Mardi Gras Videos by Waterstreet Blues Band, Pardi Gras, Swamparella

Update of 2021 Post

Links: Waterstreet Blues Band, More WSBB Stories, Video above courtesy of waterstreetbluesband

Links: Pardis Gras, Video above courtesy of Cory Mercer

Links: Swamparella, More Swamparella Stories, Video above courtesy of chukcanuk

More Mardi Gras Videos

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Oscar Peterson's 100th Birthday

August 15, 2025 would have been Canadian Jazz legend Oscar Peterson's 100th birthday.

Biographic Highlights (From Wikipedia)

• Born Oscar Emmanuel Peterson in Montreal (August 15, 1925)
• Won the national music competition organized by the CBC (1940)
• Released first recordings: I Got Rhythm and The Sheik of Araby (1945)
  
  
  
  Links: Oscar Peterson, More Oscar Peterson Stories, Video above courtesy of Overjazz
  
  
• First Album: Piano Solos (1950)
• Plays with Gene Krupa and Buddy Rich on The Drum Battle (1952)
• Plays with Count Basie on Basie Jazz (1952)
• Releases Louis Armstrong Meets Oscar Peterson (1959)
• 
  
  
  Links: Louis Armstrong, More Louis Armstrong Stories, Video above courtesy of Jazz & Blues
  
  
• Received Order of Canada, Officer (1972)
• 1st Grammy (of 8): Best Jazz Performance by a Group The Trio (ft guitarist Joe Pass, and bassist Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen)(1975)
  
  
  
  Links: Joe Pass, Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen, Video above courtesy of Joseph Passadena
  
  
• Inducted into Canadian Music Hall of Fame (1978)
• Received Order of Canada, Companion (1984)
• Honoured on Austrian postage stamps (2003)
• Honoured on Canada Post stamps (2005)
• Died of kidney disease at his home in Mississauga (December 23, 2007)
• Canada's Walk of Fame (2013)
• Documentary Oscar Peterson: Black + White released (2021)
• A "Heritage Minute" about him was created (2021)
  
  
  
  Links: Heritage Minutes, Video above courtesy of Historica Canada
  
  
• Featured on a commemorative loonie (2022)

More 100th Birthdays

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Previous (Cat Day Videos) - - - Next (Poet's Day Videos)

Spring Videos by Greg Moverley, Ella & Louis, Sonny Boy Williamson I, Tragically Hip

Update of 2020 Post

Links: Greg Moverley, More Greg Moverley Stories, Video above courtesy of Greg Moverley - Topic



Links: Ella Fitzgerald, More Ella Fitzgerald Stories, Louis Armstrong, More Louis Armstrong Stories, Video above courtesy of Amalokch



Links: Sonny Boy Williamson I, More Sonny Boy Williamson I stories/covers, Video above courtesy of TheHistoryJohn



Links: Tragically Hip, More Tragically Hip Covers/Stories, Video above courtesy of The Tragically Hip

Click here for more spring songs

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Previous  (St. Patrick's Day Videos) - - - Next (Chuck Jackson Awarded King Charles III Coronation Medal)

Happy Mardi Gras! Videos by Ted Peters w James Anthony Band, Fats Domino, John Fogerty

Update of 2019 Post

Links: James Anthony, More James Anthony Stories, Ted Peters, More Ted Peters Stories, Video above courtesy of Hamilton Blues Lovers



Links: Fats Domino, More Fats Domino Stories, Video above courtesy of AlfaBee2010



Links: John Fogerty, More CCR Stories/Covers, Video above courtesy of SOUTHERN REBEL

More Mardis Gras Videos

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Previous (Radio Day Videos)

Happy Mardi Gras! Niagara Rhythm Section, Stinky and the Hot Rodz, Louis Armstrong, Dr. John

Update of 2018 Post

Links: Niagara Rhythm Section, More Steve Goldberger (band leader) Stories, Lance Anderson, More Lance Anderson Stories, Video above courtesy of  Steve Goldberger



Links: Stinky and the Hot Rodz, More SatHR Stories, Video above courtesy of Colleen DePodesta



Links: Louis Armstrong, More Louis Armstrong Stories, Video above courtesy of xakyxak



Links: Dr. John, More Dr. John Stories, Video above courtesy of Sjoppiej

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Hamilton-Born Singer/Broadway Star Nick Cordero Passes

It is with sadness that we report on the passing of Nick Cordero, a Hamilton born singer and Tony-nominated Broadway star. He passed away on July 5 after a much publicized brave battle with COVID-19.Our condolences to his family, friends and fans.

