Blackburn Brothers is a multi-award-winning band of 4th-generation Canadians with a rich musical heritage. The band consists of three core siblings: Duane (vocals/keys), Brooke (guitar/vocals), and Cory (drums), along with additional members Neil Braithwaite (tenor saxophone), Ted Peters (trombone), and Andrew Stewart (bass).
As descendants of Underground Railroad freedom seeker Elias Earls, who escaped slavery and settled in southern Ontario, the brothers honour their ancestral legacy by creating music that celebrates history, freedom, family ties, Black unity, and love. While blues is at the core of their music, they blend funk, jazz, and soul to create a distinctive and uplifting sound.
Described as having “distilled over sixty years of Black music” (Glide Magazine) and delivering “a tightly confident sound that’s altogether new again” (Exclaim!), they draw inspiration from artists like BB King, Ray Charles, Eddie Harris, Miles Davis, James Brown, and Stevie Wonder. Their primary inspiration is their father, legendary rock and roll and R&B artist Bobby Dean Blackburn, whose legacy in the Toronto music scene spans over six decades.
The Blackburn Brothers have graced stages alongside renowned icons such as Mavis Staples, Dr. John and The Nite Trippers, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, and Cedric Burnside. They have also shared festival stages with esteemed Canadian artists like Sarah McLachlan, Colin James, and The Bros. Landreth, highlighting their versatility and appeal across different genres and audiences. They have performed at many of the largest blues, jazz, and folk music festivals across North America and Central America.
Their latest album, SoulFunkn’BLUES (Sep 2023), has garnered international acclaim, receiving a 2024 JUNO Award nomination for Blues Album of the Year, three 2024 American Blues Music Awards nominations (a new precedent for a Canadian band) for Album of The Year, Soul Blues Album of the Year, and Song of The Year, and a record-setting nine nominations with the 2024 Maple Blues Awards, including Entertainer of the Year and Electric Act of the Year.
In 2023, the Blackburn Brothers were inducted into the Canada South Blues Society Hall of Fame, underscoring their dedication to musical excellence. Their achievements also include winning the 2017 Coup de Coeur Award at the Festival International Du Blues De Tremblant, earning a JUNO Award nomination for Blues Album of the Year in 2016, and winning the 2010 Maple Blues Award for Best New Band.
Their consistent distinction is reflected in multiple Canadian Maple Blues Award nominations over the years, including Electric Act of the Year in 2024 and 2022, Piano/Keyboard Player of the Year (Duane Blackburn) in 2024, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2017, and 2015, and Drummer of the Year (Cory Blackburn) in 2024, 2022, and 2020. They also received 2024 nominations for Entertainer of the Year, Songwriter of the Year, Recording of the Year, Producer of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year (Brooke Blackburn), Bassist of the Year, and Guitarist of the Year (Brooke Blackburn).
Social Media links:
BLACKBURN BROTHERS
blackburnbrothersmusic.com
Facebook I Blackburn Brothers
Instagram | Blackburn Brothers
Date: November 1, 2024
Doors open: 6:00pm
Entertainment begins: 8:00pm
Menu: On Entertainment nights we will be serving our A La Carte Dinner Menu.
Event Age Restriction:
This is a 19+ event. All guests must be 19 years of age or older to attend.
Timing:
Doors Open: 6:00 PM
Entertainment Begins: 8:00 PM (two 50-minute sets with a 20-minute break)
Pricing:
Entertainment Charge: prepaid, non-refundable, and non-transferable
Minimum Spend: $30 minimum spend on food and/or beverages per person
Taxes and Service Charge: Prices exclude tax and service charge and may change during peak seasons
Gratuity Policy for Groups/Parties:
For groups/parties of 10 or more persons, a minimum 15% gratuity will apply. Only one bill will be presented to groups/parties of 10 or more.
Reservation Policy:
A credit card is required to secure all reservations. The entertainment charge will be charged at the time of booking.
Allergy Statement:
Our menu may contain or come into contact with wheat/gluten, milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, and soy. Old Mill Toronto Hospitality Inc. is not a nut-free facility. While we will do our best to accommodate your needs, please be aware of potential allergens.
Menu:
The menu will be A La Carte and is subject to change.
Seating Arrangement:
Seating is in a dining room setup, not traditional theatre-style. Some seats may face away from the stage to comfortably enjoy your meal. The seating arrangement is fixed for the entire night, so guests will not change seats after dinner.
Venue:
Old Mill Toronto, 21 Old Mill Road, Toronto, Ontario M8X 1G5 – Dining Room Entrance (Look for the Big Red Heart ♥️)
Parking and Transportation:
Parking: Located at 20 Old Mill Rd. Rates are $2.00/hour, with a maximum daily rate of $12.00.
Public Transit (TTC): Take the Subway or City Bus to Old Mill Subway Station. We are a short two-minute walk down Old Mill Road.
Get ready to be swept away by the enchanting melodies of live jazz music at Old Mill Toronto. Make your reservations early to ensure you don’t miss out on this captivating musical experience that brings together the best of jazz and fine dining in Toronto.