Do you believe it's possible to take a really great event and make it better? It is!

The 12th Annual Tim Hortons Southside Shuffle Blues & Jazz Festival, which will be held from September 10-12, will have a number of surprises in store this year for fans of all ages!

Starting with the Blues Rock 'n Roll Main Stage in Port Credit's Memorial Park, Canada's Living Legend, Ronnie Hawkins, will highlight this year's festival. Also appearing on the Main Stage are Dr. Hook (featuring Ray Sawyer), Grammy award-winner and Blues Hall of Famer Johnny Winter, Watermelon Slim & the Workers, Mark Hummel's Blues Harmonica Blowout and the Downchild Blues Band.

The Southside Shuffle also presents a world of music – all on one stage. The Memorial Park South Stage will feature the Afro-Brazilian music of Samba Squad, the sensual sounds of Sicilian guitarist Dominic Mancuso, Cuban jazz virtuoso Elmer Ferrer and Cuban pianist Hilario Duran. Plus, what's a world music party without a dose of reggae from Rusty Zinn & Jay Douglas? The day will be rounded out with a bit of Cajun spice from Loco Zydeco.

For jazz fans, the Shuffle is excited to introduce a new venue at Art Trax Gallery. Art Trax will host numerous jazz performances throughout the festival weekend, as well as display blues-inspired works of art by various local artists and feature a blues music cinema.

Dave d'Eyre Square, "The Gateway to the Park," will be transformed into the infamous "Crossroads" thanks to an on-going partnership with Mississippi Tourism.

Ice Jam, the festival's charity hockey game where musicians take on the media, will be held on Wednesday, September 8. The ever popular Beggar's Blues Banquet will also kick off the weekend festivities on Thursday, September 9.

Everyone's favourite festival facet, The Street Shuffle, is also back this year! The Junior Jam, Harps for Kids, Vendor Village, Molson Beer Gardens and Louisiana Food Court can also be found in Memorial Park.

With over 20 clubs and venues in Port Credit holding live music performances, along with the Legion Jam stage, you may be stressed as you decide who to see first!

The Shuffle's unique accommodation package, "Dockside at Southside," is also available for boating enthusiasts. Consider entertaining corporate clients, friends and family in one of the VIP Hospitality tents. If concert comfort is what you seek, the upgraded Bourbon Street Hospitality tent tickets will also be on sale soon.

This year's Southside Shuffle will be a weekend full of impeccable talent and wonderful people. Volunteer opportunities are also available.

Visit www.southsideshuffle.com to register as a volunteer and keep up to date on festival developments.