The Rainbow again this year hosted Jed Rached's Blues Guitar Riff-off.
This round treated 'guitar-fissionados' to an amazing mix of guitar work and
this fan was happy not to be one of the judges trying to sort out the best
of the best in these exemplary blues guitar experiences.
A slate of nine accomplished guitarists, included the first female
entry to this contest, Roxanne Potvin of the band Fine Fat Daddy. Roxanne
added not only her guitar work but powerful vocals to match the quality
of her guitar riffs. If you didn't make it, you missed some exceptional
blues and R & B showmanship deftly provided by the artists involved.
The evening performance opened each night with the able assistance of host
band members, Billy Mitchell, Steve Lund and Chris Swain working with Tony D
on Thursday and JW-Jones on Friday.
The winner from four finalists was 'Smokin' Joe Hawkins
Jim Roy
Host Band Billy Mitchell, Steve Lund & Chris Swain
2001 Hopefuls Michael Hope and Greg Qszepietowski
2001 Hopefuls Leo Lafreniere and Jeff Hagerman
2001 Hopefuls Joe Hawkins and Roxanne Potvin
2001 Hopefuls Eric Walker and Dan LeBlanc
Finalists Roxanne Potvin and Eric Walker
Finalists Joe Hawkins and Jeff Hagerman
2001 Winner Joe Hawkins
Prior Riff-off Winners:
2000 - Mike Elliott .... Shakin' Eddy & The Jukes
1999 - JW-Jones .... JW-Jones Band
1998 - Chris "Jarhead" Breitner - The Mudboys
1997 - Manny Makris .... Manny & The Swingin' Hipshakers
1996 - Scotty Doubt .... Rocket Rached & The Fat City 8 .... Steve Hill
1995 - Trevor Finlay .... Suicide Kings .... Trevor Finlay Band
