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Member Bands

Victoria’s own local blues heritage spans decades and is enhanced by your membership and support. Help preserve and promote our unique musical heritage by joining today!​

Becoming a Member Band

Do you have a professional blues band?

Do you want it to be listed on our member bands page?

If at least one your band members lives in Greater Victoria and one of you is a VBS member, we can add your band to this list. 

Contact us with the following information:

  • The name of your band

  • A square (1:1) photo of your band

  • A brief description  of the band, your music, and what folks can expect

  • The members of the band and their instruments

  • A link to your Facebook page, website, YouTube or other online presence

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Auntie Kate & the Uncles of Funk

Auntie Kate hits the stage like a barely controlled force of nature, rocking and kicking out a powerful blues routine honed in the clubs of Western Canada. Auntie Kate and the Uncles of Funk stir up a mess of blues, seasoned with good old R&B and delivered on a plateful of soul and funk.

Band Members

Auntie Kate (vocals, accordian); Tom Bowler (guitar, vocals); Todd Sacerty (bass); Joe Kovacs (drums); Bill Underwood (bass).

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Bill Johnson

Bill Johnson plays classic blues.

Band Members

Bill Johnson

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Deb Rhymer Band

Deb Rhymer struts the Blues with a sultry, uptown West Coast sound. Drawing on the classics, from the heyday of the Chicago shouters to the strong song writing women of today's North West blues scene, Deb delivers a funky, soulful and sophisticated blues brew for your listening and dancing delight.

Band Members

Deb Rhymer (vocals); Kelly Fawcett (guitar); Phil Albert (bass); Andy Graffiti (drums)

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Doctor Bones Blues Project

Playing Blues Fusion: Blues music infused with gospel, rock and a bit of funk. Dr.Bones plays bars, fairs, festivals, markets, charity events, prisons and social service agency events for Victoria’s marginalized and working poor.

Band Members

John Bones (harp, vocals); Gail Bones (vocals); Ron Willes (lead guitar); Scott McLellan (rhythm guitar) Mark Humphreys (bass); Jack Funk (drums).

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Harris Gilmore & The Mojos

With Harris Gilmore fronting and the amazing Al Sabourin on guitar, the Mojos kick out blues, originals and covers. They genre-bend, sometimes breaking into Latin beats or reagge in the middle of a blues tune. Harris has opened shows for Downchild Blues Band, Robben Ford, among others.

Band Members

Harris Gilmore (vocals); Al Sabourin (guitar); Steven Duben (bass); Malcolm Cooley (drums)

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Helen Davies

The five-piece HELEN DAVIES BAND mostly plays legacy soul music by such artists as Etta James, Janis Joplin, Joe Cocker, Koko Taylor and Big Mama Thornton, newer songs in the same vein from such bands as Tedeschi Trucks, the Black Pumas and Chris Stapleton, and some original music. The music is up-tempo,  danceable, punchy and loud. Suitable for bars, concert venues and large stages.

Band Members

Helen Davies (vocals); Rainshadow Al Sabourin (guitar); Dee Cooper (keyboards); Eric Thier (bass); Andy Okell (drums)

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McKiNLeY Wolf

Live vintage blues tribute to the masters – Freddie King, Howlin’ Wolf, Jimmy Reed, B.B. King, Muddy Waters, Albert King…if you love the blues McKiNLeY WoLf will stir your heart and if you love to dance they will stir your feet!

Band Members

Ian Walls (bass, vocals); Ed Bauer (drums, backup vocals); Dallas Harlen (guitar, backup vocals)

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Preston & Bonkowski

Preston & Bonkowski are a swingin’ little duo featuring Gary Preston on piano, vocals and harmonica and the lovely and talented Anita Bonkowski on upright bass and percussion. The music is always bluesy, with a touch of jazz and Latin. A full sound and … great for smaller venues.

Band Members

Gary Preston (piano, vocals, harmonica); Anita Bonkowski (upright bass, percussion)

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Rattleshake

Rattleshake is a fresh blues/roots band based in Victoria, BC, showcasing a fusion of traditional blues and modern flair. Although new to the scene, Rattleshake is already making waves with their soulful vocals, searing guitar riffs and infectious rhythms. While they may be newcomers, their passion for blues/roots music shines through in every note they play. Stay tuned as Rattleshake prepares to hit the stage and bring their electrifying sound to audiences eager for a taste of authentic blues/roots with a contemporary twist.

