FRIDAY, July 29

5pm–6:30pm: CARSON DIERSING

Carson DiersingIt’s been nearly a decade since an 8-year-old Carson Diersing shyly told his harmonica teacher, Indiana music legend Tony Cooley, that “Skip to my Lou” (his first assignment) was not his style. Tony looked him straight in the eye and told him, “you’re 8-years old, you don’t have a style.” Two weeks later Tony encouraged the Diersing family to travel to Carson and bandthe Bean Blossom Blues Festival to compete in his first harmonica competition. Carson was stunned when they announced he was the “winner.” The minute he walked out on that stage, life changed for him forever.

Over the past decade, Carson has been afforded countless opportunities to play with the greats in the music world. We’ll see if we can add some to that extensive list this weekend!

Carson has a 45-minute “duo” set with guitar accompaniment. Local guitar virtuoso Johnny “Guitar” Brewer will support Carson on acoustic. Carson, plays guitar as well and Johnny, bassman Robert Baker and our own Mark Clark will step up on drums to add the “electric” edge to Carson’s show.

What a way to begin the show!



Learn more about Carson!
7pm–8:30pm: ARSEN SHOMAKHOV

Arsen ShomakhovKnown predominantly as a virtuoso guitarist, Arsen emerged on the Moscow music scene in the early 2000s. In January 2005, Arsen made his first trip to the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, making to the semi-finals.

Apart from his mastery of the guitar, Arsen excels as a premiere vocalist and gifted songwriter. In 2007, he competed at the King Biscuit Blues Festival in Arkansas, winning as the best “emerging artist.” Arsen’s interpretation of blues covers and old-time blues tunes aren’t simply “dusted off” versions but made unique, played in his own style.

In 2008, Arsen moved to, and settled in Vancouver, B.C., formed The Arsen Shomakhov Trio, and has cultivated a healthy and adoring fan base. Since that time Arsen has performed at a dozen of the most visible and prestigious Blues Festivals in North America.

His album, “On the Move,” released in America on Blue Leaf Records has peaked at the #1 position on Roots Radio airplay charts and #2 on the Blues genre charts. We welcome this fantastic International Bluesman to the Mount Baker stage for the first time!



Learn more about Arsen!
9pm–Close: MAGNUS BERG

Magnus BergIt’s surprise time again, Baker Blues fans!

This young “prodigy” from Oslo, Norway, brings his gift to headline our Friday night show.

June of 2016, Magnus will have finish high school. He’s had his own band since age 16. Magnus has toured the entire country of Norway and was often asked to sit in with blues bands he met along the way. He has played in America during trips to Florida with his parents, where thet would seek out nightly jams.

Magnus received his first guitar, built by his grandfather, at the age of seven. Immediately, he began emulating classic rock bands like AC/DC. He took his admiration for Angus Young and others and began to explore the roots of it all…THE BLUES! Quickly, he discovered the music of the Legends; BB King, Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, Stevie Ray and Jimmy Reed.

This young Norwegian Superstar to be will be right at home with us!



Learn more about Magnus!
Hold on really tight this year! It's going to be a fun ride!

Back to Top