sue foley returns to the tbs women's blues...

November 2017 www.torontobluessociety.com Published by the ToronTo Blues socieTy since 1985 [email protected] Vol 33, No 11

CANADIAN PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT #40011871MBA NomineesRoad to MemphisJohn’s Blues Picks

Loose Blues NewsEvent ListingsTop Blues

PHOTO BY SCOTT DOUBT

Sue Foley returns to the TBS Women's

Blues Revue

2 MapleBlues November 2017 www.torontobluessociety.com

The Toronto Blues Society is committed to the principles of the Personal Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) in safeguarding the collection, use, and disclosure of personal information.

CANADIAN PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT #40011871 Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to:

Toronto Blues Society, 910 Queen St. W. Ste. B04, Toronto, Canada M6J 1G6 Email: [email protected]

The Toronto Blues Society is a member of

ToronTo Blues SocieTy910 Queen St. W. Ste. B04 Toronto, Canada M6J 1G6 Tel. (416) 538-3885 Toll-free 1-866-871-9457Email: [email protected] Website: www.torontobluessociety.comMapleBlues is published monthly by the Toronto Blues Society ISSN 0827-05972017 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Derek Andrews (President), Jon Arnold, Lucie Dufault (Vice-President), Carol Flett (Secretary), Sarah French, Jamie MacDonald (Vice-President), Lori Murray, Ed Parsons, Paul Sanderson, Mike Smith, Earl Tucker, John Valenteyn (Executive), David Walker (Treasurer) Musicians Advisory Council: Brian Blain, Gary Kendall, Samantha Martin, Lily Sazz, Mark Stafford, Jenie Thai, Suzie Vinnick,Ken Whiteley Fundraising Committee: Derek Andrews, Jon Arnold, Jamie MacDonald, Mike Smith, Sarah GardinerVolunteer & Membership Committee: Lucie Dufault, Sarah French, Mike Smith, Ed Parsons, Carol FlettFundraising Consultant: Sarah GardinerGrants Officer: Barbara IsherwoodOffice Staff: Hüma Üster (Office Manager) Amanda Rheaume (Project Manager)

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief: Derek Andrews

Managing Editor: Brian Blain [email protected]

Contributing Editors: John Valenteyn, Alice Sellwood, Erin McCallum, Carol Flett

Listings Coordinator: Janet Alilovic

Mailing and Distribution: Ed Parsons

Advertising: Dougal Bichan [email protected]

For ad rates & specs call 416-645-0295 www.torontobluesociety.com/newsletters/rate-card

Charitable # 87487 7509 RR0001

The Toronto Blues Society acknowledges the annual support of the following agencies:

Project support is provided by:

an Ontario government agencyun organisme du gouvernement de l’Ontario

Become a member of the Toronto Blues Society, and get connected with Canada's premier blues events, releases, and our great blues community. With the help of members, donors and volunteers, the TBS is able to put on great events such as The Maple Blues Awards, Blues in the Schools, Guitar and Harmonica Workshops, the New Talent Search, and the always popular Women's Blues Revue. Since 1985, the Toronto Blues Society has worked to preserve and promote the Blues in Toronto, and Canada-wide.

TBS Members receive great benefits including monthly issues of our Maple Blues Newsletter, discount tickets to the Women's Blues Revue, the Maple Blues Awards, and more. The TBS is a registered charity and issues charitable tax receipts for all donations. Learn more and connect with TBS:

TORONTOBLUESSOCIETY.COM Call 416-538-3885 Toll-free 1-866-871-9457Registered Charity: #87487 7509 RR0001



We acknowledge the fi nancial support of FACTOR, the Government of Canada and of Canada’s private radio broadcasters.

Nous reconnaissons l’appui fi nancier de FACTOR, du gouvernement du Canada, et des radiodiffuseurs privés du Canada.



MapleBlues November 2017 3www.torontobluessociety.com

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

Saturday, November 18 - Women's Blues Revue, Massey Hall with Kellylee Evans, Dawn Tyler Watson, Jenie Thai, Andria Simone, Sue Foley and Shakura S'Aida performing and hosting. This year’s Women’s Blues Revue Band is led Rebecca Hennessy (Trumpet) with Colleen Allen (Sax), Emily Burgess (Guitar), Carrie Chesnutt (Sax), Morgan Doctor (Drums), Carlie Howell (Bass) and Lily Sazz (Keys)

Friday, December 8. TBS Christmas Party with Hogtown All-Stars with special reduced ticket price for Charter Members in good standing ($10), Hugh’s Room Live, 2261 Dundas Street West. Call the box office (416-533-5483) for seating or come for the show at 8:30pm.

Monday, January 15, 2018 - Maple Blues Awards, Koerner Hall Host: ShoShona Kish

*Tickets are now on sale for Women's Blues Revue and Maple Blues Awards. TBS members can contact the TBS Office at 416-538-3885 or [email protected] to retrieve the required promo code

The Toronto Blues Society is a Registered Charity

Make a donation beyond membership and merchandise, and get your charitable tax receipt in time for this year! (Charitable # 87487 7509 RR0001). You will be helping to support events like the annual Women's Blues Revue at Massey Hall, The Blues in the Schools program, The weekly Jazz Bistro Blues Series, numerous workshops and career development activities for the musician community as well as the Maple Blues Awards and the Blues Summit conference, the most important blues industry gathering in Canada that occurs every other year. Networking events within this conference allow for industry discussion alongside artist discovery through the showcase program.

New Members: Jury Krytiuk (Benefactor), David Barnes (Family), Fred Kinsie (Charter), Alishan Hagopian (Charter), Michael Bain (Student), David Simpson (Charter, 3 years), Kate Cottington (Charter), Jay Kipps (Charter), Brian Allen (Charter), Janet Horgan (Charter)

Renewing Members: David Wood (Family), Bob Crawley (Charter), CM Compton (General), Michael Church (Charter), Bill Spring (Charter), Adena Stocker (Charter), James Cushing (Charter, 3 years), Michael Titherington (Charter), Jim & Elaine Cooledge (Family), Gary Latchford (General), Bill & Alison Lind (Family), Brant Zwicker (Charter), Dana Clarence (Benefactor), Jacques Lapointe (Family), Ron Winn (Charter, 2 years), Trent Schmiedge (Charter, 2 years), Paul Landry (Charter), Philip J. Carroll (Charter), David Torosian (General), Paul McKinlay (Family), Norman Robinson (Family), JoAnn Daponte (Charter), Moyra Fulwell (General), Glenn R. Jones (Charter), Michael Schepp (Charter), Anna Gutmanis (General)

Many Thanks to Rose Ker, Marie Pearce, John Warrener and Roya Yeganeh for their help at "Blues in the Garden".

Many thanks as well to Rose Ker, Marie Pearce, Susan Simpson and Roya Yeganeh for their help with the Newsletter Mailing.

First Nations artist/activist ShoShona Kish will be hosting the Maple Blues Awards at Koerner Hall on January 15, 2018. As part of Digging Roots (with husband Raven Kanetakta), she has received numerous awards including a JUNO Award in 2010 and the Cobalt Prize for Contemporary Blues Composition in 2015. Photo by Ratul Debnath

TBS Annual General Meeting - Call For Nominations

Voting members of the Toronto Blues Society are eligible to run for the 2018 Toronto Blues Society Board of Directors. In order to run, you must be a member in good standing, and you must be nominated in writing by three voting members of the society. Deadline to receive nominations is, December 31 by the end of day.

Elections will take place at the Annual General Meeting of the Toronto Blues Society to be held on Thursday evening, January 18 at the TBS Office.


New from

STONY PLAIN RECORDS

Kevin BreitJohnny Goldtooth and The Chevy Casanovas(preorder today, in stores Nov 17)

Kevin Breit is a master guitarist who has recorded with the likes of Norah Jones, Taj Mahal, Rosanne Cash, k.d. lang, Cassandra Wilson and Hugh Laurie.

With unmatched artistic vision, Kevin has created the joyful and whimsical Johnny Goldtooth and The Chevy Casanovas as a guitar-driven musical journey through genius.

Joining Breit on this all-instrumental album are Vincent Henry (Amy Winehouse, Tom Waits), Michael Ward Bergeman (Yo Yo Ma), Davide DiRenzo (Cassandra Wilson) and Gary Diggins (R Murray Schaffer).

Catch Kevin Breit at Lula’s on November 26 $15, 8pm show, 1585 Dundas St W, Toronto www.lula.ca / (416) 588-0307

Ronnie Earl & The BroadcastersThe Luckiest Man (preorder today, in stores Nov 17)

Ronnie Earl calls The Luckiest Man, “A traditional blues album of remembrance, love, and unwavering resolve to live with faith and gratitude.”

