Hamilton's Tom Finochio Loved to Play His Guitar (RIP)

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of  Hamilton musician Tom Finochio. Our condolences to his family, friends and fans.

The following was posted on his cousin Fred Finocchio's page:

My friends and family today, I must inform you that on Saturday Feb 28 at 4pm my cousin Tom (Thomas Albert Finochio) passed away from a heart attack. Tom was in his 70th year. He was loved by many and will be missed by all.

He was a great musician he just loved to play guitar as all his friends and family know. At this time we have no plans for a celebration of life but if and when I will post it. If anyone that had been close to him would like to talk to me please don’t hesitate. Thank you all for your friendship with Tom.

Links: More Tom Finochio Stories, Video above courtesy of  videomanproductions

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Previous

Music Listings: March 14-15, 2026

March 14-15, 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.

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Mar 13-15/ Mar 16-22

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Saturday, March 14

---- Before 3:00pm ----

Taste of Oakville (some live music) (Feb 19-Mar 15)

IRL Festival @ Kitchener (Mar 7-17)

9:30am-1pm: Freewheelin' Folk Show (Radio Show) Hosted by Jim Marino @ 93.3 CFMU or cfmu.ca (Hamilton) (Weekly) 

10am-4pm: Punching In: The Work of Hamilton Music (Exhibit) @ Visitor Experience Centre (Hamilton) (Jan 27-Dec 31, Tue-Sat)

1pm: The Coachmen (Chris Wheeler, Colin Lapsley, Matt Burns) with Dylan Wickens @ Coach & Lantern (Ancaster) $? 

1.4pm: James Ferris & Fried Balogna @ Forge BBQ (Ancaster) (Weekly)

1-4pm: Acoustic Jam @ Briskit BBQ (Georgetown) (Weekly)

1-10pm:  I Heart Beer & Taco Festival @ Bingemans Convention Centre (Kitchener) $?

1:30-5pm: James Anthony & Chuck Jackson @ Uptown Social House (Burlington)

2pm: Legally Blonde Jr (Musical) @ Gasworks (Hamilton) $? (Mar 12-14) 

2-5pm: John  Demarchi @ Battlefield Legion (Stoney Creek) (by donation)

2-5pm: Mike Branton & Friends @ Moonshine Cafe (Oakville) $10 (Weekly) 

2-4:30pm: Open Mic with Victor Morgado @ Smoke and Moonshine (Beamsville) (Weekly)

2pm: All Shook Up (musical inspired by Elvis) @ Grantham Theatre (St. Catharines) $30 (Mar 13-22)

2-6pm: Innuendo Trio @ Gunners Club (Brantford) $5

2pm: Chris Strei @ Schooner Street Brewery (Waterloo)

2-6pm: Christopher James Watson Band @ Live at the Lodge (Port Dover) $5 

2pm: The 45's @ Port Dover Legion

2:30pm: Swingin' Blackjacks @ SomePlace Else (St. Catharines)

2:30-6:30pm: Brant Parker Blues Band + Jesse Greene @ Donnelly's Pub (Thorold) $10

2:30-6pm: Blues Etc ft Steve Grisbrook & Robin Banks @ Regency Athletic Centre (Niagara Falls) 

---- 3:00-5:59pm ----

3-7pm: Bareback Riders & Darren Hancock  @ Come by Chance (Hamilton) 

3pm: The George Arnone Big Band @ Corktown Pub, Downstairs (Hamilton) $?

