Toronzo Cannon – 11/4

“Deep, contemporary Chicago blues…razor-sharp guitar and compelling, forceful singing” — The Chicago Tribune

“Cannon is at the front rank of Chicago bluesmen. He creates wide-screen modern arrangements for wry, thoughtful songs, molding an ensemble sound that’s both tempestuous and scrupulously controlled.” – MOJO

Chicago bluesman Toronzo Cannon defies all expectations. The blistering guitarist, soulful vocalist, singular songwriter, and city bus driver fuses muscular, rock-inspired blues guitar playing with original, keenly detailed slice-of-life songs. With the 2016 release of his Alligator Records debut, The Chicago Way, Cannon broke onto the international stage. He’s played major cities across the U.S., Canada, Europe, and recently performed in Japan. His new release, The Preacher, The Politician Or The Pimp, features twelve originals ranging from burning social commentary to wry, humorous songs and haunting, serious tracks.

"It’s not about the solos," Cannon says. "It’s about the songs. People get used to everyday life, so it’s easy to miss the things around them. I write about those things. I know the problems of Chicago, the hardship, ’cause we’re always a scapegoat. But I choose to love and respect the city because of the Chicago blues giants that came here from down south. I’m proud to be standing on the shoulders of every great Chicago blues musician who came before me."

Born in Chicago on February 14, 1968, Cannon grew up near Theresa’s Lounge and soaked up live blues outside the club as a child. He bought his first guitar at 22, initially played reggae, and then found his voice in the blues. He absorbed influences from Buddy Guy, Albert Collins, Hound Dog Taylor, B.B. King, Albert King, Freddie King, Jimi Hendrix, J. B. Hutto, Lil’ Ed and others, while developing a distinctive biting guitar sound.

From 1996–2002 Cannon played as a sideman for Tommy McCracken, Wayne Baker Brooks, L. V. Banks and Joanna Connor. In 2001 he formed The Cannonball Express and by 2003 was working exclusively as a band leader. His early albums include 2007’s My Woman (self-released), 2011’s Leaving Mood (Delmark) and 2013’s Blues Music Award–nominated John The Conqueror Root (Delmark).

The Chicago Way earned wide attention: MOJO named it the #1 Blues Album of 2016, Living Blues readers did the same, and Cannon received four Blues Music Award nominations in 2017. CNN filmed him leading a tour of Chicago blues clubs. The Chicago Cubs invited him to throw the ceremonial first pitch on September 13, 2017. He’s played the Chicago Blues Festival on ten occasions. When he’s home he drives a Chicago Transit Authority bus by day and performs by night. Blues Music Magazine praises his fire and spontaneity; PBS Chicago Tonight notes he’s "just your typical CTA bus driver who moonlights as a sought-after Chicago blues musician."

Event details:
- Date: November 4
- Doors: 5:30 PM
- Showtime: 7:00 PM (event listed 7:00–9:00 PM)
- Venue: The 443 Social Club & Lounge, 443 Burnet Ave, Syracuse, NY 13203

Ticket info:
- The 443 is an intimate listening room with table service that seats 75 people.
- The green squares/circles on the floor plan are bar-height tables; the orange squares are regular-height tables.
- Most seats are sold as "Tables for Two" — each ticket admits two people.
- A limited number of single seats are available; single attendees may share a table with other single attendees.
- Multiple tickets purchased under the same name will automatically be seated together (up to 6 people).
- Requesting a specific table is a perk reserved for VIP Patron members.
- If anyone in your party needs special seating arrangements (walker, cane, service animal, wheelchair, low table requirement, or you want to be seated with another party), please EMAIL US after you place your order.

Links:
- Official website: https://www.toronzocannon.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/toronzocannon
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/toronzocannon
- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0zqygsU5SAxzfK5hop7As6?si=4sb7k2xwTsCpIx85yG2LPQ
- Tickets (Eventbrite): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/toronzo-cannon-at-the-443-social-club-tickets-1994375629194?aff=oddtdtcreator
- Video: https://youtu.be/VSBSY9smvBs?si=z0ORfFgldTYrDOvZ