Canadian Blues Music Awards Crown First-Ever Winners at Landmark Toronto Gala

The Canadian Blues Music Awards made history at The Phoenix Concert Theatre in Toronto, crowning the first-ever winners of Canada's new national blues recognition programme across 16 competitive categories. The inaugural gala brought together the finest performers in Canadian blues for a landmark celebration that was more than an awards show. It was a statement about the depth, diversity, and resilience of blues music in this country.

The evening's biggest winner was Brandon Isaak, who took home Electric Blues Recording of the Year, Blues Song of the Year for "Walkin' With The Blues," and Blues Guitarist of the Year, all for his album 'Walkin' With The Blues.' Steve Marriner claimed Blues Producer of the Year for his work on three recordings: 'Hear My Heart,' Big Dave McLean's 'This Old Life,' and David Gogo's 'YEAH!' Sue Foley won Acoustic Blues Recording of the Year for 'One Guitar Woman, A Tribute to the Female Pioneers of Guitar.' Crystal Shawanda took Female Blues Vocalist of the Year for 'Sing Pretty Blues,' while Marcus Trummer claimed Male Blues Vocalist of the Year for 'From The Start.' Kenny "Blues Boss" Wayne won Blues Keyboard Player of the Year for 'Ooh, Yeah!', and Ollee Owens was named Emerging Blues Artist or Group of the Year for 'Nowhere to Hide.'

The Canadian Blues Music Awards is a fully independent, incorporated national not-for-profit organization built from the ground up with a mandate to govern, develop, and operate Canada's premier blues recognition programme. Initially formed in spring 2024 by Brant Zwicker and Cindy McLeod, the CBMA Governing Committee spent more than a year in extensive research, national consultation, and programme development before incorporating as an independent organization. All artist category awards are decided exclusively by a jury panel of industry professionals drawn from a national pool spanning radio, print, labels, engineering, production, promotion, academia, associations, festivals, and venues. "The Canadian Blues Music Awards represents a complete overhaul," said Quisha Wint, Chair of the Toronto Blues Society. "A whole new programme created to serve the Canadian blues community with greater transparency, fairness, and unity from coast to coast to coast."

Lifetime Achievement honours were presented to five foundational contributors to Canadian blues: Amos Garrett, Bobby Dean Blackburn, Kenny "Blues Boss" Wayne, Russell Jackson, and Tim Williams. The gala also featured live performances from Steve Marriner, Crystal Shawanda, Kenny "Blues Boss" Wayne, Brandon Isaak, and Dana Wylie of Secondhand Dreamcar, with host Danny Marks opening the evening. The after-party featured sets from emerging artist nominees Glenn Marais and The Mojo Train, Ollee Owens, JP LeBlanc, and Secondhand Dreamcar.

The Canadian Blues Music Awards are now established as the gold standard of blues recognition in Canada, a programme built on transparency, coast-to-coast representation, and a genuine commitment to the music and the people who make it.

2025 Canadian Blues Music Awards Winners:

Emerging Blues Artist or Group of the Year

Ollee Owens (Ollee Owens: Nowhere to Hide)

Blues Song of the Year

Brandon Isaak: Walkin’ With The Blues (Walkin’ With The Blues)

Acoustic Blues Recording of the Year

Sue Foley: One Guitar Woman, A Tribute to the Female Pioneers of Guitar

Electric Blues Recording of the Year Brandon Isaak: Walkin’ With The Blues

Blues Producer of the Year

Steve Marriner (Steve Marriner: Hear My Heart; Big Dave McLean: This Old Life; David Gogo: YEAH!)

Female Blues Vocalist of the Year

Crystal Shawanda (Crystal Shawanda: Sing Pretty Blues)

Male Blues Vocalist of the Year

Marcus Trummer (Marcus Trummer: From The Start)

Blues Guitarist of the Year

Brandon Isaak (Brandon Isaak: Walkin’ With The Blues)

Blues Keyboard Player of the Year

Kenny “Blues Boss” Wayne (Kenny “Blues Boss” Wayne: Ooh, Yeah!)

