Great concert at the Exchange tonight. Sell-outs have been the norm at most stops on this tour. Headlining is New Brunswick blues-rocker Matt Andersen (pictured). With two live albums, an EP and a full-length studio release to his credit, Andersen recently won the 2010 International Blues Challenge in Memphis, out performing over 50 other musicians from across the U.S. and a number of other countries. He was the first Canadian to win the contest in its 26-year history, and this summer he’ll be playing at several high-profile festivals in the U.S. and Europe. Here’s video of him performing “When My Angel Gets the Blues” (YouTube)
Backing up Andersen is Vancouver Island-based musician Wil. Born in Aylmer, Que, Wil (his last name is Mimnaugh) moved to Calgary with his family as a teenager and subsequently dropped out of school to become a visual artist. Later, inspired in part by his dad’s passion for playing old-school country, he shifted to music. In 2001, he released his debut album Both Hands.. In 2007, he released By December, and earlier this year he released his third full-length In This Together. Here’s video of him performing “Both Hands” (YouTube)