Blues Summit 9 

Canadian Blues Weekend

The Place To Be!

For those who missed it, you shouldn’t have! The Blues Summit organized by the Toronto Blues Society is an event par excellence.

Members of the blues music community, including agents, festival bookers, event organizers, blues societies, artists, and radio hosts were all present over the four-day affair. Panel discussions on different topics such as what studio or technology will work for your recording, what grants may be available, how important is your social media marketing strategy, and a musician focused discussion on hearing loss and prevention were covered as well as other subjects. One-on-one mentorships were part of the program as well as speed pitches where artists have the opportunity to sell themselves to talent buyers. A keynote brunch with Richard Flohil was also part of the agenda.

No less than thirty live acts over three nights were given half hour spots to strut their stuff and show the industry representatives what they are about. The MBS’ David McCabe made sure to catch every act and capture at least one song on video. Head on over to the MBS Facebook page to check them out. Nice job David!

Sandwiched in between all of this was an hour and a half of the Montreal and Ottawa Blues Societies showcase on Saturday night. Lyle Odjick & the Northern Steam, River City Junction, Murray Kinsley & Wicked Grin represented the OBS. On the MBS side we had Dan Livingstone, Riot, Barbara Diab, Fuel Junkie, and Dwane Dixon. The Alexander Hall at the Marriot will never be same since this lot trekked through and showed the audience they meant business. All involved truly represented your blues society with class and dignity and made this a truly enjoyable experience. 

Refreshments for the MBS/OBS Showcase were provided by the ever so generous Jerry Vietz of Unibroue (accompanied and assisted by the ever so lovely Marie-Eve). Jerry is a great lover of the blues and has supported us on occasions too numerous to count. We tip our hats in gratitude.

Rounding up the event was the 22nd edition of The Maple Blues Awards on Monday night. Colin James was the big winner claiming the blue maple leaf trophy in five out of the six categories he was nominated in. Representing Quebec in various categories were Dawn Tyler Watson, the Paul DesLauriers Band, Michael Jerome Browne, Rob Lutes, Steve Hill, Mat "Moose” Mousseau and Guy Belanger. For the sixth year in a row Angel Forrest secured the female vocalist of the year award. Quite the feat! Congratulations to all as you are all winners…despite what host Raoul Bhaneja would have you believe!

Finally, a shout out to the Toronto Blues Society who organized the four--day event. For something to run as smoothly as this event does, goes uncountable volunteer hours not only during the event but in the months leading up to it. Thank you for giving the Blues a place to shine!    

The weekend was capped with the Maple Blues Awards on Monday. The awards show was held at beautiful Koerner Hall and recognizes excellence on the Canadian blues scene.

Here are this year’s winners:

Entertainer of the Year

Colin James

Electric Act of the Year

Colin James

Acoustic Act of the Year

Big Dave McLean

Male Vocalist of the Year

Colin James

Female Vocalist of the Year

Angel Forrest

New Artist of the Year

Emily Burgess

 

Recording/Producer of the Year

Colin James – Miles to Go / True North (Colin James & Dave Meszaros)

 

International Artist of the Year

Buddy Guy

 

Songwriter of the Year

Colin James

 

Blues with a Feeling Award (Lifetime Achievement Award)

Ellen McIlwaine

 

Guitarist of the Year

Sue Foley

 

Piano/Keyboard Player of the Year

David Vest

 

Harmonica Player of the Year

Steve Marriner

 

Horn Player of the Year

Shirley Jackson

 

Drummer of the Year

Lindsay Beaver

 

Bassist of the Year

Laura Greenberg (JW-Jones)

 

Blues Booster of the Year

The Hornby Island Blues Society