Blues Harmonica Player of the Year TIE

Guy Bélanger (Guy Bélanger: Postcards from London)

Steve Marriner (Steve Marriner: Hear My Heart; Big Dave McLean: This Old Life; David Gogo: YEAH!)

Blues Horn Player of the Year

Jerry Cook (Wailin’ Walker: All Fired Up)

Blues Drummer of the Year TIE:

Jim Casson (Davis Hall & The Green Lanterns: Canboro Canborough)

Sylvain “Sly” Coulombe (Chambers DesLauriers: Our Time To Ride)

Blues Bassist of the Year

Jasmine Colette (Blue Moon Marquee: New Orleans Sessions)

Blues Video of the Year

The Harpoonist: Show Me The Green (Did We Come Here To Dance)

Blues Industry Person of the Year TIE:

Bruce Morel (Morel Music International)

Ken Simms (Think Tank Music Network)

Lifetime Achievement Recipient

Tim Williams

Fan Favourite Award for Blues Artist or Group of the Year

Blue Moon Marquee

Kathreen Halloran

 

Seems like forever since Australian guitarist/songwriter Kathreen Halloran released her debut single "Free With Me", which was November 2024. Kathleen has now recorded a full length debut album, which is due for release on the 8^th May 2026. As a pre-release for the album Kathleen has release her 3^rd single from the album, "Showstopper" which is a moody blues rocker, with a killer chorus.

 

Kathleen Halloran is one of Australia’s most compelling new voices.

 

A Melbourne-based guitarist, singer-songwriter and composer, she has spent years on stages and in studios across the country, earning a reputation built on genuine musical authority — commanding audiences with presence, confidence, and power. She’s a shredder.

 

Her sound carries the confidence and firepower of decades of guitar greats before her, while remaining unmistakably her own. As she prepares to release her debut body of work, Halloran arrives fully formed — undeniable, uncompromising, and built for the stage.

 

 https://open.spotify.com/album/5tHGfsEe6l5qNT1jWMZ8Jx

 

 

LISTEN TO HER HERE

LIVE STREAM >> HERE

Suede Aces

 

So straight off the bat a very young group of musicians decide that rather than hit the world with a bunch of singles, we`ll hit folks with our debut 51 minute album. So Suede Aces are a 5 piece 70`s retro band from New Jersey over in the USA, that original came together in 2021, but have recently had a couple of new members join. Fronted by the female powerhouse that is Lily Slix the band are forging a killer live band, playing with the likes of Steven Adler`s Guns N Roses, Slaughter and Rachel Bolan of Skid Row. The band wanted to share their opening track from the album "Fool" for folks to hear on the radio, hoping it shows they`re a kick ass rock n roll band.

Suede Aces – Band Biography Rooted in NJ, Suede Aces is a hard rock and blues band—fusing gritty soul, intricate musicianship, and raw emotion into a sound that hits as hard as it moves. Drawing from the classic power of Led Zeppelin and the vocal soul of Janis Joplin and Aretha Franklin the band crafts music that’s both timeless and forward-thinking. At the heart of Suede Aces is vocalist Lily Slix, whose journey began in childhood, following in her father’s footsteps—a lifelong musician. By age nine, she was recording in studios, and by thirteen, performing live with the confidence and intensity of someone twice her age. Her voice is bold, soulful, and full of intent—anchoring the band’s sound with passion and purpose. Brothers Darrin Bell and Tommy Bell grew up playing together from the moment their father handed them their first instruments. Their lifelong musical bond translates into a seamless onstage chemistry and a sound that’s both tight and explosive. Darrin’s guitar playing blends blues-rooted riffs with a flair for melodic intricacy, while Tommy brings hard-hitting energy and rhythmic drive grounded in classic rock tradition. Gareth “Gort” Odendaal joined the band in late 2025, devoting his talent and passion to playing bass. Jamming for years by himself and with friends, he never found the chance to play live. That’s until he joined Suede Aces. In January 2026, he played his second show ever at the legendary Stone Pony, showing that success is about hard work and soul, not having played a certain amount of time. Jerry Reaves joined SUEDE ACES in 2026 as rhythm guitarist, bringing a lifetime of playing experience and deep classic rock influences that further strengthen the band’s dynamic and layered sound. Since forming in 2021, Suede Aces has built a name for themselves on the live circuit, known for powerful, no-frills performances that hit home. They opened for Steven Adler of Guns N’ Roses and Slaughter at the iconic Starland Ballroom, shared the stage with Rachel Bolan of Skid Row at The Stone Pony - a standout moment that added fuel to the band's momentum. With one foot in the roots of rock and the other in its evolving future, Suede Aces is carving their own path—loud, honest, and unmistakably real.

