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.

Click here for the Global News story on his passing

Links: Rocketship7 (Randy's Last Band), More Rolling Stones covers/stories, Video above courtesy of Hamilton Blues Lovers

The Grand Finale:

Links: Jim Witter, More Jim Witter Stories, More Beatles Covers/News Stories, Video above courtesy of Hamilton Blues Lovers

Below are links to the other videos that we took at that ceremony.

• Lori Yates, Lisa Winn, Alfie Smith
• Steve Strongman: That's What She Does
• Crawlin' Kingsnakes: Now I'm Crazy
• Bob Lanois
• Jim Witter: Candle in the Wind
• Spider and the Stirling Silver Band - Celebrate
• Kori Pop: Astrocops
• Blacken'd Red: Dead Flowers
• Mickey DeSadist & the Westdale Electricians - Eighteen
• Matt Hayes & Jim Witter: Two of Us

Below is a collection of Hamilton Spectator stories about Randy and the event itself.   Click the links below the pictures to make it bigger.

Click here for bigger version

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

Hamilton's Amber Edgar Stirs the Senses With "Good Will Rise'

Exquisitely layered and emotive, Good Will Rise, the four song EP from Hamilton singer/songwriter, Amber Edgar, will stir the senses.  Lyrically and musically, the recording's very well-crafted and inspiring.

With an almost cinematic flair, each alt-folk/pop tune paints a mental picture of mourning, loss and redemption.  Though sometimes dark, Amber manages to inject the songs with a bit hope and meaning as well.

Helping along the way are Adam Bentley and Anna Jarvis (formerly of The Rest), Bill Majoros of Foreign Films, Troy Dowding, Karijn DeJong, Kori Pop, and Jordon Mitchell.  They make amazing contributions to the stunning density and artistry of the sound.

The EP is available through her Bandcamp page.




Video above courtesy of Amber Edgar

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EXTRA MINI-REVIEWS!

Some recordings escape our radar, so occasionally we'll be catching up with some mini-reviews!

Amber released the Honey and Sorrow single in 2013.  Both the main song and the "B-Side" Troubles, are infectious numbers featuring her wonderful lyrics.  It's available via Bandcamp.

Video above courtesy of HolaHamOnt

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Blast from the Past: Amber Performs on Kori Pop EP

Links: Amber Edgar, More Amber Edgar Stories, More Releases

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Previous (News Roundup w Bill Kerr Memorial, Human Race, Funny Stuff, Courtney Hrach) - - - Next (New Luke Michielsen Album)

New Album from Hamilton's Ophelia Syndrome Imbued With Energy and Soul!

Ophelia Syndrome are one of the best indie bands around and their latest incredible CD, North Sea shows you why.  The Hamilton group craft their songs well and know how to give each track a unique spin.

From the livelier numbers (Love Me Right, North Sea) to the beautiful slower tunes (The Hope, Not Tonight), the gang know how to imbue every one with a sense of energy and soul.  Using both modern and old school sounds, they manage to create something very worthwhile.

Produced by the band along with by Kori Pop and Dan Rodrigues, this album will stir you emotionally and physically.

CDs and downloads can be purchased through their Bandcamp page.  Other download options include iTunes and eMusic.



Video above courtesy of Honestly Marketing



Video above courtesy of Ophelia Syndrome

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EXTRA MINI-REVIEW!

Some albums escape our radar, so occasionally we'll be catching up with some mini-reviews!

The band's 2011 release, All Things Forgotten also has songs with their own personalities.  Many of the tracks have a jazzy feel but the Ophelia Syndrome throw in some classical, rock and pop elements in for good measure.  You really should check this one out.

It's also available via Bandcamp (download and CD), iTunes and eMusic.



Video above courtesy of WolfPackMuzic

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Links: Ophelia Syndrome, More Releases

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Previous (Country Music Association of Ontario Award Nominees) - - - Next (New Del Bel Album)

News Roundup (Polaris Prize, Tom Finochio, Steve Goldberger, Kori Pop)

Jeff Healey and the Band to be Honoured by Canada's Walk of Fame

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News 

• Tanya Tagaq Wins Polaris Music Prize

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Blasts From the Past 

• 2009: Blackie and the Rodeo Kings Live Album Download
• 2010: Video of Dawn and Marra@Studio at Hamilton Place
• 2011: Video of Barry Mac@Upper James Block Party
• 2012: Video of Wax Mannequin@Dr. Disc
• 2013: Niagara Music Award Winners

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Recently Added

Main List of Sites

• Sam DeRosa (YouTube)

Our Performer List

• Alysha Brilla
• Dixie Chicken (Robin Banks, Danny Lockwood)
• The Montebellos

Our Venue List

• The Argyle Street Grill (Cambridge)
• Elora Acoustic Cafe
• Langford Conservancy (Brant)
• Shepherd's Pub (Elora)

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Upcoming Birthdays

Saturday, September 27

• Mike Branton
• Tom Finochio
  
  
  
  Video above courtesy of Solo
  
  
• Kim Koren
• Chad Pilon
• Lori Yates

Sunday, September 28

• Cragg Bender (Burnin' Ethyl)
• Krysta Lee
• Michael Zane

Tuesday September 30

• Greg Brisco
• Steve Goldberger
  
  
  