It is dedicated to the memory of long-time Broadcaster bass player Jim Mouradian, who, upon meeting someone for the first time, was known to say, “I’m the luckiest man you know — and I don’t even know who you know.”

Earl is a three-time Blues Award winner as Guitarist Of The Year, and has worked with his band The Broadcasters for almost 30 years. This is his 25th release.

Cover artwork Transcendence by Tom Noll, Creative Bone Artworks® Inc. & Art that Rocks®www.tomnoll.com

Buy these releases,our Christmas compilationand more atstonyplainrecords.comor phone us (780) 468-6423


The Maple Blues Awards is Canada’s national blues awards program. Its goal is to promote blues music across Canada and to recognize outstanding achievement in its field. The nominees are selected by a distinguished panel of blues DJ’s and journalists from across Canada. Members of the Nominating Panel are not eligible for any of the awards. The winners are selected by the votes of blues fans from across Canada. Blues fans can cast their votes online at mapleblues.ca. Voting will begin on November 4th, 2006 until midnight (pacific time) December 8th, 2007. The winners will be announced at the annual Maple Blues Awards Gala in Toronto on January 21st.The voting site has been designed and programmed by KMP Designs Inc., a Toronto software consulting company specializing in custom software development for the desktop PC, wireless handheld, and the Web.

Vote at www.mapleblues.ca

Entertainer of the Year Dawn Tyler Watson Paul DesLauriers Band The Harpoonist & The Axe Murderer Steve Hill Angel Forrest

Electric Act of the Year Colin James Steve Hill Boogie Patrol Paul DesLauriers Band Dawn Tyler Watson

Acoustic Act of the Year Harrison Kennedy Michael Jerome Browne Big Dave McLean Rob Lutes Tim Williams

Male Vocalist of the Year Harrison Kennedy Duane Blackburn Matt Andersen Donald Ray Johnson Jon Knight (Soulstack)

Female Vocalist of the Year Dawn Tyler Watson Angel Forrest Shakura S’Aida Samantha Martin Cécile Doo-Kingué

New Artist of the Year Bad Luck Woman & Her Misfortunes Earle & Coffin

Jason Buie Justin Saladino Band Lucas Haneman Express

Recording/Producer of the Year Colin James - Blue Highways (True North); Producers: Colin James & Dave Meszaros Harrison Kennedy - Who U Tellin’ (Electro-Fi); Producers: Harrison Kennedy & Alec Fraser Chris Antonik - Monarch (Self); Producers: Chris Antonik & Ted Onyszczak The Harpoonist & The Axe Murderer - Apocalipstick (Self); Producers: Matthew Rogers, Shawn Hall & John Raham JW-Jones - High Temperature (Solid Blues); Producer: Colin Linden

The Maple Blues Awards is Canada’s national blues awards program. Its goal is to promote blues music across Canada and to recognize outstanding achievement in the field. The nominees are selected by a distinguished panel of blues DJ’s and journalists from across Canada. Members of the Nominating Panel are

not eligible for any of the awards. The winners are selected by the votes of blues fans from across Canada. Blues fans can cast their votes online at www.mapleblues.ca. Public Voting opens November 1, 2017, 11:59pm Newfoundland Daylight Time (10:29pm EST)

and closes December 1, 2017, 11:59pm Pacific Standard Time (2:59am EST). The voting site has been designed and pro-grammed by KMP Designs Inc., a Toronto software consulting company specializing in custom software development for the desktop PC, wireless handheld, and the Web.

B.B. King International Artist of the Year Rick Estrin & The Nightcats Gregg Allman Mavis Staples Eric Bibb Joe Bonamassa

Songwriter of the Year Cécile Doo-Kingué Chris Antonik Diteodoro, Marriner, Sobb (MonkeyJunk) Harrison Kennedy Rob Lutes

Guitarist of the Year Cécile Doo-Kingué Colin James Michael Jerome Browne Paul DesLauriers Steve Hill

Harmonica Player of the Year Guy Bélanger Harpdog Brown Jerome Godboo Shawn Hall (The Harpoonist & The Axe Murderer) Steve Marriner (MonkeyJunk)

Piano/Keyboard of the Year David Vest Duane Blackburn Julian Fauth Kenny “Blues Boss” Wayne Michael Kaeshammer

21st Annual Maple Blues Award NomineesHorn Player of the Year Chris Whiteley (Diana Brathwaite & Chris Whiteley) Frankie Thiffault (Ben Racine Band) Jon Wong Mat “Moose” Mousseau (Ben Racine Band) Shirley Jackson (Good Rockin’ Daddys)

Drummer of the Year Lindsay Beaver (24th St Wailers) Matt Sobb (MonkeyJunk) Nicky Estor (Ben Racine Band, Dawn Tyler Watson) Sam Harrisson (Paul DesLauriers Band) Tom Bona

Bassist of the Year Alec Fraser Gary Kendall (Downchild & Mighty Duck Blues Band) Greg Morency (Paul DesLauriers Band) John Dymond Laura Greenberg (JW-Jones)

Blues with a Feeling Award (Lifetime Achievement Award) Alec Fraser Brent Parkin Danny Brooks Diana Braithwaite Ellen McIlwaine Joe Murphy Ken Whiteley Michael Fonfara Michael Jerome Browne Tom Lavin

We acknowledge the fi nancial support of FACTOR, the Government of Canada and of Canada’s private radio broadcasters.

Nous reconnaissons l’appui fi nancier de FACTOR, du gouvernement du Canada, et des radiodiffuseurs privés du Canada.


Delta SugarBubbling up from the cauldron of roots

Americana music, Samantha Martin is an artist of extraordinary power, gravitas and deep-seated emotion. On first listen, one is immediately struck by the awesome presence and sheer magnitude of her other worldly voice. Capable of conveying an infinite range of emotions, Martin will bring one to tears in one instance and in the next uplift one’s soul with an empowered declaration of hope, faith and desire.

Born in Edmonton, Martin first discovered the power of her voice in Grade 4 while auditioning for a role in a class production of The Sound of Music, belting out Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “My Favorite Things.” When her music teacher got excited and brought other teachers in to see the effect of the young dynamo’s pipes, Martin knew she had something special going on. A couple of years earlier, her father had bought her an acoustic guitar, getting her started by showing her a few chords and a basic boogie shuffle.

By the time she reached her early twenties, Martin had graduated through karaoke nights to fronting cover bands, putting her stamp on the classic repertoire of Janis Joplin, Led Zeppelin and Rolling Stones songs. Not surprisingly, her interest in the artists she was covering took her back to their roots where she discovered the vocal magic and spirit-laced repertoire of such giants as the Staple Singers, Otis Redding and Skip James. At the same time that Martin was delving deeper and deeper into source material, she was steadily working on her song writing chops, drawing heavily on contemporary sources such as Lucinda Williams and Wilco.

Moving to Owen Sound in 2004, Martin recorded her first EP, Fade, with the help of Tara and Trevor MacKenize of the MacKenzie Blues Band. A year later, the ebullient singer

relocated to Toronto, debuting her original songs at open mic nights at C’est What while continuing to front cover bands. Producer Derek Downham, like many before and since, was transfixed by the Martin’s vocal prowess and increasingly sophisticated song writing. Pairing the big-voiced singer with some of Toronto’s finest session players, Downham produced Samantha Martin’s first full length CD, Back Home (2008), featuring among other gems, her tribute to Janis Joplin, appropriately entitled “Pearl.”

Needing her own band to perform her original material onstage, Martin borrowed the core members of Toronto’s cow-punk Kensington Hillbillies, eventually morphing them into Samantha Martin and the Haggard. With the addition of gospel singers Amoy and Ceceal Levy, and Marlene O’Neill, Samantha and the Haggard recorded a superb self-titled CD in 2012. Combining powerful, gut wrenching originals such as “Dark Angel”, “Six White Horses,” and “Where I Went Wrong” with traditional material “You Are My Sunshine” and covers such as the Staple Singers’ “This May Be the Last Time,” Samantha Martin and the Haggard created a singularly unique hybrid rooted in rockabilly, gospel and soul music. Over the next two years, the group gigged constantly in southern Ontario.

In 2013 a fundamental shift occurred in the band due to a showcase that stipulated no drums or bass. Samantha brought guitarist Mikey McCallum and Amoy, and Ceceal in to interpret her songs in a vocal-driven, gospel-infused formation. It was a massive hit, and festivals across Canada wanted to hire the new line-up. Over the next two years, the group gigged constantly in southern Ontario, working the Canadian festival circuit in the summers and eventually finding their way across the ocean, performing a series of torrid gigs in Germany. As Martin succinctly states, “No one was doing what we were doing!”

