Women’s Blues Revue Archive
The Toronto Blues Society’s annual Women’s Blues Revue has wowed Canadian audiences with performances from some of the most accomplished women in Canadian blues. Since its inception in 1987, The Women’s Blues Revue has grown from a local event to a national showcase of many of Canada’s greatest blues musicians.
Held annually at Toronto’s historic Massey Hall, the Women’s Blues Revue is a not-to-be-missed show. Witness the event that has helped launch the careers of Serena Ryder, Amanda Marshall, Donna Grantis, Alana Bridgewater, Ndidi Onukwulu, Layla Zoe, Roxanne Potvin and many more.
WBR moved to Roy Thomson Hall in 2018 – 2021 but are back at Massey Hall for 2022 after their renovations.
Artwork by Barbara Klunder unless otherwise noted.
ARCHIVE
35th Women’s Blues Revue (2022) | Massey Hall
Featured Artists: Host Angelique Francis, Garnetta Cromwell, Miss Emily, Selena 
Evangeline, Suzie Vinnick Music, and AV – Ann Vriend
Musical Director/Band Leader: Rebecca Hennessy
Band: Rebecca Hennessy (Trumpet), Colleen Allen (Sax), Elena Kapeleris Music (Sax), Emily Burgess (Guitar), Suzie Vinnick (Guitar), Carrie Chesnutt (Sax), Dale Anne Brendon (Drums), Carlie Howell (Bass), Lily Sazz (Keys)
34th Women’s Blues Revue (2021) | Roy Thomson Hall
Featured Artists: Tabby Johnson (Host), Elise LeGrow, Meghan Parnell, Reeny Smith, Quisha 
Wint, Dawn Tyler Watson
Band: Suzie Vinnick (Guitar), Colleen Allen (Sax), Elena Kapeleris (Sax), Emily Burgess (Guitar), Carrie Chesnutt (Sax), Marie Goudy (trumpet), Morgan Doctor (Drums), Carlie Howell (Bass), Lily Sazz (Keys).
33rd Women’s Blues Revue (2019) | Roy Thomson Hall
Featured Artists: Tanika Charles, Miss Emily, Angelique Francis, Raha Javanfar, Tabby Johnson, Melissa McClelland, Ellen McIlwaine!
Musical Director/Band Leader: Rebecca Hennessy
Band: Rebecca Hennessy (Trumpet), Colleen Allen (Sax), Elena Kapeleris Music (Sax), Emily Burgess (Guitar), Carrie Chesnutt (Sax), Morgan Doctor (Drums), Carlie Howell (Bass), Lily Sazz (Keys).
32nd Women’s Blues Revue (2018) | Roy Thomson Hall
Featured Artists: Shakura S’Aida (Host), Alana Bridgewater, Nicky Lawrence, Samantha Martin, Chloe Watkinson, Dione Taylor, Suzie Vinnick
Musical Director/Band Leader: Rebecca Hennessy
Band: Rebecca Hennessy, Emily Burgess, Carrie Chesnutt, Morgan Doctor, Elena Kapeleris, Anna Ruddick, Lily Sazz
31st Women’s Blues Revue (2017) | Massey Hall
Featured Artists: Shakura S’Aida (Host), Sue Foley, Jenie Thai, Kellylee Evans, Andria Simone, Dawn Tyler Watson
Musical Director/Band Leader: Rebecca Hennessy
Band: Rebecca Hennessy, Colleen Allen, Emily Burgess, Carrie Chesnutt, Morgan Doctor, Carlie Howell, Lily Sazz
30th Women’s Blues Revue (2016) | Massey Hall
Featured Artists: Sue Foley, Dione Taylor, Dawn Tyler Watson, Layla Zoe, Cheryl Lescom, Alanna Stuart
Musical Director/Band Leader: Rebecca Hennessy
Band: Rebecca Hennessy, Suzie Vinnick, Colleen Allen, Emily Burgess, Carrie Chesnutt, Morgan Doctor, Carlie Howell, Lily Sazz