3pm: Open Mic @ Selo (Hamilton)

3-5pm: Acacia Wood @ Nickelbrook Brewing (Burlington)

3-6pm: Tim Gibbons & the Swampbusters @ Carrigan Arms (Burlington) $10

3-6pm: Open Mic @ Sessions on the River (Fort Erie) (Weekly)

3-6pm: The VoooDooo Kingz @ Frankie’s Hometown Tavern (Brantford) 

4-7pm: Jazz Express @ Cat's Caboose (St. Catharines) (Weekly)

4-9pm: Jam Club @ Prospect Studios (Kitchener)

4:30-5pm: Ensemble! TV Show Hosted by Dave Rave & Starring Snowheel Slim & Mark Vanderheyden, Recorded at Clifford Brewing @ Cable 14 (Hamilton) or live stream on cable14now.com

5pm: Road to Hotel California, musical ft music of the Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, CSNY, Joni Mitchell, Jackson Browne, more @ Yuk Yuk's (Niagara Falls)

5:30-8pm: Evan Rotella @ Hammerhead's Fish & Chips (Hamilton) 

---- 6:00-6:59pm ----

6pm: Michael Maguire @ Henry’s on James (Hamilton)

6-9pm: Cool Change @ Briskit BBQ (Georgetown)

6-9pm: Back in the Daze @ Puddy's Bar & Grill (St. Catharines)

6-9pm: Jim Faragalli @ Doc Magilligan's (Niagara Falls)

6-10pm: Ricardo Barboza Band & Samba Dancers @ Brasa (Niagara Falls) (Weekly Fri & Sat) 

6-9pm: David Gardner @ Flux Brewing Company (Brant) 

6-8pm: Paul Molive @ 2 Rivers (Paris) 

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

6pm: Greg Williams & Iain Leslie @ Strykerz Kitchen & Bar (Kitchener)

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

7-10pm: The Killin' Time Band @ East End Social (Hamilton) 

7pm: The Neil MacNaughton Band, Sean Fuller, Sweeter @ Clifford Brewing Co (Hamilton) $10 cash at door

7-11pm: Ant & the Cruz-Tones @ Burlington Legion 

7pm: Burlington Helping Burlington Presents: The Essence of Cohen @ Burlington Performing Arts Centre $55

7-10pm: The Audio Saints@ Crystal Chandelier (Crystal Beach) 

7pm: Jam Night @ The Bank, Art House (Welland)

7-10pm: Duncan Wilson Trio @ Manhattans (Guelph) 

7pm: The Mark Smith Experience @ Easy Pour (Cambridge) 

7pm: Pick a Piper + Seagram Synth Ensemble @ Fresh Ground Cafe (Kitchener) $25

7:30pm: Chris de Burgh @ FirstOntario Concert Hall (Hamilton) $?

7:30pm: Studio Series - The Songs of Mystery and Intrigue @ Theatre Aquarius (Hamilton) $? (Mar 13-15)

7:30pm: Brock University - Department of Music presents Marcus de Torres (guitar) @ FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre, Recital Hall (St. Catharines) $?

7:30pm: All Shook Up (musical inspired by Elvis) @ Grantham Theatre (St. Catharines) $30 (Mar 13-22)

7:30pm: Lennon.Live @ Roselawn Theatre (Port Colborne) $48

7:30pm: Songs and Stories of Ireland with Declan O'Sullivan @ The Sanctuary - Centre for the Arts (Ridgeway) $30

7:30pm: Bravo Niagara presents Stanley Clarke N•4EVER @ Central Niagara (Niagara-on-the-Lake)

7:30pm: Anticipation: The Carly Simon and James Taylor Story @ River Run Centre (Guelph) $59.50

7:30-10:30pm: John Rogers @ Malt & Barley Public House (Kitchener)

7:30-10:30pm: Banks & Duclos @ 211 Main (Port Dover)

---- 8:00-8:59pm ----

8pm: The Mushrooms @ Buddy's Roadhouse (Hamilton) 

8pm: Pre Paddy's Party II ft. The Commandos & Celtic Guest Band @ Ridiculous (Hamilton) $17.55

8pm: The Boys + Gene Champagne @ Corktown Pub, Downstairs (Hamilton) $?

