Sultans of String Bring Home Two 2023 Canadian Folk Music Awards

Burlington's Chris McKhool of Sultans of String with his two awards
Picture courtesy of My Bodacious Blog

The winners for the 2023 Canadian Folk Music Awards were announced during a weekend event on March 31 - April 2, 2023 in Vancouver. The Sultans of String, a band with members from Burlington, took home two of the awards.

View both ceremonies below

Video above courtesy of prixfolkawards

Links: CFMA, More CFMA Stories, Video above courtesy of prixfolkawards

Below is a complete list of winners. Local acts are bolded.

• Global Roots Album: Sanctuary by Sultans of String (some members from Burlington)
  
  
  
  Links: Sultans of String, More Sultans of String Stories, Duke Redbird, Video above courtesy of Sultans of String
  
  
• Producer(s): Chris McKhool (Burlington) & John 'Beetle' Bailey (New Hamberg) - Sanctuary by Sultans of String 
• Children’s Album: Folk For Little Folk Volume 1 by Gordie Crazylegs MacKeeman
• Contemporary Album: Long Haul by John Wort Hannam
• Contemporary Singer: Kyle McKearney
• English Songwriter(s): Abigail Lapell
• Ensemble: The Slocan Ramblers
• French Songwriter(s): Geneviève Roberge-Bouchard & Alain Barbeau 
• Indigenous Songwriter(s): Amanda Rheaume
• Instrumental Group: Allison de Groot & Tatiana Hargreaves 
• Instrumental Solo Artist: Waymzy
• New/Emerging Artist(s): RedFox
• Pushing the Boundaries Award: Oktoécho
• Single: Sing Me A Song by William Prince and Serena Ryder
  
  
  
  Links: William Prince, More William Prince Stories, Serena Ryder, More Serena Ryder Stories, Video above courtesy of William Prince
  
  
• Solo Artist: John Wort Hannam
• Traditional Album: Hurricane Clarice by Allison de Groot & Tatiana Hargreaves
• Traditional Singer: Lizzy Hoyt
• Unsung Hero Award: Ghislaine Cormier
• Vocal Group: The McDades 
• Young Performer(s): Fiddelium

Links: CFMA, More CFMA Stories

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CONGRATS! Local Artists on CBC's Best Cover Song List

Sometimes, a cover song can be a unique take on an existing tune and can have a spirit all it's own.

Recently, CBC Music asked it's listeners and readers what the best cover song of all time was. After tallying the results they unveiled a list of the 20 most popular answers.

Not surprisingly, there were a few local musicians in the bunch.

Hamilton Folk Rockers Whitehorse's amazing version of Bruce Springsteen's I'm on Fire made the list.



Links: Whitehorse, More Whitehorse Stories, More Springsteen Covers/Stories, Video above courtesy of Six Shooter Records

Also included was a cover Adele's Hometown Glory by St. Catharines superstar City and Colour.



Links: City and Colour, More City and Colour Stories, More Adele Covers/Stories, Video above courtesy of Dan Rawkt

The only local artist to be covered on this list is The Band  (a few members are from the Norfolk/Six Nations area).  The legendary Aretha Franklin covers their biggest hit, The Weight.



Links: Aretha Franklin, More Aretha Franklin Stories,  The Band, More Covers/Stories of The Band, Video above courtesy of king689soulclassics

Here's the rest of the list:

• Dixie Chicks: Landslide (Fleetwood Mac)
• Stevie Wonder: We Can Work it Out (Beatles)
• Johnny Cash: Hurt (Nine Inch Nails)
• kd lang: Hallelujah (Leonard Cohen)
• Barenaked Ladies: Lovers in a Dangerous Time (Bruce Cockburn)
• Travis: Hit Me Baby, One More Time (Britney Spears)
• Jennifer Warnes: Ain't No Cure for Love (Leonard Cohen)
• Sarah MacLachlan: Blue (Joni Mitchell)
• Dolly Parton: Don't Think Twice (Bob Dylan)
• Pearl Jam: Last Kiss (Wayne Cochran)
• The Ataris: Boys of Summer (Don Henley)
• Michael Jackson: Come Together (Beatles)
• Willie Nelson: Just Breathe (Pearl Jam)
• Lior and Serena Ryder: Heart of Gold (Neil Young)
• Holly Cole Trio: I Can See Clearly Now (Jimmy Cliff)
• Bonnie Raitt: Angel from Montgomery (John Prine)
• April Wine: Bad Side of the Moon (Elton John)

Click here for the complete story

Blast from the Past: CBC's Best Canadian Songwriters List

Links: CBC Music, More CBC Lists

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New Jeremy Fisher CD: The Lemon Squeeze

Hamilton-born singer/songwriter Jeremy Fisher has traded his indie guitar folk for piano driven pop and it sounds incredible! With his latest disc, The Lemon Squeeze (through Hidden Pony Records), he's now proven himself a master in this sonic realm as well.

