The Red Onion Concert Series is Reviving the Calgary Live Music Scene

Since its inception in October 2004, the Red Onion is living up to its unique reputation. Who ever thought that a blues bar could escape the stereotype of being tavern-like with little more than beer, dirty washrooms and a stage? Well, the Red Onion is bucking all the trends.

Located in Bonavista Square the "Onion'� (as it is affectionately known) combines a clean, comfortable room with an interesting menu and some of the best blues to hit the scene since the demise of the venerable King Eddy. Now, the Onion is poised to launch a "Concert Series'� that will showcase outstanding talent from the local, national and international blues landscape.

Kicking off the concert series on January 21st are local favorites, The Mocking Shadows. This high energy, eight piece Rhythm and Blues-Soul-Funk band are renowned for backing up BB King a few years back and are a treat to see live.

Next is the Mike Clark CD Release Party on February 5th. Clark is a local sax man who is nominated for a prestigious Mapleblues award this year. His eight piece band features Juno award winners Amos Garrett and Johnny V on guitars and a full horn section.

February 11th marks a special day for the Red Onion. Acclaimed guitarist and producer, Roy Rogers drops in for one night to bring his special brand of slide guitar to the stage. Rogers recently released his 12th record entitled, "Live! From the big room at the Sierra Nevada Brewing Company.'� This year is the third time he has been nominated for a W.C. Handy award in the best blues guitarist category. Rogers has played and recorded with many greats including Bonnie Raitt, Eric Clapton, Sammy Hagar, BB King, John Lee Hooker, Norton Buffalo and Linda Ronstadt. He has also produced a number of records, most notably on John Lee Hooker's last four albums, of which "The Healer (1989)'� garnered Hooker a Grammy award. Throughout his career, production and performance work has earned Rogers eight Grammy nominations.

March brings the return of Grammy winner Donald Ray Johnson, Winnipeg blues icon Big Dave Mclean and the CD Release Party for Big Cat Daddy. April leads off with virtuoso harmonica player Carlos del Junco.

In addition to these acclaimed acts, the Red Onion supports the Johnny V "House Rent Blues Jam'� every Thursday (beginning January 27th) and live blues every Friday and Saturday night. This Concert Series is sure to ignite the Calgary music scene. If you're a fan of music, do not miss any of these outstanding acts '" 2005 promises to be an incredible year for the blues.

For more information contact:
Richard Kalef, Owner
Red Onion '" Bar, grill and stage
Phone: 403-225-0332 Fax: 403-225-0332
Email: e-mail protected from spam bots

When you are planning a trip to Alberta Blues Venues, please visit the Alberta Blues music Review at http://www.blues-fest.com/blues-music/Alberta-Blues.htm to help plan your trip and listening. Canadian Blues: http://www.blues-fest.com/blues-music/Canada-Blues.asp