8pm: Piner with Finbar Wall + Irresponsible Purchase @ Mills Hardware (Hamilton) $26.83

8-10pm: Edge of Dylan : The Songs of Bob Dylan @ Staircase Theatre, Studio (Hamilton) $20 adv/$25 door

8pm?: Kayar @ The King George (Hamilton)

8pm: Endless with Evil Age, Absorb, Backbone @ Underground (Hamilton) $15

8pm: Empty Hours @ Waterdown Legion $?

8pm: Music@ Squire's Gastropub (Burlington) 

8pm: Rock of 80’s @ Black Bull (Burlington) 

8pm: Flood the Senses, Stone Blind, Rubber Ducks @ The Block Co, Edison Room (Burlington) $15/PWYC

8pm: Garnetta & DaGroovemasters @ Moonshine Cafe (Oakville) $20

8-11pm: Warren Jones @ Gingerman (Oakville)

8pm: Music Factory @ Pump & Patio (Oakville)

8pm Eddie Paton @ Ned Devine's Irish Pub (Milton)

8pm: Some Kind @ Barber Towne Pub (Georgetown) 

8-11pm: Jenn Lyons @ Teddy's (Grimsby)

8pm-12am: St. Patrick's Day Party ft Katfish @ The Hub (Welland)

8-11pm: Velvet Crush Duo @ Smithville Legion (No Cover)

8pm?: James Ryan Band @ Iggy's Pub & Grub (Fonthill) 

8pm: Kenny Wayne Shepherd w Jimmie Vaughan @ Fallsview Casino Resort, OLG Stage (Niagara Falls) $?

8pm: Elvis On Tour ft Steve Michaels @ Sanderson Centre (Brantford) $60.25+

8-11pm: Red Output with Lady Marge @ Silence (Guelph) $15

8pm: Electric Gas @ ANAF Club (Guelph)

8pm: The Sheepdogs @ Centre In The Square (Kitchener) $?

8-10:30pm: Ted Quinlan Quartet @ The Jazz Room (Waterloo) $? 

8pm: Sweetwood Mac - Tribute to Fleetwood Mac @ Capitol 33 (Delhi) $33.90+

8:30pm: Shari & Jonny @ Thirsty Cactus (Dundas) 

8:30-11:30pm: Darren Hancock @ Forge BBQ (Ancaster)

8:30pm: The Wright @ Coach & Lantern (Ancaster)

8:30pm: Matthew James @ Winchester Arms (Dundas) 

8:45pm: Candlelight: The Best of Queen & The Beatles @ The Westdale (Hamilton) $?

---- After 9:00pm ----

9pm: Country Clash @ The Capitol Bar (Hamilton) 

9pm: Chris Wheeler Band @ Cat & Fiddle (Hamilton) 

9pm Mike Woods @ Mill St & 5 American House (Waterdown)

9pm: One Good Thing @ Jersey's Bar & Grill (Burlington) 

9pm: Tylor Gifford @ Shooterville (Burlington)

9pm: Jasmine T Band @ Appalachian Pub (Georgetown)

9pm: Jonesy @ Cat's Caboose (St. Catharines) 

9-11:59pm: Ferguson Young @ Irish Harp (Niagara-on-the-Lake)

9-11:45pm: Prestige Worldwide @ Doc Magilligan's (Niagara Falls)

9pm-12:45am: Dynamic Trio @ Fallsview Casino Resort, Splash Bar (Niagara Falls) 

9pm: Jimmy Juke Joint Hosted by Jim Casson ft Surprise Guests @ Fallsview Casino Resort, Lucky's Restaurant (Niagara Falls) 

9pm-12am: Lucas Stagg @ Paris Pub (Brant) 

9:15pm: Mark Ucci Trio @ Henry’s on James (Hamilton)

9:30pm-1am: Going Postal @ Olde Angel Inn (Niagara-on-the-Lake)

9:30pm-1:30am: Passion Over Reason @ Bonitas (Brantford)

10pm: Soldiers of Harmony @ B-Side Social (Hamilton)

