News                               

Presently in discussion with potential show sponsor or partner for 2008 Festival

Stay tuned for update!!!!

Press Release - July 5, 2007 by CFB

Sadly today we announce the decision to cancel the Sept 1., 2007 Coal Flats Blues Festival in Port Burwell, Ontario.

The much needed capital donations that initiate our up front cost could not be raised in a timely fashion this year.

The reality that we need charitable sponsorship in excess of $10,000 to start the process was not secured!

Our local municipal funding was cut back this year due to budget restraints, which makes it imperative to secure larger partner sponsors!

The executive committee and advisors feel at this time, that our energies should be directed towards a grander more prestigious event next year!

That throughout the balance of this year and into next we work diligently in obtaining the proper funding to enable the quality entertainment

that attracts large attendance and secures our reputation of a free annual musical offering you don't want to miss.

The Coal Flats Blues Festival organization want to thank the many supporters and followers that stand behind us and help in our

Charitable Event as a Not-For-Profit organization.

If you are aware of any company or organization that would be interested in being a show sponsor, please have them contact our executive.

Donations can be mailed to Coal Flats Blues Festival Inc., PO Box 280, Port Burwell, Ontario N0J-1T0

*** note tax receipts availlable for any donation over $20.

Bob Lozon

President - CFB

blozon@amtelecom.net

Press Release Sep 03,2006 by CFB

Troubles we've had a few!!!....

Ernesto raised its ugly head and presented near gale force winds and rain through the entire area of Port Burwell on Saturday Sept.2, 2006

This being the day of the annual "Coal Flats Blues Festival" contingencies were executed rapidly and the venue of bands were split up and presented at near by indoor locations. The "Burwell Cove Restaurant" on the main street in Port Burwell became the trigger location  for "Smokin Dave  & The 2 Blue Crew" followed by "Alfie Smith". Only the word fantastic can describe what both these entertainers pulled off on a moments notice, they sure got the crowd of die hard followers revving!!! This created time for the main venue to be moved to the near by " Vienna Community Centre". Within less than two hours the crew of "Sherwood Music Systems" of Kitchener had moved all the sound and lighting equipment into the centre and bang... the show was on! Opening was the hot and local favorite "The Diamond Blues Band" followed by teen blues band "Alysha and the Alley Cats". What can you say about a polished band of 14-17 year olds carrying the baton of blues into the next generation... oh yeah... did we mention the 10 year old lead guitar's brother who came to jam!

On next was "Shawn Kellerman" rapidly becoming known as a Canadian legend for blues guitar. Looking around the room while Shawn performed you could see many first time "Kellerman" attendees with mouth open enthusiastically soaking in the virtuoso performance. This set the stage for the extremely well known blues circuit crew "Water Street Blues Band". They need no introduction if you are into the blues, they have set the bar at mainly "A" venues in Ontario and again did not disappoint, great job! Loco Zydeco took the stage next with the Cajun blues. This blend of musical interpretation, colorful light show and mixture of instrumentation including washboard always entertains and gets the crowd stomping and humming along to the music.

The headline performance of "Cheryl Lescom" is no doubt one of the best performance you can take in Canada! Presented the title of "Best Female Singer in Canada" by the Advertising Music Producers Association, she wears this designation honestly. I believe many new fans to the blues were created this night and look forward with anticipation to next year when it will be on the beach again!!!

The executive members of "Coal Flats Blues Festival Inc." want to thank copiously the many volunteers that came to our aid when needed and help salvage this year's performance. Regrettably we share the burden of loss with our trusted partner "Vienna Lions Club" who's members worked very hard and diligently to do the beer tent and wine sales for the festival and in the end had to abandon their efforts. These are fantastic people who share our vision and dedication to charity and we are proud to partner with them in future!

To our many sponsors and donors we give thanks for your continued support and trust in us. We especially want to thank Townsend Lumber Mills / Breeze Wood Flooring & Trim Outlet for being our major show sponsor. The Municipality of Bayham, Scoops Ice Cream, The Harbour Shoppe, Sherwood Systems and Bradfield Marina for their over the top support and large donations. Again we share a vision.

In closing there are no words to thank a mentor and true friend as Dan Graham of Flaming Cheese Productions and the Kitchener Blues, Brews and BBQ. He stood by our side throughout this years disappointments and inspired our commitment to the 'cause to the end. Watch out labor day weekend next year it will be bigger and better and yes it will be on the beach!!!

Lot's of excitement locally with the news that Port Burwell may be in the running for a potential new Truck and Passenger Ferry service between Port Burwell, Ontario and Fairport Harbor, Ohio. See article below

Ship management and best in class operations