This week, Canada’s Blues community entered a new era with the launch of first-ever Canadian Blues Music Awards.
Held on March 30 at the Phoenix Concert Theatre in Toronto, The Canadian Blues Music Awards is the new and reimagined ceremony replacing the Toronto Blues Society’s longstanding Maple Blues Awards which was last held in 2023. This new ceremony was announced during Toronto Blues Society’s 40th anniversary celebrations last summer.
Guitarist and singer Brandon Isaak won the most awards for the night, including Blues Song of the Year, Electric Blues Recording of the Year and Blues Guitarist of the Year for his latest project, Walkin’ with the Blues. Crystal Shawanda won Female Blues Vocalist of the Year, Sue Foley won Acoustic Blues Recording of the Year, Kenny “Blues Boss” Wayne won Keyboard Player of the Year and JUNO award winner Steve Marriner won Blues Producer of the Year and Blues Harmonica Player of the Year, tied with Guy Bélanger. Marriner won his first JUNO award for Blues Album of the Year this past weekend for his latest studio effort, Hear My Heart.
Longtime host of BLUZ.FM Danny Marks hosted the show and was a featured performer alongside winners Crystal Shawanda, Kenny “Blues Boss” Wayne, Steve Marriner, Brandon Isaak and nominee Dana Wylie.
Click here to see the full list of winners.