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Crystal Shawanda opens Blues Revue to adoring fans at storied Massey Hall

TORONTO—Life is sometimes about chance and opportunity. This particular evening in Toronto was a moment of serendipity—a delightful surprise that seem to happen by chance but felt almost magical. After a long day at The Gathering conference, I was seeking a space and place to just unwind. Theatre and music have always been a favourite choice and I was on my way to watch the famous Moulin Rouge at the Ed Mirvish Theatre. 

Many had agreed to join me and as show time neared; I realized it was lots of talk but no action. So, consequently I had to make the dash through the streets of the concrete jungle and as luck would have it, ended up at the wrong theatre. After my 15-minute jaunt, I reached the front wicket anxious and out of breath. I asked to purchase one ticket and the teller replied, “For what show”? I stood there confused while she placed a poster in front of me and there on the poster, I see Crystal Shawanda’s name in the line-up for the 37th Annual Women’s Blues Revue. 

Well, that settled it for me, I knew exactly what show I was going to see (where I’d gone by serendipitous accident). With ticket in hand, I made my way through the $184 million renovated Massey Hall, Toronto’s legendary music venue with its legendary acoustics. As I walked through the grand hall with its deco brass banisters and iron columns, it all seemed surreal and even more eye popping was the experience of entering the cavernous main hall.

I made my way to my plush red velvet balcony seat, dead centre, one of the bonuses when you buy a single. I could feel the electricity in the air and knew I was in for an unforgettable experience.

Lights dim. A hush falls over the audience. Then, with a burst of brilliance, the lights go up and the backup band begins a steady rhythmic blues beat. The spotlight shines down and Crystal stands centre stage at Massey Hall. In that instant, the magic of the entire stage unfolds and comes to life. 

Wow! I jumped to my feet and joined in the uproar of emotion as adoring blues fans clap in unison. Crystal brings the crowd to life belting out her opening number. Tears well up in my eyes, I cry joy for this little girl, living her dream. It’s amazing to think about. From the dusty back roads of Wiikwemkoong’s South Bay community to Massey Hall—there’s Crystal, standing exactly where some of the greatest legends like U2, Gordon Lightfoot, Justin Bieber, James Brown and Glenn Gould performed. 

Now stood Crystal singing with such emotion and power. Her unique voice and style have captured many hearts and her albums are selling to a whole new audience. Since her top selling country song, “You can let go now, daddy,” she has now made her mark in the blues music history. She has worked hard and earned her Juno for Best Blues Album, entitled ‘Church House Blues’.

Her story is filled with numerous challenges along her journey, but she has remained undeterred. She is the first Indigenous woman to perform the opening act at the annual 29th Women’s Blues Revenue. Other evening powerhouse performances included some of Canada’s well-known women in the blues circle featuring Diana Braithwaite, Tanika Charles, Kellylee Evans, Rebecca Hennessy and Meghan Parnell.

As the evening rolled on, the most impactful chorus was when all the women joined in for one last unique mix of women singing blues, combined with jazz and gospel. As the lights sweep across the concert stage, I watched in awe, as Crystal soaked up the entire evening, every moment real and precious to her. From my balcony perch, I watched her, with her camera in hand, documenting her story and memories to create another song. Undeniably, Crystal has set unprecedented standards for other Indigenous blues singers on Manitoulin Island and far beyond.

by Gina Gasongi Simon

Article written by

Expositor Staff
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Published online by The Manitoulin Expositor web staff