The 2020 Maple Blues Awards are just wrapping up at Koerner Hall in Toronto, and, for the first time ever, on computer screens everywhere, thanks to live streaming of the event (thanks, guys!). Miss Emily was this year’s big winner and endeared herself to the audience with her tearful and heartfelt acceptance speeches. Dawn Tyler Watson, who made a heartfelt speech of her own, tied with Matt Andersen for second place in the award-count, winning two. Matt is currently in Jamaica and sent in video-taped acceptance speeches from a sun-drenched balcony some place. Thanks, Matt. We’re all a little jealous now. Paul Corby will have a much more robust account of tonight’s event in a few days’ time, but for now, here is the list of winners. Congratulations everyone!
Guitarist of the Year – Paul DesLauriers
Electric Act of the Year – Colin James
Recording and Producer of the Year – Dawn Tyler Watson
Sapphire Award – Miss Emily
Acoustic Act of the Year – Matt Andersen
Blues with Feeling – Michael Jerome Browne
Bassist of the Year – Alec McElcheran
Cobalt Award – Rich Junco
Entertainer of the Year – Downchild Blues Band
BB King International Artist of the Year – Buddy Guy
Female Vocalist of the Year – Miss Emily
Horn Player of the Year – Chris Whiteley and Matt Moose Mousseau (tie)
Blues Booster – Brian Blain
Piano/Keyboard Player of the Year – Kenny Blues Boss Wayne
Drummer of the Year – Tom Bona
Male Vocalist of the Year – Matt Andersen
Harmonica Player of the Year – Steve Marriner and Harpdog Brown (tie)
New Artist of the Year – Miss Emily
Songwriter of the Year – Dawn Tyler Watson
