Well, we completed the first chapter of this new Blues award ceremony. The house was packed with everybody who loves the blues. It was filled with both musicians and music industry people and of course the fans who were trying to guess who each of the winners were going to be in each category. I can tell you this, it was not easy and I was surprised by some of the winners.

Danny Marks was a perfect choice to host the inaugural ceremony. He kept things light-hearted and moving at a good pace. So let jump right in there and announce the winners.

Blues Video of the Year

The Harpoonist – “Show Me the Green” (Did We Come Here to Dance)

Emerging Blues Artist/Group of the Year

Ollee Owens (Ollee Owens – Nowhere to Hide)

Blues Drummer of the Year

 (Tie) Jim Casson (Davis Hall & The Green Lanterns – Canboro Canborough) and Sylvain “Sly” Coulombe (Chambers DesLauriers: Our Time to Ride)

Blues Keyboard Player of the Year

 Kenny “Blues Boss” Wayne (Kenny “Blues Boss” Wayne: Ooh, Yeah!)

Acoustic Blues Recording of the Year

Sue Foley – One Guitar Woman, A Tribute to the Female Pioneers of Guitar

Electric Blues Recording of the Year

Brandon Isaak: Walkin’ With the Blues

Blues Harmonica player of the Year

(tie) Guy Bélanger (Guy Bélanger – Postcards from London) and Steve Marriner (Steve Marriner – Hear My Heart; Big Dave McLean – This Old Life; David Gogo – YEAH!)

Blues Horn Player of the Year

Jerry Cook (Wailin’ Walker – All Fired Up)

Blues guitarist of the Year

Brandon Isaak (Brandon Isaak: Walkin’ With the Blues)

Blues Bassist of the Year

Jasmine Colette (Blue Moon Marquee – New Orleans Sessions)

Blues Producer of the Year

Steve Marriner (Steve Marriner – Hear My Heart; Big Dave McLean – This Old Life; David Gogo – YEAH!)

Blues Industry person of the Year

(Tie) Bruce Morel (Morel Music International) and Ken Simms (Think Tank Music Network)

Lifetime Achievement Award

Tim Williams

Tim Williams win was very bittersweet. He learned that he was receiving this award and was very grateful. He recently passed away before he could receive it. His wife wrote a very heartfelt letter sharing his history and how much he just loved playing for people. He played right up to two days before he went into hospital. He will be remembered for having many different styles of music including the Blues.

Male Vocalist of the Year

Marcus Trummer (Marcus Trummer: From the Start)

Female Blues Vocalist of the Year

 Crystal Shawanda (Crystal Shawanda – Sing Pretty Blues)

Blues Song of the Year

 Brandon Isaak – “Walkin’ With the Blues” (Walkin’ With the Blues)

Fan Favourite Award

Blue Moon Marquee

The Peformances

The performances, of course are the highlights of the evening. Getting to see these artists live gives the audience to understand why they belong in these categories. These performances will live on with each and everyone in attendance. I have some highlighted photos of some of the important people who made this awards show so worthwhile.

This is just the first of many more awards to come. The Blues are a style of music that will never go out of style.

Here are some of the other players from last night: