Blues Summit 11
ARTISTS SHOWCASE LINE UP SCHEDULE PANELS DROP BOXESPARTNERSKEYNOTE SPEAKER DELEGATES
FEBRUARY 9 – FEBRUARY 12, 2024
All Blues Summit 11 events and panels will be at The Chelsea Hotel in downtown Toronto, ON Canada from February 9 – 12, 2024. The Summit will close with the 27th Annual Maple Blues Awards February 12th 2024
SHOWCASE TICKETS WEEKEND PASSES
CHECK OUT OUR DIGITAL PROGRAM!
Blues Summit 11 PROGRAM
THIS YEARS PROGRAM AND
AWARD VISUALS WERE DESIGNED BY
COURTNEY REVIE
SHOWCASE ARTISTS
Bobby Dean Blackburn has been banging his piano and coaxing chords from his Hammond for over 60 years in the bars, clubs and festivals of his native Canada. Within the Blackburn legacy is the ties of their ancestors to the Underground Railroad and their escape from slavery in Kentucky to the northernmost “stop” on the railroad’s network – Owensound Ontario. From there the bloodline of Bobby Dean made its way to Toronto – where his musical notoriety began. He was the house Organist at the legendary Zanzibar Tavern and was renowned for his charismatic stage presence, keyboard wizardry, and playful R&B moods. His influence resonated far and wide and would attract international artists and would play with Jimmy McGriff, Jimmy Smith, Buddy Miles and Richard Groove Holmes. He performs on both piano and B3 Hammond organ and has a style similar to Fats Domino and has been dubbed Canada’s Fats Domino. He is also the patriarch to four sons with tremendous musical talent, known as the Blackburn Brothers.
The Maple Blues Band | Toronto ON
A world class group that includes some of Canada`s most respected blues musicians. All are Maple Blue Award and Juno Award winners and nominees. “Let`s Go” their highly acclaimed debut release on Cordova Bay Records has moved the band into the next level of their career presenting their music in theatres and festivals across Canada and around the world. “The Maple Blues Band lays down a groove that`s smooth and makes you want to move. Congratulations to all involved in a great record!” Paul Shaffer, Late Night With David Letterman, Saturday Night Live.
Ken Whiteley | Toronto ON
Ken Whiteley has been deeply immersed in folk, blues, gospel and other roots traditions for well over fifty years. He has recorded 32 albums, written over 400 songs, appeared at hundreds of folk and blues festivals all over North America and received a Canadian Folk Music Award, 7 Juno nominations, 18 Maple Blues nominations and Lifetime Achievement Awards from the Mariposa Folk Festival, Folk Music Ontario and the Blues With a Feeling Award. Ken is a living link to the traditions of people he has sung and played with including Blind John Davis, John Hammond Jr., Guy Davis, the Campbell Brothers, The Georgia Sea Island Singers and many others. His performances offer people a way to come together through song.
The Tonewheels | Kitchener ON
“The Tonewheels” featuring Matt Weidinger, Chris Latta and Mike Rajna are an organ trio based out of Kitchener, Ontario. Blending the styles of the classic Jimmy Smith/Jack McDuff blues/ jazz trios with beloved power trios such as Cream/Traffic, they have stumbled upon a unique sound that allows them to carry on the classic traditions of improvised music.
Son of Dave | Winnipeg MB
Established international act in London UK for 24 years, recently home to native Winnipeg. Nobody does what he does. Unique and hugely funky. Based in blues, but travels to all audiences. Live, he’s a one-man harmonica & beatbox party, crafted songs, percussion, jokes and dance-floor packing sound.
-1400+concerts over 5 continents -recordings appear in Breaking Bad, True Blood, Warner Bros film +many more
-90K monthly listeners Spotify
-TV appearances Jools Holland(BBC)
-Toured w Iggy & Stooges, Sleaford Mods, UB40, Supergrass
-Recorded for Primal Scream, Marianne Faithful
-Played private party for Grace Jones
-founding member CrashTestDummies
Dan McKinnon | Toronto ON
Dan McKinnon, a multi-award-winning Blues-Rock guitarist and songwriter based in Toronto, is making his comeback after a 3-year battle with PTSD. With a trauma-informed lens, Dan embarks on a poignant musical journey, crafting new songs that serve as a testament to resilience, healing, and vulnerability. His return to the music scene is not just a personal triumph but a testament to the transformative power of art and creativity.
