The legendary guitar and singing icon will host a matinee this Saturday afternoon, allowing both young and old to rock out together. Get the latest updates from Joe Warmington delivered straight to your inbox. Published on October 16, 2025, with a recent update just minutes ago, this article invites you to join the conversation.
Paul James is a force to be reckoned with, known for howling at the late-night moon in midtown Toronto while delivering incredible blues guitar performances.
For blues enthusiasts, this Saturday marks a rare occasion, as the Paul James Band will be performing a matinee—a departure from the usual evening shows. “I’m excited,” said the 74-year-old legend about this special event. “Even after all these years, the thrill of playing for a live audience never fades.”
As Toronto music lovers are aware, Juno and Maple Blues award-winner Paul James delivers an unforgettable live show. He commands the stage, and you might even catch him strutting past your table while performing the duck walk with his guitar held high. With James on guitar and harmonica, Gary Gray on keyboards and backup vocals, Michael Theodore on bass, and Paul Armstrong on drums, expect a packed house where everyone will be joyfully singing the blues.
I first witnessed Paul perform in 1987 at Zak’s in Sault Ste. Marie, owned by Michael Zaharuk and David Hornstein. The venue was so crowded that people lined up along Queen Street. I was invited by my editor friend Ed Piwowarczyk from the Sault Star, who later joined me at the Toronto Sun. I became an instant fan, having never seen a performer quite like him before, and I’ve been fortunate to see him many times since. Now, it’s your chance.
“I had just gotten one of the first wireless pickups, which allowed me to move freely without being tethered by a long cable. I could wander out to connect with the audience in the middle of a song,” James reminisced about that Sault performance. “It was a blast.”
Interestingly, the police showed up to investigate the commotion but ended up laughing when they realized it was just a guy playing guitar in the street. Whether indoors at concert halls, theaters, or clubs, or outdoors at the CNE or fairs, Paul James’ shows are always electric.
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