10pm-3am: Showcase @ Studio L14 (Hamilton) $20

• 10:00-11:00 - Trevor Wilkes [Hamilton]
• 11:00-12:00 - Kevin Kartwell [Hamilton]
• 12:00-01:00 - Mike Conradi [Hamilton]
• 01:00-02:00 - Godemperor [Hamilton]
• 02:00-03:00 - Fembotttt [Ottawa]

10pm: Dirty Pioneers @ Powerhouse (Stoney Creek) 

10pm: Billboard Nation @ BLK Swan, Brant St (Burlington)

10pm: Rock Therapy @ The Dickens (Burlington) 

10pm-2am: Gabe Grieve @ Whiskey Dawgs (St. Catharines)

10pm-2am: Derek Lathrop @ Big Texas (Niagara Falls)

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Sunday, March 15

---- Before 3:00pm ----

Taste of Oakville (some live music) (Feb 19-Mar 15)

IRL Festival @ Kitchener (Mar 7-17)

1:30-2am: Ensemble! TV Show Hosted by Dave Rave & Starring Snowheel Slim & Mark Vanderheyden, Recorded at Clifford Brewing @ Cable 14 (Hamilton) or live stream on cable14now.com 

10am-4pm: Guelph Record Show @ Royal Canadian Legion - $5 General $20 Early (9AM)

11:30am-2pm: Jazz Brunch with Henry Strong  & Friends @ Ottawa Street Local (Hamilton) (Weekly)

11:30am: Beatles Brunch ft Andrew McTaggart @ Black Bull (Burlington) (Weekly)

1pm: Steve Strongman @ Henry’s on James (Hamilton)

1-4pm: W5th Katfish @ The Hub (Welland)

1pm: Jasmine T Band @ Dunsdon Legion (Brantford)

1:30pm: Studio Series - The Songs of Mystery and Intrigue @ Theatre Aquarius (Hamilton) $? (Mar 13-15)

2pm: All Shook Up (musical inspired by Elvis) @ Grantham Theatre (St. Catharines) $30 (Mar 13-22)

1:30-4:30pm: Irish Jam Sessions @ Doc Magilligan's (Niagara Falls) (Weekly)

---- 2:00pm - 3:59pm ----

2-5pm: New Rebel Westerners @ Clifford Brewing Co (Hamilton) $10/PWYC 

2-5pm: Open Mic Hosted by SnowHeel Slim @ Checkered Flag  (Hamilton) (Bi-Weekly) 

2-5pm: Lionel Bernard @ Battlefield Legion (Stoney Creek) $10

2-6pm: Shamrock Shindig with Fiddlestix  @ Squire's Gastropub (Burlington) 

2-5pm: James Anthony & John Dickie @ Ned Devine's (Milton) 

2-4:30pm: Jimmy's Juke Joint Hosted by Jim Casson ft Wendell Ferguson & Steve Goldberger @ Iggy's Pub & Grub (Fonthill) 

2-5pm: Gavin Ray Duo @ Olde Angel Inn (Niagara-on-the-Lake)

2pm: St. Patrick's Day with Innisfree (Brantford Open Stage Fundraiser) @ Best Western (Brantford) $25

2-4:30pm: Celtic Jam @ Malt & Barley Public House (Kitchener) 

2-7pm: Jam Club @ Prospect Studios (Kitchener)

---- After 3:00pm ----

3-5pm: Breakinig Levee @ Nickelbrook Brewing (Burlington)

3-6pm: Open Stage with Hellion Ton @ Cornerstone (Guelph) (Weekly) 

4pm: Glenn Groves @ Black Bull (Burlington) (Weekly)

4-7pm: Stone House Road @ Newark Brewing (Beamsville)

4pm: Brock University - Department of Music presents Marcus de Torres (guitar) @ FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre, Recital Hall (St. Catharines) $?