Jake Chisholm | Georgetown ON
This music you find at your fingertips is a celebration of standing strong with hands held high. It will be the coolness in the darkness. It is music that grins in the face of unsung days. Impassioned and scrappy, rockin’ and so very groovous, Jake Chisholm finds fire with his voice, his guitar, and with his true swagger-brothers in electrified cahoots : Darcy Yates, Bass, Jimmy Bowskill, Stringed Instruments, Ian Mckeown, Drums. Song by song you have the remedy of ‘it’s about time’ tune writing, singing and playing. This music’s engine runs right, on the renewable energy of what was, what is, what will be. This record contains a whole lot of what you’ve been thinking about and dreaming of.
Kenny “Blues Boss” Wayne | Hamilton ON
This Legendary Blues and Boogie Woogie piano master Kenny “Blues Boss” Wayne was inducted on August 9, 2017 into the Boogie Woogie Piano Hall of Fame at the Arches Piano Stage while performing at the Cincy Blues Festival in Cincinnati, Ohio. In 2023, The Blues Boss was honoured to receive the prestigious ‘Bobby Blue Bland’ Lifetime Achievement Award from JUS BLUES MUSIC FOUNDATION of Atlanta, Georgia!! He is hailed by LIVING BLUES magazine as “an artist bringing the piano back to the front ranks of contemporary Blues“. This 2006 Juno Award winner and a multi Maple Blues Award winner is at the forefront of modern day blues piano practitioners.
Wayne was already a child prodigy when, at eight, he moved with his family to San Francisco, and then to Los Angeles. Encouraged by his preacher father, the Reverend Matthew Spruell, to play gospel music, the youngster was also secretly introduced to the radically more exciting boogie-woogie by an uncle.
Bywater Call | Toronto ON
Bywater Call “collectively produces a joyous mixture of sophisticated musical interplay and a raw soulful energy that sets them far apart from most acts playing the circuit… Their songs are equally exceptional.” – Blues in Britain. Bywater Call have commanded festival stages in Canada, US and Europe throughout 2023. In May they opened for Canadian Award-winning band White Horse at the inaugural Smokestack Music Festival in Hamilton, Ontario. In July, Meghan joined renowned pedal-steel guitarist Robert Randolph on stage at his request, at the Briggs Farm Festival in Nescopeck, PA. And in August, the band participated in Joe Bonamassa’s Keeping the Blues Alive at Sea Mediterranean Cruise where they were invited to perform at the All-Star Jam on the mainstage with Bonamassa himself.
Angelina Hunter Trio | Gatineau QC
The Angelina Hunter Trio has grown and cultivated their sound around the personality and stylings of Angelina Hunter on vocals and guitar. 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. Angelina has the power to shrink a venue or blow it up with her voice alone. 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. The Trio is rounded out by Sandy Hunter on drums and Adam Bell on bass.
Derek Falls, (singer/guitarist/songwriter), is a successful Montreal entertainer & recording artist. With over 170 shows per year, Derek Falls is no stranger to the stage. It’s been said: – “Derek Falls is a remarkable mix between Santana, and BB King, with the vocal tone of Lenny Kravitz and Seal, all wrapped up into one very passionate man.” Derek knows how to please an audience with his captivating style and unique Blues/R&B sound. Derek recorded 2 original albums, & is working on his 3rd. Derek headlined: Tremblant International Blues Festival; Festival Argenteuil en Blues; Trois-Rivières en Blues; Série Blues – Palace de Granby; Les Couleurs d’Argenteuil en Blues; Festival Blues de la Montérégie; Festival Blues de Joliette; West Island Blues Festival; Festival Grand Prix sur Crescent.
Michael Jerome Browne | Montreal QC
Michael Jerome Browne is a multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter, and living encyclopedia of roots music. His mastery of American roots idioms and warm, unaffected singing have endeared him to audiences across North America and in Europe. Born in Indiana, Michael first heard folk and blues as a child in his adopted home of Montreal. He is a Maple Blues Award winner (including the 2020 Blues With A Feeling Award), a 3-time Canadian Folk Music Award winner, and 5-time Juno Award nominee (most recently 2019’s “That’s Where It’s At!”). “Gettin’ Together” is his ninth album, released in 2023 on the Borealis label. It puts Michael in different acoustic situations, interpreting pre-war blues classics, with guests including Harrison Kennedy, Mary Flower, Eric Bibb, Colin Linden, and John Sebastian.
Now in her 20th year as a full-time artist, Miss Emily (Emily Fennell) specializes in overcoming insurmountable challenges and scaling metaphorical mountains. Her work ethic was forged in the foundries of Southern Ontario’s bars and nightclubs. Her resilience is a product of many years in an industry that can be, at best, “unfriendly” towards women. She has an innovative spirit and creative force born out of necessity, and her incomparable vocals are surpassed only by her electrifying, roof-rattling performances. With a handful of Maple Blues Awards and a 2021 JUNO nomination for her self-produced ‘LIVE at The Isabel’ album, Miss Emily is thrilled to be back on the road now, touring her latest album ‘Defined By Love’ – a celebration of resilience, love and hope.
