The Dirty Blues Band

The Dirty Blues Band is an acoustic trio made up of a vocalist, guitarist and percussionist. The style of music ranges from 1930's blues to contemporary Americana. Band members are vocalist Michelle LaHaise, percussionist Andrew Fur, and guitarist David Lindsay. An evening with the Dirty Blues Band is an evening of sassy tales of broken hearts and lamentations countered with the passion of triumph over adversity. Instrumentally, the band strives to create a dynamic sound mix from Dave's quiet fingerstyle acoustic to lusty slide guitar over a wide range of percussion textures from Andy's cajon and suitcase bass. Vocally, Michelle's sultry tones evoke blues of yesterday through boisterous protest of today's issues.

Michelle LaHaise 

Music. For Michelle, it was just “always there”. Growing up within a fairly tumultuous childhood, music became an early means of expression and escape. A go-to place where anything was possible. Michelle and her sister began writing and performing songs for their neighbours and friends, when they were very young. In Grade School, Michelle found an additional creative outlet in the theatre.

Her first role on stage in Grade Three, was in The Wizard of Oz. It was an instant addiction, which propelled her into becoming heavily involved in theatre, as well as acting for TV, film and commercials. She performed in numerous stage productions, of which some of her favourites were Death of a Salesman, The Odd Couple, Time and the Conways and Love Sex & The I.R.S.

She also landed roles in the TV shows Paranormal Witness, Instant Cash and Motives & Murders. Experiencing a deep love for acting and the theatre, but missing her musical roots, she joined the Grindstone Blues Band in 2012, as the lead singer, until the group disbanded in early 2015. Along with Dave and Andy of G.B.B., it was decided that an exciting new band was just around the corner, waiting to be formed. Now she is thrilled to bring you a fresh, sexy, sassy take, on some of the most dynamic early blues numbers, with the Dirty Blues Band. 

Andrew Fur

Andrew started his career as a snare drummer at the age of 12, specializing in highly technical drum rudiments. After many years building his chops, he went on to study with Canadian iconic jazz instructors Pete Magadini and Jim Blackley. After years of playing, he reached out again to embrace percussion instruments. He added bongos, congas, cajon, tympani as well as timbales to his arsenal of playing. Working at Long and McQuade Music, he has hosted many drum clinics with musicians ranging from Dennis Chambers (Santana) to Tommy Aldridge (Ozzie) as well as Tommy Igoe (Broadway's Lion King).

Andrew also works as a drum instructor for the Burlington Teen Tour Band. This is Canada's oldest youth organization for young musicians. The BTTB's travels have taken them around the world including Holland, Hawaii, France, Japan as well as Continental U.S. and Canada.

Having played drums or percussion with such artists as The Tim Park Trio, Sharon Musgrave, Killing Time Band, '905' Band, The Grindstone Blues Band, and The Rita Carrey Band. Andrew brings his chops to the Dirty Blues band.

His wish is that people come out to enjoy the music, have a good time, and want to come back again for more.

David Lindsay

Although a ukulele appeared in David's hands one Christmas at age 5 in northern Quebec, his first guitar was a Tempo parlor guitar with a metal ink cartridge for a saddle, acquired at the age of 13. Moving to Montreal at age 16, he formed a couple of bands, wrote and recorded a handful of original tunes, and attended university, studying electroacoustic music.

Spent 10 years performing and composing electronic and film music and as a performing and touring member of the CECG, and a founding member of the CEC.

1987 brought Dave to Toronto, Ontario, where he co-founded the Ellis John Blues Band in Watertown, Ontario, playing live at parties, social halls, northern retreats and more than a few sketchy spots.

Currently immersed in the world of music retail Dave co-founded Grindstone Blues in 2011, winding down the project in 2015.

Currently exploring the acoustic world of The Dirty Blues Band, David's interest in country blues, slide and fingerstyle opens a new expression of acoustic blues reminiscent of his early days playing his first guitar.

Performances

The Dirty Blues Band has enjoyed performing at private functions, public social events, street festivals, a yacht club, restaurants, bars, studios and cafés, and can tailor an evening's worth of entertainment to suit the venue. Visit us at dirtybluesband.com for tunes and current performing dates.