As part of the 2021/22 Stars for Saskatchewan Concert Series, the Canora Arts Council presents Blue Moon Marquee, to perform at Canora Composite School on March 4.
Blue Moon Marquee group members currently make their home in an island shack on the coast of the Salish Sea in British Columbia, according to a release from OSAC (Organization of Saskatchewan Arts Councils). A.W. Cardinal and Jasmine Colette (a.k.a. “Badlands Jass”) write and perform original compositions influenced by early blues, swing, jazz and ragtime including artists such as Lonnie Johnson, Howlin’ Wolf, Memphis Minnie, and Django Reinhardt. Blue Moon Marquee’s passionate performances and smoldering onstage chemistry is their trademark. It’s something that enthralls audiences from back-room bars to festival stages to the velvet-seated theatres, continued the release. Jasmine Colette, the rhythm section, not only commands the upright bass but also brings the swing with her feet playing drums all while singing harmonies. A.W. Cardinal’s distinctive thick and smoky vocals barrel out like a raging bull. His guitar crackles with the swinging energy of jazz-fingered blues. Recent nominations include: Blues Artist of the Year, 2021 Western Canadian Music Awards; Indigenous Songwriter of the Year, 2021 Canadian Folk Music Awards; Indigenous Artist of the Year, 2018 WCMA; New Artist of the Year, 2013; 6 Maple Blues Awards (2016).
