Thursday, April 16, 2026

Local Nominees at 2026 Forest City London Music Awards! Vote (Deadline May 8)


There a few local connections among the nominees for the 2026 Forest City London Music Awards.
  • Former Hamiltonian Paul Langille is up for the Blues category
  • The Lowdown Dirty Mojos features band members who are currently living in Hamilton/Oakville gor the nod for Ontario Independent Recording Artist of the Year
  • Tribute artist nomiee Disgusteen, cover tunes from Hamilton punk veterans Teenage Head
People can vote for their favourites untl May 8, 2026 by clicking here

Winners will be revealed in two events: June 7, 2026 at Aeolian Hall and June 14, 2026 at London Music Hall as part of London Music Week - June 6 to 14.

GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!

Below is a complete list of nominees

BLUES

ONTARIO INDEPENDENT RECORDING ARTIST

TRIBUTE ARTIST

AFRO CARIBIANNA

  • Jaghuligin
  • Solo YT
  • King Willie
  • Callel
  • V Merchant
  • Patron
  • Divice Hydera

CLASSICAL INSTRUMENTAL (GROUP)

  • Brass Roots New Horizons Band
  • Encore: The Concert Band
  • Vintera String Quartet
  • Forte Piano Trio
  • London Concert Band
  • London Community Orchestra

CLASSICAL INSTRUMENTAL (SOLO)

  • Peixuan He, Piano
  • Jeffrey Komar, Viola
  • Sarah Cupit, Cello
  • Iris Leck, Double Bass
  • Yanet Campbell-Secades, Violin
  • Kennedy Kimber-Johnson, Pipe Organ
  • Gillian Derer, Flute

CLASSICAL VOCAL (SOLO)

  • Julia LoRusso
  • Nicholas Gryniewski
  • Madeline Berman
  • Hannah Cole
  • Angelique Croteau
  • Hannah Pinhorn
  • Felix Stueckmann

CLASSICAL VOCAL (CHOIR OR GROUP)

  • London Gospel Collective
  • Chor Amica
  • Karen Schuessler Singers
  • London Pro Musica
  • Kammerchor London
  • The London Singers
  • The Metropolitan Choir

CLUB DJ

  • DJ Joze
  • DJ Wickham
  • DJ Matt Royal
  • DJ Ph!lo
  • DJ Calderon
  • DJ Deon
  • DJ Shoray

CONTEMPORARY SINGER SONGWRITER

  • Brent Jones
  • Anne Moniz
  • Aidan Hough
  • Steve Sinclair
  • Marty Kolls
  • John Fellner
  • Laura Gagnon

CONTRIBUTOR

  • Paul Latorre (Community Supporter)
  • Vinnie Vincenzo (Community Builder)
  • James O’Rourke (Community Supporter)
  • Leanne Mayer (Community Builder)
  • Seth McNall (Community Builder)
  • Allison Oosterman (Community Builder)
  • Dario Novoa (Community Builder)
  • Jeff Bailkowski (Community Builder)
  • Daubian Oliviera (Community Builder)
  • Saidat (Community Builder)

COUNTRY

  • Maddy McKenzie
  • Genevieve Fisher
  • Tom Dunphy
  • Tyler DeLargie
  • Brothers Wilde
  • Greg Williams
  • Amanda Keeles

COVER BAND

  • The Strands
  • The Last Call
  • Grunge Cantina
  • Down N Dirty Band
  • KJ & the Motones
  • Betamaxx
  • Big Shiny Toons

ELECTRONIC

  • K-VIII
  • apaull
  • DJ Dave. Foxx
  • Incredible Melting Man
  • Patio G
  • Mat Lunnen
  • Stirling

FAN FAVOURITE

  • The Regal Beagles
  • Amanda Movio
  • Pepper Jones & the Rockits
  • Myrtle Earl
  • Pop Rockets
  • The Do-Overs
  • Aimee & Aaron Allen
  • Lindsey & The Lonelies
  • Red Banzino
  • Twin Fin

FOLK ROOTS

  • Maggie’s Wake
  • The Pairs
  • The Marrieds
  • The Bookends
  • Jesse Grandmont & Brian Barber
  • Willow Switch
  • Pete Denomme

HIPHOP

  • Jack Craven
  • Kai Banks
  • Cameron James
  • Trizzy
  • 2 Divine
  • Insyst
  • Cronica

