Congratulations to everyone who won at this year’s Maple Blues Awards! Winner names are highlighted
as * WINNER in the nominee list below along with the sponsor.
Entertainer of the Year – TD Kitchener Blues Festival
Angelique Francis Blackburn Brothers Blue Moon Marquee Bywater Call *Matt AndersenElectric Act of the Year – Music By The Bay Live
Blackburn Brothers Bywater Call *Colin James Matt Andersen Sue Foley Acoustic Act of the Year – ThinkTank Music Network Brandon Isaak Garrett Mason Harrison Kennedy Michael Jerome Browne *Suzie Vinnick Male Vocalist of the Year – Playing with Fire Brandon Isaak Brooke Blackburn Harrison Kennedy *Matt Andersen Steve Marriner Female Vocalist of the Year – Playing with Fire Crystal Shawanda Dawn Tyler Watson Meghan Parnell *Miss Emily Shakura S’Aida New Artist or Group of the Year – Tim Hortons Southside Shuffle Blues and Jazz Festival Angelina Hunter Trio Garnetta Cromwell & DaGroovmasters *Little Magic Sam Band Sandra Bouza The Sugar Darlings Recording/Producer of the Year – Gypsy Soul Records *The Big Bottle of Joy ARTIST: Matt Andersen PRODUCER: Matt Andersen Midnight Blues ARTIST: Crystal Shawanda PRODUCER: Dewayne Strobel One Step Closer ARTIST: Brandon Isaak PRODUCER: Brandon Isaak/Conrad Hillis Remain ARTIST: Bywater Call PRODUCER: Renan Yildizdogan SoulFunkn’Blues ARTIST: Blackburn Brothers PRODUCER: Howard Ayee B.B. King International Artist of the Year – The Lighthouse Blues Festival Christone ”Kingfish” Ingram Rick Estrin & The Nightcats *Tedeschi Trucks Band Thorbjorn Risager and The Black Tornado Warren Haynes (Gov’t Mule) Guitarist of the Year – Long & McQuade Musical Instruments Brooke Blackburn *Garrett Mason Jack Semple Sue Foley Tony D (Diteodoro) Harmonica Player of the Year – Lee Oskar Harmonicas *Guy Belanger Jerome Godboo Joe Murphy Steve Marriner Roly Platt Piano/Keyboard Player of the Year David Vest Debra Power Duane Blackburn *Jesse O’ Brien Kenny ‘Blues Boss’ Wayne Horn Player of the Year – Montreal Blues Society *Alison Young Chris Whiteley Dan Jancar Kaven Jalbert Loretta Hale Drummer of the Year – absoLIVE Canada Chris Nordquist Cory Blackburn Gary Craig *Jim Casson Matt Sobb Bassist of the Year Angelique Francis *Gary Kendall Jasmine Colette Nathan Blackburn Russell Jackson Songwriter of the Year – SOCAN Andre Bisson Blackburn Brothers Brandon Isaak Crystal Shawanda *Matt Andersen Blues With A Feeling/Lifetime Achievement Award – Stony Plain Records Alec Fraser Bobby Dean Blackburn Brent Parkin Cheryl Lescom Dalannah Gail Bowen Danny Brooks Mike McKenna Murray Porter *Sue Foley Tom LavinINAGURAL INDIGENOUS ARTIST/GROUP OF THE YEAR – CKRZ 100.3 FM
When Matt Andersen steps on stage, he brings a lifetime of music to every note he plays. His latest album, The Big Bottle of Joy, is all about hard-won celebration; a dozen songs infused with raw blues-rock, rollicking Americana, thoughtful folk, and ecstatic gospel. Andersen’s stage presence is informed by decades of cutting his teeth in dusty clubs, dim-lit bars, and grand theatres all over the world, delivering soulful performances that run the gamut from intimate to wall-shaking. In the studio, he’s always brought the same attention to detail and commitment to craft as he has to his live show, and the result – a multi-faceted and poignant body of work – has led him to amass over 28 million streams on Spotify and 26 million views on YouTube.