4-8pm: The Rhythm Daddies @ Super Mario's Pizzeria (Port Colbourne)

6pm: Open Jam with Tumbleweed Band @ The Hub (Welland)

6-9pm: Don Sexsmith @ Doc Magilligan's (Niagara Falls)

7pm: Alex @ The Capitol Bar (Hamilton)

7pm: Jam @ Henry’s on James (Hamilton) (Weekly)

7-9pm: Irish Real Life Festival presents Connected Threads (music & dance) @ Registry Theatre (Kitchener) PWYC 

7:30pm: Jazz at Lincoln Center presents Great American Crooners @ FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre, Partridge Hall (St. Catharines) $33+

7:30pm: Open Mic @ Golden Brothers (Welland) (Weekly)

7:30-10:30pm: The Danny Boys @ Irish Harp (Niagara-on-the-Lake)

8pm: Tiny Horse @ Warehouse Concert Hall (St. Catharines) $26.33

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COMING SOON!

March

January 27-December 31, 10am-4pm: Punching In: The Work of Hamilton Music (Exhibit) @ Visitor Experience Centre (Hamilton) 

February 19-March 15: Taste of Oakville (some live music)

March 7-17: IRL Festival @ Kitchener 

March 16, 7:30pm: Bedouin Soundclash @ FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre, Partridge Hall (St. Catharines) $33+

March 17: St. Patrick's Day

March 18, 7-11pm: Dundas Music Club @ Oddfellows Hall (Dundas) (3rd Wed)

March 18, 7pm: Open Stage @ ANAF Club (Guelph) (1st & 3rd Wed) PWYC

March 18, 7:30-10pm: Open Mic with Corey @ The Staircase, Lounge (Hamilton) (3rd Wed) 

March 18, 7:30pm: Tartan Terrors @ FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre, Partridge Hall (St. Catharines) $24+

March 19, 7:30pm: Irish Rovers @ FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre, Partridge Hall (St. Catharines) $33+

March 20: First Day of Spring

March 20-22: 7:30pm: All Shook Up (musical inspired by Elvis) @ Grantham Theatre (St. Catharines) $30 (Mar 13-22)

March 21, 1pm: The Coachmen (Chris Wheeler, Colin Lapsley, Matt Burns) with Feddy on Guitar @ Coach & Lantern (Ancaster) $? 

March 21, 2-4pm: Jazz Jam @ The Jazz Room (Waterloo) (Bi-Weekly)

March 21, 8pm: Daniel Romano's with Vanity Mirror @ Warehouse Concert Hall (St. Catharines) $39

March 21, 8-11pm: Detour @ Mudcat Bowling and Entertainment Center (Dunnville)

March 22, 2-5pm: Brantford Open Stage @ Best Western (Bi-Weekly) $5

March 22, 8pm: Tenille Townes @ Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts $90 

March 24, 8pm: Tenille Townes @ Sanderson Centre (Brantford) $55+

March 26, 7pm: Sounds Gay! Open Mic @ Mosaic (Hamilton) (4th Thu)

March 26, 7:30pm: Campbell/Fagan/Park @ Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre, Peller Hall $?#

March 26, 7:30pm: The Slocan Ramblers @ Emmanuel United Church (Waterloo) $40

March 26, 8pm: Kenny "Blues Boss" Wayne @ Moonshine Cafe (Oakville) $20

March 27-28: JUNOfest @ Music Hall (Hamilton) $?#

March 27, Quirky Country Music Song Titles Day

March 27-28, 8pm: Alfie Zappacosta @ Tabone Academy of Music (Hamilton) $55 

March 27, 8pm: Sawyer Brown @ Fallsview Casino Resort, OLG Stage (Niagara Falls) $?

March 27, 8pm: Crown Lands @ River Run Centre (Guelph) $49

March 27, 9pm-1am: Open Jam & Live Band Karaoke ft Detour @ Tracie's Place (Hamilton) (Last Thu)

March 28, 8pm: Better Than Ezra & Tonic @ Fallsview Casino Resort, OLG Stage (Niagara Falls) $? 

