Blues for the Red Door: The spirit of Big Rude Jake comes forth for the 10th Annual “Blues for the Red Door” soiree. The fundraiser returns to the Long Branch Social House in Etobicoke on Sunday, November 10
This month’s recommended listening by Brant Zwicker, host/executive producer of At the Crossroads syndicated blues radio. Website: atcblues.ca
Bywater Call’s Meghan Parnell takes the spotlight at the Women’s Blues Revue, Friday, November 29 at Massey Hall
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
This month’s recommended listening by Brad Wheeler, music writer for the Globe and Mail Twitter: @bwheelerglobe
Al Lerman has been a long-time mainstay on the Canadian Blues scene. Included in his noteworthy resume is a 24 year stretch as founder / leader of the always soulful, two-time Juno Award winning band, Fathead, (!992-2016). Over time Lerman has shown himself to be a fine songwriter while laying his claim as one of the best harp players in the country.
With a 35-year recording career, Colin James offers us his 21st studio album, Chasing The Sun. Already winner of 8 Juno Awards and 31 Maple Blues Awards, he was nominated in 2023 by the Blues Foundation of Memphis for his previous album Open Road, in the Best Blues Rock Album category.
With the release of his seventh solo album, Sugarray Rayford continues to remind us that he is a force when it comes to delivering songs that roll over a wide variety of grooves and tempos in the world of blues infused soul and R&B.
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.
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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.
