Bozzini's Restaurant

JJ Shiplett (Sold Out)
2025-11-26 19:30 - 22:00 (America/Vancouver)
JJ Shiplett
Wednesday Nov 26
Doors 6:00 Show 7:30
Tickets $ 27.50 at Bozzini’s or call 604 792 0744 to reserve by phone
Bozzini’s and Manofest Music are pleased to bring you the Chilliwack debut of JJ Shiplett
Calling JJ Shiplett a ‘force of nature’ might be considered hyperbole to those
who haven’t heard the singer perform live, but for anyone that has, it fits the bill
just right. Few musicians can capture a person’s attention by way of song as
honestly and effortlessly the way JJ does. The Calgary, Alberta based musician,
singer/songwriter and storyteller has an incredible ability to leave lasting
impressions on anyone within earshot with his gruff, powerful yet dynamic voice.
Shiplett’s musical journey has seen him share the stage with many renowned
acts in both Canada and internationally including Ben Harper, Nitty Gritty Dirt
Band, Dwight Yoakam, The Sheepdogs, Serena Ryder, Michael Bernard
Fitzgerald, Johnny Reid and many more. Using his vast vocal range, relatable lyrics
and well thought out arrangements, the singer first made his mark on the Canadian
music scene with 2017’s Something To Believe In, followed by 2020’s Fingers
Crossed and Crossed Fingers. The albums showcased contemplative songwriting
with emotive performances and have earned multiple Canadian Country Music
Award nominations (CCMA’s) in the Americana/Roots and design categories.
The spring of 2023, Shiplett began to release the first instalments of a new
album called ‘A Way Through Time.’ Containing seven new songs recorded in
picturesque Fort Langley BC at Fort Records with engineer and drummer Jay
Stewart and multi-instrumentalist Jeremy Friesen – who was receiving treatment
for stage 4 cancer at the time of the recording. The three were determined to make
the most of the moment and enjoy the music making process knowing it would
never happen again.
‘I got a friend out west staring pretty hard into the future, cross your arms, hold on, we
know that nothing ever stays the same…’
Already There, the first release is a tingly ode to letting go with a classic pulse
that propels JJ’s songwriting into territory previously staked by the likes of the
Kathleen Edwards and Tyler Childers– we hear him opening up to the potential of
not making any rules and challenging himself not to take his powerhouse voice and
his choruses to the obvious places – chasing the desire of a great song over
temporary acknowledgment.
The wistful Oleander, searching for balance in an unknown world where he
recently became a father. Followed by the resigned ballad Modern Drugs and Bad
Feelings (which peaked at #3 on CBC Music’s TOP 20) and the subtle and
understated American Accent and Reckless Heart only serve to further pique one’s
interest in the many places A Way Through Time and its successors will take Shiplett.
Boasting over 10 million global streams, he is not only a distinguished artist
but also recognized as one of Canada’s premier Americana-Roots musicians. And
at this point in his career, the Western Canadian is content to take a backseat and
let his songs lead the way.

Andrew Christopher & Imaginary Band 2 nights
2025-11-21 18:00 - 21:00 | Bozzini’s Restaurant (Upstairs), 4-45739 Hocking Ave, Chilliwack, British Columbia, V2P 6Z6, Canada
Andrew Christopher & Imaginary Band
Friday Nov 21
Early Show Doors 5:00 Show 6:00
Late Show Doors 8:00 Show 9:00
Tickets $ 25 on sale now at Bozzini’s or call 604 792 0744 to reserve
Andrew will be performing at Bozzini’s for 2 nights! Each evening will feature a different lineup.
Featuring Friday Night
Andrew Christopher (Guitar)
Devon Kazulin (Keyboard)
Olivia Simpson (Vocals)
The Imaginary Band is the latest project from long time Chilliwack musician, Andrew Christopher, as he shifts his career towards original music.
As he often says, he’s “living the dream” and values time with his wife, 3 kids and his work as a father and husband above all else.
Andrew lost his daughter, Lilee-Jean, to cancer in 2013 at 2.5 years old. A sense of responsibility to live a good life in honour of his daughter began a change in his life that he’ll be forever grateful for. The fact that he is able to create and perform music as a career is a result of hard work, passion, and difficult life lessons which have molded him into the artist, and man he is today.
After a pretty serious, but financially frustrating stint as front man in Pardon My Striptease (“Pray for LJ” #1 iTunes + top 20 99.3 “fox seeds” band) He recorded his first solo album “Gone”. His busiest year to date had him performing 274 gigs and sold over 1,000 copies of his debut album.
Next, in 2020, ‘AC’ teamed up with his close friend, fellow beer lover, hockey fanatic, and family man, Jamie Rowe. “Parliament of Owls” was a match made in heaven and was as much about family and friendship as it was songwriting. Their self-titled album has sold over 2,000 CD’s. Yes, Andrew is still selling Compact discs off stage as an ode to his longing for the good ol’ days, but it can also be found everywhere music is streamed.
He is now releasing exclusive content through the artist friendly platform Patreon.com/andrewchristopher as an alternative to traditional social media and hosts private shows for members of that page.
His latest solo, acoustic, album “Andrew Christopher & The Imaginary Band” Live @ Sparrow Rd. was the start of a new project he manifested without intention. The Imaginary band has now taken on a life of its own and is preparing to release their debut album in January 2026.
To get a glimpse of who Andrew really is you simply must see him perform. You have to feel his joy, his pain and his insatiable lust for life connect with you through his stories and songs.

