 | SYDNEY BLUES SOCIETY |
The Blues Awards
Celebrating Excellence in the NSW Blues Community
The Sydney Blues Awards were launched in 2019 to recognise the many contributors to our favourite genre — from musicians and venues to dedicated patrons and behind-the-scenes champions.
Held annually in conjunction with the Cronulla Jazz and Blues Festival, the Awards feature a formal presentation night filled with music, celebration, and community — a standout event on the Sydney Blues Society calendar.
️How Winners Are Chosen
Originally known as the Member’s Choice Awards, the Blues Awards have grown in popularity each year. Winners are determined through a two-step, community-driven process:
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Open Nominations – The broader blues community is invited to nominate favourites across various categories.
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Member Voting – Shortlisted nominees are then put to a vote by Sydney Blues Society members.
The awards cover achievements within the July–June period each year. Categories have evolved over time to reflect the dynamic nature of our scene.
Hall of Fame & Milestones
Hall of Fame inductees are selected by the SBS Committee to honour exceptional, long-term contributions.
We also have a unique rule:
️Any artist who wins the same award five years in a row is automatically elevated to the Hall of Fame and retired from future contention in that category. We have three artists that have trigger this rule:
+ Robert Susz, Harmonica
+ Ray Beadle, Guitar
+ Clayton Doler, Keyboard
A Few Words About the Awards
These awards are proudly subjective and community-led. We don’t claim to crown “the best” — we celebrate “favourites”, because these awards are about connection, not just talent.
Being nominated is a mark of deep respect from the community. Winning is an honour, but recognition alone signals that your work matters — and that your music has touched people.
What We Mean by “Blues”
We take a practical and inclusive approach to defining the blues. We don’t aim to cover every genre, and we’re not strict purists either. Our guiding belief is:
“We honour its rich history, while embracing its evolution.”
That philosophy shapes what we support and celebrate — past, present, and future.