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Sunday, May 27, 2018

More Videos to Celebrate Blues With a Feeling 2018!


The annual Blues With a Feeling fundraiser has always been the Superbowl of local blues. It takes place Saturday June 2, 8pm at the Leander Boat Club in Hamilton.

Click here to check out videos of all the performers.

The event is held to honour the legacy of the late Hamilton Blues legend, King Biscuit Boy. Below are a few videos of the man himself playing with Trickbag, who'll be at the show this year.







Links: King Biscuit BoyMore KBB StoriesTrickbagMore Trickbag StoriesVideos above courtesy of Michael Hickey

Previous (News Roundup: Jane's Party, Ian Andrews, Awards, Cartoons)

Friday, May 25, 2018

News Roundup (Jane's Party, Ian Andrews, Awards, Cartoons)




Local
Canada
Canadian Songwriting Contest Winners

Winners
Local Honourable Mention
Canadian winners listed below. Click title for full list.
Talkin' Blues Podcast

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Thursday, May 24, 2018

St. Catharines Singer/Songwriter Michael James Piccolo (aka Mike James) Passes


It is with sadness that we announce the passing of St. Catharines musician Michael James Piccolo (aks Mike James). He passed on Thursday, May 17, 2018. Our condolences to his family, friends and fans.

Click here for his obituary

Here are a few comments from social media:

Sarah Piccolo (daughter)
Our Dad was a talented musician, and was involved in the singing/songwriting community for many years. That was his passion, along with drumming, diving, golfing, fishing, bowling, and many other things. He never just looked out for himself, he cared for anyone who needed it. He cared for us right until the end. He could be seen strumming his guitar and singing in clubs around Niagara, always looking to jam with other musicians. He was hilarious and we could always count on him to crack a joke- appropriate or not, and he passed that humour down to Mike and I. We didn't really say goodbye, because we'll always have him in our hearts.
Thank you to everyone, especially the Benchmark Team and No Frills, who have sent condolences and support during this time. Thank you to everyone who has sent our Mom support and positive thoughts, we have been spending time together as a family.
Niagara Region Musicians' Association - Local 298
The NRMA mourns the passing of former AFM member Michael James Piccolo (aka Mike James). Mike retired in good standing from local 92, Buffalo and local 257, Nashville. Mike was the drummer for rock band Talus for many years. Later he became a successful singer songwriter, performing in the Niagara and Buffalo areas and marketing his songs far afield. His unique soulful performances will be missed by all who heard him. Our condolences go to his loving family and to his many friends.
You were a true and honest musician. Glad to have called you friend. God Speed
Jimmy Richardson (fan)
Gonna miss your beautiful songs and videos. Incredible songwriter. All the Blessings to you and your family.






Links: Mike James, Video above courtesy of Mike James

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Wednesday, May 23, 2018

Robert "Bumps" Blackwell 100th Birthday


Today (May 23, 2018) would have been American band leader and producer Robert "Bumps" Blackwell's 100th Birthday.

Here are some biography highlights from Wikipedia.


Links: Bumps Blackwell, Video above courtesy of GaetanoCozza



Links: Wynona Carr, Video above courtesy of NIGHT BEAT RECORDS



Links: Sam Cooke, More Sam Cooke Stories, Video above courtesy of Rarity Music Great Hits '60

More 100th Birthdays

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Sunday, May 20, 2018

CONGRATS! Local Artists Win Awards During Canadian Music Week!


Canadian Music Week features a number of awards ceremonies and a number of area artists took home some hardware. From Hamilton there was the legendary Teenage Head, Iskwé and Matt Mays (he was born in the Hammer). Elora's Riverfest also received some well-deserved recognition.

Here is a list of local winners. Click the categories to see a complete list of winner.

Indie Awards

Live Music Awards
Canadian Sync Awards

Radio Music Awards

Previous (World Fiddle Day Videos)

Tuesday, May 15, 2018

Eddy Arnold's 100 Birthday


Today (May 15, 2018) would have been American Country star Eddy Arnold's 100th Birthday.

Biography highlights from Wikipedia






Links: Eddy Arnold, Videos above courtesy of EddyArnoldVEVO

More 100th Birthdays

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Monday, May 14, 2018

Michael Keys Passes


It is with sadness that we announce the passing of local singer/piano player Michael Keys, who recently lost his brave battle with cancer. We will post more information here as it comes. Our condolences to his family, friends and fans.

