“It’s remarkable,” Chuck Jackson says.
The local singer is speaking to the staying power of his Downchild Blues Band, which in its 39 years has racked up eight Maple Blues Award nominations, and will be hitting European shores this winter for the first time.
They’ve all but sold out the 275-seat upstairs room at Port Credit Legion for Monday’s New Year’s Eve show, supported by local bluesman Johnny Max, whose band is up for three Maples of its own.
Jackson, guitarist Donnie Walsh, bassist Gary Kendall, drummer Mike Fitzpatrick, keyboardist Michael Fonfara and saxophonist Pat Carey will be delivering Canadian classics such as Flip Flop & Fly, Everything I Need Almost and Shotgun Blues, heard on last year’s well-received Live At The Palais Royale CD (on the Mississauga-based Linus Entertainment label).
“I think that’s one thing about the live album. It really, really shows what the band can do,” says Jackson, who has fronted Downchild for almost 20 years.
“The band is better than ever. In the last year, every concert we’ve played we’ve been getting standing ovations. Every member is strong and just about could be a leader of their own band.”
Downchild supporters are also a breed of their own.
“Our fans are kind of like Toronto Maple Leaf fans,” he muses. “They’re there through thick or thin.”
Jackson is launching a new duo act with Walsh, this winter. And he’s ready to record a "Best of" CD. The singer has also announced the headliners for the 2008 Southside Shuffle Port Credit Blues & Jazz Festival – an international triple threat including the Average White Band, the Funk Brothers and Pat Travers.
Monday’s show goes from 8 p.m.-2 a.m. at Port Credit Legion, 35 Front St. N. Tickets are $75 per person. Call 905-271-9449 or get tickets at Impressionable Gifts, 74 Lakeshore Rd. E. That includes a buffet, champagne and party favours.
On the town tonight: Kim Wetmore Band jams at It’s Web’s.
Friday: Paul Stephens checks into Cuchulainn’s; Elevation does U2 at P.K. Creek.
Friday and Saturday, it’s Jay Douglas at Snug Harbour.
Saturday: Bruce Longman solos at Abbey Road.
Elsewhere on New Year’s Eve, it’s Ronnie & The Jets (Elton John tribute band) at The Harp, Vivian Clement at Lionheart, Shellshock with Michelle Astolfo at Roc ‘N Doc’s, A Is A at On The Curve, Your New Neighbours at West 50, Saltwater at Manchester Arms and Tom Barlow at Failte.
onlinenews@mississauga.net