Location: Taste of Markham Dance Stage
Glenn Marais: Electrifying Blues with a Powerful Story
Glenn Marais is a powerhouse guitarist, songwriter, and performer who channels the soul of the blues with electrifying intensity and heartfelt authenticity. Hailing from Newmarket, Ontario, Canada, Glenn made a lasting impression at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis—reaching the semi-finals in 2024 with his band Glenn Marais and the Mojo Train.
Their 2024 release, Red, Hot and Blue, has been met with enthusiastic acclaim, continuing to chart and earn praise for its fiery energy and emotional depth. In early 2025, Glenn and once again reached the IBC semi-finals advanced in the solo category—further solidifying his rising international profile.
In 2025, Glenn unveiled a groundbreaking solo album, Jook: The Story of the Blues—a gripping, emotionally raw tribute to the origins of the blues. Tracing the history of slavery and the Great Migration, the album honors the journey of blues artists from the American South to the North in search of freedom and dignity. Glenn’s virtuosic guitar work and impassioned vocals bring this history to life with profound reverence and bold artistry.
Whether performing solo or fronting his band Glenn Marais and the Mojo Train, Glenn delivers unforgettable performances. The band is a blues-rock powerhouse whose sound draws from the Mississippi Delta, Detroit’s Motown, the funk of Philadelphia, and beyond. Their genre-defying live shows are a celebration of musicianship and soul, led by Glenn’s fiery guitar work and Juno-nominated songwriting.
The all-star lineup features bassist Manny De Grandis (leader of The Maples and member of the Toronto Blues Society House Band), keyboardist Jesse Karwat (of Canadian rock icons I Mother Earth), and acclaimed drummer Jeff Saulnier. Together, they bring a tight, passionate energy to the stage, constantly pushing boundaries and igniting audiences wherever they play.
More than just musicians, Glenn Marais and the Mojo Train are artists with a mission. Through their non-profit, MusicCan, they provide instruments and music education to underserved youth across Canada—currently active in two YRDSB schools with plans for expansion. Living by the motto “Give to Live,” the band has raised over $100,000 for the Stephen Lewis Foundation and supported causes including food banks, Blue Door Shelters, and the Starlight Children’s Foundation.
Glenn Marais is a force of musical passion, social purpose, and unshakable authenticity—proof that music still has the power to shake the soul and change the world.