Odds and sods from the Toronto blues community and beyond.
Festival Finale: The Canal Bank has traditionally closed the festival season in our little corner of the blues world but it took a big hit when founder Tim Sinnett passed away and it’s been a struggle getting it back to its former glory but thanks to Brant Parker and a lot Thorold blues lovers, this year’s event promises to be a blockbuster with some great blues acts
Fall Festivals: The festival season is winding down but not over. Wasaga, Durham Fest, Belleville and Southside Shuffle are all upon us for September. See the festival guide on our website for dates and links. It’s not over ‘till it’s over.
Downchild retires: Canada’s national blues band is calling it a day. In a Facebook post yesterday, the group stated that “As we celebrate our 55th Anniversary this year and 55 years of performing around the world, the time has come to say so long to touring and our loyal fans, many of you who have followed us for the whole ride”. They will be performing their farewell tour this fall. They have been a fixture on the Canadian blues landscape and made an international splash when three of their songs were covered on the first Blues Brothers album. Downchild gave Canada the Blues. Mission accomplished!
Phoenix Closing: One of Toronto’s longest running concert venues is closing early next year. This landmark concert venue, which hosted the Maple Blues Awards this year will go dark effective on Jan. 15, 2025 making room for a new residential housing development. The concert hall has a long history in the city as an entertainment venue. In 1984, it was re-branded as The Diamond.
The Blues Music Awards: Canadian and Canada-based blues artists Sue Foley and Kenny ‘Blues Boss’ Wayne had a big night in Memphis at the Blues Music Awards.
Al Duffy Benefit: Our dear friend and fellow musician needs our help. There will be a fundraiser for Al, who is suffering from cancer and no longer able to work. The concert will be held at the Redwood Theatre, 1300 Gerrard St. E. on Sunday June 9, 3-6pm
What to do on April 5? It’s great to see the live blues scene coming back to life but this month we have one of those weird convergence of blues stars all playing on the same night, Friday April 5.
Juno Nominees for blues were just announced: The Blackburn Brothers, Brandon Isaak, Matt Andersen, Michael Jerome Browne and Blue Moon Marquee
Award Season: Besides the upcoming Maple Blues Awards, more awards are being spread around in the blues community. The East Coast Music Awards still have a category for Blues Recording of the Year
Meet “The Maples”: The Maple Blues Awards backing band is changing for the first time since 1999 with an all new set of fresh faces. Manny DeGrandis is the new Musical Director (and Bass player).
©2024 Toronto Blues Society. Design by Janine Stoll Media.
TBS logo and WBR artwork by Barbara Klunder
The Toronto Blues Society acknowledges the annual support of the Ontario Arts Council, the City of Toronto through the Toronto Arts Council and the Department of Canadian Heritage, and project support from FACTOR< and the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage (Canada Music Fund) and of Canada’s Private Broadcasters, The Canada Council for the Arts, the SOCAN Foundation, SOCAN, the Ontario Media Development Corporation, and the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport.
