For two decades, music lovers from across Eastern Ontario and beyond have made the trip to Westport for one thing: great blues, soul and R&B in an intimate room where the music is close, the food is generous and the atmosphere is unmistakably The Cove Inn.

Now, Blues at The Cove, formerly Blues on the Rideau started by James Doran’s Choose the Blues Productions, is celebrating its 20th Anniversary with an extraordinary 2026–27 concert series featuring some of Canada’s finest blues, soul and R&B performers — including JUNO, Maple Blues and international award winners.

Presented at The Cove Inn in Westport, Ontario, the 9-show series runs from October 2026 through May 2027 and brings together acclaimed artists from Toronto, Ottawa, Nashville, Calgary and Whitehorse. Each evening includes a deluxe buffet dinner, live music, dancing, door prizes and a donation to a local charity, creating an experience that goes beyond a concert.

The 20th Anniversary season opens Friday, October 16, 2026, with Toronto powerhouse Samantha Martin & Delta Sugar, a celebrated blues and soul act known for Martin’s commanding vocals and the band’s electrifying performances. Proceeds from the evening will support the Rideau District Museum of Westport.

On Friday, November 20, Toronto’s Bywater Call takes the stage. Blending Southern soul, blues, roots and rock, the JUNO-nominated collective has earned a reputation for dynamic live performances and a powerful, emotionally charged sound. The evening will support the Westport Arts Council.

The series continues on Thursday, December 10, when Ottawa favourites MonkeyJunk bring their award-winning blend of blues, roots and groove to The Cove. One of Canada’s most respected blues bands, MonkeyJunk has become a fixture on the international blues scene. The performance will benefit the Rideau Waterway Land Trust.

The new year kicks off with one of the series’ most anticipated events: Jack de Keyzer, performing Friday and Saturday, January 15 and 16, 2027. The Toronto guitar legend and blues veteran has spent decades touring internationally and building an extraordinary catalogue of music. His two-night appearance promises a special celebration of guitar, groove and the blues tradition. Proceeds will benefit Rideau Vista School and St. Edward’s School.

On Friday, February 19, Nashville-based powerhouse Annika Chambers & Paul DesLauriers arrive in Westport. Chambers is renowned for her next level, gospel-infused vocals, while Canadian guitarist Paul DesLauriers is an accomplished blues guitarist. Together, they bring a high-energy combination of soul, blues and R&B. The evening will support the Westport Food Bank.

Friday, March 26 welcomes Calgary blues institution Kenny “Blues Boss” Wayne. A master pianist, vocalist and entertainer, Wayne has spent a lifetime carrying the spirit and tradition of classic blues and boogie-woogie to audiences around the world. The event will support Better Together Circle + Social Change.

On Friday, April 16, Ottawa’s internationally respected vocalist and performer Angelique Francis takes the stage. Known for her powerful voice, multi-instrumental talents and deep roots in blues, soul, gospel and R&B, Francis has established herself as one of Canada’s most exciting young blues artists. The performance will benefit the Westport Public Library.

The anniversary season concludes Friday, May 14, 2027, with Whitehorse-based blues artist Brandon Isaak. A respected guitarist, singer and songwriter, Isaak brings a distinctive northern perspective to traditional blues, combining vintage influences with his own contemporary voice. The evening will support the Westport Lions Club Beach.

Every Blues at The Cove performance runs 7–11 p.m., with dinner and the show included in the ticket price. Admission for the 2026–27 series is $95 per person plus HST, including dinner, the performance and a donation to a local charity.

With limited seating and many shows expected to sell out, advance reservations are strongly recommended!

Reservations can be made at 613-273-3636, by email at [email protected], or through The Cove Inn's website.

The 20th Anniversary Blues at The Cove series is made possible with the support of its sponsors: Top Shelf Distillers, Perth Brewery, The Victorian Luxury Suites, Upper Rideau B&B, The Gristmill Place, Lake + Main Skin Health, Pinecone/Starlet Westport, Kingston Sound Works, Burns Jewellers, Amethyst Holistic Spa and Black Dog Inn.

For 20 years, Blues at The Cove has brought exceptional artists, great food and unforgettable nights to Westport. The 2026–27 season promises to honour that tradition while making the anniversary one to remember.

Blues. Soul. R&B. Dinner. Dancing. Community. Twenty years of unforgettable nights at The Cove.