From Uh Oh, his catchy duet with the amazing Serena Ryder to the other infectious tunes, Jeremy shines with almost boundless energy and enthusiasm.  It's all done without sacrificing songwriting as he delves into macabre, poignent and sometimes sentimental themes.

This wonderful album is available on vinyl and CD through his live shows and website and can also be downloaded through iTunes or eMusic.



Video above courtesy of Jeremy Fisher





2 videos above courtesy of Logiled Delux

Blast from the Past: Jeremy Fisher Album: Live at Catherine North 

Links: Jeremy Fisher, More Jeremy Fisher Stories, More Releases

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Previous (Kathleen Edwards and the Spoons on CBC's Top Canadian Songs List) - - - Next (Conor Gains Band Wins Toronto Blues Society Talent Search)

Many Area Artists Win 2014 SOCAN Awards

Picture courrtesy of SOCAN

During the 25th Anniversary SOCAN Awards, local musicians were well represented in the winners circle.  The kudos were handed out on June 16, 2014 in Toronto.

Hamilton music veteran Ian Thomas recieved the prestigious National Achivement Award. Burlington's Walk Off the Earth and St. Catharines country star Tim Hicks continued their winning ways by earning a Pop/Rock Music Award and a Country Award respectively. Local singer/songwriter Kathleen Edwards took home the Folk/Roots top prize. Congrats to everyone!




Links: Ian Thomas, More Ian Thomas Stories , Video above courtesy of Great Tunes



Links: Kathleen Edwards, More Kathleen Edwards Stories, , Video above courtesy of Mariposa Festival

Highlights

• National Achievement: Ian Thomas
• Folk/Roots: Kathleen Edwards
• Country: Get By by Tim Hicks
• Hagood Hardy Award: Jill Barber 
• Pop/Rock: Red Hands by Walk Off the Earth
• Lifetime Achievement: Gordon Lightfoot
• Special Achievemen: Bill Henderson
• Pop/Rock: Stompa by Serena Ryder/Kiss Goodnight by Tyler Shaw/Closer by Tegan And Sara

Country

• Fire It Up by Johnny Reid
• Canadian Girls by Dean Brody
• Love Me Or Leave Me/Smoke in the Rain by Chad Brownlee
• Cool by Jason Blaine
• Mine Would Be You by Blake Shelton
• Cruise by Florida Georgia Line
• Nothing But Summer by Dallas Smith

Click here for the complete list

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Tim Hicks and Walk Off the Earth Win Canadian Radio Music Awards!

Both local artists that were nominated for Canadian Radio Music Awards took some hardware home on May 7, 2014 in Toronto.  St. Catharines boy Tim Hicks won the Factor Breakthrough Award and Burlington's Walk Off The Earth received 4 out of the 5 awards they were nominated for.

Congratulations!



Links: Tim Hicks, More Tim Hicks Stories, Video above courtesy of Tim Hicks



Links: Walk Off The Earth, More WOTE Stories, Video above courtesy of Walk Off the Earth

Here's the complete list of winners:

• Factor Breakthrough Award: Tim Hicks
• Hot Adult Contemporary: Walk Off The Earth: Red Hands
• Contemporary Hit Radio: Walk Off The Earth: Red Hands
• Fan's Choice: Walk Off The Earth
• Song Of The Year: Walk Off The Earth: Red Hands
• Country: Brett Kissel: Started With A Song
  
  
  
  Links: More Brett Kissel Stories, Video above courtesy of Brett Kissel
  
  
• Best Dance/Urban Rhythmic: Armin Van Buuren Feat. Trevor Guthrie: This Is What It Feels Like
• Mainstream Adult Contemporary: Tegan and Sara: I Was A Fool
• Best Rock:  Head Of The Herd: By This Time Tomorrow
• International Single Of The Year: Avicii: Wake Me Up
• Chart Topper Award: Serena Ryder
• Heatseeker Award: Down With Webster

Blast from the Past: Nominations for the 2014 Indie Awards

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Matt Mays, Ron Sexsmith and Downchild Deliver Junos to the Area

Unfortunately, not too many local musicians won Junos on March 30, 2014.  Still, we were well represented by threefabulous acts. Veterans Downchild (with members from the Niagara and Brantford areas) took home the Best Blues Album award.  Hamilton-born Rocker Matt Mays also received the award for Best Rock Album. St. Catharines musician Ron Sexsmith won Best Adult Alternative Album for his CD, Forever Endeavour
Congratulations!



