Last night marked the official kickoff of the 25th-anniversary celebration of the Tim Hortons Southside Shuffle during its annual Beggars Blues Banquet. The event took place at The Port Credit Legion in Mississauga, providing a sneak preview of what to anticipate at this year’s award-winning festival. Since 1999, the weekend following Labor Day, the festival has been turning the village of Port Credit and Memorial Park into a captivating musical wonderland.

The 25th Anniversary Shuffle Allstars included members from renowned bands such as The Legendary Downchild Blues Band, Fathead, and The Maple Blues Revue, with incredible performances by special guests Chuck Jackson, Jack de Keyzer, Kenny “Blues Boss” Wayne, and Spencer Mackenzie.

“Tonight was truly exceptional, and we are filled with immense pride as we celebrate the remarkable milestone of 25 years that our team has accomplished since1999. Hundreds of people come together to bring this festival to life, and I am truly grateful for our supportive partners, the dedicated volunteers, and our board of directors, who contribute year-round to make this festival such a success.”

Founder and Artistic Director Chuck Jackson

In addition to a memorable night of blues and dancing, this year’s event, sponsored by MacKay Group Wealth Management of RBC Dominion Securities featured an amazing charcuterie buffet catered by The Cheese Boutique. Attendees could bid on auction items and be the first to explore the 25th-anniversary Southside Shuffle merchandise and pick up an official festival program. The Mississauga Music Walk of Fame announced its 2023 inductees: Maestro Denis Mastromonaco and the Mississauga Symphony Orchestra, along with Juno Award-winning singer and songwriter Suzie McNeil, who will hold their ceremony during Shuffle weekend in Memorial Park.

Festival Founder and Artistic Director Chuck Jackson was also presented with The Erin McCallum Blues Legend & Legacy Distinction Award, acknowledging musicians who have made an impact within the Canadian Blues Collective.

“We are absolutely thrilled by the turnout and so proud of Chuck for receiving his well-deserved recognition award to kick things off. The event was completely sold out, the dance floor remained packed throughout the night, and a magical sense of Shuffle excitement filled the air. The music was incredible, and I know that everyone in attendance will remember this extraordinary night for a very long time.”

Festival Chair Kris Kane

This year’s Southside Shuffle, coming up on September 8, 9, and 10, includes Canada’s David Wilcox, The Legendary Downchild Blues Band, Matt Andersen & The Big Bottle Of Joy, Angelique Francis, Spencer Mackenzie, Jack de Keyzer, My Son the Hurricane, Kenny “Blues Boss” Wayne, SheWolves of London, Suzie McNeil and the Chain Reaction, and The Last Waltz (The music of The Band). The three-day outdoor festival features world-class live entertainment with over 100 bands, both local and international. It offers free attractions, including The Pattison Outdoor Stage, The Queen Bea Stage, Rabba Fine Foods Street Shuffle (held in the village on Saturday from 1-5 P.M.), and the ticketed Brightwater Main Stage.

The park opens at 5:30 p.m. on Friday night for both the free and ticketed areas. Main stage tickets are $20 on Friday, $25 on Saturday, and $20 on Sunday. Weekend passes are $60 and are available for purchase online at southsidehuffle.ca and at two Port Credit store locations: Impressionable Gifts & Decor at 74 Lakeshore Rd E, and Ric’s Recollections Music and Vinyl Store at 257 Lakeshore Rd E. The store locations selling tickets are cash-only, with no online purchase service fees.

All Tim Hortons Southside Shuffle information, including schedules for all three stages, the street, and the clubs, is listed on the Southside Shuffle website at southsideshuffle.ca, or it can be found in the official program available at various participating locations in Port Credit.

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