 

 https://suedeaces.com/home

 

 

LISTEN TO THEM HERE

LIVE STREAM >> HERE

Brass Camel-Everybody Loves A Scandal

 

 

A bit later than planned, as Daniel took off for the weekend and forgot to share the latest and somewhat strange new single from Brass Camel "Everybody Loves A Scandal". I guess I shouldn`t really say strange as this is Brass Camel after all and they`re Canadian. Plus compared with another musical phenomenon recently, Brass Camel are quiet normal. Anyway here`s the latest track from the bands 3rd self titled album, which I believe is just around the corner from release date, April 15th.

Performed by:
Daniel Sveinson - electric guitar/vocals
Curtis Arsenault - bass/vocals
Aubrey Ellefson - keyboards/vocals
Wyatt Gilson - drums and percussion

“We release our third album, "Brass Camel" on April 15th. This album was written shortly before hitting the road to support "Camel" last year and we recorded the bulk of it while on tour, at Chalet Studios in Uxbridge. Recording at this pastoral studio with our good friend Kevin Comeau (of Crown Lands) acting as engineer and co-producer was a tremendously fun process. The studio is located on a farm and the rural environment, with big plate glass windows in the live room offering natural light and views of thunderstorms along with various examples of Ontario's flora and faura, made for a great atmosphere. The album is anchored in bed tracks which were all recorded live in a room together, performances kept intact in the mixing process which result in a raw feel to the album. It was a pleasure bringing Terry Brown (Rush producer/mixer, engineer on Axis: Bold as Love) on board to mix the album. The album covers more ground than the first two and we hope you'll dig it more with each spin!”

https://www.brasscamel.ca/

VERY SOON YOU CAN LISTEN TO THEM HERE

LIVE STREAM >> HERE

Bluestronica

 

"I started playing guitar at fourteen, and music has been part of my life ever since. Over the years I’ve been active in many parts of the European blues scene — as a musician, DJ, producer, promoter, label owner and collaborator.

Bluestronica brings together the different sides of that journey: blues roots, electronic grooves, recordings, collaborations and the music that shaped my path.

My musical roots are firmly in the blues, but traditions stay alive by evolving. Technology, electronic grooves and modern production approaches can give roots music new energy.

Bluestronica explores that space where blues feeling and electronic grooves meet — guitars with beats, old recordings inspiring new creations.

Over the years I’ve been involved in touring, recording and releasing music, both on stage and behind the scenes. Live performances, studio work and long-term collaborations have taken me to countless venues and festivals across Europe.

All those experiences, influences and connections now come together here, in Bluestronica — alongside artists, labels and projects that form part of a wider ecosystem of kindred spirits.

With every playlist, remix or collaboration my aim remains the same.

https://blues-tronica.com

 

VERY SOON YOU CAN LISTEN TO THEM HERE

LIVE STREAM >> HERE

Artur Menezes Releases Blues-Driven Single “Not Today”

 

 

Fresh off his performance at Lollapalooza in Brazil - as the only blues rock artist in the lineup - guitarist, singer, and songwriter Artur Menezes announces the release of his new single “Not Today,” arriving April 11 on all digital platforms. The track is the second single from his upcoming independent album and showcases the bluesier side of the record while still pushing into modern and groove-driven territory.

