SOCAN members Blue Moon Marquee won the SOCAN-sponsored Songwriter of the Year honours, as well as Acoustic Act, Recording/Producer, and Entertainer of the Year, at the 26th annual Maple Blues Awards, presented by the Toronto Blues Society on Jan. 30, 2023, at The Harbourfront Centre Theatre in downtown Toronto.

The wins were especially sweet for the duo of A.W. Cardinal and Jasmine Colette, a couple from Alberta who started off in punk bands, and literally lived out of their truck in order to have a music career.

Angelique Francis took home two awards, for both New Artist and Bassist of the Year. The Blues With A Feeling Award for lifetime achievement went to Harrison Kennedy, for his long-standing career and commitment to blues music.

Canadian blues artists, industry, and fans gathered to celebrate, cheering on performers and winners at the gala, hosted by Quisha Wint. The show featured performances from house band The Maple Blues Band, and guest performers Meghan Parnell and Dave Barnes of Bywater Call; Kevin Harvey and Neil Elsmore of Durham County Poets; AV (Ann Vriend); Blue Moon Marque; and Paul Reddick with Kyle Ferguson.

For a full list of winners, click here.