Thursday, July 16, 2026

Hamilton's Caissie Levy Earns Tony Award

The was only a bit of Canadian content at the winner's circle for the 2026 Tony Awards ceremony. On Sunday June 7, 2026, Hamilton's Caissie Levy won for her work in the musical, Ragtime. That wonderul show also took home some hardware.

CONGRATS EVERYONE!

Below is a complete list of winners. 

  • Best Revival of a Musical: Ragtime (ft Hamilton's Caissie Levy)
  • Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical: Joshua Henry (Ragtime)
  • Best Sound Design of a Musical: Kai Harada (Ragtime) 
  • Best Book of a Musical: Schmigadoon!
  • Best Costume Design of a Musical: Qween Jean (Cats: The Jellicle Ball)  
  • Best Musical: Schmigadoon!
  • Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical: Ali Louis Bourzgui (The Lost Boys)
  • Best Sound Design of a Play: Mikaal Sulaiman (Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman)
  • Best Choreography: Omari Wiles and Arturo Lyons (Cats: The Jellicle Ball) 
  • Best Costume Design of a Play: Jeff Mahshie (Fallen Angels) 
  • Best Direction of a Musical: Zhailon Levingston and Bill Rauch (Cats: The Jellicle Ball)
  • Best Direction of a Play: Joe Mantello (Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman)
  • Best Lighting Design of a Musical: Jen Schriever and Michael Arden (The Lost Boys) 
  • Best Lighting Design of a Play: Jack Knowles (Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman) 
  • Best Orchestrations: Doug Besterman and Mike Morris (Schmigadoon!)
  • Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre: Schmigadoon!
  • Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Play: Alden Ehrenreich (Becky Shaw)
  • Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play: John Lithgow (Giant)
  • Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical: Shoshana Bean (The Lost Boys)
  • Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play: Laurie Metcalf (Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman)
  • Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play: Lesley Manville (Oedipus)
  • Best Play: Liberation
  • Best Revival of a Play: Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman
  • Best Scenic Design of a Musical: Dane Laffrey (The Lost Boys)
  • Best Scenic Design of a Play: Chloe Lamford (Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman)
  • Isabelle Stevenson Tony Award: Mary-Mitchell Campbell
  • Regional Theatre Award: American Players Theatre
  • Special Tony Award: League of Resident Theatres (LORT)
  • Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre: André Bishop/James Lapine/Jules Fisher
  • Tony Honors for Excellence in the Theatre: 1/52 Project/Jake Bell/Kenn Lubin/Loren Plotkin

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Music Listings: July 17-19, 2026

July 17-19, 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.

Jul 17-19 / Jul 20-26

Friday, July 17


Norfolk Pro Rodeo @ Timmermans Ranch (Simcoe) $? (Jul 17-19)

---- Before 5:00pm ----




  • 3pm - 6pm The Anti-Skips
  • 6:30pm - 10pm The Flamingos

1-4pm: The Shalalas Duo @ 13th Street Winery (St. Catharines)





2pm: 42nd Street (Musical) @ Hamilton Family Theatre (Cambridge) $62 (Jul 2-19)


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

3-11pm: Uptown Waterloo Jazz Festival (Jul 17-19)
  • Jessica Lalonde  3:30 p.m.
  • Paul Fehderau Quintet  5:00 p.m.
  • Take Five Plays Desmond, Feat. Tim Moher  6:30 p.m.
  • Tim Louis  8:00 p.m.
  • Four80East  9:30 p.m
3-7pm: Jamie Boomer Time & Dinner @ ANAF Club (Guelph) (Weekly)

4-11pm: The Stoney Creek Rib and Beer Festival @ Eastgate Square (Hamilton) $2 /Kids under 5 FREE
  • 5pm – 8pm | The Tragically Trip (Tribute to Tragically Hip)
  • 9pm – 10:30pm | Just Jovi (Tribute to Bon Jovi)
  • Kendra Gabrielle: 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM
  • Nidhi Line Dancing: 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM
  • Evermile: 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM
  • Country Junkies: 8:15 PM to 9:15 PM
  • 4 Ounce Pour: 9:30 PM to 11:00 PM

5-8pm: Brad James @ Fool & Flagon (Hamilton) (Weekly)  

  • 5:30pm Sister Boombox
  • 8pm Pearl Jamming
5-8pm: Postmen Duo @ 13th Street Winery (St. Catharines)

5:30-8:30pm: Maeve Davis @ Henry of Pelham Winery (St. Catharines)

