Indigenous Peoples Day & Father's Day Videos by Crystal Shawanda, Susan Aglukark + Father, Ernest Monias, Northern Cree Singers

Update of 2020 Post

Today (June 21, 2026) is both  Indigenous Peoples Day and Father's Day so we are featuring music by Indigenous Canadians that is dad-related.

Links: Crystal Shawanda, More Crystal Shawanda Stories, Video above courtesy of CrystalShawandaVEVO



Links: Susan Aglukark, Video above courtesy of Billy Graham Canada



Links: Ernest Monias, Video above courtesy of SunshineRecords Canada



Links: Northern Cree, More Northern Cree Stories, Video above courtesy of proudnish

Links: More Father's Day Videos, More Indigenous Peoples Day Music

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Winners of the First Canadian Blues Music Awards (2025)

The very first Canadian Blues Music Awards took place on March 30, 2026 at the Phoenix Concert Theatre in Toronto. 

Here's a complete list of winners

* Signed to Waterdown's Stony Plain Records

• Keyboard Player: Kenny “Blues Boss” Wayne (Formerly from Burlington)*
  
  
  
  Links: Kenny "Blues Boss" Wayne, More Kenny "Blues Boss" Stories, Video above courtesy of Kenny 'Blues Boss' Wayne - Topic
  
  
• Drummer : Jim Casson (Niagara) (Davis Hall and the Green Lanterns) / Sylvain “Sly” Coulombe (Chambers/DesLauriers) 
  
  
  
  Links: Davis Hall & The Green Lanterns, More DHGL stories, Jim Casson, More Jim Casson Stories, Video above courtesy of jimcasson
  
  
• Acoustic Blues Recording: Sue Foley: One Guitar Woman, A Tribute to the Female Pioneers of Guitar *
  
  
• Producer: Steve Marriner (Steve Marriner: Hear My Heart; Big Dave McLean: This Old Life (ft Hamilton's Jesse O'Brien on keys); David Gogo: YEAH! - (All 3 ft Hamilton's Jesse O'Brien on keys)
  
  
• Bassist: Jasmine Colette (Blue Moon Marquee) 
  
• 
  
• Electric Blues Recording: Brandon Isaak: Walkin’ With The Blues
  
  
• Emerging Blues Artist or Group: Ollee Owens
  
  
• Fan Favourite: Blue Moon Marquee
  
  
• Female Blues Vocalist: Crystal Shawanda
  
  
• Harmonica Player: Steve Marriner / Guy Bélanger
  
  
• Horn Player: Jerry Cook (Wailin’ Walker) 
  
  
• Industry Person: Ken Simms (Think Tank Music Network) / Bruce Morel (Music Marketing International Inc)
  
  
• Guitarist: Brandon Isaak
  
  
• Lifetime Achievement Award: Tim Williams
  
  
• Male Blues Vocalist: Marcus Trummer
  
  
• Song: Brandon Isaak: Walkin’ With The Blues
  
  
• Video: The Harpoonist: Show Me The Green
  
  
  
  Links: Harpoonist, Video above courtesy of The Harpoonist

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Previous (Winners of the Televised Juno Ceremony)

Nominees for the Inaugural (2025) Canadian Blues Music Awards

With the Maple Blues Awards is no longer around, the Canadian Blues Music Awards has risen to take it's place. The inaugural list of nominees was recently announced. The ceremony takes place March 30, 2026 at the Phoenix Concert Theatre in Toronto. GOOD LUCK EVERYBODY.

Below is a video of the nominee announcements.

Video above courtesy of Canadian Blues Music Awards.

Here's a complete list of nominees. Local acts are bolded.

*Signed to Waterdown's Stony Plain Records

Acoustic Blues Recording

• Sue Foley: One Guitar Woman, A Tribute to the Female Pioneers of Guitar *
• Big Dave McLean: This Old Life (ft Hamilton's Jesse O'Brien on keys)
  
  
  
  Links: Big Dave McLean, More Dave McLean Stories, Jesse O'Brien, More Jesse O'Brien Stories, More Muddy Waters Covers/Stories, Video above courtesy of Big Dave McLean - Topic
  
  
• Al Lerman: Country-Fried Blues
• Blue Moon Marquee: New Orleans Sessions
• David Vest & Terry Robb: CrissCross

Blues Drummer 

• Jim Casson (Niagara) - Davis Hall & The Green Lanterns
  
  
  
  Links: Davis Hall & The Green Lanterns, More DHGL stories, Jim Casson, More Jim Casson Stories, Video above courtesy of jimcasson
  
  
• Bruce McCarthy (Bywater Call) 
• Kiran Francis (Angelique Francis) 
• Sandro Dominelli (Samantha King and the Midnight Outfit)
• Sylvain “Sly” Coulombe (Chambers DesLauriers)

Blues Guitarist

• Sue Foley*
• Brandon Isaak
• David Gogo
• Paul DesLauriers (Chambers DesLauriers)
• Tony D 

Blues Horn Player

• Loretta Hale (Hamilton) (André Bisson)
• Jerry Cook (Wailin’ Walker) 
• Julian Nalli (Bywater Call) 
• Kharincia Francis (Angelique Francis) 
• Kira Francis (Angelique Francis) 

Blues Industry Person

• Ken Wallis (Hamilton) (Blues Source Entertainment, Escarpment Blues Society) 
• Bruce Morel (Morel Music International) 
• Ken Simms (Think Tank Music Network) 
• Lori & Paul Murray (Music By The Bay Live)
• Ron Simmonds (Blues In The Dark) 

Blues Keyboard Player

• Kenny “Blues Boss” Wayne (Formerly from Burlington)*
  
  
  
  Links: Kenny "Blues Boss" Wayne, More Kenny "Blues Boss" Stories, Video above courtesy of Kenny 'Blues Boss' Wayne - Topic
  
  
• Miles Evans-Branagh (Hamilton) (Marcus Trummer, Sandra Bouza) 
  
  
  
  Links: Sandra Bouza, More Sandra Bouza Stories, Miles Evans-Branagh, More Miles Evans-Branagh Stories, Video above courtesy of Sandra Bouza Music
  
