Bluesfest Windsor is promising to be bigger and better than before.
President Rob Petroni announced two additions to this July's event at Festival Plaza, including a Hot Rock night July 6 with the X Ambassadors and Billy Rafoul and a night of celebrating Prince July 13 with Morris Day and The Time from the Purple Rain movie, Prince's drummer Sheila E, and The Purple Reign Band.
Petroni said a Prince celebration was a no brainer.
"After last year we realized that a theme night is what most people are asking for and we thought what better theme night than Prince which goes across all generations," said Petroni.
Nineties legends such as Vanilla Ice, Young MC, Rob Base, C & C Music Factory, Tone Loc and 2 Live Crew will kickoff the concerts July 5. Legendary blues guitarist and singer Buddy Guy will headline an all blues night July 12 that includes soul/blues singer Sugaray Rayford and blues/rock guitarist and singer Eric Gales.
Petroni said Bluesfest Windsor is growing in reputation and it’s easier to get world class acts because agents now know the event and want to be a part of it.
"We're talking about million dollar acts that we can't yet afford. Our goal is to get there and if we get a few of these theme nights rolling we think we might be able to get there in the next couple or three years," Petroni added.
Petroni said other local venues are trying to lure the festival away but the event will remain at Festival Plaza for years to come with room to expand.
He said advanced ticket sales are already up 35 per cent over last year but the cut off will be 8,000 people a day. Petroni added that each night this summer will likely be busier than the busiest night last year, which was the 90s theme night on Sunday.
For more information visit www.bluesfestwindsor.com.