Music News

The Toronto Women’s Blues Revue returns to Massey Hall on November 27

By Jonsaba Jabbi 2026/09/09

L to R: Samantha Martin, Miss Emily, Dawn Tyler Watson, June Millington, Angelique Francis and Ollee Owens

The Toronto Blues Society and Massey Hall presents the 39th edition of the Toronto Women’s Blues Revue taking place on Friday November 27, celebrating some of Canada’s best female blues artists.

Toronto Blues Society Chair Quisha Wint returns as Producer for the 39th edition celebrating the power of women in the blues. Joining her is an incredible lineup of Canada’s best in blues including Angelique Francis, Dawn Tyler Watson, Miss Emily, Ollee Owens, Samantha Martin and celebrated Filipino-American guitarist June Millington of the Svelts and Wild Honey.

2024 Discover Women in Jazz participant Elena Kapeleris returns as bandleader for this year’s All-Star Women’s Blues Revue Band which also includes Carrie Chesnutt, Tara Kannangara, Alison Young, Emily Burgess, Jasmine Jones-Ball, Jenie Thai and featured performer Angelique Francis.

Angelique Francis ft. Christone "Kingfish" Ingram - Escape (Official Music Video)

Dawn Tyler Watson - Feels Good

Ollee Owens - Nowhere to Hide (Official Music Video)

Founded in 1985 by blues enthusiasts David Barnard, John Valenteyn and Derek Andrews at the legendary blues club Albert’s Hall at Brunswick House, The Toronto Blues Society is dedicated to the preservation and stability of blues music in the city through events such as The Maple Blues Awards, education programs like Blues in the Schools and their monthly newsletter Maple Blues Newsletter. In 2025, the organization marked their 40th anniversary by launching the new Canadian Blues Music Awards, the new and reimagined ceremony replacing the longstanding Maple Blues Awards which was last held in 2023. The inaugural ceremony was held on March 30 at the Phoenix Concert Theatre in Toronto hosted by BLUZ.FM host Danny Marks. Winners included Brandon Isaak, Crystal Shawanda, Steve Marriner, Kenny “Blues Boss” Wayne and Sue Foley. The new awards program is dedicated to preserving and amplifying blues music across Canada.

For nearly four decades, the Annual Women’s Blues Revue has celebrated the voices, stories, resilience, artistry and enduring power of women in blues. Past performers have included Shakura S’Aida, Celeigh Cardinal, Kellylee Evans, Molly Johnson, Holly Cole, Colleen Allen, Serena Ryder, Divine Brown, Carole Pope, Tanika Charles, Amanda Marshall, Dione Taylor, Crystal Shawanda, Diana Brathwaite and many more.

The 39th Edition of the Toronto Women’s Blues Revue takes place on Friday, November 27 at 8pm at Massey Hall. Tickets are on sale now, you can purchase them here.