  Links: More Steve Goldberger Stories. Video above courtesy of Steve Goldberger
  
  
• Lionel Lodge

Wednesday, October 1

• Neil Nickafor
• Ryan Vivian

Thursday, October 2

• Chris Cotton (Bluesers)
• Michael Keire (Threshold Studios)
• Wayne Krawchuk
• Hailee Rose

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Featured Video

Links: Kori Pop, More Kori Pop Stories, Video above courtesy of Kori Pop

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Previous (Vote For Your Fave Musician in Spec's Readers' Choice Awards) - - - Next (Canadian Folk Music Award Nominations)

New Bob Bryden CD: Yorkville Days

Yorkville Days, the first CD from Hamilton music veteran Bob Bryden since 2007 is well worth the wait.  This high-energy folk rock disc boasts some of his best work.

With skilled storytelling, a powerful voice, rich harmonies and catchy riffs, the album deftly straddles the line between classic hard rock and folk.  It's equally intense and ethereal.

Bob is aided by Kori Pop, Calvin Roy, Andrew Barbisan as well as Jordan Abraham and David Guild, who also produce the disc.

The CD can be picked up at his wonderful live shows or downloaded through eMusic or iTunes.

Blast From the Past: Videos of Bob Bryden@Westside Theatre

Two videos below courtesy of Dan Zen







Video above courtesy of Bob Bryden


Links: Bob Bryden, More Bob Bryden Stories, More Releases

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Previous (New Harlan Pepper CD)- - - Next (News Roundup w Crawlin' Kingsnakes, Aalia, Mark Lalama, Americana Awards)

New Dark Mean EP: Samuel the Pheonix

Samuel the Pheonix, the new EP by Hamilton indie-folk band, Dark Mean is quite simply a work of art!  The four songs create a moody, atmospheric, edgy, alt-folk masterpiece.

With emotive vocals and unique musical arrangements, the band prove that they have something different to offer than just cookie cutter tunes.  This is a rare sonic experience.

Kori Pop, Adam Bentley (The Rest), Anna Jarvis, Cat Higgins, Bryan Gibson, and Troy Dowding help the guys out in forging this amazing music. It was also recorded, mixed, and produced by Michael Keire.

So if you feel like listening to something one of a kind, you can download the EP through their Bandcamp Page, eMusic or  iTunes, 

Videos below courtesy of Dark Mean.





Links: Dark Mean, More Dark Mean Stories, More Releases

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Previous (City and Colour Wins 3 Indie Awards) - - - Next (News Roundup w Jacob Moon, Nash the Slash, Awards, Gary Cain)

New Marie Avery EP: The Fire

The Fire, the latest EP from local singer/songwriter Marie Avery is ignited by the artist's striking voice. Her accomplished piano work also adds fuel to the flame.

Though this blazing EP has an indie-pop ambiance, Marie still grounds it with solid, poetic songwriting and classic structure.  You can also hear a lot of jazz and a bit of broadway in the mix  What comes through is a beautiful, honest recording full of surprises.

Backing her up is a great team of area musicians, including Bill Majoros (Foreign Films) and Carl Jennings (Freedom Train) - both of whom produced the EP.  Kori Pop, Amber Edgar and Loretta Hale  (Loretta Hale Big Band, J-Tones) join in as well.

This collection is available as a download on her Bandcamp page.

Below is video from the EP courtesy of Marie Avery



You can also stream the EP here

Links: Marie Avery,  More Marie Avery Stories, More CD Releases 

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Previous (News Roundup w Tom Wilson, Eric Burdon, Frank Cosentino) - - - Next (Rita Chiarelli to Receive Italian Heritage Award)

News Roundup (Archibald Jay, Kori Pop, We Got Blues)

There will be no News Roundup next week (it will be back the Thursday after that)

Local

• Music Biz Bits blog post on Kori Pop

World

• Chuck Berry to be honoured by Hall of Fame
• Podcasts: Roadhouse 387, Nothing But the Blues 201
• Trivia Comic Strip on Cat Stevens
• New John Lee Hooker Live DVD

Funny/Weird Stuff

• Cartoons: Love of His Life,
• Quote from Janice of the Electric Mayhem

Blasts From the Past

• 2009: Lee Harvey Osmond Live DVD
• 2011: Mark Jungers@Moonshine Cafe

Featured Videos


Links: Archibald Jay, More Archibald Jay Stories, More Tom Waits Covers/Stories, Video courtesy of Killin' Time Band


Links: We Got Blues, More We Got Blues Stories, Video courtesy of ChrisLabonville

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Previous (Andrew Kerth YouTube Videos) - - - Next (More News Roundup + Videos)

News Roundup (Russ Burns, Passings, More)

Local

• Spec story on Edgar Breau
• Paul Langille was just got nominated for a Jack Richardson Music Award in the Blues category along with Village Blues Band, Chris Murphy, Rick Taylor, Robbie Antone's Blues Machine, and Bill Durst
• Kori Pop: To all you Degrassi Fans...you will be able to hear 'Nowhere Near My Heart' on Episode 1138 'Need You Now.' It airs on March 30th at 9pm on Much Music in Canada and Teenick in the US. Yay!!!!!