“Not Today” explores the struggle of trying to stay sober while life keeps knocking you down. The lyrics follow the cycle of holding on, falling off, and starting over again, capturing the tension between determination and vulnerability. It is a song about resilience, setbacks, and the constant fight to move forward.

Sonically, the track draws inspiration from the hypnotic, loop-driven grooves of R. L. Burnside, combined with driving percussion, heavy slide guitar, and influences ranging from Johnny Winter to Beck. The result is a gritty, groove-heavy track rooted more directly in blues traditions than some of the heavier and more psychedelic tracks on the upcoming album, highlighting another side of Menezes’ sound while maintaining the raw energy and modern edge that define his recent work. Menezes’ vocals are strong, raspy, and full of character, carrying the emotional weight of the lyrics while the band locks into a deep, hypnotic pocket.

The single was produced by Pops Magellan, whose production approach continues to play a key role in shaping the sound of Menezes’ upcoming album, helping push the music beyond traditional blues into heavier and more contemporary territory while keeping groove and feel at the center of the music. She also plays bass and handles programming. "Not Today" also features Aaron Haggerty on drums, Randy Emata as mixing and tracking engineer and Fili Filizolla on mastering. 

The upcoming album is a fully independent, DIY release, reflecting Menezes’ commitment to artistic independence and creative control. With these new releases, he continues to push beyond traditional blues boundaries, blending heavy guitars, groove-driven rhythms, and psychedelic and alternative influences, expanding the genre into new territory and reaching audiences beyond the traditional blues world.

Born in Brazil and based in Los Angeles for the past decade, Menezes recently became a U.S. citizen and continues to build strong international momentum following major festival appearances, international touring, and a growing global audience.

VERY SOON YOU CAN LISTEN TO THEM HERE LIVE STREAM >> HERE

WACHI

 

WACHI is a guitarist and composer whose music blends blues and neo-soul with a raw, expressive solo guitar style.He began playing guitar at the age of 14, inspired by the Japanese band LUNA SEA. Soon after, his brother introduced him to artists like Metallica, and discovering Pantera had a profound impact on his musical direction. By 16, he had formed his first band and started writing original metal music. At 18, he moved to Tokyo and established the band “Divine Era.”At 20, WACHI moved to the United States to study at the Musicians Institute, where he was exposed to a wide range of musical styles. During this time, he revived Divine Era, releasing three albums and touring extensively across the U.S.In 2020, he returned to Japan and began a new chapter, shifting his focus to solo guitar. Moving away from heavy metal, he developed a style rooted in blues and neo-soul, emphasizing feel, groove, and spontaneity. Performing at local bars, live houses, and on the streets of Tokyo while releasing singles independently, he refined a more intimate and expressive musical voice.His upcoming solo guitar album, My Spin on the Blues, features 10 tracks recorded entirely in one take, capturing the raw emotion and authenticity of his playing.

 

His music can also be listened on JAM 66 Radio.

 

 https://www.wachiguitar.com

 

Beaker - 50 Men

 

“50 Men” is a tribute to Gisele Pelicot. She profoundly changed the narrative around shame and sexual violence, with her awe-inspiring response, when she waived her right to anonymity in the trial against her ex-husband and 51 other perpetrators. “Shame should change sides”.

It’s the band’s first single in 27 years, produced and mixed by esteemed producer Sam Williams (Supergrass, Plan B) at Temple Sound Studios throwing you back to the peak of the riot girl era of L7, Hole and the Breeders while still sounding edgy, fierce and current.

The track starts in a bare, understated fashion, with gently picked notes and a soft, lounge tinged jazz vocal gliding effortlessly over the song’s darkness. As “50 Men” unfolds, it gradually opens up with sharp, brooding guitars, and layers of haunting, choir-like vocals drifting in and out. By the end, everything gathers into a weighty, immersive swell. Vocals rich, visceral and intense; a pulsating ferocious anthem to inspire a whole new generation of girls.

