A chilly night of hot blues (photos)

Despite the chilly night air, evening number one of the Sault Jazz and Blues Festival International 2007 was red hot and blue indeed.

The event kicked off with the local boys of Tomfoolery, featuring the undeniable talent of Paul Delevadova and special guest guitarist, Joel Poluck.

Next up was the Southern Ontario multi-genre outfit, Taxi Chain.

An almost schizophrenic, yet completely engaging blend of celtic, R&B, jazz, pop and rock, the band featured twice as many instruments as players, including mandolin, flute, saxophone, bagpipes and tin whistle to name a few.

Their riveting performance was full of moxie, humour and outstanding skill.

Closing the night off, the Gary Kendall Band featured of course, Gary Kendall and Tyler Burgess, two members of Canadian blues legend, the Downchild Blues Band.

"It appears as though we're not playing to a full house tonight, but that's OK," said Kendall about three songs into the set. "One of my favourite gigs there was all but two of us. We're gonna have fun."

The band had every toe a tappin' with it's swinging style and happy-go-lucky nature.

The Sault Jazz and Blues Festival International continues all day today with the Northern Jazz Ensemble, Mocombo, the J. Scali Quattro, Adam Smale, Loco Zydeco, and Dawn Tyler Watson and the Trevor Finlay Band.

Admission is free between noon and 6 p.m. and food and refreshments are available on site from Smack Daddy's Bar and Grill.

I recommend the juicy and perfectly seasoned porketta sandwich to compliment the equally juicy music.

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