Southside Shuffle celebrates 25 years with Juno-award winning musicians in Mississauga

Juno Award winning musicians are set to take the stage for the Southside Shuffle’s 25th anniversary celebration.

The Southside Shuffle is a three-day blues and jazz music festival in Port Credit. This year, headliners include David Wilcox on Friday, Sept. 8 followed by Matt Anderson and the Big Bottle Of Joy on Saturday, Sept. 9 and the traditional performance by the Downchild Blues Band on Sunday, Sept. 10.

And this year the annual Beggars Blues Banquet is kicking things off early. Traditionally held on the Thursday night before the festival in September, the banquet is on Thursday, Aug. 17 this year, according to a press release from organizers.

“We wanted to start the party earlier this year to get everyone into the spirit and celebrate the incredible milestone of 25 years that our dedicated community has achieved since 1999,” said the festival’s artistic director Chuck Jackson.

Held at the Port Credit Legion, the banquet will include performances from special guests and Juno-award winners Chuck Jackson, Jack de Keyzer, and Kenny “Blues Boss” Wayne, and Juno nominee Spencer Mackenzie.

“The Beggars Blues Banquet offers fans an exclusive preview of the exceptional performers we have lined up for our main stage. It provides a more intimate and close-up experience, allowing musicians to interact with the audience, fellow artists, and the media,” Jackson added.

This year’s banquet will also highlight the 2023 Mississauga Music Walk of Fame inductees, and provide details of the ceremony held during Shuffle weekend.

And there is a charcuterie buffet from The Cheese Boutique.

The official festival program will be available with a comprehensive list of all the performers throughout the weekend along with maps, band bios and photos.

Tickets for the Beggars Blues Banquet are $50 for singles, $400 for a table of eight, $500 for a table of 10, and $50 per person for a high-top table of four.

Tickets can be purchased online at southsideshuffle.ca or in person (cash only) at Impressionable Gifts located at 74 Lakeshore Rd. E., Mississauga.

The banquet is at the Port Credit Legion, located at 35 Front St. N. Doors will open at 7:30 p.m., with the entertainment starting at 8:30 p.m.

Parking is free of charge at the Port Credit Legion.