In addition to headlining major festivals, clubs and theatres throughout North America, Europe, and Australia, he has shared the stage and toured with Marcus King, Beth Hart, Marty Stuart, Greg Allman, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Randy Bachman, Serena Ryder, Tab Benoit, and more.
Andersen nabbed the 2013 and 2016 European Blues Awards for Best Solo/Acoustic Act, was the first ever Canadian to take home top honours in the solo category at the 2010 International Blues Challenge in Memphis, won the CIMA Road Gold award in 2015, and has won multiple Maple Blues Awards.
Musically, the Blackburn name has been forever imprinted in our ears by Bobby Dean Blackburn, a veteran R&B artist who gained legendary status in the Toronto music scene, performing the city circuit for over 50 years. Beyond the music, other history runs deep too. The Blackburn name is tied to the history of the Underground Railroad, and there is a direct connection to the musical talents that we know and listen to today. A thread of Soul in almost every track the band records.
Blackburn Brothers received the Maple Blues Award for BEST NEW BAND in 2010, a JUNO nomination for BLUES ALBUM OF THE YEAR in 2016, Duane Blackburn received a Maple Blues Award nomination for KEYBOARD/PIANO PLAYER OF THE YEAR 2019, 2020, 2021, Cory Blackburn received a Maple Blues Award nomination for DRUMMER OF THE YEAR in 2020 & 2022, the band received a Maple Blues Award nomination for ELECTRIC ACT OF THE YEAR in 2022.
In 2023, Blackburn Brothers released their latest album SoulFunkn’BLUES with their Toronto-based record label Electro-Fi Records. The band became Canada South Blues Society Hall of Fame Inductees. Considered the highest honours on the Canadian Blues scene
Juno Award-winning powerhouse Crystal Shawanda is back with her latest studio album, Midnight Blues, on True North Records. Her latest fiery blues collection showcases her full-throttle raspy voice, unmatched in today’s musical landscape, and an authentic appreciation for the genre dating back to her youth.
Crystal followed up her JUNO Award-winning album Church House Blues with another irresistible release, Midnight Blues, and quickly garnered her an 8th JUNO nomination, following her win in the Blues Album of the Year. THAT was the first time in JUNO history and Indigenous artist won in that category. One for the books, as they say.
It’s also significant that she made history as the first Indigenous artist to win in the Blues Album of the Year category, inspiring others to pursue their dreams and share their talents on the stage one day like she has.
Angelina has the power to shrink a venue or blow it up with her voice alone. Totally unique, when she begins to sing, she sounds like no one else. She can tell a sweet story with her voice or bewitch you with its intensity. It’s a powerful instrument on its own.
When she plugs in her Stratocaster, expect a wide range of style, emotion, and power. She can lull you in with sweet melodies and sear you with razor sharp blues attitude and screaming guitar lines.
The Angelina Hunter Trio has cultivated their sound around the personality and stylings of Angelina Hunter on vocals and guitar. A real melting pot of influences and many years of perfecting musical and stage craft have seen the “AHT” (as dubbed by their fans) win over audiences with their contemporary take on the blues throughout Canada.
Brandon Isaak is one of Canada’s premier blues guitar players on the scene today. Isaak puts the emphasis on soul and playing only the notes needed to move the audience and make a connection. He’s a no nonsense kinda of blues musician who holds true the deep traditions of the playing the blues the way it was done in the 40’s and 50’s. Crowds always leave Brandon’s shows with a smile on thier face and a need to come back for more. After 35 years in the business, this bluesman is always asked back as he’s a total pro off and on the stage. If you like top notch blues, hard hitting lyrics and great night of entertainment, Brandon Isaak is your man.
Quisha Wint is the co-founder and president of QW Productions whose mission is to provide outstanding and professional entertainment in a classy and nostalgic atmosphere, while providing a platform for artists and musicians to showcase their awesome gift in music. She aims to educate both the public and upcoming artists on the importance of keeping the music from the past alive, music that touches our hearts.
Quisha was born to sing and entertain. She grew up in a Jamaican/Canadian home listening to Reggae, Motown, Gospel, R&B, then entered the jazz program at Humber College in the mid ’90s. From there she embarked upon her dream of performing with well-known musicians, which took her to exciting overseas hotel engagements. Since then, Quisha has sung in many parts of Asia, Europe, North America, and Caribbean.
