Tuesday, March 24, 2026

Music Listings: March 25-26, 2026

March 25-26, 2026

We try our best to make sure these listings are as accurate as possible. If you spot any errors or omissions, please email us at blueshamilton@gmail.com.


Mar 25-26 / Mar 27-29


Wednesday, March 25




2pm: Dear Evan Hansen (Musical) St. Jacobs Country Playhouse (Waterloo) $? (Mar 18-Apr 12) 

6:30-8:30pm: Open Mic Jazz @ Corktown Pub, Downstairs (Hamilton) (Weekly)

7-10pm: Dan Thomas & Greg Brisco @ East End Social (Hamilton) (Weekly)


7-10pm: Open Mic with Brant Parker @ Donnelly's Pub (Thorold) (Last Wed)

7pm: Song Circle @ ANAF Club (Guelph) (2nd & 4th Wed) PWYC 

7pm: Perry and Mark @ Royal Electric (Guelph) (Weekly

7-10pm: Open Mic @ The Bullring (Guelph) (Weekly)


7:30pm: Chris Chambers @ Thirsty Cactus (Dundas) (Bi-Weekly




7:30-10:30: Singer Songwriter Series @ Irish Harp (Niagara-on-the-Lake) 
  • 7:30pm: Rita Visser
  • 8:30pm: Don Sexsmith
  • 9:30pm: Laura Keating
7:30pm: Shen Yun (some live music) @ Centre In The Square (Kitchener) $? (Mar 24-25)


8-11pm: Open Mic @ The Block Co (Burlington) (Weekly)


8-12pm: Open Jam @ Frankie's (Brantford) (Weekly) 

8pm: Felicia McMinn @ 211Main (Port Dover) (Weekly)

Thursday, March 26

---- Before 7:00pm ----






2pm: Dear Evan Hansen (Musical) St. Jacobs Country Playhouse (Waterloo) $? (Mar 18-Apr 12)

4pm: Patty Payne @ Henry's on James (Hamilton) 

5:30pm: Jamie Petrie @ Forge BBQ (Ancaster) (Weekly)

6pm: Mykul @ East End Social (Hamilton) 


6-9pm: Open Mic @ Crystal Chandelier (Crystal Beach) (Weekly

6-8pm: Ed Pizzo on the Baby Grand Piano @ Spirit in Niagara (Niagara-on-the-Lake) (Weekly)

6-8pm: Brad Hailz @ 2 Rivers (Paris) 

6-9pm: Lucas Stagg @ Aging Oak (Cambridge) (Weekly)



6:30pm: Michael Maguire @ Henry's on James (Hamilton) 

6:30-9:30pm: James Ferris with Fried Balogna @ The Corktown Pub (Hamilton)(Weekly)



---- 7:00pm -7:59pm ----


7pm: Sounds Gay! Open Mic @ Mosaic (Hamilton) (4th Thu)

7-10pm: Ron Hoover @ Teddy's (Grimsby) 

7-10pm: Josh Coulter @ Judge & Jester (Grimsby) (Weekly)

7-9pm: Grass Mud Horse @ Doc Magilligan's (Niagara Falls)

7-10pm: Stu & Jay Peterson @ Manhattans (Guelph) 

7pm: Open Mic @ The Falls Road on Victoria (Kitchener) (Weekly)

7:30pm: Tarek Funk Band, Cabin Boy & the Bad Wolf, Top Lobby @ The Block Co, Edison Room (Burlington) $15/PWYC


7:30-10:30pm: Open Mic with Victor Morgado @ Your Neighbourhood Pizza Co (Beamsville)  (Weekly

7:30-10:30pm: The O'Deadlys @ Irish Harp (Niagara-on-the-Lake)


7:30pm: Dear Evan Hansen (Musical) St. Jacobs Country Playhouse (Waterloo) $? (Mar 18-Apr 12)

---- After 8:00pm ----




8pm: Music @ Squire's Gastropub (Burlington) 


8-11pm: Open Mic Night + Jam @ Temple Bar (Oakville) (Weekly) 

8-10pm: Dragan on the Sax @ Spirit in Niagara (Niagara-on-the-Lake) (Weekly)



8:30pm: Music@ Ooey Gooey's (Hamilton)

8:30pm: Open Mic @ Coach & Lantern (Ancaster) (Weekly

8:30pm: The Almost Hip @ BLK Swan, Brant St. (Burlington) $15



COMING SOON!

