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Regardless of where your musical preferences fall on the spectrum I can almost bet that every Canadian is familiar with Blue Rodeo. First established in 1984 by Jim Cuddy and Greg Keelor, October 26, 2023 marks the 30th anniversary of Five Days in July, the band’s firth and most commercially successful album, it has been certified six times platinum as of 2008. What better way to celebrate than with a tour and a, nearly, 3 hour party?

TORONTO, ON (August 21, 2023) – This October, legendary alt-country rockers Blue Rodeo will be on tour celebrating the 30th Anniversary of the band’s massively successful fifth studio album Five Days in July.  Fans can look forward to seeing the band hit the stage in Montreal, Hamilton, Kingston, London, Moncton and Halifax and hearing songs from the six-time platinum classic record, while also enjoying some more favourites from over the years.

Organizers of the 7th annual Kemtpville Live Music festival are pleased to announce that Blue Rodeo will join us on Friday July 21, 2023 as we celebrate the 7^th edition of Kemptville Live Music Festival, Kemptville, Ontario.

THE ALL-CANADIAN FESTIVAL CONFIRMS HEADLINERS BLUE RODEO AND MATTHEW GOOD FOR ITS SECOND YEAR AT THE MUSKOKA WHARF, JUNE 16^TH & 17^TH

Blue Rodeo stopped off in Edmonton last night with the first of two near capacity shows at the Jubilee Auditorium and rocked the place as usual.

There is no question that Blue Rodeo is one of those quintessentially Canadian bands whose hits are known far and wide across this great country. When you then add a venue like Massey Hall you have the perfect maelstrom for an unforgettable evening.

On March 25th, 2022, The Dungarees performed at Festival Place in Sherwood Park, Alberta. It was a tribute to Blue Rodeo; specifically, they played Blue Rodeo’s album 5 Days in July in its entirety. They opened the show with “5 Days in May”, which was met with resounding applause and cheers. Between songs, James Murdoch, Robb Angus, Kiron Jhass, and Ben Shillabeer shared what makes them fans of Blue Rodeo, as well as stories from the road.

Meghan Patrick, Robyn Ottolini, Tebey, and Jade Eagleson
Lead In Nominations, Sound Check’s own Hendrik Pape nominated for Industry Person of the Year

Blue Rodeo’s first album, Outskirts came out 34 years ago, longer ago than most bands ever see. They are not only still playing together, but actually getting ready for a brand new release, Many A Mile, which will be available to you on December 3^rd. A band of the stature of Blue Rodeo could just go out there and play the hits and people would be happy, but last night at Leon’s Centre, they unveiled a handful of new songs, possibly future hits.

Being the first concert at Leon’s Centre since February of 2020, people are starved for live music and they came out last night, and were not disappointed. The concert started out with a couple of well known hits, Trust Yourself and Diamond Mine to get things rolling.

Blue Rodeo, Leon’s Centre, Kingston. November 6, 2021. Photo: Ron Pettitt

They sprinkled in a selection of the new tunes like Ride Your Bike, I Owe It To Myself, When You Were Wild and I think About You. Jim Cuddy jokingly commented about people not wanting to hear new music but added “new songs have to start somewhere”. Blue Rodeo still have things to say, and that’s a good thing.

One of the highlights for me was a moment about halfway through when the band left Jim Cuddy and Greg Keelor onstage to do an acoustic version of Bad Timing. It was great to have a more intimate moment with them and Jim can still hit those high notes as well as he ever did.

When the rest of the band returned, we heard a great version of The Railroad where Colin Cripps traded licks with the mandolin of Jimmy Bowskill who currently plays with The Sheepdogs but pops up in many other places when called upon. If it has strings on it, it’s likely Jimmy can play it. Colin Cripps is quite possibly one of Canada’s best guitar players and I thought he played a stellar show last night, treating the audience to some world class guitar solos.

Blue Rodeo, Leon’s Centre, Kingston. November 6, 2021. Photo: Ron Pettitt

Jim Cuddy has a voice that for most Canadians is instantly recognizable. He has given us some great performances such as the song Try, which was in the encore along with You’re Everywhere and Lost Together. Try was Blue Rodeo’s introduction to most people and even today stands as a crowd favourite as was evident last week. Cuddy’s vocal range was amazing and last night’s performance by the whole band was amazing. Maybe they are as excited to play as we are to listen. As I drove home from the show, I thought about the evening and I was moved. I had just witnessed a great moment in Canadian music, Blue Rodeo remains one of the best. Great to be back.

If you haven’t seen the show yet, you still have time with stops coming up in Peterborough, Barrie and Niagara Falls. Check out Blue Rodeo’s website for more information.

Live music has returned to Alberta. The Together Again concert series continued this weekend at The Edmonton Exhibition Lands, formally known as Expo Centre.