  
• David Vest
• Jeff Rogers 
• Rooster Davis (Secondhand Dreamcar) 

Blues Video (7 nominees due to ties) 

• André Bisson (Hamilton): Latchford 
  
  
  
  Links: Andre Bisson, More Andre Bisson Stories, Video above courtesy of André Bisson
  
  
• Blue Moon Marquee: Come On Down
• Angelique Francis: Train Coming
• The Harpoonist: Show Me The Green
• Bywater Call: Colours
• Ray Lemelin & Steve Hill: Walk On/Ain’t No Use In Worryin’ 
• JP LeBlanc: All On Your Own

Electric Blues Recording

• Steve Marriner: Hear My Heart (ft Hamilton's Jesse O'Brien on keys)*
• David Gogo: YEAH! (ft Hamilton's Jesse O'Brien on keys)*
• Angelique Francis: Not Defeated 
• Brandon Isaak: Walkin’ With The Blues
• Crystal Shawanda: Sing Pretty Blues

Lifetime Achievement Award

• Kenny Blues Boss Wayne (Formerly from Burlington)*
• Amos Garrett 
• Bobby Dean Blackburn 
• Russell Jackson 
• Tim Williams

Producer

• Steve Marriner (Steve Marriner: Hear My Heart; Big Dave McLean: This Old Life (ft Hamilton's Jesse O'Brien on keys); David Gogo: YEAH! - (All 3 ft Hamilton's Jesse O'Brien on keys)
• Blue Moon Marquee 
• Brandon Isaak
• Renan Yildizdogan & Ross Hayes Citrullo (Marcus Trummer: From The Start) 
• Steve Dawson (Ndidi O: Simple Songs For Complicated Times) 

Blues Bassist

• Angelique Francis 
• Harry Gregg (Secondhand Dreamcar) 
• Jack Lavin 
• Jasmine Colette (Blue Moon Marquee) 
• Mike Meusel (Bywater Call)

Blues Harmonica Player

• Steve Marriner
• Al Lerman
• Guy Bélanger
• Shawn Hall (The Harpoonist) 
• Steve Grant “Cabbagetown Steve” (Little Magic Sam) 

Blues Song

• Crystal Shawanda: Sing Pretty Blues
• Angelique Francis: Train Coming
• Blue Moon Marquee: What I Wouldn’t Do
• Brandon Isaak: Walkin’ With The Blues
• Ndidi O: Working Girl

Emerging Blues Artist or Group

• Glenn Marais & the Mojo Train
• Jeff Rogers
• JP LeBlanc
• Ollee Owens
• Paul Black

Female Blues Vocalist

• Crystal Shawanda
• Angelique Francis 
• Dana Wylie
• Ndidi O
• Samantha King

Male Blues Vocalist

• Big Dave McLean
• Brandon Isaak
• Jeff Rogers
• Marcus Trummer
• Wayne Nicholson

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Nominees for the 20th Canadian Folk Music Awards

From the press release:

In 2025, the CFMA will return to Ottawa/Gatineau, the birthplace of the Canadian Folk Music Awards. The 20th Anniversary of the CFMA will take place from April 3–6, 2025, with a grand gala and a series of bilingual concerts that highlight the diversity, creativity, and cultural significance of the Canadian folk music scene today. Each concert will also include several awards presentations. 

VIP Wristbands are now on sale via folkawards.ca at the early bird price of $125 (tax inclusive). The wristbands grant access to all four concerts as well as afterparty networking events, offering significant savings (Tickets to all four shows are valued at $148 + tax and ticket fees if purchased separately). 

Single tickets for each concert will be available for purchase in February 2025. 

Here is the announcement video:

Links: CFMA, More CFMA Stories, Video above courtesy of prixfolkawards

Below is a complete list of nominees. Local nominees are bolded. 

Contemporary Singer of the Year

• Camille Intson (Camie) (Hamilton) - POEMS IN THE ASHES
  
  
  
  Links: Camie, More Camie Stories, Video above courtesy of Camie
  
  
• Esther Wheaton (Onion Honey) (Kitchener)- Foul Weather Friends
  
  
  
  Links: Onion Honey, Video above courtesy of onionhoneymusic
  
  
• Derina Harvey (Derina Harvey Band) - Waves of Home
• Jeffery Straker - Great Big Sky
• Ndidi O - Simple Songs for Complicated Times

Ensemble of the Year

• Sultans of String (Burlington) - Walking Through the Fire
  
  
  
  Links: Sultans of String, More Sultans of String Stories, Crystal Shawanda, More Crystal Shawanda Stories, Video above courtesy of Sultans of String
  
  
• Good Lovelies - We Will Never Be The Same
• Rachel Davis & Darren McMullen - Home
• Rum Ragged - Gone Jiggin'
• The Fugitives - No Help Coming

Producer(s) of the Year

• David Boulanger (La Bottine Souriante) - Domino ! (released through Waterdown's Borealis Records)
• Jason Burnstick, Nadia Burnstick (Burnstick) - Made of Sin
• Gal George Gjurin (Gal George Gjurin) - How about a kiss?
• Joshua Van Tassel and Christine Bougie (Good Lovelies) - We Will Never Be The Same
• Marie Onile - Les mots, l'élan et la chance

Solo Artist of the Year

• Sue Foley - One Guitar Woman (released on Waterdown's Stony Plain Records)
• Abigail Lapell - Anniversary
• Connie Kaldor  - Keep Going
• Loryn Taggart - The Lost Art of Pulling Through
• Mélisande - Rembobine
• Orit Shimoni - Winnipeg

Traditional Album of the Year

• La Bottine Souriante - Domino ! (released through Waterdown's Borealis Records)
• Bradley Murphy - BEUL
• Brandon Isaak - One Step Closer
• David Francey - The Breath Between
• Lucy MacNeil - Angels Whisper
• Rum Ragged - Gone Jiggin'

Traditional Singer of the Year

• Ken Whiteley - So Glad I'm Here (released through Waterdown's Borealis Records)
• Abigail Lapell - Lullabies
• Fathieh Honari (Gordon Grdina's The Marrow)
• Lucy MacNeil - Angels Whisper
• Mélisande - Rembobine

