Harrison Kennedy Honoured: Harrison Kennedy was honoured at a special gala performance on November 25th at the Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre as the Escarpment Blues Society inducted him into their Hall of Fame. The event featured heartfelt stories and tributes to Harrison Kennedy and live performances by several Hamilton bluesicians led by Steeltown’s favourite guitarslinger, Steve Strongman. Selected by unanimous vote, the Escarpment Blues Society Board of Directors chose Mr. Kennedy for his massive contribution to blues and soul music in Canada and beyond, as well as his pride in being a Hamiltonian.

“Harrison Kennedy is not only a music icon, but he’s also a Hamilton treasure. He’s garnered a boatload of prestigious awards over his Illustrious career and when he belts out a tune he can turn the room upside down”, says EBS President Ken Wallis. “He’s a sensational entertainer who as a veteran performer, knows how to deliver exactly what audiences want.” You can see Harrison’s acceptance speech here:

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1DEsdPd2zm

Folk Alliance in New Orleans: MusicOntario and Folk Canada are joining forces under the FOLK NORTH banner to host three nights of private showcases at Folk Alliance International (FAI) in 2026. If you’re a Canadian roots music artist interested in playing the States this is your chance to network with that community.  They don’t make it easy to play in the States these days, but if you’re willing to make the investment, this is a good showcase for a new artist. It’s the world’s largest gathering of the folk music industry and community, which celebrates a diverse range of genres including Blues, Bluegrass, Roots, Celtic, Cajun, Appalachian, Traditional, World, and Singer-Songwriter. The event offers a comprehensive conference, tailored business opportunities, and hundreds of showcase performances. It takes place in New Orleans January 21-25, 2026. The deadline to apply is…NOW.  https://music-ontario.ca

2025 Penguin Eggs / Roots Music Canada Critics’ Poll: Roots Music Canada has opened up their annual end-of-year top ten album poll (named after the beloved and now defunct Penguin Eggs Mahazine). Previously judged exclusively by a panel of industry people it is now open to the public at large.  So what were your favourite new albums in 2025? If you can answer that question, then you’re invited to take part in the 25th annual Penguin Eggs Roots Music Canada Critics’ Poll (previously the Penguin Eggs Critics Poll).  Each year, they invite DJs, music journalists, industry professionals and fans to submit a list of their top 10 new releases of the year and their three favourite new discoveries. From those they tabulate a list of the Top 10 Critics’ Albums of the Year and Top 3 Critics New Discoveries of the Year.

Please email heatherkitching@gmail.com with your top 10 albums of 2025 and your three favourite new discoveries of the year. These albums can be from anywhere; they don’t have to be Canadian.

They’re looking for albums released in 2025 only. Please list the albums in alphabetical order by the artists’ first name or group name.

UPDATED: Please use the following format: artist – title (no need to include the label anymore!)

NEW: Place an asterisk next to UP TO five albums on the list that constitute your absolute favourite albums of the year. You can choose fewer than five but not more than five. Albums listed with an asterisk will be double-weighted. This is your chance to signal boost the records that you feel stood head and shoulders above the others. Remember, the fewer asterisks you award, the more statistically impactful each one will be.

Please also list your three new discoveries in alphabetical order.

And, finally, please supply a brief one sentence biography. Please don’t list everything you do. Here’s an example: Andrew Donnelly: Host, The Celtic Show, CKUA Radio. The deadline is Dec. 20, 2025.  www.rootsmusic.ca

Polaris Music Prize: The Polaris Music Submission Portal is now open! For the first time ever Canadian musicians can submit their music directly to the Polaris jury for consideration. And it’s all free. These awards honour the best Canadian music released each year based strictly on artistic merit, not popularity or sales. By allowing artists to submit their own work, they hope to create a broader pool of music the 200+ members of the Polaris Jury may consider for their annual Polaris Album Prize and SOCAN Polaris Song Prize. These awards honour the best Canadian music released each year based on artistic merit, without regard for commercial consideration. www.polarismusicprize.ca

Grammy Nominations Announced: The Recording Academy has revealed the nominees for the 2026 GRAMMY Awards, and this year’s blues categories feature a mix of living legends and modern torchbearers keeping the genre alive.

Best Traditional Blues Album

Ain’t Done With The Blues — Buddy Guy
Room On The Porch — Taj Mahal & Keb’ Mo’
One Hour Mama: The Blues Of Victoria Spivey — Maria Muldaur
Look Out Highway — Charlie Musselwhite
Young Fashioned Ways — Kenny Wayne Shepherd & Bobby Rush

The Traditional Blues category showcases some of the genre’s most iconic names, including Buddy Guy, Taj Mahal, Keb’ Mo’, and Charlie Musselwhite, each continuing to shape the sound of authentic blues well into their storied careers. Kenny Wayne Shepherd and Bobby Rush’s collaboration on Young Fashioned Ways also highlights the bridge between generations that defines today’s blues scene.

Best Contemporary Blues Album

Breakthrough — Joe Bonamassa
Paper Doll — Samantha Fish
A Tribute To LJK — Eric Gales
Preacher Kids — Robert Randolph
Family — Southern Avenue

The Contemporary Blues category showcases the evolution of the genre to where it is today, from Joe Bonamassa’s Breakthrough to Samantha Fish’s soulful, hook-driven Paper Doll. Eric Gales earns another nomination for A Tribute To LJK, while Robert Randolph and Southern Avenue round out a field that blends tradition with innovation and gospel-funk flair.

The 2026 GRAMMY Awards take place Sunday, February 1, at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. The ceremony will broadcast live on the CBS Television Network and stream live and on demand on Paramount+. www.grammy.com