Links: Downchild Blues Band, More Downchild Stories, Video above courtesy of Sound of Blues



Links: Matt Mays, More Matt Mays Stories, Video above courtesy of Sonic Records

Pop duo Tegan and Sara were the big winners with three Junos to their name.  Serena Ryder took home two awards as well.

Here are the highlights

• Blues Album: Downchild: Can You Hear the Music
• Rock Album: Matt Mays: Coyote
• Roots and Traditional: Justin Rutledge: Valleyheart
• Roots and Traditional: Group: Strumbellas: We Still Move On Dance Floors 
• Country Album: Dean Brody: Crop Circles 
• Album: Arcade Fire: Reflektor
• Artist: Serena Ryder 
• Group: Tegan and Sara
• Breakthrough Artist: Brett Kissel
• Single: Tegan and Sara: Closer 
• Songwriter: Serena Ryder
• Adult Alternative Album: Ron Sexsmith: Forever Endeavour
• Pop Album: Tegan and Sara: Heartthrob 
• Vocal Jazz Album: Mike Rud: Notes On Montréal ft. Sienna Dahlen
• Contemporary Jazz Album: Christine Jensen Jazz Orchestra: Habitat 
• Traditional Jazz Album: Mike Downes: Ripple Effect
• Adult Contemporary Album: Johnny Reid: A Christmas Gift To You
• Reggae Recording: Exco Levi and Kabaka Pyramid: Strive
  
• Contemporary Christian/Gospel Album: Tim Neufeld: Trees
• Video of the Year: Sheepdogs: Feeling Good
  
  
  
  Video above courtesy of the Sheepdogs

Click here for the complete winners list

Blast from the Past: Last Year's Winners

Links: Juno Awards, More Juno Stories

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Tim Hicks and Walk Off the Earth Nominated for Canadian Radio Music Awards

Get By, the kick ass song from St. Catharines Country sensation, Tim Hicks recently earned a nomination from the 17th annual Canadian Radio Music Awards (Country category). Burlington rockers Walk Off The Earth received five nods as well, mainly for their song Red Hands. Congrats and good luck!



Links: Tim Hicks, More Tim Hicks Stories, Video above courtesy of Tim Hicks



Links: Walk Off The Earth, More WOTE Stories, Video above courtesy of Walk Off the Earth

The ceremony, which takes place May 7, 2014 at the Mod Club in Toronto is a huge part of the Canadian Music Week (May 6-10, 2014) festivities.

Here's the complete list of nominees:

Country

• Tim Hicks: Get By
• Alee: Don't Say You Love Me
• Autumn Hill: Anything At All
  
  
  
  Video above courtesy of Wax Records
  
  
• Brett Kissel: Started With A Song
• Wes Mack: Duet

Mainstream Adult Contemporary

• Walk Off The Earth: Red Hands
• Armin Van Buuren Feat. Trevor Guthrie, This Is What It Feels Like
• Metric: Breathing Underwater
• Tegan and Sara: I Was A Fool
• Tyler Shaw: Kiss Goodnight

Hot Adult Contemporary

• Walk Off The Earth: Red Hands
• Armin Van Buuren Feat. Trevor Guthrie: This Is What It Feels Like
• Classified: Inner Ninja
• Robin Thicke: Blurred Lines
• Tyler Shaw: Kiss Goodnight

Contemporary Hit Radio

• Walk Off The Earth: Red Hands
• Armin Van Buuren Feat. Trevor Guthrie: This Is What It Feels Like
• Metric: Breathing Underwater
• Tyler Shaw: Kiss Goodnight
• Vita Chambers: Fix You

Song Of The Year

• Walk Off The Earth: Red Hands
• Tegan and Sara: Closer
• Drake: Hold On, We're Going Home
• Classified Feat. David Myles: Inner Ninja, 
• Serena Ryder: Stompa