Children’s Album of the Year

• Abigail Lapell - Lullabies
• Bon Débarras - J'm'en viens chez vous!
• Henri Godon - Chants de vacances
• Seeka Sings - I Belong
• Will and Seeka - Will and Seeka: Friends with Everyone

Contemporary Album of the Year

• Sandra Bouza - A Sound in the Dark (ft Hamilton's Miles Evan Branagh)
• Abigail Lapell - Anniversary
• Boy Golden - For Jimmy
• Juurini - Aqqutinni
• Kaia Kater - Strange Medicine
• Lynne Hanson - Just A Poet

English Songwriter(s) of the Year

• Celeigh Cardinal, Brennan Cameron (Celeigh Cardinal) - Boundless Possibilities
• Kellie Loder - Transitions
• Ndidi O - Simple Songs for Complicated Times
• Ruth Moody - Wanderer
• Shayna Hayes - Kindergarten Heart
• Adrian Glynn, Brendan McLeod (The Fugitives) - No Help Coming

French Songwriter(s) of the Year

• Alexandre Poulin - La somme des êtres aimés
• Michel Robichaud - Rallumer l'effort
• Reney Ray - L'album Temporaire
• Sara Dufour, Dany Placard (Sara Dufour) - On va-tu prendre une marche?
• Lennie Gallant, Patricia Richard (Sirène et Matelot) - Un monde de dissonances

Global Roots Album of the Year

• Dumai Dunai - Sometime Between Now and Never
• Jason Wilson and Ashara - Ashara
• Lemon Bucket Orkestra - Cuckoo
• Merrie Klazek - Dance Around the Sun
• Okavango African Orchestra - Migration

Indigenous Songwriter(s) of the Year

• Alan Syliboy & The Thundermaker - Marks on the Ground
• Jason Burnstick, Nadia Burnstick (Burnstick) - Made of Sin
• Celeigh Cardinal - Boundless Possibilities
• Gabrielle Fontaine (Indian City) - Tomorrow
• Mimi O'Bonsawin - Live in Concert

Instrumental Composer(s) of the Year

• Alanna Jenish - Daleview
• Karson McKeown, Tom Gammons, Tuli Porcher (Inn Echo) - Hemispheres
• Andrew Collins (The Andrew Collins Trio) - The Rule of Three
• Andre Valerio (Tio Chorinho) - Tempestuoso
• Pastelle LeBlanc (Vishtèn) - Vishtèn Connexions Expansion

Instrumental Group of the Year

• Masmoudi Quartette - Villes Éternelles
• Pipeslinger - The King's Clothing
• Solidaridad Tango - DISTANCIA
• The Andrew Collins Trio - The Rule of Three
• Tio Chorinho  - Tempestuoso

Instrumental Solo Artist of the Year

• Jason Fowler - FORELSKET
• Jeremie Groleau - Uphill
• Merrie Klazek - Dance Around the Sun
• Miles Zurawell - Far Afield
• Shaun Ferguson - La Lumière De L'Ombre - L'Ombre De La Lumière

New/Emerging Artist(s) of the Year

• Derina Harvey Band - Waves of Home
• Lucy MacNeil - Angels Whisper
• Maggie's Wake - Maggie's Wake
• Miles Zurawell - Far Afield
• Rachel Davis & Darren McMullen - Home
• Solidaridad Tango - DISTANCIA

Oliver Schroer Pushing the Boundaries

• Irish Millie - GRACE
• James Hill - Uke Heads
• Jonathan Bélanger - Sur le Boulevard
• Kiran Ahluwalia - Comfort Food
• Nastasia Y - Kyiv Soul
• The Andrew Collins Trio - The Rule of Three

Single of the Year

• What Would Love Do? (Alt Version) - Andrew Allen
• Train Coming (ft. Eric Gales) - Angelique Francis
• Wildflower - Asiah Holm
• Same Old Me - Geneviève Racette
• Tell Me How - Loryn Taggart
• Meaning Well - Mia Kelly

Vocal Group of the Year

• Good Lovelies - We Will Never Be The Same
• La Nef - RED SKY AT NIGHT
• Mikha.elles - Camino de mujeres
• Prairie Comeau - L'emprunt(e)
• summersets - small town story

Young Performer(s) of the Year

• Amelia Parker - Forwards
• Irish Millie - GRACE
• Mary Frances Leahy - First Light
• Paige Penney - INFINITY
• The Salt Beef Junkies - Somewhere In Between

Links: CFMA, More CFMA Stories

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2024 Maple Blues Award Winners!

The 27th annual Maple Blues Awards took place at The Phoenix Concert Theatre in Toronto. Our local area was was well represented in the winners column.

Below is a complete list of winners. Local artists are in bold.

* artists is signed with Waterdown's Stony Plain Records

+ artist is signed with Waterdown's True North Records

• Acoustic Act of the Year: Suzie Vinnick (Vineland)
• Bassist of the Year: Gary Kendall (Niagara)
• Drummer of the Year: Jim Casson (Niagara)
• Piano/Keyboard Player of the Year: Jesse O' Brien (Hamilton)
• Blues With A Feeling/Lifetime Achievement Award: Sue Foley*
• Electric Act of the Year: Colin James*
• Entertainer of the Year: Matt Andersen+
• Indigenous Artist of the year: Crystal Shawanda+
• Male Vocalist of the Year: Matt Andersen+
• Recording/Producer of the Year: Matt Anderson: The Big Bottle of Joy (PRODUCER: Matt Andersen)+
• Songwriter of the Year: Matt Andersen+
• B.B. King International Artist of the Year: Tedeschi Trucks Band
• Blues Booster: Brant Zwicker
• Female Vocalist of the Year: Miss Emily
• Guitarist of the Year: Garrett Mason
• Harmonica Player of the Year: Guy Belanger
• Horn Player of the Year: Alison Young
• New Artist or Group of the Year: Little Magic Sam Band

CONGRATS EVERYONE!