March



March 24, April 14, May 5, May 20, May 28, June 18, July 9, September 17, October 8, November 3, December 3, 7:30pm: Canadiana: The Musical @ Greg Frewin Theatre (Niagara Falls) $? (dinner available: 6pm) #

March 27-28: JUNOfest @ Music Hall (Hamilton) $?#


March 27-28, 8pm: Alfie Zappacosta @ Tabone Academy of Music (Hamilton) $55 #

March 27, 7-9pm: Chuck Jackson Trio @ Shawn & Ed Brewing Co (Dundas) (tip jar)

March 27, 8pm: Sawyer Brown @ Fallsview Casino Resort, OLG Stage (Niagara Falls) $? #

March 27, 8pm: Crown Lands @ River Run Centre (Guelph) $49

March 27, 9pm-1am: Open Jam & Live Band Karaoke ft Detour @ Tracie's Place (Hamilton) (Last Thu)




March 28, 8-11pm: Ivytide + Courtyard @ Silence (Guelph) $?#

March 28, 8-11pm: Paul James Band @ The Busholme (Erin) $30

March 28, 8-11pm: Jack de Keyzer @ Registry Theatre (Kitchener) $40 #

March 29, Piano Day

March 29, 2-5pm: Open Mic Hosted by SnowHeel Slim @ Checkered Flag  (Hamilton) (Bi-Weekly


March 29, 7pm: Collective Soul @ Fallsview Casino Resort, OLG Stage (Niagara Falls) $? 

March 29, 8pm: Old Man Luedecke @ Mills Hardware (Hamilton) $25.33

March 30, 8pm: Old Man Luedecke @ Sonic Hall (Guelph) $26.33


April


April 1, April Fool's


April 2, 7-10pm: Ginger St. James @ The Boiler & Whistle (Hamilton) 


April 2, 8pm:  Grand River Blues Society Presents Grand Thursday ft David Gogo, Jesse O'Brien & Steve Marriner @ Polish Hall (Brantford) $25 adv/$30 door ($5 for Blues Society members)




April 5, 1:30pm: Youth Jam @ Gasworks (Hamilton) (1st Sat)

April 5, 2-5pm: Brantford Open Stage @ Best Western (Bi-Weekly) $5

April 8, Banjo Day

April 9, 7-10pm: Ian Andrews & Greg Brisco @ The Boiler & Whistle (Hamilton) (2nd Thu) 


April 10, 5pm: Artcrawl @ James Street North (Hamilton)



April 14, May 5, May 20, May 28, June 18, July 9, September 17, October 8, November 3, December 3, 7:30pm: Canadiana: The Musical @ Greg Frewin Theatre (Niagara Falls) $? (dinner available: 6pm)

April 15-May 3: Finding Neverland (Musical) @ Hamilton Family Theatre (Cambridge) $62 #



April 19, 2-5pm: Brantford Open Stage @ Best Western (Bi-Weekly) $5

April 20-26: Curtains (Musical Whodunit) @ Lighthouse Theatre (Port Dover) $?#





May


May 2, 7:30pm: Lighthouse @ The Westdale (Hamilton) $? 

May 5, May 20, May 28, June 18, July 9, September 17, October 8, November 3, December 3, 7:30pm: Canadiana: The Musical @ Greg Frewin Theatre (Niagara Falls) $? (dinner available: 6pm)





May 12, 7:30pm: Ian Thomas... Not Gone Yet @ Sanderson Centre (Brantford) $83




May 28, June 18, July 9, September 17, October 8, November 3, December 3, 7:30pm: Canadiana: The Musical @ Greg Frewin Theatre (Niagara Falls) $? (dinner available: 6pm)

June



June 18, July 9, September 17, October 8, November 3, December 3, 7:30pm: Canadiana: The Musical @ Greg Frewin Theatre (Niagara Falls) $? (dinner available: 6pm)



July


July 9, September 17, October 8, November 3, December 3, 7:30pm: Canadiana: The Musical @ Greg Frewin Theatre (Niagara Falls) $? (dinner available: 6pm)

September


September 17, October 8, November 3, December 3, 7:30pm: Canadiana: The Musical @ Greg Frewin Theatre (Niagara Falls) $? (dinner available: 6pm)

October


October 8, November 3, December 3, 7:30pm: Canadiana: The Musical @ Greg Frewin Theatre (Niagara Falls) $? (dinner available: 6pm)

November



November 3, December 3, 7:30pm: Canadiana: The Musical @ Greg Frewin Theatre (Niagara Falls) $? (dinner available: 6pm)

November 29: Hamilton Blues Lovers Turns 18

December


December 2, 7:30pm: Mudmen @ Fergus Grand Theatre $?

December 3, 7:30pm: Canadiana: The Musical @ Greg Frewin Theatre (Niagara Falls) $? (dinner available: 6pm)

Mar 24-26 / Mar 27-29



Wednesday, March 18, 2026

Throwback Thursday: Randy Steele Tribute @ The Studio (June 28, 2009)


Original Posts: June 29 & 30, 2009

Merged/Updated Post: March 19, 2026

On Sunday, June 28, 2009 @ The Studio at Hamilton Place, a wonderful celebration of life was held for Hamilton musician and newsman Randy Steele, who passed away on May 22, 2009.




The Grand Finale:








Previous (St. Patrick's Day Videos) - - Next (Spring Videos)

Friday, March 13, 2026

Hamilton's Tom Finochio Loved to Play His Guitar (RIP)

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of  Hamilton musician Tom Finochio. Our condolences to his family, friends and fans.

