Another successful Harvest Jazz & Blues Festival wrapped up this weekend in Fredericton, NB ... just downriver from the SABIAN plant in Meductic. 2009's big acts were legendary blues player Elvin Bishop, and East LA stalwarts Los Lobos, sans bass player, who was "delayed" at the border. A quick call to Halifax jazz bassist Tom Easley, scheduled to play that same night with the Joel LeBlanc Trio, fixed that problem. Tom's a local legend: originally a Fredericton boy, he now resides in Halifax. Probably best known as a member of Fredericton recording artists Hot Toddy, there aren't may Fredericton and/or Halifax jazz projects that don't feature Tom on the stand-up bass.

Harvest was a blast for me this year as well. I took the stage with dub reggae band Dub Antenna on Friday night, on a bill with Toronto roots reggae band House of David Gang. It was our second Harvest showcase in 3 years, and the PQA Barracks tent was filled to capacity for this reggae night event. Photos below of Dub Antenna drummer Mat Fitzgerald -- an HHX devotee -- and bass player Scott Culligan. It was definitely a killer night. More blogs from Harvest 2009 to come.