Electing to delve even deeper into the soul, gospel and r&b vein with this new formation, a live EP, Mississippi Sun, was cut in January 2014 with the band stripped down to guitarist Mikey McCallum, second guitarist Derek Downham and the Levy sisters. Out of this hybrid ensemble, in the fall of 2014 Delta Sugar emerged fully formed featuring Martin, McCallum, Sherie Marshall and Stacie Tabb. Hunkering down in the studio with Brooklyn-based producer Rench (of bluegrass/rap group Gangstagrass), Samantha Martin and Delta Sugar recorded the masterful, spine tingling Send the Nightingale.

Released in February 2015, the album represented a quantum leap for both Martin

As it turns out, Samantha Martin and Delta Sugar are not the only Toronto Blues Band heading to Memphis for the International Blues Challenge. Raoul and the Big Time have been selected by the neighbouring Bruce County Blues Society and Raoul has launched a crowdfunding campaign (www.indiegogo.com/projects/raoul-and-the-big-time-are-memphis-bound-competition) and both of these local blues stars are bringing big bands to the competition so they will have big expenses. Lets help them get there and make sure Canada kicks ass in Memphis (again!)

Raoul writes on the Bruce County Blues website, "Folks we have never done a crowd funding campaign in our near 20 years of playing for you, as we appreciate you purchasing our music and coming to our lives shows but this is different! Also welcome on upright bass for Justine Fischer who joins Raoul and The Big Time on our road to Memphis!"

And don't forget to catch Raoul (the actor) starring in the Pulitzer Prize-winning play, Disgraced, playing the Panasonic Theatre from November 11 to 26, 2017.

Also Memphis BoundSamantha Martin and (the expanded) Delta Sugar are playing a benefit show December 9th at ildsjel, 4 Carlaw Avenue. Doors at 6:30, show 7:00-8:30.

cont’d on page 13


Blues Dance Parties and Classes: If you haven’t already heard of the dance-focused, Toronto-based organisation, TOBlues, check out their solid calendar featuring Weekly Blues Music & History classes, dance instruction with international teachers as well as socials at dance-friendly venues

around town. Cut a rug at their monthly 3rd Friday Blues Dance featuring live music or a visiting DJ at the Dovercourt House in the Junction, or on the 1st Sunday of the month when “The Crossroads” Blues Party is held at the Imperial Pub at Yonge and Dundas. Their schedule is simple and practical; dance classes are held weekly and a no-wait policy allows you to join the all-level group at any time, whether it’s your first class or you’ve been dancing for years. To contact the self-described Blues fanatics at TO Blues, visit www.toblues.ca

Hamilton’s Mississippi Queen: On November 1st Sugar Brown will be singing Happy Birthday to the Mississippi Queen herself, at a Southern Supper in Hamilton. A cozy atmosphere and authentic down-south menu, Mississippi native Connie Rouble enriches Hamilton’s music scene by drawing fabulous Blues talent to her steeltown venue. If you just missed Suzie Vinnick and Lance Anderson, try catching the following performers who, in November and December alone, will be singing for their supper: Jack de Keyzer (Nov 9), Sinners Choir (Nov 22), Jerome Godboo & Eric Schenkman (Nov 24), Steve Marriner (Nov 30), Terry Gillespie (Dec 7), Chuck Jackson & Tyler Yarema (Dec 21) ...just to name a few. www.mississippiqueenfoods.com

TBS Talent Search Winner Dan McKinnon was just awarded the $2000 Amy Louie Grossman Music Scholarship at the 6th annual fund raiser on September 26. His winning proposal outlined plans to support a new recording that will be released in 2018. He is pictured with Grossman`s owner Christina Louie and 2016 ALGMS recipient Raha Javanfar (Bad Luck Woman & Her Misfortunes) who hosted the evening which featured performances by The Happy Pals, Frankie Foo, The Porch Dog Choir, Robert Priest & The Great Big Face Band, Chloe Watkinson & Park Eddy, Jerome Godboo & Eric Schenkman, Neil Chapman w/ David Hines & Rob Grenway and 2017 ALGMS recipient, Dan McKinnon. $1400.00 was raised for the ALGMS fund. Photo by David Goldberg.

Blues Dancers cutting a coblestone at the Distillery


JULIAN FAUTHThe Weak and the Wicked

Julian’s brilliant exploration of the Blues and Folk Songbook.

“A huge talent with real musical intelligence and a unique approach to the Blues”

5 out of 5 stars - Soul Bag Magazine (France)

3 1/2 stars out of 4 - Downbeat (USA)

HARD CORE HARPVarious Artists

20 Years of Blues Harmonica Masters on Electro-Fi Records - James Harman, Mark Hummel,

Snooky Pryor, Paul Oscher, Harmonica Shah, Billy Boy Arnold,

Al Lerman, Sam Myers, George Harmonica Smith, Little Mack, Willie

Big Eyes Smith and more.

19 tracks of Blues Harp at it’s best!

HARRISON KENNEDYWho U Tellin’?

“Harrison Kennedy is a Modern Blues Master of true substance” -

Living Blues Magazine.“Ingenious Original Blues” - MOJO

With special guests Jack de Keyzer

and Jimmy Bowskill.

MORGAN DAVISHome Away From Home

“Our master of the less is more school of the Blues is back. The patented Morgan Davis groove has always

been one of my favourites”.John Valenteyn - MapleBlues.

With special guests Colin Linden and Samantha Martin

& Delta Sugar.

New Releases from 3 JUNO Winners on a ‘Keeping the Blues Alive’ award-winning label.

CHRISTMAS SPECIAL 5 CD’s for $50.

Free postage and a bonus Christmas Blues CD.North America Only.

Order Now at www.electrofi .com or call 416-251-3036. 9am-7pm EST.

& Delta Sugar.

CHRISTMAS SPECIALCHRISTMAS SPECIAL

Mike Biggar who just won Blues Artist of the Year at the Music New Brunswick Awards for his new Busted Flat album Go All In, was in our town attending the Folk Music Ontario conference and showcase and doing a little networking. Here’s hoping he set up some gigs in our area so we can see what the East Coast buzz is all about

Student Song Contest: PeaceWorks is running their second annual Peace Song contest for Ontario for students in grades 6-12 and the deadline has been extended. Metalworks Studios is providing the grand prize of a full-day recording session with an engineer, and they also want to film portions of the recording session, and promote the winner on social media afterwards. It’s an amazing opportunity for a talented, aspiring student who really wants to pursue a music career! Details at peaceworks.tv/upcoming-events.html

Podcasting, Blogging and Vlogging: The Blues Tribe continues to put out videos (performance and interview) with upcoming Canadian Blues artists. The October guest is Glenn Marais from Newmarket, Ontario. The discuss the release of two albums simultaneously, how he discovered Blues as “the story of life”, and the story behind his guitar “Stevie”. Songs performed include “Hurricane” and “That’s Where My Mojo’s At”. www.bluestribe.ca.

Mako Funasaka has been interviewing some interesting behind-the-scene players for his “Talkin Blues” podcast. The latest episode features Ian Gilchrist, London based proprietor of Divergent Media, formerly of Rounder Records and Rykodisc amongst others. There’s also episodes with the father of Madrid Blues, Tonky de la Peña and Roger Costa, Co-Administrator/Archivist of the Estate of Jeff Healey. http://talkinblues.podbean.com.

And while we’re in the blogosphere, it might be worth mentioning that your (barely)managing editor’s blog/vlog, torontobluesdiary.com, was just awarded Top 50 Toronto Music Blog.

More Blues on Video: And this one you can watch right away (at least for now). A documentary on Fred McDowell called Shake ‘Em On Down is available for screening on PBS. Produced by Scott Baretta and Joe York, it includes footage from his appearance at the Newport Folk Festival and the European tours plus many historical photos. With commentary from the likes of Bonnie Raitt, Jim O’Neal, Charlie Musselwhite and Dick Waterman, this is an hour well spent. The web site is: www.pbs.org/video/reel-south-shake-em-on-down.

