An enthusiastic youth blues musician from Nanaimo made his way to Memphis last month to play on an international stage.
After auditioning in Abbotsford in June, 14-year-old James Vickers and his father Noel Vickers were notified last summer that the young musician was “given the thumbs up” to play at the International Blues Challenge, held Jan. 16-20.
“He had a few of us crying in his performance,” Noel said with a laugh. “And the judges were all unanimous with three thumbs up … That, itself was an amazing experience.”
The Queen’s Hotel on Victoria Crescent in downtown Nanaimo gave its stage to James for three nights last year, as well as printing off posters and tickets, so he could raise money to attend the challenge.
“Two of the three were sold out – like, wall-to-wall – they even had tables on the dance floor,” Noel said.
Father and son arrived in Memphis mid-January and between performances, were able to enjoy the sights and experiences of the city.
“If you’re a blues lover or even a music lover, Memphis has got to go on your bucket list because Beale Street in unbelievable. There are juke-joints and blues clubs on both sides of the street,” Noel said.
The two checked out the Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum, the Rum Boogie Café, and caught their first NBA game at the FedExForum. One of the many wonders, Noel said, was noticing the small brass notes engraved and dedicated to musicians like BB King and Stevie Ray Vaughan all along Beale Street.
During one of James’s performances at the Blues Hall Juke Joint, his father was asked by blues musician Vince Johnson to encourage his son to continue playing Robert Johnson since that sound was “coming from his soul.” Noel said he would do his best.
As part of the International Blues Challenge, James performed four songs in a 20-minute set in the youth jam. Although youths didn’t compete in the challenge itself, judges were present and provided notes after the close of the challenge.
“When he was finished, and I had tears rolling down my cheeks, one of the judges motioned me over and said ‘Your son’s amazing.’ And another judge said ‘He is definitely going to make it. I hope you keep supporting him,’” Noel said of the experience.
James said he was more excited than nervous to play on stage before judges, and would do the international challenge again in a heartbeat.
Since first being part of the Nanaimo Blues Festival in 2022, the young musician has played all over town, including at last year’s Nanaimo Fringe Festival, opening for Myc Sharratt, Wide Mouth Mason and playing at the Michael Patrick annual fundraiser – as well as multiple other fundraisers in and outside of Nanaimo. James also performed at last year’s blues festival at Maffeo Sutton Park, often plays the Sunday Blues Jams at the Queen’s on Sunday afternoons, and is part of John Barsby Secondary School’s Barsby School of Rock group.
“It’s been really overwhelming. The support from a lot of the locals at the Queen’s and a lot of my friends. It’s been a pretty amazing experience and crazy sometimes. I would not be where I am without them,” said James.
Mostly under-wraps for now, the youth musician has an EP of original music in the works.
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