Quisha Wint. Credit: QW Productions ©

The Toronto Blues Society’s new Chair, Quisha Wint, welcomed a buzzing crowd for the 37th annual Women’s Blues Review on November 29th. Once again hosted at Toronto’s Massey Hall, this year’s event showcased blues aficionado’s Diane Braithewaite, Tanika Charles, Kellylee Evans, Rebecca Hennessy, Meghan Parnell, Crystal Shawanda, and more.  

The sparkling Quisha Wint tributed the evening to the late Toronto keyboardist, Stacie McGregor, and gave a warm acknowledgement to outgoing Toronto Blues Society President, Derek Andrews. Andrews was one of the Toronto Blues Society’s founders which formed in 1985 following a peek in blues interest. The organization’s goal remains to create a conducive environment for the city’s blues and jazz musicians and now has well over 500 members.  

Wint opened the evening, showcasing her wide range and soulful tones. Her expertise has led her to helm many creative projects, now including the Maple Blues Awards. She was nominated as the new Chair of the Toronto Blues Society back in July of 2024. The songstress boasts a rich resume including singing background vocals for Juno winning group Jacksoul. Her 2021 album My Life features hit “Black Shoes”. The song is an outcry for people of colour, drawing attention to their history of disparagement and points to a need for positive change within government and institutions.  

Following her act was Juno winner, Crystal Shawanda, then former Revue music director, Rebecca Hennessy. The two-time Juno winner and 3X Polaris nominated performer, Tanika Charles, was greeted next; followed by Emily Burgess; UK Blues Awards nominee, Meghan Parnell; and multi-Juno nominee and winner, Kellylee Evans (backed by Angelique Francis). A titan of the blues, Diana Braithewaite was the final solo act, to be later joined once more by Quisha Wint. In an act of musical unity, all of the evenings performers returned on stage to close out with a rendition of “Let It Be”.  

The Women’s Blues Revue is an evening of sisterhood and celebration, showing the energy women bring to Toronto’s rich blues scene. Wint congratulated the performers and thanked the audience, leading the way for an exciting new chapter. Wint has always believed in making an impact through her music and as the new Chair of the Toronto Blues Society, she certainly will.