LOOSE BLUES NEWS cont’d from p9


Jim Byrnes Long Hot Summer Days Black Hen

Jim Byrnes has found a modus operandi that continues to pay large dividends for him: songs he remembers from his formative years in St. Louis MO, newly written originals and new interpretations of solid classics. His ‘warm & weathered’ singing style has been recognized with many awards, including several Maple Blues Awards and the key really is his voice, it allows him to make almost any song his own. Steve Dawson’s superlative production and the topflight accompanists combine to make any new Byrnes release an event. Those accompanists this time include: Dawson on guitars, Chris Gestrin on keys, Geoff Hicks, drums, Jeremy Holmes, bass, and a horn section, Malcolm Aiken, Jerry Cook and Dominic Conway. A gospel-styled song, “Step By Step” opens, with The Sojourners in full flight and Jerry Cook takes a powerful sax break. The Band’s “The Shape I’m In” gets a masterfull blues arrangement, with more Sojourners and Steve Marriner guesting on harp. The Bobby Bland hit “Ain’t No Love In The Heart Of The City” gets an acoustic, countryish treatment, with Dawson on Weissenborn plus The Sojourners and the horns – very different, and very enjoyable. Leonard Cohen’s “Everybody Knows” may seem an odd choice but not in Byrnes’ hands. One of Byrnes' own (with Dawson) is “Deep Blue Sea”, a slab of 50’s R&B with some fine doowop vocals from The Sojourners. Willie Dixon’s “Weak Brain, Narrow Mind” gets a new, acoustic treatment but with a twist: there is only one microphone, about thirty feet away from the band – something a little different and worth a try, it’s just Dawson & Marriner with him. Elmore James’ “Something Inside

YouTube. Joe gets an early introduction to blues, as she sings her “ABC Blues” to him. Big Dave guests here too. A big part of Miss Higgins’ fame rests on her sly, humourous songs, like “Bargain Shop Panties” and “Dead Cow Hill”. She was sitting in a sports bar and came up with “Full Contact Sport”. She was paying sufficiently close attention to make all the double entendres work. The concluding “Radville (Revisited)” is a lengthy blues about this town south of Regina. Everyone in the band gets solos, Eric Lemoine, pedal steel; Jimmy James Fraser on euphonium; Blake “Bman” Thomson, guitar; Sean “Burnsy” Burns, bass & Evan Friesen, drums. Co-producer Scott Nolan adds keys occasionally, as does Alex Campbell. Little Miss Higgins is singing better than ever. Her web site, www.littlemisshiggins.com, shows only Prairie dates so far.

Jackie Shane Any Other Way Numero Group

You may have seen the stories in the papers recently about this hugely important and influential performer active here in the 60’s and who then disappeared. Jackie Shane was a transgender star in an era when this was most unlikely, perhaps especially in 60’s Toronto. Appearing regularly at the Big Bop, the Brass Rail and the Saphire Tavern with dual trumpeter Frank Motley and his Motley Crew, Shane drew huge crowds. A single, William Bell’s “Any Other Way” was released in 1963, it charted and stayed a steady seller for years. Another single, Barrett Strong’s “Money” was released in 1966 and charted also. The shows at the Saphire in 1968 were so popular, it was

decided to record a live LP. That rare LP, plus all the singles are now available on this Jackie Shane-approved, remarkably attractive, two-disc set. It had been rumoured that Shane had been murdered but she is very much alive and living in Nashville. With this set is a beautifully written biography written by our own Rob

Me” gets a slow blues workout that is worth the price of the album alone, Dawson roars on slide and Marriner rips off some incredible harp. A Dawson original, “Anywhere The Wind Blows”, is a jaunty little acoustic song with quite lovely Piedmont-style harmonica from Marriner. Dawson plays his Weissenborn on this attractive rambling song. “Out Of Left Field” is a Percy Sledge song that Byrnes makes his own, with some superb slide from Dawson and superb harmony vocals from The Sojourners. Byrne saves the title song for last, his other original, again written with Dawson. Those long hot summer days are southern days. Tom toms, organ and acoustic guitars provide an atmospheric background to a childhood reminiscence, a masterpiece of singing. Do whatever it takes to add this to your collection, his web site is www.jimbyrnes.org.

Little Miss Higgins My Home, My Heart Self

My Home, My Heart arrives after a little bit of a hiatus from recording for Jolene ‘Little Miss’ Higgins, brought about by her new arrival and that new son is the subject of several of the songs here. It builds on the Bison Ranch Recording Sessions in that it uses a large group of players, different ones this time, and the new songs are very good indeed. She has moved from rural Saskatchewan to rural Manitoba but on a visit to her old hometown, she walked across the road to a neighbour who had a stash of old records and after a night of listening, she started writing. The opening song, “Across The Road”, celebrates that night, a rocking beginning. “Drawn To You (like a needle to the pole star)” is the first of the songs to ‘Joe’, a straight blues and a fine one it is. Big Dave McLean guests on harmonica. “Swept Away” is a bit of a departure, tackling what the planet might be like as Joe grows up. The ballad “My Home, My Heart” has a gorgeous melody and is the video for the album on


Bowman that finally tells her full story. The chaotic tale of the singles recordings is pretty much how the music scene worked then, but Bowman’s notes stress that Shane was, and is, a consummate entertainer, her vocals making the most of those studio recordings. But it’s the live CD that makes the set. The original tapes were found and several famous songs can now be added for a 70-minute concert. Soul standards sung in her inimitable way make up the bulk of the show, “High Heel Sneakers”, “Barefootin’” and “Knock On Wood” to name three; her total re-make of “You Are My Sunshine” will amaze you. But it’s the live versions of “Money” and “Any Other Way” that capture her in full flight. Each is extended with dramatic monologues that reflect her worldview and her everyday life. Most importantly though, they connect with the audience, something at which Shane was the master, elevating this recording to a much higher level. Frank Motley’s band was by now called The Hitchhikers, with Curley Bridges on organ, Wally Blair & King Herbert on saxes, Rollie Simmons on guitar, Ralph Blair on bass and Jimmy Butler on drums. Rob Bowman ends his notes with a description of a mural just off Yonge Street below Carlton that features Jackie Shane surrounded by images of BB King, Ronnie Hawkins, Glenn Gould, Diane Brooks, Muddy Waters, Gordon Lightfoot and Oscar Peterson. Listen to these discs and read the booklet, you’ll find out why. With her decision to resurface, she is contemplating a return to Toronto to treat us to a concert.

Ronnie Earl & The Broadcasters The Luckiest Man Stony Plain/Warner

Ronnie Earl’s Broadcasters have had one of the most consistent lineups over the years. As each new album arrived, Dave Limina was on B3, Lorne Entress, drums and Jim Mouradian was on bass. But after a performance this past January, Mouradian

suddenly passed away. A new album would be an obvious way to deal with the loss. Earl calls it “A traditional blues album of remembrance, love, and unwavering resolve to live with faith and gratitude. The title, The Luckiest Man, is a phrase and response spoken by Jim who always lived with gratitude in his heart and who never wasted a moment of his life: ‘I’m the luckiest man you know — and I don’t even know who you know.’” The songs dedicated to Mouradian include the tender solo instrumental, “Jim’s Song” and “Death Don’t Have No Mercy”, the latter getting a ‘hauntingly beautiful’ arrangement, with just two guitars and a superb vocal by the relatively new Broadcaster, Diane Blue. In addition to Ms. Blue, the new edition of the Broadcasters retains Limina on keys, with Forrest Padgett on drums and Paul Kochanski on bass. They ably support Earl on a blues-heavy set list. A slowed down and wonderfully re-arranged version of Don Robey’s “Ain’t That Loving You” opens, and there are several of Earl’s patented blues instrumentals: “Southside Stomp”, “Howlin’ Blues” & “Sweet Miss Vee”. A highlight for sure is a reunion of some of the original Broadcasters and current members of Sugar Ray and the Bluetones: Sugar Ray Norcia, vocals, harp; Anthony Geraci, piano; Mike Welch, guitar; Neil Gouvin, drums; Michael “Mudcat” Ward – double bass & Fender bass. Their “Long Lost Conversation” is a magnificent, eleven-minute slow blues. A three-song tribute to the West Side of Chicgo concludes, with “Blues For Magic Sam”, “So Many Roads” & “You Don’t Know What Love Is”. If there is one artist Earl adores most it is Otis Rush, and the eleven-minute “Roads”, with its powerful vocal fom Ms. Blue and ever-impressive guitar from Earl will surely go to the top of the list of Earl’s Otis covers. There are horns on the opening track, and they return for the uptempo version of “You Don’t Know What Love Is”, a fitting way to end. Ronnie Earl’s last album dealt with the loss of David Maxwell, and while these tributes do seem to bring out the best in him, I hope he doesn’t have to do that for the next one.

Various Artists Hard Core Harp Electro-Fi/Outside

In a first for this label, we get a fabulous collection of modern day harp performances from Electro-Fi’s back catalogue. In an era where it seems only guitar players get noticed, this collection is a welcome antidote. It’s also an indication of the breadth of traditional blues in the catalogue: from the opening solo live-in-the-studio flight of Paul Oscher on several harmonicas to the full out acrobatics of Mark Hummel’s

“Harpoventilating”. Post-war blues pioneers Snooky Pryor, George “Harmonica” Smith, Little Mack Simmons, Billy Boy Arnold and Sam Myers are all here as well as later stars like James Harman, Willie “Big Eyes” Smith, Rip Lee Pryor, and Harmonica Shah. The Canadian contingent is well represented with Harrison Kennedy & Al Lerman. There are, of course, guitar players present: Mel Brown, Jeff Healey and Jack de Keyzer to name but three. Amid such a

banquet, it seems foolish to choose highlights but Snooky’s “Headed South”, Hummel’s “Harpoventilating”, Lerman’s “Liquified Boogie” and Sam Myers’ “Ninety-Nine” are four that stood out just a little bit more. There is nothing previously unreleased here, for the completists among us, but it is beautifully chosen and very well sequenced. Both as instrumentalists and in accompanying their songs, harp players finally get their due in this generous, 70-minute program. The release date is Nov. 17th, go to www.electrofi.com to find out more.

