BELLEVILLE DOWNTOWN BLUES EVENT SCHEDULE

PAUL DENYES AND
GREG HINDE

Nothin’ But the Blues

Paul Denyes along with Greg Hinde (host of Sideroads 993 CountyFM) will host a Blues workshop (“Nothin But the Blues”) on Sept 6th, @  11am at the Belleville Public Library.  The theme this year is “Classic Blues Singers” along with audio/video for your personal enjoyment.

MATT SMITH TRIO

Matt Smith is a diverse veteran multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, and songwriter, specializing in roots styles, with a vast repertoire of unique interpretations of classic standards from jazz to country, as well as rock, all deeply informed by the blues. He is a world class mandolinist, and bottleneck slide guitarist. The Matt Smith Trio elevates the repertoire to new heights and often uncharted territory with collaborators and brilliant journeymen, Gary Buffett on drums and Phil Woodard on bass! 

SOULFIRE BAND

Hailing from Eastern Ontario, SoulFire is a seasoned live band known for their engaging mix of blues, rock, and soul. With a lineup of pro musicians, SoulFire brings a polished, energetic sound that connects with audiences and keeps the dance floor moving.

Blending tight musicianship with a warm stage presence, the band delivers a well-crafted performance that spans retro grooves, classic blues, and soulful rock favorites. Their shows offer something for everyone—always lively, always authentic, and always fun.

At the heart of SoulFire is Anne “Mamavox” Misztal, whose expressive vocals, fervent harmonica playing, and natural charisma anchor the group’s sound. Guitarist and vocalist Gene Clayton adds soulful vocals with his sizzling guitar work, while Deborah Schuurmans brings color and character on keys. Holding it all together are Michael Filer on bass and Thomas Usher on drums, creating a solid, danceable rhythm section.

SoulFire: Rock the blues. Feel the fire. Ignite your soul.

BLUE SYL and the SWEET HOME BAND

Sylvester Livingstone, known as Blue Syl, is a rising Canadian blues artist with roots in the USA and Chicago’s vibrant blues scene. His quest for uniqueness led him to Siberia, where he learned throat singing, giving his voice a profound and distinctive depth. He also pioneered a unique guitar style by fusing open tunings with both picking and slide techniques. Now based in Canada, Blue Syl captivates audiences with his innovative blend of tradition, originality, and soulful expression.​

PEGGY VOIGHT WITH ALLAN BERGMAN

Women in Blues

Your host Peggy Voigt with guitarist Alan Bergman will share musical examples of some of Blues Music’s notable female artists. Featuring songs and stories from Ruth Brown, Big Mama Thornton and modern artists such as Suzi Vinnick, Georgette Fry and Laura Somers  Peggy Voigt is a local Blues Musician and the former director of the Frankford Island Blues Festival, past President of the local Blues Society, the Loyal Blues Fellowship where she also held the position of Director for Blues in the Schools Program. “Music IS Medicine “ is her Motto.

RECONSIDER BABY

Lovers of SRV, Hendrix & Clapton are in for a treat. Blues band Reconsider Baby have passion for the genre & seek to celebrate the greats with energetic live performances and inspirational jam outs.  Fans will be sure to enjoy our recreations from the legends of blues guitar.

Freddie Vendetta Workshop

How To Write a Saturday Night Blues Song

Presented by Reverend FREDDIE VENDETTA, this one-hour seminar will examine various aspects of creating a Saturday Night Blues Song focusing on lyrics.

Several of the reverend’s songs will be performed and diagnosed to assist in the process. Hopefully by the end of the seminar, group members will be rewarded with a wonderful musical experience and maybe even the best damn party jam ever!

The only requirements of each participant are an open mind, a fun attitude, a willingness to participate and materials for making notes.

DIANA BRAITHWAITE AND CHRIS WHITELEY BAND

The blues couple have recorded 8 previous albums together and have toured all over North America, UK and Europe winning numerous awards for their songwriting and albums together.

Their first CD collaboration, MORNING SUN, garnered rave reviews, extensive air play, and led to multiple Canadian MAPLE BLUES NOMINATIONS & AWARDS, including Album of the year, and Acoustic Act of the year.

Their second albums, also recorded for the Electro-Fi label, NIGHT BIRD BLUES was extremely well received, with great reviews and airplay internationally. It led to them being awarded 3 MAPLE BLUES AWARDS in January 2010, including being recognized as SONGWRITERS OF THE YEAR. Their third Electro-Fi release, DeltaPhonic, led to more Maple Blues Awards, and reached number 1 on B.B. Kings Bluesville XM Sirius satellite radio network.

The couple are now residents in Prince Edward County

Tony Silvestri

Tony Silvestri, a Belleville-born musician, began performing at a young age with his first band, Immortality, releasing an album at just 10 or 11. A pianist, singer-songwriter, producer, and sound engineer, he blends progressive rock with influences ranging from Ray Charles to Radiohead, earning praise as a “super virtuoso.” He has shared the stage with major acts like Jeff Healey, The Glorious Sons, Pat Benatar, and April Wine, and recorded an EP produced by Rob Baker of The Tragically Hip. Active in both Belleville and Kingston, Silvestri is a regular at The Empire Theatre and The Cove Inn, while also performing with groups such as Goldwing, Dead Root Revival, and Lotus Shaker.

The Stir: Belleville’s Blues Powerhouse

Born from a love of blues and a drive to keep its rich history alive, The Stir, whose members have been performing together and individually for decades, is a dynamic blues-based band that brings raw energy and soul to every stage they play. Featuring Tony Vani—co-founder of the Belleville Downtown Blues Festival—on vocals, harmonica, and guitar, the band is rooted in a deep appreciation for legends like Paul Butterfield, Albert King, and Muddy Waters.

The Stir’s lineup is a powerhouse of musical talent: Ron Nicolas delivers searing lead guitar licks, Greg Cici holds down the groove on bass, and Gary Buffet keeps the rhythm tight on drums. Together, they create a sound that’s steeped in tradition while electrified with their own unique flair.

Whether they’re belting out timeless blues classics or putting their own spin on the genre, The Stir captures the essence of what makes blues music so enduring—passion, grit, and storytelling that resonates with every note. From the smoky backrooms of Belleville bars to festival stages beyond, they’re keeping the blues alive, one performance at a time

MISS EMILY

Born an 8th generation Prince Edward County offspring, Emily Fennell made the move in 2004 to Kingston, Ontario where the trajectory of her career and the Miss Emily moniker was born.

Now in her 21st year as a full-time artist, Emily tours Canada, the US, the UK and Europe regularly.

The 2022 JUNO Nominee (Blues Album of the Year) and International Songwriting Competition winner just added a third ‘Female Artist of the Year’ trophy to her collection at last year’s Maple Blues Awards in Toronto.

She has an innovative spirit and creative force born out of necessity, and her incomparable vocals are surpassed only by her electrifying, roof-rattling performances.

Her new album ‘The Medicine’, produced by Grammy and JUNO Award winning Colin Linden, is slated for release later this year.

Photo by Céline Klein.