JAZZ VOCAL (SOLO or GROUP)

  • Rachelle Courtney
  • The Jitterbugs
  • Hilary Welch
  • Nicole Tan
  • The Crooners: Rick Kish & Connor Boa
  • Laurraine Sigouin
  • Scott Bollert

JAZZ INSTRUMENTAL (SOLO or GROUP)

  • The Jazz Collective
  • Seth McNall Sextet
  • Mark Swan’s Good Hang
  • Juice Joint
  • London Jazz Orchestra
  • Baddest Big Band
  • Aitken l Ladd l Peacock

LATIN

  • Ana De México
  • Descortés
  • J David
  • Simple Reflections for Artists
  • Sofi R
  • Dau Brazil
  • Andrés Valencia

LIVE MUSIC VENUE

  • Richmond Tavern
  • Palasad Social Bowl
  • Eastside Bar & Grill
  • The Bunker Performance Lounge (Stratford)
  • Aeolian Hall
  • Pier Side (Port Stanley)
  • The Wortley Roadhouse
  • FitzRays
  • Mustang Sally’s
  • Quiet Earth

METAL

  • Falls For the Elderly
  • Abandoned Souls
  • Prosector
  • Dead Days
  • Quiet Mind
  • No Exceptions
  • Crowning Kings
POP

  • Drives the Common Man
  • Addi John
  • Tean Dream
  • The Sunshine Makers
  • Bella Rosa
  • Justin Maki
  • Lua Sol

PUNK

  • Mvll Crimes
  • Moore Ave 
  • Polluted
  • Full Throttle
  • Set To Go!
  • 4HateU8
  • Junko Daydream

ROCK

  • Status Non Status
  • Pro Wrestling the Band
  • No Exceptions
  • Thunder Queens
  • Wabi Sabis
  • Pot is Drugs
  • Texas King

WORLD MUSIC

  • Brent Jones
  • V Merchant
  • Mas Aya
  • Rachel McGarry
  • Anddre Mafra
  • Doreño
  • Emily Jean Flack
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Wednesday, April 15, 2026

Throwback Thursday - Drummer John "Babe" Myles Passes


Original Post: July 1, 2009

Updated Post: April 16, 2026

It is with sadness that we announced the passing of local drummer John "Babe" Myles on Thursday, June 26, 2009. Our condolences go out to his friends and family.

Below is the obituary from the July 4, 2009 Hamilton Spectator.


He played many years with King Biscuit Boy, the Capris, the Chessman and the Stingrays.

Former bandmate, John LaRocca (Stingrays), said he was "one of the best blues drummers around"
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Music Listings: April 16, 2026

April 16, 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.

Apr 16 / Apr 17-19 / Apr 20-26

Thursday, April 16

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

Hamilton Music Festival (Apr 6-May 1) 

GritLIT: Readers & Writers Festival (Hamilton) (Apr 15-19)





2pm: Finding Neverland (Musical) @ Hamilton Family Theatre (Cambridge) $62 (Apr 15-May 3)

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


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

6-9pm: Daryl Gray @ Irish Harp (Niagara-on-the-Lake)

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

6-8pm: Dan Walsh @ 2 Rivers (Paris) 

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

6pm: Music @ Strykerz Kitchen & Bar (Kitchener) 


6:30pm: Odd Canvas @ Henry's on James (Hamilton) 

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



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

7-10pm: Michelle Hedley @ Teddy's (Grimsby) 

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

7-9pm: Josh Edwards @ Doc Magilligan's (Niagara Falls) 

7-10pm: Doug Root @ Manhattans (Guelph) 

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

7:30pm: Great Lake Swimmers @ The Westdale (Hamilton) $?


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

7:30pm: Champagne Weather @ Silence (Guelph) $20

7:30pm: Finding Neverland (Musical) @ Hamilton Family Theatre (Cambridge) $62 (Apr 15-May 3) 


7:30pm: Curtains (Musical Comedy Whodunnit) @ Lighthouse Theatre (Port Dover) $32+ (Apr 10-26) 

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

8pm: Antonio Larosa @ Mills Hardware (Hamilton) $26.83

8pm: John Davis @ Squire's Gastropub (Burlington) 

8pm: Garrett Mason @ Moonshine Cafe (Oakville) $20

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: Open Mic @ Coach & Lantern (Ancaster) (Weekly) 

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

COMING SOON!

