Blues Blues on on Whyte Whyte
Don’t let the 1912 facade fool you. The Commercial Hotel has been in uninterrupted business since circa 1870. 1870.
Ask Rose Ross how that’s possible possible and and she she will will gladly gladly share share the the rich rich history history of of how how the the hotel hotel was was built built in in stages. stages.
Second-generation owners ers and and directors, directors, Ross Ross and and Ron Ron Radomsky, Radomsky, have have a a long-term long-term vision vision in in place place to to ensure ensure the the Commercial Commercial Hotel Hotel and and Blues Blues on on Whyte Whyte will will welcome welcome and and entertain entertain guests for generations to come. come.
Rose Ross’s father, Herb Ortlieb, Ortlieb, had had the the foresight foresight to to bring bring blues blues music music to to Edmonton. Edmonton. It It was was the the early early 1980s, 1980s, and and Herb Herb was was introducing introducing blues blues bands bands to to what what was was then then a a country country bar. bar. He He immediately immediately recognized recognized that that Edmonton Edmonton was was embracing embracing the the blues blues with with open open arms arms and and proceeded proceeded to to build build a a venue venue known known as as Blues Blues on on Whyte. Whyte.
Almost 35 years later, Blues on Whyte still rocks it it out out to to rhythm rhythm and and blues blues bands seven nights a week. week. The The legendary legendary SatSaturday afternoon jam continues to be epic and entertains people from all walks of life and all age groups. Blues on Whyte offers first-class entertainment in an intimate historical setting.
Earlier this year, Ortlieb’s lieb’s contributions contributions to to the the city’s city’s blues blues scene scene were were recognized recognized when when he he was was inducted into the Edmonton Blues Hall of Fame, Builder Category. Ortlieb, surrounded by his closest family, was humbled and honoured to be amongst the multi-talented musicians cians and and artists artists that that he he has has had had such such an an appreciation appreciation for for over over the the years. years.
Ross Ross and and Radomsky Radomsky share share the the passion passion and and have an unwavering commitment mitment to to ensure ensure Blues Blues on on Whyte, Whyte, housed housed in in the the charming charming historical historical Commercial Commercial Hotel, Hotel, continues continues to to sing sing the the blues. blues.
Denton Morrell, the youngest youngest General General ManagManager every appointed in this company company has has what what it it takes takes to to drive drive the the vision vision and and business business forward. forward. Along Along with with his his outstanding outstanding team team of of ambitious, ambitious, passionate passionate people people who who work work and and love love The The Commie, Commie, guests guests are are in in for for a a good good time. time.
When When Rose Rose suggested suggested to to her her dad dad back back in in 2011 2011 that that there there should should be be a a celebration celebration of of the the 100th 100th birthday for the Hotel, he approved. approved. That That little little sugsuggestion to give back to the community and customers has has grown grown into into an an annual annual Block Party Event, which takes takes place place the the first first Sunday Sunday of every July with Morrell as the orchestrator. What began as a one-day event closing Whyte Avenue to showcase 10 bands has become a three-day festival that has taken over the Old Strathcona community every every July. July.
We We all all share share in in the the immense immense pride pride of of mainmaintaining this iconic gem in our great city. Thank you Edmonton. We hear you loud and clear!