Local fans of the blues are in for a real treat when Johnny Max’s "A Bluesy Christmas" plays at the Capitol Centre this Saturday.
Two-time JUNO nominee Max will be joined by Downchild lead singer Chuck Jackson and award-winning powerhouse blues belter Cheryl Lescom, described as "the finest female blues singer in the country" who has performed with Ronnie Hawkins.
It amounts to all of your favourite Christmas songs being sung by some of Canada’s favourite Blues voices.
A Bluesy Christmas is a bluesified version of all of your favourite Christmas tunes. From “Merry Christmas, Baby” to “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer” to “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” to “Christmas Time in New Orleans,” says a news release.
It all started as an idea to bring a show to their home of Port Credit and has taken off from there.
"You know all of the songs and will laugh at all of the banter from these close friends."
Joining Max is Chuck Jackson, Downchild’s lead singer and harmonica player, described as "the sort of openhearted, friendly guy who builds an instant rapport with audiences."
He came to Downchild 35 years ago and is an award-winning singer and several of his songs can be heard on the many Downchild and Hogtown Allstars recordings. Jackson, a dynamic harmonica player, is also the founder and artistic director of the annual award-winning Tim Hortons Southside Shuffle Blues and Jazz Festival celebrating its 27th Anniversary in 2025.
With Downchild, Jackson has appeared on 10 CDs, been nominated for seven Junos and won two Junos for "Blues Album of the Year." He has been nominated eight times as "Male Vocalist of the Year" at the Maple Blues Awards in Toronto, winning twice.
"Being able to play the music I love and entertain the wonderful people across Canada and around the world is certainly a dream come true and one I will continue to follow,” says Jackson.
Meanwhile, Cheryl Lescom has just released her fifth recording titled 1953 on Busted Flat Records.
During a 40-year career, Lescom fronted several of her own bands before becoming a backup singer for Ronnie Hawkins and touring with Long John Baldry.
She has toured and performed with the likes of Jeff Healey, Matt Minglewood, Dutch Mason, Downchild, Jack de Keyzer, Del Shannon, David Wilcox, Mel Brown, Paul James, and The Detroit Women.
Lescom is known for having “one of the best and biggest voices in Canada.”
Tickets are $40...$25 for seniors.
You can buy your tickets here or at the box office. Showtime is 7:30.