Please consider donating to help his family by clicking here.

Media Stories:

• Hamilton Spectator
• CHCH
• CBC
• Bay City Observer
• HamiltonNews

His wife posted the following:

RIP Nick  7/5/20: God has another angel in heaven now. My darling husband passed away this morning. He was surrounded in love by his family, singing and praying as he gently left this earth.  I am in disbelief and hurting everywhere. My heart is broken as I cannot imagine our lives without him. Nick was such a bright light. He was everyone’s friend, loved to listen, help and especially talk. He was an incredible actor and musician. He loved his family and loved being a father and husband. Elvis and I will miss him in everything we do, everyday.
 - Amanda Kloots 

Here's a sampling of the social media response:

Jesse O'Brien

There just aren't words. RIP Nick Cordero. So young, funny and talented.From his early days at Westdale to "Tony n' Tina's Wedding", to writing/recording his fantastic music, truly a shining star in any room he walked in, it's easy to see why his star shone so bright on Broadway. Sending love to the entire Cordero family.

Shari Dunn

He was a beautiful person inside and out. He was talented in so many ways. He knew how to laugh and have a great time. And oh how we laughed. He knew how to make you feel special and worthy and listened to and loved. He was one in a million. I’m so honoured to have called you a friend. I’ll never forget you for as long as I live. Thank you for being a part of my life. You were just too bright a star. Your life should have blown up the sky for many more years to come. Love you Nick Cordero. I’m just gutted. Sending peace and love to Amanda, Elvis, Nick’s family and all who had the pleasure of knowing you. Rest In Peace and Love

Jude Johnson

Such a vibrant soul...unbelievable...rest now sweet prince....your light will forever shine in the hearts of all who met you, heard you sing, saw you dance...you were a King among men...a gentle soul...a husband and father, a son and brother...a friend to all...so young.

Click here for the  story.



More Louis Armstrong covers/stories



Links: Nick Cordero,, Videos above courtesy of Michael J Moritz Jr

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Previous (Les Smith Videos) - - - Next (Local East Coast Music Award Winners)

Happy Play Your Ukulele Day! Videos by Ian Reid

Videos above courtesy of VILLM - Vancouver Island Local Live Music



Video above courtesy of Latent Image Studios



Links: Video above courtesy of Paul Yedema, More Louis Armstrong Covers/Stories



Video above courtesy of Jill Mandic

Blast from the Past: Review of Ian's CD Hawkstripe

Links: Ian Reid, More Ian Reid Stories

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Previous (YWCA Hamilton Women of Distinction Awards Nominees) - - - Next (Maple Blues Award Winners)

Last News Roundup of 2018 (Our Blogger Interviewed, Whitehorse, Passings, more)

Argyle Sweater

Bent Pinky

More Musical Toons

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News

Local

• Sold on Hamilton w Judy Marsales episode w Lou, our blogger, Ed Sculthorpe (Birchway Sound) and P.S. Mediahouse
Links: Birchway Sound, P.S. Mediahouse, More Sold on Hamilton Episodes

• Video: Whitehorse on CBC Music
  
  
  
  Links: Whitehorse, More Whitehorse Stories, More CBC Videos, Video above courtesy of CBC Music
  
  
• Burlington Guitarist Barry Smallbone Passes

Spectator Stories

• Saddest Christmas Songs
• Alan Doyle (Great Big Sea) helps veteran with lost guitar
• Nancy Wilson Passes
• Philosopher Kings
• Rich Carrier and HPO
• Rock Hall of Fame inductees

FYI Music News

• 5 Questions w Suzie Vinnick
• Hair co-writer Galt MacDermot passes

Canada

• Dec 2018 issue of Maple Blues

World

• Louis Armstrong Museum Digitizes collection

Passings

• Nancy Wilson
• Joe Osborne (session musician
• Kelso Herston (music industry veteran)

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Adventure of Trebleclef, the Music-Loving Monkey

Trebleclef went to a private Christmas party/jam and had a holiday ball!

Click here for more pics from the party!

MORE NEWS ROUNDUPS

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Previous (Molly Kurvink of Tamarack Passes)

Hamilton's Carl Horton Passes

Picture courtesy of Carl's Facebook page

It is with sadness that we announce that Hamilton musician Carl Horton passed away recently.  Our condolences to his family, friends and fans.

