Did you know that the original Blues Brothers – Dan Akroyd and John Belushi were inspired by a Canadian band called The Downchild Blues Band – take a listen to this clip and you will see why…

Talk about some great jump blues on that second number.

I remember seeing them back in the 90’s at many local Ottawa and Toronto bars – they always put on a great, tight and swinging blues show.

With some great blues harp, blues guitar and excellent portfolio of traditional blues and swing blues numbers – you knew when you went out to see Downchild, you were going to be entertained.

What did amaze me is this article in The Globe about the upcoming 40th anniversary of Downchild – wow where the hell has the time gone?  Great to hear that they are on a celebration tour for their 40th anniversary hosted by non other than Dan “The Man” Akroyd himself.  With stops planned in Ottawa, Toronto, Belleville, Niagra Falls and Montreal this should be a terrific blues event.

Check out their tour schedule and help vote for them on the several nominations they received for the Maple Blues Awards by visiting their website.

What about you – have you ever been in the audience for Downchild?