Glenn Marais and the Mojo Train | Newmarket ON
Glenn Marais and the Mojo Train are a blues rock band known for their powerful and dynamic sound that seamlessly blends grace and beauty, with every performance a high-energy experience that leaves the audience feeling like they’re at a sold-out stadium show. The band is on a creative high, releasing a new record, Red, Hot, and Blue February 2024. They recently won the Grand River Blues Society IBC Road to Memphis contest and competing in the International Blues Challenge in Memphis Jan 2024. The coming year is looking promising for the band, who are working hard to expand their reach in the blues community.
The Sugar Darlings | Montreal QC
The Sugar Darlings announce themselves with their debut album Thirsty For Your Love. Boasting twelve original compositions, the record delivers a dynamic blend of Blues, Soul, Funk and Rock n’ Roll. The group’s collaborative approach to songwriting exhibits a sophistication in the lyrics and music that seduces and immerses. From brooding blues rock numbers like the opening track Why, to the blistering funk fusion heard in Funky Darling, to the witchy and prophetic Karma, the record taps a range of styles and themes that provide a fresh and invigorating musical journey. With no shortage of flash or flex, Thirsty for Your Love ultimately smacks of substance. So, take a sip…
Angelique Francis | Ottawa ON
JUNO Award winning and 2x Canadian Blues award winning artist Angelique Francis, is a versatile and exceptionally gifted musician. This multi-talented, multi-instrumentalist, singer song writer and composer has wowed audiences across the globe with her electrifying performances, instrumental abilities and powerful textured vocals. Angelique’s soulful Smoky vocals and instrumental techniques are reminiscent of a bygone era, but with a unique and modern sensibility. Within her vocal style, you can hear influences of legends like Big Mama Thornton, Koko Taylor, Aretha Franklin, Bessie Smith and many more. Her instrumental abilities call to mind Willie Dixon on the bass, Sister Rosetta Thorpe on guitar, Big Mama Thornton on the Harmonica and Aretha on the piano.
Garnetta Cromwell & DaGROOVMASTERS | Hamilton ON
Garnetta Cromwell & DaGROOVMASTERS is a band that you must experience. Their music is a soulful symphony that resonates with the heart and leaves you with a feeling of fulfillment. With Garnetta’s mesmerizing vocals, Mark’s groovy bass, Toshi’s intricate guitar work, Juan’s hypnotizing sax sounds, Sabian Crosswells outstanding keyboarding and Robin’s smooth drumrolls, they create an aura that is both electrifying and soothing. The band symbolizes the beauty of music transcending borders, uniting hearts, and healing souls. Their music is not just notes and lyrics; it’s a story, an experience, and a journey through the soulful realms of blues.
Brandon Isaak | Duncan BC
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.
Camilo Restrepo | Toronto ON
Camilo Restrepo is an acoustic Blues and Folk artist with a passion for soulful music and a wealth of international experience. Currently residing and actively pursuing his musical career in Toronto, Camilo has become a notable figure in the local music scene. Over the years, Camilo has honed his craft and played in a variety of venues and settings across the Americas, from intimate coffee shops and bars to larger concert halls and large-scale International Festivals. As a solo performer, Camilo shares his passion for music, connecting with people on a profound level. Keep an ear out for Camilo’s performances as well as his recent “Singing While I Work” album covering traditional Blues and Folk tunes that have accompanied him throughout his many travels.
Sean Pinchin | Toronto ON
Juno Nominated and Internationally Recognized Singer/ Songwriter Sean Pinchin has been a presence on the Festival circuit for nearly 2 decades. Sean began a regular pre – pandemic life on the road performing roughly 200 shows a year all through North America. Recording original music and creating beautiful interpretations of Blues / Roots classics. He received a (2014) Maple Blues Nomination for Best New Artist. In (2017) his release “Monkey Brain” received the Juno Nomination for Best Blues Album of the Year and he was recognized by the Toronto Blues Society as a Semi Finalist for the Road to Memphis Challenge (2019). Sean Has Shared stages with Steve Strongman, MonkeyJunk, Phil Sayce, Tinsley Ellis, Kim Churchill, and Dione Taylor.
