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Tuesday, August 29, 2017

Amazing New Website - Hamilton: City of Music


There's an amazing new website that celebrates the incredible music of the Hammer -  Hamilton: City Of Music.  It's the brainchild of the Hamilton Music Strategy, a volunteer organization dedicated to promoting music in their hometown. We'd like to thank them and congratulate them on a job well done!

The web site features an extensive music directory, event calendar, an email newsletter, playlists and much much more.  You can also submit your band/venue/music-related business for inclusion.

They also have a Twitter account as well as an Instagram and Facebook page.

We here at HBL strongly recommend you check it out when you get a chance. It's a wonderful addition to the Hamilton musical family.

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Wednesday, August 23, 2017

Bryon Walpole (aka Backbeat Brian) Passes


It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Hamilton Bluesman Bryon Walpole (aka Backbeat Brian). We don't have any details yet but we will post it here when we hear about it. Our condolences to his family, friends and fans.

Here are a few social media comments.

Wayne Janus
Much heartfelt thoughts go to his family during this time of change. Bryon was a light hearted enthusiastic guy who brought that chill and kindness to the work site, stage and friendships. I'm grateful for the memories yet very sad that he has left. Miss ya Buddy'... Until we meet again... Safe travels
Chris Labonville (Deacon Blues)
The Hamilton music community lost a good man, good friend, and good musician yesterday ... Bryon Walpole. Many memories over the years, sending my love and respect out to his other friends and of course his family.
Gerry Mayor
He was the nicest of guys, great harp player, and all around good person. Bryon you will be missed dearly by all of us. Now it's time for you to run that jam in the sky. Tonight's jam at the Ale House will be in your memory. Rest in peace sir.



Links: Backbeat Brian, More Backbeat Brian StoriesVideo above courtesy of Hamilton Blues Lovers

Blast from the Past: Backbeat Brian's After Christmas Party (Videos)

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Tuesday, August 22, 2017

John Lee Hooker's 100th Birthday! Incl Local Covers


Tuesday, August 22, 2017 marks what would have been John Lee Hooker's 100th birthday! The Blues legend passed on June 21, 2001 but he will be an immortal figure in the music world.

To celebrate, here are a few local covers and some music from the man himself!



Links: Joel JohnsonMore Joel Johnson StoriesVideo above courtesy of BluesJohnson



Links: Frankie and JimmyMore Frankie and Jimmy StoriesVideo above courtesy of Frankie Jimmy



Links: A.K. McLeod, More AK McLeod StoriesVideo above courtesy of A.K. McLeod



Video above courtesy of ultimafuelie



Links: John Lee Hooker, More John Lee Hooker StoriesVideo above courtesy of CaptainCoconut87More 100th Birthday Celebrations

Previous (Rob Deyman of Sylvia and the Boyfriend Wins Mel Brown Award) - - - Next (Bryon Walpole Passes)

CONGRATS! Waterloo's Rob Deyman (Waterstreet, Silvia Dee and the Boyfriend) Wins Mel Brown Award


On August 12, 2017 during the Kitchener Blues Fest, Waterloo's Rob Deyman (of Waterstreet Blues Band plus Silvia Dee and the Boyfriend) received this year's Mel Brown Award.  The prize is named after the late, legendary Kitchener Bluesman.  It's given to individuals who make a difference in the Blues community. Deymen is also the co-founder and recently retired Executive Director of that popular festival.

CONGRATS ROB!

Click here for the Waterloo Record Story



Links: Waterstreet Blues Band, More Waterstreet Stories





Links: Silvia Dee and the Boyfriend, More Silvia Dee Stories, Videos above courtesy of waterstreetbandMore Mel Brown Award Stories

Blast from the Past: Last Year's Winner

Previous (Local Independent Blues Award Winners) - - - Next (John Lee Hooker's 100th Birthday)

Monday, August 21, 2017

CONGRATS! Local 2017 Independent Blues Award Winners


GREAT NEWS! All the local musicians nominated for 2017 Independent Blues Awards won this year! Results were unveiled on August 13, 2017.