The following was posted on his cousin Fred Finocchio's page:

My friends and family today, I must inform you that on Saturday Feb 28 at 4pm my cousin Tom (Thomas Albert Finochio) passed away from a heart attack. Tom was in his 70th year. He was loved by many and will be missed by all.
He was a great musician he just loved to play guitar as all his friends and family know. At this time we have no plans for a celebration of life but if and when I will post it. If anyone that had been close to him would like to talk to me please don’t hesitate. Thank you all for your friendship with Tom.

Links: More Tom Finochio StoriesVideo above courtesy of  videomanproductions


Previous (Friday the 13th Videos)  - - - Next (St. Patrick's Day Videos)

Wednesday, March 11, 2026

Throwback Thursday: Videos of Ginger St. James' Bash (June 18, 2009)


Original Post: June 19, 2009

Updated post: Thursday, March 12, 2006

In mid-2009, local musician Ginger St. James was heading to Toronto. On Thursday, June 18, 2009 she threw a goodbye party at This Ain't Hollywood with live music, a DJ, dancing, and more. Thankfully, she has since returned to the Hammer.

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.




The incredible musical newcomer Rebecca MacNeil performed a few songs as songs as well.



Previous (International Women's Day Videos) - - - Next (Friday the 13th Videos)

Thursday, March 5, 2026

Vote in the 2026 Famous Hamiltonian Contest (Deadline March 27)


From now until March 27, 2026 (the week of the Junos in Hamilton) you can vote for the 2026 Famous Hamiltonian Contest. In honour of the Junos, all nominees are musicians.

Here are the nominees:

Previous winners include
If anyone know the winners of the other years, please email us at blueshamilton@gmail.com

Previous (Throwback Thursday: Colin Lapsley & Friends @ Coach & Lantern) - - - Next (International Women's Day Videos)

Monday, March 2, 2026

Dave Rave and the Governors Release Fierce Album


Mini review: Earlier last year, Hamilton's Dave Rave and his Minneapolis crew, the Governors released a fierce album into the wild. Eight is a roaring mix of Power Pop and Garage Rock.

Available on: BandcampYouTubeSpotifyApple Music, Amazon Music

Released on: RaeBeat Records

Personnel:

Stream the album below


Links: Album above courtesy of BandcampMore Releases

Previous (Reverend John C Holland Awards) - - - Next (Throwback Thursday: Colin Lapsley & Friends @ Coach & Lantern)

Thursday, February 26, 2026

Winners of the 30th Reverend John C. Holland Awards

The Reverend John C Holland Awards have always celebrated excellence in Hamilton’s Black community. This year was no different at the ceremony on February 15, 2026 at LiUNA Station.

Below is the complete list of winners:

Sankofa Pearl Bursary ($500)

  • Secondary student recipients: Alyvea Riley, Aya Adam, Barakat Adedeji, Chizaram Emekalam, Dante James Hillen, D’AvontĂ© Ralph, Elijah Sterling King, Ella Poku, Georgia Walker, Grace Mumo Mwalyo, Ibiye Naomi Davids, Ife Alake, Israela Ngatched Ngania, Jayden Millar Edwards, Lennex Maley, Naiyah Reece, Najma Hassan, Nasra Bain, Nina Borcea-Richardson, Oluwalani Adedeji, Omonigho Okpere, Sydney Oyewumi, Tinuade Omoregie and Zachariah Adjodia Persaud
  • Post-secondary student recipients: David Feboke, Emnet Goitom, Isis Seaton, Jonathan Roswell, Kaylinda Mupesse, KJ Gilling, Monae McKenzie and Oluwanifemi Ogundare
  • Mature student recipients: Idongesit Ita Ekanem

Sankofa Pearl Scholarship ($3,000)

  • Secondary student recipients: Aya Adam, Barakat Adedeji, Dante James Hillen and Israela Ngatched Ngania
  • Post-secondary student recipient: Emnet Goitom
Below is the Hamilton Spectator article about the event. Click the picture to increase the size.




Previous (Throwback Thursday: 175th Anniversary Celebration ft Braithwaite & Whiteley + John Ellison) - - - Next (New Dave Rave  & the Governors Album)

Wednesday, February 18, 2026

Throwback Thursday - Harrison Kennedy: One Dog Barking


Original Post - Oct 10, 2009
Updated Post: February 19, 2026

In late 2009, Hamilton Blues legend, Harrison Kennedy released his wonderful album, One Dog Barking from Electro-Fi Records.

While Kennedy continued the incredible country blues sound of his previous disc, High Country Blues, this collection had more of an R&B sound to it. Great tunes like Leading Lady, Cry for Mother Africa, and What About Forgiving showcased his amazingly soulful voice.

Available on: YouTubeSpotifyApple Music

Personnel:

Tuesday, February 17, 2026

2026 Canadian Grammy Winners + Canadian Performances

The Grammy Awards were held on February 1, 2026 and a few Canadians brought home the hardware!

Click here for the CBC story.

Click below to view the main ceremony

Links: GrammyMore Grammy StoriesVideo above courtesy of Recording Academy / GRAMMYs

Below is a complete list of Canadian winners. Click here for the complete list of nominees & winners.

Canadian Performances at the Ceremony





Previous (Year of the Horse Videos) - - - Next (Throwback Thursday: Harrison Kennedy - One Dog Barking)