Blue Door at your Door – A blues music broadcast event in support of the Ottawa Mission

Above: Blue Door at your Door features a star-studded line-up, including the legendary Downchild Blues Band.

Blue Door at your Door presented by Caivan Communities is a special television broadcast in support of the life-changing programs of The Ottawa Mission, featuring some of Canada’s top Blues musicians: Downchild Blues Band (with special guests Dan Aykroyd, Paul Shaffer, David Wilcox, Kenny Neal, Gene Taylor and Erja Lyytinen), Colin James, Big Sugar, Sass Jordan, Matt Andersen, MonkeyJunk, and Dawn Tyler Watson!

On Saturday, November 7 at 8 p.m. on CTV Ottawa, tune in to enjoy world-class music and extraordinary stories about individuals whose lives have been given hope by The Mission. The show is hosted by Angelo Tsarouchas. You’ve seen Angelo’s face pop up on numerous movie and television shows, and his high energy and relatable comedy has made him popular throughout the world. Co-chairs Lawrence Greenspon, Sheila Whyte and Michael Moffatt return once again to lead the event.

Blue Door at your Door features a star-studded Canadian Blues line-up, including the legendary Downchild Blues Band celebrating their 50th anniversary this year with a new album. Downchild promises to play many of their big hits, including “Flip, Flop & Fly,” as well as fan favourites and some hidden gems from throughout their illustrious career. Their appearance on Blue Door at your Door will feature special guest, Oscar nominee, SNL alumni and Blues aficionado Dan Aykroyd, former Late Night with David Letterman and Blues Brothers musical director Paul Shaffer, Blues/Rock icon David Wilcox, Grammy nominee Kenny Neal, Gene Taylor of The Fabulous Thunderbirds, and Finland's Queen of slide guitar Erja Lyytinen.  

The Blue Door at your Door program also includes performances by Canadian Blues legend Colin James, Rock legend Sass Jordan, Grammy-nominated Roots-Rock-Reggae groovers Big Sugar, Soul singer and powerhouse performer Matt Anderson, Ottawa’s own swampy rock and local Blues heroes Monkey Junk, and Montreal’s Queen of Blues singer/songwriter Dawn Tyler Watson, who is enjoying an incredible year after winning the 2020 Juno Award for Best Blues Album.

A highlight of past Blue Door Gala events has been meal preparation by graduates of the Food Service Training Program (FSTP) students, a program started over fifteen years ago by The Ottawa Mission’s Director of Food Services Chef Ric Allen-Watson. The FSTP provides applicants with the skills and confidence to work in the food industry and over 90 per cent of graduates since 2004 have found jobs in this sector. Students pay no cost. This year, students prepared a Southern-themed dinner with Chef Michael Moffatt of Thyme & Again. Meals can be purchased on-line and will be delivered to your door.

During the broadcast, The Ottawa Mission will share exciting news about the upcoming expansion of the FSTP at the former Rideau Bakery, which has been donated to The Mission for a seven-year period. Significant investment is needed to bring the building up to code and refurbish the space to meet the FSTP’s needs. Funds are also required to support increased job training and catering activities until the social enterprise achieves self-sufficiency. Corporations or individuals can sponsor the expansion by visiting https://ottawamission.akaraisin.com/ui/bluedooratyourdoor/sponsorships

All donations will be matched up to $75,000.00. Donate today at www.ottawamission.com/events

About The Ottawa Mission

The Ottawa Mission has been serving the homeless, the hungry and the lost since 1906. In 2019-2020, The Ottawa Mission provided emergency shelter to an average of 197 men every night and served an average of 1,422 meals every day. The Ottawa Mission also provides health services, mental health and addiction treatment programs, hospice care, dental services, housing services, educational support, job training, spiritual care, and men’s clothing to thousands in need in our community. In 2019, The Mission became a housing-focused shelter with the launch of a new housing department. In September 2020, The Ottawa Mission marked its one-millionth hour of service since its founding. The Mission has adapted its services to keep guests and staff safe during the COVID-19 crisis.

For event information contact Jennifer Graves, Senior Event Officer at: jgraves@ottawamission.com