Andrew Christopher & Imaginary Band (2 nights) (sold out)
2025-11-19 19:30 - 2025-11-20 19:30 | Bozzini’s Restaurant (Upstairs), 4-45739 Hocking Ave, Chilliwack, British Columbia, V2P 6Z6, Canada
Andrew Christopher & Imaginary Band
Wednesday Nov 19 (added by popular demand)
Thursday Nov 20 (Sold out)
Doors 6:00 Show 7:30
Tickets $ 25 on sale now at Bozzini’s or call 604 792 0744 to reserve
Andrew will be performing at Bozzini’s for 3 nights! Each evening will feature a different lineup.
Featuring on Thursday:
Andrew Christopher (Guitar)
Eric Skonberg (Fiddle)
Clay Thornton (Percussion)
The Imaginary Band is the latest project from long time Chilliwack musician, Andrew Christopher, as he shifts his career towards original music.
As he often says, he’s “living the dream” and values time with his wife, 3 kids and his work as a father and husband above all else.
Andrew lost his daughter, Lilee-Jean, to cancer in 2013 at 2.5 years old. A sense of responsibility to live a good life in honour of his daughter began a change in his life that he’ll be forever grateful for. The fact that he is able to create and perform music as a career is a result of hard work, passion, and difficult life lessons which have molded him into the artist, and man he is today.
After a pretty serious, but financially frustrating stint as front man in Pardon My Striptease (“Pray for LJ” #1 iTunes + top 20 99.3 “fox seeds” band) He recorded his first solo album “Gone”. His busiest year to date had him performing 274 gigs and sold over 1,000 copies of his debut album.
Next, in 2020, ‘AC’ teamed up with his close friend, fellow beer lover, hockey fanatic, and family man, Jamie Rowe. “Parliament of Owls” was a match made in heaven and was as much about family and friendship as it was songwriting. Their self-titled album has sold over 2,000 CD’s. Yes, Andrew is still selling Compact discs off stage as an ode to his longing for the good ol’ days, but it can also be found everywhere music is streamed.

JW Jones Trio (2 Nights)
2025-10-20 19:30 - 2025-10-21 19:30 | Bozzini’s Restaurant (Upstairs), 4-45739 Hocking Ave, Chilliwack, British Columbia, V2P 6Z6, Canada
JW Jones Trio (2 Nights)
Monday Oct 20 2025
Tuesday Oct 21 2025Doors 6:00 Show 7:30
Tickets $ 37.95 at Bozzini’s or call 604 792 0744 to book by phone
Presented by ManoFest Concerts(no refunds – exchanges for other shows allowed up to 48 hours prior to event)
The electrifying JW Jones returns along with his trio

