Wednesday, April 30, 2025

Throwback Thursday: Mel Brown 1939-2009 R.I.P.

Original Post: March 23, 2009

Updated Post: May 1, 2025



Canadian Blues legend, Mel Brown passed away on March 20, 2009.

Click here for the CBC news story

He  received an honourable mention at a recent session of the House of Commons.

Harold Albrecht member of parliment for Kitchener/Waterloo - Conestoga discussed Mel's influence on the local music scene and his incredible work.

Here is the transcript:
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a man who played a key role in developing Waterloo region's music scene.

In the late 1980s, Mel Brown relocated to Kitchener, Ontario after a long career playing guitar for some of the biggest names in music. Willie Nelson, John Lee Hooker, Etta James, Bobby Bland and Waylon Jennings are just a few.

Mel's arrival put our community on the music map. It was common for blues greats like B.B. King to show up unannounced just to share a stage with Mel.

When blues great Buddy Guy last played in Kitchener, he said, “It's just you, me and B.B. left now”. At the annual Kitchener Blues Festival, talent from around the world looked forward to the private event where Mel played for the musicians and volunteers.

Mel Brown died in St. Mary's Hospital on March 20. He leaves behind his wife and musical partner, Miss Angel, two children, seven grandchildren and tens of thousands of fans.

Today we mourn the loss of Mel Brown, even as we celebrate his life and legacy. To those who loved him, our hearts are extended.

Links: Mel BrownMore Mel Brown Stories, Video above courtesy of Dimitris Koutsiaftis

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Sunday, April 27, 2025

Buy Holiday Smile Cookies This Week to Help Local Charities

 


This week (April 28-May 4) all sales from Tim Hortons' Smile Cookies will go towards local charities, A tasty way to give.

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.






Thursday, April 24, 2025

Community Votes Burlington 2024 Winners

Earlier this year, Community Votes Burlington announced their 2024 winners, which were voted on by the citizens of the city.

Below are the music-related winner. Click here for the full list.

Local Band

Live Entertainment


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Please Support Our Wonderful Sponsors




Please Support Our Wonderful Sponsors


To enable you to make good housing decisions call us or email us: www.judymarsales.com
PROUD SUPPORTER OF HAMILTON BLUES LOVERS



Wednesday, April 23, 2025

Throwback Thursday: Steve Strongman: Blues in Colour

Original Post: March 23, 2009
Updated Post: April 24, 2025


Update: the album was later re-released by Stony Plain Records

Local blues musician, Steve Strongman has released his latest album, Blues In Colour. The recording  includes Alec Fraser on bass and Dave King on Drums. It features catchy hooks, acoustic ballads and a cover of Freddie King's Woman Across the River.

"I am really proud of this CD and can't wait for you to hear it," Strongman said.

You can stream the album below



Links: Album above courtesy of Stony Plain RecordsSteve StrongmanMore Steve Strongman StoriesMore Releases

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Sunday, April 20, 2025

Support Local Charities




Support Local Charities


From their website: Interval House will provide a safe place, support for abused women with or without children, community outreach services and practice-based research in our shared quest for freedom from violence.

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.



Friday, April 18, 2025

2025 Niagara Music Award Winners & Nominees


On Sunday, April 13, 2025, the 14th edition of the Niagara Music Awards were handed out at the Sheraton Fallsview Conference Centre.

Below are a list of winners and nominees. Winners are listed at the top of the list and bolded.

ADULT CONTEMPORARY

ALBUM

BLUES

COUNTRY

EDM

FEMALE 

FOLK

HEAVY METAL

HIP HOP  

INSTRUMENTAL

MALE

MUSIC VIDEO

NEW ARTIST

NEW GROUP  

ORIGINAL ARTIST

ORIGINAL GROUP

ORIGINAL SONG

PRODUCER/SONG/ARTIST

PROMOTER

PUNK

ROCK  

VENUE

GLOBAL ACHIEVEMENT
BEYOND NIAGARA 


Previous (Community Votes Brantford & Kitchener-Waterloo Nominees) - - - Next (Easter Videos)

Community Votes Brantford & Kitchener-Waterloo




From March 26 to April 27, citizens of Brantford & Kitchener-Waterloo can cast a ballot in Community Votes 2025. Click the above pictures to vote for a particular city.

----------

Brantford

Below are the music-related nominees.

Local Band

Live Entertainment



Below are the music-related nominees.

Live Entertainment


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Thursday, April 17, 2025

Harmonica Day Videos by Sean McAuley

Update of 2019 Post 




Links: Sean McAuleySnowHeel SlimMore Snow-Heel Slim Stories, Video above courtesy of Vesna Trkulja-Stevens



Links: Gary White, More Gary White StoriesVideo above courtesy of Vesna Trkulja-Stevens



Links: Neil MacNaughton, More Neil MacNaughton StoriesVideo above courtesy of Vesna Trkulja-Stevens



Links: Thom Adkins, More Thom Adkins StoriesVideo above courtesy of Vesna Trkulja-Stevens

More Harmonica Day Videos

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Community Votes Guelph & Cambridge 2025


From March 26 to April 27, citizens of  Guelph & Cambridge can cast a ballot in Community Votes 2025. Click the above pictures to vote for a particular city.

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Guelph

Below are the music-related nominees.

Local Band

Live Entertainment



Below are the music-related nominees.

Local Band

Live Entertainment


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