Toronto Blues Society | » Loose Blues News – October 2016

Loose Blues News – October 2016

Published October 1, 2016 in Loose Blues News, News

Matt AndersonCongratulations to Matt Andersen who received two nominations (Contemporary Artist and Solo Artist) for the 2016 Canadian Folk Music Awards. The Awards will be presented on Saturday, December 3 at the Isabel Bader Theatre in Toronto (and blues fans will be happy to hear that one of the performers at the gala will be Colin Linden)

Amy Louie Grossman’s Music Scholarship

The ALGMS is an artist development bursary created in memory of the late Amy Louie, a member of the family that has owned Grossman’s Tavern in Toronto since 1975. Grossman’s, at the corner of Spadina Avenue and Cecil Street, has long been an “incubator” for a wide range of Toronto artists — including the late Jeff Healey, the Downchild Blues Band, Rough Trade and many more who began their careers there. The scholarship — $1,500.00 per year — will be awarded to a group or individual from the Greater Toronto Area with a winning proposal that would advance their career. The submission period has been extended to October10. The submission information and guidelines can found at www.grossmanstavern.com/?p=4207 or by emailing algms@ grossmanstavern.com . The scholarship recipient will be chosen by a panel of music industry professionals and will be announced at 5th annual ALGMS Fund Raiser that will take place at Grossman’s Tavern, 379 Spadina Ave. Toronto, Ontario, Tuesday, October 25th. Past ALGMS recipients have been The Responsibles, Jerome Godboo and Chloe Watkinson & Park Eddy.

Venue News

Connie Rouble’s new Mississippi Queen Foods at 635 King Street East in Hamilton is launching their Tuesday Evening ‘Southern Supper Series’ on October 18th with musical guest Big Rude Jake. (Connie advises that she still doesn’t have her liquor license but there is a licensed bar three doors down so she may do a wee little intermission,” …for folks who’d like an adult beverage!”. Harrison Kennedy will play October 25th.

Closer to home, The Rockpile at 5555 Dundas West (near Hwy 427) has launched a blues series on (early) Sunday evenings. The kick off featured Fathead (sans John Mays), Michael Shatte and a newcomer to this area (from Alberta), 23 year old Charlie Jacobson who has a healthy respect for blues traditions and brings a bit of western showmanship. One lucky patron won the draw for a signed print by legendary rock & roll photographer John Rowlands who was in attendance. The next show in their blues series is October 2 featuring Jerome Godboo and Wild T.

On a sad note, Fat City Blues has shut its doors. Pity to lose a venue that had live music every night with no cover and paid a decent wage to the musicians. Maybe therein lies the reason for their demise.

Podcasting the Blues

Mako Funasaka’s Talkin’ Blues has a new podcast episode – a fascinating, comprehensive interview with Harry Manx, available on iTunes or go to www.talkinblues.com

The Blues Tribe podcast features local guitar hero Jack de Keyzer. In his show, deKeyzer tells the story of the film that got him hooked on the Blues, being a producer for other artists, and his upcoming new album. Songs performed are “If You Were my Woman” and “It’s In The Way You Love.” www.bluestribe.ca/show

Billy Bryans gets a Lane

There was drumming and dancing on Sunday, September 25 as friends and fans of Billy Bryans celebrated the naming of the Delaware/Concord laneway as Billy Bryans Lane. Billy Bryans (Sept 15, 1947 – April 23, 2012) played drums with Downchild and produced their first album and went on to lead one of Canada’s most iconic bands, the Parachute Club. He also did a lot of work behind the scenes as a broadcaster and promoter of all kinds of music. He lived at 97 Delaware Avenue for many years and was always a proud member of that westend neighbourhood. His loving, largerthan-life persona will always be fondly remembered by his friends but now his name will be enshrined for future generations of drummers. City Councilor Mike Layton said “Billy would have been 69 this month and Billy Bryans Lane is an excellent way to keep his memory alive.”

Congratulations to the 2016 Blues Blast Award Winners

Contemporary Blues Album: Victor Wainwright – Boom Town, Traditional Blues Album: Bob Margolin – My Road, Soul Blues Album: Curtis Salgado – The Beautiful Lowdown, Rock Blues Album: Walter Trout – Battle Scars, Acoustic Blues Album: Guy Davis – Kokomo Kidd, Live Blues Recording: Reverend Raven & The Chain Smokin’ Altar Boys – LIVE At The Big Bull, Historical Or Vintage Recording: Bobby Rush – Chicken Heads: A 50-Year History Of Bobby Rush, New Artist Debut Album: Danielle Nicole – Wolf Den, Blues Band: Lil Ed & The Blues Imperials, Male Blues Artist: Bob Margolin, Female Blues Artist: Shemekia Copeland and the Sean Costello Rising Star Award goes to Amanda Fish.

Musicians Take Note

Canadian Music Week is now accepting submissions for showcases at the 35th edition of their conference and festval. This is your chance to perform in front of thousands of industry insiders from Canada and around the world. Talent buyers, booking agents, festival programmers, music publishers, A&R reps, managers, music supervisors, and more. All entrants will receive a complementary pass to attend CMW’s Music Summit 2017 (valued at $799 CAD) which gives you access to panels and discussions as well as the mentor’s café, where you can connect with industry experts from around the globe. All convention functions take place at the Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel April 18-22, 2017 and the final deadline for submissions is December 19. You can submit through Sonicbids or directly on their website, www.cmw.net.

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