Po’Boy Jeffreys | Toronto ON
Po’Boy Jeffreys is a Roots Music revivalist. Through his commanding performance of finger picked acoustic guitar, foot percussion, kazoo, as well as soft and sometimes harsh vocals, he evokes the nostalgic sounds and ambience of Southern Country, Pre-War Blues, and Ragtime. Boasting an energetic, young and unique style, Po’Boy invites audiences to reminisce about a bygone era of traditional Folk and Roots which lays as the bedrock of American and Canadian music.
Brock Stonefish | Moravian Delaware Nation ON
Brock Stonefish has released his debut album after 20 years of touring the United States, Canada, and South Korea. The album titled “Turtle Island” was produced by famed Actor/Musician Gary Farmer who also joined the album playing harmonica and backup vocals. The sound Engineer Jono Manson captured the sound of 90’s GRAMMY winning rock band Blues Traveler. Currently the track “Residential Redemption is #1 on Top 40 Indigenous Music Countdown, Also on the album is “Pounding On My Soul” the single that reached #6 on Top 40 back in 2021 featured on SIRIUS XM Satellite Radio. Brock Stonefish has performed over the years alongside many celebrated names like BB King, Ice Cube, Kiss, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Our Lady Peace, Steven Page and Taj Mahal. In the summer of 2022 Brock Stonefish took the stage at a LANDBACK concert with Serena Ryder on drums and Tom Wilson on Vocals. Brock Stonefish is no stranger to Serena Ryder as they studied guitar together in a prestigious high school arts program. Along with Derek Miller, Brock Stonefish was a feature on the Gary Farmer Troublemaker All Star Tour summer of 2023.
Isaak Bonk | Toronto ON
Isaak Bonk covers a wide range of vintage country-blues and jazz, bringing to life music of the past, as well as incorporating his own compositions. With a large repertoire that contains upbeat, exciting music, to the more relaxed and melancholy, Isaak is sure to entertain.
Raoul and The Big Time | Toronto ON
Toronto based Raoul and The Big Time have been performing for over 25 years in clubs and festivals across Canada. From their first album in 2000 “Big Time Blues”, they have released five records, collaborating with notable artists including Curtis Salgado, Mark Hummel, Larry Taylor, Junior Watson, Richard Innes, Rick Holmstrom, Rusty Zinn,, Johnny Sansone, Jeff Turmes, Fred Kaplan, Stephen Hodges, Donny Gerrard, Franck Goldwasser, Big Joe Maher as well as countless members of Toronto’s music scene. Previous festivals include Montreal Jazz, Ottawa Blues, Vancouver Folk, Nanaimo Blues, Salmon Arm Roots and Blues, Harvest Jazz and Blues, Wreckhouse Blues, Mont Tremblant, Calgary Blues and many more.
“One of the most popular blues bands…” – Billboard Canada
Dawn Tyler Watson | Montreal QC
Multiple award-winning, Montreal-based Singer/Songwriter Dawn Tyler Watson has earned her place among the International Blues elite. Her fiery stage presence and soul-stirring performances have garnered her national and worldwide recognition.
With two recent Maple Blues Awards; Songwriter of the Year, and Best Album/Producer, she was also nominated by the Blues Foundation in Memphis for a 2020 Blues Music Award for Vocalist of the Year alongside greats like Curtis Salgado & Mavis Staples. Her latest record “Mad Love,” was awarded the 2020 JUNO award for Blues Album of the Year!
Add this to the six MBA’s she already has, the nine Quebec Lys Blues Awards, a Screaming Jay Hawkins Award for Live Performance, a Blues Blast Music Award for Female Vocalist of the year, and you’ve got a decorated and consummate performer.
Sugar Brown got his start as a blues musician and singer on the West Side of Chicago, where he was the harmonica player for the late blues singer, Taildragger (1940-2023). Sugar Brown broke into the Canadian blues scene with his first album, Sugar Brown’s Sad Day (2013), and when he won the Toronto Blues Society new artist competition the same year. In 2015, he released Poor Lazarus to critical acclaim, and was a finalist at the International Blues Challenge in 2017. In 2018, he released his third studio album, It’s a Blues World. Sugar Brown has recently completed his fourth studio album, Toronto Bound, to be released in 2024.
Suzie Vinnick | Wainfleet ON
A Saskatoon native transplanted to the Niagara Region of Ontario, Canada, Suzie Vinnick is the proud owner of a gorgeous voice, impressive guitar and bass chops and an engagingly candid performance style. Suzie has won 11 Maple Blues Awards, 1 Canadian Folk Music Award and is a 3X Juno Nominee. She has also twice won the International Songwriting Competition – Blues Category. Her latest album is entitled “Fall Back Home”.
