Canada’s Blues Scene Takes Centre Stage at the Inaugural Canadian Blues Music Awards Gala
March 30, 2026
The Phoenix, Toronto
Toronto’s vibrant music community is preparing for a landmark evening as the inaugural Canadian Blues Music Awards (CBMAs) Gala makes its debut on March 30, 2026. Presented by the Toronto Blues Society, this highly anticipated event will take place at the Phoenix Concert Theatre, welcoming artists and fans alike for a celebration of excellence in Canadian blues music.
Doors open at 6:00 pm, with the show beginning at 7:00 pm. Tickets range from $40 to $75, with members of the Toronto Blues Society receiving a 20 percent discount.
A New Era for Canadian Blues
The CBMAs mark a significant evolution in recognising blues talent nationwide, effectively stepping in to continue the legacy of the Maple Blues Awards. Established in 2025, the CBMAs are an independent, not-for-profit initiative designed to highlight the richness and diversity of Canada’s blues scene through a transparent and inclusive process.
This new programme is governed separately, ensuring impartiality in nominations and judging. While the Toronto Blues Society hosts the gala, it does not influence the awards process itself.
A Night of Performances and Celebration
The gala will be hosted by acclaimed blues artist and broadcaster Danny Marks. The evening will feature live performances from standout Canadian talents, including Steve Marriner, Crystal Shawanda, Kenny ‘Blues Boss’ Wayne, Brandon Isaak, and Dana Wylie.
Backing the performances is the house band “Pass the Envelope,” led by musical director Manny DeGrandis, alongside Quincy Bullen, Dave Patel, Cecile Doo-Kingue, and Dan Jancar.
Guests can also enjoy food offerings during the show and an energetic after-party featuring nominee performances, extending the celebration well into the night.
Honouring a Lifetime in Blues
Among the evening’s most meaningful recognitions is the Lifetime Achievement Award. Unlike other categories, nominees are submitted by blues societies across Canada. The 2026 nominees include Amos Garrett, Bobby Dean Blackburn, Kenny ‘Blues Boss’ Wayne, Russell Jackson, and the late Tim Williams.
Williams, remembered for his exceptional versatility and decades-long contribution to roots and blues music, leaves behind a legacy that continues to inspire musicians across the country.
2026 Canadian Blues Music Awards Nominees
Electric Blues Recording of the Year
Angelique Francis – Not Defeated
Brandon Isaak – Walkin’ With The Blues
Crystal Shawanda – Sing Pretty Blues
David Gogo – YEAH!
Steve Marriner – Hear My Heart
Acoustic Blues Recording of the Year
Al Lerman – Country-Fried Blues
Big Dave McLean – This Old Life
Blue Moon Marquee – New Orleans Sessions
David Vest & Terry Robb – CrissCross
Sue Foley – One Guitar Woman
Blues Song of the Year
Angelique Francis – “Train Coming”
Blue Moon Marquee – “What I Wouldn’t Do”
Brandon Isaak – “Walkin’ With The Blues”
Crystal Shawanda – “Sing Pretty Blues”
Ndidi O – “Working Girl”
Blues Producer of the Year
Blue Moon Marquee
Brandon Isaak
Renan Yildizdogan & Ross Hayes Citrullo
Steve Dawson
Steve Marriner
Emerging Blues Artist or Group of the Year
Glenn Marais & The Mojo Train
Jeff Rogers
JP LeBlanc
Ollee Owens
Paul Black
Blues Video of the Year
Blue Moon Marquee – “Come On Down”
Angelique Francis – “Train Coming”
The Harpoonist – “Show Me The Green”
Bywater Call – “Colours”
André Bisson – “Latchford”
Ray Lemelin & Steve Hill – “Walk On” / “Ain’t No Use In Worryin’”
JP LeBlanc – “All On Your Own”
Female Blues Vocalist of the Year
Angelique Francis
Crystal Shawanda
Dana Wylie
Ndidi O
Samantha King
Male Blues Vocalist of the Year
Big Dave McLean
Brandon Isaak
Jeff Rogers
Marcus Trummer
Wayne Nicholson
Blues Guitarist of the Year
Brandon Isaak
David Gogo
Paul DesLauriers
Sue Foley
Tony D
Blues Keyboard Player of the Year
David Vest
Jeff Rogers
Kenny “Blues Boss” Wayne
Miles Evans-Branagh
Rooster Davis
Blues Harmonica Player of the Year
Al Lerman
Guy Bélanger
Shawn Hall
Steve Grant
Steve Marriner
Blues Horn Player of the Year
Jerry Cook
Julian Nalli
Kharincia Francis
Kira Francis
Loretta Hale
Blues Bassist of the Year
Angelique Francis
Harry Gregg
Jack Lavin
Jasmine Colette
Mike Meusel
Blues Drummer of the Year
Bruce McCarthy
Jim Casson
Kiran Francis
Sandro Dominelli
Sylvain Coulombe
Blues Industry Person of the Year
Bruce Morel
Ken Simms
Ken Wallis
Lori & Paul Murray
Ron Simmonds
Lifetime Achievement Award
Amos Garrett
Bobby Dean Blackburn
Kenny “Blues Boss” Wayne
Russell Jackson
Tim Williams
A Celebration Not to Miss
With its impressive roster of nominees, dynamic performances, and commitment to honouring the breadth of Canadian blues talent, the inaugural CBMAs Gala promises to be a defining moment for the genre. As artists from across the country gather in Toronto, the evening will not only celebrate achievements but also set the tone for the future of blues music in Canada.