The all-female group garnered a loyal following during the exciting days of the late-90s Oxford rock scene, making waves with their debut single ‘Backgarden’ as part of the Shifty Disco Singles Club in 1997 and with their double A-side ‘Monster’/ ‘Plastic’ on Fierce Panda in 1998. This sparked an extensive UK tour and an Oxford Radio 1 Sound City appearance in 1997.

Despite not having performed together since 1999, band members Sam Batlle (singer), Teresa Ward (guitar), Clare Howard-Saunders (drums) were brought together by the tragic death of bassist Kim Parsons in 2023 a quarter-century after they split. The mutual support they provided to each other in a time of sadness rekindled social and musical relationships, and inevitably led to talk of getting the old band together with the addition of new bassist Hayley Wright and backing vocalist Emma Hunter. Already there have been sold out shows and a rapturously received slot at Truck Festival and this April sees not only the single release but also a Radio 4 documentary on the band called "Band of Mothers" with an interview with Steve Lamacq and a feature on BBC Breakfast.

“Being an old lady in a heavy rock band feels even more ‘not the done thing’ than being a girl in a band felt in the 90s. I like that!” says singer Sam

“One of the most popular and influential bands on the Oxford scene.” Nightshift

Gets Louder PR

Connect with Beaker:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beaker.oxford

Facebook: https://facebook.com/beaker.824394

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@beakerband1993

Bandcamp: https://beaker2.bandcamp.com

Connect with Gets Louder:

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Threads: www.threads.net/@getslouder

Facebook: www.facebook.com/getslouder

Youtube: www.youtube.com/@getslouderpr

X: www.x.com/getslouder

 

 

VERY SOON YOU CAN LISTEN TO THEM HERE

LIVE STREAM >> HERE

Sick Things

 

One of the stronger hard rock releases of 2025 was "Too Beaucoup" from Sick Things and man what a statement it is. Stocked from top to bottom with one great track after another. An album where you can't really state a standout track because honestly the whole thing is a standout with no filler...just great writing, great riffs and great execution. You may be thinking a strong Alice Cooper influence with a band that shares the same name as the classic 1973 track but what really shines through is a feel of vintage Thin Lizzy with modern day vocals at the helm. There's much to love with 'Too Beaucoup', listen up for some fantastic tracks and an all round great album.

 

https://www.facebook.com/thesickthingsband#

 

NOW YOU CAN LISTEN TO THEM HERE

LIVE STREAM >> HERE

Hamilton Guitar Visionary Kyle Pacey Releases Daring New EP “After the Fall”

 

 

There are artists who make music to entertain, and artists who make music to understand the world. Kyle Pacey, the Grammy-nominated Hamilton guitarist, singer, and songwriter, has always belonged firmly in the second category. On After the Fall, his luminous new five-song EP out now, Pacey brings the full force of that lifelong curiosity to bear — spinning R&B heat, jazz-inflected melody, funky locked-in groove, and blues-rooted soul into a cohesive and deeply felt statement about endurance, empathy, and what it means to be alive and paying attention in this moment.

At the center of the collection is the EP’s title track, a piece of breathtaking compositional ambition that deploys improvised jazz-scat phrasing against a driving rhythmic bed to pose the questions that animate the entire project. “What will remain / after the fall,” Pacey sings, his voice both urgent and luminous, before opening the lyric outward to encompass the sweep of human experience: “Farewell my friends now / there’s nowhere to hide — / oh sweet woman / please comfort me.” The song does not offer easy resolution; instead it offers something rarer and more nourishing — the comfort of being asked the right questions in exquisite company.

“What will remain after the fall… oh sweet woman, please comfort me.”