Shakura S’Aida is an award-winning performer, who has traveled the globe for more than two decades. Honoured with the 2021 Maple Blues Lifetime Achievement, the Brooklyn-born, Swiss-raised entertainer has also shone on theatre stages as star and creator of the four-woman tribute to Nina Simone, The Nina Project, and in on-screen roles including as Lena, member of the beloved “Jazzagals” in the acclaimed series Schitt’s Creek, and most recently as Cora Lewis, mother to Batwoman in DC Comics / Warner Brothers hit series of the same name. In 2023, Shakura’s first new album in ten years, Hold on to Love, was nominated for a Contemporary Roots Juno Award and won the Folk Music Ontario Album of the Year.
Garret T. Willie | Campbell River, BC
Garret T. Willie is an old soul masquerading as an uncommonly wise, weathered, witty and world-weary 23-year-old and he’s about to give rock ‘n’ roll a formidable 21st -century kick in the ass. Garret T. Willie hails from Kingcome Inlet, British Columbia but while Willie’s Indigenous back story gives him more right than most to sing the blues – and at heart, Garret T. Willie is a rock ‘n’ roller – he’d rather that not be the whole story. Willie is the personification of an open book in the lyric sheet to his debut record Same Pain and his interest is only in channeling every ounce of the classic blues and rock ‘n’ roll he venerates so deeply into something new.
The Blackburn Brothers | Toronto ON
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
M
SHOWCASE LINE UP
Purchase Showcase Only Tickets Here
Friday February 9
4pm Bobby Dean Blackburn
5:15pm The Maple Blues Band
8:00pm Ken Whiteley
8:30pm The Tone Wheels
9:00pm Son of Dave
9:30pm Dan McKinnon
10:00pm Jake Chisholm
10:30pm Kenny Blues Boss Wayne
11:00pm Bywater Call
11:30pm Angelina Hunter Trio
Saturday February 10
Sponsored By Lighthouse Blues Festival
8:00pm Derek Falls Band
8:30pm Michael Jerome Browne
9:00pm Miss Emily
9:30pm Glenn Marais and The Mojo Train
10:00pm The Sugar Darlings
10:30pm Angelique Francis
11:00pm Garnetta Cromwell and DaGroovemasters
11:30pm The Brandon Isaak Trilogy
Sunday February 11
4:00pm Camilo Restrepo
4:30pm Sean Pinchin
5:00pm Po’Boy Jeffreys
5:30pm Brock Stonefish
8:00pm Isaak Bonk
8:30pm Raoul and the Big Time
9:00pm Dawn Tyler Watson
9:30pm Sugar Brown
10:00pm Suzie Vinnick
10:30pm Shakura S’Aida
11:00pm Garret T. Willie
11:30pm The Blackburn Brothers
FULL SCHEDULE
Friday February 9
Registration Desk Open – 11am – 8pm – Gerrard Room
Opening Reception – 4 – 6pm – Churchill Ballroom
Night Showcases – 8pm – 12am – Churchill Ballroom
Saturday February 10
Registration Desk Open – 10am – 8pm – Gerrard Room
Panel – 11am – Noon – Seymour Room
Panel – 11am – Noon – Stevenson Room
Panel – 12:30pm – 1:30pm – Seymour Room
Panel – 12:30pm – 1:30pm – Stevenson Room
B2B Speed Pitch – 2:30pm – 4:30pm – Churchill Ballroom *Invitation Required
Night Showcases – 8pm – 12am – Churchill Ballroom
Sunday February 11
Registration Desk Open – 10am – 8pm – Gerrard Room
Panel – 11am – Noon – Seymour Room
Panel – Noon – 1 pm Seymour Room
B2B Speed Pitch – 1pm – 3pm – Churchill Ballroom *Invitation Required
Afternoon Showcases – 4pm – 6pm – Churchill Ballroom
Night Showcases – 8pm – 12am – Churchill Ballroom
Monday February 11
Registration Desk Open – 10am – 2pm – Gerrard Room
Festival Rendezvous – 11am – 12:30pm – Seymour Room
Presenters Meeting – 2:30 – 4pm Seymour Room
SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE
OPENING RECEPTION:
Sponsored By Stony Plain
Friday February 9, 2024 4pm – 6pm Churchill Ballroom.
Performances by
Bobby Dean Blackburn 4pm
The Maple Blues Band 5:15pm
KEYNOTE ADDRESS:
Friday February 9, 2024 Churchill Ballroom During Opening Reception
Welcome reception keynote address by Ontario Arts Council CEO Michael Murray
B2B SPEED PITCH:
Showcase artist one-on-one’s with Blues Summit talent buyers.
Appointments are based on availability.
