Sault Ste. Marie Blues Society

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EVENTS 2022 :

The following are the 2022 - 2024 Sault Blues Society Executive for a 2 year term. These are as a result of our March 2022 AGM.
Anyone interested in the Volunteer Co-ordinator positions please contact: saultbluessociety@gmail.com

President: Johnnie Tibbles
Vice-President: Mac Headrick
Treasurer: Roger Scharbach
Recording Secretary: Gerry Paquin
Executive at Large: Lois Kinghorn
Executive at Large: Jan Metheany
Executive at Large: Mike McDonald
Social Media Co-ordinator: Vacant
Social Media Assistant: Johnnie Tibbles
Volunteer Co-ordinator: Vacant

2023

SAULT BLUES SOCIETY presents the ANDRE BISSON BAND (part of Bon Soo)

The Sault Blues Society is very pleased to announce that we are presenting the Andre Bisson Band as part of Bon Soo 2023 at the Machine Shop on Thursday February 9th at 7pm (doors open at 6:30pm). Tickets available at Case Music, Long & McQuade, Rad Zone, Stone’s Office, Machine Shop Box Office (11-4 Tues. to Fri.), Station Mall Box Office (service charges apply). Advance tickets and Sault Blues Society members are $30.00. General admission tickets at the door are $35.00 ($30.00 SBS paid members). Student tickets are $20.00.
Tickets are on sale as of January 11 2023.
Andre’s 6 piece band for this show is comprised of:
André Bisson - Vocals/Guitar
Loretta Hale - Trumpet
Dan Jancar - Tenor Saxophone
Lizuarte DeSouza - Baritone Saxophone
Mike Rowell - Bass
Keagan Early - Drums .

The local opening band will be the Lindsay Pugh Band:

Lindsay Pugh – Vocals/Guitar
Frank Deresti – Bass
Josh Norling – Tenor Sax
Cliff Alloy - Drums

André Bisson is originally from just north of the small town of Bruce Mines in Northern Ontario. He has since played to lively sold-out crowds across Canada, USA, UK and Europe. With a career that spans over 20 years, his musical resume includes 9 studio albums and André has proved that he has a message worth listening to.

At age 15, while attending CASS in Desbarats ON, André began performing in Sault Ste Marie and surrounding towns with local bands, singing and performing solo with his guitar.
As the sole songwriter and arranger for a group that spans from 6-20 musicians, André has created his own musical brand infused with soul, roots, blues, and R&B. Using an eclectic combination of instruments, he creates a musical story that becomes the soundtrack for his lyrics.'

The recently released "Ballad of Lucy Stone”, emphatically checks all the boxes of a killer, scathing blues track with a funkified soul. Bisson’s guitar is meaty and rhythmic, and his voice is primed with emotion and gravelly heartache. The 3 piece horn section jumps in with searing melodic fills and the super tight rhythm section solidly ushers the whole song along at a pace guaranteed to inspire maximum groove.

Throughout the years, Andre’s style and philosophy towards music has attracted attention in the music community. Since his first album release in 2009, Andre has gained notoriety with awards such as “Male Vocalist of the Year” - Hamilton Blues Awards, “Song of the Year” - Blues and Roots Radio, and a 4x Nominee at the Hamilton Arts Awards. Andre was also selected by the Grand River Blues Society to compete at the famed International Blues Challenge (IBC) 2017 in Memphis, Tennessee.

With a dedication to the live show and a sound that is constantly growing and evolving, each performance is unique in its own way. It is these qualities that keep the audience engaged, excited and returning time and time again.
NOTE: Pat Carey (in the videos) will not be in this show as he had a previous vacation planned. Dan Jancar from FOG Blues and Brass band will be playing the Tenor Sax for our Bon Soo show.

More info at https://www.andrebisson.ca/
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BsC7tcuv2Cs
Another Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z_I8ACyUV_U&t=303s

2022

BLUES for FOOD 2022
Now that the dust has settled there are 2 articles covering Blues for Food 2022. Many thanks to the Water Tower Inn for providing the Pub and covering the costs of the house bands and finally thanks to all the musicians that participated and presented such a great show for those lucky to be in attendance. OVER $7,000.00 total in cash and non perishable food items were collected and delivered to The Soup Kitchen and St. Vincent Place. Already looking forward to Blues for Food 2023!! Thanks Sault Ste. Marie!!