The EP moves through five distinct sonic worlds with the ease of a player who has inhabited all of them for decades. Back Against the Wall leans into rousing blues-rock, its propulsive funk bottom and insistent groove physically lifting the body even as the lyric grapples with the sensation of being hemmed in. Brave New World arrives on a reggae-styled pulse and draws openly from the philosophy of Aldous Huxley — a meditation on personal autonomy and the power each of us holds to chart a new course. I’m Here for You trades in a warm country-blues tenderness, its message of inner strength and self-reliance arriving with the quiet authority of earned wisdom. And Beware, the EP’s most strikingly cinematic moment, conjures a swampy, Lynchian unease — a soulful blues warning about division and the urgent need for common ground, delivered in a growl that would make Tom Waits take notice .

Pacey’s musical authority is built on a foundation that stretches back to lessons under Tony Braden — the celebrated guitarist and teacher who also shaped Kim Mitchell and Ed Bickert — and a run of local and international guitar championships before he turned eighteen. He went on to serve as opening act for the Duke Ellington Orchestra at Hamilton Place, became the first local musician ever to play that storied venue, and built a reputation whose arc runs from an invitation to audition for Chicago to a 2007 Grammy nomination as a member of the John Gora Band. His octave work draws comparison to Wes Montgomery; his full chordal approach recalls Freddie Green and Charlie Christian. After the Fall was recorded at Pine Street Studios in Hamilton, Ontario, with a stellar ensemble of collaborators — Kevin Christoff and Gordon Hall on bass, Michael Sloski, Johnny Winiarz, and Bruno Farrugia on drums, Michael Birth elmer on acoustic guitar, and Ed Roth on keyboards — each song matched to the precise combination of players that best serves its emotional weather.

What sets Pacey apart from the wide field of singer-songwriters working in blues, R&B, and jazz fusion is the particular lens through which he views his subject matter. His lyrics have always been informed by a restless intellectual life — a sustained interest in world events, the visionary culture of the 1960s and ‘70s, metaphysics, philosophy, and the New Thought movement — and After the Fall is his most fully realized expression of those preoccupations to date. From Huxley’s writings on individual agency in Brave New World to the Lynchian surrealism of Beware, Pacey positions contemporary feeling inside a much larger frame, inviting listeners to locate their own experience within the sweep of ideas that have shaped our culture. As broadcaster Kevin Barber has written of Pacey’s work: “He has lived through those times, and the passion and conviction he carries ensures tha t those who get to hear him are treated to something real and good.”

“I am captivated by music that is always changing,” Pacey says of his approach, “and like to incorporate a fusion of popular music genres. I am a very expressive player and like to push boundaries with my unorthodox style.” That restlessness is everywhere in evidence on After the Fall — in the sudden pivot from a jazz scat to a reggae groove, in the blues-country warmth of a song that could sit comfortably on a late-night radio playlist as easily as a Hamilton club stage, in the audacious Huxley reference tucked inside a propulsive beat. The EP is the work of an artist in the full command of his powers, making exactly the music he wants to make, and certain that the world is ready to receive it.

 

 https://kylepacey.com/

Canadian Blues Music Awards

 

 

The inaugural Canadian Blues Music Awards (CBMA) gala takes place Monday, March 30, 2026 at The Phoenix Concert Theatre in Toronto, bringing together the finest performers in Canadian blues for a landmark national celebration. The evening will feature live performances from nominees and honourees spanning the full breadth of the country’s blues landscape — from roots-drenched acoustic traditions to electrifying contemporary interpretations — with Lifetime Achievement and Industry Person tributes woven throughout the programme. Gala tickets are on sale now at canadianbluesmusicawards.com. Watch the official launch video here.

The Canadian Blues Music Awards is a fully independent, incorporated national not-for-profit organization with an exclusive mandate to govern, develop, and operate Canada’s premier blues recognition programme. The CBMAs are a wholly new creation — not a rebranding or restructuring of any previous programme. The CBMAs operate as a separate entity: the Toronto Blues Society has no role whatsoever in governance, nominations, judging, voting, or any other element of the awards process. The TBS will proudly host the gala ceremony, and that is the full extent of the relationship.

