Dollard gets a case of the blues

The sound of blues shook Dollard des Ormeaux Park and the surrounding

area on Saturday as the sixth annual West Island Blues Festival rocked

on until after dusk.

Many acts, including Dale Boyle, Kevin Mark, and Late Night

Blues enjoyed the several hundred who turned out to hear them

play, and those who could be seen dancing in front of the stage.

“That’s what we enjoy, making people get up, stand up, and boogie,”

said Peter Germain, a member of Late Night Blues who performed at the

festival for a second year in a row.

The lively crowd, which included local city councillors and

Dollard des Ormeaux Mayor Ed Janiszewski, enjoyed good weather and

a variety of food in addition to the entertainment. Most of all,

the event was appreciated because it was free and outdoors.

“It’s good for the kids, we have a young family, so getting outside is

good,” said 33-year-old Roxboro native Olivier DesGeorges, who could

be seen dancing with his young children in front of the stage.

“It’s hard to find free things that are good. This is good,” said

Rhona Samsonovitch, who drove in from Montreal West to take in the

music.

Proceeds collected from donations at the door, raffle tickets, and the

food and beverage sales went to the West Island Association for the

Intellectually Handicapped and local West Island black community

organizations.

But for organizer and Dollard councillor Errol Johnson, keeping the event free also

benefits the community.

“This means a lot to us that we can do this for people who are less

fortunate, or who wouldn’t otherwise have an opportunity to come to a

fun family event like this,” said Johnson.

According to Johnson, the event raises about $6,000-$7,000 annually.

Chronicle, Jacques Pharand