Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Randy Steele Tribute (June 28, 2009) - Part 4 (Hard Rock Edition)
Links: Forgotten Rebels, More Alice Cooper Covers/Stories
Link: Mighty Masters of None
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More from the show
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Jackie Washington News Roundup
Both a musical celebration and memorial service will be held in memory of the late, great Jackie Washington.On Monday, July 6, 2009 at 7:30 pm, a New-Orleans style band will be joined by many performers at the Jackie Washington Rotary Park on at Wellington and Simcoe. All musicians are invited to join in.
Facebook page for the event.
Music will also be an important part of the memorial service (which is open to the public) to take place Wednesday, July 8, 2009 at 10:30 a.m. at Stewart Memorial Church, 114 John St. N.
Facebook page for the Memorial.
There were some tears but also a lot of music, fun and laughter at the Jackie Washington tribute on July 6, 2009.
Jackie Washington Rotary Park was packed with friends, family and fans remembering the life of this late, great Hamiltonian. Trains tooted as they passed the park, reminding everyone of Jackie's fascination with locomotives.
Local politician, and radio personality Bob Bratina hosted as poems were read, songs were sung, and stories were told.
Close friend and former manager, Bill Powell spoke of how Jackie's live music helped bring a woman out of catatonic state at a retirement home.
Organizers from various Ontario festivals spoke of the dedication the legend had to their events.
Poet and co-writer of Jackie's biography, James Strecker, read a poem he wrote in memory of his friend. Poet Holmes Hook also followed suit.
Jackie's frequent musical partners, Mose Scarlett and Ken Whiteley played amazing songs as did many other performers.
The evening ended with a big jam session of When the Saints Go Marching In. The performers marched into the crowd as people grabbed tambourines, harmonicas and kazoos to join in. A great sendoff for a wonderful man whose laughter and music brightened many people's lives.
Over 300 people packed Stewart Memorial Church, on July 8, 2009 to pay their respects the late, legendary bluesman Jackie Washington.
Among the attendees were former Ontario Lieutenant Governor Lincoln Alexander, whom the Spectator quoted saying that there would never be another like him again.
In the article, former manager Bill Powell spoke about how Jackie turned down a lucrative deal opening for Harry Belafonte because it would take him away from his family.
Also, Reverend Francis Chisholm called him "Dr. Washington, specialist in music therapy.
More stories about Jackie: About Blues, CBC, Toronto Star, Spec Video Interview with Jackie for 89th Birthday, Spec Story about the 2 tributes., Wikipedia entry,
Join the Jackie Washington Facebook Fan Page
Links: Jackie Washington, More Jackie Washington Stories
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Labels:
Blues,
Folk,
Jackie Washington,
News Roundup,
Soul
Randy Steele Tribute (June 28, 2009) - Part 3
Links: Spider Costello, Andrew Aldridge, Greg Brisco, Christopher Clause, Lisa Winn, More Spider Costello Stories.
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More to come . . . (mainly the hard rock portions of the show)
Monday, June 29, 2009
Performer of the Week: Alex MacDougall (LX)
Alex MacDougall (aka LX) is a talented Hamilton blues veteran. During his career, he's played guitar with such luminaries as Crowbar, the Trailblazers, Harrison Kennedy and many others.He also released an incredible instrumental solo album called LX.
Currently, he plays the axe for the funk/R&B band Groove Corporation, whose recent CD, Record Prophets, will get you on boogieing on the dance floor.
On top of everything, he's also an oil painter.
Links: MySpace (solo), Blog, Garageband.com, More Groove Corporation Stories
Labels:
Blues,
Crowbar,
Groove Corporation,
Performer of the Week,
Soul
Randy Steele Tribute (June 28, 2009) Part 2
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Links: Bob Lanois, More Bob Lanois Stories
Links: Rocketship7, More Rolling Stones covers/stories
The above video was from Randy Steele's old band.
Links: Jim Witter, More Jim Witter Stories, More Beatles Covers/News Stories
More to come . . .
Jackie Washington Gets Front Page Treatment

On the Monday, June 29, 2009 edition of the Hamilton Spectator, the late Jackie Washington received the recognition he deserved. His life and career was the front page story.
Washington passed away Saturday June 27.
Graham Rockingham's touching article (no longer available) included a description of his final moments, Jackie's biography, highlights from his career, and quotes from important Hamilton figures such as Lincoln Alexander, Sheila Copps, and more.
More media stories about Jackie: CHML - London Free Press
The legend's passing has also been felt on the Internet as many musicians and fans have posted their thoughts on different web sites.
