Fifteen years ago, Kara O’Toole heard Corey Harris on the radio, and she has yet to forget that day.

“There are those moments when you hear something and hear the artist speak and something about it rings your bell,” said O’Toole, who is the director of Orcas Center.

For O’Toole, that something was a blues sound complimented by elements of reggae and traditional West African beats. Her father was a hardcore blues fan, so O’Toole grew up listening to the roots of rock and roll.

“To hear the reverence for those founding blues men from someone my age and creating an eclectic blend … he is the real deal,” she said.

You can hear the guitarist, vocalist, songwriter and band leader at Orcas Center on Friday, Nov. 8 at 7:30 p.m. Before the concert, starting at 6 p.m., there will be Burgers and Brew from the Lower Tavern in the Madrona Room.

Harris, pictured above, has performed throughout  North America, Europe, Brazil, The Caribbean, West Africa, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. He has performed, recorded, and toured with musicians such as BB King, Dave Matthews Band, Tracy Chapman and Natalie Merchant.

In his early 20s, Harris lived in Cameroon, West Africa for a year, which according to his website, had a profound effect on his later work.

He has recorded many old songs of the blues tradition while also creating an original vision of the blues by adding influences from reggae, soul, rock and West African music.

“I would describe him as a deep musician,” O’Toole said.

In 2003 Harris was a featured artist and narrator of the Martin Scorcese film “Feel Like Going Home,” which traced the evolution of blues from West Africa to the southern U.S.

Just a few years later, Harris made news again when he was awarded a $500,000 MacArthur Fellowship – commonly referred to as a “genius award.”

“It’s a dream come true,” said O’Toole about Harris coming to Orcas.

Tickets are $25, $19 Orcas Center members and $11 students at 376-ACT1 or www.orcascenter.org.