UPDATE! Hamilton Spectator story about Carl's passing

UPDATE! A musical celebration of his life will be at the First Unitarian Church of Hamilton on Wednesday, December 13 (2 pm)
Carl started his professional music career in 1979. Highlights includes scoring numerous films/TV shows, creating over 450 advertising jingles, teaching, session work, arranging, directing and much more. He's performed for politicians and royalty.  Click here for more detailed bio.

Carl was beloved by many in the Hamilton music community. Here are a few comments from social media:

Jude Johnson (Carl's longtime musical partner): 

My heart is broken....my dear friend...musical partner for 35 yrs...my brother...Carl Horton....a King of a man...unbearable loss for his beloved Tina and daughters Ali and Annie ...our community has lost a great soul...there are no words....

Adrean Farrugia

Carl was one of my teachers at Mohawk College in the 90’s. He was a beloved teacher, and musician—always enthusiastic about music and supportive of others. I’m sad to hear that he’s gone. I’ll miss him. It’s a reminder to make the best of each day as we never know how long we’ll be here.
My condolences to his family. Rest In Peace Carl and thanks for the friendship and inspiration.

We will add more comments as we find them.



Video above courtesy of Hamilton Blues Lovers

To honour his legacy, here are some of his students performing an original tune they wrote.



Video above courtesy of Altheta Rutherford

Blast from the Past: Carl Horton and Friends Perform at Pine Street Gardens

Links: Carl Horton, More Carl Horton Stories, Jude Johnson, More Jude Johnson Stories,

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Previous (News Roundup, Part 2: Canada and World - Patrick Bourgeois, Awards, CBC's Top Albums, Passings) - - - Next (Yodelin' Slim Clark's 100th Birthday)

Dizzy Gillespie's 100th Birthday

Pic courtesy of DizzyGillespie.com

Saturday, October 21, 2017 would have been Jazz legend Dizzy Gillespie's 100th bithday.

Here are a few video to celebrate the birthday of this musical icon!



Links: Louis Armstrong, More Louis Armstrong Stories, Video above courtesy of mytox



Video above courtesy of Erik Boyd



Video above courtesy of Louis Rodrigues



Links: Muppets, More Muppets Stories, Video above courtesy of scandura2007

Links: Dizzy Gillespie, More 100th Birthday Celebrations

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Previous (News Roundup: Gord Downie, Trout Lily, Bat Out of Hell Musical) - - - Next (DJ Shub Wins Native American Music Award)

News Roundup (Chuck Berry, James Cotton, Robin Benedict, Brennagh Burns, CBC Radio Chart)

Two Musical Giants Pass!

H. Michael Karshis / CC

Chuck Berry Passes (News Story)

Links: Chuck Berry, More Chuck Berry Stories,  Video above courtesy of Nick W

Picture courtesy of musicfestnews.com

James Cotton Passes (News Story)

Links: James Cotton, More James Cotton Stories , Video above courtesy of newbliss3

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News

Local

• Barber Shop Podcast w Robin Benedict and Brennagh Burns
  
  
  
  

  
  

  Links: Robin Benedict, More Robin Benedict Stories, Brennagh Burns, More Brennagh Burns Stories, More Barber Shop Podcasts, Video above courtesy of Barber Shop Podcast

• Walk Off the Earth and Whitehorse on CBC Radio 2 Top 20 for March 16
• CHCH Video: Nolan Hubbard
• Local Artists on Searchlight Top 25

CBC Radio 2 Top 20 for March 16, 2017

Local artists in larger size

1. Walk Off the Earth: Fire in my Soul
2. The xx: On Hold
3. The New Pornographers: High Ticket Attractions
4. Fast Romantics: Why We Fight
5. Overcoats: Hold Me Close
6. Portugal. The Man: Feel it Still
7. Whitehorse: Boys Like You
8. Ruth B: Superficial Love
9. Scott Helman: 21 Days
10. Bill and Joel Plaskett: The Next Blue Sky
11. Common Deer: Confession (I Should Have Known)
12. Ron Sexsmith: Radio
13. Sarah Slean: Sarah
14. David Usher: They Will Believe (In This Love)
15. Arcade Fire ft Mavis Staples: I Give You Power
16. Bobby Bazini: Never Let Go
17. Robyn Dell'Unto: Face to Face
18. Sheryl Crow: Halfway There
19. Declan McKenna: The Kids Don't Wanna Come Home
20. Joseph: Canyon

World

• Previously Unreleased Louis Armstrong Recordings Discovered
• Passings: Jim Fuller (Surfaris Guitarist), Phil Garland (Kiwi Folk Legend)

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2014 Hamilton Spectator Readers' Choice Award Winners

The Hamilton Spectator has tallied all of their 2014 Readers' Choice votes and the people of Steeltown have chosen the best of their city.

