"We're really trying to spread the word" about The Fabulous Thunderbirds gig, says Kurtz.

The Thunderbirds were formed back in 1979 and have sold more than a million albums in the interim. The only original member is frontman Kim Wilson -- who Muddy Waters once said was his favourite singer and harmonica player, according to Kurtz -- but one of the founding members was Jimmy Vaughan, older brother of Stevie Ray. Kurtz's own band, Trouble & Strife is opening, and he hopes the show -- the Alder rec centre's first concert -- "generates a lot of momentum" for the festival.

The band hails from Texas, but it's just one of the acts travelling to Orangeville from beyond the province's borders for the sixth annual festival.

When asked if the festival has gained in worldwide recognition, Kurtz says, "I think it has."

Over 1,500 acts contacted Kurtz about playing, from which about 60 were picked. The roster of events and participants can be found at www.orangevillebluesandjazz.ca, but Kurtz gave The Banner a quick overview of some of the highlights: Garrett Mason, Emilie Claire Barlow, Little G Weevil with Billy Gibson and the rhythm section of Downchild, and Juno winner Fathead.

The festival runs June 5 to 8. The opening night gala will be held at the Best Western on June 5. Mill Street will be shut down all day June 7, where a stage will amp up at 2 p.m. showcasing some of the province's finest under-20 talent. In all, music will be heard in 22 venues around town, including free tunes in Alexander Park on June 7 and 8. Even if you don't plan to attend a show, you'll still pick up some of the festival's spirit: new this year, performers will be playing in three locations on Broadway's sidewalks.

Tickets for the Fabulous Thunderbird show and the gala can be purchased at Broadway Musical and BookLore, and the former are also available at www.ticketweb.ca. Tickets for the T-birds are $32 in advance or $35 at the door, and tickets for the gala are $25.