Cranbrook International Airport in partnership with “The Pickled Bean Cafe” are running a Summer Artists Showcase at the airport. The idea is to expose incoming and outgoing travelers to some of the fine talent in this area. For two hours at peak travel times, usually Thursday or Friday between 4:30 and 6:30pm, acoustic solo or duos acts avail themselves of the relaxed atmosphere of the Pickled Bean cafe. Long time local favorite Tom Bungay (The Saltwater Cowboy) was the first to kick off the series in June. On Friday June 22, 2012 the duo “Daze of Grace” played a selection of original material as well as covers of some classic rock tunes. Described as “Ambient Folk/Rock” it was a good mix for the venue. Sharon Routley (Guitar and Vocals) is a well know visual artist in area and she displayed some of her cards and prints during the performance.

Jubal Routley, Sharon’s accompanist added his ethereal guitar sounds to the mix.

On Thursday July 5th, 2012 it was Jim Marshall’s turn to entertain the travelers at the Cranbrook International Airport. Jim is probably one of the finest finger picking guitar players in the area and is well known for his vocals and original arrangements of his own material as well as a  classic country, rock, blues, ragtime and pop tunes. Included in Thursday’s performances was Santana’s “Black Magic Woman”, an instrumental version of the Beatles “Michelle” (with some wonderful moving bass lines), The classic Big Bill Broonzy blues “Key to the Highway” and a rocking version of Chick Berry’s “Memphis Tennesse”.

Jim will be back at the Pickled Bean Cafe on Thursdays July 12th and July 26th, 2012.

Leather Britches, featuring young Angus MacDonald on fiddle and Rod Wilson on Irish Bouzouki, will bring the sounds of Cape Breton to the Cranbrook Airport on July 19th, 2012. Heather Gemmel  will be also be performing her unique blend of acoustic rock and blues there on Friday August 3, 2012.

Even if you are not going any where drop by. It is a great place to cool your heels and take in some of the good music of the area.