There was an outpouring of love for him on social media.  Here are a few quotes:

Karen Dowson (his daughter)
He didn’t want anyone to pity or treat him any differently so, that’s why many of you didn’t know he had been fighting stage 4 lung cancer for the past 4 & 1/2 years now. He was a fighter and stubborn but, he went peacefully and I heard the nurses were playing his music until the end. I love that!
Corey Lueck (Smoke Wagon Blues Band)
Very sad news, Mr. Keys was a great musical friend. I will certainly miss our times on stage and his weekend calls to chat about the state of the local music scene. He was a great advocator for making sure up and coming bands were part of the festival scene in Burlington Ontario, and he fought the city on it on many occasions. He use to book us for shows in the early days including The Burlington Rib Fest and we sure appreciated it. Was there anyone who loved to play more then Michael Keys ? RIP my musical friend
Russel McAllister (Hamilton Bucket List Band)
He was a fine musician and was always pushing for more work and better money. His last few years were spent in and out of Juravinski Hospital for Chemo and other torturous undertakings. He fought this horrible disease with class and dignity. His demeanor through this ordeal was amazing. He pulled no punches and was persistant in promoting our Good Friday Jam that he has been part of for over 10 years. I'll miss his Boogie style and left hand attack on the keyboard. Thank you Ron Russell for notifying me of this loss. My heartfelt condolences to Mike's wife Genny and the rest of their family. Rest well, Mike.
Eric Bower (bandmate)
He knew the music business as well as he knew his keyboard and fought hard for the betterment of musicians AND never shied away from providing valuable business advise to operators and promoters. Sure, we can debate and disagree on the way he delivered that message but there was nothing wrong with the message!
A word from Lou, our blogger
I had the honour of meeting Michael quite a few times and was always impressed by his musical skill and dedication. I will miss him greatly. 




2 videos above courtesy of Rob Stonehewer



Video above courtesy of DonnaLeescamera

Blast from the Past: Michael Keys Recognized by Blues Hall of Fame

Links: Michael KeysMore Michael Keys Stories

Previous (Mothers Day Videos) - - - Next (Eddy Arnold's 100th Birthday)

Saturday, May 12, 2018

Blues With a Feeling 2018 Was a Blast!


The wonderful scholarship fundraiser (done to in honour of the late, legendary King Biscuit Boy) featured the best Blues performers around. 



Links: King Biscuit BoyMore KBB Stories, Video above courtesy of Michael Hickey

Headlining the event wasthe  legendary band, Crowbar with special guest Trickbag alumni Les Smith on vocal and harmonica.



Links: CrowbarMore Crowbar Stories, Video above courtesy of Unidisc Music



Links: Les SmithMore Les Smith StoriesVideo above courtesy of Hamilton Blues Lovers

Speaking of Trickbag, they hit the stage too, joined by former Crowbar saxman, Sonny Del-Rio.



Links: TrickbagMore Trickbag StoriesVideo above courtesy of Trickbag Canada



Links: Sonny Del RioMore Sonny Del Rio StoriesVideo above courtesy of Jeff de

Also on the bill was New York Blues man Mick Hayes, who'll be backed up by Hamilton's Kent Hartley's Playboys.



Links: Mick Hayes, Video above courtesy of Mick Hayes

Click here for the Hamilton Spectator story.

Previous (News Roundup: Terra Lightfoot, The Schotts, Hailee Rose w Dave Rave, ECMA's) - - - Next (Mothers Day Videos)

Friday, May 11, 2018

News Roundup (Terra Lightfoot, The Schotts, Hailee Rose w Dave Rave, ECMA's)


East Coast Music Award Winners

      News

      Local
        Canada
        Cartoons



        Adventure of Trebleclef, the Music Loving Monkey

        Trebleclef  was a very busy monkey last weekend.

        First, he popped by Big B Comics for Free Comic Day. That's always a blast!


        Click here for more photos from the event!

        ----------

        The next day, he visited the Black Bull in Burlington for the first time. He rocked out to Hailee Rose, Dave Rave and friends!


        Click here for more photos from the event

        Wednesday, May 9, 2018

        Saturday, May 5, 2018

        Erbie Bowser 100th Birthday


        Today (May 5, 2018) would have been American Blues pianist (and longtime musical partner of T.D. BellErbie Bowser's 100th birthday.

        Biography highlights (from Wikipedia and Texas State Historical Association)
        • Born in Dallas, Texas (May 5, 2018)
        • Started performing with TD Bell (approx 1949)
        • Album with TD Bell, It's About Time, nominated for WC Handy Award (1992)
        • Played Carnegie Hall (1994)
        • Passed away in Austin, Texas (August 15, 1995)
        • Inducted into Austin Music Memorial (2010)



        Two videos above courtesy of Josep Pedro



        Video above courtesy of blues4sale

        More 100th Birthdays

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        Happy National Cartoonist Day!







        We'd like to take this opportunity to promote a wonderful Hamilton-themed book by Hamilton Spectator editorial cartoonist Graeme MacKay. We highly recommend it.



        Musical Cartoon Links:

        Local Cartoonists:
        Please email us at blueshamilton@gmail.com if you know of any other cartoonists that should be on our list.

        Links: More of our CartoonsMore Cartoonist Day Posts

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