News

There’s a reason Steve Strongman is considered the Best Guitarist in the Solo/Duo category in the world, he rightfully captured the title at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis.
Following on the heels of that impressive win, Strongman has released another stunning recording to his growing catalogue, with Tired Of Talkin’, recorded in both Nashville and Hamilton and released in 2019. The album is representative of Strongman’s enormous songwriting and guitar skills, traversing from Blues-Rock to swamp and all points in between. One thing that makes Strongman so great is that there are solid melodies to satisfy the soul for a full listening experience.

Samantha Martin takes no prisoners.
It’s no coincidence that the cover of her new CD, The Reckless One, is a multi -coloured, gold-leafed representation of a hand grenade. This is, indeed, both explosive and reckless. It is also the long-awaited successor to 2015’s Send the Nightingale, which in turn was preceded by two albums and an EP going back to 2008.

This month’s recommended listening by Greg Torrington, programmer of Stingray’s blues channels.

Congrats to Blues Grammy Nominees, Canadian Folk Music Award Nominees

Alana Bridgewater will co-host the Toronto segment of the (virtual) Maple Blues Awards along with Johnny Max

Introducing the Calgary Bluesfest Channel: The Calgary Bluesfest folks have launched their new Calgary Bluesfest Channel on Public Place Network! They will be offering live streams of their events and a library of blues videos from their festivals. The Calgary Bluesfest Channel offers hours of viewing and listening joy! Subscribe for an entire year for $60 ($5/mo.) or select as many songs as you like and create your own Bluesfest in your own home!. More info at www.calgarybluesfest.com

Gussow and Kawashima will virtually get together on Saturday, November 14th at 5pm EST to discuss the blues for the new millennium around the newly published book.

Toronto Blues Society continues to celebrate 25 years of Rez Blues, highlighting the best Indigenous Blues talent Canada has to offer. The Pioneer Profile Series returns with longtime Rez Blues producer Elaine Bomberry, in conversation with TBS co-founder Derek Andrews.

We’ve compiled a list of mental health resources for musicians and artists in Canada.

Toronto Blues Society presents Corona Blues: A Mental Health and Wellness Workshop on Monday, October 19 between 7pm-8:30pm! The free online event will cover a variety of strategies to help musicians, industry professionals, and music supporters to help manage their mental health during the time of COVID-19.