29th Women’s Blues Revue (2015) | Massey Hall
Featured Artists: Angelique Francis, Cecile Doo-Kingue, Rita Chiarelli, Terra Lightfoot, Crystal Shawanda, Suzie Vinnick
Musical Director/Band Leader: Rebecca Hennessy
Band: Colleen Allen, Emily Burgess, Carrie Chesnutt, Carlie Howell, Morgan Doctor, Lily Sazz, Suzie Vinnick
Special TBS 30th Anniversary Edition (2015) | Ontario Scene Festival, National Arts Centre, Ottawa
Host: Rebecca Makonnen
Featured Vocalists: Kellylee Evans, Samantha Martin & Delta Sugar, Rita Chiarelli, Roxanne Potvin, Diana Braithwaite, Divine Brown
Musical Director/Band Leader: Rebecca Hennessy
Band: Emily Burgess, Carrie Chesnutt, Morgan Doctor, Carlie Howell, Elena Kapeleris, Lily Sazz
PRESS
28th Women’s Blues Revue (2014) | Massey Hall
Host: Mariel Borelli
Featured Vocalists: Shakura S’Aida, Samantha Martin & Delta Sugar, Andria Simone, Lori Yates, Diana Braithwaite, Divine Brown
Musical Director/Band Leader: Rebecca Hennessy
Band: Colleen Allen, Emily Burgess, Carrie Chesnutt, Brandi Disterheft, Morgan Doctor, Lily Sazz, Suzie Vinnick
PRESS
27th Women’s Blues Revue (2013) | Massey Hall
Host: Mariel Borelli
Featured Vocalists: Selena Evangeline, Roxanne Potvin, Betty Richardson, Kim Richardson, Layla Zoe, Rachelle van Zanten, Dawn Tyler Watson
Musical Director/Band Leader: Rebecca Hennessy
Band: Colleen Allen, Christine Bougie, Carrie Chesnutt, Brandi Disterheft, Morgan Doctor, Lily Sazz, Suzie Vinnick
PRESS
26th Women’s Blues Revue (2012) | Massey Hall
Featured Vocalists: Saidah Baba Talibah, Tanika Charles, Sabrina Weeks, Kellylee Evans, Sacha Williamson, Angel Forrest
Musical Director/Band Leader: Donna Grantis
Band: Colleen Allen, Lindsay Beaver, Carrie Chesnutt, Brandi Disterheft, Rebecca Hennessy, Lily Sazz, Suzie Vinnick
PRESS
- Nov 20, 2012 – “Shakura SAida introduces the Womens Blues Revue Band” | CBC
- Nov 22, 2012 – “Lady Sings The Blues” by Errol Nazareth | Toronto Sun
25th Women’s Blues Revue (2011) | Massey Hall
Host: Shelagh Rogers
Featured Vocalists: Ada Lee, Emma Lee, Kat Danser, Treasa Levasseur, Suzie Vinnick, Shakura S’Aida
Musical Director/Band Leader: Donna Grantis
Band: Colleen Allen, Lindsay Beaver, Carrie Chesnutt, Brandi Disterheft, Rebecca Hennessy, Lily Sazz, Suzie Vinnick
PRESS
24th Women’s Blues Revue (2010) | Massey Hall
Host: Shelagh Rogers
Featured Vocalists: Rita Chiarelli, Alana Bridgewater, Little Miss Higgins, Robin Banks, Alejandra Ribera, Kellylee Evans
Musical Director/Band Leader: Donna Grantis
Band: Colleen Allen, Lindsay Beaver, Carrie Chesnutt, Brandi Disterheft, Rebecca Hennessy, Lily Sazz
PRESS
23rd Women’s Blues Revue (2009) | Massey Hall
Host: Shelagh Rogers
Featured Vocalists: Rachelle van Zanten, Sass Jordan, Shakura S’Aida w/ Donna Grantis, Terra Hazelton, Saidah Baba Talibah, Diana Braithwaite
Musical Director/Band Leader: Suzie Vinnick
22nd Women’s Blues Revue (2008) | Massey Hall
Featured Vocalists: Alana Bridgewater, Lily Frost, Little Miss Higgins, ShoShona Kish, Elizabeth Shepherd, Suzie Vinnick