Links: Maple Blues Awards, More Maple Blues Awards Stories

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CONGRATS! 2021 Juno Opening Night Winners (incl local artists)

A few area artists took home Juno Awards during the opening night virtual festivities on June 4, 2021.

Here is the full opening gala:

Video above courtesy of CBC Music

Below is a complete list of winners. Local acts are bolded.

• Electronic Album: Suddenly by CARIBOU (Dundas)
  
  
  
  Links: Caribou, More Caribou Stories, Video above courtesy of nostalgic music
  
  
• Group: Arkells (Hamilton)
  
  
  
  Links: Arkells, More Arkells Stories, Video above courtesy of Arkells Music, Video of the Arkells Accepting
  
  
• Rock Album: Ruthless by JJ Wilde (Kitchener)
  
  
  
  Links: JJ Wilde, More JJ Wilde Stories, Video above courtesy of JJ Wilde, Video of JJ Accepting
  
  
• Vocal Jazz Album: With You by Sammy Jackson (St. Catharines)
  
  
  
  Links: Sammy Jackson, More Sammy Jackson Stories, Video above courtesy of Sammy Jackson, Video of Sammy accepting the award

• Blues Album: Church House Blues by CRYSTAL SHAWANDA (released by Waterdown's True North Records) ft Hamilton's Jesse O'Brien on keys)
  
  
  
  Links: Crystal Shawanda, More Crystal Shawanda Stories, Video above courtesy of Folk Roots and Blues, Crystal accepting the award
  
  
• Adult Alternative Album: Sad Hunk by BAHAMAS
• Adult Contemporary Album: Such Pretty Forks in the Road by ALANIS MORISSETTE
• Album Artwork: NOTRE-DAME-DES-SEPT-DOULEURS – Klô Pelgag
• Alternative Album: Pray For It by July Talk
• Breakthrough Group: Crown Lands
• Children's Album: Heart Parade by Splash’N Boots 
• Classical Album (Large Ensemble): Ginastera – Bernstein – Moussa: Œuvres pour violon et orchestre / Works for Violin and Orchestra by Orchestre symphonique de Montréal, conducted by Kent Nagano, feat. Andrew Wan
• Classical Album (Solo/Chamber): MOSAÏQUE by Ensemble Made In Canada 
• Classical Album: Vocal or Choral: Massenet: Thaïs by Erin Wall, Joshua Hopkins, Andrew Staples, Toronto Mendelssohn Choir with Toronto Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Sir Andrew Davis
• Classical Composition: Violin Concerto “Adrano” by Samy Moussa 
• Comedy Album: Horse Power by JACOB SAMUEL
• Contemporary Christian/Gospel Album: THE WAY by SHAWNA CAIN
• Contemporary R&B Recording: After Hours by The Weeknd
• Contemporary Roots Album: Bravado by ROSE COUSINS
• Country Album: The Lemonade Stand by Tenille Townes
• Dance Recording: BUBBA by KAYTRANADA 
• Francophone Album: Quand la nuit tombe by Louis-Jean Cormier
• Indigenous Artist or Group: Leela Gilday
• Instrumental Album: Movements III by Blitz//Berlin
• International Album: Fine Line by  Harry Styles
• Jazz Album (Group): The reMission by Andy Milne and Unison 
• Jazz Album (Solo): Elegant Traveler by Jocelyn Gould 
• Metal/Hard Music Album: Abyss by UNLEASH THE ARCHERS
• Music Video: NO ONE'S IN THE ROOM - Jessie Reyez
• Producer: WondaGurl
• Rap Recording: ELEMENTS Vol. 1 by TOBi
• Recording Engineer: Serban Ghenea
• Reggae Recording: I Pray by TOME x Sean Kingston 
• Songwriter: The Weeknd
• Traditional Roots Album: Bet On Love by PHARIS & JASON ROMERO
• World Music Album: Espiral by OKAN

Links: Juno Awards, More Juno Stories

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GOOD LUCK! Independent Blues Award Nominees !VOTE!

Hamilton Blues giants Smoke Wagon Blues Band are up for quite a few Independent Blues Awards this year and so are a number of other incredible Canadian artists. Please give them a hand by clicking here to vote.

Below is  a complete list of nominees. Canadians are bolded.

Contemporary Blues Band

• Smoke Wagon Blues Band (Hamilton)
• David Rotundo Band (Toronto)
• Broke Fuse (Toronto)
• John Nemeth 
• CD Woodbury 
• The Jimmys 
• Jeff Fetterman 
• Victor Wainwright and Train 
• Ronnie Earl 
• JD Taylor 
• Kat Riggins 
• Eric Johanson 
• Duke Robillard 
• Kirsten Thien

Blues Rock Band

• Smoke Wagon Blues Band (Hamilton)
• David Rotundo Band (Toronto)
• Albert Castiglia  
• Dennis Jones 
• Kurt Allen 
• Catfish 
• Too Slim and the Tail Draggers 
• Trevor Sewell 
• Peter Parcek Band 
• Mike Zito 
• Dave Fields 
• AJ Crawdaddy 
• Tinsley Ellis 

Music Video

• The Ballad of Albert Johnson - The Smoke Wagon Blues Band
  
  
  
  Links: Smoke Wagon Blues Band, More Smoke Wagon Blues Band Stories, Video above courtesy of Corey Lueck
  
  
• When It Comes To Love - (Wiikwemkoong, Ontario) Crystal Shawanda
• Creole Skies - Johnny & The Mongrels
• Gone to Stay - The Proven Ones
• Vortex - Tim Woods
• Who Sang it First? - Benny Turner
• Write a Hit - The Jimmys & Marcia Ball
• Ain't No Cure for the Downhearted - Kirk Fletcher
• Stand UP! - Whitney Shay
• I’ll Play Daddy - Juliet Hawkins
• Weeping Wind - Katarina Pejak
• Misbehavin - John Pagano Band

Modern Roots

• Smoke Wagon Blues Band (Hamilton)
• Rev Freakchild 
• Skylar Rogers 
• The Proven Ones 
• The Claudettes 
• Rev Shawn Amos 
• Lousiana Leroux 
• Randal Bramblett 
• Cary Morin 
• Harper and the Midwest Kind 
• Brianna Harness 
• John Fusco 
• Grannie Duffy 

