In 1968, Gary Kendall moved from Fort William to Toronto, the city he now calls home.  By 1971, as a member of The James Hartley Band, he was playing the legendary Grossman’s Tavern on Spadina Ave and other blues bars in Toronto. The Downchild Blues Band was at the top of the Toronto blues scene and he quickly became friends with all the band members, and then their bassist. Brought together by a mutual respect for the music and the art forms originators, Gary has spent a life in the blues giving back as much as he has gotten. 

TORONTO – Grossman’s Tavern is excited to announce that applications for the Amy Louie Grossman’s Music Scholarship (ALGMS) are now officially open. The application period runs from June 10th to September 23rd, 2024. Musicians can find application details and submit their proposals at Grossman’s Tavern ALGMS.

The scholarship winner and runner-up will be revealed during a special fundraiser event on Tuesday, October 8th, 2024, at 7 PM at Grossman’s Tavern, located at 377 Spadina Ave., Toronto, ON. The event will feature live performances from the winners and is set to be a memorable evening celebrating Toronto’s vibrant music scene.

Established in 2012, the Amy Louie Grossman’s Music Scholarship was created by the Louie family, owners of Grossman’s Tavern, in memory of Amy Louie, a cherished member of the family and the business. Amy’s vision was to support local musicians, and this scholarship, valued at $2,000 CAD, aims to fulfill her dream by providing vital funding to help artists further their careers.

Interested musicians or bands are encouraged to submit a proposal outlining their plans for the scholarship funds. Applications must be received by Monday, September 23rd, 2024.

Visit: grossmanstavern.com/algms

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The Amy Louie Grossmans Music Scholarship (ALGMS) is an artist development bursary created in memory of the late Amy Louie, a member of the family that has owned Grossman’s Tavern in Toronto since 1975.
Each year, the bursary provides a musician or band from the Greater Toronto Area $2000 to help with career development. There is a secondary prize of $1000 for the runner-up.
An annual fundraiser event is presented at Grossman’s Tavern. This fundraiser helps to generate money for the bursary and serves as an award ceremony for the year’s successful applicant.
Applications dates for 2024 are now open and close on September 23, 2024.
All submissions will be considered. A full explanation of the project and the need for funding must be included as part of the application.
The proposal criteria should include the following:
Applicants name, band name, email address, phone number and mailing address
Links to the applicants website, Facebook and other social media
Links for listening to the applicants music
Proposal should be 200 words or less
Proposal should be documented in PDF format
Applications must be submitted by email to: algms@grossmanstavern.com c/o The Amy Louie Grossmans Music Scholarship
The successful applicant will receive half the scholarship funds at the beginning of the project and the remainder on its completion. An expense budget will need to be presented prior to receipts of the funds.
The successful applicant and runner-up will be required to participate in the subsequent annual fundraiser event. Participation involves performing a short set at the event, consultation meetings with the event organizers, logistical support (which may include programming and backline arrangements), and possible judging duties.
The successful applicant will be chosen by a panel consisting of members of the Louie family, music industry professionals and individuals with long standing connections to Grossman’s Tavern.
Questions regarding the submission process can be sent to algms@grossmanstavern.com

Music on this podcast:

The Maple Blues Band – Savona Shuffle
The Maple Blues Band – Sumlin Around
The Maple Blues Band – At The Corner
Downchild – This Road
Downchild – Scattered
The Maple Blues Band – The Bakers Groove
The Maple Blues Band – Hey Nola
The Swingin’ Blackjacks – I Love You So
Downchild – Rock It
Downchild – Flip Flop & Fly
Gary Kendall – Lucky At Love
Gary Kendall – Don’t Be Sad
The Maple Blues Band – Mating Cry
The Maple Blues Band – If I Should Lose You Again
The Maple Blues Band – Zanzibar
Blue Moon Marquee – Hoodoo Lady

Visit: www.garykendall.com

Running time: 50 minutes.