Musical Director/Band Leader: Suzie Vinnick
21st Women’s Blues Revue (2007) | Massey Hall
Featured Vocalists: Shawne Jackson, Dawn Tyler Watson, Roxanne Potvin, Treasa Levasseur, Nikki Yanofsky, Layla Zoe
Musical Director/Band Leader: Suzie Vinnick
20th Women’s Blues Revue (2006) | Massey Hall | Live CBC broadcast
Hosts: Shelagh Rogers & Holger Petersen
Featured Vocalists: Jackie Richardson, Sue Foley, Rita Chiarelli, Ellen McIlwaine, Diana Braithwaite, Saida Baba Talibah, Kim Richardson
Musical Director/Band Leader: Lily Sazz
19th Women’s Blues Revue (2005) | Massey Hall
Host: Shelagh Rogers
Featured Vocalists: Salome Bey, Suzie McNeill, Lee Aaron, Roxanne Potvin, Shakura S’Aida, Dione Taylor
Musical Director/Band Leader: Lily Sazz
18th Women’s Blues Revue (2004) | Massey Hall
Host: Shelagh Rogers
Featured Vocalists: Jackie Richardson, Sue Foley, Rita Chiarelli, Dawn Tyler Watson, Serena Ryder, Ndidi Onukwulu
Musical Director/Band Leader: Lily Sazz
17th Women’s Blues Revue (2003) | Danforth Music Hall
Host: Avril Benoit
Featured Vocalists: Toya Alexis, Cindy Church, Amoy Levy, Elaine Overholt, Roxanne Potvin, Shakura S’Aida, Almeta Speaks
Musical Director/Band Leader: Lily Sazz
16th Women’s Blues Revue (2002) | Danforth Music Hall
Host: Shelagh Rogers
Featured Vocalists: Lee Aaron, Diana Braithwaite, Georgette Fry, Tracy K, Serena Ryder, Dawn Tyler Watson, Anne-Marie Woods
Musical Director/Band Leader: Lily Sazz
15th Women’s Blues Revue (2001) | Danforth Music Hall
Host: Shelagh Rogers
Featured Vocalists: Susie Arioli, Alana Bridgewater, Divine Earth Essence, Sue Foley, Martina Sorbara, Nanette Workman
Musical Director/Band Leader: Lily Sazz
14th Women’s Blues Revue (2000) | Danforth Music Hall
Host: Avril Benoit
Featured Vocalists: Rita Chiarelli, Kristi Johnson, Sharron McLeod, Carole Pope, Oh Susanna, Tuku
Musical Director/Band Leader: Lily Sazz
13th Women’s Blues Revue (1999) | Danforth Music Hall
Host: Shelagh Rogers
Featured Vocalists: Alberta Adams, Maureen Brown, Andrea Karam, Katalin Kiss, Ellen McIlwaine, Suzie Vinnick, Lori Yates
Musical Director/Band Leader: Lily Sazz
12th Women’s Blues Revue (1998) | Trinity St. Paul’s
Host: Shelagh Rogers
Featured Vocalists: Alana Bridgewater, Sue Foley, Penny Lang, Denise Pelley, Jackie Richardson, Lorraine Segato, Dawn Tyler Watson
Musical Director/Band Leader: Lily Sazz
Artwork by: Fiona Smyth
PRESS
11th Women’s Blues Revue (1997) | Trinity St. Paul’s
Featured Vocalists: Rory Block, Daisy DeBolt, Molly Johnson, Cheryl Lescom, Alex Pangman, Petergail Williams
Musical Director/Band Leader: Lily Sazz
Band: Maureen Brown, Suzie Vinnick, Margaret Stowe, Lina Allemano, Jane Bunnett, Pat Wheeler
PRESS
10th Women’s Blues Revue (1996) | Trinity St. Paul’s
Host: Shelagh Rogers
Featured Vocalists: Lee Aaron, Chris Armstrong, Robin Banks, Dianne Brooks, Georgette Fry, Melanie Jean, Andrea Koziol, Jani Lauzon
Musical Director/Band Leader: Lily Sazz