Lake Superior New article

Sault This Week article

BLUES FOR FOOD 2022
December 9th & Saturday December 10th 8pm to 11pm

After a 2 year absence the Sault Blues Society with financial assistance from the Water Tower Inn Pub will be presenting Blues for Food 2022 in the Pub on Friday December 9th and Saturday December 10th from 8pm to 11pm on both nights.
Admission is by monetary donation and or non perishable food items which will be split between our local St Vincent Place and Soup Kitchen.
Official income tax receipts are available for donations of $20.00 or more with your complete mailing address.
With Jay Case as Friday's band leader and Paul DellaVedova as Saturday's band leader they are sure to be stellar musical evenings.
Sault Blues Society 2023 year memberships will also be available for $25.00
We need to thank Ric Datson for sitting in on the drums for this great evening.
Come out and enjoy an evening or 2 of great local musicians.
Mark your calendars!!

The longest 50th Anniversary tour continues for The Downchild Blues Band. They will be playing the Sault Community centre at White Pines on Friday November 11th at 7:30pm . Tickets available HERE .
The Sault Blues Society is pleased to help promote this show for Downchild's management team.

2022 MAPLE BLUES AWARDS FULL LENGTH LIVESTREAM June 20 2022

The Sault Blues Society is pleased to be working with ROTARYFEST to bring a Blues night to the sootoday.com Stage2 of ROTARYFEST 2022 on Friday July 15th. sootoday.com Stage 2 is behind the Art Gallery of Algoma 10 East Street on the shore of the St. Marys River.
Opening act the Swamp Cats are up at 5:30.
Big Wheel and the Spokes are up at 6:30,
Smokehouse is up at 7:30, closing the evening out is
Rusty McCarthy at 8:30. Enjoy responsibly.

As part of the "Marconi's Meets the World" on Friday July 22nd the Blues, raggae, soul band Digging Roots as well as Tom Wilson from Blackie and the Rodeo Kings will be playing. More info for tickets are on the Marconi Facebook page and websites.

https://www.facebook.com/themarconissm/

(April 11th 11 am) Downchild's April show has just been postponed until Friday November 11 2022. Stay tuned................https://www.facebook.com/DownchildBluesBand/

https://www.saultctc.ca/event/downchild/

In case you have not heard after being postponed 4 times the world famous Downchild Blues Band will be performing here in Sault Ste. Marie Ontario on Saturday April 23rd at 7:30 pm . Tickets are available from the Community Theatre box office or by clicking on the link below.

https://downchild.com/tour-dates/

Links to the Sault Blues Society's YouTube channel and theborderline.ca

Bob Yeomans dies January 22 2022 in Sault Ste. Marie

The Sault Blues Society regrets to announce the sudden passing of local music legend Bob Yeomans on Saturday January 22 2022. Bob has played in and around the Soo for many decades including years with Zak's Allstars, The Vendettas, The Amen and internationally know band Jackson Hawke (1974). Bob was well know in the music scene in the Soo. The Sault Blues Society presented Bob with the "Dedicated to the Blues Award" at the yearly Blues for Food in 2019. Bob's musical prowess and great musical stories will be greatly missed by family, friends and music fans.
Bob was recently interviewed by Brian Tremblay on https:
//theborderline.ca/?s=bob+yeomans&Submit=

More info and pics at https://www.saultblues.com/

https://saultonline.com/2022/01/sault-rocker-bob-yeomans-dies/

Joel, Roger and Harpdog - March 2020 Sault Ste. Marie ON

TRIBUTES TO HARPDOG BROWN JAN. 28th 1962 - JAN. 7th 2022

“Woke up this morning to the sad news of the passing of a good friend, a true traveling bluesman and a true Canadian blues icon, Harpdog Brown. He was known throughout North America for his warm stage presence and superior talent for the blues harmonica. He earned 3 consecutive Maple Blues Harmonica of the Year awards, a Juno nomination and was the only Canadian to be awarded the coveted Muddy Award. Recently he was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in his hometown of Edmonton Alberta.
Harpdog was well known throughout Canada and the US, having known and performed with the best blues musicians throughout. He was truly the Boss of the Blues, the “Real Deal”. I met Harpdog years ago at a harmonica workshop when he was in Sault Ste. Marie with his Traveling Blues Show. We stayed in constant touch since, with him giving me in person an online harp lessons and sharing road stories. He and his bandmates would stop in to spend a night and share a meal in between towns and shows. My wife and I were fortunate to have spent 11 days and nights together in our home while Ontario was first shutting down due to the pandemic. It gave us a chance to spend time together, sharing late nights eating popcorn and watching old movies. He generously took time to mentor me on the harmonica.
Being with him taught me so much, a true traveling blues musician, and as Dave Webb, one of the great keyboard players he worked with told me “ he’s a real Road Warrior”. Nothing could be closer to the truth as he was always working towards the next gig. I’ll always cherish the times we had together, and Harpdog… wherever you are right now, I hope you can feel the love, joy and warmth you brought to so many people whose lives you have touched. Your presence and you music will always be remembered. May you Rest In Peace brother…” Roger Scharbach

