What’s in a Name … Giving Back to the Community … Importance of a Festival in a Community!

West Coast Blues Downtown Shuffle ~ Goderich, Ontario
New Name ~ New Look ~ Same Great Music!

“THE INSIDE SCOOP” is pleased to continue to share the “Scoop” with the West Coast Blues (aka WCB) from the committee chair, Mr. John Harrison. I have had the pleasure of several conversations with both John and colleague, Don Hubick, who both are very passionate about the “Blues” and their Community!
The West Coast Blues Festival recently changed their name to West Coast Blues Downtown Shuffle. As a “Blues Festival” with their slogan … “The Blues, The Whole Blues and Nothing But The Blues”, we were able to ask John how important was the “Blues aspect” of the Festival?

He replies … “Unlike a lot of Blues festivals we feature nothing but Made in Canada blues music”. They are very proud of this! We asked Mr. Harrison what the was the philosophy, thought process of decisions in respect to concepts, activities themes, events for West Coast Blues Downtown Shuffle. John shares with us … The Festival is “Not for profit, developing community partnerships to host an annual Blues Festival as an economic driver to stimulate our local economy and make Goderich a destination and boost our local tourism for community betterment”.

As proof in point, the West Coast Blues Downtown Shuffle is proud to support charitable causes in the community. John goes on to share with us … “we are a non profit organization and reinvest our profits back into our community supporting local arts and culture projects, high school bursaries for graduating student from the Arts programs, sponsoring free Winter Fest and Canada concerts and upgrades for our local Community Theatre through annual donations”. 

Talking about “Free Stuff” and giving back to the community; the recently past Canada Day Weekend the West Coast Blues "Downtown Shuffle" presented a “FREE” Live Outdoor Concert at the Canada Day Weekend Fireworks night. A true commitment to providing a platform for community spirit!

We were able to ask John Harrison, Committee Chair, why he felt their festival; the West Coast Blues Downtown Shuffle was an important part of our society and community. He replies … “Our festival is a designated community event by our town council. Local business is directly involved and it is viewed as a win, win as profits are reinvested back into our community while stimulating our local economy. Many of our downtown business will state that our festival weekend is their best weekend in sales for the entire year”.

Next “Scoop” we will talk about “Keeping things Fresh”, Staying Organized, Overcoming Challenges; sharing the “Scoop” from the West Coast Blues Downtown Shuffle experiences. In the meantime, you can check out their website at http://www.westcoastblues.ca/Welcome.html .