Ease into your week with two shows of Blues music, showcasing a range of artists.

Originally conceived in 2013, The Hogtown Allstars began almost by accident when five members of The Downchild Blues Band were approached by Blues On The Rideau promoter James Doran with a proposal for a one-off show during the band’s annual winter hiatus. Chuck Jackson, Gary Kendall, Pat Carey, Mike Fitzpatrick, and Michael Fonfara added ex-Fathead guitarist Teddy Leonard to the lineup and accepted the offer. A quick decision on the name referenced their home base, and the show was announced. Immediately more offers came in, and the rest is Canadian blues history. A new band of experienced Southern Ontario musicians dedicated to the blues as an art form was born, remaining loyal to Downchild while performing around the main band’s schedule.

Built from some of the most experienced players in the global blues community, the members of Hogtown Allstars have won more than 20 Maple Blues Awards, 5 Juno Awards, and numerous international blues and jazz awards, forming a true blues supergroup.

This program is in partnership with Toronto Blues Society (TBS).