October 22, 2010 - SHAKURA S'AIDA
SHAKURA S'AIDA and her superb band from Toronto kicked off the 2010/11 BLUES ON THE RIDEAU Dinner & Show Fundraiser Series at THE COVE INN, WESTPORT ON in grand style last Friday, October 22 playing to a enthusiastic Sold Out house. No surprise - Shakura is a multiple Maple Blues Award nominee, the 2nd place winner at the 2008 International Blues Competition in Memphis, tours regularly in Europe and this year is up for three Maple Blues Awards (Entertainer Of The Year, Female Vocalist Of The Year and her great new CD "Brown Sugar" is up for Album Of The Year). Band member Lance Anderson is also up for Keyboard Player Of The Year again. This is Grade A+ Canadian Blues talent at its best. Here's what some of attendees had to say about with a few pictures
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You can also visit the Youtube webiste and find the video click here Here's a great YOU TUBE video of one of the songs from that night - Gives you an idea of what you missed! |
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 Andrew Stewart on bass with Shakura belting it out |
 Multiple Maple Blues Award nominee Lance Anderson on keyboard |
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 Donna Grantis played some wicked guitar that night |
 Shamakah Ali on the skins |
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"The band was great! We were in Memphis in January and this group was comparable to what we heard at BB King's on Beale St. 10 out of 10 for the venue, food, service, band the and sound." Joan Delaney, Chaffey's Lock "Wow! This woman is an amazing entertainer and what a voice. She really involved the audience and made everyone feel special. And her guitarist! - Great things come in small packages" Diana Bujold, Westport "Best entertainment value in Ontario" Ann White, Ottawa $687.50 was raised for the LUCY DRYSDALE MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND - Awarded to a worthy Westport student each year in honour of a well loved resident of the town who passed away. |
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 Donna Grantis on guitar and Shakura |
 Standing O |
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 Winners of 101.9 DAWG FM's (Ottawa's new All Blues station) Blues On The Rideau at The Cove Dinner, Show & Accommodation Prize - Candice Glive & Paul Cullinan from Ottawa with Shakura |
 Once again The Cove's talented Cowan twins (Jeff on drums, Seamus on bass) took the stage to the crowd's delight for a couple of songs with Shakura |
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 The band: Shamakah Ali (drums), Donna Grantis (guitar), Shakura S'Aida (vocals), Andrew Stewart (bass), Lance Anderson (keyboards) |
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