March 28, 8-11pm: Paul James Band @ The Busholme (Erin) $30

March 28, 8-11pm: Jack de Keyzer @ Registry Theatre (Kitchener) $40

March 29, Piano Day

March 29, 7pm: Collective Soul @ Fallsview Casino Resort, OLG Stage (Niagara Falls) $? 

March 29, 8pm: Old Man Luedecke @ Mills Hardware (Hamilton) $25.33

March 30, 8pm: Old Man Luedecke @ Sonic Hall (Guelph) $26.33

March 31, 7:30pm: Sisters in Song: Sandra Bouza@ Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre $?

April

January 27-December 31, 10am-4pm: Punching In: The Work of Hamilton Music (Exhibit) @ Visitor Experience Centre (Hamilton) 

April 1, 8pm: Crown Lands @ Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts $55

April 2, 7-10pm: Ginger St. James @ The Boiler & Whistle (Hamilton) 

April 2, 7:30pm: George Thorogood & The Destroyers  @ FirstOntario Concert Hall (Hamilton) $?

April 2, 8pm:  Grand River Blues Society Presents Grand Thursday ft David Gogo, Jesse O'Brien & Steve Marriner @ Polish Hall (Brantford) $25 adv/$30 door ($5 for Blues Society members)

April 4, 4-7pm: Open Mic Blues Jam Ft. Garnetta Cromwell and The GroovMasters @ Corktown Pub, Downstairs (Hamilton) $? (1st Sat) 

April 4, 8pm: Choir! Choir! Choir! + The Trans-Canada Highwaymen @ Fallsview Casino Resort, OLG Stage (Niagara Falls) $? 

April 5, 1pm: Steve Strongman Band & Suzie Vinnick @ Shawn & Ed Brewing Company (Dundas) $30

April 5, 1:30pm: Youth Jam @ Gasworks (Hamilton) (1st Sat)

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

April 12, 7-10pm: Open Jazz Jam Hosted by Andrew Schoetter, Tyler Wagler, Kevin Mak @ Silence (Guelph) PWYC (2nd Sun)

April 13, 8-8:30pm: NEW EPISODE! Ensemble! TV Show Hosted by Dave Rave & Starring Lily Sazz, Rob Lamothe, Zander Lamothe, Recorded at Clifford Brewing @ Cable 14 (Hamilton) or live stream on cable14now.com

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

April 16, 7pm: Chest Fever: How Does It Feel?! The Music of Bob Dylan and the Band @ Bridgeworks (Hamilton) $38# 

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

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

April 25, 7:30pm: Lee Brice, Grace Tyler, Brett Kissel @ Kitchener Auditorium $63+#

April 28, 7:30pm: Sisters in Song: Angelique Francis @ Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre $?

April 30, 7:30pm: Ian Thomas... Not Gone Yet! @ Burlington Performing Arts Centre $89.50

May

January 27-December 31, 10am-4pm: Punching In: The Work of Hamilton Music (Exhibit) @ Visitor Experience Centre (Hamilton) 

May 2, 7:30pm: Lighthouse @ The Westdale (Hamilton) $? 

May 5, 7:30pm: Ian Thomas... Not Gone Yet! @ Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre $?

May 8-23: Grease (musical) @ Hamilton Theatre Inc $? #

May 8-31: Nice Work If You Can Get It @ Drury Lane Theatre (Burlington) $? #

May 11, 8-8:30pm: NEW EPISODE! Ensemble! TV Show Hosted by Dave Rave & Starring the Brant Parker Band, Recorded at Clifford Brewing @ Cable 14 (Hamilton) or live stream on cable14now.com

May 12, 7:30pm: Ian Thomas... Not Gone Yet @ Sanderson Centre (Brantford) $83

May 28, 7:30-10pm: Boogie for 412 Barton: A Disco Tribute Concert @ Mohawk College, McIntyre Performing Arts Centre (Hamilton) $56+ #

