Downchild Blues Band’s Lead Singer Chuck Jackson Announced as the Musical Director for 2012 Wasaga Beach Blues 

(image: Chuck Jackson)

When Mark Crowe established a blues festival in Wasaga Beach last summer, the response was phenomenal, so Crowe, who dreams big, is delivering a larger and better festival - Wasaga Beach Blues; three days of great music from some of the best blues musicians in Canada on Aug. 24 to 26 at Stonebridge Town Centre in Wasaga Beach.

Who better to expand upon last year’s success than bluesman Chuck Jackson, lead singer of Downchild Blues Band?  Jackson, Festivals and Events Ontario Hall of Fame inductee is the festival’s new musical director: Downchild headlined last year’s Stonebridge Blues. "After all the great years I spent with my family vacationing and later performing at the Beach, this is a thrill to help bring music back to Wasaga. Wasaga Beach Blues is going to be a blast," Jackson says.

The merchants at Stonebridge Town Centre and the Town of Wasaga Beach are jazzed about Jackson’s involvement and look forward to making some noise in the Beach.

Jackson, the founder and artistic director of the Tim Horton’s Southside Shuffle Blues and Jazz Festival in Mississauga is already chock full of ideas. Jackson, who has been with Downchild for 22 years, brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to the second annual festival.

An award-winning singer, Jackson is also a songwriter and harmonica player: Besides several awards with Downchild, he has won the Maple Blues Award, Male Vocalist of the Year twice, and Toronto Blues Society’s prestigious Blues With a Feeling Award for his achievements during a distinguished 42 year-career. The exciting lineup for Wasaga Beach Blues will be announced shortly.

Visit www.wasagabeachblues.com.