In this issue…
• Announcing the 2012 TBS Talent Search Finalists!
• Three Industry Showcase Opportunities
• TBS Gladstone Series
• Concert Notes
• Summer Blues Festivals
• Mississippi Tourism: Golf & Blues Experience
• Save Money on TBS Events

Announcing the 2012 TBS Talent Search Finalists!

Congratulations to the finalists: Amanda Davids (pictured), Ambre McLean, Carolyn Fe Blues Collective, Irene Torres & The Sugar Devils, Robbie Antone’s Blues Machine, and Tim Bastmeyer.

These six artists will each perform in front of an industry panel judges and a public audience at Nathan Phillips Square during City of Toronto’s “Tasty Thursdays” series on Thurs August 16, Noon-2pm. One winner will receive a prize package that includes a showcase opportunity at theBlues Summit Six, performances at the Southside Shuffle and Delta Chelsea Monarchs Pub, recording time at Revolution Recording, a photo shoot with Bill King, and mentoring sessions with industry professionals.

Three Industry Showcase Opportunities

Calling established blues artists! There are three opportunities to be considered for TBS sanctioned showcases. Please send an email toinfo@torontobluessociety.com if you are interested to find out more information about each opportunity.

1) The Blues Summit Six is right around the corner! The bi-annual conference at the Delta Chelsea Hotel brings together blues industry from around Canada and beyond. A major component of the conference is the showcase portion which allows artists to perform in front of talent buyers. Note that artists may not showcase in consecutive Summit years. You may submit by sending a one sheet, CD, and a submission fee of $10 to the TBS office or through Sonicbids: http://www.sonicbids.com/Opportunity/OpportunityView.aspx?opportunity_id=107783 If you submitted for the talent search and would like to be considered for this opportunity, please call the office before submitting.

2) The Ontario Council of Folk Festivals Conference takes place in Mississauga October 11-14, 2012. The Toronto Blues Society will once again be presenting a blues showcase. We would like to hear from established blues artists interested in performing in front of key industry in the folk community who could help facilitate national and international touring and festival appearances. http://www.ocff.ca/services/conference/index.html

3) The International Blues Challenge take place in Memphis Jan 29-Feb 2. In August the Toronto Blues Society will be hosting a competition to select artists to showcase and is fielding inquiries from market ready blues performers. Please inquire to learn more. http://www.blues.org/ibc/#

TBS Gladstone Series

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.Next in the series is a duo show featuring Raoul Bhaneja & Paul James (pictured) on Thursday July 5!

Mark your calendar for Steve Strongman‘s solo acoustic show onThursday August 2. http://www.gladstonehotel.com

Concert Notes

Tribute to Buddy Guy & Junior Wells w/Danny Marks, David Rotundo, Dylan Wickens, Douglas Watson – Hugh’s Room – June 21  |  Irene Torres & The Sugar Devils (pictured) CD Release – Cherry Cola’s Rock n’ Roll Cabaret Lounge – June 21  |  Tedeschi Trucks Band – Toronto Jazz Festival – June 29  |  Jimmie Vaughan w/The 24th Street Wailers – Picton Regent Theatre – June 30  |  Jimmie Vaughan w/Tilt-a-Whirl Band – Peter’s Players – July 1  |  Sonny Landreth CD Release – Hugh’s Room – July 6  |  Suzie Vinnick CD Release – Hugh’s Room – July 12  |  Danny Brooks – Hugh’s Room – July 18  | Betty Richardson – Hugh’s Room – July 19  |  Buckwheat Zydeco – Hugh’s Room – July 25  |  Steve Strongman – Gladstone Hotel Melody Bar – Aug 2  |  The Black Keys – Molson Amphitheatre – Aug 4  |  Fathead – Hugh’s Room – Aug 10  |  JJ Grey & Mofro – Lee’s Palace – Aug 15  |  Toronto Blues Society Talent Search Finals – Nathan Phillips Square – Aug 16  |  Concert for Peace w/Michael Pickett – Sept 2  |  Bill Bourne – Hugh’s Room – Sept 11  |  Tribute to Etta James w/Danny Marks – Hugh’s Room – Sept 13  |  Rita Chiarelli – Hugh’s Room – Sept 22  |  Paul James, Jack de Keyzer, Danny Marks – Hugh’s Room – Sept 26  |  Carlos del Junco – Hugh’s Room – Oct 19  |  Tribute to Willie Dixon w/Danny Marks – Hugh’s Room – Oct 27  |  Ken Whiteley’s Gospel Matinee – Hugh’s Room – Oct 28  |  Susie Arioli – Hugh’s Room – Nov 1  |  Keb’ Mo’ – Koerner Hall – Nov 8  |  Tribute to Robert Johnson w/Danny Marks – Hugh’s Room – Nov 23  |  26^th Toronto Blues Society Women’s Blues Revue – Massey Hall – Nov 24  |  Ken Whiteley’s Gospel Matinee – Hugh’s Room – Nov 25

Summer Blues Festivals

Check out upcoming blues festivals right on the TBS website! http://torontobluessociety.com/2012/03/summer-blues-festivals-2012/

Mississippi Tourism: Golf & Blues Experience

Love Golf? Love Blues? Get the best of both worlds with the Mississippi Tourism’s International Golf & Blues Experience! Hosted by Chuck Jackson, the next trip takes Oct 7-13 in Tunica, MS. To learn more, find out about TBS group rates and to book your trip, go to http://www.golfandblues.net/?refid=torontobluessociety

Save Money on TBS Events

Become a TBS Member Today! 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!