Traditional Blues Song

• Smoke Wagon Blues Band - Matapedia River Blues
• Frank Bey – All My Dues are Paid
• Kim Wilson – Strollin
• Kenny Blues Boss Wayne – Just Go Do It
• Duffy Bishop – I’m Gonna Do What I Want
• The Jimmys – Hotel Stebbins
• Catfish Keith – Jumpin' Jack Rabbit
• JD Taylor – You Got Me Where You Want Me
• John Tesky/Ash Grunwald – Low Down Dog
• The Nighthawks – Shame Shame
• Johnny Burgin – Old School Player
• Eric Hughes – I Ain’t Whipped Yet

Modern Roots Song

• Smoke Wagon Blues Band (Hamilton)– Song for Cheryl
• Danny Brooks  (Toronto) – The Battle
• Katarina Pejak – Weeping Wind
• Johnny and the Mongrels – Lousiana Girl
• Eric Johanson – River of Oblivion
• Randall Bramblett – My Lucky Day
• Red Red – Long Black Train 
• The Proven Ones – Gone to Stay
• Leroux – Don’t Rescue Me
• Brianna Harness – Warrior
• John Fusco – The Hottest Part of the Flame
• Mark May – My Last Ride

Modern Roots CD

• Smoke Wagon Blues Band (Hamilton) - The Ballad of Albert Johnson
• Harper and the Midwest Kind - Rise Up
• Larkin Poe - Self Made Man
• The Proven Ones - You Ain't Done
• Gina Sicilia - Love e Madly
• Kurt Allen - Wiskey Women and and Trouble
• Katarina Pejak - Outside Looking In
• Lloyd Jones - Tennesse Run
• Rev Shawn Amos - Blue Sky
• Lousiana Leroux - One of Those Days
• John Fusco - John the Revalator
• Randall Bramblett - Pine Needle Fire
• Cary Morin - Dockside Saints
• Grainne Duffy - Voodoo Blues

Independent Blues R&B/Soul CD

• Sass Jordan (Montreal) - Rebel Moon Blues (featuring Hamilton's Jesse O'Brien) (released on Waterdown's Stony Plain Records)
  
  
  
  Links: Sass Jordan, More Sass Jordan Stories, Video above courtesy of Sass Jordan - Topic
  
  
• JW Jones (Ottawa)- Sonic Departures
• Chris Bevington Organization - Sand and Stone
• Whitney Shay - Stand Up
• The Lucky Losers - Godless Land
• Kirk Fletcher - My Blues Pathway
• Gerald McClendon - You Can't Stop Me Now
• Mick Hayes - My Claim to Fame
• A Band Called Sam - Legacy
• Vanessa Collier - Heart on the Line
• Kevin Burt - Stone Crazy
• Dave Keller - You Get What You Give
• Devin B Thompson - Tales of the Soul

Independent Blues Acoustic CD

• Rory Block - Prove It On Me (released on Waterdown's Stony Plain Records)
• Broke Fuse (Toronto) Why Should I Be Blue
• Catfish Keith - Blues at Midnight
• Erin Harpe - Meet Me in the Middle
• Mark Telesca - Higher Vibrations
• Watermelon Slim - Traveling Man
• Steve Howell, Dan Summer, Jason Weinheimer - Long Ago
• Bobby Rush - Rawer Than Raw
• John Tesky and Ash Grunwald - Push the Blues Away
• Seasick Steve - Blues in Mono

Independent Blues LIVE CD

• Paul Reddick (Toronto) - Alive In Italia  (released on Waterdown's Stony Plain Records)
• Michael Kaeshammer (Toronto) - Live In Concert
• Rowland Jones - Rowland Jones
• Trevor Sewell - Live in Portugal
• Catfish - Exhile Live in Lockdown
• Laura Tate - Live From El Paso
• Blues Caravan - LIVE 2020
• Bernard Allison - Songs From the Road
• Dave Keller - LIVE at the Guitar Thriller
• Albert Castiglia - Wild and Free
• Sari Schorr - Live in Europe

Independent Blues Traditional CD

• New Moon Jelly Roll Freedom Rockers - Vol 1 (released on Waterdown's Stony Plain Records)
• Kenny "Blues Boss" Wayne - Go Just Do It (released on Waterdown's Stony Plain Records)
• Big Harp George - Living in the City
• Frank Bey - All My Dues Are Paid
• Duffy Bishop - I'm Gonna Do What I Want
• JD Taylor - The Coldwater Sessions
• Kim Wilson - Take Me Back
• John Blues Boyd - Through My Eyes
• Johnny Burgin - No Border Blues
• Eric Hughes Band - Postcard from Beale Street
• Anthony Geraci - Daydreams in Blue
• The Nighthawks - Tryin' to Get to You

Female Artist

• Crystal Shawanda (Wiikwemkoong, Ontario)
• Gina Siclia 
• Rory Block 
• Ghalia Volt 
• Whitney Shay 
• Katarina Pejak 
• Shaun Murphy 
• Kat Riggins 
• Hurricane Ruth 
• Kirsten Thien 
• Vanessa Collier 
• Eliza Neals 
• Cathy Lemons 

Independent Blues Contemporary CD

• Crystal Shawanda (Wiikwemkoong, Ontario)- Church House Blues (released on Waterdown's True North Records)
  
  
  
  Links: Crystal Shawanda, More Crystal Shawanda Stories, Video above courtesy of Folk Roots and Blues
  
  
• Ronnie Earl - Rise Up  (released on Waterdown's Stony Plain Records)
• Duke Robillard - Blues Bash (released on Waterdown's Stony Plain Records)
• David Rotundo Band (Toronto)- So Much Trouble
• Jeff Fetterman - Southern Son
• John Nemeth - Stronger than Strong
• The Jimmys - Gotta Have it
• Tomislav Goluban - Memphis Light
• Misty Blues - Weed Em and Reap
• Victor Wainwright and Train - Memphis Loud
• Kirsten Thien - Two Sides
• Kat Riggins - Cry Out

