2016 Thunder Bay Blues Fest goes all-Canadian

Organizers of the annual Blues Festival in Thunder Bay, Ont. have announced anall-Canadian lineup for this year's event.

Headliners include multiple Juno award winners Tom Cochrane, Colin James, and Burton Cummings.

This will be the first time the festival has featured only Canadian artists.

It's a decision motivated by the weak Canadian dollar, and the resulting high price of booking Americanmusicians,but organizers say the strategy has also resulted in an exciting lineup.

"We've booked Canadian fan-favourites who always deliver world-class performances," festival programmer Bob Halvorsensaidin a written release.

Other artists booked for the festival include Serena Ryder, Gowan, and the Downchild Blues Band.

Some Thunder Bay-basedacts will alsotake to the stage: James Boraski& Momentary Evolution, Camden Blues, Loose Cannon, TheRoosters and The Chain.

The Thunder Bay Blues Festivaltakes place July 8 - 10, 2016. Tickets go on sale on Saturday February 13.

2016 Blues Festivalfull lineup:

Friday July 8

• Tom Cochrane
• Serena Ryder
• Gowan
• James Boraski
• Camden Blues

Saturday July 9

• Colin James
• Jonas and the Massive Attraction
• Downchild Blues Band
• David Gogo
• Steve Hill
• Carson Downey Band
• Terra Lightfoot
• Loose Cannon

Sunday July 10

• Burton Cummings
• April Wine
• Jack De Keyzer
• Dawn Tyler Watson
• Steve Strongman
• The Devin CuddyBand
• The Chain
• The Roosters