-John Valenteyn

Voting opens on November 1


CBC Radio One (99.1) Saturday Night Blues, w/ Holger Petersen (national) Saturday 9:05pm-11:00pm (on Radio 2 Saturday at 6:05pm), JAZZ-FM (91.1) Bluz FM w/ Danny Marks Saturday 8:00 pm-midnight CIUT-FM (89.5) A to Z Blues w/ Screamin' Red Saturday 8-9am John Valenteyn's Blues w/ John Valenteyn Thursday 4-5pm Sunday Morning Soul w/Johnny Max Sundays at 11am (6, 8, 10, 11AM, 5 & 7PM at www.sundaymorningsoul.com syndicated on www.bluesradiocanada.com, www.dawgfm.com and more stations across the continent) At The Crossroads w/Brant Zwicker http://atcblues.ca/ and syndicated on www.bluesradiocanada.com, and stations across the continent)

CKWR (98.5 FM) Old Chicago Blues w/ Willy A, Friday 10:30 pm-midnight (Waterloo)

CIOI FM (1015 The HAWK) Blues Blast, with Ken Wallis Tuesdays, 4-6pm (Hamilton)

COUNTYFM (99.3) Sideroads with Blues Sister Peg and Brotha 'Z' Tuesday 8-10pm (Picton)

CIWS 102.9FM (WhiStle Radio) Blues on WhiStle with Dave Daddy Cool Booth Mon, Tues, Fri 11pm Whistle Bait w/Gary Tate (aka Shakey-T) Sat 12-1am and Wed 10-11 pm. (Stouffville)

CFFF Trent Radio (92.7 FM) Saturday Night Roadhouse Blues w/ Jackson Park Every Saturday 7-8 pm (Peterborough)

CJLX (91.3 FM) Saturday Night Blues Review, with George Vaughan. Saturday 6-7pm (Belleville)

CFMU (99.3 FM) Swear to Tell the Truth: the Blues and Rhythm Show, with C.M.Compton. Tuesday 1-2:30pm (Hamilton)

CFRU (93.3 FM) The Thrill is Back with Andy and Andrew Mondays 1 to 3pm The Blues Review, with Roopen Majithia Tues 9.00 pm (Guelph)

CANOE FM (100.9 FM) canoe.fm.com Zoe's Haphhazard Saturday Night with Zoe Chilco Saturday 10 pm Buckslide Blues Cruise with Patrick Monaghan Tues. (7-9pm) (Haliburton)

CFBU (103.7 FM) Eclectic Blues with Deborah Cartmer Tuesday 7-9 pm (St. Catharines)

CKCU(93.1 FM) www.ckcufm.com Black and Blues w/ John Tackaberry Every Sunday 9-11 pm (Ottawa)

CKMS (100.3 FM) Poor Folk Blues w/ Bruce Hall (aka Brewski) Monday 7:30-9 pm (Waterloo)

Welcome to our new Website! The TBS has a new online presence that displays better on mobile devices, makes it easier for TBS staff to update and offers a new clean design by Janine Stoll Media. Check it out now!

*=Canadian

*Jim Byrnes Long Hot Summer Days Black Hen*Little Miss Higgins My Home, My Heart Self*Jackie Shane Any Other Way Numero Ronnie Earl The Luckiest Man Stony PlainVarious Artists Hard Core Harp Electro-Fi*Morgan Davis Home Away From Home Electro-Fi *Downchild Something I’ve Done Linus*André Bisson Break Self*Mike “Mudfoot” McDonald Tired Of The Same Old Rut? Play This Self*Layla Zoe Songs From The Road Ruf*Wayne Nicholson & The Eastenders Diggin’ The Dirt Self*Al Wood & The Woodsmen Hooka Blues Self*Shirley Jackson & Her Good Rockin’ Daddys Things Are Lookin’ Up Self*Wes Mackey Back To The Shack Self*The Trade Offs Qaumariaq Self John Hammond Walkin’ Blues Live…Chicago & Toronto KlondikeSon Seals & Johnny Winter Live…Chicago 1978 Air Cuts*Blue Mules Movin’ On Self*Shake N’ Cor & The Bonetones Best Life Self

This month's recommended listening by John Valenteyn,

host of John Valenteyn's Blues on ciut.fm, 89.5 and CD

reviewer for Maple Blues.


DELTA SUGAR cont’d from p7

* Shows begin at 8:30pm unless otherwise noted ** Doors open at 6pm *

Kellylee Evans November 17

Hogtown All-Stars December 8

Carlos del Junco December 9

Bluesy Christmas December 19

Lazer Lloyd December 20

Suzie Vinnick December 29

New Year’s Eve with Chris Whiteley & Diana Braithwaite December 31

Ken Whiteley Gospel Matinée November 26

Tribute to Muddy Waters & Howlin’ Wolf December 2

The Toronto Blues Society is a non-profit and a registered charitable organization that works to foster a rich and flourishing environment for working blues musicians and fans alike.

With the end of the year and holiday season quickly approaching, you can make a donation in honour of that blues fan in your life who simply adores being involved, loves going to live shows and enjoys knowing that there is always new

and innovative blues music on the horizon.

When you make a donation of $5, $15 or $25 dollars a card will be sent to the individual whom you have chosen to honour, letting them know that your donation has been made in their name.

With your support, the TBS is able to continue to present emerging artists and put home-grown performers in the

spotlight! To ensure your blues fan receives their holiday card please include their name and address when making your donation.

You can donate online, by cheque or over the phone. Thank you for all your continued support!

www.torontobluessociety.com

910 Queen St. W, Suite B04, Toronto, ON M6J 1G6 (416) 538-3885

Charitable #874877509RR0001

This December Give the Gift of Music!

and her group. In 2016, Samantha Martin and Delta Sugar received two Maple Blues nominations for album of the year, new artist of the year while Samantha was nominated as female vocalist of the year. In 2017, Martin was once again nominated as female vocalist of the year.

As a vocalist Samantha’s roots lie squarely within the wellspring of powerful, strong woman’s voices embodied by such forbears as Marion Williams, Mavis Staples, Etta James, Tina Turner, Bettye LaVette, Lucinda Williams and, perhaps most closely, Bonnie Bramlett. As a songwriter, she draws on black gospel and southern soul with a hint of roots country and sixties pop while her lyrics suggest an old soul with wisdom beyond her years.

With her star continuing to rise, Samantha Martin and Delta Sugar, with drummer Dani Nash in tow, kept busy touring coast to coast while Samantha worked on writing songs for her next album. In June the group entered the studio with producer Darcy Yates and an expanded band consisting of keyboards, two guitars, bass, and three horns. With Delta Sugar co-singers now consisting of Sherie Marshall and Mwansa Mwansa, the expanded ensemble crafted a stunning, soul destroying new album entitled Run to Me, scheduled for release in February 2018.

On Monday, September 25, Samantha

debuted the new material with the expanded band at Hugh’s Room, competing to represent the Toronto Blues Society at the International Blues Challenge to be held in Memphis in January 2018. While the competition was stiff that night, Samantha Martin and Delta Sugar’s thirty minute set proved to be a stunning evocation of the emotional depth and sonic power of both Samantha’s new material and the expanded band. Jaws were literally dropping and after each song the audience reaction continually intensified. By set’s end, the room was emotionally drained and by night’s end Samantha Martin and Delta Sugar had won the right to represent the TBS in Memphis.

Getting to Memphis with such a large band is going to cost the group several thousand dollars out of their own pocket. To offset some of those costs, Samantha Martin and Delta Sugar are playing a benefit show with the expanded band December 9th at Ildsjel, 4 Carlaw Avenue: doors at 6:30, show 7:00-8:30. The evening will be up close and personal and taped in front of a live studio audience. Tickets are limited to 100 and will be available through www.samanthamartinmusic.com. Come out December 9th and support the Toronto Blues Society’s 2018 pick for the IBC’s in Memphis! I promise the evening will take you to musical places that are rarely experienced!

