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SIX NEW BLUES VOICES! TORONTO BLUES SOCIETY ANNOUNCES ANNUAL TALENT SEARCH FINALISTS

WHAT: Blues Talent Search Competition

WHO: Alysha Brillinger, The Fabulous Tonemasters, Aaron Griggs, Groove Corporation, Scott McCord and the Bonafide Truth, Snake Oil Johnson

WHERE: Nathan Phillips Square

WHEN: Thursday, August 14^th, 12-2pm

The Toronto Blues Society announced today the six finalists in the 2008 Talent Search. Each will perform a set for a panel of distinguished industry judges on Thursday, August 14th at Nathan Phillips Square as part of the Tasty Thursdays concert series.

The winning act will receive a professional development package including a

performance at the Southside Shuffle festival in September, a showcase at the

Blues Summit in Toronto in January 2009, a live CBC recording, studio time at

Euphonic Sound, a bio written by publicist Richard Flohil, a photo shoot with Bill

King, and a mentoring session with music industry professionals.

The finalists are:

Alysha Brillinger

Winners of the Grand River Blues Society’s “Youth Legacy Contest”, this young band brings a special energy to any stage. Though the band members range in age from only 15 to 19 years old, they have developed a mature stage presence and a playful style that older musicians could envy. With the philosophy that blues is the core of all great music, Alysha weaves elements of reggae, funk, and soul to create a unique blues band with a bright future.

The Fabulous Tonemasters

The Fabulous Tonemasters are a band of seasoned musicians who pay tribute to their roots and will make audiences sit up and take notice. They have the passion and drive to make crowds listen with interest and anticipation.

Aaron Griggs

Toronto based artist Aaron Griggs is no newcomer to the music scene; a talented young guitarist who graduated from the music program at Hamilton’s Mohawk College. He had undertaken numerous cross-Canada tours by the age of 21. A protégé of the late Downchild co-founder Richard “Hock” Walsh, Griggs has been honing his guitar skills in clubs and bars around southern Ontario.

Groove Corporation

Groove Corporation is an established funk/blues/r’n’b band that includes an interesting mix of players from Burlington, Stoney Creek, Waterdown, Dundas, Hamilton, London, and St. Mary’s. With a front man who delivers pure energy and emotion at every performance and the combination of congas, horns, and a killer rhythm section, Groovecorp tackles all kinds of material.

Scott McCord and the Bonafide Truth

Scott McCord delivers his songs with a soulful croon and a dynamic stage performance. Scott has spent years performing for festival audiences with his band Reuben Cherry. He now steps out on his own with soul and blues drenched pop. His debut album, "Blues For Sunshine" is set for release summer 2008.

Snake Oil Johnson

Led by Sugar Brown and Bob Vespaziani, this group writes, plays, and embodies the Blues. Getting his start on the west side of Chicago, Sugar Brown has played with a who’s who of Canadian and American musicians and is a touring attraction in Japan. Bob Vespaziani moved from the United States to Toronto in the early 1980’s and has been performing with Canada’s top blues musicians since then.

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The Toronto Blues Society gratefully acknowledges the generous support of the Department of Canadian Heritage, the Ontario Arts Council, the City of Toronto through the Toronto Arts Council, and Long & McQuade.

For more information, photos, interviews, please contact:

Tim Des Islets, Toronto Blues Society

(416) 538-3885, info@torontobluessociety.com