Blues Soul Artist

• JW Jones (Ottawa)
• Sass Jordan (Montreal)
• Whitney Shay 
• The Lucky Losers 
• Kirk Fletcher 
• Gerald McClendon 
• Mick Hayes 
• Vanessa Collier 
• Kevin Burt 
• Devin B Thompson 
• Chris Thomas King 
• Mindi Abair

Male Artist

• Big Harp George
• Walter Trout 
• Kenny Blues Boss Wayne 
• John Nemeth 
• Johnny Iguana 
• Kim Wilson 
• Bob Margolin 
• Kirk Fletcher 
• Bobby Rush 
• Albert Castiglia 
• Mike Zito 
• Bernard Allison 

Traditional Blues Band 

• Bob Margolin 
• Big Harp George 
• Frank Bey 
• Kenny Blues Boss Wayne 
• Duffy Bishop 
• Mary Jo Curry 
• Kim Wilson 
• The Nighthawks 
• John Blues Boyd 
• Johnny Burgin 
• Eric Hughes Band 
• Anthony Geraci

New Artist

• Bywater Call (Toronto)
• Dione Taylor (Regina)
• Mary Jo Curry 
• Johnny and the Mongrels 
• Avey Grouws Band 
• Gravel and Grace 
• Jose Ramirez 
• Nora Jean Wallace 
• Mandalyn 
• Sayed Sabrina 
• John Tesky & Ash Grunwald

Content Creators

• Danny Brooks and Lil Deb (Toronto)
• Larkin Poe  
• Mindi Abair 
• Jackie Venson 
• Rory Block 
• Samantha Fish 
• Ronnie Baker Brooks 
• Joe Bonamassa  
• Ally Venable 
• Avey Grouws Band 
• Damon Fowler 
• John Primer 
• Mike Zito

R&B - Soul Song 

• Crystal Shawanda (Wiikwemkoong, Ontario) – When It Comes to Love
• JW Jones (Ottawa) – Blue Jean Jacket
• Whitney Shay – Stand Up
• The Lucky Losers – Godless Land
• Mick Hayes – Political Funk
• Kevin Burt – Stone Crazy
• Laura Tate – I Need a Man
• Kirk Flecher – Ain’t No Cure for the Downhearted
• Gerald McClendon – Can’t Stop Me Now
• A Band Called Sam – Good To Ya 
• Vanessa Collier – Heart on the Line
• Devon B Thompson - Read Your Mind

Contemporary Blues Song 

• Crystal Shawanda (Wiikwemkoong, Ontario) – New Orleans is Sinking 
• David Rotundo Band (Toronto) – She’s Dynamite
• Kirsten Thien -Better or You’re Gonna Get Burned
• Kat Riggins – Truth
• Skylar Rogers – Like Father Like Daughter 
• The Jimmys and Marcia Ball – Write a Hit 
• Misty Blues – Swing My Blues
• Victor Wainwright – Memphis Loud
• Elle Bailey – Medicine Man
• John Nemeth – Work for Love
• Gina Sicilia – Like the world have Never Seen
• Lloyd Jones – Chicken Bone

Song for the Common Good

• Davi Rotundo Band (Toronto) – So Much Trouble
• Dennis Jones – Like Sheep
• Avey Grouws Band – Rise Up
• John Pagano Band – Rise Up
• Kenny Blues Boss Wayne – Don’t Shoot me Down
• Brianna Harness – Quarantine 
• Victor Wainwright – America
• Gravel and Grace – Bottles – Ava Grace
• Ronnie Earl – Black Lives Matter
• Mike Zito – What it use to Be
• David Keller – Land of the Lonely
• Chris Thomas King – Black Lives Matter

New Artists CD

• Danny Brooks and Lil Miss Deb (Toronto) - Are You Ready? The Mississippi Sessions
• Dione Taylor (Regina)- Spirits in the Water
• Avey Grouws Band - Devil May Care - Buy
• Johnny and the Mongrels - Creole - Buy
• Jose Ramirez - Here I Come - Buy
• Gravel and Grace - Bringing the Blues - Buy
• Mary Jo Curry Band - Front Porch - Buy
• Nora Jean Wallace - BluesWoman - Buy
• Brianna Harness - Welcome to My Nightmare
• Mandalyn - Wrecked
• John Tesky and Dash Grunwald - Push the Blues Away

Gateway Artist

• Johnny and the Mongrels 
• Kirtk Fletcher 
• Mick Hayes 
• Kevin Burt 
• Whitney Shay 
• Ghalia Volt 
• Mindi Abair 
• Larkin Poe  
• Samantha Fish 
• Vanessa Collier 
• Mike Zito 
• Albert Castiglia 

Engineer/Producer

• Tom Hambridge
• Jim Gaines
• Eric Corne
• Kid Andersen
• Kenny Neal
• Mike Zito
• Tad Benoit
• Tony Braunagel
• Luther Dickinson

Blues Rock Song

• Kurt Allen – Graveyard Blues
• Chris Bevington – Deep River
• Peter Parcek – Mississippi Suitcase
• Alastair Greene – The New World Blues
• Tinsley Ellis – Foolin Yourself
• Albert Castiglia – Big Dog
• Larkin Poe – Holy Ghost Fire
• Eric Johanson – Down to the Bottom
• Dave Fields – Force of Will
• Hurricane Ruth – Good Life
• AJ Crawdaddy – Big Hurt
• Walter Trout – Ordinary Madness

Independent Blues Rock CD

• Wily Bo Walker - Ain't No Man a Good Man
• Dave Fields - Force of Will
• Dennis Jones - Soft Hard and Loud
• Peter Parcek - Mississippi Suitcase
• Tinsley Ellis - Ice Cream in Hell
• Alastair Greene - The New World Blues
• Hurricane Ruth - Good Life
• AJ Crawdaddy - Steppin Out
• Too Slim and the Taildraggers - The Remedy
• Eric Johanson - Below Sea Level
• Eliza Neals - Black Crow Moan
• Mike Zito - Quarantine Blues
• Walter Trout - Ordinary Madness

Links: Independent Blues Awards, More IBA stories

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GOOD LUCK! 2021 Juno Nominees, Including Many Local Artists

The 50th Juno Awards will be broadcast from Toronto on Sunday, May 16, 2021. We'll be cheering on our local artists as many of them have been nominated.

GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!

Below is a complete list on nominees. Local acts are bolded.

Group

• Arkells (Hamilton)
• The Reklaws (Cambridge)
• Half Moon Run
• Loud Luxury
• The Glorious Sons

Adult Alternative Album

• Are You Gone by Sarah Harmer (Burlington)
• Sad Hunk by BAHAMAS
• Are You in Love? by Basia Bulat 
• Fear by Begonia 
• Unfollow The Rules by Rufus Wainwright

Vocal Jazz Album

• With You by Sammy Jackson (St. Catharines)
  
  
  
  Links: Sammy Jackson, Video above courtesy of Sammy Jackson
  
  
• This Dream Of You by Diana Krall 
• Out of Dust by Laila Biali 
• Sinatra by Matt Dusk 
• Clémence by Sophie Day

Metal/Hard Music Album

• Glory, Glory! Apathy Took Helm! by Vile Creature (Hamilton)
  
  
  
  Links: Vile Creature, Video above courtesy of ProstheticRecords
  
  
• Ballistic, Sadistic by ANNIHILATOR
• Unconquered by KATAKLYSM
• Palimpsest by PROTEST THE HERO
• Abyss by UNLEASH THE ARCHERS

Dance Recording

• Someone Else by REZZ (Niagara Falls) x Grabbitz
  
  
  
  Links: REZZ, More REZZ Stories, Video above courtesy of REZZ
  
  
• MINE by Felix Cartal, Sophie Simmons 
• Dancing In The Dark by Frank Walker
• BUBBA by KAYTRANADA 
• Voices by So Sus

Electronic Album

• Suddenly by CARIBOU (Dundas)
• Lavender God by ATTLAS
• Desire by BOB MOSES
• Juvenile by CRI
• All the Time by JESSY LANZA

Producer 

• Murda Beatz (Fort Erie)
• Akeel Henry
• Jordon Manswell
• KAYTRANADA
• WondaGurl

Recording Engineer

• John "Beetle" Bailey (New Hamburg)
• George Seara
• Jason Dufour
• Johann Deterville
• Serban Ghenea

Instrumental Album

• Crowing Ignites by Bruce Cockburn (released by Waterdown's True North Records)
• Movements III by Blitz//Berlin
• Eleven Words by  David Foster 
• Volume 1 by Flore Laurentienne
• Prior Street by Gordon Grdina 

Blues Album

• Church House Blues by CRYSTAL SHAWANDA (released by Waterdown's True North Records)
• Hell Bent with Grace by ANGEL FORREST
• Spirits in the Water by DIONE TAYLOR
• Solar Powered Too by RICK FINES
• The Reckless One by SAMANTHA MARTIN & DELTA SUGAR

Rock Album

• Ruthless by JJ Wilde (Kitchener)
• Crown Lands by Crown Lands
• Colorado by Neil Young & Crazy Horse 
• All Of Us by Sam Roberts Band 
• A Beautiful Place to Drown by Silverstein (Burlington)

Juno Fan Choice

• Ali Gatie
• Curtis Waters
• JP Saxe
• Justin Bieber
• Lennon Stella
• Les Cowboys Fringants
• NAV
• Shawn Mendes
• Tate McRae
• The Weeknd

Single

• Drink About Me by Brett Kissel
• If The World Was Ending' by JP Saxe ft Julia Michaels
• Intentions by Justin Bieber ft Quavo
• Kissing Other People by Lennon Stella
• Blinding Lights by The Weeknd

Album 

• YOU by Ali Gatie
• Courage by Céline Dion
• Changes by Justin Bieber
• Thanks for the Dance by Leonard Cohen
• After Hours by The Weeknd

Artist 

• Ali Gatie
• Celine Dion
• Jessie Reyez
• Justin Bieber
• The Weeknd

Breakthrough Artist

• Curtis Waters
• JP Saxe
• Powfu
• Ryland James
• Tate McRae

Breakthrough Group

• 2Freres
• Crown Lands
• MANILA GREY
• Peach Pit
• Young Bombs

Songwriter

• Alanis Morissette
• Alessia Cara
• Jessie Reyez
• JP Saxe
• The Weeknd

French Language Album

• A tous les vents by 2Freres
• Notre-Dame-des-Sept-Douleurs by Klo Pelgag
• Les antipodes by Les Cowboys Fringants
• Quand la nuit tombe by Louis-Jean Cormier
• Pour dejouer l'ennui by- Pierre Lapointe

Indigenous Artist or Group 

• Burnstick
• Crystal Shawanda 
• Julian Taylor
• Leela Gilday
• Terry Uyarak

Contemporary R&B Recording

• Before Love Came to Kill Us by  Jessie Reyez
• Where You Are by  Savannah Ré
• After Hours by The Weeknd
• Holiday by TOBi

Country Album

• Timeless by Dallas Smith 
• Jade Eagleson by Jade Eagleson
• heart theory by Lindsay Ell 
• Drinkin’ Songs: The Collection by MacKenzie Porter
• The Lemonade Stand by Tenille Townes

Alternative Album

• Pity Party vy Curtis Waters
• The Sun and Her Scorch by Dizzy
• Pray For It by July Talk
• This Place Sucks Ass by PUP 
• Heavy Light by U.S. Girls 

Pop Album

• It’s Never Really Over by Johnny Orlando
• Hold It Together by JP Saxe 
• Changes by Justin Bieber 
• Three. Two. One. by Lennon Stella 
• Ryland James by Ryland 

Jazz Album: Solo

• Gang of Three by Andrés Vial 
• Básico, No Básico y Dirigido by Elmer Ferrer
• Elegant Traveler by Jocelyn Gould 
• Conpambiche by Junior Santos
• VENA by Rachel Therrien

