“Fine subdued, pure blues, that’s what Rutherford shows on his ‘Midnight Microphone’. He does so with a voice that holds the middle between Tom Waits and Latif Gardez of the band Mystery Slang along with austere guitar playing and lyrics that are almost prose.” - Fons Delemarre
— Bluestown Music Magazine, Netherlands, 2023
Previous events
A long running and distinguished noon hour concert series presented by The ProArts Society. Concerts take place in a spectacular and historic venue in the heart of Calgary’s cultural district.
A fun summer night with the trio!
Join me for lunch at the marvellous Blues Can.
Brilliant world class blues event. Very proud to be part of the 2023 lineup.
John Rutherford with Russell Jackson & Tony Coleman
Calgary International Blues Festival, The King Eddy, 438 9 Avenue SE, Calgary
The Calgary International Blues Festival presents A Walk Through Blues History. Each festival I get to host this largely spoken word event as an interview/conversation featuring artists from the festival lineup. Each episode we discuss issues, stories and history through the lens of the blues. This year's discussion will welcome both Russell Jackson and Tony Coleman, two veteran blues artists who's careers have taken them from the chitlin circuit to concert halls around the world as bassist and drummer for the legendary BB King. This will be an investigative and provocative conversation as we unfold some of the issues around race and the music industry both historically and in light of a present day racial reckoning.
Calgary Downtown Association and Stagehand activate Stephen Avenue Mall. STAMPEDE WEEK!!!
Join me for lunch. 12 - 2pm. STAMPEDE WEEK!!!
The trio with Aaron Scholpp on bass and Kelly Kruse on drums. Come on down and ask for a free CD because you saw this on my website.
Blue Plate Special - Lunch time performance noon to 2.
Playing guitar in the hottest hoodoo boogie blues band in the city.
A special concert appearance celebrating the release of the new EP Midnight Microphone.
Artists in Residence Inn Night. An new ongoing schedule of live music performances presented by: Residence Inn by Marriott Calgary Downtown | Beltline District and Stagehand
Hangin' and playing some hoodoo boogie blues with my pals.
Big Labour Day blues bash with multiple artists over two days.
This is a spoken word event where I will be interviewing the great boogie boogie piano player David Vest. We will discuss various topics touching on blues history, David's monumental career in blues and R&B and the path ahead for the music. The 75 minute discussion will include Q & A.
Playing guitar with my buddies in the most juke joint jumping' band in the west!
Sunday afternoon music series in the park.