Denise Curry 1953-2025
The passing of Denise Curry, in St. Catharines, Ontario on August 7, 2025 was a heavy loss for the Canadian Blues and live music community. Most notably the Niagara region of southern Ontario. Always working quietly behind the scenes Denise was the driving force behind her late husband, Dave Curry`s Mighty Duck Blues Band. Although she didn`t accept being referred to as the band`s manager, that was the role she played. Negotiating the deals, venue changes and payrole, that was the ground she covered.
The Mighty Duck Blues Band was a residency group, holding down weekly engagements at three clubs in St. Catharines, Ontario over 19 years. The Golden Pheasant a.k.a The Duck, The Bar Upstairs and Jo Blos Rock & Wok were the venue stages they called home for eight months yearly.
When guitarist, Dave Curry founded the band in 2006, Denise jumped into action and took over the business so the musicians could concentrate on what they do best, play the music. Over the years The Mighty Duck Blues Band opened the door at their weekly gig to share the stage with some of the best Canadian blues performers working today. Denise rarely missed a show, handling the pay outs and making everyone happy. She also played a role in the band`s public relations, surveying the audinece and doing her best to keep club owners smiling.
When Dave Curry passed away suddenly in December 2023, Denise`s world came crashing down. Dealing with serious health issues herself she pressed on, making sure that Dave`s memory and contributions to Canadian Blues and live music would not be forgotton. She established The Dave Curry Memorial Music Fund lending financial support to The Laura Secord Secondary School Music Program in St. Catharines and contributing to The Joel Dupuis Band expenses when they took part in the Internation Blues Challenge, Memphis TN in 2024.
The Mighty Duck Blues Band remembers Denise Curry:
“Denise was always there, cheerful and friendly. She and Dave were life-mates and as perfect a match as ever was made. “
Teddy Leonard guitarist Mighty Duck Blues Band
“Hasta luego mi amiga. I will miss you my friend. You, Dave and Robin have fun out there. I'm going to be a while “
Francis Oliver sound technician Mighty Duck Blues Band
“Denise was sweet, kind, generous, wise and loved her husband Dave so much. We should all aspire to have a bond as strong as they did. “
Jim Casson drummer Mighty Duck Blues Band
“Denise was a strong and determined woman, she was an inspiration to many. She was a backbone for the Mighty Duck Blues Band in partnership with her husband and our founding member, Dave Curry. Her love and support for musicians and the live music scene will be sorely missed.”
Lorraine Ingle piano/organ Mighty Duck Blues Band
“I made a comment to Dave once saying that Denise was a wonderful, caring person. He agreed and said “but don`t make her mad, she has a serious left hook”
Gary Kendall bassist Mighty Duck Blues Band
“ Denise was a gentle soul who worked tirelessly for MDBB handling everything from searching out new venues, tracking CD sales and running the weekly draws at our house gig. We were better for knowing her and will miss her.” Canada Dave Tororsian keyboards Mighty Duck Blues Band
We're celebrating the 1 YEAR ANNIVERSARY of our Big Launch show with another incredible event!
The stellar lineup includes:
Chuck Jackson Steve Strongman Sandra Bouza Selena Evangeline David Rotundo Ira Walker Spencer Mackenzie The EBS All Stars: Colin Lapsley, Jesse O'Brien, Dave King & Roly Platt Tickets: $55* + fees
EBS Members Discount is 10% - you should have recieved the discount code via email.
Doors @ 7:00pm Show @ 7:30pm
Get your TICKETS HERE !
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November 28, 2024 The Escarpment Blues Society honoured The Downchild Blues Band with the organizations Hall of Fame Award presented on stage to band leader Donnie Walsh by President Ken Wallis. Much love and appreciation for the epic years of blues music |
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Southside Shuffle!
Ken Wallis, President of The Escarpment Blues Society attended the 26th Annual Port Credit Blues and Jazz Festival, the weekend of September 6,7, and 8. It was three days of solid music that kept everyone enthralled. The following is a photo review of that weekend with some short comments.
The festival featured 3 stages, The Brightwater Main Stage, The “Not Another Restaurant” Gazebo Stage, and The Queen Bea Stage. Plus, The Liuna! Street Shuffle featured a boatload of bands and there was music in many local clubs. We couldn’t get to all the acts. You’d have to be beamed up to each stage and then run to the next one. I always say it’s like Halloween. You go from one stage to another to get a treat.
Due to storage space, we are only able to feature the acts of the two main stages, The Brightwater Mainstage and The ‘Not Another Restaurant’ Gazebo stage.
The weather forecast leading up to the weekend was dismal. 90% rain and lots of rain predicted. Fortunately, there were only a few sprinkles. The blues gods were with us!
Friday night, the Brightwater Main Stage kicked of with Durham County Poets. Led by superb vocalist Kevin Harvey, the Poets brought some great hand me down blues, which just happens to be the album that garnered them a Juno nomination in 2019 for Blues Album Of The Year.
