Vancouver's Harpdog named Canada's Best Harmonica Player of the Year
On January 19 in Toronto, a local fan favourite of Vancouver’s music scene was awarded as Canada’s Best Harmonica Player of the Year. Harpdog Brown attended and performed at the 18th annual Maple Blues Award ceremony, which took place in Koerner’s Hall, located inside the Royal Conservatory of Music’s TELUS Centre For The Performing Arts.
Harpdog Brown, winner of the prestigious award has been touring across Canada for over three decades. He regularly performs at Gastown’s Guilt & Co., White Rock’s The Hemingway, Kitsilano’s Manchester Pub, The Main on Main, Cottage Bistro and The FanClub. Over the past year he’s been on tour, showcasing the release of his second studio album, “What it is.”
Harpdog has been a familiar stage musician in Vancouver for over 20 years. His larger than life stature, energetic presence on stage and authentic blues sound make him a very popular act in and around Vancouver.
Image: Harpdog’s Facebook page
Harpdog Brown (yes, that’s his real name) was born in Edmonton, Alberta but has long since made Vancouver his home. Earlier this week, he traveled to Toronto to dig up what he knew rightfully belonged to him. Not only did he take home the award for best harmonica player of the year, but he also performed for the crowd. Harpdog was one of eight acts selected to perform one of their hits at the award ceremony, and we have no doubt he loved every minute of it.
This legendary blues player will be returning to Vancouver this weekend to perform at Caffe Roma & Lounge on Commercial drive on January 24. For more shows and information about Canada’s Best Harmonica Player, visit www.HarpdogBrown.com.
Here is a list of all the winners from the Maple Blues Awards:
- Entertainer of the Year: Steve Hill
- Electric Act of the Year: Steve Hill
- Acoustic Act of the Year: Brandon Isaak
- Male Vocalist of the Year: Matt Andersen
- Female Vocalist of the Year: Angel Forrest
- New Artist or Group of the Year: Wicked Grin
- Recording of the Year: Steve Hill Solo Recordings Vol. 2 No Label Records; Producer: Steve Hill
- Blues with a Feeling Award: (Lifetime Achievement) Nanette Workman officielle
- BB King International Artist of the Year: Johnny Winter
- Guitar Player of the Year: Steve Hill
- Harmonica Player of the Year: Tied: Guy Bélanger and Harpdog Brown
- Piano/Keyboard Player of the Year: David Vest
- Horn Player of the Year: Jonny Wong
- Drummer of the Year: Tom Bona
- Bassist of the Year: Greg Morency
- Songwriter of the Year: Angel Forrest
- Blues Booster of the Year: Peter North
Feature image: Agnichuckers / Wikipedia