The new programme was built from the ground up. Initially formed in spring 2024 by Brant Zwicker and Cindy McLeod, the CBMA Governing Committee spent more than a year in extensive research, national consultation, and programme development before incorporating as an independent organization. In December 2024, Julie Hill joined the committee, and the completed plan was finalized in May 2025. The result is a programme grounded in transparency, expertise, and coast-to-coast representation: all artist category awards are decided exclusively by a jury panel of industry professionals drawn from a national pool spanning radio, print, labels, engineering, production, promotion, academia, associations, festivals, and venues. Nominees are determined by submission - not nomination - based on qualifying recordings released between September 1, 2023 and September 30, 2025. The sole exception is the Fan Favourite Award, which is open to the public as a write-in vote.

Quisha Wint, Chair of the Toronto Blues Society, has offered her full endorsement of the new programme. “The Canadian Blues Music Awards represents a complete overhaul,” Wint writes. “A whole new programme created to serve the Canadian blues community with greater transparency, fairness, and unity from coast to coast to coast.” With 16 competitive categories recognizing artists, instrumentalists, producers, and industry figures, alongside Lifetime Achievement honours for five foundational contributors to Canadian blues, the CBMAs are positioned to become the gold standard of blues recognition in this country - one that reflects the true depth, diversity, and resilience of the music and the people who make it.

There are many people asking what will the Canadian Blues Music Awards Gala look like this year? Here’s the breakdown: The Gala will be held at The Phoenix Concert Theatre on Monday March 30.2026 7pm start. All 17 Awards will be presented along with six performances sprinkled through the night with an intermission. 

This year’s host will be Danny Marks who will also perform a song. Steve Marriner, Crystal Shawanda, Kenny ‘Blues Boss’ Wayne, Brandon Isaak and Dana Wylie (Secondhand Dreamcar) will be the feature performers who will all perform a song each.

The gala backing band ‘Pass the Envelope’ will be run by Manny DeGrandis (MD & Bass) with Quincy Bullen (keyboards), Dave Patel (drums) and new additions Cecile Doo-Kingue (guitar) and Dan Jancar (Sax) Blazing Kitchen will also be in the house serving up tacos during the show There will be an After party but not our typical open jam. We will have Emerging artist nominees Glenn Marais & The Mojo Train, Ollie Owens, JP LeBlanc, plus Secondhand Dreamcar and more to be announced perform a few songs in the main room on the big stage starting immediately after the awards.< /p>

“We will be wrapping up at 11pm so everyone can venture off to other Toronto bars and catch more live music or get to bed for work the next day.” Says event producer and TBS Operations Manager, Manny DeGrandis.

Join the celebration on March 30 at The Phoenix and help honour the extraordinary talent that defines Canadian blues. Tickets at https://torontobluessociety.com/canadian-blues-music-awards-2/

Taming Sari

 

Taming Sari has released a brand new single and video, “Tea & Honey”, a teasing love song about the kind of girl who keeps you guessing - playful, sharp, and a little mischievous, yet impossible to resist. Tea & Honey is produced and recorded by Ross Hayes Citrullo (The Commoners), two-time JUNO Award nominee. True to the song’s theme, the instrumentation keeps the listener guessing with unexpected twists and turns. The accompanying music video is produced by up and coming Ottawa producer/videographer Sebastian Ribeiro. The video tells a humorous story of frontman Warren Meredith waking up and realizing his bandmates, who have moved on to different professions, do not remember they were part of the band. Watch along for a surprise twist once they’re all reunited!

Taming Sari has been rocking the Canadian music scene since 2017 by delivering catchy tunes and captivating live shows. Their 2021 single “Crazy” featured at #35 on the Canadian Active Rock Charts and was streamed over 200,000 times on Spotify. After receiving OAC funding for two full-length albums, as well as opening for esteemed acts such as JJ Wilde and The Lazys, the band is hungry to continue building on its success.

