2021
OUTDOOR CONCERTS
FRIDAY, AUG 20th
Mo Kenney
Breagh Isabel
Campbell & Johnston
Colette Deveaux
Voodoo Sometimes
and hosted by
Rankin & the Broken Reeds
SATURDAY, AUG 21ST
Jah'Mila
Willie Stratton Trio
Tyler & Abbey Mullendore
Barn Bhreagh
Aaron MacDonald
Eddie Cummings
Mike MacInnis
the Travelling Nobodies
and hosted by
Rankin & the Broken Reeds
Rankin MacInnis
w/the Broken Reeds
FRIDAY & SATURDAY
Our host and co-organizer, Rankin creates moments. Whether it's just him and his band crowded around the piano surrounded by a frenzy, or he's bursting through the curtains with bagpipes as electric guitars and horns rage on. What he guarantees is a show.
On 'House Party', an album released with Party Boots (2019) of a recording of an absolute legend of a party, you can hear a bunch of these moments from needle drop to stopping click.
Currently, he and his shiny new band are throwing down in the studio for their debut EP, set to be released well before Blueberry Jam 2022!
MO KENNEY
FRIDAY
Just like a mask—that so-called disguise which, in fact, often reveals something profound and otherwise secret about the individual who wears it—Mo’s recent release “Covers” offers a glimpse into the molecular musical composition of the artist interpreting them.
Kenney’s willingness to unflinchingly pursue her artistic impulses on her own terms has resulted in numerous accolades over the past decade, including a 2013 SOCAN Songwriting Prize for her song “Sucker,” a nomination for the 2016 Adult Alternative Album of the Year JUNO for In My Dreams, and too many East Coast Music Awards and Nova Scotia Music Awards to count. And despite the uncertainty of live music in 2020, the year will find Kenney exploring new and innovative ways to connect with her fans.
Welcome to Blueberry Jam, Mo!
JAH'MILA
SATURDAY
Wrapped in the roots of the reggae family tree, Jah'Mila stands tall with music that is lyrically creative, tastefully arranged, masterfully
delivered and positively inspiring.
Most recently Jah'Mila released a powerful new single called "Chant Their Names." A cry for change in a system that has repeatedly failed the Black community, the lyrics beg the police to assess their ethics and policies while also imploring all of us to keep the memory of those countless victims alive by chanting their names out loud.
Welcome to you and your band, Jah'Mila. We're excited for your debut!
BREAGH ISABEL
FRIDAY
Breagh Isabel is a Canadian songwriter, producer, and recording artist. Born and raised on Cape Breton Island, she grew up in a musical family and trained as a jazz pianist. As a songwriter and producer, Breagh has a growing list of cuts including singles by Jocelyn Alice, BANNERS, and Donovan Woods. Her studio work ranges from singer-songwriter to pop. Most recently, her foray into composing and producing for film and television landed her a featured track on CW’s Batwoman and Grey’s Anatomy.
A talented performer in her own right, Breagh’s voice has been likened to “strong medicine." Her signature smoky delivery quietly features on the records of some of Canada’s most treasured artists — most recently Classified’s Billboard top 40 hit “Good News”. Breagh’s years spent working behind the scenes have inspired an artist project of her own. Her forthcoming debut single, “Girlfriends," was released with Warner Music Canada on June 4th 2021.
Welcome to our side of the island, Breagh!
WILLIE STRATTON
SATURDAY
2019 Music Nova Scotia's "Entertainer Of The Year", Willie Stratton brings a blend of Blues, Country, Funk, Bluegrass, and Rock-N-Roll that always leaves audience members wanting more. He's talented... and a whole lotta fun.
Still holding the title, Willie continues on and just recently released a new single 'The Way She Holds Me', which should soon be a classic on speakers in the East Coast.
Welcome back to the Willie Stratton Trio and we can't wait for your debut on the outdoor stage!
CAMPBELL & JOHNSTON
FRIDAY
Halifax Blues-Rock power duo, Christine Campbell & Blake Johnston have been building a name for themselves, entertaining audiences with their soulful tone, 60's and 70s rock style guitar riffs & bewitching vocal harmonies, and opening up for some big names, like Burton Cummings, Steve Earle & Bob Segar.
2020 was a challenging year for all musicians, but, it's always darkest before the dawn, and on May 20th 2021, they release their new self titled EP, Campbell & Johnston’s Black Market Band. This new record produced by Johnston himself, adds a touch of their old school rock influences with a modern twist on blues and soul.
Welcome back to the Jammmm. We're very excited to see you on the outdoor stage this time!
BARN BHREAGH
SATURDAY
Cape Breton’s Barn Bhreagh are like family. Jesse Cox, Isabella Samson, Morgan Toney and Keith Mullins have come together because they love to be and play music together.
All having made albums at Barn Bhreagh Studios with producer Keith Mullins, they back each other on each others songs and bring a mix of roots folk singer songwriter, Indigenous and Cape Breton Celtic Tunes all for the fun of it.
Welcome Barn Bhreagh to An Drochaid and Blueberry Jam!
COLETTE DEVEAUX
FRIDAY
Colette Deveaux is a singer songwriter who has been making music in Cape Breton and around the Maritimes for the last 8 years. Her raw, powerful lyrics and impressive guitar chops are often compared to Laura Marling, Nora Jones and Slayer... just kidding. Colette’s long awaited debut album, ‘Honey’ was released in December 2020 and is available for download on over 150 music streaming platforms. Colette is currently working on her sophomore album due in 2021.
