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Sunday, April 30, 2023

Glenn Marais and the Mojo Train to Represent the GRBS at the 2024 International Blues Challenge


Glenn Marais and the Mojo Train won the honour of representing the Grand River Blues Society in the Memphis Blues Challenge. Click picture for more photos from the contest.

Stonewalls Restaurant in Hamilton was shaking like crazy on Sunday, April 30! That's 'cause the Grand River Blues Society held their International Blues Challenge band competition. 7 explosive bands vied  for the right top represent the GRBS at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis in January 2024.

After a fierce musical fight, New Market's Glenn Marais and the Mojo Train earned the top spot. They'll be showing Memphis and the whole world what talent this area has to offer.

The competition for the solo/duo slot will be annonuced shortly.

CONGRATS GUYS! 

Video above courtesy of Hamilton Blues Lovers

Below is the winner announcement and their acceptance speech.

Links: Glenn Marais and the Mojo TrainVideo above courtesy of Hamilton Blues Lovers

Here are more performances from the other amazing contestants:


Thursday, April 27, 2023

2023 Hamilton Arts Awards Shortlist Nominees (including our founder/blogger)


Recently, the 2023 Hamilton Arts Awards Shortlist was announced, celebrating all the great artistic talent the Hammer has to offer. Luis Pereira, our founder and blogger is also up for an Arts Champion award.

A word from Luis:
I'm honoured to be nominated among such great company. Hamilton's such a creatively diverse city and this recognition really helps get the word out that there's amazing art emmanating from Hamilton. Good luck to every one.
Below is the complete Shortlist


Arts Champion (up to 4 awards, non-monetary award)
Lifetime Achievement (1 award to be won, $2,500)
GOOD LUCK EVERYONE! 


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Wednesday, April 26, 2023

Throwback Thursday is Back! Leroy Emmanuel (LMT Connection) Edition

From the Niagara Falls Arts and Culture Wall of Fame Website

Leroy was born in Atlanta, Georgia in 1946 and later moved to Detroit, Michigan where he was raised. He received his first guitar at a very early age and taught himself to play. Leroy began his professional career at the age of 12. At 18 Leroy started his own band called the Fabulous Counts releasing five albums.

Video above courtesy of Moraito

One day while walking down the street carrying his guitar he met Marvin Gaye who asked him if he wanted to jam. After that day they didn't see each other for years. In 1970s after meeting again Emmanuel was invited to record with Gaye in the studio for the "Let's Get It On Deluxe Edition". They stayed friends for many years.

Leroy was later asked to portray his friend in a documentary about the tragic ending of his life making his acting debut.

Links: Marvin Gaye, More Marvin Gaye Stories/CoversVideo above courtesy of popcornflix

Leroy has recorded with Gladys Knight and the Pips, the Funk Brothers, and performed live with Stevie Wonder, Al Green, John Lee Hooker, and Dionne Warwick. Between 1972 and 1982 Emmanuel worked with Hamilton Bohannon the disco king writing songs for his 22 albums. 

Video above courtesy of musica trecentosessantagradi

After disco ended Leroy played jazz in Toronto six nights a week. Later he toured for three years in a Vegas type show and then played on a Motown Tribute Show touring for five years all over Ontario, Quebec, and the United States.

Leroy, Mark Rogers (drummer), and John Irvine (bassist) founded the LMT Connection, after twenty years of performing and recording many albums they still tour all over Canada and Europe performing their music to audiences that love their sound.

Links: LMT ConnectionMore LMT Connection StoriesVideo above courtesy of LMT Connection

Emmanuel has resided in Niagara Falls for over thirty years playing all over the region at many clubs. Leroy also teaches and is willing sharing his talents with all.


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Monday, April 24, 2023

Hamilton's Georgie Fab Passes


It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Hamilton musician/producer Georgie Fab, who was most recently a member of the Rockets. We will post more information on this page as we learn about it. Our condolences to his friends, family and fans.

A word from Lou, our blogger:
I was lucky enough to bump into Georgie quite a few times when going to Rockets shows. In addition to doing an amazing job with the music, he was always friendly and welcoming. I'll miss him.
Social Media Reaction
RIP GEORGIE FAB aka Bobby Johnston
I will always remember you as an uncle, friend and mentor. You were an incredible talent!
I am going to miss you xoxo

Lou Molinario (Music Promoter)

RIP Georgie Fab.

I am just learning that Hamilton Music Producer & Musician, Georgie Fab has passed away.

Wow.. like a hard punch in the gut. 

I worked with Georgie as we brought in Sylvain Sylvain to record a song with the Poisoned Aeros.  Aside from Georgie being a true professional, he was so laid back and fun to be with.  Always hospitable too.  

A memory that comes to mind was when Teenage Head recorded a song for TSN's hockey presentations.  Nothing was a challenge for him.  I sat back and just watched him work his magic.

I will always remember him for having such a big heart.  Couple of years before TAH closed, Georgie told me that he wanted to throw a surprise party for Bill Dillon.  He had this impressive list of players who were going to perform.  The way he orchestrated the planning was just like his work in the studio - professional and effective..... without a glitch.