 

https://taming-sari.web.app/

 

NOW YOU CAN LISTEN TO THEM HERE

LIVE STREAM >> HERE

 

New Radio Show

Today, new radio show available.

Content and artists: ZITA, MILTOS MARATHON, HER FURY, GREAT TIDE, ANTON BECKMAN, JANE AND THE KILLER QUEENS, MASHEENA, FOR WHAT YOU BURN, WILL LUDFORD, WWOOLLFF.

Listen to it on the right column of this blog.

 

Sundown Marathon

 

Formed in Liverpool in 2022, Sundown Marathon have been steadily making waves in the underground music scene, delivering their electrifying fusion of alternative, indie, and pop rock to audiences across the North West and beyond. Drawing sonic inspiration from the likes of Inhaler, Nothing But Thieves, and Biffy Clyro, the band have carved out a dynamic and distinctive sound, marked by soaring vocals, punchy guitar hooks, and undeniable live energy.

2025 has been a milestone year for Sundown Marathon. Their latest single, “Better About You Now”, released to growing acclaim, showcases the band’s evolving artistry and knack for infectious, emotionally charged songwriting. In Ma, they took to the stage at the Big Condo Records Weekender — a standout performance that caught the attention of the label. Just a few months later, in September 2025, the band officially signed with Big Condo Records, setting the stage for their next chapter.

Reviewing their May performance, Rock Flesh writer Jo Crosby noted:

“Sundown Marathon came on in fairly unassuming manner and proceeded to pretty much blow our socks off… they have amazing energy, the songs literally fizz with enthusiasm, and the whole room was suddenly jumping up and down a little more than they expected.”

From gritty club gigs to breakout festival appearances, Sundown Marathon continue to build momentum with every show. With a growing fanbase, an exciting new label partnership, and more music on the horizon, this is a band poised for big things.

 

http://www.instagram.com/sundownmarathonofficial

http://www.facebook.com/sundownmarathonofficial

http://www.tiktok.com/sundownmarathonofficial

http://www.x.com/sund0wnMarathon

 

Karl Vrålstad

 

I am a independent singer songwriter, guitarist from Norway. I am a known artist in the local community in Sandvika a small town outside Oslo Norway. I have concerts in Norway and abroad, sometimes with a band, usually I perform by myself. I sing my own songs and cover songs and likes to operate in genres such as Country, Folk, Blues and Rock.

My first single recorded in studio

"Your Holy Ground " was released 2024 with great success, resulting air playing around the world and it also won the 9th Ldm Music Awards, Country genre. 

 

December 2024 I released my own Christmas song "Ringing for Christmas" resulting airplaying in Norway and in some countries in Europe and USA. 

My heart also lies in the blues/rock genre, so my last single "Lord's Blues" is ready to "hit the road", ready to be launched on all streaming services 3/10-25.

 

This song is recorded in various studios in Norway, with great musicians. 

"Lord's Blues" was written and produced in a way to retain an original feel and power that fits the message of this song, lyrically, visually and emotionally. The song is a tribute to the roots of the blues, while adding a "vintage" and rock touch with a personal expression with a melancholic undertone.

 

https://on.soundcloud.com/02qixkf5WGEsJ8aBfz

https://www.facebook.com/karl.vralstad 

https://www.facebook.com/KarlVraalstad 

https://www.instagram.com/karlvralstad

Brass Camel

 

 

New material from a brand new album, after just 8 months after the release of Camel their second album. Which was a very progtastic, venture that the band, felt they needed to get out of their system, only having 6 tracks track`s to be featured. This time the guys hooked up with early Rush producer Terry Brown and Kevin Comeau from Crown Lands, so not at all progtastic!! Of course the guys have a very 70`s funk style about their music and "Ice Cold" the new single is no exception. With a assuming Ice Hockey based video, which although the guys are from Canada, I believe not all the band had skating legs, despite the video footage.

 

Video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQ1xCY7gXNE

https://www.brasscamel.ca/