Band: Kris St Louis, Suzie Vinnick, Maureen Brown, Sarah McElcheran, Colleen Allen, Carrie Chesnutt
PRESS
- October 1996 – Dianne Brooks Interview | Maple Blues
- November 1996 – Jani Lauzon Interview | Maple Blues
9th Women’s Blues Revue (1995) | Trinity St. Paul’s
Featured Vocalists: Diana Braithwaite, Maureen Brown, Shirley Eikhard, Sue Foley, Thando Hyman, Tobi Lark, Liberty Silver
Artwork: Fiona Smyth
PRESS
8th Women’s Blues Revue (1994) | Trinity St. Paul’s
Featured Vocalists: Chris Armstrong, Rita Chiarelli, Laura Hubert, Jackie Johnson, Jacintha Tuku Matthews, Suzie Vinnick, Zoom
Band: Lorraine Ingle, Kris St Louis, Sarah McElcheran, Colleen Allen, Carrie Chesnutt, Paul DeLong, Omar Tunnoch
7th Women’s Blues Revue (1993) | Trinity St. Paul’s
Featured Artists: Jodie Drake, Kat Dyson, Tiki Mercury-Clarke, Dawn Duvall, Molly Johnson, Saidah Matthews, Joanne Powell, Kris St Louis
Special Edition Women’s Blues Revue (1993) | Vancouver Folk Festival, Jericho Beach, BC
Featured Vocalists: Diana Braithwaite, Rita Chiarelli, Jani Lauzon
6th Women’s Blues Revue (1992) | Convocation Hall, U of T
Host: Sandra Shamas
Featured Vocalists: Molly Johnson, Jackie Richardson, Sharon Lee Williams, Jani Lauzon, Jackie Gabriel, Shakura S’Aida, Shannon Maracle
5th Women’s Blues Revue (1991) | The Opera House
Featured Vocalists: Rita Chiarelli, Kim Doolittle, Rita di Ghent, Rose Clay, Jodie Drake, Lorraine Scott, Daisy Debolt, Georgette Fry, Betty Richardson
Band: The Meteors
4th Women’s Blues Revue (1990) | The Diamond Club
Featured Vocalists: Salome Bey, Ellen McIlwaine, Jodie Drake, Diana Braithwaite, Judy Brown, Gayle Ackroyd, Doreen Smith, Amanda Marshall
3rd Women’s Blues Revue (1989) | The Horseshoe Tavern
Featured Vocalists: Holly Cole, Jodie Drake, Molly Johnson, Jani Lauzon, Cheryl Lescomb, Barbara Lynch, Linda Partington, Jackie Richardson
2nd Women’s Blues Revue (1988) | The Horseshoe Tavern
Featured Vocalists: Jodie Drake, Linda Partington, Jani Lauzon, Nancy Nash, Rita Chiarelli, Alexis, Taborah Johnson, Lorraine Segato, Jackie Richardson (*Artwork update: Diana Braithwaite unable to participate)
Artist: Phil Malette
1st Women’s Blues Revue (1987) Club Rhythm
Featured Vocalists: Salome Bey, Jackie Richardson, Louise Lambert, Jani Lauzon, Liz Tilden, Rita Chiarelli, Joanne Mackell, Alexis, July Brown
Musical Director/Band Leader: Gary Kendall
Band: John Tilden, Michael Pickett, Maureen Brown
©2024 Toronto Blues Society. Design by Janine Stoll Media.
TBS logo and WBR artwork by Barbara Klunder
The Toronto Blues Society acknowledges the annual support of the Ontario Arts Council, the City of Toronto through the Toronto Arts Council and the Department of Canadian Heritage, and project support from FACTOR< and the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage (Canada Music Fund) and of Canada’s Private Broadcasters, The Canada Council for the Arts, the SOCAN Foundation, SOCAN, the Ontario Media Development Corporation, and the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport.