Monkey Junk – Ottawa
MonkeyJunk is considered Blues royalty in Canada right now…with over 20 Maple Blues Awards and a Juno to their credit, they are one of the hardest working and busiest bands on the scene today, playing packed venues and festivals around the world. Formed eight years ago, the name MonkeyJunk has been synonymous with the emergence of a ‘new kind’ of blues on the Canadian and International scenes. Continually pushing boundaries and blurring genre lines, this Ottawa-based trio has added an edge to it’s music. The guys do this by incorporating swampy blues with rock, accompanying it with insightful, thoughtful intelligent lyrics. MonkeyJunk has released five albums to date with their latest being Time to Roll.
Blackburn – Toronto
Toronto’s first family of blues, soul, funk has to be Blackburn. It is TRULY a band of brothers with the core of the band consisting of Brooke, Duane, Cory and Robert Blackburn. Their music is rich in the traditions of the blues, but is infused with R&B, soul and funk. Blackburn brings it all together with conscious lyrics to create a smooth and soulful groove. The sons of legendary R&B artist Bobby Dean Blackburn, they have continued in the tradition of their father. It’s in their DNA. They bring their funk/soul/blues to festivals and fans across Canada. There is a thread of soul in every track the band records. Blackburn received the Maple Blues Award for best new band in 2010 and a Juno nomination for Blues Album of the Year in 2016.
Moondog Howlers – Chatham Kent
Moondog Howlers is a blues band that know how to rock! Featuring four seasoned musicians and a Ritalin-deprived singer, it has become a fan favourite at Shrewsbury Ribs & Blues. The guys have just released a well-received debut CD. It features 13 all original songs with special guest Kelly “Mr Chill” Hoppe (from the band Big Sugar) playing harp on three tracks. Hailing from Chatham/Kent, the band consists of Mike Copley (vocals), Dwayne Purdy (bass), Rick Chrysler (drums), Mark Tremblay (keys) and Alex “Aug” Polowick (guitar)
Robb Sharp & Lit’l CHICAGO – Sarnia
In the Blue’s music arena, something truly unique comes along only once-in-a-while. This can rightly be said when referring to Robb Sharp & Lit’l CHICAGO.
Much of the Band’s appeal comes from their musicianship and stage presence. However, it also emanates from the Band’s ability to engage and connect with it’s audience and leave them wanting more. No egos, simply four accomplished musicians, proud of each other, proud of their craft and determined to stay true to the original Masters, while expanding the boundaries of modern electric Blues. It accomplishes this masterfully by adding a taste of Soul, R&B and Jazz.
They are an alumni of the International Blues Challenge in Memphis TN, having won the prestigious Great Lakes Blues Society Road to Memphis Challenge in both 2012 and 2013.
Langille & Lockwood – London/Chatham
