Congrats: The 24th annual Maple Blues Awards winners announced

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BC blues rocker Colin James was among the winners at the 2022 Maple Blues Awards which took place at Koerner Hall in Toronto on Monday night.

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The gala event was hosted by Ottawa artist Angelique Francis and included a who’s who of Canadian blues musicians joining the MBA house band — the Maple Blue Band — for performances. Among the cross-country selection of those appearing were Bobby Dean Blackburn, Kat Danser, Sue Foley, Angelique Francis, Crystal Shawanda and Colin Linden.

Who was the big winner at the 2022 Maple Blues Awards?

Steve Marriner took home four awards including Acoustic Act of the Year — shared with Nanaimo guitar hero David Gogo — as well as Harmonica Player of the Year, Recording of the Year, and Songwriter of the Year. Only 38, Marriner has been a fixture on the Ontario blues scene since his early teens when he would sit in on Ottawa jam sessions.

Who were some other multiple winners?

Vancouver’s very own Colin James took home Male Vocalist of the Year and Electric Act of the Year. Sue Foley won Guitarist of the Year and Entertainer of the Year.

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Who was an act to watch?

The New Artist of the Year award honors those artists who are making a mark in the Canadian blues music scene. This year, the award went to Hamilton’s The Lowdown Dirty Mojos.

How many years has the Maple Blues Awards been going?

This was the 25th annual event.

Where is the full winner list?

You can check out mapleblues.ca for full information and to keep up on Canadian blues news. Full list supplied to press is below:

The 25th Annual Maple Blues Award Winners

Male Vocalist of the Year – Colin James

Female Vocalist of the Year – Miss Emily

Drummer of the Year – Lindsay Beaver

Keyboard Player of the Year – David Vest

New Artist/Group of the Year – The Lowdown Dirty Mojos

Blues Booster of the Year (tied) – Claude Cloutier & Terry Parsons

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Acoustic Act of the Year – Steve Marriner/David Gogo

Electric Act of the Year – Colin James

Harmonica Player of the Year – Steve Marriner

Horn Player of the Year – Allison Young

Guitarist of the Year – Sue Foley

Bassist of the Year – Keith Picot

International Artist of the Year – Bonnie Raitt

Recording/ Producer of the Year – Steve Marriner – Hope Dies Last (Stony Plain)

Blues With A Feeling Award (Lifetime Achievement Award) – Shakura S’Aida

Songwriter of the Year – Steve Marriner

Entertainer of the Year – Sue Foley

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