Welcome to the Jam, Colette, and the same to your band!
D'AMBROSIA
SATURDAY
D'Ambrosia started as a collaboration between Kim D'Ambrogi (singer/songwriter) and Mike Trask (co-writer/producer). The result was a studio album recorded at the Echo Chamber in Halifax, featuring a studio band from New Brunswick (comprised of Mike Trask and members of Les Hay Babies).
Following recording, Kim joined forces with a Halifax band to start performing these songs live together as D’Ambrosia. In May 2019, D’Ambrosia played an album release show at The Carleton to launch the album, Wild Blue. Since, D’Ambrosia has performed at numerous Halifax venues, plus many Nova Scotia festivals and events.
D’Ambrosia’s sound is a mix of rock, folk and bluesy tunes laced with sultry vocals. Current band members include Shawn Mullen, Ryan Cox, Matt Whiston, and Mark Bachynski. While shows slowed down in 2020, D’Ambrosia has continued to work on writing and recording, and are looking forward to playing shows again!
Welcome to Mabou and Blueberry Jam, D'Ambrosia!
TYLER & ABBEY
MULLENDORE
SATURDAY
From mud pies to music, Cape Breton sibling’s Tyler & Abby (Mullendore) have been a joint force in whatever they decide to do in life.
Growing up in Lake Ainslie without a Movie Theatre was tough. The pair had to resort to swimming, fishing, and music – not such a bad thing. Raised on 33’s; they grew up in good company with the likes of John Prine, Fleetwood Mac, Elvis, or Minglewood blazing from the speakers at any given moment.
By their teens; they had hung up the boxing gloves and strapped on the “6 string”. By their 20’s they were lighting up the stage together. Now with lives and kids of their own, they always make time for their passion.
Welcome to Blueberry Jam, fam jam!
AARON MACDONALD
SATURDAY
Out of the woods of Mabou, a little town that beats in the musical heart of western Cape Breton Island, comes the soulful, ever-captivating, folk-rock singer Aaron MacDonald. It’s this small-town lifestyle that breeds much of the inspiration for this grizzled ECMA nominee. Aaron has pounded the East Coast and Canadian music scene for many years, now armoured with new material and a desire to get it to the people, he’s back from the shadows of Route 19.
It’s a bit of a resurgence of late for MacDonald in 2021. This indie songwriter is quietly making his mark despite the pandemic. His first single this year, “Gonna Get There” hit #1 on the East Coast with his outlaw country follow-up, “My Soul & Me”, making an East Coast Top 5 splash, Aaron MacDonald has undoubtedly stepped back into the East Coast Music scene. He has been named as one of CBC Music Searchlight’s Top 100 Emerging Artists of 2021.
His latest single, “United (We Can Carry On)”, is available everywhere.
Welcome back to Blueberry Jam, Aaron!
MIKE MACINNIS
SATURDAY
Mike MacInnis has written more than one hundred songs, and in all sorts of genres; songs that are expressed with authenticity for whatever form & style that serves the song best.
Mike's original music has charted on National and local charts. Songs he had recorded in the 90's are still requested when he performs today. Some of his music has been placed on BMG's Greatest Music Herd Compilations with some of Nashville's biggest artists.
More recently, Mike performed on and co-produced the "Journey of Healing CD" to support continued healing for the Indian Residential School Survivors.
Welcome to Blueberry Jam, 'Uncle' Mike!
EDDIE CUMMINGS
SATURDAY
Eddie Cummings is a singer/songwriter from Mabou, Cape Breton. He first released an album with his band in 2011, called “Perfect 10”, with the single “Lost and Found” reaching number 1 on the East Coast Countdown for several weeks.
His musical travelings have taken him to various stages around Nova Scotia, as well as the BlueBird Cafe in Nashville, Tennessee. His style, that has a gritty, yet easy listening feel, encompasses something for everyone.
His latest single “This is Real”, is now available on most digital download platforms such as iTunes, Spotify etc. Find all this and more at eddiecummingsmusic.com
EDDDDDDIE! Welcome to the Jam!
VOODOO SOMETIMES
FRIDAY
Voodoo Sometimes is a psychedelic jam-band comprised of Matthew Fraser (lead guitar/vocals), Aidan Zann-Roland (Bass), and Garret Jenkins (Drums). Their music is fused with high-energy performances creating a portal straight to the dance floor! Keep a lookout for the release date of their debut album named after the title track “Hummingbird’s Vice,” this upcoming fall. They are currently based in Halifax, NS.
Jam band at the Jam. Welcome boys!
THE TRAVELLING NOBODIES
SATURDAY
The Travelling Nobodies are a collection of young and talented musicians from across Nova Scotia. The band is made up of Nathan Langley (Lead Guitar/Vocals) from Country Harbour, Pete Lumsden (Vocals/Rhythm Guitar) from Canso, Alasdair Cameron (Bass) from Mabou, and Heidi “Gizmo” Burns (Drums) from St. Andrew’s. Best known for their energetic stage presence, the Nobodies bring an eclectic blend of folk and rock to every performance.
Welcome to the Jam, you Travelling Nobodies!