Belleville Downtown Blues Festival

Downtown Blues is a Blues for Food movement and is a collaboration between Carol Feeney and Tony Vani, two native Bellevillians who have known each other since high school years. Feeney, former ED of the Quinte Arts Council and City Councilor, has extensive experience in creating and producing quality music festivals and programs. She has 2 Queen’s Jubilee awards for volunteerism, service to Canada and community.

Tony Vani, retired educator and professional musician, has worked at a Belleville School Board with children experiencing exceptionalities, implementing life skill programing and developing musical programs for the children. He has organized open mics for those who otherwise would not have opportunities to perform and is a music instructor for those who cannot afford regular lessons. Tony has generously volunteered his musical services to the city of Belleville and other agencies such as Three Oaks Foundation, shelter and services for women and their children.

Downtown Blues mission is to provide a quality blues music experience to residents and visitors to the City of Belleville, engage local musicians, activate our downtown core and provide vital funding and resources for Gleaners Foodbank or another needy organization in our city in the future. Downtown Blues is a registered company and our objective is to create an annual event that will be entertaining, educational, and serve those in need.

“Belleville Downtown Blues is the newest blues festival in Canada and the only one that occurs between Toronto and Ottawa. We are grateful for the support of our sponsors and the offer of discounted rooms from Best Western to help us attract tourists and support our downtown.” says Carol Feeney, Co-founder and Producer of Downtown Blues.

“The Belleville Downtown Blues Festival, put on by Downtown Blues, will be wild, Wild T that is, along with other great acts”, states Tony Vani, Co-Founder and Musical Director of Downtown Blues.