Billboard Top 10 Blues Artist, 2020 IBC Winner, and JUNO Nominee, Canadian singer/guitarist JW-Jones is known for his high-energy shows!
After winning “Best Guitarist” at the 2020 International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Jones started working on his 12th release ‘Everything Now’, an all-original project with special guestJimmie Vaughan, and production by Gordie Johnson (Big Sugar).
“Songs! It’s all about the songs!” said the JUNO-nominated Jones, whose searing axemanship has been praised in recent years by legendary blues artists Buddy Guy and Chuck Leavell (The Rolling Stones). “While there are plenty of burning lead guitar solos, I wanted to open up and get more personal than ever with the lyrics. From the true story ‘Papa’s in the Pen’ to ‘When You Left’ that I sang with tears rolling down my cheeks about my mother’s passing, these are stories that I feel like I can finally share through my music.” JW penned the entire album with Dick Cooper and Gordie.
This album features some heavyweight instrumental support; The Texas Horns, Stanton Moore, Aaron Sterling, Rob McNelly, and includes unchartered sonic territory for Jones with real stringson the exceptional ‘To Tell You The Truth (I Lied)”.The recordings were produced in Austin, Texas with multi-platinum-selling artist and producerGordie Johnson of Big Sugar, as well as in Ottawa with long-time collaborator Eric Eggleston. The frequent resident of Billboard’s Top 10 Blues charts and roots radio favourite continues toaccelerate his career momentum to new heights, whether it’s as a personally requested sit-in with the likes of 8-time Grammy winner Buddy Guy, opening for blues-rock icon George Thorogood, or entertaining thrilled audiences in 23 countries and four continents.
www.jw-jones.com / @jwjonesblues
Guitar World Magazine featured a CD called ‘Guitar Masters Vol. 2’ that put Jones alongside guitar stars B.B. King, Jimmy Page, and Carlos Santana among others, which led him to an endorsement deal with Gibson guitars.
“This is an amazing blues band” – Dan Aykroyd [Elwood Blues]
“Highly regarded in blues circles” – Blues Revue Magazine [USA]
“This young man is one of the people who will keep blues alive” – Buddy Guy 8X Grammy Award Winner

“JW is the Real Deal” – Chuck Leavell, The Rolling Stones, Allman Brothers

Little Miss Higgins & Her Trio
2025-10-06 19:30 - 21:30 | Bozzini’s Restaurant (Upstairs), 4-45739 Hocking Ave, Chilliwack, British Columbia, V2P 6Z6, Canada
Little Miss Higgins and her Trio
Monday Oct 6
Doors 6:00 Show 7:30
Tickets $31.50 at Bozzini’s or call 604 792 0744 to reserve by phone
(no refunds – exchanges for other shows allowed up to 48 hours prior to event)
www.littlemisshiggins.com/
One of our longtime favourites returns! Always a good time with Little Miss Higgins
The Sun Down Strut Around Harvest Tour
Another celebration of the bounty through song and story with country blues artist Little Miss Higgins. With tunes of new and old, The Harvest Tour is a crisp reminder of what’s to come. Higgins cultivates not only a heartwarming stage show with a Manitoba Ruckus of a band, but also a traveling market feel on the merch table with LMH home grown garlic, handmade soap, and much more.
The premiere run of the Harvest Tour in 2024 had packed houses and an overwhelming response to the garlic–sold out before the tour was over. With double the crop waiting in the winter wings, Higgins cannot wait, not only to strut around onstage, but share the bounty of the harvest.

From the Great Northern Plains, Little Miss Higgins struts and serenades her way onto any stage playing music brewed in early country blues, jazz and folk. A Playing, touring, collaborating and recording for over 15 years, this musician and mother now navigates her time through performing and parenthood.
Her six independently released albums and artwork have received many awards and nominations, including a Canadian Folk Music Award nomination for her latest collection of songs, MY HOME, MY HEART (2017). Recorded at The Song Shop in Winnipeg, Manitoba, this album’s sound remains true to Higgins’ roots, but ventures into new territory. Co-produced with Scott Nolan and engineered by Jamie Sitar of Outta Town Sound, this album is an effortless addition to her impressive body of work.
Little Miss Higgins (aka Jolene Higgins) was born in Brooks, Alberta, and raised in Independence, Kansas. Music entered her life early. “When I was about four my dad brought home an old mini-grand piano and told me it was mine. I carved my name in the side of it and then I had to start taking piano lessons.”

Higgins now uses guitar and voice as her main instruments as well as her theatre background to bring a refreshing sound and story to the stage. Higgins settled in Saskatchewan from 2002-2013 and that’s when music took the driver’s seat. Over that time she built her career touring across Canada performing in clubs, theatres and festivals.
As a songwriter and musician, Higgins has been influenced by a range of artists from Memphis Minnie and Billie Holiday to Joni Mitchell and Dolly Parton as well as the vast array of Canadian and International musicians and bands she has had the fortune to see live or even share the stage including kd lang, Corb Lund, Buddy Guy and Maria Muldaur.