June

January 27-December 31, 10am-4pm: Punching In: The Work of Hamilton Music (Exhibit) @ Visitor Experience Centre (Hamilton) 

June 8, 8-8:30pm: NEW EPISODE! Ensemble! TV Show Hosted by Dave Rave & Starring Dwayne La Forme's Boogie Blues, Recorded at Clifford Brewing @ Cable 14 (Hamilton) or live stream

December

January 27-December 31, 10am-4pm: Punching In: The Work of Hamilton Music (Exhibit) @ Visitor Experience Centre (Hamilton) 

December 2, 7:30pm: Mudmen @ Fergus Grand Theatre $?

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Mar 12-15/ Mar 16-22

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Friday the 13th Videos by Recall Blues Band, Lowdown Dirty Mojos, Willie Dixon

Update of 2018 & 2022 Post

Links: Recall Blues Band, Video above courtesy of the TheRecallBluesBand



Links: The Lowdown Dirty Mojos, More Mojos Stories, Video above courtesy of THE LOWDOWN DIRTY MOJOS

Links: Willie Dixon, More Willie Dixon Stories, Video above courtesy of Willie Dixon - Topic

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Previous (Throwback Thursday - Ginger St. James' Bash)

Throwback Thursday: Ginger St. James' Bash (June 18, 2009)

Original Post: June 19, 2009

Updated post: Thursday, March 12, 2006

In mid-2009, local musician Ginger St. James was heading to Toronto. On Thursday, June 18, 2009 she threw a goodbye party at This Ain't Hollywood with live music, a DJ, dancing, and more. Thankfully, she has since returned to the Hammer.

Lucky attendees also got a chance to pick up a limited edition (available only at that particular show) CD of Ginger's sultry, swinging songs.

Below are a few highlights from the event.

Video above courtesy of Hamilton Blues Lovers

Video above courtesy of Hamilton Blues Lovers



Links: Ginger St. James, More Ginger St. James Stories, More Jerry Lee Lewis Covers/Stories, Video above courtesy of Hamilton Blues Lovers

The incredible musical newcomer Rebecca MacNeil performed a few songs as songs as well.

Video above courtesy of Hamilton Blues Lovers

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Previous (International Women's Day Videos)

International Women's Day Videos by Brennagh Burns, Ariana Gillis, Sarah Beatty, Carissa Kimbell

Update of 2019 Post

Links: Brennagh Burns, More Brennagh Burns Stories, Video above courtesy of Sarah sgwillsphotography



Links: Ariana Gillis, More Ariana Gillis Stories, Video above courtesy of justfragvideo



Links: Sarah Beatty, More Sarah Beatty Stories, Video above courtesy of Shotgun Jilly



Links: Carissa Kimbell, More Carissa Kimbell Stories, Video above courtesy of Daniel + Megan Lowrie

More International Women's Day Videos

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Previous (Vote in the Famous Hamiltonian Contest) - - - Next (Throwback Thursday - Ginger St. James' Bash)

Vote in the 2026 Famous Hamiltonian Contest (Deadline March 27)

From now until March 27, 2026 (the week of the Junos in Hamilton) you can vote for the 2026 Famous Hamiltonian Contest. In honour of the Junos, all nominees are musicians.

Here are the nominees:

• Boris Brott
• Rita Chiarelli
• Daniel Lanois
• Terra Lightfoot
• Jackie Washington
• Tom Wilson

Click here to cast your vote

Previous winners include

• 2025: Tiffany Falls
• 2024: Martin Short
• 2023: Joseph Reed Sams
• 2020: John M. Lyle
• 2016: Stan Rogers 

If anyone know the winners of the other years, please email us at blueshamilton@gmail.com

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Previous (Throwback Thursday: Colin Lapsley & Friends @ Coach & Lantern) - - - Next (International Women's Day Videos)

Throwback Thursday: Colin Lapsley, Chris Wheeler & Dave Simpson @ Coach & Lantern (June 13, 2009)

Original Post: June 14, 2009

Updated Post: March 5, 2026

Links: Colin Lapsley, More Colin Lapsley Stories

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Previous (Vote in the Famous Hamiltonian Contest)

Dave Rave and the Governors Release Fierce Album

Mini review: Earlier last year, Hamilton's Dave Rave and his Minneapolis crew, the Governors released a fierce album into the wild. Eight is a roaring mix of Power Pop and Garage Rock.

