with Special Appearances by  Keb Mo, Ron Sexsmith, Matt Andersen, Amy HelmAmy Helm, Kendel Carson with guests Harlan Pepper.

Please note that due to illness, Mary Margaret O’Hara will unfortunately not be making a guest appearance at tonight’s concert. We apologize for the inconvenience

In 1996 when Colin Linden, Stephen Fearing and Tom Wilson came together to record what was supposed to be a one-off tribute album to the great songwriter Willie P. Bennett, there was nary a thought that they would eventually become a going concern as a band. At the time, all three members were deeply committed to burgeoning solo careers that they had no intentions of putting on hold. Twelve years later, Blackie and The Rodeo Kings has organically evolved into one of the finest roots-oriented bands in North America, having released six CDs and evolved a feeling of brotherhood manifested in a sense of groove, timbral blend and melodic and rhythmic play that is distinctive, mystical, energizing and constantly evocative.  Blackie and the Rodeo Kings remain one of Canada’s greatest musical treasures.

The Kings & Queens concert pairs the band with some of their favourite female singers and friends The idea for Kings & Queens was hatched in a rental van at the end of a Rodeo Kings tour. Late one night, on a long drive between Somewhere and Somewhere-else, the band began talking about the various female artists they have had the privilege of working with over the years. What began with a page torn out of a notebook and a lot of interjections like “Hey, what about…” and “Wouldn’t it be great to work with …” has transformed into a whole album featuring these legendary and iconic female voices; one on each of 14 stellar tracks.