Digging Roots CD Release

Last night, I attended the Digging Roots CD Release party at the Gladstone Hotel Ballroom (newly renovated). I took my friend Doug Smith along, since George Leach was also on the bill as a guest. Doug toured with George for quite some time. Ndidi Onukwulu and Madagascar Slim also guested.

Above: Digging Roots; Bottom 1: Ndidi and Slim; Bottom 2: Doug Smith and George Leach

Trailblazers Reunion

Trailblazers reunion.: L to R: Ian Nielsen, Joe Lomano, Lily Sazz, Alex MacDougall.

Yeah, we got together at Ian's basement studio and jammed. Joe just moved back from living north of Barrie for several years. He cooked dinner for us, and we played and played - coming up with several new original grooves and song ideas. Just like old times. Kim Campagnaro from Groove Corporation is also Trailblazers alumni, so next time he'll be invited, too, and it'll be a blast.

Amazing Women's Blues Revue photo gallery

Finally, there's a link to photos for the Women's Blues Revue last November. Bill King took amazing shots which can view by clicking here.

Maple Blues Awards Day

Last night was the Maple Blues Awards. What an action packed day!

Top left: Colin Linden was so kind. He is holding his autographed programme that we are giving to Ilana Lightman, a young friend of ours, who along with her father Bernie, was looking forward to the awards for months, but was turned away because we were unaware that the event was 19+, and she is only 18 at this time. They both study slide guitar and are HUGE fans of Colin. I told him what happened, and he was so sweet, saying "What can I do???", so he signed the programme and posed for the picture.

Top right: Richard Flohil also helped to ease the pain by offering free admission to an upcoming Hugh's Room show he's promoting. He was honoured with the "Blues Booster of the Year" award by the Toronto Blues Society last night. I'm honoured to call him a friend. And I finally got a picture of the two of us with our eyes open.

Bottom left: Harrison Kennedy performed in the afternoon at the meet and greet at the Delta Chelsea Hotel. Another old friend from Hamilton - along with Pete Rihbany and Keith Lindsay.

Bottom right: The Maple Blues Band

There are lots more photos of the event at http://www.torontobluessociety.com/mba/photogallery.htm

Blog to Blog with Suzie McNeil

Ha! Suzie McNeil posted the same pic on her blog that I did from the night of Women's Blues Revue. Check it out at www.suziemcneil.ca under the Dec. 3rd entry, or click http://www.suziemcneil.ca/photosOther/wib3.html to go right to the pic.