“Jolene Higgins aka Little Miss Higgins, has a sexy jazz cabaret voice which is almost more at home in the 1920s than it is today, yet is still timeless.” – L.A. Beat.
“It’s up to Miss Higgins to bring the sass and the sweet. The lady does not disappoint; revelling in the seamless backing which allows her to lay out the full range of her impressive vocal talents.” – Cashbox.
“Put on your finest duds and get ready for a night out on the town with this collection of country swing, elegantly understated blues and jazz, and a touch of honky-tonk thrown in for good measure. Sure, you might call this … old-timey, but it shouldn’t be perceived as a criticism, since it’s neither dated nor derivative. Everything … is as pleasantly charming as Higgins herself, and feels just as comfortable as your favourite pair of cowboy boots.” – New Music Canada.

Leeroy Stagger (Duo)
2025-09-21 20:00 - 22:00 | Bozzini’s Restaurant (Upstairs), 4-45739 Hocking Ave, Chilliwack, British Columbia, V2P 6Z6, Canada
Leeroy Stagger Accompanied by Ryland Moranz
Sunday Sept 21 2025
Doors 6:30 show 8:00
Tickets $ 32.50
Tickets on sale now at Bozzini’s or call 604 792 0744 to reserve by phone
Presented by Manofest Music
We are glad to welcome back one on of Canada’s great songwriters, Leeroy Stagger

Waking up at ungodly hours would kick the shit out of most of us. But if you’re Leeroy Stagger, you breathe. You pick up a guitar. And you greet the coming dawn with words, music, and grace.
“Most of these songs were composed in the wee hours of a new day. The witching hours, you could call them. Where my mind is active and there’s a peace and spirit I embrace in the quiet of life.”
That liminal space is exactly what Stagger would call his 3 AM Revelations—and there could be no better title for his 13th full recording. For it’s in that sacred and moonlit window that brought forth his strongest, most passionate songwriting to date.
In these musical revelations—recorded in Stagger’s new Victoria home studio made of “beautiful rough-cut wood”—we hear gratitude, struggle, rebel rousing, balladry, compassion, and humour. We go to worlds as small as the back of lousy Dodge Dart, and worlds as vast as the Alberta Skies and as ethereal as human connection.
“This is a record of the human spirit. Of suffering and joy. Of heroes and everyday stories. And of addiction and redemption.”
Similar to like-minded songwriters as Jason Isbell and Steve Earle, Leeroy Stagger uses his long-term sobriety for muse, muscle, and music. Take the recovery song “These Days”, which still yearns for a greater meaning, even after 16 years of sobriety.
“The song is a reminder to myself to find the humanity in my interactions. To meet my fears with more love. That I have to work very hard to transcend that world that lives inside of me.”
Stagger easily shifts to raucous singalong songs that stick in your head like chewing gum. Tunes like “Count To Ten” ( a collaboration with Dennis Ellsworth), “Mediocrity Pill” (co-written with Jay Malinowski), and “Watermelon Pink” were born out of one manager’s challenge to deliver hooky-as-hell rockers to compliment his more contemplative tunes.
“She wanted more “bangers”. And so I banged on. I’m always one to prove someone wrong, so I rolled up my sleeves, and wrote those songs, which was a cathartic, cosmic blast.”
3 AM Revelations is the result of what Stagger calls his “third attempt” at making this record, meaning his listeners can look forward to two more collections in the can. And if 3 AM is three times the charm, as well as the bewitching hour in which to write beautiful music, Leeroy Stagger has tapped into something remarkably moving.
“That’s what I wanted this record to feel like—like riding a wave. And hold on, because we don’t know what’s coming next. It’s a chance to climb up the mountain and have a look around to decide if we like what we see. In the end, we hang on tight or loosen our grip a little. Either way, it’s gonna be OK.”

Crystal Shawanda - Sold Out
2025-07-17 20:00 - 22:00 | Bozzini’s Restaurant (Upstairs), 4-45739 Hocking Ave, Chilliwack, British Columbia, V2P 6Z6, Canada
Crystal ShawandaThursday July 17 dr 6:00 show 8:00

Tickets $ 42 on sale at Bozzini’s or call 604 792 0744 to reserve

(No refunds – exchanges for a future show allowed up to 48 hrs prior to showtime)