Fans’ Choice 

• Walk Off The Earth
• Robin Thicke
• Serena Ryder
• Tegan and Sara
• Trevor Guthrie

Dance/Urban/Rhythmic

• Armin Van Buuren Feat. Trevor Guthrie: This Is What It Feels Like
• Glenn Morrison: Goodbye
• JV Project: Miracle
• Tyler Shaw: Kiss Goodnight
• Vita Chambers: Fix You

Rock

• Glorious Sons: Mama
• Head Of The Herd: By This Time Tomorrow
• July Talk: Guns and Ammunition
• Mounties: Headphones
• One Bad Son: Scarecrows

International Single Of The Year

• Avicii: Wake Me Up
• Justin Timberlake: Mirrors
• Lumineers: Ho Hey
• P!nk: Just Give Me A Reason
• Rihanna: Stay

Blast from the Past: Tim Hicks and Walk Off the Earth Nominated for 2014 Junos

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Lots of Juno Nominations for the Area

The 2014 Juno nominations have been released and once again, area musicians got quite a few nods.

Here are a few local highlights:

• Harrison Kennedy (Blues Album) (Hamilton)
• Downchild (Blues Album) (some members are from Brantford/Niagara)
• Blue Rodeo (Group) (Hamilton's Colin Cripps on guitar)
• Lee Harvey Osmond (Roots Group)(Hamilton)
• Daniel Romano (Roots Solo)(Welland)
• Tim Hicks (Country Album, Breakthrough Artist) (St. Catharines)
• Matt Mays (Rock Album) (Born in Hamilton)
• Walk off the Earth (Group, Fan Choice, Pop Album, Recording Engineer)(Burlington)
• Monster Truck (Rock Album, Producer, Recording Engineer)
• The City Harmonic (Contemporary Gospel) (Hamilton)
• Jordan Raycroft (Contemporary Gospel) (Niagara)
• Splash 'N Boots (Children's Album) (Hamilton)

Links: Daniel Romano  Video above courtesy of Normaltown Records



Links: Tim Hicks, Video above courtesy of Tim Hicks



Links: Jordan Raycroft, More Jordan Raycroft Stories, Video above courtesy of Jordan Raycroft

Indie Rock band Arcade Fire leads the pack with six nominations, followed by Michael Bublé and Serena Ryder with five then Céline Dion, Drake, Hedley and Tegan and Sara with 4 each.

Nomination highlights:

Blues Album

• Harrison Kennedy: Soulscape
• Downchild: Can You Hear the Music
• David Gogo: Come on Down
• James Buddy Rogers: My Guitar’s My Only Friend
• MonkeyJunk: All Frequencies

Roots and Traditional: Solo

• Daniel Romano: Come Cry With Me
• David Francey: So Say We All
• Donovan Woods: Don’t Get Too Grand
• Justin Rutledge: Valleyheart
• Lindi Ortega: Tin Star

Roots and Traditional: Group

• Lee Harvey Osmond: The Folk Sinner
• Little Miss Higgins and The Winnipeg Five: Bison Ranch Recording Sessions
• The Devin Cuddy Band: Volume One
• Strumbellas: We Still Move On Dance Floors
• Wilderness of Manitoba: Island of Echoes

Country Album

• Tim Hicks: Throw Down
• Brett Kissel: Started With a Song
• Dean Brody: Crop Circles
• Gord Bamford: Country Junkie
• Small Town Pistols: Small Town Pistols

Album

• Arcade Fire Reflektor
• Céline Dion: Loved Me Back to Life
• Drake: Nothing Was the Same 
• Michael Bublé: To Be Loved
• Serena Ryder: Harmony

Artist

• Céline Dion
• Drake
• Michael Bublé
• Robin Thicke
• Serena Ryder

Group

• Blue Rodeo
• Walk off the Earth
• Arcade Fire
• Hedley
• Tegan and Sara

Breakthrough Artist

• Tim Hicks
• Brett Kissel
• Florence K
• Tyler Shaw
• Wake Owl

Fan Choice

• Walk off the Earth
• Arcade Fire
• Avril Lavigne
• Céline Dion
• Drake
• Hedley
• Justin Bieber
• Michael Bublé
• Robin Thicke
• Serena Ryder

Single

• Arcade Fire: Reflektor
• Classified ft. David Myles: Inner Ninja
• Michael Bublé: It’s a Beautiful Day
• Serena Ryder: What I Wouldn’t Do
• Tegan and Sara: Closer