- Rob Bowman


When the lights go down, the music heats up in the Birthplace of America’s Music. Whether you’re looking

for blues, country, rock ‘n’ roll or something a little different, the thrill is far from gone. The beat goes on

where it all began—in Mississippi.

www.visitmississippi.org

V A S T I J A C K S O N BICENTENNIAL NORTH CELEBR ATION - OXFORD, MS

Thrilling

17-1046-TorontoBlues-Sept.indd 1 8/22/17 10:58 AM


Wednesday, November 1 Blackie & The Rodeo Kings at Mule Spinner, 8:00 PM, 11 Landsdowne Ave., Hamilton, 416-533-5483 Fraser/Daley at Inter Steer Tavern, 8:00 PM, 361 Roncesvalles, Toronto, 416-604-3333 Guy Davis at Registry Theatre, 8:00 PM, 122 Frederick, Kitchener, 519-745-6565 Julian Fauth Blues Night at Gate 403, 9:00 PM, 403 Roncesvalles, Toronto, 416-588-2930 Matt Weidinger at Lancaster Smoke-house, 6:00 PM, 574 Lancaster St W, Kitchener, 519-743-4331 Midtown Blues Jam hosted by Voo-doo Walters at Alleycatz Restaurant Lounge, 7:00 PM, 2409 Yonge St, Toronto, 416-481-6865 Mississippi Queen’s Birthday w/ Sugar Brown at Mississippi Queen Foods, 6:30 PM, 635 King St E, Hamilton, 905-526-0909 Nicola Vaughan at Black Swan Tav-ern, 9:30 PM, 154 Danforth, Toronto, 416-469-0537

Thursday, November 2 Guy Davis at Aeolian Hall, 8:00 PM, 795 Dundas St. E., London, 519-672-7950 Jack de Keyzer Band at London Music Club, 8:30 PM, 470 Colborne St., London, 519-640-6996 James Anthony Band at Purple Heather, 7:00 PM, 3600 Dundas St, Burlington, 905-315-8782 Julian Fauth at Jazz Room, 7:00 PM, 590 King St N, Waterloo, 519-886-3350 Lou Moore plus guest at Col. Mustard’s Pub & Deli, 9:00 PM, 16925 Yonge St, Newmarket, 905-895-6663 Mike Sedgwick at Grossman’s Tavern, 10:00 PM, 379 Spadina Ave, Toronto, 416-977-7000 Nothin’ But The Blues at N’Awlins Bar, 8:00 PM, 299 King St. W, Toron-to, 416-595-1958 Sue Foley Band at Cadillac Lounge, 9:00 PM, 1296 Queen St W, Toronto, 416-536-7717 Tamica Herod & the Harbour Street Band at Harbour Street Fish Bar, 7:00 PM, 10 Keith Ave, Collingwood, 705-293-3474 Friday, November 3 John McKinley Band at Lancaster Smokehouse, 8:00 PM, 574 Lancaster

St W, Kitchener, 519-743-4331 Johnny Blue Trio at Basso Blues Room, 9:00 PM, 320 Queen St E, Toronto, 647-348-3200 Tim Bastmeyer at Port Social, 8:00 PM, Port Perry, 905-985-7224 Wicked Grin at Dora Keogh, 9:28 PM, Toronto, 416-778-1804 Yoshioka/McManus/Anderson - 1st Friday Blues at Hole In The Wall, 10:00 PM, 2867A Dundas W, Toronto, 647-350-3564 Saturday, November 4 Bent Bugle Band at Warmingtons Bistro, 4:00 PM, 42 George St, Brant-ford, 519-770-4941 Bill Heffernan and guests at Gate 403, 5:00 PM, 403 Roncesvalles, Toronto, 416-588-2930 Blues Etc w/ Fraser Melvin & An-drew Moligun at Monty’s Gastropub, 3:30 PM, 547 Ontario St, St. Catha-rines, 905-397-7770 Danny Marks at Cadillac Lounge, 12:00 PM, 1296 Queen St W, Toronto, 416-536-7717 Emily Burgess at Cadillac Lounge, 6:00 PM, 1296 Queen St W, Toronto, 416-536-7717 Guy Davis at Peter’s Players Mus-koka, 8:00 PM, 830 Muskoka Rd S., Gravenhurst, 705-687-2117

James Anthony Band at Purple Heather, 2:00 PM, 3600 Dundas St, Burlington, 905-315-8782 Jerome Godboo & Godboogie at Station 1 Coffeehouse, 8:00 PM, 28 Main St. E., Grimsby, 905-309-4000 Johnny Wright & Michael Fonfara at Outrigger Tap & Table, 3:00 PM, 2232 Queen St E, Toronto, 416-748-2232 Mighty Duck Blues Band w/ Spen-cer MacKenzie at Bar Upstairs, 2:30 PM, 16 Melbourne St., St. Catharines, 905-684-7688 x4 Niagara Rhythm Section with guests at Old Winery, 9:00 PM, 2288 Niagara Stone Rd, Niaga-ra-on-the-Lake, 905-468-8900 Sass Jordan at Avalon Lounge Port Whitby Marina, 8:00 PM, 301 Watson St W, Whitby, 905-903-8661 Sinners Choir at Rex Hotel, 12:00 PM, 194 Queen St W, Toronto, 416-598-2475 Sleaper Group at Basso Blues Room, 9:00 PM, 320 Queen St. E, Toronto, 647-348-3200 The Sil Simone Band with guest at Carrigan Arms, 2:00 PM, 2025 Upper Middle Rd, Burlington, 905-332-6131 The Tex-Styles at Landmark Pub, 9:30 PM, 198 Ontario St, Burks Fall, 705-382-2661 Tim Bastmeyer at The Locker, 8:00 PM, Cannington, 705-432-3200 Tyler Yarema and His Rhythm at Reservoir Lounge, 9:45 PM, 52 Wel-lington St E, Toronto, 416-955-0887 Whitey and the Roulettes at Blue Goose Tavern, 3:00 PM, 1 Blue Goose St., Toronto(Mimico), 416-255-2442 Wicked Grin at Bruce Steakhouse, 8:29 PM, Kincardine, 519-396-5100 Winterfolk Benefit at Free Times Cafe, 8:00 PM, 320 College St., Toronto, 416-967-1078 Sunday, November 5 Andre Bisson at Spice Factory, 2:30 PM, 121 Hughson St. N, Hamilton, 905-741-1837 Bay City Blues Band (Brant Parker, Alan Duffy, Sean O’Grady, Bill Holinaty) at Bay City Music Hall, 2:00 PM, 50 Leader Rd., Hamilton, 289-389-9900 Chris Murphy Band at Wortley Roadhouse, 4:00 PM, 190 Wortley Rd, London, 519-438-5141 Chuck Jackson & The All Stars at Roc ‘N Doc’s, 4:30 PM, 105 Lake-shore Rd E, Mississauga, 905-891-1754

To submit listings, browse to www.torontobluessociety.com and click on "Live Blues" scroll down and enter your event into the form provided. From there it will be promoted in this newsletter, on our website and in our weekly e-mail blasts. Please keep the gig listings within reasonable driving distance of Toronto. If you're having trouble send a note to [email protected]

Performers for the Maple Blues Awards have not been announced yet but, as always, they will be backed up by the all-star Maple Blues Band, (left to right) Howard Moore (trumpet), Al Lerman (tenor sax, harmonica, acoustic guitar), Chris Murphy (baritone sax), Tom Bona (drums), Gary Kendall (bass, band leader, musical director), Michael Fonfara (organ, piano), Pat Carey (tenor sax), Teddy Leonard (electric & acoustic guitar). Photo by James Dean


Weber Brothers at Dakota Tavern, 9:00 PM, 249 Ossington Ave, Toronto, 416-850-4579 Sunday, November 12 Fraser and Daley at Castro’s Lounge, 4:00 PM, 2216 Queen St E, Toronto, 416-699-8272 Legendary Castaways at Linsmore Tavern, 7:00 PM, 1298 Danforth, Toronto, 416-466-5130 Thursday, November 16 Steve Strongman w/ Sean Pinchin at London Music Club, 8:30 PM, 470 Colborne St., London, 519-640-6996 The Ramble w/ guest Kevin Breit at Moonshine Cafe, 8:30 PM, 137 Kerr St., Oakville, 905-844-2655 Friday, November 17 Bad Luck Woman & Her Misfortunes at The Local, 9:00 PM, 396 Ronces-valles, Toronto, 416-535-6225 Jack de Keyzer Band at Simcoe Blues, 8:30 PM, 926 Simcoe St. N, Oshawa, 905-435-1111 Kellylee Evans at Hugh’s Room Live, 8:30 PM, 2261 Dundas St. W., Toronto, 416-533-5483 The Last Waltz - A Musical Celebra-tion of The BAND at Peter’s Players Muskoka, 8:00 PM, 830 Muskoka Rd S., Gravenhurst, 705-687-2117 The Swingin’ Blackjacks at The Duke Live!, 9:30 PM, 1225 Queen St E, Toronto, 416-463-5302 Tim Bastmeyer at Port Social, 8:00 PM, Port Perry, 905-985-7224