With a bright personality and strong emotive vocal abilities, Quisha is one of Toronto’s most sought-after session vocalists. She also performs regularly at corporate gigs. Currently living in the GTA, Quisha is well established in the tight-knit music industry. She is a phenomenal and expressive vocalist who also inspires others to live out their dreams.
Not only is she an entrepreneur, producer, director, songwriter, arranger, worship director and a mother, Quisha just began her journey into speaking at corporate events to empower and enrich corporation employees.
Quisha released her 1st EP entitled My Life in 2021 with rave reviews. Her 1st single Black Shoes, off her grassroots project recently hit #1 on the Indie Music Artists charts.
Quisha is an inspiration to many, and her hope is to live out her life knowing that many lives have been transformed positively through her works.
This year we will have food available during and after the show.
Menu
3 tacos for $12 plus hst
Or singles for $5 each Famous cornflake fried fish with chipotle mayo Jerk chicken with mango marmalade Smoked brisket in adobo Pulled pork with slaw Crispy fried cauliflower …vegan Pulled yam and jackfruit…veganThe Maple Blues Awards is Canada’s national blues awards program. Its goal is to promote blues music across Canada, and to recognize outstanding achievement in the field. Winners in all categories (excluding the instrumental categories*) are decided by blues fans across Canada. Voting occurs online each November.
Nominating Panel & Steering Committee. The nominees are selected by a distinguished panel of some 40+ blues experts who form the MBA Nominating Panel. Co-chaired by the steering committee consisting of Cindy McLeod, Brent Morrison, Yanick Theriault, and Brant Zwicker, the panel includes radio hosts, journalists, and festival organizers regionally distributed across Canada. Members of the Nominating Panel are not eligible for any of the awards.
The Maple Blues Award winners will be announced on February 12, 2023 at the LIVE Maple Blues Award Show in Toronto.
*Instrumental Categories. Winners in the guitar, harmonica, piano/keyboards, horn, drum, and bass categories are not open for public vote. Instrumental or “craft” categories are determined by a panel of experts drawn from the nominating panel.
The Maple Blues Awards program is proudly organized by the Toronto Blues Society.
Toronto Blues Society has received valuable input from the members of the Canadian blues community regarding the Maple Blues Awards procedures and voting process – and have developed policies and protocol to ensure the Maple Blues Award system is responsive and evolving. Please note the following rules:
There is no application process for the Maple Blues Awards. Nominations are drawn from the expertise of the MBA Nominating Panel. Members of the nominating panel are required to be familiar with Canadian blues artist activity and CD releases. Artists are encouraged to service new releases to all blues radio DJs, journalists and industry professionals across Canada to increase their national profile. The list of the Panel members can be found on our website (bottom of this page) with a link to their organizations.
Recording/Producer Of The Year. Nominated recordings in this category must be released during the eligibility period: September 1, 2022 to September 30, 2023. Qualifying recordings must contain at least six tracks or 20 minutes of music.
New Artist Or Group Of The Year. Group or individual, new to the national blues scene, who has made considerable advances artistically and/or commercially over the previous year. The nominee should be performing under its/his/her name on a regular basis and must not have been nominated in any Maple Blues Awards category previously. The award recognizes the group or individual.
The Nominating Panel consists of industry professionals from across Canada who volunteer their time to participate.
Click here to download the communication sheet for the Panel.