“It was an honour to play with Harpdog Brown and to be able to call him my friend. After playing a local show with him he asked me to go on a tour through the American South. I always looked forward to his visits later when he passed through town. Many great memories. He will be greatly missed.” Joel Poluck

“The world and especially Canada lost a true Traveling Blues man yesterday. Harpdog Brown died suddenly in his home in Alberta on Friday January 7th at the age of 59. “Dog” as he liked to be called loved playing shows for blues fans young and old alike in venues and festivals both large and small!!
The Sault Blues Society was privileged to have presented him several times here in the “Soo”, with performances at several local venues over the past 10 or so years. His biggest show (about 250 in attendance at the Machine Shop in 2018) was part of the local Bon Soo winter festival held yearly in mid winter. He usually enlisted local musicians to add to his traveling band. They included Lindsay Pugh and Mark Gough. Harpdog also invited Joel Poluck from the Floyd Lee and his Mean Blues Band on a Southern US tour after meeting him in the Soo and having him play guitar with the band at the Machine Shop show.
Dog travelled extensively across Canada covering 10’s of thousands of kilometers every year. He did this year-round so he saw most of Canada in great weather as well as severe winter storms. He did all this travel for the love of playing Blues harmonica and singing to his many fans from coast to coast to coast.
Harpdog’s enthusiasm and seemingly endless blues stories from his numerous years of playing with many of the greats will be sadly missed by those of us who were lucky enough to know him and have spent many hours with him before, during or after his great live shows and call him friend. Rest in peace Dog.”
Johnnie Tibbles President Sault Blues Society

LOCAL SAULT STE. MARIE MUSICIANS & BANDS PRESENTED BY THE SAULT BLUES SOCIETY 2010 - 2020

Alloy, Cliff 5ive Below Zero Band
Beyer, Bruce Big Wheel and the Spokes Band
Blues Harvest Band Blues Shop Band
Bolduc, Stuart Brass Taxx Band
Case, Jay Conway, Keith
Cooper, Pete Cosmic Blues Band
Coulter, Ken Davis, Al
DellaVedova, Paul Deresti, Frank
DiSanto, Michael Gassi, Eugene
Gassi, Ray Gough, Mark
Holmes, Jeff Johns, Chris
Kominos, Shirley McCarthy, Rusty
Mustang Sally Band from Korah Collegiate(2017) Norling, Josh
Paquin, Gerry Pinetones Band from White Pines Collegiate(2017)
Pinnett, Jeff Poluck, Joel
Powley, Val Proulx, Brien
Pugh, Lindsay Rendell, Jake
Reville, Lynn Reville, Warren
Scali, Jay Souliere, Tyrone
Swamp Cats Band Taddo, Catherine
Valois, Marisa Vaillancourt, Pierre
Virta, Martin Yeomans, Bob
Young, Ed Yurich, Mike
Zak’s Allstars Band

SAULT BLUES SOCIETY FEATURED AWARD WINNING BANDS 2011 - 2020
JUNO = Canadian JUNO Music award
MBA = Canadian Maple Blues award
IBC = International Blues Challenge

2011
Al Woods and the Woodsmen (Algoma Fall Festival) (Water Tower Inn Pub)
MonkeyJunk (2 X JUNO, 10 X MBA) (Water Tower Inn Pub)
Harpdog Brown with guest Graham Guest (2X MBA) (Loplops)
Paul James (with Stage Right Entertainment ) (1 X JUNO, 1 X MBA) (Canadian)
2012
Jack deKeyzer (2 X JUNO, 7 X MBA) (Water Tower Inn Pub)
24th Street Wailers
Irene Torres and the Sugar Devils (Canadian)
David Rotundo (Friday) (1 X MBA)(Water Tower Inn Pub)
Steve Strongman (Saturday) (1 X JUNO, 4 X MBA)( Water Tower Inn Pub)
2013
Dawn Tyler Watson (IBC 2017 ) (Canadian)
All Star Blues Review (Chuck Jackson, Robin Bank$, Gary Kendall, Teddy Leonard, Bucky Burger)(Holiday Inn)
Bill Durst
Fathead (2 X JUNO, 11 X MBA)