April


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



April 18, 3-6pm: Bob Maclean @ Counterpoint Brewing (Kitchener) $7.50 #

April 18, 7-10pm: Robbie McMaster @ Counterpoint Brewing (Kitchener) $7.50 #




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

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

April 20, 8pm: Grapes of Wrath Acoustic Duo @ Sonic Hall (Guelph) $36.67+

April 21-22, 12pm: The Music of Rod Stewart & Neil Diamond @ Gathering Place by the Grand (Ohsweken) $? incl lunch buffet #



April 22, 8pm: Valdy @ River Run Centre, Studio Theatre (Guelph) $30

April 23, 7pm: Old Dominion, Phil Vasar, Sasha @ TD Coliseum (Hamilton) $? #

April 23, 7pm: Sounds Gay! Open Mic @ Mosaic (Hamilton) (4th Thu) 

April 24, 6:30-8:30pm: Student Showcase @ Tabone Academy of Music (Hamilton) $10#

April 24, 8pm: Golden Feather with Conor Gains @ Sonic Hall (Guelph) $26.33



April 25, 7:30pm: Steve Marriner & Local Electric ft Jesse O'Brien, Jimmy Bowskill, Glenn Milchem @ Coach & Lantern (Ancaster) reservervation only through andrealeecassis@gmail.com



April 30, 9pm-1am: Open Jam & Live Band Karaoke ft Detour @ Tracie's Place (Hamilton) (Last Thu)

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 13, 7:30pm: Ian Thomas... Not Gone Yet! @ River Run Centre (Guelph) $86



May 24, 10:30am-4pm: Hamilton Record Show @ Bridgeworks - $5/$15 Early Bird @ 9am #


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 29, 8pm: The Hogtown Allstars @ Clifford Brewing (Hamilton) $25 adv/$30 door

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)

Apr 15-16 / Apr 17-19 / Apr 20-26
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Wednesday, April 8, 2026

Throwback Thursday - Dave Pomfret: No Rush + Album Release Videos


Original Post: July 1, 2009

Updated Post: April 9, 2026

Former Munday Nuns member, Dave Pomfret's album, No Rush, is an amazing collection of songs that's hard to pin down stylistically.

Dave goes from catchy, rockin' riffs to mellow melodies. On the way, he touches on folk, rock, and even bits of pop and country thrown in.

Joining Dave in making this great music is former Nuns bandmate (and former member of the Killjoys) Mike Trebilcock on guitar and many other instruments. Mike also produced the disc.

A number of other talented performers aided and abetted the singer/songwriter, including: Mark McIntyre (bass), Aaron Goldstein (pedal steel guitar), Craig Lapsley (drums), Troy Dowding (trumpet), Darcy Hepner (sax, organ), Rosemary Hale (violin), Sarah Honeyford (cello). On background vocals there's Mary Simon, Jean Caffeine, Karen Sturrock, and the Mississippi Kings. Dave's son, Brier Pomfret, plays the piano on it as well.

Available on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube

Below are videos from his Album Release (and birthday) party on June 30, 2009. 




Links: Dave Pomfret, More Dave Pomfret Stories, More CD Releases, Video above courtesy of Hamilton Blues Lovers

Sarah Ivanco, came up and sang to start things off. She wowed the crowd.



More Videos From This Show
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Tuesday, April 7, 2026

Banjo Day Videos by Dan Medakovic, Harrison Kennedy, The Vaudevillian

Update of 2022 Post

Links: Danny Medakovic, More Danny Medakovic Stories, Video above courtesy of Dan Medakovic

Links: Harrison Kennedy, More Harrison Kennedy Stories, Video above courtesy of Paul Mill

Links: The Vaudevillian, More Vaudevillian Stories, Video above courtesy of The Vaudevillian

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Saturday, April 4, 2026

Easter Videos by Greg Moverley, Dr. Robert, Bing Crosby

Update of 2021 Post





Links: Dr. Robert, Video above courtesy of Kevin Lee


Links: Bing Crosby, Video above courtesy of The78Prof

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Wednesday, April 1, 2026

Throwback Thursday: April Foolery - Justin Timberlake Recruits Local Musicians For Blues CD

Update of 2009 Post

Pop Superstar Justin Timberlake certainly knows where to find great blues musicians. He'll be working with some Hamilton talent for his new blues CD.