Hamilton's Smoke Wagon Blues Band earned 3 awards: Best Modern Roots CD (for Cigar Store), Best New Artist, and Best RnB/Soul Song (for Set Me Free). They were nominated for 5.

Frontman Corey Lueck had this to say:
"We know there's big awards like Grammys and Junos but being independent artists for our whole career and knowing the struggle, we are especially proud of theses awards and so honored to be listed among such great musicians and songwriters. We are ecstatic that "Cigar Store" has been so well received, thanks so much to blues fans and the the Independent Blues Awards - it means the world to us that folks are listening."


Links: Smoke Wagon Blues BandMore Smoke Wagon Blues Band StoriesVideo above courtesy of SoundofBlues (Alessandra)

The Best Blues Rock CD category went to Colin JamesBlue Highways (featuring work by Hamilton's own Steve Pelletier and Jesse O'Brien).



Links: Colin JamesMore Colin James StoriesSteve Pelletier, More Steve Peletier StoriesJesse O'Brien, More Jesse O'Brien StoriesVideo above courtesy of Blues Rock

The big winner of the year was Joe Bonamassa, with 5 awards, followed by Smoke Wagon and Bobby Rush with 3,

CONGRATS EVERYBODY!

Here's a complete list of winners

Blast from the Past: Our Review of Smoke Wagon's Nominated Album

Tuesday, August 15, 2017

The Amazing 2017-18 Freewheelin' Concert Schedule!


From the Freewheelin' Folk Email list:

Hello Freewheelers,

It's time to announce next year's line up. And it's really really good, as you've all come to expect.

Saturday September 23, 2018 TIA McGRAFF with Tommy Parham




Links: Lynn MilesMore Lynn Miles StoriesVideo above courtesy of FolkAlleydotCom

Saturday, January 20, 2018: STEVE POLTZ



Links: Steve PoltzVideo above courtesy of Moshcam

Saturday, April , 2018: IRISH MYTHEN



Links: Irish Mythen, More Irish Mythen StoriesVideo above courtesy of Lynn Hemeon

This is a great mix of styles and personalities. Many of you will remember Tia and Tommy from their show 5 years ago. They have such an emotional connection that there were audience members with tears rolling down their faces. Last year Tia was shortlisted for an Americana Grammy award!

What else can you say about Lynn Miles other than that she is one of the all time great singer songwriters anywhere. And for her return she brings along one of Canada's best guitarists, Keith Glass!

 We have never had a performer before quite like Steve Poltz. He is a wild crazy guy who often makes up songs on the spot. Here's a sample of his true self: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3N8F84RRhlY His song "You Were Meant for Me" (sung by his then girlfriend Jewel) was on the Billboard charts for more than 65 weeks.

Irish Mythen is now from PEI and before that from guess where. She brings a Celtic edge and a powerful voice.

Subscriptions are now available for only $89 + HST. Yes! For all 4 concerts! Hard to believe. Call the Carnegie Gallery at 905-627-4265 to make your purchase or stop by in person. The last two years we have sold out our limit of 100 subscriptions so don't wait too long. Call now! And with thanks to one of our excellent sponsors, Michelle and Bob Edmonds at electracomminications.com, you can check out all this info on our website www.freewheelinconcerts.com At this point we can also sell up to 20 tickets for each individual show.

Enjoy your summer and get ready for our eleventh season of fabulous live acoustic roots music.

Brian Cumming


Previous (News Roundup: Glen Campbell, Kyle Pacey, Trebleclef, Passings) - - - Next (Barber Shop Podcast: Poppsy Cole, Shawn Brush, Carolyna Lovely)

Wednesday, August 9, 2017

GOOD LUCK! Local Unsigned Only Competition Finalists!


You've got until August 31, 2017 to help three local artists win the 2017 Unsigned Only Fandemonium competition!  Independent musicians from around the world submit their songs to the contest. There's a separate competition chosen by a panel of judges as well.

