Paul James at 75: Toronto’s blues community is gearing up for a milestone celebration as the legendary Paul James takes over the Phoenix Concert Theatre on Saturday, January 17, 2026. This isn’t just another annual bash; it’s a diamond jubilee marking James’s 75th birthday, promising a high-octane night that honours one of Canada’s most enduring musical icons. Paul James has been a cornerstone of the Canadian blues scene for over five decades. A Juno Award winner and recipient of the Maple Blues Lifetime Achievement Award, James is a “musician’s musician” whose resume reads like a hall-of-fame roster. From backing Bo Diddley more than 100 times to his long-standing friendship with Bob Dylan, James represents the bridge between raw, 1950s rock-and-roll and authentic, foot-stomping blues.

Fans attending the 75th Birthday Bash can expect the signature showmanship that has made James a legend. Whether he’s playing slide guitar with a beer bottle, wandering through the crowd mid-solo, or performing his acclaimed Dylan interpretations, James’s energy remains as vital as it was during his Yorkville coffeehouse days.

The Phoenix, a venue that has hosted its fair share of history, provides the perfect backdrop for this 19+ event. Doors open at 7:00 PM, To show his appreciation for his fans, tickets are available free at  https://thephoenixconcerttheatre.com

Marcia Ball honoured: Legendary Texas Musician and HOME (Housing Opportunities For Musicians And Entertainers) Founder Marcia Ballwill be honoured following Ball’s announced retirement from performing. On Thursday, January 29, 2026, the city of Austin, Texas will come together to celebrate the life and music of the legendary, five-time GRAMMY-nominated, Austin-based musician, Marcia Ball. Back in October, Ball announced her retirement from touring and performing due to a recent diagnosis of ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease). Ball will be on hand for the show alongside some very special guests, but will not perform. The program, entitled  HOME With The Armadillo: An Evening Celebrating Marcia Ball, will take place at Austin’s Paramount Theatre, with proceeds benefiting HOME (Housing Opportunities For Musicians And Entertainers), the musician assistance program Ball founded with friends and fellow musicians in 2012. The concert event will bring together the artists, collaborators, and friends who shaped Ball’s musical journey including Carolyn Wonderland, Cindy Cashdollar, Ruthie Foster, Sarah Brown, Tracy Nelson, Sonny Landreth, Terrance Simien, Sue Foley and more.

Winter workshop:  Rob Lutes has announced his January-February online workshop series, “The Stories Behind the Songs – A History of American (and Canadian) Popular Music.” It will be held on eight Wednesday evenings, from Jan. 7 to Feb. 25 (when it’s really cold out!) – 6:30-8 PM EST. Go to www.roblutes.com or email rob@roblutes.com

Rob explains, “I perform songs, tell stories, show images, and play recordings to lead a journey through the fascinating evolution of popular music in America and Canada from the 1700s to the 1950s. There are lots of great characters and unexpected twists. I have a wealth of new material gained from teaching a course on this subject at the Thomas More Institute this Fall. These workshops will be on Zoom so the sound is good, and I get on early and stay late to greet and chat.

Say Hello to our new New Listings Coordinator: Toronto Blues Society is happy to introduce Bonnie Baker as the new Live Blues Listings Coordinator, stepping into the role after almost a decade of wonderful service by Janet Alilovic. Bonnie and her husband, John Mulligan, have been TBS members for nearly 25 years and are dedicated supporters of live blues throughout the GTHA, Niagara, and beyond. Although based in St. Catharines, Bonnie is passionate about keeping the region’s blues scene visible, vibrant, and well-connected.  Artists, venues, and promoters are encouraged to submit their upcoming blues events to the TBS Events Calendar at torontobluesociety.com/events. Bonnie has also created a dedicated email, tbs.listings@gmail.com if you have any questions.