2022 Talent Search
The 2022 TBS Talent Search Winner is
Garnetta & DaGroovemasters
2022 TBS Talent Search winner is Garnetta and DaGroovemasters!!
First Runner up – Shakey Trill and 2nd Runner up Marcus Trummer.
Judges – Derek Andrews, Quisha Wint and Manny DeGrandis
TBS Talent Search Live Finals
Free Show at the TD Toronto Jazz Fest
Saturday, July 2 (3:15pm to 6:15 pm)
TD Stage at Festival Village
Village of Yorkville Park
115 Cumberland St.
Toronto Jazz Fest Website
FEATURING
Camilo Restrepo, Garnetta & DagroovMasters, Jim Dan Dee, Marcus Trummer, Shakey Trill, and Tyler Wilson
LINEUP
3:15 – Shakey Trill
3:40 – Tyler Wilson
4:05 – Garnetta & DaGroovmasters
Break 4:30 – 5:00
5:00 – Camilo Restrepo
5:25 – Marcus Trummer
5:50 – Jim Dan Dee
Camilo Restrepo: Camilo’s repertoire ranges from classic Robert Johnson to the more obscure predecessors of the genre, while stopping to salute folk masters such as Dave Van Ronk and Doc Watson. Camilo’s rendition of classic tunes are meticulously respectful of original recordings while inevitably conveying his personal sensitivities.
Garnetta & Dagroovmasters: Based in Hamilton Ontario, is a high energy Blues, Classic Soul & Funk band that are a reflection of Canada’s multicultural society. Their upbeat music brings pure joy to their listeners and spreads their contagious & cheerful sounds throughout their live performances! Vocalist Garnetta Comwell is a powerhouse performer with roots in Gospel, Blues, Country, and Soul music.
Jim Dan Dee is not a typical Blues band – a dose of Motown and gritty Rock & Roll keeps listeners’ heart pumping. Front-person Jim Stefanuks’s is like a man possessed, his soulful voice juxtaposed against cutting guitar tones. Tying the melodies together is the saxophone of Bobby Sewerynek. The back-beat is held down by Justin Goran’s bass and Shawn Royal’s solid meter and groove.
Marcus Trummer: Dubbed “a precocious guitarist whose vocals possess a wise-beyond-his-years weariness” by the Calgary Herald, Marcus Trummer’s eclectic sound rooted in blues, soul, and rock ‘n’ roll, is a modern yet familiar take on the sounds of past decades. The 21-year-old songwriter and performer from Calgary, Alberta has shared stages with the likes of MonkeyJunk and Jim Byrnes. In 2019, Trummer was the recipient of the Calgary International Blues Festival’s Randy Ouston Scholarship and was recognized with the Prophets of Music Emerging Artist Award at Calgary’s YYC Music Awards.
Shakey Trill is a gutsy blues/folk duo from Saugeen Shores. “Shakey” was a nickname given to guitarist/vocalist Mike MacDonald because of his jittery hands. Harmonica player/ vocalist Tyler Pantlin adds the “Trill”: the sound of notes being played rapidly back and forth. In 2019 the duo participated at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis Tennessee, making it into the final top 8 spots in the solo/duo category. In 2022 they released their debut album.
Tyler Wilson is a gifted singer and guitarist from Brantford Ontario. He brings a wild twangy telecaster vibe to his music. Tyler has performed with numerous bands and has opened for artists like The Trews, Theory of a Deadman, and even reggae star Beanie Man! You’ll love his seasoned playing as much as his enthusiasm and humour while performing.
ABOUT TALENT SEARCH
Each year, the Toronto Blues Society searches its undiscovered blues talent from across the region. Six finalists are selected to perform for a professional development package including festival gigs, mentorship meetings, studio time, graphic design and much more!
PAST WINNERS
1995 – Maureen Brown and Big Hand
1996 – Robin Banks
1997 – Rockin’ Highliners
1998 – Jake & the Blue Midnights
1999 – Ronnie Douglas Blues Band
2000 – Scotty Doubt Band
2001 – Big Mark & the Blues Express
2002 – David Rotundo and the Blue Canadians
2003 – Dylan Wickens Band
2004 – Bharath & the Catfish
2005 – Wickens/Knight
2006 – The Undesirables
2007 – Douglas Watson R&B Revue
2009 – catl.
2010 – The 24th Street Wailers
2011 – Bradleyboy Mac Arthur
2012 – Irene Torres & The Sugar Devils
2013 – Sugar Brown
2014 – The Conor Gains Band
2015 – Michael Schatte
2016 – Spencer MacKenzie
2017 – Dan McKinnon
2018 – Bywater Blues
2019 – Sandra Bouza
2020 – Mike Nagoda & The Spectrum Blues Band
2022 GRAND PRIZE
1. Feature in Maple Blues Newsletter
2. Showcase at Blues Summit 11 in 2023
3. Photo Shoot with Bill King
4. Performance at several Ontario regional Blues Festivals, including the Kingston Limestone City Blues Festival 2022 *
*NOTE: festivals are reorganizing for 2022 and will be confirming MORE festival Performance participation for the Grand Prize winner in in early 2022
5. Mentorship meetings with Derek Andrews, Sarah French and Richard Flohil
6. Allegra Toronto North Flyer Package (1000 Full Colour, Double-Sided, 4X6 Flyers)
7. 1 Year Standard Bandzoogle Website
8. Consideration to showcase at TBS’s Blues Showcase at Folk Music Ontario 2022
9. Consideration to represent TBS at the International Blues Challenge (IBC) 2022
Deadline: Sunday, May 15, 2022 at 11:59 pm
Each artist/band may only submit ONE application.
To submit your application to the 2022 Toronto Blues Society Talent Search, complete the form below and click “Submit.” Each artist/band is may only submit ONE application.
If you submitted an application to the Talent Search in fall 2021, we will contact you directly to see if you want us to consider that application for our new Search dates
Submitting to the TBS Talent Search is FREE for current TBS Charter/Student/Family/Benefactor Members. A $10 submission fee is required for all Non-Member applications. Payment can be processed by cheque (payable to “Toronto Blues Society”), over the phone via credit card (please call the TBS Office at 416-538-3885 to pay via phone) or online via PayPal (no account required).
To pay the $10 submission fee for Non-Members online, click “Buy Now” to pay via PayPal:
PLEASE NOTE: Your application will not be considered if you have not paid the $10 submission fee OR you are not a valid TBS Charter/Student/Family/Benefactor Member. To become a member now please click here.
If you have any questions or require assistance, please contact TBS Office Manager Glenn Smith at info@torontobluessociety.com.