Sat February 10 2:30pm – 4:30pm & Sun February 11 1pm – 3pm.
These will take place in The Churchill Ballroom.
Preregister is mandatory info@torontobluessociety.com
FORUM | FESTIVALS RENDEZVOUS:
Monday February 12, 11:00am-12:30pm.
PANELS
Sponsored By Long & McQuade Musical Instruments
Saturday February 10
Grants – Funding Q & A – Funding for your music and music projects
11am – Noon – Seymour Room
Cat Bird (Director of Business Development Linus Entertainment)
Emma Barnett (Program Administrator FACTOR)
Christy DiFelice (Program Manager Toronto Arts Council) (TAC)
Blues Booster Interview
11am – Noon – Stevenson Room
Holger Petersen Saturday Night Blues host on CBC and Stony Plain interviews veteran radio host Brant Zwicker recipient of 2024 Blues Booster of the Year
How to make the best of Digital revenue
12:30pm – 1:30pm – Seymour Room
Jordan Percival Stony Plain Digital Marketing Manager and
Andrew Karis Manager Actra-Racs
Blues in Canada then and now
12:30pm – 1:30pm – Stevenson Room
Bobby Dean and Brooke Blackburn
Father and son talk of their journey in the Blues
Sunday February 11
Radio Broadcasting- Blues Radio in 2024
11am – Noon – Seymour Room
Doctor Julie Hill (CIUT FM) moderator – Holger Petersen (CBC)
Brant Zwicker (ACT Blues Network) – Ken Stowar (CIUT FM) –
Sarah French (Sarah French Publicity) and Mark Stenzler (Blues Zeppelin- Bern, Switzerland)
Making the best of Social Media
Noon – 1 pm Seymour Room
Ori Dagan (International Jazz Singer and Song Writer)
Sarah French (Sarah French Publicity)
Monday February 12
Forum – Festival Rendez-Vous
11am – 12:30pm – Seymour Room
Meet the festival organizers Q&A
PARTNERS
DROP BOXES
Drop boxes are free receptacles requested by radio hosts, journalists, artistic directors, and other industry “buyers” who are seeking new music. Those looking to book artists, write reviews or discover music for a radio show or station are encouraged to request a drop box where artists, agents, and managers will place promotional packages (ex. CD/one-sheet). Each drop box is personalized and artists/managers/agents can select.
Key delegates (artistic directors, media representatives, radio hosts, journalists, etc) can request a dedicated “drop box” that will be used to collect CD submissions from musicians, managers and agents throughout Blues Summit 11. Drop boxes can be accessed through the Registration Office (Gerrard Room) for the duration of the conference. Musicians and showcasing artists are invited to place a CD in the boxes of any key delegates who they would like to share their music with.
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Michael Murray was appointed CEO of the Ontario Arts Council (OAC) in July 2022. He brings wide-ranging leadership experience in the professional not-for-profit arts sector and cultural industries provincially, nationally and internationally.
Michael returns to OAC from the Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists (ACTRA) where he served as director of ACTRA Performers’ Rights Society, Canada’s largest performers’ rights organization.
From August 2015 to February 2021, Michael was executive director for the Toronto Musicians’ Association, Local 149 of the American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada, representing 2,900 members in labour relations and advocacy.
Between 2007 and 2015, Michael was OAC’s popular & world music and arts service organizations officer. His outreach efforts during this time led to significant increases in applicants and grant recipients from Indigenous and racialized communities.
He began his career as a professional musician, producer and songwriter in Montreal. Later, he was named executive director of UrbanArts, a community arts council in Toronto that focuses on engaging youth facing socioeconomic barriers in community building through the arts.
In 2007, Michael was an accompanying delegate on the State visit to Brazil by Michaëlle Jean, former Governor General of Canada, making international connections on technology and social change in the arts. He was an inaugural member of the Canadian chapter of the National Black MBA Association.
Michael graduated in 2007 from the Schulich School of Business (York University) MBA program with a specialization in Arts & Media Management. He is also a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) and holds an Honours Bachelor of Music from McGill University.
