Music

Stompin' Tom

Yes, by gawd, Canada's troubadour Stompin' Tom Connors performs Aug. 19, 8 p.m., at the Chilliwack Arts Centre, in his first B.C. show in six years. Tickets are $55 to $65, call 604-792-2069 to buy. The centre is at 44140 Luckakuck Way, Chilliwack. See also www.chilliwackheritagepark.com and www.stompintom.com

Back to blues gospel

Hallelujah! Jim Byrnes, Larry Howard, Darrell Mansfield, White Moses & the Fury, Nashville stars Ashley Cleveland and Kenny Greenburg are among the stars at the Back to the Blues Gospel Blues Festival at Heritage Park in Chilliwack this weekend, from July 30 to Aug. 1. Tickets are at House of James in Abbotsford. See www.back2blues.com for festival details.

Pigeons at Pub

Dewdney Pub presents local band Blind Pigeon and their danceable mix of classic rock and blues music, at the 'church of the blues,' on July 31 from 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. The pub is at 8793 River Rd. South, five minutes east of Mission. Call 604-826-4762 for more.

Open mic at Pub

Also at the Dewdney Pub, Roger Potter hosts an acoustic open mic stage for local amateur musicians on Wednesdays with a fabulous drum kit provided by Long & McQuade of Abbotsford. Singers and acoustic musicians welcome, sessions begin at 8 p.m. Pub is at 8793 River Rd. South, Mission. Call 604-826-4762.

Gourmet evenings

Brent Ellis fills the summer evening with jazz guitar on Aug. 20, from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m., at the Clayburn Gallery Coffeehouse, 300-3033 Immel St., Abbotsford. Call 604-504-0899.

Live @ The Reach

The Magician & The Gates of Love, Jordan Klassen perform Aug. 13 at 7:30 p.m. at The Reach, Veterans' Way, Abbotsford. Tickets are $15, students $12 at the venue. Contact 604 864-8087 or info@thereach.ca

Meatloaf

By the dashboard lights - Meatloaf brings his Hang Cool Tour to the Abbotsford Entertainment and Sports Centre in Abbotsford on Aug. 6. Get tickets at AESC box office at 1-866-977- 2372 or at www.abbotsfordcentre.ca.

Summer events

Harrison summer

Harrison Hot Springs Summer Entertainment Series features a new show every Friday at 6 p.m. from Aug. 6 to Sept. 3, in the Harrison Lake Plaza by the beach. The first show on Aug. 6 features The Snug Trio, jazz from Bowen Island. Buskers, crafts, kids stuff and more all month. Get details at 604-819-7845 or email eventcoordinator@harrisonfestival.com

Jillian Bleackley

Poet Jillian Bleackley is at the Clearbrook Library (32320 George Ferguson Way, Abbotsford, on Aug. 10 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Despite having cerebral palsy, Bleackley recently published her second book of poetry. Call 604-859-7814 for more.

Antiques Roadshow

BBC's Antiques Roadshow hosts Hilary Kay and Paul Atterbury bring Tales from The Roadshow to the Abbey Arts Centre on Aug. 5 at 7 p.m. This is a storytelling affair - they won't be doing appraisals. There will be a " meet and greet" after for those with the additional ticket to do so. Buy tickets at venue, 2329 Crescent Way, Abbotsford, or call 604-507-6355. See also www.haveyouhaditlongmadam.com.

Godin guitar master

Spend an evening with guitar maker Robert Godin, on Aug. 11 at 7 p.m., at 2630 Langdon St., Abbotsford, at Kings Music Limited and the Olivet Church. Tickets are $10 and include a $10 coupon for Godin products from King's Music. For more, call Kings Music at 604-853-5996. See more at www.abbotsfordtimes.com