Durham County Poets

Durham County Poets is a band in the truest sense of the word! It all started in a small café in Ormstown, Quebec. Since then, the band has spread across the Canadian music scene, touring all over Canada and the United States. Each member writes and arranges and brings something unique to the table. You'll hear a variety of genres and a wide range of styles. Whether it's blues, soul, folk, R&B or gospel, it all comes together perfectly to create a sound that is authentically contemporary and Canadian.

Their fourth album, Hand Me Down Blues, built on this success, staying in the top 50 of the Roots Music Report chart in Canada for over 12 months. The album was nominated for a 2020 JUNO Award in the Blues Album of the Year category. They also have 5 nominations in the last 4 years at the Maple Blues Awards.

The new album, Out of the Woods, produced by Bill Garrett, was released on 20 May 2022. The band have been busy over the last two years, writing and drawing inspiration from life as we know it today and allowing experiences, good and bad, to shape each song with sincerity. The band is back in the groove, seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. You'll hear original and inspiring compositions from the Blues, R&B, Soul and Gospel genres. Each song tells a story and touches the heart! Durham County Poets' most recent album, "Out of the Woods", has been selected as one of the Top 40 Blues Albums of 2022 by Blues Blues (a strong competition with 808 singles and 405 albums submitted).

"Singer Kevin Harvey and his band are sonic shape-shifters of the highest order. Whether it's blues, folk, soul, country, gospel or New Orleans swing, they deliver it with skill, aplomb and sheer honesty." - Nate Dow, Fallout Shelter, Massachusetts

"There's something about the Durham County Poets that makes you feel like all is right with the world after all. There's a human spirit living in these people and their music is the medium that allows that spirit to run wild." - Bill Hurley, Extended Play Sessions Hand Me Down Blues

"Although this is primarily a blues album, it's not as 'blue' as the title would lead me to believe. You'll also find spirited gospel, a bit of country, jazz, and even some jump/swing on a track like KidneyStew; there's something fresh around every corner." - by John Kereiff The Rock Doctor

"The Durham County Poets are more than just a blues band. They are a collective of talented artists, each versed in their own field, who combine their influences and styles to create a single cohesive unit capable of producing amazing music." - Terry Parsons - Toronto blues society

"With 'Out Of The Woods', the Durham County Poets have made an excellent album, full of wonderfully tight ensemble playing, intelligent arrangements, strong songs, excellent recording values and a palpable sense of the blues.

The performance is made possible by the Quebec government's Plan de relance économique du milieu culturel.