Keynote Address will take place on Friday February 9 during the Opening Reception 4 – 6pm Churchill Ballroom
BS11 DELEGATES
First name | Last name | Company | city | prov | country |
Mark | Stenzler | Blues Zeppelin Radio | Bern | Switzerland | |
Nickel (Nick) | Helge | BluesFest Eutin | Eutin | Germany | |
Barbara | Bloch | BluesFest Eutin | Eutin | Germany | |
Rui | Guerreiro | Portugal EBC | Lisbon | Portugal | |
Dulio | Canario | Portugal EBC | Lisbon | Portugal | |
Jeff | Davis | Playing With Fire | Omaha | NE | USA |
Vanessa | Marie | Playing With Fire | Omaha | NE | USA |
Laura | Carbone | Plattsburgh Blues and Jazz | Plattsburgh | NY | USA |
Derek | Andrews | Toronto Blues Society / Global Café | Toronto | ON | Canada |
Manny | DeGrandis | Toronto Blues Society | Newmarket | ON | Canada |
Lucie | Dufault | Toronto Blues Society | Caledonia | ON | Canada |
Janet | Alilovic | Toronto Blues Society | Kitchener | ON | Canada |
Grant | Paley | Toronto | ON | Canada | |
John | Mulligan | John Mulligan Freelance Writing Services | St Catharines | ON | Canada |
Bonnie | Baker | Bonnie Baker Consulting & Event Services | St Catharines | ON | Canada |
Bobby | Sewerynek | Jim Dan Dee | Brampton | ON | Canada |
James | Stefanuk | Jim Dan Dee | Grafton | ON | Canada |
Norm | DiPietro | Stonebridge Wasaga Beach Blues | Wasaga Beach | ON | Canada |
Dawn | Clare | Stonebridge Wasaga Beach Blues | Wasaga Beach | ON | Canada |
Jordan | Safer | Beaches Sandbox | Toronto | ON | Canada |
Samantha | Little | Beaches Sandbox | Toronto | ON | Canada |
Lori | Murray | Music by the Bay Live | Uxbridge | ON | Canada |
Paul | Murray | Music by the Bay Live | Uxbridge | ON | Canada |
Jim | Jones | Zapp Productions | Killaloe | ON | Canada |
Marilyn | Clarke | Lighthouse Blues Fest | Kincardine | ON | Canada |
Rick | Clarke | Lighthouse Blues Fest | Kincardine | ON | Canada |
Claude | Cloutier | Kitchener Blues Festival | Kitchener | ON | Canada |
Gabor | Szepesi | Wasaga Beach Blues Festival | Wasaga Beach | ON | Canada |
Kathy | Mulgrew | Wasaga Beach Blues Festival | Wasaga Beach | ON | Canada |
Shakura | S’Aida | Shakura S’Aida | Toronto | ON | Canada |
Meghan | Parnell | Bywater Call | Toronto | ON | Canada |
Camillo | Restrepo | Camillo Restrepo | Toronto | ON | Canada |
Suzie | Vinnick | Suzie Vinnick | Toronto | ON | Canada |
Dan | McKinnon | Dan Mickinnon | Toronto | ON | Canada |
Dee Blue | Doug Bonathan | Seismic Blues | St Thomas | ON | Canada |
Jesse | Whiteley | Toronto | ON | Canada | |
Lynn | Wintercorn | Toronto | ON | Canada | |
John | Gieruszczak | Photography | Innisfil | ON | Canada |
Sean | Pinchin | Sean Pinchin | North York | ON | Canada |
Matt | Allen | The Swingin’ Blackjacks | Huntsville | ON | Canada |
Bruce | Hall | Grand River Blues Society | Brantford | ON | Canada |
Claude | Cloutier | Grand River Blues Society | Brantford | ON | Canada |
Chris | Arsenault | Grand River Blues Society | Brantford | ON | Canada |
Fiona | McFarlane | Grand River Blues Society | Brantford | ON | Canada |
Joanne | White | Grand River Blues Society | Brantford | ON | Canada |
Janet | Horgan | Grand River Blues Society | Brantford | ON | Canada |
Glenn | Marais | Glenn Marais & The Mojo Train | Newmarket | ON | Canada |
Paul | Sanderson | Sanderson Entertainment Law | Toronto | ON | Canada |
DAVID | SAMPSON | Toronto | ON | Canada | |
Lance | Anderson | Matchedash Parish | Orillia | ON | Canada |
Dougal | Bichan | Dougal & Co. Inc | Toronto | ON | Canada |
Ian | Davie | TBS | Scarborough | ON | Canada |
Josh | Leitch | Orangeville Blues & Jazz Festival | Orangeville | ON | Canada |
Larry | Kurtz | Orangeville Blues & Jazz Festival | Orangeville | ON | Canada |
