I've been attending the Bluesaganza fundraiser for the last several years. The event is organized by the local chapter of the Autism Society with the help of Jim Casson. Jim has been part of this fundraiser since its inception and he was originally involved simply out of wanting to give something back but unfortunately, a couple of years in, it became a personal cause as his son was diagnosed with one form of Autism. As with all fundraisers there was a silent auction table, raffle draws, $50 and $100 squares and 50/50 tickets.

Roy York - Autism Society

When we arrive shortly after 8 pm, we spot two of our friends from The Duck, one local and one who drives down from Buffalo most Saturdays for the matinee. They are sitting at a table at the front and luckily for us there just happens to be two empty chairs. We ask if we can join them and just like that, we have front row seats!

Within a couple of songs we are up and dancing and except for the slow dances and the odd tune here and there, the dance floor is where we stay the whole night. All of the regular Blues Cruisers from The Duck are there as well. The sound is very good this year and being up front sure makes a huge difference in regards to the atmosphere.

The band consists of Jim Casson on drums, Dave Curry on guitar, Mark Lalama on keyboard, and Garth Vogan on bass. A nice treat is the addition of Men in Black on horns with Toby Stewart on tenor sax, Gord Aeichele on baritone and alto sax, and Brian Scriver on trumpet. The guests this year are Johnny Max, who is entertaining and loads of fun as usual; Steve Strongman who plays a mean guitar and harmonica, and Chuck Jackson who wows the crowd with his vocals and charisma. They each thrill the crowd with their individual performances while being backed by a tight and experienced band. At the end of each set they join together for several tunes. The crowd shows their appreciation with cheers and applause. By the end of the first set everyone is dancing up a storm. We even got one of our friends, who never dances, on the floor a few times.

Mark Lalama on keyboards

Men in Black - Toby Stewart (tenor sax), Gord Aeichele (bari and alto sax),
Brian Scriver (trumpet)

Jim Casson on drums

(Unfortunatley I have no clear shot of Dave Curry on guitar or
Garth Vogan on bass - sorry guys!)

This day, March 20, is also the one-year anniversary of the great Mel Brown's passing and I am wearing my Mel Brown t-shirt in tribute. Steve Strongman notices this from the stage and gives me a thumbs up. During the break, he mentions to me that he has spoken with Miss Angel earlier in the day and she has told him that a group of friends would be gathering at his gravesite to pay him tribute. During the next set, he speaks to the audience about Mel and of his experience playing with him and dedicates a song to him.

During the second and third break, the prizewinners are drawn. Luck seems to be hanging out at the front tables - our Buffalo friend wins the $100 square and someone at the table beside us wins the 50/50 (which I think is close to $500). Jim also delivers an inspiring plea to the audience, sharing his very personal story about his son.

I shoot some great pics of the various performers throughout the night although my batteries die close to the end. I dance all night long and have some great conversations with tons of great people. There are two other couples sitting at the table and I hear them say, "I didn't know this was blues. This is great!" I hear that often from people who are first-timers at the Duck. The "Blues" is a feeling and not everyone gets it but when you do, you can't shake it.

When the evening wraps up, we sit around and chat some more. Since I am the designated driver and our two friends have cabbed over, I offer to drive them home (our Buffalo friend is obviously staying overnight). I then drive my girlfriend home and we make plans for the next day.

Another fabulous blues gathering in St. Catharines. Tomorrow Mississauga.

Part 3 - the Sky Lounge with Jack de Keyzer, Jerome Godboo, Shane Scott, and Al Cross - to be continued.

Johnny Max

Steve Strongman

Chuck Jackson

Johnny Max and Steve Strongman - The Jacksonettes - as backup singers!

Mark Lalama and Steve Strongman