In this issue…
• Gladstone Series: Doc MacLean – TONIGHT!
• Toronto Blues Society Christmas Party and Annual General Meeting
• Canadian Folk Music Awards
• Guitar Workshop
• Maple Blues Awards
• Become a TBS Member Today
• Concert Notes

Gladstone Series: Doc MacLean – TONIGHT!

The Toronto Blues Society presents the best in blues talent the first Thursday of each month at the recently renovated Melody Bar in The Gladstone Hotel. Performances are free to the public and begin at 9pm. Don’t miss a rare Toronto appearance by Doc MacLean (pictured) during his impressive 50+ date tour Tonight!  http://www.gladstonehotel.comUpcoming performances in the series include TBS Talent Search Winner Bradleyboy MacArthur (Jan 5) and more to be announced soon…

Toronto Blues Society Christmas Party and Annual General Meeting

This year’s Toronto Blues Society Christmas Party will take place at The Delta Chelsea Hotel Monarchs Pub on Saturday December 10 at 9pm, and will feature a performance by Maple Blues Award winner Robin Banks (pictured)! Your emcee for the evening will be Johnny Max!The Annual General Meeting will take place at 7pm on the 27^th floor of The Delta Chelsea Hotel. All members are encouraged to attend.

Canadian Folk Music Awards

The Canadian Folk Music Awards take place December 2-4. The weekend kicks off with the debut of the Mike Stevens documentary “A Walk in My Dream” at the TIFF Bell Lightbox at 8pm on December 2. The gala event on Sunday December 4 features live performances including Jim Byrnes (pictured) and Steve Dawson at the Isabel Bader Theatre.

Guitar Workshop

Mark the date! Danny Marks (pictured) will host the Guitar Workshop on Sat March 3. Check back in the coming weeks for information on the venue and featured guests.

Maple Blues Awards

Do you have your tickets yet? In addition to this year’s hosts Treasa Levasseur and Shakura S’Aida, the performers at the 15^th annual Maple Blues Awards are Rita Chiarelli, Fathead, Bill Johnson, MonkeyJunk, and Joe Murphy (pictured) all backed by The Maple Blues Band! Stick around after the show for a high energy after party with The 24^th Street Wailers in the lobby!The national awards show takes place at beautiful Koerner Hall on January 16^th, 2012.

The Maple Blues Band features musical director Gary Kendall (Bass), Tom Bona (Drums), Michael Fonfara (Keys), Teddy Leonard (Guitar), Chris Whiteley (Trumpet, Harmonica, Guitar), Al Lerman (Harmonica, Tenor Sax), Pat Carey (Tenor Sax), and Chris Murphy (Baritone Sax).

Voting is now open, closing Saturday December 10 at midnight PST, so get your votes in today! For more information on voting, visit https://torontobluessociety.com/2011-maple-blues-awards-nominees/

Tickets are on sale now! If you are a Charter Member in good standing, please call the TBS office to obtain the special discount code. If you are not a member, purchase tickets at http://performance.rcmusic.ca/event/toronto-blues-society-maple-blues-awards

Become a TBS Member Today

Enjoy the benefits of discounted tickets to TBS events. Have the Maple Blues Magazine delivered right to your door each month. Meet like-minded blues lovers and help keep the blues alive in Toronto. The Toronto Blues Society offers several different membership options:

CHARTER MEMBERSHIP – $50/year – Monthly Maple Blues Newsletter, membership card, discounts to TBS Events, exclusive access to special TBS events, other discounts, and voting rights.

FAMILY MEMBERSHIP – $70/year – Same privileges as Charter membership for a maximum of two adults and two children under 19.

INSTITUTIONAL or BENEFACTOR MEMBERSHIP – $125/year – Same privileges as Charter membership, plus more – Please inquire.

GENERAL MEMBERSHIP – $35/year – Monthly Maple Blues Newsletter sent in fourth class mail

STUDENT MEMBERSHIP – $20/year – Same benefits as CHARTER membership (please include student card number)

Contact the TBS office today!

Concert Notes

John Mayall w/Harrison Kennedy (pictured) – Brock University Centre for the Arts – Dec 1  |  Doc MacLean – Gladstone Hotel Melody Bar – Dec 1  |  Leon Redbone w/Paul Asaro – Hugh’s Room – Dec 2  |  Sam Turton CD Release – Moonshine Café – Dec 3  |  Johnny Sansone CD Release – Hugh’s Room – Dec 10  |  catl, The Speaking Tongues, Bradleyboy MacArthur – Silver Dollar Room – Dec 10  |  Have a Bluesy Christmas – Hugh’s Room – Dec 19/20  |  Steve Payne Fundraiser – The Music Hall Lounge – Dec 22  |  Suzie Vinnick – Hugh’s Room – Dec 30  |  15^th Maple Blues Awards – Koerner Hall – Jan 16  |  Mavis Staples – Brock University Centre for the Arts – Jan 25 |  Mavis Staples – Koerner Hall – Jan 29  |  Sweet Honey in the Rock – Koerner Hall – Feb 10  |  Brandi Disterheft – Glenn Gould Studio – Feb 21  |  Buddy Guy – Massey Hall – April 13  |  Colin James – Massey Hall – April 20  |  Kellylee Evans – Glenn Gould Studio – April 27  |  George Thorogood & The Destroyers – Massey Hall – June 2