Here is a sampling:
Mark McNeil (Spectator Reporter)
"I've never known anyone who had more of a positive outlook on life and so genuinely loved being around people. He was a pleasure to spend time with and he was a treasure of information about the jazz world and local history. We all learned by his example and our lives were enriched by his musicianship."
Alfie Smith
"The world seemed a little brighter with Jackie Washington in it. Your music and the joy you brought to so many people will always live on. I feel lucky to have known you. Rest in peace my friend."
John Crawford (Strange Cargo)
"I am devastated, I just found out that the great Jackie Washington of Hamilton Ontario died yesterday. My heart goes out to the Washington Family. I was deeply moved by Jackie's music and he influenced my music for the better. Thanks Jackie and God bless you.!!!!!!!!"
Fix Our Word (Charity)
"Jackie Washington, a cultural icon who spread joy through his music for more than 80 years, has died. He was funny, sweet and unique."
Lily Sazz (Groove Corporation)
"A Hamilton icon gone. Jackie Washington's memory will live on. Special mention to all of his dear friends who helped him in his final years."
All our Jackie Washington stories.
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Links: Jackie Washington, More Jackie Washington Stories
Labels:
Alfie Smith,
Blues,
Folk,
Groove Corporation,
Jackie Washington,
John M Crawford,
Mark McNeil,
Obituaries,
Soul
Randy Steele Tribute (June 28, 2009) Part 1
Links: Lori Yates, Lisa Winn, Alfie Smith, More Lori Yates Stories
Links: Steve Strongman, More Steve Strongman stories
Links: Jim Witter, More Jim Witter Stories, More Beatles Covers/News Stories
More to come . . .
Labels:
Alfie Smith,
Beatles,
Blues,
Folk,
Frank Koren,
Hamilton Place,
Jim Witter,
Lisa Winn,
Lori Yates,
Matt Hayes,
Steve Strongman
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Monday, June 22, 2009
Performer of the Week: Bob Bryden
Hamilton music legend, Bob Bryden has been recording unique music since 1968. Originally a member of hard rock/psychedelic bands Reign Ghost and Christmas, he has since explored many other styles.His latest album, Polaroid Verite has an amazing classic rock sound with a bit of folk.
Bob also occasionally teams up with Christopher Clause as the Psychedelic Orange Experiment (P.O.E.)
Links: Bob Bryden, More Bob Bryden Stories
Labels:
Bob Bryden,
Folk,
Performer of the Week
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Friday, June 19, 2009
Ginger St. James' Goodbye Bash
Local musician Ginger St. James is heading to Toronto. On Thursday, June 18, she threw a goodbye party at This Ain't Hollywood with live music, a DJ, dancing, and more.
Lucky attendees also got a chance to pick up a limited edition (available only at that particular show) CD of Ginger's sultry, swinging songs.
Below are a few highlights from the event.
More Jerry Lee Lewis Covers/Stories
The incredible musical newcomer Rebecca MacNeil performed a few songs as songs as well.
Links: Ginger St. James, More Ginger St. James Stories
Lucky attendees also got a chance to pick up a limited edition (available only at that particular show) CD of Ginger's sultry, swinging songs.
Below are a few highlights from the event.
More Jerry Lee Lewis Covers/Stories
The incredible musical newcomer Rebecca MacNeil performed a few songs as songs as well.
Links: Ginger St. James, More Ginger St. James Stories
Labels:
Blues,
Country,
Folk,
Ginger St. James,
Jerry Lee Lewis,
Rockabilly,
This Ain't Hollywood
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Halton Blues Society Live CD Still Available - New One on the Way
UPDATE: This album no longer available through the artists.At the Carrigan Arms on May 30, 2009 the Halton Blues Society hosted an amazing benefit concert where the James Anthony Band were joined on stage by a number of incredible performers. Guests included Hamilton legend Harrison Kennedy, Johnny Max, and more.The event was recorded for an upcoming live CD (lucky attendees will receive a free copy). Extra copies will be sold to raise money for charity.
James Anthony has told us that copies are still available of the previous Halton Blues Society live CD. His band is joined by Miss Jay Baxter, Cheryl Lescom, Chris Murphy and Virgil Scott, and violinist Igor Romanyk. Songs include Black Magic Woman, Who's Been Talking, Summertime and more.
More CD Releases
Links: James Anthony, More James Anthony Stories
James Anthony has told us that copies are still available of the previous Halton Blues Society live CD. His band is joined by Miss Jay Baxter, Cheryl Lescom, Chris Murphy and Virgil Scott, and violinist Igor Romanyk. Songs include Black Magic Woman, Who's Been Talking, Summertime and more.
More CD Releases
Links: James Anthony, More James Anthony Stories
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