We had some great chats about The Move/Roy Wood, The Kinks, Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band and The Rutles. When we had Neil Innes play at TAH, Georgie was like a kid watching one of his musical heroes.  Same with Carmine Appice's 2 visits at This Ain't Hollywood.

My condolences to his family and close friends. 

Thank you Jack Pedler and Rob Platsko for introducing me to him.

Man.. what a disappointment.. 

Thanks for everything, Georgie!  You're in a class of your own. 

Dave Rave (Teenage Head, Shakers)

Rip Georgie Fab.  We will miss your beautiful spirit.  Your love of music. And your positivity.  It was an honor to know you.   You made the world a better place.

Links: The RocketsMore Rockets StoriesVideo above courtesy of Vesna Trkulja-Stevens

Video above courtesy of Georgie Fab


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Hamilton Drummer Greg Cannon Passes


It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Hamilton drummer, Greg Cannon. He was the drummer for the Florida Razors and many other local groups. We will post the details on this page as we find out about them. Our condolences to his family, friends and fans.

Social Media Reaction

Rave On Greg Cannon. Greg was the coolest guy on the East Mountain when I was a kid. He wasn’t that much older than me but he already had a lifetime of experience playing in bands so when he agreed to play drums is The Florida Razors I was thrilled. We travelled together on the 401 from Detroit through to Montreal and back for five plus  years. We laughed our asses off, got into a few mishaps along the way and had the time of our lives. Greg was my dear friend and my brother. Today my heart is broken.
My old friend Greg Cannon, far right,has passed away . . . this pic is from when we worked and played together with David Bradstreet, center, a prince of a human being, I loved him, great drummer funny and loving guy,,this is before he went on to join the Florida Razors with Tom Wilson.
Many people loved Greg, you couldn't not love him 
Rest In Peace Greg ❤


This absolute legend is the inspiration that made me the musician I am today. He taught me to smack the hell out of those drums and when I was worried about breaking the snare skin on the kit he bought us, he was to our surprise sooooo proud. I will try to keep making you proud, uncle Greggy and pass that wisdom on to my kid ... I’m honoured to have the joy of gettin to have you in my life. 
You left quite a footprint, my friend. 

Links: Florida RazorsVideo above courtesy of I Don't Wanna Cry


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Thursday, April 20, 2023

Debut Album by Burlington's Jeff Daw is Throwback to Old Storytelling Folk Tradition

Jeff Daw's debut album, Climbing Ladders & Other Songs, is a throwback to the old storytelling tradition of folk music. Just a wonderful voice and an expressive guitar or mandolin is all that's needed to bring these incredible words to life.

Jeff weaves interesting stories about everyday people (including experiences of the COVID age). Lyrically, the collection also features a Scottish folk tale, history, war stories, travel tales and even a great cover of This Little Light of Mine.

If you're interested in this CD (and why wouldn't you be?) , you can email Jeff at jeffdaw44@gmail.com to arrange arrange for a a pick up. They're only $10 each. He also performs at the Brantford Open Stage on a regular basis so feel free to say hi.

Video above courtesy of Hamilton Blues Lovers

Links: Video above courtesy of Hamilton Blues LoversMore Releases


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Tuesday, April 11, 2023

April 2023 Episode of 'Sold on Hamilton with Judy Marsales' featuring Hamilton Music Festival

The April 2023 'Sold On Hamilton with Judy Marsales' radio show was broadcast on April 1, 2023 on CHML 900AM in Hamilton). This show features Tom Oliver – Co-Founder & President of the Hamilton Music Festival, Don Robertson – President and General Manager of the Dundas Real McCoys and Sean Dawson from from Judy Marsales Real Estate Ltd

This wonderful program is generally broadcast on the first Saturday on the month between 11am and 12pm. It is hosted by Judy Marsales, owner of Judy Marsales Real Estate Ltd (a proud HBL sponsor) and an amazing local music supporter. The program showcases the best and brightest citizens of the Hammer, including many musicians. Judy also discusses the Hamilton housing market.

Links: Show above courtesy of Global NewsSold on HamiltonMore 'Sold on Hamilton' Stories

Links: Tom Oliver, Video above courtesy of State of My Art


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Thursday, April 6, 2023

2023 Hamilton Community News Readers' Choice Winners!


The 2023 Hamilton Community News Reader's Choice Awards were announced on Thursday, April 6, 2023.

Here's a full list of winners from the music-related categories.

D = Diamond, 1st Place
P = Platinum, 2nd Place
G = Gold, 3rd PLace


CONGRATS EVERYONE

Tuesday, April 4, 2023

Sultans of String Bring Home Two 2023 Canadian Folk Music Awards

Burlington's Chris McKhool of Sultans of String with his two awards
Picture courtesy of My Bodacious Blog

The winners for the 2023 Canadian Folk Music Awards were announced during a weekend event on March 31 - April 2, 2023 in Vancouver. The Sultans of String, a band with members from Burlington, took home two of the awards.

View both ceremonies below

Video above courtesy of prixfolkawards

Links: CFMAMore CFMA StoriesVideo above courtesy of prixfolkawards

Below is a complete list of winners. Local acts are bolded.

    Links: CFMAMore CFMA Stories

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