FIRST NAME | LAST NAME | ORGANIZATION | MAILING ADDRESS | CITY | PROVINCE | |
Al | Forrie | Hornby Island Blues Society | aforrie@telus.net; | 3590 Harwood Road, Hornby Isand Bc V0R1Z0 | Hornby Island, BC | 1 – British Columbia |
Brant | Zwicker* | At the Crossroads, syndicated | zwicker@telus.net; atcblues@gmail.com | Attn: Brant Zwicker, PO Box 3002, Kamloops, BC V2C 6B7 | Kamloops, BC | 1 – British Columbia |
Brent | Morrison* | Rockin’ Blues, CJSF | host@rockinbluesshow.com; | #205-130 11th St. East, North Vancouver, BC, V7L 4R3 | Vancouver, BC | 1 – British Columbia |
Grant | Payne | CHLY | icemanghp@shaw.ca; | 537 Selinger Place Ladysmith BC V9G 2C5 | Nanaimo, BC | 1 – British Columbia |
Paul | Norton | One O’Clock Jump, CFRO | Code Blue, CiTR | paul@paulnorton.ca; | 314 – 1422 E 3rd Avenue, Vancouver BC V5N 5R5 | Vancouver, BC | 1 – British Columbia |
Rod | Dranfield | White Rock Blues Society | dranfield2@mac.com; | 15798 38A Ave. Surrey BC V3Z 0K9 | Surrey, BC | 1 – British Columbia |
Ron | Simmonds | CFRO | bluplanet@shaw.ca; | 3218 Yukon St, Vancouver, BC. V5Y 3R9 | Vancouver, BC | 1 – British Columbia |
Vince | Almond | CFBX | bluesonthex@yahoo.ca; | 110 Robson Drive,Kamloops, B.C. V2E 1V9 | Kamloops, BC | 1 – British Columbia |
Cam | Hayden | CKUA | camhayden666@gmail.com; | 3204-44C Ave NW Edmonton AB T6T 1G5 | Edmonton, AB | 2 – Alberta |
Chris | Martin | CBC Saturday Night Blues | christopher.martin@cbc.ca; | c/o CBC Box 555 Edmonton AB T5J 2P4 | Edmonton, AB | 2 – Alberta |
Cindy | McLeod* | Calgary Blues Music Association | cindy@calgarybluesfest.com; | #188 A6433 Bowness Road NW Calgary, AB T3B 0E6 | Calgary, AB | 2 – Alberta |
Holger | Petersen | CBC Saturday Night Blues, CKUA | holger.stonyplain@gmail.com; | 9963-83 St. Edmonton, AB, T6A 3N3 | Edmonton, AB | 2 – Alberta |
Al | Wood | Saskatoon Blues Society | al@saskatoonbluessociety.ca; | 407 – 150 Pawlychenko lane, Saskatoon, SK S7V 0B4 | Saskatoon, SK | 3 – Saskatchewan |
Andrew | Galloway | Electro-Fi Records | electrofi@hotmail.com; | 185 Legion Rd N, Suite 2217, Toronto ON M8Y 0A1 | Toronto, ON | 5 – Ontario |
Bruce | Hall | Grand River Blues Society | grandriverblues@gmail.com; | 54-19 Garden Ave Brantford Ont N3S0A1 | Kitchener, ON | 5 – Ontario |
Claude | Cloutier | Kitchener Blues Festival | bluesontheeastside@hotmail.com; | 836 Butternut Avenue Waterloo, Ontario, N2V 2M4 | Kitchener, ON | 5 – Ontario |
Deborah | Cartmer | CFBU | CFBU 103.7 FM, c/o 1812 Sir Isaac Brock Way, St. Catharines, Ontario, L2S 3A1 | St. Catharines, ON | 5 – Ontario | |
Eric | Thom | Freelance Music Writer | eric@ericthom.ca; | 18 Arlene Crescent, Scarborough, ON M1P 3L9 | Toronto, ON | 5 – Ontario |
Jan | MacDonald | Downtown Kingston Limestone City Blues Festival | jan@downtownkingston.ca; | Downtown Kingston! BIA, 200-353 King Street East, Kingston, ON K7L 3B5 | Kingston, ON | 5 – Ontario |
John | Emms | Freelance Music Writer | johnemmsmail@gmail.com; | John Emms 167 Columbus Ave. Timmins Ontario P4N 3H7 | Timmins, ON | 5 – Ontario |