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Emily Burgess CD Release at Moonshine Cafe, 2:00 PM, 137 Kerr St., Oakville, 905-844-2655 Harrison Kennedy, Cheryl Lescom, Jerome Godboo, Brooke Blackburn, Jay Douglas, Mr Rick Zolkower, Brian Blain, Robert Scott, Irene Torres, Fundraiser for Red Door Shelter hosted by Big Rude Jake at Lula Lounge, 8:00 PM, 1585 Dundas St W, Toronto, 416-588-0307 James Anthony Band at Abbey Arms Restaurant, 3:30 PM, 481 North Service Rd W, Oakville, 905-825-1109 Jerome Tucker Band at Linsmore Tavern, 7:00 PM, 1298 Danforth, Toronto, 416-466-5130 Sunday Night Jam with Bill Hede-fine at Grossman’s Tavern, 10:00 PM, 379 Spadina Ave., Toronto, 416-977-7000 Taxi Chain at Cadillac Lounge, 4:00 PM, 1296 Queen W, Toronto, 416-536-7717 Monday, November 6 Jordan John at Orbit Room, 10:00 PM, 580A College St, Toronto, 416-535-0613 Sebastian Agnello at Black Swan Tavern, 9:30 PM, 154 Danforth, Toronto, 416-469-0537 The Skyliners at Skyline Restau-rant, 10:00 PM, 1426 Queen W, Toronto, 416-536-3682 Tuesday, November 7 Matt Allen at Oar & Paddle, 6:00 PM, 530 Muskoka Rd N, Graven-hurst, 705-687-8618

Wednesday, November 8 Action Sound Band (w/ Valvassori/Schenkman) at Grossman’s Tavern, 10:00 PM, 379 Spadina Ave, Toronto, 416-977-7000 Thursday, November 9 Southern Supper w/ Jack de Keyzer at Mississippi Queen Foods, 6:30 PM, 635 King St E, Hamilton, 905-526-0909 Sue Foley Band at Cadillac Lounge, 9:00 PM, 1296 Queen St W, Toronto, 416-536-7717 Friday, November 10 Jerome Tucker at Fox & Fiddle York Mills, 9:00 PM, 865 York Mills Rd, Toronto, 416-792-8299 Tim Bastmeyer at Mill Creek Pub, 8:30 PM, Orangeville, 519-307-5700 Saturday, November 11 Blues Etc w/ Rick Taylor at Monty’s Gastropub, 3:30 PM, 547 Ontario St, St. Catharines, 905-397-7770 Brian Blain w/Chris Whiteley, Jenie Thai, Alec Fraser Brian's Campfire Jam at Home Smith Bar - Old Mill, 7:30 PM, 21 Old Mill Rd, Toronto, 416-236-2641 Cheryl Lescom & The Tucson Choir-boys at Moonshine Cafe, 8:30 PM, 137 Kerr St., Oakville, 905-844-2655 Matt Allen at Griffin Gastropub, 8:00 PM, 9 Chancery Lane, Bracebridge, 705-646-0438 Mighty Duck Blues Band w/ Al Lerman at Bar Upstairs, 2:30 PM, 16 Melbourne St., St. Catharines, 905-684-7688 x4

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Saturday, November 18 Blues Etc w/ Jerome Godboo at Monty’s Gastropub, 3:30 PM, 547 Ontario St, St. Catharines, 905-397-7770 Mighty Duck Blues Band w/ Rob-in Banks at Bar Upstairs, 2:30 PM, 16 Melbourne St., St. Catharines, 905-684-7688 x4 Rootbone at Moonshine Cafe, 8:30 PM, 137 Kerr St., Oakville, 905-844-2655 The Last Waltz - A Musical Cel-ebration of The BAND at Peter’s Players, 8:00 PM, 830 Muskoka Rd S., Gravenhurst, 705-687-2117 Tim Bastmeyer at Beauford Pub, 1:00 PM, Belleville, 613-966-7060 Women’s Blues Revue at Massey Hall, 8:00 PM, 178 Victoria St, Toronto, 416-872-4255 Sunday, November 19 Dr. Nick & the Rollercoasters at Rex Hotel, 3:30 PM, 194 Queen St W, Toronto, 416-598-2475 Paul James acoustic at Painted Lady, 8:00 PM, 218 Ossington Ave., Toronto, 647-213-5239 Robert Davis Blues Brunch at Southern Accent, 10:30 AM, 839 College (at Ossington), Toronto, 416-901-3211 Sam Taylor & The East End Love at Linsmore Tavern, 7:00 PM, 1298 Danforth, Toronto, 416-466-5130 Tuesday, November 21 Son Little at Horseshoe Tavern, 9:00 PM, 370 Queen St W, Toron-to, 416-598-4226


Wednesday, November 22 Action Sound Band (w/ Valvassori/Schenkman) at Grossman’s Tavern, 10:00 PM, 379 Spadina Ave, Toronto, 416-977-7000 Southern Supper w/ The Sinners Choir at Mississippi Queen Foods, 6:30 PM, 635 King St E, Hamilton, 905-526-0909 Thursday, November 23 Steve Strongman at Moonshine Cafe, 8:30 PM, 137 Kerr St., Oakville, 905-844-2655 The Last Waltz - A Musical Celebration of The BAND at Hugh’s Room Live, 8:30 PM, 2261 Dundas St. W., Toronto, 416-533-5483 Friday, November 24 Big Sugar Danforth Music Hall, 147 Danforth 7:00pm Jerome Godboo & Eric Schenkman at Mississippi Queen Foods, 6:30 PM, 635 King St. E., Hamilton, 905-526-0909 Jerome Tucker at Fox & Fiddle York Mills, 9:00 PM, 865 York Mills Rd, Toronto, 416-792-8299 Tas Cru & Wicked Grin at Cove Inn, 7:00 PM, 2 Bedford St, Westport, 613-273-3636 The Last Waltz - A Musical Celebration of The BAND at Hugh’s Room Live, 8:30 PM, 2261 Dundas St. W., Toronto, 416-533-5483 Tim Bastmeyer at Ernie’s Roadhouse, 7:00 PM, Cambridge, 519-658-9562 Saturday, November 25 Andre Bisson at Moonshine Cafe, 9:00 PM, 137 Kerr St, Oakville, 905-844-2655 Blues Etc w/ Andre Bisson at Monty’s Gastropub, 3:30 PM, 547 Ontario St, St. Catharines, 905-397-7770 Danny Marks at Huntsville Legion, 8:00 PM, 21 Veterans Way, Huntsville, 705-789-2972 Jack de Keyzer Band at Port Credit Le-gion, 8:00 PM, 35 Front St. N, Mississauga, 905-278-1705 Mighty Duck Blues Band w/ Paul Reddick at Bar Upstairs, 2:30 PM, 16 Melbourne St., St. Catharines, 905-684-7688 x4 Paul James solo at Treasuremollyshou-seofmusic, 7:00 PM, Mimico, Toronto, 416-251-3878 Sunday, November 26 Gary Cain Band at Linsmore Tavern, 7:00 PM, 1298 Danforth, Toronto, 416-466-5130 Ken Whiteley’s Gospel Brunch at Hugh’s Room Live, 2:00 PM, 2261 Dundas St. W., Toronto, 416-533-5483 Mr. Rick’s Cafe Americana at The Local, 9:00 PM, 396 Roncesvalles, Toronto, 416-535-6225 Thursday, November 30 Bad Luck Woman & Her Misfortunes at Dakota Tavern, 9:30 PM, 249 Ossington Ave, Toronto, 416-850-4579 Soulstack w/ Matt Weidinger Trio at London Music Club, 8:30 PM, 470 Colborne St., London, 519-640-6996

