Sun, Feb 25
|Erin
Blackburn Brothers with Kenny "Blues Boss" Wayne
Blues Church returns with The Blackburn brothers - Duane, Brooke and Cory -- are part of what's considered Toronto's first family of funk and soul (along with their full band). Joining Blackburn is the Legendary (Juno Winner) Kenny "Blues Boss" Wayne.
Time & Location
Feb 25, 2024, 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Erin, 156 Main St, Erin, ON N0B 1T0, Canada
About the event
Doors 2pm, showtime 2:30pm. 19+ If you wish to join for lunch prior to show. Call 519 315 0315.
An obvious uniqueness that identifies and sets apart the band is that Blackburn Brothers is a band of brothers - literally. Duane (lead vocals, organ, piano), Brooke (guitar, vocals, writing), Cory (drums, harmony vocals). Oldest brother Robert (guitar, vocal harmonies, writing) and cousin Nathan (bass guitar) can be heard as session players in the production of the new 2023 release of SoulFunkn'BLUES. All share the Blackburn name, which has become synonymous with Toronto's music history, and their unique familial bond sets them apart in the music industry. The band's horn section comprises long-time bandmates, including Neil Brathwaite on tenor saxophone, Ted Peters on trombone, and Andrew Stewart on bass. Musically, the Blackburn name has been forever imprinted in our ears by Bobby Dean Blackburn, a veteran R&B artist who gained legendary status in the Toronto music scene, performing the city circuit for over 50 years. Beyond the music, other history runs deep too. The Blackburn name is tied to the history of the Underground Railroad, and there is a direct connection to the musical talents that we know and listen to today. A thread of Soul in almost every track the band records. Blackburn Brothers received the Maple Blues Award for BEST NEW BAND in 2010, a JUNO nomination for BLUES ALBUM OF THE YEAR in 2016, Duane Blackburn received a Maple Blues Award nomination for KEYBOARD/PIANO PLAYER OF THE YEAR 2019, 2020, 2021, Cory Blackburn received a Maple Blues Award nomination for DRUMMER OF THE YEAR in 2020 & 2022, the band received a Maple Blues Award nomination for ELECTRIC ACT OF THE YEAR in 2022. In 2023, Blackburn Brothers released their latest album SoulFunkn'BLUES with their Toronto-based record label Electro-Fi Records. The band became Canada South Blues Society Hall of Fame Inductees. Considered the highest honours on the Canadian Blues scene, Blackburn Brothers collectively earned a record-setting 9 Nominations in the upcoming 27th Annual Maple Blues Awards from The Toronto Blues Society, including ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR , ELECTRIC ACT OF THE YEAR, Songwriter of the Year, Recording of the Year, Producer of the Year (Howard Ayee), MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR (Brooke Blackburn), GUITARIST OF THE YEAR (Brooke Blackburn), KEYBOARD/PIANO PLAYER OF THE YEAR (Duane Blackburn), DRUMMER OF THE YEAR (Cory Blackburn), BASSIST OF THE YEAR (Nathan Blackburn). Additionally, their father, Bobby Dean Blackburn, has been nominated for 'BLUES WITH A FEELING/LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT.'
When it comes to appreciating Kenny “Blues Boss” Wayne it is readily apparent that the artistic make-up of this performer covers an impressive scope of talents and expertise. It is a rare combination of intertwined, and indeed, well-honed skills that paint the picture of a complete artist and one not so easily defined, despite his “to the point”, and appropriate handle “Blues Boss”. Wayne became one of the beacons of the Canadian blues scene a couple of decades ago. His smooth yet robust piano playing, and cool and soulful vocals are injected into a canon of original tunes that can take his audience on quite the journey. With Wayne in the driver’s seat, it’s always about preparing for a multi-faceted ride, as the musical terrain can shift quickly thanks to a plethora of influences.
Tickets
Seating
$40.00Tax: +$5.20 HSTSale ended