The night was split across four venues all within easy walking distance. All the bands donated their services free, and an advance cover charge of $10 (Canadian, which is about a fiver) or $15 in the door got you in to all venues. The rain was persistent, so we stayed put in the Silver Dollar, where Raoul and the Big Time kicked things off with a set that blended together Chicago and Texas style blues, with plenty of original tunes on display. They were followed by a set from harp player Mark "Bird" Stafford which largely revolved around the repertoire of Little Walter, although it did include his own "Bunny Bop Boogie".

Highlight of the evening, though, was the performance by Downchild. They opened in blistering style with Donnie Walsh and Chuck Jackson's twin harp attack on "Soaring". For most part, though, Walsh played guitar and slide in a set that included several originals such as "Going Dancing" and "Wednesday Night Fever", and excellent covers of "TV Mama", and "Madison Blues". Thirty-something years as a band has helped to hone Downchild into a very tight unit, with a great overall sound balance. The rhythm section is very tight, and the excellent sax and keyboards, complement Walsh's guitar, all topped off by Jackson's great, big voice.

The keyboard and guitar duo of Murray Porter and Josh Miller from Six Nations of The Grand River Territory were up next. They kept things rocking along, and were joined by Jani Lazon, a terrific raunchy singer, for a couple of numbers ("Fishing" and "Hand Me Downs"). Harper handled most of the vocals, although Miller did sing a few numbers, and had a voice not entirely unlike SRV. They finished the set with the lyrically clever "Living In A White Man's World".

The stage was then set for Juno award winners Fathead. They cranked up the volume and the energy once more to round things off with a fine set of up-tempo funk and rhythm & blues. The joint was jumping as they brought the curtain down on a highly entertaining evening.

The night was a big success, despite the weather. Toronto has a vibrant blues scene which is well worth checking out if you are ever passing. A quick look at the local listings magazine shows that there is blues on somewhere every night of the week. You may not be lucky enough to see Downchild and Fathead on the same bill, but the Million Angels Benefit showed that even lesser known bands (to British fans) are still worth checking out.

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