Over the last forty years the legendary Commercial Hotel, Blues On Whyte has become a Mecca for blues lovers all over North America. A 'home away from home' for veterans like Russell Jackson, Willie 'Big Eyes' Smith and Sonny Rhodes, some tell of travelling 27 hours straight just to play '...the last one band six-nighter on the continent.more...See more text
On a hot Sunday in July, crowds gravitate towards a main stage, a few feet away from Blues on Whyte, on a section of Whyte Avenue that’s shut down for the day. Once known as Takin’ it to the Streets, this is the Blues on Whyte Block Party. On stage, a range of sounds from Scottish bagpipes, to electric guitars and drums, to powerful vocals can be heard, like that of Canadian bagpipe-rock band, Johnny Mccuaig.
Unexpected blends of sounds are part of the melodious surprise of not only the blues, but the blends of music, from folk and rockabilly to rock, that pass through Blues on Whyte. “We don’t only play blues music; we play a mix of everything,” says Denton Morrell, general manager.
Freedom of sound is connected to a belief in artistic integrity. “We let the artists play what they want, because we don’t want to restrict them,” says Denton. “We don’t want to restrict their art.”
Blues on Whyte is kind of the ideal spot to go for random live music, and it’s different every night. There are a few attractive constants – the beer is always cheap, the dance floor has room and there are plenty of tables for you and your new best friends. It’s also right on Whyte Avenue, which – let’s be honest – you were already on anyhow.
Featuring reasonably priced drinks and classic crooners, Blues on Whyte attracts diehard jazz fans from every corner of the city. This cherished dive bar, located in the Commercial Hotel, is unapologetically dedicated to the 1970s, seven days a week.