Then Bywater Call took the stage. Led by vocalist Meghan Parnell and Dave Barnes on guitar, this rockin’ seven-piece band featured some tunes from their new album Shepherd. They even had the audience up and dancing when they covered Stephen Stills’, Love The One You’re With.
We hustled over to the ‘Not Another Restaurant’ Gazebo stage to catch a few tunes by Big Dan Deffares. He’ll be headed to Memphis for the International Blues Challenge and there’s a fund-raiser scheduled for Sunday September 29 in St. Thomas.
Then back to the main stage as Sue Foley wrapped up the night. With her signature pink guitar, she showed why she’s won four consecutive Traditional Blues Female Awards at the Blues Music Awards in Memphis. What a great way to start the weekend!
Saturday the weather held off and the Southside Shuffle rolled out a ton of music.
At the main stage we heard Philip Sayce. And I do mean HEARD! His guitar sailed through the park, attracting a large crowd that heard some music from his latest album, The Wolves Are Coming.
Then Steve Marriner and Jimmy Bowskill put on riveting show. Together these two virtually put the stage on fire with some jaw-dropping guitar work. These two mesh together like copy and paste.
Then it was time for Jim Cuddy, as he hits the road for his All World Fades Away Tour with tunes from his newest release. As part of Blue Rodeo, he’s toured extensively and released 16 albums.
Over at the other stage Dwayne LaForme and his band treated the audience to some Boogie Blues that demanded you put on your dancing shoes.
What a treat to listen to Cheryl Lescom and the Tucson Choir Boys. Cheryl has been on the music scene for years, touring with the likes of Ronnie Hawkins and Long John Baldry. They performed their signature tune, Wise Old Owl, and they announced that they’re in the process of recording a new album.
The Tonewheels featuring Matt Weidinger. When it comes to Hammond organ excellence, Matt gives it all. The trio hailing from Kitchener is noted for their instrumental tunes and handling a variety of different genres. We were captivated by their version of Compared to What, the Eddie Harris and Les McCann classic.
From Ottawa way, Murray Kinsley and Wicked Grin stormed the stage with a multitude of tunes. Along with Larry Kurtz on harmonica, the band let loose with a solid set and Murray played his cigar box guitar fashioned by Matt Isabel of Ghost Town Blues Band.
Sunday the weather was perfect, and the sunshine promised a bright day of music.
Ladies of Sweet Soul Music socked it out on the main stage. Four special guest artists brought some classics to the audience featuring a Quisha Wint impersonation of Tina Turner.
Then the band I had been most thrilled to see, The Blackburn Brothers. Words cannot describe what jewels of the Canadian music scene they are. Their family’s resilience is testament to their ancestors gaining their freedom through the Underground Railway. Their latest album SoulFunkn'BLUES, just won 2024 Blues Blast Music Award Soul Blues Album Of The Year.
Matt Minglewood brought his 60-year career experience to the park. From Down East, Matt brought along Roly Platt on harmonica, which made for a rousing set of great tunes.
Nothing needs to be said about The Legendary Downchild Blues Band. They have played the Southside Shuffle every year of its existence and they are launching their Farewell Tour, so it’s a treat to catch them now. Special note: The Farewell Tour, will be coming to The Studio in Hamilton on November 28, 2024 at 7:30 pm with special guest Jeff Rogers. The show is presented by The Escarpment Blues Society.
What a weekend. It was worth the sore legs and tired bodies. It doesn’t get any better than this!
And many thanks to the founder and Artistic Director, Chuck Jackson, who along with his wife, make this a very special festival.
May 6, 2024
BIG LAUNCH CONCERT’ KICKS OFF NEW MUSIC GROUP
Read the Full Article HERE by Ken Wallis
Hamilton City Magazine - December 2023
Read the full article here
The Escarpment Blues Society is about to take flight!
The Sound Cafe - December 2023
read the full article here!
Welcome to 2024! Message from our President!
Happy New Year to Blues and Roots music lovers who follow Escarpment Blues Society. As the year 2024 starts to unroll, the Escarpment Blues board is busy preparing for the official launch on Tuesday May 28th. The launch takes place at the Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre in the beautiful, state-of-the-art, 470-seat Peller Hall Theatre, which boasts fantastic acoustics that are fit for an evening of rocking good music. The evening will feature the Escarpment Blues All Star Band and a stellar lineup of guest musicians! We will gradually release the names as they become available, and tickets can be purchased through the Memorial Arts Centre Box office in the near future.
Memberships for Escarpment Blues Society are now available at a reduced rate for one- and two-year memberships. The anniversary date for all who purchase memberships now will not commence until the official launch. Go to escarpmentbluessociety.ca to get your reduced-cost membership. Regular prices will be in effect after May 28th. Also check out our Facebook page and join our private group.
The May 28th date will only be the beginning of support for blues and roots music in the months to come. We will announce more exciting news as we gradually roll out support and concerts. Get your dancing shoes dusted off for some fun-filled music events!
Here’s to 2024!
Cheers
Ken Wallis, President