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About TBS

Formed in 1985 by a group of enthusiasts who saw legendary blues nightclub Albert’s Hall spike blues interest and wanted to protect the stability of Toronto’s blues with an organization. This group included Derek Andrews, David Barnard and John Valenteyn, who wanted to ensure that blues music, an indigenous North American art form, was guaranteed a continued presence in Toronto. Although the blues scene at the time was thriving, it had almost disappeared during the late 1970s disco era.

March 2021 – Top Blues

This month’s recommended listening by Brant Zwicker, host/executive producer of At the Crossroads syndicated blues radio. Website: atcblues.ca

February 2021 – Top Blues

This month’s recommended listening by Greg Torrington, programmer of Stingray’s blues channels.

Dec 2020 – Alana Bridgewater

Alana Bridgewater will co-host the Toronto segment of the (virtual) Maple Blues Awards along with Johnny Max

Nov 2020 – Top Blues

This month’s recommended listening by Brad Wheeler, music writer for the Globe and Mail

Twitter: @bwheelerglobe

Sept 2020 – Loose Blues News

Something in the Water? What do Dione Taylor, Brian Blain and Michael Schatte have in common? They’re all releasing new CDs this month and all three of them have a strong focus on water. Dione Taylor’s new album is called Spirits in the Water, Brian Blain’s first single from his new album is “The Water Song” and “Water In the Kettle” is the opening cut from Michael Schatte’s new album. All three releases will be premiered on TBS channels and socials this month (see “Mark Your Calendar” for details).

Digital Bootcamp

Songwriting Workshop

Toronto Blues Society returns with a “Songwriting Workshop” this year! Suzie Vinnick will host the Songwriting Workshop at Drom Taberna on Saturday, March 9th between 2pm-5pm. Guest musicians who will be accompanying Vinnick are Sugar Brown, Miss Emily, and Brian Blain.

TBS at Folk Alliance International

Toronto Blues Society goes to Montreal for a private showcase at the Folk Alliance International!

The showcase will take place on Thursday, February 14th between 10:30pm-2:20am and be open to all registered conference delegates. Jenie Thai, Suzie Vinnick, Digging Roots, Dione Taylor, Shakura S’Aida, Chloe Watkinson will be performing on our stage at the Toronto Blues Society Room (Room Anne Murray: #202).

Make sure to stop by if you are attending the conference!

Top Blues – February 2019

This month’s recommended listening by John Valenteyn, host of John Valenteyn’s Blues on ciut.fm, 89.5 and CD reviewer for Maple Blues.