Newmarket native Glenn Marais has launched a fundraiser to rally community support as he prepares to compete in a prestigious international music competition.
The Juno-nominated singer and songwriter has started a GoFundMe campaign to assist with his travel costs as a solo musician competing in the International Blues Challenge in Memphis Jan. 7 to 11, 2025. Adjudicators for the Grand River Blues Society selected him to attend the event after he competed in a local contest.
“Going down and being able to represent our town is a huge honour,” said Marais. “I take it seriously, and it helps me stay focused and motivated.”
Last year, Marais took part in the competition with his band, The Mojo Train, making it to the semi-finals. He said he hesitated to seek help this time, but the community support was incredible.
He said he would be back and would win. However, he won't be able to lean on his supporting cast on stage to assist him.
“I will have a couple of friends going with me, and my bass player may come with me to support me, but you’re still up there by yourself," said Marais. "That part is a little bit different, and it’s something I’m working on to be mentally ready for that.”
Marais and his band are involved with the community as much as they are in the studio. They have supported the Newmarket Food Pantry, Starlight Children’s Foundation, Stephen Lewis Foundation, and Blue Door.
Memphis, the home of the blues and the birthplace of rock ’n’ roll, has been the launching pad for several stars, from Elvis Presley to B.B. King. This historical significance makes it the perfect stage for Marais to showcase his talent and represent his hometown.
“The music itself is the foundation of rock and all different styles with derivatives of jazz,” said Marais. “The earliest blues music was of a single person with a guitar at a juke joint, and they would entertain all night. I read about people like Muddy Waters, who would play for six hours a night at a juke joint. He would play for tips and sometimes food and sell the food for money.”
He and his band have conducted an anti-bullying campaign focused on assisting youth in the area by educating students at York Region schools through their Black History program.
“It’s music that is based in story, based in oppression,” said Marais. “I have seen my share of it growing up as a mixed-race person in an area that did not have a lot of diversity growing up, so I’ve seen it and researched it a lot for my Black history programs.”
Marais said he has been working tirelessly on his music for the past year, writing new lyrics, songs, and guitar segments. He hopes the Delta blues songs he’s written for his Black history show will help him secure a milestone win.
Market Brewing Company will host a fundraiser to assist Marais on his voyage with live music from special guests on Nov. 16. Participants can enjoy a sneak peek of new music from Marais and purchase tickets for a 50/50 raffle. Tickets are $20 online and $30 at the door.