Available on: Bandcamp, YouTube, Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music

Released on: RaeBeat Records

Personnel:

• Dave Rave (vocals, guitars)
• Rich Mattson (guitars, vocals)
• Craig Teiken (vocals & guitars)
• Mike Johnson (drums)
• Terry Isachsen (guitars)
• Paul McFarland (bass)

Stream the album below

Links: Album above courtesy of Bandcamp, More Releases

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Previous (Reverend John C Holland Awards) - - - Next (Throwback Thursday: Colin Lapsley & Friends @ Coach & Lantern)

Winners of the 30th Reverend John C. Holland Awards

The Reverend John C Holland Awards have always celebrated excellence in Hamilton’s Black community. This year was no different at the ceremony on February 15, 2026 at LiUNA Station.

Below is the complete list of winners:

• Jackie Washington Arts and Culture Award: Colina Phillips
  
  
  
  Links: More Colina Phillips Stories, Video above courtesy of McMasterMuseum
  
  
• Ainara Alleyne ‘Rising Star’ Award for elementary school students ($500): Nasteho Mohammed -Finalists: Antonio Damptey Bonilla and Rachard Anthony Fenelon
• Award of Merit: Marlene Dei-Amoah
• Community Service Award: STAC Hamilton
• Emerging Young Leader Award: Chengetai Nyamnde
• Lifetime Achievement Award: Dr. Gary Warner
• Vince Morgan Ally Award: Terry Cooke

Sankofa Pearl Bursary ($500)

• Secondary student recipients: Alyvea Riley, Aya Adam, Barakat Adedeji, Chizaram Emekalam, Dante James Hillen, D’Avonté Ralph, Elijah Sterling King, Ella Poku, Georgia Walker, Grace Mumo Mwalyo, Ibiye Naomi Davids, Ife Alake, Israela Ngatched Ngania, Jayden Millar Edwards, Lennex Maley, Naiyah Reece, Najma Hassan, Nasra Bain, Nina Borcea-Richardson, Oluwalani Adedeji, Omonigho Okpere, Sydney Oyewumi, Tinuade Omoregie and Zachariah Adjodia Persaud
• Post-secondary student recipients: David Feboke, Emnet Goitom, Isis Seaton, Jonathan Roswell, Kaylinda Mupesse, KJ Gilling, Monae McKenzie and Oluwanifemi Ogundare
• Mature student recipients: Idongesit Ita Ekanem

Sankofa Pearl Scholarship ($3,000)

• Secondary student recipients: Aya Adam, Barakat Adedeji, Dante James Hillen and Israela Ngatched Ngania
• Post-secondary student recipient: Emnet Goitom

Below is the Hamilton Spectator article about the event. Click the picture to increase the size.

Video above courtesy of CHCH News

Links: Reverend John C Holland Awards, More John C Holland Award Stories

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Throwback Thursday: Stewart Memorial Church 175th Celebration ft Braithwaite & Whiteley + John Ellison (August 14, 2010)

Original Post: August 20, 2020

Updated Post: February 26, 2026

Links: Diana Braithwaite & Chris Whiteley, More Diana Braithwaite Stories, More Chris Whiteley Stories, Video above courtesy of Hamilton Blues Lovers

Video above courtesy of Hamilton Blues Lovers



Links: John Ellison, More John Ellison stories, Video above courtesy of Hamilton Blues Lovers

Click here for the Stewart Memorial Church site.

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