Brantford's Benjamin Benjamin Dakota Rogers is up for the Folk/Singer-Songwriter category.



Links: Benjamin Dakota RogersMore Benjamin Dakota Rogers StoriesVideo above courtesy of Cultivate Music

Rockwood musician Wes Mason is the running for the Screen Shot award (for licence-able songs).



Links: Wes MasonMore Wes Mason StoriesVideo above courtesy of Wes Mason

Last but not least Mikalyn Hay from Guelph was nominated in the Teen category.



Links: Mikalyn HayMore Mikalyn Hay StoriesVideo above courtesy of Mikalyn Hay Music

Below is a listing of all the Canadian nominees Click here for the complete list.

Folk/Singer-Songwriter
Adult Album Alternative
Adult Contemporary
Country
Categories without Canadian finalists: Electronic Dance MusicRock,

Tuesday, August 8, 2017

Raise the Roof @ Dr. Disc Hamilton on Friday, August 11 (incl Videos)


On the second Friday of every summer month (to correspond with the Artcrawl) Dr. Disc in Hamilton showcases amazing musical acts on their rooftop!

On August 11, 2017, there will be 4 more amazing performers:

7pm: Hanna Bech



Links: Hanna BechMore Hanna Bech StoriesVideo above courtesy of Don Gleeson

8pm: Dizzy Spells



Links: Dizzy SpellsSong courtesy of the Dizzy Spells Soundcloud Page

9pm: Lava Dolls



Links: Lava Dolls, More Lava Dolls StoriesVideo above courtesy of Lava Dolls

10pm: Coyote Black



Links: Coyote Black,  Video above courtesy of Coyote Black

Previous (Niagara Area Musicians Star in Band on a Couch YouTube Series) - - - Next (Local Unsigned Only Competition Finalists)

Saturday, August 5, 2017

Niagara Region Artists Star in "Band on a Couch" YouTube Series


The Band on a Couch YouTube series has some incredible artists performing on their show. Recently, a few musical artists from the Niagara region popped up.



Links: Charles J HunkVideo above courtesy of Band on a Coach



Links: Emma Lee FleuryVideo above courtesy of Band on a Coach

A few older shows:



Links: CD OnofrioVideo above courtesy of Band on a Coach



Links: Jesse T ReidVideo above courtesy of Band on a Coach

Links: Band on a CouchMore Band on a Couch Stories

Previous (News Roundup: Passings, Living Blues Awards, Patrick Ballantyne)

Friday, August 4, 2017

News Roundup (Passings, Living Blues Award Winners, Patrick Ballantyne)

Best Blues Albums of 2016
Various
Readers Poll
World

      The Adventures of Trebleclef the Music Loving Monkey

      Trebleclef helped his daddy (Lou, our blogger) celebrate his birthday along with Trickbag at King West Bistro in Dundas


      Click here for more pictures of the event.

      ----------

      A few days after, he went to Gore Park in Hamilton to check out Andre Bisson and his incredible Band!


      Click here for more pictures of the event.


      Featured Video



      Links: Patrick BallantyneMore Patrick Ballantyne StoriesVideo above courtesy of Patrick Ballantyne

      Wednesday, August 2, 2017

      CONGRATS! Winners of the Niagara Jazz Fest Jazz 4 the Ages Contest


      From Juliet Dunn of the TD Niagara Jazz Festival:

      We are very happy to announce the 2017 TD Niagara Jazz Festival "Jazz 4 The Ages" Youth Winners and Finalists!

      We have recognized several amazing musicians within the ages of 13-23 years old and now we have the opportunity to showcase this extraordinary talent in the three day festival!

      A HUGE congratulations goes to...

      AGES 13-17:
      AGES 18-23:

      Previous  (Uncommon Instrument Videos: Vaudevillian, Steelpan & Vibes, Mark Baum) - - - Next (News Roundup: Passings, Living Blues Awards, Patrick Ballantyne)