I had the pleasure of getting to know Al while seeing him with many bands. He was always funny and friendly and was incredibly talented. I'll miss him
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Miles Evans-Branagh (Miles from Nowhere, Pappy Johns Blues Band)
Alan Duffy & I carpooled to most gigs with Josh & The Pappy Johns Band. We talked about pretty much every subject there was to talk about. Drove through snow storms overnight, used his TomTom GPS (as he managed to never covert to the cell phone), nearly ran out of gas more times than I can count. He even pulled over in a traffic jam when I was hungover to let me throw up, (non-judgementally). He was a brother, despite us being nearly 45 years apart in age.
He was humble, gracious, and always made you feel better about what you were doing, both musically and personally. The absolute definition of a musician who plays to serve the music.
I got to see him a couple times at home over the last while and I have to thank his wife Charlotte for being so kind to me while visiting. Al was as passionate as ever when I visited. Visibly weak, but we talked for hours about music, gear, recording and life. We listened together to a mix he did of a Josh show with the Bay City Blues Band. I hope that recording eventually comes out. The last gig we ever played together, he played all 3 sets until his legs gave out in the encore. All in, all the time. "How's it goin', baby??"
An eccentric, hilarious, & real person to the very end.
Thanks for all you gave us, Al.
You will be missed.
Al Duffy was an integral part of the JdK band for over 20 years. We travelled from Paris to Calgary, Montego Bay to Alert and many points in between.
A great friend and terrific musician with a wonderful sense of humour, Al brought a lot of joy to a lot of people. He will be greatly missed. Rest In Peace Alan Duffy.
R.I.P. to my bandmate of 12 years and one of my very best friends Al Duffy . My deepest condolences to Charlotte, Austin and Sam, and all of Al's family, friends and fans .
Joshua Arden Miller (Pappy Johns Blues Band)
Al Duffy could've played bass for whoever he wanted but he chose to make music with us for the last leg of his world tour and I'm forever grateful. RIP Al. Love you.
Links: Brad Krauss, More Brad Krauss Stories, Sean O'Grady, More Sean O'Grady Stories, More Al Duffy Stories, Video above courtesy of Canal Bank Shuffle
Links: Kenny "Blues Boss" Wayne, More Kenny "Blues Boss" Stories, Video above courtesy of Hamilton Blues Lovers
Links: Ira Walker, Video above courtesy of Hamilton Blues Lovers
Links: Brant Parker, More Brant Parker Stories, Video above courtesy of Angelo NotoCampanella
Juno winner Steve Strongman will be headlining the incredible show. Brant Parker will bring his recently reunited Bay City Blues Band to join in the fun. Special guest Carlos Del Junco is gonna be showing off his harmonica virtuosity too. All this for only $30. Click here to buy tickets.
Links: Steve Strongman, More Steve Strongman Stories, Video above courtesy of Mario Toneguzzi
Links: Brant Parker, More Brant Parker Stories, Video above courtesy of Angelo NotoCampanella
Links: Carlos Del Junco, More Carlos Del Junco Stories, Video above courtesy of Stray Music Tracks From DavoRobbo
It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Tim Sinnett, the founder of Thorold's Canal Bank Shuffle Blues Festival. He passed away on May 24, 2021. Our condolences to his family and friends.
Click here for the Thorold Today story
Here is a video tribute from the festival:
Click here if you can't see the video.
Social Media Reaction
Canal Bank Shuffle Blues Festival
Blues fans in Thorold and beyond are deeply saddened and shocked after hearing we've lost the man behind the Canal Bank Shuffle and Blues on the Battlefield. We received word this morning that the artistic director and driving force behind these events, and many more, Tim Sinnett, passed away suddenly last evening in hospital. We ask that family members are not disturbed at this difficult time.
This is very sad news. Sincere condolences to Lynne and Tim's family. Oddly enough, I put on my Canal Bank Shuffle T-shirt when I got up today and thought to give Tim a call. Then I saw this post... We would occasionally call just to catch up. Tim was one of my fave music people to deal with. A friendly soul who will be missed for sure. He was very generous in giving Fathead and my own solo show many high profile slots at his festival over the years. He also arranged for Fathead to go to Memphis for the IBCs many years ago. Tim & Lynne were frequent patrons of all the guest spots in the Niagara region. Tim was so supportive of so many musicians!!! I know he will be missed by many. Thank you for everything Tim!!!!
So sorry to hear this very sad news. Tim was one of the best guys I ever had the pleasure of working with. One of the most supportive, he helped so many blues artists. He was also one of the few that integrated US and Canadian musicians in the Canal Bank Festival. A real solid guy and class act. Condolences to his family, legions of friends and all the musicians who worked with him. RIP Tim Sinnett.
Very sad and shocking news , Tim has always been such a support and great friend to me and hundreds of other blues musicians all over the world . He was truly the mover and shaker in Southern Ontario blues scene . My deepest heartfelt condolences to Tim's family and many friends .
A word from Lou, our blogger
I got to meet Tim at the last Blues Shuffle and he was a very friendly and knowledgeable about the world and Canadian Blues scene.
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