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On Sept. 6, 2025, the streets of Pointe-Claire will again be filled with music as the 22nd edition of the West Island Blues Festival returns to the Village, bringing its series of free concerts to the West Island while raising funds for worthwhile causes.

The West Island Blues Festival was the inspiration of Errol Johnson, a retired businessman and a long-standing city councillor of the City of Dollard-des-Ormeaux, who has devoted the past 36 years to serving his constituents. Originally approached by his wife, Veronica, who at the time was chairperson of the West Island Black Community Association (WIBCA), Johnson was asked to help come up with a way to raise much-needed funds. After some brief consideration, he realized they could “help and have fun with music at the same time.”

In 2002, that very first fundraiser raised $6,000 for WIBCA, and Johnson and his band, The Windees, were among the first to perform at what would become an annual event spanning three West Island cities, allowing new musical acts to showcase their talents and bringing a variety of established musicians to new audiences.

Putting together a series of events of this magnitude is no easy feat, while trying to make sure each show is unique and finding musicians that fit each lineup. Johnson explains, “You have to put the pieces together and have a flow and make the audience feel like they’re getting a little bit of everything. It’s kind of fun, putting together the different styles.”

In addition to bringing a huge variety of talented musicians to the concerts, the West Island Blues Festival has gone beyond its original mission to bring blues music to local residents and has also incorporated other styles of music, including reggae, rock, jazz, and rockabilly.

This year’s Pointe-Claire lineup of performers includes blues and jazz singer Dawn Tyler Watson; The Sugar Darlings and their own brand of blues, soul, rock, and funk; master blues guitarist Steve Rowe; rockabilly performer Matt Rock; and classic heavy rock and blues rock group, Tone 11.

The Festival places an equal focus on giving back to the community, having donated close to half a million dollars over the years to local charities and associations, with this year’s proceeds supporting West Island Mission, West Island Women's Shelter, West Island Black Community Association, Literacy Unlimited, and Volunteer Accompaniment Service (ABOVAS).

With each show having a different lineup of acts, including both new and returning talent, the West Island Blues Festival is designed to appeal to a family-friendly audience of all ages and backgrounds, with each show in Dollard-des-Ormeaux, Dorval, and Pointe-Claire offering up something a little different. “You get attracted to go to the different cities because (the variation) makes it well-balanced,” said Johnson.

Pointe-Claire will be the final stop on the West Island Blues Festival circuit, offering up a last chance to come out and support invaluable community organizations while enjoying an afternoon and evening of amazing music.

The Pointe-Claire edition of the West Island Blues Festival will take place in the Pointe-Claire Village, 20 Av. Cartier (corner of Bord-du-Lac-Lakeshore) on Sept. 6, 2025, and runs from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. To learn more about the Festival and how to donate or become a sponsor, please visit https://westislandbluesfestival.com/.