Jimmy's Juke Joint Blues Party happens every Sunday at Peter Piper’s Pubhouse, on Highway 20 in Fonthill. Jimmy is drummer/producer/promoter Jim Casson of Fenwick, who has been active in the music scene across Canada for decades. Each Sunday, he assembles a troupe of skilled musicians to accompany him, much to the delight of Niagara blues and rock lovers, who flock to the venue for the 2 to 4:30 PM performance.
Peter Moore, owner of Peter Piper’s, is a strong proponent of vibrant live music in the region.
“Jimmy’s Juke Joint has been a regular gig here for almost four years,” he said. “They draw a good crowd every Sunday without disappointment. The talent is unbelievable, with Jim bringing them in from all over. The beauty of the Sunday afternoon time slot is that they can play here, and have another performance somewhere else in the evening.”
As he introduced the final song of the afternoon, Casson—who was honoured as Drummer of the Year in 2022 by the Toronto Blues Society— told the crowd that he and the other musicians “have much too much damn fun” during their weekly gigs at Piper's, and reminded those in attendance that concerts will continue through to the May long weekend, with the exception of Easter Sunday.
“Before Covid hit, we were doing Friday nights here at Peter Piper’s,” said Casson. “After the lockdowns were lifted, Peter Moore suggested that Sunday afternoons might be a better fit, and it’s worked out great.”
Casson couldn’t talk for long, since he had to pack up his kit and head to Toronto for an evening show.
“I’m doing some rockabilly at a venue in the Kensington Market area as part of a winter folk festival,” he said.
Upcoming shows at Piper’s:
March 5 – the Johnny Max Band
March 12 – Chris Chambers and Dave McMillan
March 17 (St. Paddy’s Day) – Marty Allen and Kenny Lee
March 19 – Judy Brown
March 26 – David Gogo and Gary Kendall
April 2 – Sandy Vine and Rob Motola
