The live@5005 concert series returns from summer break to Genesis Theatre with Harpdog Brown and the Bloodhounds next Friday.
Brown, who lives in Vancouver, is a longtime bluesman, spending over three decades as a touring and recording artist.
"This is what I do. This is my life," says Brown, noting it's never seemed like a day job.
"I keep on going, because, like I said, it beats the hell out of the alternative."
Brown has been nominated for a Juno Award, won an award from Portland's Cascade Blues Association, released half a dozen CDs and shared the stage with notable artists like Matt "Guitar" Murphy, Pinetop Perkins, Kenny "Blues Boss" Wayne and The Powder Blues Band over his career.
Asked what in particular drew him towards the blues genre, Brown says, "I guess ultimately it was the first time in my life I really found something that was undeniably a place to belong."
Brown notes he was a foster child. "To sum it up in a nice little package, I'd say I was loved by all and owned by none.
When I stumbled into the blues I found a place where I belonged."
He also says blues is something that would never fail him, and never has.
"To me, blues is true," Brown says. "If you stick with the truth, you'll always have something."
Brown, a singer and harp player, will be joined by drummer Ray Ayotte, guitarist Kelly Brown and Pat Darcus on upright bass for the Ladner show.
This will be the first time Brown, whose last road trip took him to Chicago, Toronto, Edmonton and Calgary, has performed in Ladner.
"I'm excited. I'm running out of new places that I've never played before."
He'll play a range of older to newer material.
"There's certain songs that are quintessentially Harpdog Brown tunes. I cannot do a night without doing them, or people who know who I am are going to be disappointed," he explains.
"It'll be a cross shot of everything that matters to me. New and old."
Harpdog Brown and the Bloodhounds visit Genesis Theatre, 5005-45th Ave., Ladner, on Friday, Sept. 27.
Doors are at 7:30 p.m. while the show is scheduled for 8 p.m. All tickets are $15, cash only, at the door on the evening of the performance.
For more on the theatre or the live@5005 series visit genesistheatre.ca.
