The Art Gallery of Hamilton was abuzz on Thursday, June 8 thanks to the 2023 Hamilton Arts Awards ceremony. Artists from all different genres and disciplines were there to celebrate the creative side of our fair city.
Lou, our founder and blogger took home one of the Arts Champion awards.
A word from Lou.
"It was a great honour being recognized for my work alongside other incredible art supports. Hamilton is a city jam-packed with art and it deserves to be showcased to the world."
Here is a video of Lou and the other winners getting their much-deserved awards.
From the GoFundMe page: Chuck Jackson has been battling cancer since 2020.
Throughout this time he has continued with his heavy schedule of performing and festival direction. It`s time for him to take a break. He needs an indefinite period of time off dedicated to recovery, concentrating on the necessary healing needed to rebuild his energy and immune system.
He is celebrated by many as Downchild's long time lead vocalist, the artistic director of Tim Horton`s Southside Shuffle, The Hogtown Allstars frontman and leader of The Chuck Jackson Band.
It`s a well known fact that working musician`s do not have the luxury of health benefits or income supplements. When the lights go down and the stage is empty the cash flow grinds to halt.
We're calling on everyone who has benefited from Chuck Jackson's good natured performances and event organizing over the years to step up and assist us in providing the financial support he needs during this difficult time. Your generosity will be greatly appreciated.
The Hamilton Blues Lovers (HBL) want to showcase a deserving local charity every week. HBL is not affiliated with these charities nor does it fund raise for them.
From their website: Food4Kids provides packages of healthy food for kids aged 5-14 years with limited or no access to food each weekend. The Hamilton Blues Lovers (HBL) want to showcase a deserving local charity every week. HBL is not affiliated with these charities nor does it fund raise for them.
You inspired me so much. Your talent and strength to overcome so many obstacles. So powerful. So beautiful. You’re simply the BEST. R.I.P. Tina Turner 🎶💜🎤
Man. Tina Turner. My heart is heavy to know she is no longer earthside. I never got the chance to see her live but she has been the single biggest influence for me musically, vocally and performance wise. I binge watch live footage regularly just hoping to feel the magic that was the Queen of Rock & Roll. RIP Tina - shine on.
Today (May 25, 2023) is that day that the Grand River Blues Society turns 20 years old. We here at HBL salute this amazing organization that has helped keep the Blues alive in our area.
Here are few comments about the anniversary:
Bruce Hall (President, GRBS)
The Grand River Blues Society is celebrating its 20th anniversary this week on Thursday May 25th. We have indeed come a long way from the grass roots launch in Cambridge where in fact about 80 blues fans joined us then for a twenty dollar fee. We are proud that that annual membership is still only twenty dollars.
We would like to celebrate our success by honoring all our members, volunteers, venues, musicians and directors past and present who have helped make this feat possible. The GRBS has committed to making 2023 a year long celebration with more exciting shows and announcements to come. I invite you to check us out on Facebook and our website
Keep Shufflin'
Lou (HBL blogger and founder)
As a member and volunteer for the GRBS, I get to see first hand the dedication the board members and the volunteers have to local music. Blues is in their blood and they work hard to support local artists. Cheers!
Congratulations to the Grand River Blues society for turning 20! The best thing about the GRBS is the fact that it feels more like a Blues family then a society. We've been honored to represent the Grand River blues society in Memphis at the Memphis Blues challenge and to have performed at their 10th anniversary which seems like yesterday! They are an inspiration to how a blues society should be run with genuine passion and love for preserving the Blues and we look forward to many more years of continued success with our Blues family.
The GRBS has been at the forefront of creating a love & appreciation for Blues amongst the youth in our community via the Blues in the Schools program, The Grand River Blues Camp and The Youth Legacy Contest. I have personally witnessed its growth & impact over many years.