Toronto Blues Society | » February 2021 – Loose Blues News

February 2021 – Loose Blues News

Published February 12, 2021 in Loose Blues News, News

Winter Blues: Toronto roots music fans have enjoyed the annual appearance of Winterfolk and last year, a new February festival appeared on the scene, the “Be Kind” festival. Both were based out of the Tranzac last year but this time they’ll be online, like everybody else. Winterfolk is happening February 19 & 20 and has plenty of blues content: Donne Roberts, Ken Whiteley, Jack de Keyzer, Suzie Vinnick, Diana Braithwaite & Chris Whiteley and Julian Taylor among other blues-friendly roots artists. It’s free but you have to register at www.winterfolk.com

JV’s Boogaloo Squad will bring some blues grooves to the sophomore edition of The Speak Music Be Kind Festival on Feb. 5 & 6. The band is led by Hammond B3 maestro Joel Visentin with guitarist Adam Beer-Colacino and veteran Toronto drummer Jeff Halischuk. The fest will be online at www.speakmusicbekindfest.com and has a carefully curated selection of exciting young artists from the black, world-music and indigenous music scene.

Grossman’s Going Live: Grossman’s Tavern is looking for musicians to go live on their social media platforms. For more info, email [email protected]
Check out their social media pages, www.instagram.com/grossmanstavern & www.facebook.com/GrossmansTavern

Rez Bluez Livestream: `Rez Bluez’ founder Elaine Bomberry will host a Workshop called `Why the Bluez?’ as part of the 20th Talking Stick Festival taking place online Friday, February 19th at 5 pm/PT, 8 pm/ET to Saturday, February 20th at 5 pm/PT, 8 pm/ET (Time subject to change). Guests are Pura Fé, Crystal Shawanda, Murray Porter, Art Napoleon and Clyde Roulette. Tune in thru Talking Stick Festival, Full Circle Performance on FaceBook http://fullcircle.ca

Doc’s “Africa Blues”: Troubadour bluesman Doc Maclean has released a new single and video, “Africa Blues.” Those who read Doc’s travelogue in a recent Maple Blues will enjoy this ear-movie that shows a gritty street-view of his adventures in Africa. “Africa Blues” was recorded in Cape Town, and mixed and mastered in Nashville by his old touring buddy Colin Linden with Ray Kennedy. The vid was shot across South Africa on his 2020 tour. https://youtu.be/W6QfG221va0. You can find more of his music at docmaclean.bandcamp.com

Alligator Update: Young blues phenom Selwyn Birchwood is premiering a new video interview with producer Tom Hambridge (who recorded Selwyn’s latest release, Living In A Burning House) and label president Bruce Iglauer. During the far-reaching conversation, Birchwood talks about the album, his songwriting process and his already highlight-packed career. Go to www.alligator.com to see the interview.

In other Alligator news, the acclaimed independent blues and roots label currently celebrating its 50th anniversary, has announced it is joining forces with Exceleration Music, a newly established company headed by Glen Barros (former CEO of Concord Music Group). Alligator’s partnership with Exceleration will strengthen the label by creating opportunities for expanded promotion and marketing along with providing resources enabling Alligator to sign more established blues and roots artists. Iglauer remains at Alligator’s helm, just as he has been for the last 50 years. He and his Chicago-based team will continue to handle artist signings, A&R, new release production, project marketing, publicity, and promotion for an aggressive lineup of new recordings by the label’s existing roster as well as by newly-signed artists.

New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival postponed: Due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, the producers of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival decided to postpone this year’s event until the fall. Jazz Fest 2021 is scheduled for October 8-17. The Festival will begin announcing details about the 2021 Fest this spring, so stay tuned to Jazz Fest social media platforms or visit www.jazzandheritage.org

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