This year, they included a Local Musician category.  Popular cover band, Freedom Train won the Platinum Award followed by Ginger St. James with Diamond and Shanya Lynn Dawson with Gold. Congratulations!



Links: Freedom Train, More Freedom Train Stories,  More Louis Armstrong covers/stories,, Video above courtesy of Freedom Train



Links: Ginger St. James, More Ginger St. James Stories, Video above courtesy of Bill Griffin



Links: Shanya Lynn Dawson, More Shanya Lynn Dawson Stories, Video above Courtesy of Janice Pinch

Here are the results of the music related categories.

Local Musician

• Freedom Train
• Ginger St. James
• Shanya Lynn Dawson

Festival

• Supercrawl
• Winona Peach Festival
• Sound of Music Festival

Concert Venue

• Hamilton Place
• This Ain't Hollywood
• FirstOntario Centre

Live Entertainment

• This Ain't Hollywood
• Hamilton Place
• The Casbah

Live Jazz Club

• Artword Artbar
• The Cat N Fiddle
• Augusta House

Live Music Bar/Lounge

• This Ain't Hollywood
• The Casbah
• The Baltimore House

Record/CD Store - NEW

• Dr. Disc
• Cheapies
• HMV

Record/CD Store - USED

• Dr. Disc
• Cheapies
• The Beat Goes On

Musical Instrument Store

• Long and McQuade
• Mountain Music/Pick 'N Sticks
• Payne's Music/The Music Stand

Music School

• Intune Music Academy
• Pick 'N Sticks
• Hamilton School of Music

Recording Studio

• Hive Studios/QED Media
• Grant Avenue Studio
• Catherine North Studios

Radio Station

• K-Lite FM 102.9
• KX 94.7 New Country
• Oldies 1150 CKOC

Music Instructor

• Sotyria Violaris, Intune Music Academy
• Steve McRae
• Jack Pedler, Pick 'N Sticks

Click here for the full list of winners.

Blast from the Past: Last Year's Winners

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Previous (Halloween Videos) - - - Next (Local Musicians Up for Maple Blues Awards)

Videos from a Private Show, Part 1 (Crucial Groove, Michael Maguire, Donna Ceighton, Don McGeoch)

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Link: Coming of Age Band (members' old band), More Crucial Groove Stories 



Link: Michael Maguire, More Michael Maguire Stories,



Links: Donna Creighton, More Donna Creigton stories



Links: Donald McGeoch, More Don McGeoch Stories

More from this show

• Part 1 (Crucial Groove, Michael Maguire, Donna Creighton, Don McGeoch)
• Part 2 (Crucial Groove, John Prince, Don McGeoch, Steve Shelton)
• Part 3 (Paul Langille, Wendell Ferguson, Katherine Wheatley)

Blast from the Past: Videos from last year's private show (Jericho, Ginger St. James, Don McGeoch, Ludgates)

As a thank you to the provider of this show, please make a donation to the Oakville Humane Society. Thank you!

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Previous (View Magazine Readers' Choice Awards) - - - Next (New Danielle Beaudin CD)

12 Videos of Christmas 2012: 9-12

Links: Louis Armstrong, More Louis Armstrong covers/stories, Video above courtesy of Sophya Again



Links: James Anthony, James Anthony, More James Anthony Stories 



Links: Rocket Revue (Brent's Band), Wendell Ferguson, More from this show



Links: James DesRoches, Video courtesy of The Practical Stylist

12 Videos of Christmas: 5-8
12 Videos of Christmas: 1-4

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Pine Street Garden Concert Series (June 30, 2011) Part 2

Click here if you can't see the videos.







More Louis Armstrong covers/stories



Links: Michael Birthelmer, Jude Johnson, Randal Hill, Brian Griffith, Lori Yates, Carl Horton

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Previous (Pine Street Garden Concert, Part 1) - - - Next (Waterhorse@Rebel's Rock)

Improv Jam and Love Fest @ McMaster Children's Hospital (December 22, 2010)

Click here if you can't see the videos.




More Louis Armstrong covers/stories






Links: Aalia Kesari - Andy Griffiths - Wright-Patterson Refugees - Melissa Bel - Burnin' Ethyl - Acoustics - View Photos

Click below to donate to Mac Kids



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