Who We Are…

The Edmonton Blues Society (EBS) is a registered, incorporated non-profit dedicated to keeping the blues vibrant in the Edmonton region. EBS began bringing live blues to local audiences in 2006, initially through monthly blues dances, and has since grown into staging three to four larger events per year that feature both local artists and touring national/international acts.

Origins (2006–2011)

EBS formed in 2006 out of a grassroots push by fans and musicians who wanted a consistent home for blues in the city. Early programming emphasized monthly social dances and club-scale shows—intimate rooms where emerging Edmonton artists could share stages with seasoned players and build community around the music.

Growing the Stage (2012–Current)

Through the 2010s, EBS expanded beyond dances into ticketed concerts and mini-festivals, sharpening its mission to “showcase and promote local and international blues musicians.” The society’s “Past Performers” listings reflect the breadth of acts EBS has brought through, and the organization’s reliance on memberships and volunteers underscores its community-driven model.

History

In 2005, a small group of blues music lovers (Bernie Kowalski, Greg Martin, Chuck and Jannette Frigon, and Brenda and Michael Smyth) had a vision to promote live blues music in Edmonton. February 28, 2006 marked the birth of the Edmonton Blues Society whose mission became “To promote local blues music by providing and supporting community-based events in Edmonton”. For nearly 20 years, the Edmonton Blues Society has been helping to keep the blues alive!

Meet The Board of Directors

Paula Perro brings more than 25 years of hands-on blues experience to her role as President of the Edmonton Blues Society. A longtime performer who fronted various blues bands in the city, Paula has shared the stage with the blues community she now proudly serves. A lifelong student of the blues, Paula approaches the presidency with equal parts respect, curiosity, and enthusiasm. She is committed to learning more about the deep roots of the genre, growing as a board member, and championing the blues so it continues to thrive for artists and audiences alike. With a blend of experience, humility, and passion, she is excited to help push the blues forward – one note, one show, and one community connection at a time.

Jeanne Vachon brings more than 30 years of administrative, procurement, event planning, and cash management experience to the Edmonton Blues Society. Jeanne joined the board of directors in 2013 and served as the Treasurer, Vice President and Interim President. Her passion for administration and budgeting provided the background to oversee memberships, bylaws, event planning and website management. Her love of the blues and desire to give local artists an opportunity and platform to grow their careers, is what makes serving on the board a fulfilling experience.

Connie Sinasac brings a wealth of knowledge to the Edmonton Blues Society with a long career in accounting in the Nonprofit sector and two decades of hosting live music events in their home studio. Connie’s passion for live blues music, connection to many preforming musicians and a strong desire to see Edmonton Blues Society flourish, Connie joined the society in 2024 as the Treasurer.

Linnea Baldwin brings 10 years’ experience with the Edmonton Blues society where she started as a volunteer. She has an extensive background in event hosting and planning and is passionate about the growth and commitment that the Society brings to the Edmonton community. Working with like-minded people is key to our success and growth as we continue to keep the Blues alive and thriving.

Shawn Brown has over 30 years of senior management and board governance experience in both corporate and entrepreneurial ventures in the Edmonton region. Leading teams in the highly competitive Consumer Packaged Goods and Data Security industries, he then went on to be part of numerous successful start-ups in the green energy and wellness sectors. His board governance experiences cover both non-profit and corporate ventures. His passion for business is only surpassed by his deeply rooted love for the blues, which started in his early teens. Spending countless Saturday afternoons at the open jams at Buds on Broadway in Saskatoon, continued once he moved to Edmonton at Blues on Whyte. From there he was hooked and his lifelong dream of becoming a blues bassist started to come to life. He learned his initial stage presence in two local bands which ultimately lead him to co-founding and being the original bassist for The Black & Blues Band, a dynamic rhythm and blues show band based in Edmonton.

Sending Edmonton Musicians to Memphis

EBS began hosting the Memphis Bound Blues Challenge in 2006, and for more than a decade, this became a local highlight and one of the biggest opportunities local blues musicians had to broadening their blues circle. EBS has had the pleasure of being represented in Memphis by Dylan Farrell, Jenie Thai, Joe Nolan, Boogie Patrol, Jimmy & the Sleepers, Samantha King and Lynn Chwyl. It is our hope and plan to bring back MBBC in 2026/27.

Samantha King & The Yeg Trio – 2023 Winner – Best Band
Rott’n Dan & Lightnin’ Willy – 2023 Winner – Best Solo/Duo Act
The Lynne Chwyl Band – 2019 Winner – Best Band
Graham Guest – 2019 Winner – Best Solo/Duo Act