Back by popular demand, critically acclaimed veteran bluesman Nigel Mack and his Blues Attack band return to play at the Diner’s Rendezvous in Nanaimo on August 14th. Last here to headline the 2008 Nanaimo Blues Festival, Nigel and his Blues Attack band had the cheering crowd on their feet for the entire performance and played two encores before saying goodnight, leaving the crowd clamouring for more. Now back and promising to bring his long anticipated, yet to be officially released third CD, “Devil’s Secret” with him, Nigel Mack and the Blues Attack are sure to have Nanaimo blues fans on their feet and screaming out for more once again.

Originally from Saskatoon, Nigel made the move to Chicago in 2003. He and the Blues Attack had already logged some half a million miles by then, headlining many major blues clubs and festivals throughout North America, with countless repeat engagements along the way. Nominated for “Best Guitarist” by the Maple Blues Society in 2001, Nigel’s debut album, “High Price To Play” won a West Coast Music Awards nomination for “Best Blues/R & B Album.” Playing “Blistering Slide, Killer Harp!” (Grand Emporium, Kansas City, Mo) Nigel’s repertoire ranges from juke-joint harmonica instrumentals to New Orleans funk, delta and Chicago blues styles. Nigel’s songs have been featured on the soundtracks of such TV series as “Dawson’s Creek,” “The Street” and “Time of Your Life,” but it is his live performances that have earned him the title “a triple blues threat” (Vancouver International Jazz Festival).

As an extra special treat, opening for Nigel and his Blues Attack band will be the multi-talented, much loved Camille Miller. The well-known singer, songwriter and guitarist, now a resident of Brazil, brings to the stage her disarmingly honest lyrics, vivacious persona and a voice so versatile it has been, depending on the song, likened to that of Chrissie Hynde (Pretenders), Sheryl Crow, Chantal Kreviazuk, Faith Hill and Pat Benatar. A well-travelled artist herself, Camille has done a number of international tours (some booked by Bruce Allen, manager of Bryan Adams and Michael Buble) and was awarded a Much Music Video grant for her song “I Always Will.” In addition, two of her originals have appeared on soundtracks for the popular TV series, Cold Squad.

Don’t miss this show! Tickets are sure to sell fast and on sale now at the Diner’s Rendezvous: $20 advance, $25 at the door. To charge by phone, call: 250-740-1133.

This was such a cool event! Jennifer and James had their reception and party first, then the ceremony at the stroke of midnight Halloween Night! Jennifer also had really unique song requests that I was only too happy to transcribe for the Musica Pacem flute and strings trio. She requested the theme from the movie Practical Magic by Alan Silvestri, the Deus Irae from Hector Berlioz’s Symphonie Fantastique and their first dance was to Tchaikovsky’s Sleeping Beauty Waltz.

Jennifer Monti is the Senior Catering Salas manager of Phil Stefani Events and James Gottwald is executive chef of Rockit Bar and Grill and Sunda. What a perfect couple!

Speaking of French, another fond farewell to my friend, Brigitte, who is moving to Paris in TWO days and chose Grupo Cha Cha at Cafe LaGuardia for her last meal out in Chicago! My awesome new fan club is led by the always vivacious Kate Shubert! They are on a perpetual girls night out!!

Muchas gracias to our musician friends who sat in: Diana Mosquera, Janet Cramer, Rosa Claudio, Elsie, Noel Cortez, Luis Manuel and Adam Haus(well he didn’t sit in this last time but he normally does!)

What’s in store for this weekend? Check out Nigel Mack’s one of a kind solo acoustic show while you’re munching on Chicago’s finest barbecue! It’s this Sunday from 8:30pm–11:30mpm at Smoke Daddy Restaurant on Division Street.