Southern Supper w/ Steve Mar-riner at Mississippi Queen Foods, 6:30 PM, 635 King St E, Hamilton, 905-526-0909 Friday, December 1 HI Players Rocking Blues Band at Duffy’s Tavern, 9:30 PM, 1238 Bloor St W, Toronto, 416-628-0330 Ken Whiteley Band w/ Jay Harmony at Heliconian Hall, 7:30 PM, 35 Hazelton Ave., Toronto, 416-922-3618 McKenna Moonah Blues Duo at Basso Blues Room, 9:00 PM, 320 Queen St E, Toronto, 647-348-3200 The Blus Bros with “big” Bob Hammond & James Anthony Band at 5 West Brewpub & Kitchen, 8:00 PM, 3600 Dundas St, Burlington, 905-315-8782 Tim Bastmeyer at Port Social, 8:00 PM, Port Perry, 905-985-7224 Saturday, December 2 Blues Etc w/ Chuck Jackson at Monty’s Gastropub, 3:30 PM, 547 Ontario St, St. Catharines, 905-397-7770 Josh Gordon Band at Antler Room, 9:00 PM, 146 Front St W, Toronto, 416-977-8840 Mighty Duck Blues Band w/ Steve Marriner at Bar Upstairs, 2:30 PM, 16 Melbourne St., St. Catharines, 905-684-7688 x4 Steve Strongman at Busholme Inn, 8:00 PM, 156 Main St., Erin, 519-315-0315 Swingin’ Blackjacks at Dora Keogh Irish Pub, 9:30 PM, 141 Danforth, Toronto, 416-778-1804 Tim Bastmeyer at Mill Creek Pub, 8:30 PM, Orangeville, 519-307-5700 Tribute to Muddy Waters / Howlin’ Wolf at Hugh’s Room Live, 8:30 PM, 2261 Dundas St. W., Toronto, 416-533-5483 Tuesday, December 5 Matt Allen at Oar & Paddle, 6:00 PM, 530 Muskoka Rd N, Graven-hurst, 705-687-8618 Thursday, December 7 Southern Supper w/ Terry Gilles-pie at Mississippi Queen Foods, 6:30 PM, 635 King St E, Hamilton, 905-526-0909 Sue Foley Band at Cadillac Lounge, 9:00 PM, 1296 Queen St W, Toronto, 416-536-7717 Friday, December 8 Hogtown All-Stars - TBS Christ-mas Party at Hugh’s Room Live, 8:30 PM, 2261 Dundas St. W., Toronto, 416-533-5483

Saturday, December 9 Brian Blain w/Sean Pinchin, Kim Doolittle Brian's Campfire Jam at Home Smith Bar - Old Mill, 7:30 PM, 21 Old Mill Rd, Toronto, 416-236-2641 Blues Etc w/ Jenie Thai at Monty’s Gastropub, 3:30 PM, 547 Ontario St, St. Catharines, 905-397-7770 Carlos del Junco at Hugh’s Room Live, 8:30 PM, 2261 Dundas St. W., Toronto, 416-533-5483 Josh Gordon Band at Basso Blues Room, 9:00 PM, 320 Queen St E, Toronto, 647-348-3200 Matt Allen at Griffin Gastropub, 8:00 PM, 9 Chancery Lane, Brace-bridge, 705-646-0438 Mighty Duck Blues Band w/ Mike Branton at Bar Upstairs, 2:30 PM, 16 Melbourne St., St. Catharines, 905-684-7688 x4 Tim Bastmeyer at Wixan’s Bridge, 9:00 PM, Uxbridge, 905-852-1222 Friday, December 15 The Blus Bros X-mas w/ Missis-sauga Delta Blues Band & guest Shane Philips at Midland Cultural Centre, 8:00 PM, 333 King St, Midland, 705-527-4420 Tim Bastmeyer at Port Social, 8:00 PM, Port Perry, 905-985-7224

Saturday, December 16 Anthony Gomes at Hugh’s Room Live, 8:30 PM, 2261 Dundas St. W., Toronto, 416-533-5483 Blues Etc w/ Joel Johnson at Monty’s Gastropub, 3:30 PM, 547 Ontario St, St. Catharines, 905-397-7770 Mighty Duck Blues Band w/ Carlos del Junco at Bar Upstairs, 2:30 PM, 16 Melbourne St., St. Catharines, 905-684-7688 x4 Tim Bastmeyer at Acoustic Grill, 7:00 PM, Picton, 613-476-2887 Sunday, December 17 Anthony Gomes at Peter’s Players Muskoka, 2:00 PM, 830 Muskoka Rd S., Gravenhurst, 705-687-2117 Robert Davis Blues Brunch at Southern Accent, 10:30 AM, 839 College (at Ossing-ton), Toronto, 416-901-3211 Tuesday, December 19 Cheryl Lescom, Crystal Shawanda, Jesse O’Brien, Quisha Wint at Hugh’s Room Live, 8:30 PM, 2261 Dundas St. W., Toronto, 416-533-5483 Wednesday, December 20 Lazer Lloyd at Hugh’s Room Live, 8:30 PM, 2261 Dundas St. W., Toronto, 416-533-5483


EVERY SATURDAYBlue Goose Tavern 1 Blue Goose St. 416-255-2442 Toronto(Mimico) Whitey and the Roulettes (Every Sat) Cadillac Lounge 416-536-7717 Danny Marks (Every Sat) Carrigan Arms 2025 Upper Middle Rd 905-332-6131 Burlington The Sil Simone Band with guest (Every Sat) Gate 403 403 Roncesvalles 416-588-2930 Toronto Bill Heffernan and guests (Every Sat) Old Winery 2288 Niagara Stone Rd 905-468-8900 Niagara-on-the-Lake Niagara Rhythm Section with guests (Every Sat) Outrigger Tap & Table 2232 Queen St E 416-748-2232 Toronto Johnny Wright & Michael Fonfara (Every Sat) Purple Heather 3600 Dundas St 905-315-8782 Burlington James Anthony Band (Every Sat aft.) Reservoir Lounge 52 Wellington St E 416-955-0887 Toronto Tyler Yarema and His Rhythm (Every Sat) Rex Hotel 416-598-2475 Sinners Choir (Every Sat) Warmingtons Bistro 42 George St 519-770-4941 Brantford Bent Bugle Band (w/ guests, every Sat) EVERY SUNDAYAbbey Arms Restaurant 481 North Service Rd W 905-825-1109 Oakville James Anthony Band (Every Sun 3:30-7pm) Bay City Music Hall 50 Leader Rd. 289-389-9900 Hamilton Bay City Blues Band (Brant Parker, Alan Duffy, Sean O’Grady, Bill Holinaty) (Sunday set is 2-6:00pm) Grossman’s Tavern 379 Spadina Ave. 416-977-7000 Toronto Sunday Night Jam with Bill Hedefine (Every Sun, drums and amp provided) Roc ‘N Doc’s 105 Lakeshore Rd E 905-891-1754 Mississauga Chuck Jackson & The All Stars (Every Sun) Wortley Roadhouse 190 Wortley Rd 519-438-5141 London Chris Murphy Band (Sunday set is 4-8:00pm) EVERY MONDAYBlack Swan Tavern 154 Danforth 416-469-0537 Toronto Sebastian Agnello (Acoustic, every Mon)

Orbit Room 580A College St 416-535-0613 Toronto Jordan John (Every Mon) Skyline Restaurant 1426 Queen W 416-536-3682 Toronto The Skyliners (Every Mon) EVERY TUESDAYBrando’s on Market 135 Market St 519-720-6758 Brantford Open Jam with Chris Brown and Trevor Cobb (Every Tue) Reservoir Lounge 416-955-0887 Tyler Yarema and His Rhythm (Every Tue) Rex Hotel 194 Queen St W 416-598-2475 Toronto Classic Rex Jazz Jam Hosted by Chris Gale (Every Sat) Sauce on Danforth 1376 Danforth 647-748-1376 Toronto Julian Fauth (Every Tue) EVERY WEDNESDAYAlleycatz Restaurant Lounge 2409 Yonge St 416-481-6865 Toronto Midtown Blues Jam hosted by Voodoo Walters (PWYC, Every Wed) Black Swan Tavern 416-469-0537 Nicola Vaughan (Open Jam Every Wed) Gate 403 416-588-2930 Julian Fauth Blues Night (Every Wed) Inter Steer Tavern 361 Roncesvalles 416-604-3333 Toronto Fraser/Daley (Every Wed) Lancaster Smokehouse 519-743-4331 Matt Weidinger (Every Wed) EVERY THURSDAYCol. Mustard’s Pub & Deli 16925 Yonge St 905-895-6663 Newmarket Lou Moore plus guest (Every Thu) Harbour Street Fish Bar 10 Keith Ave 705-293-3474 Collingwood Tamica Herod & the Harbour Street Band (Every Thu, w/ bi-weekly guests, check www.tamicaherod.com) N’Awlins Bar 299 King St. W 416-595-1958 Toronto Nothin’ But The Blues (Dynamic blues trio led by drummer Joe Bowden) Purple Heather 905-315-8782 James Anthony Band (Every Thu 7-11pm) EVERY FRIDAYLancaster Smokehouse 574 Lancaster St W 519-743-4331 Kitchener John McKinley Band (Every Friday)

REPEATING


w/ The Hogtown AllstarsHugh’s Room Live, 2261 Dundas Street W.

Special reduced ticket price for Charter Members in good standing ($10)

Call the box office (416-533-5483) for seating or come for the show at 8:30pm.

CHRISTMAS PARTYFRIDAY DECEMBER 8

Special reduced ticket price for Charter Members in good standing ($10)

Hugh’s Room Live, 2261 Dundas Street West

Call the box office (416-533-5483) for seating or come for the show at 8:30pm.

SAVE THE DATE