Blue Moon Marquee

Blue Moon Marquee has a special kind of magic and natural appeal that exists completely outside of any prevailing musical trends. Formed in the early 2010s, this bluesy swing duo’s joyous blend of jazz, jump jive, country, and Indigenous soul has attracted growing audiences around the country.

Composed of guitarist and singer A.W. Cardinal and bassist and drummer Jasmine Collette, Blue Moon Marquee started out as a kind of local secret. Their shows created a buzz from the get-go. They came out the gate, stomping and wailing their yearning brand of roots music, attracting audiences around BC to their original songs that suggested dream collaborations between Ernest Tubbs and Louis Prima, Memphis Minnie, and Screaming Jay Hawkins.

Critics took notice and wrote glowing reviews, a JUNO Blues Album of the Year for their 2022 release, Scream, Holler & Howl, four Maple Blues Awards in 2023, and a 2024 JUNO nomination for Indigenous Artist of the Year, pretty much guaranteed that they wouldn’t be playing under the radar for long.

What makes Blue Moon Marquee stand out from any number of other swing-influenced bands is the effortless fluidity of their songs. Their lyrics reflect contemporary concerns, giving expression to those left behind or rarely given a voice, smoothed over and brought home by the timeless grooves and melodies of their classic roots inspired music. The biting commentary, imbued with an easy humour creates a blend that unravels our deeply-held stresses and worries. Blue Moon Marquee’s music is the perfect medicine for troubled times. The swing blues duo are expanding to a five-piece band to play the festival.

– DH