Former TBS boarder Julian Taylor shared on his Instagram page that he is this year’s recipient of the Toronto Musician’s Association (Local 149) Community Builder of the Year award which was presented to him by TMA President Les Altt. from TMA. Julian writes, “This means the world to me and I was totally taken by surprise at receiving this prestigious award from Toronto Musicians’ Association – Local 149 AFM. Thank you to all our members for the recognition as Community Builder of the Year. What an honour! “Community = COMMON-UNITY” 

Road to Memphis: The Grand River Blues Society held a fundraiser concert last month to help cover the travel expenses of their contenders for the International Blues Challenge being held in Memphis January 7-11. Entertainment was provided by the winners of the local competition, The Fraidy Scats (Youth Band), Glenn Marais (Solo) and Big Dan Jeffares (Band) as well as sets from Dwayne Laforme and Jerome Godboo.  And the process has already begun for next year’s competition. The Grand River Blues Society  has set the date for their “Road to Memphis” showdown, March  1  at the Edelweiss Tavern in Kitchener. The deadline for submissions is February 1^st.  Send info to grandriverblues@gmail.com

Talkin’ Blues:  Mako Funasaka’s podcast has covered just about every blues artist of renown and this month’s episode is a great revelation of a local bluesician who has not been around as much in recent years – David Rotundo.  David was one of the many southern Ontario blues musicians who have made their way to Mexico through connections to some expats who live there. And now David has made his home in Puerto Escondido for at least six months of the year. Hear David tell the story and while you’re there check out the recent interview with Mark Johnson, the guy who created the great “Playing For Change” series on YouTube. www.talkinblues.com 

Kudos for Downchild:  The Escarpment Blues Society presented The Legendary Downchild Blues Band with their Hall of Fame Award and frontman Chuck Jackson was presented with a lifetime achievement award at Heritage Mississauga’s Credits Awards 2024, honouring exceptional individuals, groups, and businesses that have made significant contributions to celebrating Mississauga’s rich cultural heritage. 

Bonnie Raitt honoured by Kennedy Center: Congratulations to blues icon Bonnie Raitt as she receives one of the most prestigious awards an artist can get in the USA, as well as a kiss and a hug from the President.  She writes, “I am deeply honored and thrilled to have been chosen to receive one of this year’s Kennedy Center Honors. I have long been an admirer of the Awards and have been so blessed to be able to participate in several shows honoring others.” Other blues-friendly recipients this year were the Grateful Dead and the Apollo.