World

• Doobie Brothers drummer Michael Hossack passes
• Big Walter Price Passes
• Bugs Henderson passes
• Podcasts: Nothing But The Blues #182
• Etta James to be inducted into the Apollo Hall of Fame
• The Bluesiest wedding of the year

Funny/Weird Stuff

• 10 most offensive songs in history 

Blasts From the Past

• 2009: New Melissa McClelland CD
• 2010: Overplayers are the Performers of the Week 
• 2011: Rob Szabo@Artword

Featured video (courtesy of the Hamilton Guitar Association)



Links: More Russ Burns Stories, More from This Show

New Kori Pop Children's CD: Songs for Little Bean

It's not very often that you hear a children's' album that has some edge to it.  Local singer/songwriter Kori Pop's latest release, Songs for Little Bean, is just that.  While still soothing and relaxing enough for the little ones, Kori doesn't sacrifice her wonderful, unique voice in any of the songs.

What she's created is an incredible collection of classic (Hush Little Baby, Chim Chim Cheree, Itsy Bitsy Spider, more) and original lullabies/kids tunes.  It's perfect for children but also offers something for the adults to appreciate.

Originally created as a gift to her godchild -  the musician was later encouraged to release it to the world.  The CD is available at her live shows and through her bandcamp site. You can also pick it up at Citizen Kid on Locke Street.

Check out the video below that shows the effect the album hs on her god-daughter. Video courtesy of h0ck3y4hamilton

Blast from the Past: Our Review of From the Outskirts

Links: Kori Pop, More Kori Pop Stories

Vibe Songwriter's Circle@James Street Baptist Church (June 10, 2011) Part 2

Click here if you can't see the videos.








Click here for Part 1

Links: Fred D Smith, Kori Pop, Christopher Clause

Vibe Songwriter's Circle@James Street Baptist Church (June 10, 2011) Part 1

Click here if you can't see the videos.






Click here for Part 2

Links: Fred D Smith, Kori Pop, Christopher Clause

New Kori Pop Christmas EP (Free Download): more love goes into handmade gifts

Local singer/songwriter Kori Pop has an amazing holiday gift for her fans. The aptly named more love goes into handmade gifts is a free 4-song EP download.

She starts off with two yuletide classics, Christmas Time is Here and Rudie the Red-Nosed Reindeer (yes, Kori renames it slightly). Thenwe have two wonderful originals Messed Up This Christmas and To My Winter Child.

Whether classic or self-penned, Kori bring her pop-folk style and soft, angelic voice to all the tunes. On some tracks, there's even some electronic music touches.

Click here to download it for free.

Links: Kori Pop - More Kori Pop Stories

New Kori Pop CD: From the Outskirts

If you like your folk music more on the alternative/pop side, you'll definitely love local singer/songwriter, Kori Pop's new CD, From the Outskirts.

Her unique voice and amazing guitar are evident in each song as she explores infectious tunes (Nowhere Near My Heart, Billie, Crack My Eyes) and soft, emotional sounds (Northern Belle, Gray, Beach Ballad). Every track is an original statement.

The CD is available at her shows and can also be downloaded at bandcamp.com.

Below are a few live performances of songs from the CD.












Links: Kori Pop's Site - Download Her CD - More Kori Pop Stories

Performer of the Week: Kori Pop

Mount Hope Singer/Songwriter Kori Pop will be unleashing her debut CD, From the Outskirts in the spring of 2010.

The disc is sure to display her unique, haunting voice and modern folky sensibilities. Kori's sound incorporates some jazzy grooves and pop elements as well.

Every Tuesday night, you can check her out at the My Dog Joe cafe in Westdale.

Links: Main Site - Facebook - Reverbnation - YouTube




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Previous (Mini-Documentary About Local Music Scene)  - - - Rock N Blues Jam@Boston Manor

Design Hope Songwriter's Project - Love is Everything CD

Every year, around Christmastime, some of the best local artists gather to create an Incredible CD. On November 15, 2009, volume 4 of the Design Hope Songwriters Project was unleashed to the world. Proceeds from these amazing collections go to help feed and shelter the homeless.

This year's talent crop include, Christopher Clause, Fred D Smith, Isobelle Gunn, Josh Lamothe, Chris & Christa, Dan Medakovic, Kim Koren, Bob Bryden, Lisa Winn, Hailey Gillis, Amy King, Kori Pop, Shawn Brush, Jude Johnson, and Shelly Addams.

The CD will be available at the front desk of the Spectator, many local retailers, and through the Design Hope web site.

Click here for more Design Hope Stories.

Below are a few videos from the CD Release party - If you can't see the videos below, click here - Click here for the previous videos from the show. More will be posted soon.

Left to right: Christopher Clause, Zander Lamothe, Frank Koren


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Left to right: Amy King, Christopher Clause, Josh Lamothe, Zander Lamothe, Rob Lamothe


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Hailey Gillis (vocals, keys), Zander Lamothe (drums), Kim Koren (harmony vocals)