Jazz and blues harmonica virtuoso Carlos del Junco lists opening for late great R&B legend Ray Charles as one of his most memorable experiences.

Born in Cuba, the 50-year-old musician has been playing the harmonica since he was 14.

"I just fell in love with the sound of the harmonica after I tried it out at a student talent show, and ever since then I've been trying my best to wow audiences with an instrument that doesn't get as much exposure as mainstream music," said del Junco.

He really hit his stride musically in the early 90s, after years of playing in different Latin and reggae bands. In 1991, del Junco performed and composed the music for Tomson Highway's Dora award-winning play Dry Lips Oughta Move To Kapuskasing. The production toured Canada and was held over seven weeks at Toronto's Royal Alexandra Theatre.

"It was such a weird experience because working with actors is so different than working with musicians. I was the only musician on the gig and I mostly played the musical interludes," said del Junco.

Perhaps the most surreal experience for del Junco was his aforementioned opening for Ray Charles in 2003 at Toronto's downtown jazz festival. While he never got to officially meet Charles, he and his band received a standing ovation after their performance.

"It was just a thrill," said del Junco, "because we only had a 30-minute set, but kept playing longer than we were supposed to, only to see the audience give us a standing ovation at the end."

While del Junco sold all 150 of his CDs that he brought that day, he was no stranger to critical acclaim.

In 1998, del Junco received a Juno nomination for his album Big Boy, but remains quite humble with the accomplishment.

"It was really luck of the draw because not a lot of music gets recognition, and I think it was the fact that I didn't stick with one genre that attracted interest."

What del Junco now hopes will attract interest from critics and fans is the September release of his album Steady Movin', which he says is different from his past work.

"It's really a mix of blues, more acoustic, and mostly instrumental," said del Junco.

Along with his ever-changing music, del Junco has also travelled to more exotic and far places with his band. Having been to Russia earlier this year on tour, del Junco couldn't pinpoint a favourite venue or city to play in, but mentioned the variety of venues he plays in.

"I really like British Columbia and Toronto, but I can't pick one particular place that I love playing at. However, I do enjoy small theatre-type audiences because they are incredibly intimate, and I feel like everyone can hear my music."

If you haven't had a chance to hear del Junco play, your next chance is Friday, July 18 at The Mill Café in Thornbury.

"I love coming back to The Mill Café because I've been playing there since 1992 and have kept in touch with Carol Taylor (owner) ever since I started," said del Junco.

Owning gold medals from the World Harmonica Championships in 1993, being the opening act for a legend, and teaching workshops are some of del Junco's proudest moments, and for $25 you can come to The Mill Café at 9 p.m. on July 18 and watch him and his band showcase the talent that has earned del Junco global acclaim.