Jazz Album: Group

• The reMission by Andy Milne and Unison 
• Surfboard by Brandi Disterheft Trio with George Coleman
• Rythme de passage by Emie R Roussel Trio 
• First Spring by Florian Hoefner Trio
• Trane of Thought, Live at the Rex by Pat LaBarbera/Kirk MacDonald Quintet 

Children's Album

• Letters and Numbers by ABC Singsong
• Goodnight to You All: Traditional Lullabies from Ireland & the UK by Charlie Hope 
• Small But Mighty by Ginalina
• J’aime mon école by Njacko Backo and Kalimbas at Work
• Heart Parade by Splash’N Boots 

Classical Album: Solo/Chamber

• MOSAÏQUE by Ensemble Made In Canada 
• Bach & Brahms Reimagined by James Ehnes, Jon Kimura Parker, Jens Lindemann 
• Beethoven: Violin Sonatas Nos. 4, 5 & 8 by James Ehnes with Andrew Armstrong 
• La Peste by Les Barocudas 
• Ana Sokolović: Short Stories by Quatuor Bozzini

Classical Album: Large Ensemble

• Mozart: Concertos pour piano / Piano Concertos Nos. 22 & 24 by Les Violons du Roy, conducted by Jonathan Cohen, feat. Charles Richard-Hamelin 
• Saint-Saëns: Piano Concertos Nos. 3, 5, & Other Works by Louis Lortie with BBC Philharmonic, conducted by Edward Gardner 
• Jacques Hétu: Concertos byOrchestre symphonique de Laval, conducted by Alain Trudel, feat. Jean-Philippe Sylvestre
• Ginastera – Bernstein – Moussa: Œuvres pour violon et orchestre / Works for Violin and Orchestra by Orchestre symphonique de Montréal, conducted by Kent Nagano, feat. Andrew Wan
• Penderecki: St. Luke Passion by Orchestre symphonique de Montréal with Kraków Philharmonic Choir & Warsaw Boys’ Choir, conducted by Kent Nagano 

Classical Album: Vocal or Choral

• La passione by Barbara Hannigan with Ludwig Orchestra 
• Massenet: Thaïs by Erin Wall, Joshua Hopkins, Andrew Staples, Toronto Mendelssohn Choir with Toronto Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Sir Andrew Davis
• Nuits blanches: Airs d’opéra à la cour de Russie au XVIIe siècle / Opera Arias at the Russian Court of the 18th Century by Karina Gauvin with Pacific Baroque Orchestra, conducted by Alexander Weimann 
• Sea Dreams by Luminous Voices, conducted by Timothy Shantz
• Sarah Slean and Symphony Nova Scotia by Sarah Slean with Symphony Nova Scotia, conducted by Bernhard Gueller 

Classical Composition

• Take The Dog Sled by Alexina Louie
• Commedia dell’arte by Ana Sokolović 
• Harbour by Anna Höstman 
• Violin Concerto “Adrano” by Samy Moussa 
• Tachitipo by Zosha Di Castri 

Rap Recording

• New Mania by 88GLAM 
• Baby Gravy 2 by bbno$ & Yung Gravy
• Cold World by 
• Good Intentions (Brown Boy 2 Deluxe Version) by NAV
• ELEMENTS Vol. 1 by TOBi

Reggae Recording

• Give It All by Ammoye
• Black Man by Blessed 
• Roots Rock (ft. Micah Shemaiah, Lasai & Big Sugar) by Dubmatix 
• Let It Be Done by Kirk Diamond 
• I Pray by TOME x Sean Kingston 

Contemporary Roots Album

• The Ridge by JULIAN TAYLOR
• North Star Calling by LEELA GILDAY
• Bravado by ROSE COUSINS
• CHICKABOOM! by TAMI NEILSON
• Reliever by WILLIAM PRINCE

Traditional Roots Album

• All Hands by BEÒLACH
• Debout! by LE DIABLE À CINQ
• 13 or So by NICK HORNBUCKLE
• Bet On Love by PHARIS & JASON ROMERO
• The Thing About Fish by RUM RAGGED

Contemporary Christian/Gospel Album

• All Things New by ALLEN FROESE
• The Cure by K-ANTHONY
• Alive & Breathing by MATT MAHER
• THE WAY by SHAWNA CAIN
• Wouldn't You Love to Know? by STEVE BELL

World Music Album

• VelkomBak by GYPSY KUMBIA ORCHESTRA
• The Gold Diggers by LENGAÏA SALSA BRAVA
• Patria by MAZACOTE
• Espiral by OKAN
• Kora Flamenca by ZAL SISSOKHO

Album Artwork

• JUST WORDS – Lynne Hanson
• NOTRE-DAME-DES-SEPT-DOULEURS – Klô Pelgag
• MISS COLOMBIA – Lido Pimienta
• PALIMPSEST – Protest The Hero
• PRAY FOR IT – July Talk

Music Video

• Wait No More - Scott Helman
• Wrap Me Up - Sheenah Ko
• NO ONE'S IN THE ROOM - Jessie Reyez
• INTRUDERS - Jessie Reyez
• Pomegranate - deadmau5 & The Neptunes

Adult Contemporary Album

• Such Pretty Forks in the Road by ALANIS MORISSETTE
• Courage by CÉLINE DION
• Starlit Afternoon by CRAIG STICKLAND
• Pour déjouer l'ennui by PIERRE LAPOINTE
• CH III: The Come Up by STORRY

Traditional R&B/Soul Recording

• Take Care of You (feat. Syd) by CHARLOTTE DAY WILSON
• Proverb by DYLAN SINCLAIR
• Alt Therapy Session 1: Disillusion by EMANUEL
• In This Thing Called Life by IAMTHELIVING
• Solid by SAVANNAH RÉ

Comedy Album

• PanDerek (1st Wave!) by DEREK SEGUIN
• Horse Power by JACOB SAMUEL
• Existing Is Exhausting by MATT WRIGHT
• The Pursuit of Comedy Has Ruined My Life by NICK NEMEROFF
• Decoxification by SHIRLEY GNOME

Special Achievement Award: 

• Pegi Cecconi

Humanitarian Award

• Tragically Hip

Canadian Music Hall of Fame

• Jann Arden

Links: Juno Awards, More Juno Stories

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