Band Members

Led by singer/guitarist Glenn Taylor the band also features guitarist/singer Owen Pollock, bassist Wilson Kyne, keyboardist Sky Onosson and drummer Ty Rogers.

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Renovation Blues Band

Renovation Blues Band is an ongoing project dedicated to presenting high-energy live blues music with conviction. An exciting live act, RBB brings together various upbeat blues styles to get you moving to the groove. Their music swings, funks, and shuffles its way into your soul and won’t let go. Don’t miss this great local band tear up the stage… come and let your soul be renovated! New CD release in 2017: “Swingin’ Hammers”

Band Members

Paul Gorosh (drums, vocals); Sean Kilback (guitar, vocals); Howard Mallett (bass, vocals); Darcy Phillips (piano, organ).

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Rhythm Train

With enough punch to bounce an audience out of it's seats and onto the dance floor, Rhythm Train performs vintage blues, R&B and early rock with the authority and expertise of musicians who were born into that era! This versatile trio can also play quiet instrumentals as background music in restaurants and for corporate functions.

Band Members

Jordie Edmonds, Jack Lavin, Ross Hall

Website
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Soul Shakers

The Soul Shakers have entertained Victoria area audiences for more than a decade with their own brand of funky R&B dance music. They combine superb musicianship with five strong vocalists led by lead vocalist Joyce “the voice” Allensen. There is no doubt they are one of the best dance bands on Vancouver Island!

Band Members

Joyce "the Voice" Allensen (vocals); Henning Kanstrup (bass); Paul McLellan (drums); Sean McCool (guitar); Alexander Ferguson (keyboards).

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Sue Decker Band

Sue Decker and her band deliver a unique and timeless experience by paying homage to early blues pioneers of the 20s and 30s and presenting a fresh blend of originals flavoured with country soul. Sue's evocative songwriting, haunting voice, and tasty lap slide guitar playing make for a powerful combination whether playing acoustic or electric, solo or with her talented band members.

Band Members

Sue Decker (vocals, guitar, lap steel), Gavin Hodgins (guitar, mandolin, vocals); Denny Box (drums), Bruce Cobanli (bass).

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Syzygy Blue

Playing material ranging from Ray Charles to ZZ Top, Syzygy Blue is guaranteed to fill the dance floor! This band creates music suitable for any venue.

Band Members

Blake Gasena (bass and vocals); Michael Sharp (drums); Steve Lalonde

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The Admirals

The Admirals came together during covid times as a means to keep in practice, and the sound and band chemistry was so good, they knew they had to continue. A mix of blues, R & B, funk, some original material and a pinch of reggae will keep the audiences ears and feet happy.

Band Members

Victor Wells on guitar and vocals.
Steve Duben on bass and vocals.
Bert Hamer on drums.
Charlie Fox on keyboards and vocals.
Paul Wainwright on Sax and Vocals.

Website
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The Blue Lights

The group plays blues (with touches of soul/R&B/rockabilly) from the 1920s to the 2000s. A tradition based repertoire includes songs by Big Bill Broonzy, Leroy Carr, Otis Rush, Don & Dewey, Little Walter, Wynonie Harris and TBone Walker, to name a few. Dave's use of lead guitar (or fiddle) and harp simultaneously sets the group apart from the traditional trio sound.

Band Members

Dave Harris - vocals, guitar, harp and fiddle. and friends

Website
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The Kingmixers

The KingmiXers specialize in blues, but can cover a wide range of styles. The band plays regularly across Vancouver Island and makes regular excursions to gig in Europe.

Band Members

Band Members
Trio: Gary Preston (keys, harp, vocals), David Schade (guitar, vocals), Anita Bonkowski (bass, drums)
Four Piece: Gary Preston (keys, harp, vocals), David Schade (guitar, vocals), Anita Bonkowski (drums), Rick Erickson (bass)

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