The 2025 Canadian Blues Music Awards nominees have been announced ahead of the annual gala, set to take place Monday, March 30, 2026 at the Phoenix Concert Theatre in Toronto. The evening celebrates excellence across recordings, performance, songwriting, musicianship, and industry leadership, spotlighting artists and contributors shaping the Canadian blues landscape. Doors open at 6PM, with the ceremony beginning at 7PM.
This year’s nominations reflect a wide cross-section of contemporary blues in Canada, spanning emerging voices, veteran performers, instrumentalists, producers, and industry builders. From acoustic and electric recordings to songwriting, video, and lifetime achievement honors, the 2025 field underscores the depth, craft, and continuity of the genre across generations. I’ve had the privilege of working on some of the nominated albums over the years, and I’m thrilled to see both past collaborators and current artists recognized.
CANADIAN BLUES MUSIC AWARDS – 2025 NOMINEES
Emerging Blues Artist or Group of the Year
Ollee Owens
Blues Song of the Year
Angelique Francis – “Train Coming”
Brandon Isaak – “Walkin’ With The Blues”
Acoustic Blues Recording of the Year
Big Dave McLean – This Old Life
David Vest & Terry Robb – CrissCross
Sue Foley – One Guitar Woman
Electric Blues Recording of the Year
Angelique Francis – Not Defeated
Brandon Isaak – Walkin’ With The Blues
David Gogo – YEAH!
Steve Marriner – Hear My Heart Blues
Producer of the Year
Brandon Isaak
Steve Marriner
Female Blues Vocalist of the Year
Angelique Francis
Male Blues Vocalist of the Year
Big Dave McLean
Brandon Isaak
Blues Guitarist of the Year
Brandon Isaak
David Gogo
Sue Foley
Tony D
Blues Keyboard Player of the Year
David Vest
Kenny Blues Boss Wayne
Blues Harmonica Player of the Year
Steve Marriner
Blues Horn Player of the Year
Kharincia Francis
Kira Francis
Loretta Hale
Blues Drummer of the Year
Kiran Francis
Blues Bassist of the Year
Angelique Francis
Blues Video of the Year
Angelique Francis – “Train Coming”
André Bisson – “Latchford”
Blues Industry Person of the Year
Ken Simms
Lifetime Achievement Award
Kenny Blues Boss Wayne