Polar vortex getting you down? We’ve just the thing to set you straight, with a cure from the Deep South. We’re talking about the blues. Kootenay Co-op Radio and the Kootenay Blues Society are excited to present two great shows featuring Nelson’s Mystery Train, coming up March 1st and 2nd.

Mystery Train was one of the first blues bands to come out of the early 90’s blues scene in Nelson and it’s members were some of the area’s “cream of the crop” blues musicians at the time. Playing a mix of jump blues, swing, Chicago blues and funk the band developed a rabid following and was a regular on Thursday nights at The Royal in Nelson. Original members included Aylie Sparks (vocals and slide guitar) Wayne Berezan (vocals and guitar), Kelly Fawcett (vocals and bass) and Marvin Walker (drums). The band this time around features : Kelly Fawcett (vocals and guitar), Wayne Berezan (vocals, guitar and dobro) Marvin Walker (drums), Mark Spielman (bass), and special guest, Clint Swanson (sax).

Come on down to the Balfour Beach Inn on March 1 @ 6:00pm to catch Mystery Train with special guest, bluesman Sam Hurrie who will open the show. With a music career spanning almost 60 years, Hurrie shares his love of blues with his audience, telling stories about the songs and the artists who first recorded them. Tickets are $20 and available at Balfour Beach Inn. 

And then on March 2nd come on out for the 6th annual Blues, Brews, & BBQ, happening at Finley’s Bar & Grill in Nelson and catch Mystery Train performing with another great Nelson blues band, Flaming Aardvark Quartet. Show starts at 7:00pm with the Aardvarks opening. Tickets at $25 and are available at KCR, Otter Books, and Finleys. 

Proceeds from both shows go to support two important cultural institutions, the Kootenay Blues Society, and your friendly neighbourhood co-op radio station, Kootenay Co-op Radio!