Music Promoter June Hiscock and presenting sponsors FRIENDS OF VICTORIA PARK continue the development of "WHALIN' THE BLUES", an indoor/outdoor festival during July that acknowledges and celebrates three decades of Blues Music History in Newfoundland and Labrador, while highlighting creative community initiatives regarding the environment.

With financial assistance from the Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council and Blues Patrons, almost thirty local blues musicians were hired, as well as presenting Blues Legend Eddie Kirkland from Macon, Georgia for the 2001 festival.
WHALIN' THE BLUES 2002 is in the planning stages and set for mid July. We'll let you know our confirmed dates very soon. Stay tuned...The Blues is a Healing.
Photos Below
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WHALIN' THE BLUES 2001 * ST. JOHN'S, NEWFOUNDLAND & LABRADOR


During the week of July 8-14, 2001, acoustic and electric blues by local musicians was showcased at the Fat Cat Blues Bar and Bridie Molloy's Guinness Pub & Eatery, presented on whale-watching boat tours, and beach clean-ups/"moonlighting parties". The finale for "Whalin' The Blues" was an all day free festival in Victoria Park, that acknowledged and promoted our blues music community while suggesting creative ways to address environmental issues.

During "Whalin' The Blues 2001", beach clean-ups took place in Blackhead, Ferryland Downs, Bareneed, The Arches near Cowhead, Tors Cove, Little Gut Beach, and Little Barasway. Out of town visitors took part and thought this was a great way to introduce people to the beaches of Newfoundland and suggested it was a great enviro message that they would continue with their families and friends. Whales were spotted from Blackhead and Ferryland Downs beaches while doing the clean-ups.

Leading up to the outdoor festival was a week long celebration of blues music beginning with an "ALL STAR" BLUES Jam Session at the Fat Cat hosted by Billion Dollar Blue$ Band. {This young 5-piece band hosts a very popular weekly event every Sunday}. Acoustic blues was showcased at Bridie Molloy's with Denis Parker and Mike Davis on Monday. Tuesday's WOM*MEN JAMMIN* at the Fat Cat was the second annual fundraiser for Blackhead Chapel Restoration Project with various artists performing including Andea Monro, Wayne Butler, Anne Shea, Kyla Tilley, and Bob MacDonald. The Cookstown Jukes performed Delta Blues and original music on Wednesday at the Fat Cat. Darrell Cooper's electrifying rockin' blues was showcased on Thursday. The emphasis was on special guest Gypsy of the Blues Eddie Kirkland from Macon, Georgia, on both Friday and Saturday nights with opening acts Big Red and Power House Blues Band on Friday and Darrell Cooper & DC-3 plus Denis Parker Band on Saturday.

Throughout the week, Moonlighting presented three successful blues cruises with live music and whale-watching on board Morrissey Johnson's SEA KRUZ which attracted tourists and local fans. These cruises are mostly self-sustaining and very well received by everyone. Whales were kind of shy this week, but were seen on two of our blues cruises to Cape Spear.

Seeds were planted within the blues music community and with partners Friends of Victoria Park in 2000 and 2001, to produce and develop this unique and educational focus on the province's blues history and environmental issues. June Hiscock's company Moonlighting has a background in promoting special events and has been booking and promoting blues music for almost a decade. FOVP partnered with Hiscock to access the blues music community as a vehicle for delivery of their intent to revitalize this very unique downtown park. There is only two of its kind in Canada for Park buffs.

Recognizing the important contribution to our music culture with an annual blues festival creates employment, awareness and promotion of our music industry, as well as a network of support. This project has planted seeds necessary for protecting and supporting growth for two of our most precious natural resources - our music community and our endangered environment. We are very interested in promoting community as well as inviting tourism potential, and seeking out environmentally friendly partners.

Thanks to the Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council for financial assistance with this very important project.

And also thanks to Living Planet Casuals (Clifts Bairds Cove, St. John's) Visit Living Planet or The Newfoundland Store at www.cheapshirts.com
If you'd like to find out more about Whalin' The Blues, contact
moonmusic@nfld.com
Moonlighting Promotions
Music Industry Services
(709) 754-5836
[fax (709) 738-6666 (738-MOON)]
http://www.moonmusic.nfld.com Corner Brook Corner Brook