Organizers of Orillia’s newly revived and revamped spring blues festival are bringing the bands into the light this year.

Spread over two days, the June 6 and 7 event features a bevy of local artists in addition to a slate of big-name talent – the latter to entertain from an outdoor stage strategically stationed in the city’s core.

“Having an outdoor main stage in the downtown is an exciting new venture for the Orillia Spring Blues Festival,” said event chair Joe Fecht. “This year we will showcase five bands that are both entertaining and represent a palette of blues music.”

Mainstage performances take place on the Saturday along Mississaga Street East in the parking lot between Peter and Matchedash Streets.

Topping the bill is legendary East Coast guitar slinger, singer and songwriter Matt Minglewood, whose chops and charm earned him the 2005 Maple Blues Entertainer of the Year.

“The East Coast has produced a lot of great blues acts over the years,” said artistic director Lance Anderson. “Matt is a great entertainer. You can’t be in this business for 35 years and tour across this country back and forth and not be a great entertainer. It is going to be like an East Coast party.”

Powerhouse singing sensation, Juno nominee and fellow mainstage performer Shakura S’Aida earned accolades at the 2008 International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tenn.

“Orillia is lucky to have her,” Anderson added. “Her notoriety has gone up so much. She is playing to 10,000 people at the Montreal Jazz Festival.”

Up-and-comers Blackburn offer a fusion of soul, blues, pop, jazz, and reggae.

The Johnny Max Band, and local favourites Wayne Buttery and the Groove Project are also booked to play the outdoor stage.

A $10 fee permits access to all mainstage performances.

Aficionados of this rich genre will also have multiple opportunities to enjoy a wealth of bands and solo artists at local bars and restaurants over both days.

Mel Brown, former Edward Bear-guitarist Danny Marks and Ronnie Douglas are among those filling out the program, as are the Sensations, the Dunk Band, Jake and the Fundamentals, the Ken Meyer Quartet, and Johnny Flamingo and the Livingroom Experience.

Chris Smart and the Real Deal, MT and the Toasters and the Joy and Jay Trio are also on the roster.

Participating venues include Brewery Bay Food Co., Filou Bistro, Ossawippi Express, branch 34 of the Royal Canadian Legion, Maria’s Restaurant, McCabes Eatery and Lounge, Caddyshack’s, the Downtowner Bar and Grill, Tux II, and Zats.

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