Steve Marriner won the SOCAN-sponsored Songwriter of the Year honours, as well as Acoustic Act (Steve Marriner/David Gogo), Harmonica Player, and Recording of the Year (for Hope Dies Last) at the 25th annual Maple Blues Awards, presented by the Toronto Blues Society on June 20, 2022, at Koerner Hall in downtown Toronto.
Sue Foley and Colin James took home two awards each, she for both Guitarist and Entertainer of the Year, he for both Male Vocalist and Electric Act of the Year. The Blues With A Feeling Award for lifetime achievement went to Shakura S’Aida, for her long-standing career and commitment to blues music. The New Artist of the Year Award went to Hamilton band The Lowdown Dirty Mojos.
Canadian blues artists, industry, and fans gathered to celebrate the return of in-person live music, cheering on performers and winners at the gala, hosted by Ottawa ‘s Angelique Francis. The show featured performances from house band The Maple Blues Band, and guest performers Bobby Dean Blackburn, Kat Danser, Sue Foley, Angelique Francis, Crystal Shawanda, and Colin Linden.
For a full list of winners, click here.