In a move that stunned the music world, Timberlake has turned his back on pop/dance music. "I'm sick of all the repetitive, cookie cutter, shallow, repetitive s#!+," he said.

"I've been feeling down for a while now, " he added, "I didn't want the fame, the prestige, the riches, the groupies - so becoming a Blues musician seemed to be the best choice."

A Google search landed him at this very blog where he discovered the great talent that Hamilton and Burlington had to offer.

To record his new CD, he recruited guitarist James Anthony. "This is a dream come true!" James said enthusiastically, "I have all his CDs, including his stuff with N Sync - not to mention all the posters on my wall!"

James is joined by Dale Park on drums (returning to drumming just for this project), Michael Hickey on bass, and Lou Campanella (TNT Bluesmen, Hammertones) on harp. Also in the band are Justin's rumoured love interest, Lily Sazz on keyboards and Loretta Hale on trumpet (who some say is also seeing the pop star).

This amazing band has already recorded two songs: "Britney Done Left Me"and "Wardrobe Malfunction Blues".

As a transition from his old style to his new one, Justin has decided to re-record his mega-hit SexyBack as a folky blues song with the help of Alfie Smith.

"I sing that song in the shower all the time!" Alfie exclaimed, "It'll be a privilege to finally record it."

The album will be rushed into production soon to prevent illegal downloading. It should be out in late April. "Fools will think this is impossible," Justin explains, "But they'll see I can sing the blues with the best of them."
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Tuesday, March 31, 2026

Treble to Star in New Sitcom

The Hamilton Blues Lovers are thrilled to announce our most ambitious media enterprise yet: a brand-new sitcom starring our very own mascot, Trebleclef, the Music Loving Monkey.

The series, titled Everybody Loves Treble, follows our favorite primate as he trades the city for the jungle after his Uncle Jed strikes it rich by discovering a "banana geyser". Trebleclef moves on up to the east side of the jungle to a deluxe treehouse in the sky.

Once settled, Treble buys radio station WMKY and recruits the eccentric Dr. Johnny Zaius to broadcast nothing but Southern Ontario’s finest tunes. He also has to contend with his wild neighbor Lamer, a gibbon with a habit of barging into the treehouse unannounced.

"Creating something this unique and original took a lot of work," says head writer and HBL blogger, Lu. "We’ve already polished the scripts and are ready to begin principal photography on April 31st."

Season One Highlights:
  • Episode 1: "Banana Bursting" – Treble navigates the move and learns that more bananas mean more problems.

  • Episode 2: "Whoa, Contest" – Treble and the gang compete to see who can go the longest without eating a banana.

  • Episode 3: "The Trouble with Trebles" – A radioactive banana causes Treble to multiply himself all over their new boat! Guest starring William Shatner as Captain Peel.

  • Episode 4: "Bottom of the Line" – Treble opens a banana-filled chocolate factory and puts Lamer on the assembly line. Spoiler: Hilarity (and chocolate) ensues.

  • Episode 5: "The Shark Ages" – Treble attempts to water-ski over shark-infested waters.
"It’s going to be incredible," explains Director/Executive Producer, April Fulcilli. "We are proud to announce that Everybody Loves Treble will be the first-ever sitcom to air on the National Geographic Channel!"

Look for the premiere this fall—you’d be a fool to miss it!
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Monday, March 30, 2026

Winners of the First Canadian Blues Music Awards (2025)

The very first Canadian Blues Music Awards took place on March 30, 2026 at the Phoenix Concert Theatre in Toronto. 

Here's a complete list of winners

* Signed to Waterdown's Stony Plain Records
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Sunday, March 29, 2026

Winners of the 2026 Juno Ceremony Including Hamilton's Raquel McIntosh


The 2026 televised Junos ceremony was broadcast on March 29, 2026 from TD Coliseum in Hamilton. Raquel McIntosh, a teacher from Adelaide Hoodless Elementary School caught the country's attention as the Teacher of the Year winner. CONGRATS!

Not only did Hamilton's Arkells hand the award to Ms. McIntosh, they also performed at the event.


Links: Arkells, More Arkells Stories, Video above courtesy of CBC Music 

Below is a video of the full ceremony

Links: Juno Awards, More Juno Stories, Video above courtesy of CBC Music

GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!

Below is a complete list of winners. Local acts are bolded. Click here for the winners of the Saturday Gala

Other performances

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