Happy International Women's Day! (Gayle Ackroyd, Rachel Heart, Hailee Rose)

Update of 2017 Post

Links: Gayle Ackroyd, More Gayle Ackroyd Stories, Video above courtesy of #GayleAckroyd



Links: Rachel Heart, More Rachel Heart Stories, Video above courtesy of #RachelHeart

Links: Hailee Rose, More Hailee Rose Stories, Video above courtesy of Hamilton Blues Lovers

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Patrick Fockler to Represent the GRBS at the 2024 International Blues Challenge

Newmarket's Patrick Fockler (left) won the honour of representing the Grand River Blues Society in Solo/Duo category of the Memphis Blues Challenge. GRBS president Bruce Hall on right.
Photo courtesy of Marion G

On Sunday, June 11, 2023the Grand River Blues Society held their International Blues Challenge solo/duo competition. The Front Porch Southern Kitchen and Blues Joint in Langton was the place to be to see amazing blues musician competing for the honour. 

In the end it was Newmarket Bluesman Patrick Fockler who won the chance to go to Memphis and represent the society in January 2024.

CONGRATS! 

Here's the announcement.

Video above courtesy of Marion G

Here's one the performances that put him over the edge.

Video above courtesy of Marion G

There was some stiff competition. Below are performances form the other incredible contestants.

• Madison Galloway (Fergus)
• Felicia McMinn (Port Dover)
• Tim Gibbons (Hamilton)
• Gayle Ackroyd (Guelph)
• Will Wright (Kitchener)
• Caleb Bourgeois (Kitchener)

Links: International Blues Challenge, More IBC Stories

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CONGRATS AND GOOD LUCK! Brooke Blackburn to Represent the Grand River Blues Society at the 2023 International Blues Challenge

Toronto musician Brooke Blackburn was chosen to represent the Grand River Blues Society for the 2023 International Blues Challenge in Memphis. On May 29, 2022, after a hard-fought musical battle at Bobby O'Brien's in Kitchener, judges picked him to make us proud next year when he gets up on the international stage. He also gets a spot on the prestigious Kitchener Blues Festival.

Here's the announcement and acceptance speech.

Video above courtesy of Hamilton B. Lous

Here's a performance of one the songs that helped him get the win.

Links: Brooke Blackburn, Video above courtesy of Hamilton B. Lous 

CONGRATS AND GOOD LUCK NEXY YEAR BROOKE!

Click here for the winners.

Below are links to videos of performances from the other amazing contestants:

• Lester Smith
• Jim Dan Dee Duo
• Gayle Ackroyd & John Jackson
• Big Jan Jeffares & Toshi Otani 
• Frank Cosentino
• The Vaudevillian

Links: International Blues Challenge, More IBC Stories

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Experience Magnificent, Musical Wanderings on Guelph Singer Brenda Lewis' New Album!

Travelling is the main theme behind Far & Near, the latest outstanding album from Guelph jazz singer Brenda Lewis.  You'll get caught up in her magnificent, musical wanderings to New Orleans, the farm and beyond.

Brimming with exquisite covers of songs from Gil Scott-Heron, Jesse Winchester, Sarah McLachlan, Gayle Ackroyd and more, Brenda's melodic journey will take you into jazz, folk and country territories.  Her wonderful voice will guide you through magical rhythmic landscapes.

Co-producer Margaret Stowe lends a hand on guitar and guest Jeff Bird (Cowboy Junkies) adds harmonica, mandolin, and percussion to a few numbers.

So grab a CD at one of her tremendous live shows or download it through iTunes and come aboard for an amazing trip.



Links: Brenda Lewis, More Brenda Lewis Stories, Video above courtesy of Brenda Lewis, More Releases

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St. Catharines Songstress Angela Siracusa Hits a Home Run on New EP!

St. Catharines songstress Angela Siracusa has hit a home run with her newest EP, Be Kind.  It's filled to the brim with excellent, well-made tunes that will beg for repeat listens.

While mostly in the singer/songwriter vein, Angela embellishes the tracks with country, soul, pop, rock and even a little funk for good measure.  Her musical explorations make this recording a wonder to listen to.

Aiding Angela on this marvelous endeavor is Jim Casson (who also prodcues), Steve Goldberger and Gayle Ackroyd.  They definitely add a lot of lair to this already incredible project!

The EP is available as a download off her website (click here to listen too).

Blast from the Past: Angela Siracusa Video and more

Links: Angela Siracusa, More Angela Siracusa Stories, More Releases

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12 Videos of Christmas (5-8)

Links: Harrison Kennedy, More Harrison Kennedy Stories, Video above courtesy of Diamondav, Read our review of this CD



Links: Doug Feaver, More Doug Feaver Stories, Video above courtesy of Doug Feaver



Links: Brenda Lewis, More Brenda Lewis Stories, Gayle Ackroyd, Video above courtesy of Brenda Lewis



Links: Colin James, More Colin James Stories, Video above courtesy of Diamondav

Check out our other Christmas videos

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