Braithwaite & Whiteley

With southern American roots, Diana Braithwaite was dubbed a “national treasure” by Bluz FM radio host Danny Marks. Toronto born and raised, her ancestors traveled to Canada from Virginia, via the Underground Railroad. A gifted and captivating performer, Diana was chosen by Sarah Mclachlan to open Lilith Fair at the Molson Amphitheatre , before 18,000 people,  Her talent, and authentic blues shows have led her into the company of such stalwarts as Mel Brown, Albert Collins, John Lee Hooker and Jeff Healey.  Appearances at shows in Massey Hall in North America, concert halls and festivals in the U.K. and Europe led to her reputation as a world class blues singer.

Kansas born multi-instrumentalist, Chris Whiteley, has been on Saturday Night Live and has been playing blues guitar, trumpet and harmonica for over 30 years with such great blues artists as Leon Redbone, Sonnyland Slim and Eddy CleanHead Vinson.  A five time recipient of the horn player of the year award, Whiteley has appeared on over 200 recordings.  For years, Whiteley toured and recorded with Blind John Davis, the great Chicago musician and house piano player at Bluebird Records.

Together, Braithwaite and Whiteley present authentic, vintage blues while they continue to expand their horizons internationally and please audiences young and old.   Their album NIGHTBIRD BLUES, has been extremely well received with great reviews and air play internationally.  It garnered rave reviews , extensive air play, and in January 2010, led to multiple MAPLE BLUES AWARDS including SONGWRITERS OF THE YEAR.  Collectively they have been awarded 9 MAPLE BLUES AWARDS. 

Giving back to the community, they have performed their original presentation about the Underground Railroad for over 50,000 students across North America .  They have continued to tour across Europe and North America , appearing at Festivals and concerts, as well as numerous radio and television appearances.  Highlights include successful tours of Art Centers in the United States, UK, concert appearances in Russia and Europe, and several national tours of North America.

A steady force, in demand on today’s blues scene, they are celebrating their new Electro-Fi release DELTAPHONIC with national and international Festival and concert dates, including the Monaghan Blues Festival in Ireland,  The Toronto Jazz Festival, The Hudson River Blues Festival in New York City  and several summer festivals in North America along with an upcoming tour of England, Ireland and The Netherlands.