the regulars on what they wanted to see happen with the changes as well as keeping in mind the new generation of music goers to come through the doors.

While construction has been ongoing for a while, the venue has managed to stay open. It has been quite a logistical feat with contractors working through the day and live music in the evenings. They will be getting things back to a normal schedule starting with the grand re-opening on Wednesday and Thursday April 27th-28th with Jason Elmore & Hoodoo Witch scheduled to hit the stage as the first act in the completely updated venue.

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The 50 Best Small Music Venues in Canada!

I received an email from a gentleman who owns an online ticketing website in the U.S. In the email he mentioned that I might be interested in a new article that they published last week called The 50 Best Small Music Venues in Canada . I thought it would be an interesting read so I dug in and of course being from Edmonton I went searching for any live music venues that might have made the list here in YEG Town. I came across two entries from Edmonton that hit this elite group of fifty. I know you might be thinking Blues On Whyte or The New Needle or even On The Rocks ( to name only a few that came to mind ). Nope none of those made the list. Quite frankly one of the two that did make the list would not even be on my list as a live music venue let alone a top fifty in Canada.

Before I tell you the names of these two venues I want to say that they are great contributers to our city for entertainment and dancing but should not have been picked as Edmonton’s Best Small Live Music Venues.

Are you ready for this? 

Knoxville’s Tavern

Sugar Swing

Knoxville’s has on occasion featured live music events, maybe two or three a year. A great night spot but I don’t think the best the city has to offer as a live music venue. I am sure the owners and management over there were just as surprised to hear the news. And Sugar Swing is well, not a live music venue. They are a Swing Dance Instruction Studio. 

Did this Author hit the mark or miss the boat on other Cities and live music venues in the list? Let us know!

Maybe Canadians should be making our own lists.

Cam Edwards

Barsnbands.com - Western Canada’s Live Music Guide

http://music.cbc.ca/#!/artists/Olivia-Rose-Leaf Olivia Rose Leaf graces our radio waves at Indie Radio Canada with her song Makeup To Mud. 

Already having 10 years of stage experience behind her, this 16 year old is getting set to debut her first radio single titled “Make up to Mud”. The song has a chorus that will leave you singing it long after she has delivered the last note proving she is a gifted songwriter.

The last four years have been a whirlwind of amazing opportunities for Olivia Rose. Having already performed on some of Alberta’s finest stages, 2015 will prove to be her biggest challenge yet.

Served it's purpose in the Abyss @barsnbands

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Heaviside from Edmonton.

http://barsnbands.net/listings/bands/85/

Check em out.

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