Maple Blues Band

September 19, 2024

Come join us for an unforgettable night of soulful blues music with The Maple Blues Band! Get ready to groove to their incredible tunes and feel the rhythm in your bones. This in-person event will be held at 80 Sandford Fleming Dr, so mark your calendars and bring your friends along for a night of pure musical magic. Don't miss out on this opportunity to experience the blues like never before!

Doors: 6:45 show 7:30

Founded by and featuring key members of the ever-popular Downchild Blues Band!

It all began at a Toronto Blues Society meeting following the 1998 Maple Blues Awards. Gary Kendall, band leader, told all present that the music that accompanied the award presentations should be better. The come back was “Let’s see what you can do”. It must be working because the band has been the centre piece of the Maple Blues Awards ever since.

At inception twenty-four years ago, Kendall knew the ball was in his hands and that he had to make it good; really good. He wanted a big band that could play all the blues styles, Delta Blues, Southside Chicago Blues, New Orleans Funk, Uptown Blues, Zydeco, Blues Rock and most of all Canadian Blues. Over the years the musicians that have contributed to making this dream possible all rose to the occasion lending their talent, support and high level of musicianship.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Gary Kendall also recognized an opportunity for the composition of original instrumental music as one of the perks that fell in line with the admiral position of accompanying the best singers and musicians performing in the Canadian Blues community. The songwriting helped The Maple Blues Band create a personal and unique sound, which they refer to as 'Big Band Blues'. In the summer of 2022, twelve tracks were recorded which resulted in their Cordova Bay Records release LET'S GO. A truly group effort, with song writing credits spread over 24 years, including past and present band members.

The Maple Blues Band - Current Lineup:

  • Gary Kendall - bassist, band leader, musical director
  • Pat Carey - tenor saxophone, horn arrangements
  • Teddy Leonard - guitar
  • Al Lerman - harmonica, acoustic guitar
  • Jim Casson - drums, percussion
  • Howard Moore - trumpet
  • Lance Anderson - Hammond B3, piano, accordion
  • Alison Young - baritone saxophone, tenor saxophone, soprano saxophone
  • Meirion Kelly - trombone
  • Roshane Wright - percussion