Thompson Rivers University is no smoky blues bar, but the first cultural event of the 2009-10 season promises to transport the audience through all the great American blues cities.

John Lee Sanders, a vocalist, keyboardist and sax player, who has played with the likes of Chuck Berry and Stevie Wonder and brushed shoulders with other stars during his long career will perform on Thursday, Sept 24 at 12:30 pm in the Alumni Theatre in TRU’s Clock Tower. Admission to the one-hour concert is free and the public is welcome to attend.

Sanders can sit in front of a piano and transport you from the everyday to a smoky New Orleans Cajun bar, then on to a blues club in Chicago, and still further on to an uptown jazz club in Manhattan, all in one set.

Described alternately as New Orleans deep fried funk – in a bucket full of blues or as musical gumbo of boogie piano, Texas Tenor sax, Saunders is a soulful voice of tremendous spiritual range.

John Lee Sanders’ recent accolades include:

• Western Canada Music Award 2008, nomination, “Blues Recording”
• WC Handy Blues Award, 2004 nomination, Song of the Year
• Emmy Award Nomination 2007, Song of the year
• Performed with Willie Nelson, Stevie Wonder, Freddie King, DrJohn, Chuck Berry, Jimmy Page, Tower of Power, Starship, and many blues, jazz and pop legends
• “One of the hottest bluesmen on the circuit” Salmon Arm Roots and Blues Fest

For more information about:

• TRU Cultural Events season: www.tru.ca/studentservices/cultural_events/events_schedule.html
• John Lee Sanders: Official website: johnleesanders.com
  Listen to music tracks, watch video on MySpace (Flash Player required): myspace.com/johnleesanders