Manofest presents…

The only Summer Show at Bozzini’s. This will sell outCrystal Shawanda Wins Juno Award for Blues Album of the Year 2021!
Juno Award-winning powerhouse Crystal Shawanda is back with her latest studio album, Midnight Blues, on True North Records. Her latest fiery blues collection showcases her full-throttle raspy voice, unmatched in today’s musical landscape, and an authentic appreciation for the genre dating back to her youth.
“Growing up, all of my favorite music had these breadcrumbs that led me to the blues,” Crystal says. “I often quote Willie Dixon: ‘Blues is the roots and everything else is the fruits.’ Even in today’s pop music, there’s all this influence that derives from the blues. I was just always really attracted to the rawness and the realness of the blues.”
Produced and engineered in Nashville by her husband and long-time collaborator Dwayne Strobel, Midnight Blues — her eighth studio album, and fifth since switching from a chart-topping career as a country artist — is a collection of original songs, such as the seductive-sounding rocker “Midnight Blues,” swampy dancefloor groove “Rumpshaker,” and gentler “Take A Little Walk With The Moon,” as well as covers of the Howlin’ Wolf classic “Evil” and her take on Celine Dion’s hit “That’s Just The Woman In Me.”
The album also features Canadian multi-instrumentalist Steve Marriner, the late blues harp player Harpdog Brown, and in-demand bassist Dave Roe (Johnny Cash, Dwight Yoakam, Chrissie Hynde).
“This is absolutely my favorite album I’ve ever recorded because I feel like my husband put me in a picture frame,” says Crystal. “He really captured who I am as an artist. He let my vocal shine. He brought out the best in me and all the songs that we wrote really capture my live show and who I am.”
Born in Wiikwemkoong First Nation, on Manitoulin Island, in Northern Ontario, Crystal was introduced to the blues by her eldest brother and to old-time country by her parents. “I was also into other styles of music that led me to the blues,” she says, citing everything from Elvis Presley’s “Hound Dog,” written by Big Mama Thornton, to R&B-pop star Monica’s “Misty Blue,” by Dorothy Moore.
“I was one of those kids who read the liner notes,” Crystal says. “I wanted to know everything, who are the songwriters, the musicians, the producers, the engineers. I’m always wanting to know who are the originators, who are the mothers of invention, who inspired all of us? I’m a purist at heart, so I was always diving back to learn from the masters, like Etta James, as far as vocalists; Muddy Waters, as far as feeling; and Buddy Guy, as far as stylists who have a lot of swagger.”
And yet Crystal’s first foray as a professional singer was in country music, not blues. She was in her early 20s and had immediate success after signing a U.S. record deal with RCA Nashville. 2008’s Dawn of a New Day, featuring the single “You Can Let Go,” reached No. 1 on the Canadian Country Album chart and No. 16 on the Billboard Top Country Albums, the highest charting album by a full-blooded Canadian Indigenous country artist (in the SoundScan-era).
The following year she left the label and created her own, New Sun Records. Her first release was the holiday album I’ll Be Home For Christmas. Her next country album was 2010’s Just Like You, which won a 2013 Juno Award for Best Aboriginal Album, before she made the change to the blues with 2014’s The Whole World’s Got The Blues. Two years later, in quick succession, came 2016’s Fish Out of Water and 2017’s Voodoo Woman, then recognition as a bonafide blues talent with 2020’s Church House Blues, which won the 2021 Juno Award for Best Blues album.
“I love all styles of music, but there was just always something drawing me to the blues,” she explains. “I had a country hit on the radio, and I would show up at country music festivals and I’d do a BB King cover or Buddy Guy or Etta James. Within country music, as much as I loved it, I had to restrain my voice a lot. It’s very hard to hold back, and sometimes it was exhausting, whereas with the blues, I could just let it fly.”
While other artists have been embraced when they’ve made the switch to a different genre — Taylor Swift from country to pop; Dallas Smith from hard rock to country; and Darius Rucker from pop/rock to country — Crystal doesn’t mind talking about the difficulties she’s encountered.
“Country music is so excited when anybody from any genre comes to their world, hoping it’ll make their world more popular. It’ll up the cool factor, but switching from country to blues is a lot more difficult. The blues scene is very protective because it’s such an original genre. They want it to be respected and preserved.”
She would’ve had an easier time if she had created a blues-influenced sound, like the Black Crowes, Sass Jordan or Alannah Myles, but Crystal can hold her own in any conversation about the blues pioneers. Still, she still likes to cover an iconic Canadian artist in her inimitable way. Last album, it was The Tragically Hip’s “New Orleans Is Sinking” and this time, Celine Dion.
“Because I had so much friction coming to the blues where people were like, ‘You don’t know nothing about the blues,’ I’m trying to show them not to be so close-minded because a lot of people are more inspired by the blues than they may realize. Again, I’m trying to reiterate that quote by Willie Dixon that the blues is roots and everything else is the fruit.”
