For almost a year, Victoria blues musicians and fans have been celebrating Eric LeBlanc’s contribution to the local music scene with a series of Blues for Eric benefit concerts.
For 33 years LeBlanc was one of the world’s great disc jockeys, serving up an authoritative, weekly radio show on University of Victoria’s tiny CFUV-FM. When Eric died of cancer, friends and fans who missed his raspy, Quebecois-accented radio voice, deep knowledge of the blues, and warm and generous personality established the Eric LeBlanc Memorial Scholarship at the University of Victoria, for students in the school’s jazz program.
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They’ve hosted a series of inspired, fundraising performances at The Oaks Restaurant and Tea Room in Oak Bay Village. The next benefit concert celebrates Mardi Gras a little late with SP & Johnny’s Rhumba Kings.
Jack Lavin, the Juno-award-winning ex-Powder Blues founding member, joins Dave Harris (well-known for his one man band) and Sharon Wadsworth as a bluesy trio that plays an assortment of instruments.
SP and Johnny’s Rhumba Kings perform their swampy, New Orleans-inspired music for another Blues for Eric benefit concert at The Oaks on March 16 at 7 p.m.
Tickets are $20 available at The Oaks Restaurant and Tearoom,2250 Oak Bay Ave.
Call 250-590-3355 for more information.
Next month, Patrick Boyle and His Hot Four are lined up to celebrate the music of Louis Armstrong at The Oaks on April 13.
c.vanreeuwyk@blackpress.ca
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