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| Two main days of Canadian Blues To gear up for the Ninth Annual Maple Blues Awards, the Toronto Blues Society presents two days of great blues music and events on January 15 and 16, 2006. The blues begins on Sunday January 15 with eight “Blues Warm-up” showcase concerts by great blues acts at Healey’s (178 Bathurst Street, Toronto) and Chicago’s Diner (334 Queen Street West, Toronto). Featuring both Maple Blues nominees and other notable blues acts, the rocking showcases at Healey’s will kick off with Toronto Blues Society 2005 Talent Search winners and New Artist of the Year nominee Wickens-Knight. Also taking the stage will be British roots music legend Steve Payne, Toronto vocal sensation Ndidi Onukwulu, and blues roots rockers Mr. Rick and the Biscuits. Over at Chicago’s, gospel shouter Danny Brooks, harmonica wizard Jerome Godboo, sultry chanteuse Shakura S’Aida, and urban storyteller Brian Blain will showcase some of the best Canadian blues on offer. All showcases are pay-what-you-can and open to the public. On Monday in Monarch’s Pub (in the Delta Chelsea Hotel, 33 Gerard Street West, Toronto), a very special Fireside Chat with promoter, publicist, journalist, editor and music-industry fixture Richard Flohil, this year’s Blues Booster will recognize his outstanding contribution to the blues over a span of 40 years in the business. This meet and greet opportunity will also feature a live musical performance by Black and Tan recording artist Harrison Kennedy of Hamilton, who is nominated in three categories this year. Juno and Grammy-award winning blues legend True North recording artist Colin Linden will host the Ninth Maple Blues Awards, Canada's national award programme that promotes and recognizes outstanding achievement in blues music. Linden will also appear with the Maple Blues Band as one of four special musical guests. Reflecting the regional diversity of the nominees, the other performers are Halifax’s Garrett Mason, Vancouver’s David “Hurricane” Hoerl (from The Twisters), and Ottawa’s Roxanne Potvin. Maple Blues Awards nominees are selected by a distinguished panel of blues experts from across Canada, and winners are selected by the online votes of Canadian blues fans. The full list of nominees is available at www.mapleblues.ca/nominees.aspx. The awards gala will be held on Monday, January 16, 2006 at the Phoenix Concert Theatre (410 Sherbourne Street, Toronto). write your comments about the article :: © 2006 Jazz News :: home page |