A Brief History of the Toronto Blues Society
The Toronto Blues Society (TBS) was formed in 1985, by Derek Andrews, David Barnard
and John Valenteyn. They wanted to ensure that blues music, an indigenous North
American art form, was guaranteed a continued presence in Toronto. Although the
blues scene at the time was thriving, it had almost disappeared during the late
1970s disco era. This suggested the need for an organization that would work to
create a climate in which the opportunities for live performances, radio airplay
and national touring that can make a career in music viable were being made
available to blues musicians. Interest in the organization was immediate, and a
paid membership of over 500 was established within two years.
The TBS is governed by a working Board of Directors, has a paid Office and
Events Coordinator and Grants Officer, and a large core of volunteers that is
continually renewing. Self-generated revenue from memberships, advertising and
fundraising has been supplemented by funding from government, foundations and
corporation.
Since the organization's inception over two decades ago, the TBS has experienced tremendous growth in terms of its structure, services and programming. The Toronto Blues Society's monthly publication, MapleBlues, is well known throughout the international blues community. The TBS website is an indispensable portal for blues fans, with an online edition of the newsletter and links to hundreds of other Canadian blues artists and resources. The TBS created the Online BluesBook directory and the MapleBlues listserve, an online news group for the Canadian blues community.
The Maple Blues Awards has become a national blues event with an annual gala at
Toronto's Mod Club Theatre. The TBS Talent Search has attracted up-and-coming
blues bands from across the country and provided a launching pad for many new
artists. The TBS programs a diverse array of activities that includes workshops,
a Blues in the Schools program, the Annual Women's Blues Revue, concerts,
showcases and community outreach events, provides consultation to musicians and
the music industry, and advocacy on behalf of the blues community. As the
Toronto Blues community grows, the TBS continues to find new ways to promote
this music that is so deeply connected to the North American spirit.