Have a Blues-y, Rock-y, and Toe-Tap-y Christmas

Celebrate the Holidays with Big Hank and a Fist Full of Blues at Horizon Stage on December 13

Big Hank is known for his powerful voice, and when he’s joined on stage by his band, A Fist Full of Blues, additional horn players and vocalists, these seasoned musicians create an exceptional music experience.  Together, they slip into the blues and R&B as easy as you please – adding an edgy, special sound that makes them so much more than your average blues band. Whether performing with gut wrenching drive, or gently caressing a moment of musical tenderness, they promise to make audience members feel both the fun, and the magic, of the holidays on Saturday, December 13 at Horizon Stage.

Big Hank and four of his fellow band members grew up together in Stettler in the 60s and 70s. These life-long friends all performed with the legendary Edmonton band Tacoy Ryde at some point, or another. They decided to form A Fist Full of Blues in Edmonton in 2008 so that they could write, record, and play their own original songs. They then went on to record two CDs of all original material, perform across Western Canada and at some major festivals, and had the number 12 most played blues song on Galaxie/Sting Ray Music’s blues station in 2012.

Performing at Horizon Stage will be the six core members of A Fist Full of Blues: Hank Leonhardt (vocals), Duane Smith (bass), Barrie Nighswander (guitar), Ken Kirkwood (guitar), Bill Hobson (drums), and Dennis Meneely (keyboards). They will be also joined by special guests Rita McDade (vocals), Dave Herrick (trumpet) and Claude Godin (sax). This combination of exceptional musicians, and Big Hank's incredible voice, is going to have everyone grooving in their seats from the get-go.

December 13^th’s concert is a tribute to fabulous blues-y Christmas tunes from the 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s and 60s. The song-list will include a good mix of swing, jazz and blues. “We worked real hard to put together this special tribute to the blues songs of Christmas and it is as much fun for us playing the tunes as it is for the audience who is listening to them.” says Hank Leonhardt.

Choose the blues and keep it live with Big Hank and A Fist Full of Blues Christmas, at Horizon Stage on Saturday, December 13 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are just $35 for adults, and $30 for students and seniors. Purchase yours in-person at the City Hall Ticket Centre (315 Jespersen Ave), by phone at 780-962-8995 or 1-888-655-9090, or online at www.horizonstage.com.

This performance is proudly sponsored by Canadian Heritage, The Alberta Foundation for the Arts, Travelodge Inn & Suites, and Ticketpro.