Julie | Hill | Calling All Blues, CIUT FM | julie@bluesdoctor.ca; | 1053 Menominee Lake Road, Lake of Bays, Ontario P1H 2J3 | Toronto, ON | 5 – Ontario |
Ken | Wallis | Blues & Roots Radio, INDI 101.5 | blues.source.canada@gmail.com | blues.source.canada@gmail.com | Hamilton, ON | 5 – Ontario |
Liz (Elizabeth) | Sykes | Ottawa Blues Society | elizabethsykes39@gmail.com; | 481 Avalon Place, Ottawa ON K1G 4C8 | Ottawa ON | 5 – Ontario |
Lori | Murray | Music By The Bay Live | mbbl.blues@gmail.com; | 4580 Concession 6, Uxbridge ON L9P 0K7 | Uxbridge, ON | 5 – Ontario |
Nick | Harding | Photographer | wasagablues@gmail.com; | 658 Oxbow Park Drive, Wasaga Beach, Ont. L9Z 2V2 | Wasaga Beach, ON | 5 – Ontario |
Paul | Panchezak | Breakfast of Champions, CFMU McMaster Radio | paul.panchezak@sympatico.ca; | 373 Cochrane Rd, Hamilton, Ont. L8K 6C2 | Hamiton, ON | 5 – Ontario |
Rick | Clarke | Bruce County Blues Society/Lighthouse Blues Festival | r.clarke@hurontel.on.ca; | 9 Cathcart St. Kincardine ON N2Z 0B3 | Kincardine, ON | 5 – Ontario |
Daisy | Hanna | Montreal Blues Society | daisy.hanna@hotmail.com; | 37 Saturn rd, Dollard des Ormeaux, Quebec H9B2P8 | Montreal, QC | 6 – Quebec |
Dave | Brennan | Ottawa Blues Society | elwood66@proton.me | P.O. Box 35043 – RPO Westgate, Ottawa, ON K1Z 1A2 | Gatineau, QC | 6 – Quebec |
David | McCabe | Montreal Blues Society | kearsarge75@gmail.com | 50 Rang Double, Saint-Urbain-Premier QC J0S 1Y0 | St-Urbain Premier, QC | 6 – Quebec |
David | Bush | Royal Blues with Dr. Dave, K1037 | j_davidbush@hotmail.com; | P.O. box 346. Kahnawake, Quebec, J0L 1B0 | Kahnawake, QC | 6 – Quebec |
Debra | Thornington | Ottawa Blues Society | debrablues@gmail.com; | 47 rue St Medard, Gatineau, QC J9H 1Z4 | Gatineau, QC | 6 – Quebec |
John | Detcheverry | Cha Cha Cha In Blue, CKUT | ckutblue@colba.net; archtop8@gmail.com; | John Detcheverry, Cha Cha Cha In Blue, 6670 24th Avenue, Montreal QC H1T 3M7 | Montreal, QC | 6 – Quebec |
Louis | Brunet | FLOFM 96,5 (formely CKMN-FM 96,5) | louisbrunet@globetrotter.net; | 516, rue principale ouest, Saint-Anaclet (Quebec) G0K 1H0 | Rimouski, QC | 6 – Quebec |
Yannick | Lambert | Donnacona Blues Festival | ylamb76@gmail.com; | 216 Godin, Donnacona, Qc G3M 1V8 | Donnacona, QC | 6 – Quebec |
Yanick | Theriault* | CODIAC FM 93.5 | cew907@gmail.com; | 153 Jordan Crescent, Moncton, NB, E1C 0S5 | New Brunswick | 7 – New Brunswick |
Gene | Bellows | Voice of Bonne Bay | genebellows@gmail.com; | PO Box 48, Norris Point, NL, A0K 3V0 | Norris Point, NL | 8 – Newfoundland |
Bruce | Morel | Music Marketing International Inc. | morelpro@ca.inter.net; | 178 Silistria Drive, Dartmouth, NS B2W 6B1 | Dartmouth, NS | 9 – Nova Scotia |
Cathy | Prothro | East Coast Blues Society | barberycoast@eastlink.ca; | 351 Pleasant St, Dartmouth, NS B2Y3S4 | Dartmouth, NS | 9 – Nova Scotia |
*The panel is led by a steering committee consisting of Cindy McLeod, Brent Morrison, Brant Zwicker and Yanick Theriault.