Songwriter

• Arcade Fire
• Henry “Cirkut” Walter
• Ron Sexsmith
• Serena Ryder
• Tegan and Sara

Adult Alternative Album

• A.C. Newman: Shut Down the Streets
• Basia Bulat: Tall Tall Shadow 
• Hayden: Us Alone
• Ron Sexsmith: Forever Endeavour
• The Sadies: Internal Sounds

Pop Album

• Walk off the Earth: R.E.V.O. 
• Hedley: Wild Life
• Michael Bublé: To Be Loved
• Robin Thicke: Blurred Lines
• Tegan and Sara: Heartthrob

Rock Album

• Monster Truck: Furiosity
• Matt Mays: Coyote
• Headstones: Love + Fury
• Matthew Good: Arrows of Desire
• Three Days Grace: Transit of Venus

Vocal Jazz Album

• Amy McConnell and William Sperandei: Stealing Genius
• Erin Propp with Larry Roy: Courage, My Love
• Matt Dusk: My Funny Valentine – The Chet Baker Songbook
• Mike Rud: Notes On Montréal ft. Sienna Dahlen
• Sonia Johnson, Charles Biddle Jr. and Annie Poulain: Triades

Contemporary Jazz Album

• Brandi Disterheft: Gratitude
• Christine Jensen Jazz Orchestra: Habitat
• Darcy James Argue’s Secret Society: Brooklyn Babylon
• Earl MacDonald: Mirror of the Mind
• Trifolia: Le refuge

Traditional Jazz Album

• Carn Davidson 9: Nine
• Ian McDougall 12-tet: LIVE 
• John MacLeod and His Rex Hotel Orchestra: Our Second Set
• Mike Downes: Ripple Effect
• Phil Dwyer and Don Thompson: Look for the Silver Lining

Children's Album

• Splash’N Boots: Coconuts Don’t Fall Far From the Tree
• Charlie Hope: Sing As We Go!
• Gary Rasberry: What’s the Big Idea?!?
• Helen Austin: Colour It
• Marie-Claude: Mon coffret à surprises

Contemporary Christian/Gospel Album

• The City Harmonic: Heart
• Jordan Raycroft: Jordan Raycroft
• Fraser Campbell: Search the Heavens
• The High Bar Gang: Lost and Undone: A Gospel Bluegrass Companion
• Tim Neufeld: Trees

Click here for the complete nomination list

Blast from the Past: Last Year's Winners

Links: Juno Awards, More Juno Stories

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Previous (Area Musicians on Blues Underground Network Best of Year Lists)

Local Talent Bring Junos to the Hammer

Long time Hamiltonian Steve Strongman and new Hammertown residents Elliott Brood have brought home the Junos!  Steve won for best Blues album and Elliott Brood was awarded for Roots Recording (Group). Area band, The City Harmonic also won for Contemporary Christian/gospel album.  On top of that, Steel City rockers, Monster Truck received the nod for Breakthough Group.

Congratulations guys!  You make us proud!

Click here for the Spectator story.

Click here for Hamilton Musix Biz Bites story  



Links: Steve Strongman, More Steve Strongman stories, Video courtesy of Kincardine Times



Links: Elliott Brood , Video courtesy of AxleGrinder

Below are a few highlights.  Click here for the full list of winners

Blues Album: Steve Strongman: A Natural Fact

Roots & Traditional Album (Solo): Rose Cousins, We Have Made A Spark

Roots & Traditional Album (Group): Elliott Brood: Days Into Years

Songwriter: Leonard Cohen

Country Album: Johnny Reid, Fire It Up

International Album: Mumford & Sons, Babel

Adult Alternative Album: Serena Ryder, Harmony


Artist: Leonard Cohen

Vocal Jazz Album: Emilie-Claire Barlow, Seule ce Soir

Aboriginal Album: Crystal Shawanda, Just Like You

Music DVD: Bobcaygeon (Tragically Hip)

Allan Waters Humanitarian Award: Tom Cochrane

Canadian Music Hall of Fame Inductee:  k.d. lang

Link: More about the Junos

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Felicia McMinn@Artword Artbar (July 15, 2011)

Click here if you can't see the videos.









Ron Weihs of the Artword Artbar joined in.



Felicia was opening for Duane Rutter (his footage will come soon). She joined him at the end of his set.



Click here for Felicia McMinn's site


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