Take Toronto’s most iconic concert venue, Massey Hall, add a stellar cast of female instrumentalists, throw in an electrifying musical director in the form of guitar sensation Donna Grantis and blend with half a dozen uniquely talented, powerhouse vocalists and the result is the sizzling annual concert known as the Women’s Blues Revue.
The 24th edition of this “must attend” event features Alana Bridgewater, Kellylee Evans (left), Alejandra Ribera, Robin Banks, Little Miss Higgins and blues veteran Rita Chiarelli.
Started as a remedy for the lack of recognition for women in this male dominated genre, the Toronto Blues Society has presented more than 100 different female vocalists over the years.
For TBS President Derek Andrews, the highlights have been numerous but I pushed him to single out a few: “Salome Bey performed the event several times but her last appearance accompanied by her daughter Saidah Baba Talibah was an endearing and powerful moment in the event history. Jackie Richardson (above with Alana Bridgewater) and Shakura S’Aida have both melted down the house with the force of their personalities and vocal prowess. And a very young Amanda Marshall stole the show when she made her WBR debut more than a decade ago”, said Andrews via email from Australia where he is attending the Australiasian Music Expo.
I did publicity for the event one year and my most memorable performance was by Liberty Silver; she has the unique ability to make every person in the audience feel like they’re being personally serenaded and lifted up by her love.
Performing this year is one of my favourite Canadian vocalists, soul/pop artist Kellylee Evans. I adore her for lots of reasons; her vulnerability in both live performance and songwriting touches my heart, her personal stories of love and loss are not unlike Sarah McLachlan in that they are instantly relatable, and she’s able to flow from jazz to soul to reggae to blues with ease. Kellylee released two new albums this year, Nina, a tribute to the late, great Nina Simone, and The Good Girl, an eclectic mix of originals.
Get your tickets to the WBR now, if there are any left!
WHERE/WHEN: 24th Annual Women’s Blues Revue at Massey Hall (178 Victoria Street, 416.872.4255) on Saturday November 27 at 8pm; tickets are $35 – $45.
Life-long music lover Natasha Emery started UpBeat Entertainment in 1992 providing music management services for Canadian reggae, world and folk music artists. After spending six summer seasons at Harbourfront Centre’s music programming department, Natasha joined Special Events at the City of Toronto in 1999 and has presented hundreds of concerts introducing audiences to outstanding Canadian talent in every genre.
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great summary natasha! we are back from the Australasian World Music Expo now and look forward to saturday’s extravaganza. there will be tickets available right up to show time for those still on the fence about attending. it is always a night to remember. http://www.torontobluessociety.com