2015 TBS Talent Search
WINNER
Michael Schatte wins Toronto Blues Society talent search!
Each year, the Toronto Blues Society searches for new and undiscovered Canadian blues talent. After a showcase of the finest up and coming Canadian Blues Talent on Saturday, June 20, 2015 at Toronto’s Distillery District, Michael Schatte was crowned the Toronto Blues Society 2015 Talent Search Winner.
Learn more about Michael Schatte’s exciting journey as a musician and what’s in store next at www.michaelschatte.com
Whisky Legs were awarded 1st Runner Up and Johanna Pavia & SoulDrive were awarded 2nd Runner Up.
PRIZE
Six finalists will be selected to perform before a panel of judges where one artist will win a professional development package that includes:
- $1,000 cash prize*
- Showcase at Blues Summit Eight in 2017
- Performance at the 2015 Tim Hortons Southside Shuffle Festival
- Performance at the 2016 Orangeville Blues & Jazz Festival
- Performance at the Eaton Chelsea Monarchs Pub
- Photo shoot with Bill King
- Recording time at Revolution Recording
- Rehearsal time at Cherry Jam Rehearsal
- Mentorship meetings with industry professionals
- Consideration for a showcase at the Folk Music Ontario blues showcase
- Complimentary one year pro level Bandzoogle website
First and second runners up will each receive a complimentary one year pro Bandzoogle website and a $250 cash prize*.
*Cash prizes courtesy of Blues Benefactor Dr. Raymond Rupert.
FINALISTS
Jennis | Guelph/Toronto, ON | jennis.ca
Jennis brings together award-winning Guelph-based Dennis Gaumond’s decades of experience writing and performing original blues and folk and the diverse musical experiences of veteran Toronto indie-scene multi-instrumentalist Jen Gillmor. The unique blend of cello and dobro is also augmented by unlikely sounds, such as didgeridoo, custom-tuned harmonicas, flute, wah-guitar, jaw harp and wazinator. It makes for a very entertaining performance, filled with energy, passion and humour.
Michael Schatte | Toronto, ON | michaelschatte.com
Michael Schatte is a Toronto-based guitarist, vocalist and songwriter who has been called “a dream of a guitar player, a dashing performer, but also a thoughtful and self-conscious artist” (Numero Cinq Magazine) among other telling remarks. With musical influences as diverse as Peter Green, John Lee Hooker, Danny Gatton and Richard Thompson, The Michael Schatte Band brings all the energy and musical daredevilry expected of three fellows with nothing – and everything – to prove.
Johanna Pavia & SoulDrive | Waterloo, ON | souldriveofficial.bandcamp.com
Johanna Pavia & SoulDrive is a four-piece band located in Waterloo, ON Canada. Johanna Pavia (Vocals), Chris Paleshi (Guitar), Nick Rorai McNeil (Organ/bass), Eric Roe (Drums) create and perform music with shades of soul, blues, roots, and psychedelic rock. There’s no doubt that they will get you moving, mind, body, and soul.
Whisky Legs | Quebec City, QC | whiskylegs.com
Less than two years after their debut, Whisky Legs is on a roll. Also known as ‘Fifty Shades of Blues,’ their sound melds powerful and evocative vocals with pulsating rock and a lashing of deep soulful grooves. Based in the heart of Quebec City, the band is inspired daily by the storied world around them. Fronted by Maude Brochu, Lys Blues nominated ‘Female Artist of the Year,’ Whisky Legs is Quebec Blues 2015 ‘Discovery of the Year’!
Sean Stanley and Sokhna-Dior Quartet | Toronto, ON | www.stoptimeentertainment.com
Swingin’, stompin’, and singin’ on spirituals, ragtime and blues, the Sean Stanley and Sokhna-Dior Quartet combines the improvisational talents of Sean Stanley with the soulful vocals of Sokhna-Dior. The quartet’s blues inspired “dirty jazz” riffs can be heard weekly at Toronto’s Harlem Underground and venues throughout Toronto.
Flash Teeter and the Men from Mars | Georgetown, ON | www.facebook.com/FlashTeeter
Flash Teeter and the Men from Mars are a tight knit musical trio that deliver an outstanding, high energy show. Their spacey-bluesy-surfabilly kind of rock (affectionately called “blu-fi”) simply astounds audiences. The band has performed at various venues, and has shared the bill with noted musicians such as The Kings, Pat Travers, and Teenage Head.