The Best of Canadian Blues was on display for all to hear at the Koerner Hall in Toronto on Monday, January 18, 2016. The 19th Annual Maple Blues Awardsgala celebrated the immense talent this country has to offer.
Tom Bonaof Kitchener band Soulstackand Toronto's Raoul and the Big Time won the Drummer of the Year award. Cambridge Bluesman Conor Gains received the coveted $1000 Cobalt Prize for his song Leave it on the Line.
The big winner of the night was Montreal's Steve Hillwho took home 3 awards (Entertainer, Electric Act, Guitarist). Blackie and the Rodeo Kings member Colin Linden earned two (Producer, Songwriter) as well.
We all know there's world-class music in our own backyard but now the world is aware too thanks to the prestigious International Songwriting Competition. After thousands of submissions, many deserving local musicians were chosen as semi-finalists.
Kitchener's Alysha Brilla has her song Immigrant in two categories:Unsigned and Lyrics. JD Yanik, also from Kitchener, is up for best Latin tune with Ganas De Tí
Brantford's Benjamin Rogers was listed for three tracks: Pendulum (Instrumental), Move Ben Move (Teen) and Wayfarer (Teen).
Cambridge boy (who now resides in Kitchener) Robbie Hancock has his song, Into The Bright (co-written by Andy Gabrys) in the running for the folk category.
Dundas songstress, Maggie Szabo has two songs in the Pop/Top 40 category: Tragedy (co-written by w Lee Miles) plus Tidal Waves And Hurricanes (co-written by Andrew Allen)
Canadian musicians were in full force at the 29th International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tennessee. The finals were held February 1 and 2, 2013. The world got to see what Canucks are capable of.
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