2014 - no shows

2015
Wicked Grin (1 X MBA) ( Water Tower Inn Pub)
Cecil Doo Kingue ( Water Tower Inn Pub)
Al Woods (Water Tower Inn Pub)
Morgan Davis (Solo) (1 JUNO, 7 X MBA) ( Waterfront Legends (Docks))
2016
Kenny “Blues Boss” Wayne (1 X JUNO) (Canadian)
Diana Bratihwaite (1 X MBA) & Chris Whiteley (1 X MBA) (Rock Star Bar)
Harpdog Brown (2X MBA) & Little Victor (1X MBA) (Rock Star Bar)
2017
Steve Strongman (1 X JUNO, 4 X MBA, IBC 2019) (Machine Shop)
The Snyders (Rock Star Bar)
Harpdog Brown (2X MBA) and the Travelin” Blues Show (Rock Star Bar)
2018
Harpdog Brown (Bon Soo) (2X MBA) (Machine Shop)
MonkeyJunk (2 X JUNO, 10 X MBA) (Verdi Hall)
Reverend Raven and the Cjain Smokin” Alter Boys (US) (Rock Star Bar)
2019
Amanda Fish (Bon Soo) (US) ( IBC semi-finals 2017) (Machine Shop)
Ray Fuller and the Bluesrockers (US) (Verdi Hall)
Johnny Max Band (Verdi Hall) (JUNO nominee)
Al Lerman (Solo) (MBA 26 nominations) ( Rock Star Bar)
2020
Jack deKeyzer (Bon Soo) (2 X JUNO, 7 X MBA) ( Machine Shop)

JUNO = Canadian JUNO Music award
MBA = Canadian Maple Blues award
IBC = International Blues Challenge

DUE TO THE COVID-19 WORLD WIDE PANDEMIC INDOOR PUBLIC GATHERINGS HAVE BEEN RESTRICTED
STAY SAFE --- THE SBS HOPES TO SEE YOU ALL HAPPY AND HEALTHY WHILE ENJOYING BLUES
UNDER THESE CURRENT RESTRICTIONS..........

*****THIS INFO FROM MY FRIENDS DEREK AND HUMA*****
( PRESIDENT AND OFFICE MANAGER ) AT THE TORONTO BLUES SOCIETY.
CHECK IT OUT UNDER LISTINGS!!
http://torontobluessociety.com/live-blues/

Rusty McCarthy compiled a video collection of his blues originals for your pleasure HERE is the link. ENJOY !!

Special thanks to the TORONTO BLUES SOCIETY for sending the following info to us!!

Upcoming Live Performances: 2021

At this current time the Downchild concert in Sault Ste. Marie
for Thursday June 17th 2021 as it is rescheduled, again.

Ongoing Performances:

MONDAYS Miss Emily Mondays can be found here.

WEDNESDAYS - Suzie Vinnick live streams on StreetJelly every Wednesday at 7pm.

DAILY BLUES SCHEDULE IN LINK - Check out https://www.livefromclarksdale.org for some on-the-fly blues and as live as you can get from living rooms and juke joints in the south, delivered to your computer screen.

 SOME ONLINE MUSIC CURRENTLY AVAILABLE WITH THE ARTISTS & SITES LISTED BELOW

LOCAL MIKE'S LUNCH MUSIC SITE .

DAILY - National Arts Centre’s #CanadaPerform live stream Facebook concerts daily

DAILY 8PM - Glenn Marais will be live streaming every night at 8pm on his Facebook page.

MONDAYS - Miss Emily presents a video performance every Monday at www.facebook.com/ themissemilymusic. Originals, Covers, Requests

Thursday November 18th 2021 - 3rd RESCHEDULING - Sault Community Theatre - 7:30 pm-
DOWNCHILD BLUES BAND
Diesel management (Downchild's manager) has re announced the Legendary Downchild Blues Band’s in the Soo on Thursday June 17th 2021.
ONCE THE CURRENT COVID RESTRICTIONS ARE LIFTED TICKETS WILL BE AVAILABLE @
the Station Mall box office, by calling (705) 945-7299 and on-line at https://www.saultctc.ca

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For further info contact Johnnie at 705-971-4133 or saultbluessociety@gmail.com

LIKE us on our new (as of Jan. 2018) Facebook Page: Sault Blues Society

For a list of all types of musical events go to Sault Music News Letter on facebook. You can request their weekly emails.

The 2019 Sault Blues Society (SBS) Dedicated to the Blues Award recipient is Bob Yeomans.
Bob has been a long time musician and bluesman in the Soo.
Johnnie Tibbles President Sault Blues Society

LINK to saultonline.com

I was finally able to catch up with the 2018 Sault Blues Society (SBS) Dedicated to the Blues Award recipient. This award goes to Jim Traveson. Jim is one of the founding members of the SBS helping to get it off to a good start as the original President of the Society. Thanks for your continued support.
Johnnie Tibbles President Sault Blues Society

AMANDA FISH CONCERT VIDEO FOOTAGE from ONNTV Mornings with Lou-Anne & Tim
Presented by the Sault Blues Society.
Amanda's interview from the '' Morning show with is at the 31:00 minute mark of the Morning Show. SKYPE INTERVIEW
FULL 2 hour CONCERT from February 9th 2019