Norma | Bailey | Orangeville Blues & Jazz Festival | Orangeville | ON | Canada |
Linda | Leitch | Orangeville Blues & Jazz Festival | Orangeville | ON | Canada |
Doug | Bonathan | Seismic Blues Music | St. Thomas | ON | Canada |
Rosemarie | Fleischer | Dabloozman Productions | Waterdown | ON | Canada |
Alex (Aug) | Polowick | Heartless Saints/Canada South Blues Society | Blenheim | ON | Canada |
Dwayne | Purdy | Heartless Saints | Blenheim | ON | Canada |
Jay | Moonah | Broke Fuse / Mike McKenna’s Slidewinder | Toronto | ON | Canada |
Veronica | Kutt | VK Artist Promotion & Bookings | Toronto | ON | Canada |
Liz | Sykes | Ottawa Blues Society | Ottawa | ON | Canada |
Alice | Sellwood | Koerner Hall | Toronto | ON | Canada |
Bill | King | Redwood Theatre | Toronto | ON | Canada |
Michael | Occhipinti | Hugh’s Room Live | Toronto | ON | Canada |
Johnnie | Tibbles | Sault Blues society | Sault Ste Marie | ON | Canada |
Bev | Humphrys | Espanola | ON | Canada | |
John | Knox | Espanola | ON | Canada | |
Michael | McCann | Canada South Blues Society | Windsor | ON | Canada |
Debra | Thornington | Ottawa Blues Society | Gatineau | QC | Canada |
Keith | Martin | Ottawa Blues Society | Ottawa | ON | Canada |
Angelina | Hunter | Angelina Hunter Trio | Gatineau | QC | Canada |
Rodger | Hunter | Angelina Hunter Trio | Gatineau | QC | Canada |
Adam | Bell | Angelina Hunter Trio | Ottawa | ON | Canada |
Garnetta | Cromwell | Garnetta Cromwell & Dagroovmasters | Hamilton | ON | Canada |
Thomas | Madronich | Garnetta Cromwell & Dagroovmasters | Hamilton | ON | Canada |
Murray | Kinsley | Wicked Grin | Greely | ON | Canada |
Miss | Emily | Miss Emily | Kingston | ON | Canada |
Gord | Hunter | Miss Emily | Kingston | ON | Canada |
Margie | Bailey-Pheiffer | Miss Emily | Frankford | ON | Canada |
Thom | Adkins | Thom Adkins/Sharp Dogs | Simcoe | ON | Canada |
Ross | Pityk | The Boathouse Blues Project | Innisfil | ON | Canada |
Rodrigo | Fritz | Massey / Roy Thomson Hall | Toronto | ON | Canada |
Lily | Sazz | Dundas | ON | Canada | |
Cindy | McLeod | Calgary Blues Music Association | Calgary | AB | Canada |
John | Rutherford | John Rutherfod Music | Calgary | AB | Canada |
Jimmy | Guiboche | Jimmy | Edmonton | AB | Canada |
Alyssa | Neudorf | Badlands Amphitheatre | Drumheller | AB | Canada |
Stan | Budgell | Saskatoon Blues Society | Saskatoon | SK | Canada |
Tammy | Utigard | Saskatoon Blues Society | Saskatoon | SK | Canada |
Judy | Enns | Saskatoon Blues Society | Saskatoon | SK | Canada |
Al Wood | Wood | Saskatoon Blues Society | Saskatoon | SK | Canada |
Trent | Schmiedge | Saskatoon | SK | Canada | |
Warren | Gross | Derek Falls Band | Montreal | QC | Canada |
Jean | Sicotte | Les Productions Kazou | Sutton | QC | Canada |
David | McCabe | Blues Society Montreal | Saint-Urbain-Premier | QC | Canada |
Brian | Slack | Tremblant Intl Blues | Mont Tremblant | QC | Canada |
Suzelle | Lazure | Montreal Blues Society | Montreal | QC | Canada |
Michael Jerome | Browne | Michael Jerome Browne | Montreal | QC | Canada |
Yannick | Lambert | Donnacona Blues Festival | Quebec City | QC | Canada |
David | Brennan | Clyde River Productions | Gatineau | QC | Canada |
Lynn | Boucher | Terrebonne | QC | Canada | |
marc | dube | DUBë | LaPatrie | QC | Canada |
Genevieve | Lebel | SARAH SOKAL | Cote St-Luc | QC | Canada |
Jackie | Moisan | Nanaimo Blues Festival | Nanaimo | BC | Canada |
Brant | Zwicker | At the Crossroads Blues Radio | Kamloops | BC | Canada |
Kevin | Tobin | Salmon Arm Roots & Blues | Salmon Arm | BC | Canada |
Brandon | Isaak | Brandon Isaak | Duncan | BC | Canada |
Ken | Simms | ThinkTank Music Network | Delta | BC | Canada |
Jonathon | Hines | Jon Hines Music | Judique | NS | Canada |
Amelia | Bellamy- Royds | Canada |