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


  • Beni White @ Pita Pit
  • Brandon Dean @ Zoetic
  • Wishful Thinkers @ Festival Creamery
  • Troy Harmer & the Persuaders @ Mountain Tire
  • Louise Concepcion @ Restone Pizza
  • Hayley Verrall @ Cancer assist Parking Lot
6-9pm: James Anthony @ Scout Cafe (Stoney Creek) (Weekly)

6pm: The Bull Collective @ Black Bull (Burlington) (Weekly)

6-8pm: Paul Mallard @ Nickelbrook Brewing (Burlington) 

6-8pm: Hitmen @ Puddy's (St. Catharines) 



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



6-9pm: Brian Gardiner @ Block 3 Brewing (St. Jacobs) 



  • Evermile: 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM
  • Country Junkies: 8:15 PM to 9:15 PM
  • 4 Ounce Pour: 9:30 PM to 11:00 PM
6:30pm: Lucas Stagg @ Easy Pour (Cambridge)

  • 6:30pm - 10pm The Flamingos
  • Take Five Plays Desmond, Feat. Tim Moher  6:30 p.m.
  • Tim Louis  8:00 p.m.
  • Four80East  9:30 p.m
---- 7:00-7:59pm ----

7-10pm: Warren Jones @ East End Social (Hamilton

7-10pm: Michael Theodore @ Ottawa St Local (Hamilton) (Weekly) 



7-8:30pm: Sonny Boy Mick @ Live at the Appollo (Burlington) tips appreciated

7pm: Myjul @ Piper Arms (Burlington)


7-10pm: Dueling Pianos @ Uptown Social House (Burlington) (Every Fri & Sat)


7-10pm: Thomas Nelson Band @ Crystal Chandelier (Crystal Beach)



7-10pm: Stan Chang & Gary Taylor @ Manhattans (Guelph)



7:30pm: Paige Armstrong @ Oast House (Niagara-on-the-Lake)

7:30pm: 42nd Street (Musical) @ Hamilton Family Theatre (Cambridge) $62  (Jul 2-19)

---- 8:00-8:59pm ---- 




  • 8pm Pearl Jamming
8pm: The Chase @ Moonshine Cafe (Oakville) $15

8-11pm: Pop Machine @ Gingerman (Oakville) 

 
8-11pm: Peter Alexander @ Teddy's (Grimsby)

8-11:45pm: Open Mic @ Mahtay Cafe (St. Catharines) (Weekly) 



8-11pm: Madchester @ Duke of Wellington (Waterloo)

  • Country Junkies: 8:15 PM to 9:15 PM
  • 4 Ounce Pour: 9:30 PM to 11:00 PM
  • Four80East  9:30 p.m

8:30pm-12:30am: Paul Coombs Band @ Ye Olde Squire, Fennell (Hamilton) 

8:30-11:30pm: Checkerboard Floors @ Forge BBQ (Ancaster) $?


8:30-11:30pm: Ryan Thomas Smelle @ Irish Harp (Niagara-on-the-Lake)

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





  • 9pm – 10:30pm | Just Jovi (Tribute to Bon Jovi)

9pm: Tone Dogs @ Briskit BBQ (Georgetown)

9pm-1am: Cruze @ Pitchers Sports Bar (St. Catharines)


9pm-1am: Orangeman @ Doc Magilligan's (Niagara Falls)

9pm-1am: Dizzy Rex @ Chip N Charlie's (Niagara Falls)

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


9pm: Tony Duclos @ 211 Main (Port Dover) 

9:15pm: Third Hand @ Henry’s on James (Hamilton) 


  • 4 Ounce Pour: 9:30 PM to 11:00 PM
  • Four80East  9:30 p.m
10pm: Dirty Pioneers @ B-Side Social (Hamilton) 

10pm: Stone House Road @ Powerhouse (Stoney Creek) 

10pm: Rocket 88 @ BLK Swan, Brant St. (Burlington)

10pm: Jamazon @ The Dickens (Burlington) 

10pm-2am: Rudy Gunn @ Whiskey Dawgs (St. Catharines) 

Saturday, July 18

---- Before 1:00pm ----



10am-12am: Pelham Summerfest @ Downtown Fonthill (Jul 16-19)
  • Copper & Iron: 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM
  • Smudge Fundaes: 11:45 AM to 12:45 PM
  • Craig McNair: 1:00 PM to 2:15 PM
  • JAMMR: 2:30 PM to 3:45 PM
  • Back in the Daze: 4:00 PM to 5:15 PM
  • Figure Four: 5:30 PM to 6:45 PM
  • Mage: 7:00 PM to 8:15 PM
  • The Madhatters: 8:30 PM to 10:00 PM
  • The Chimps: 10:15 PM to 12:00 AM 
10am-11pm: Uptown Waterloo Jazz Festival (Jul 17-19)
  • Family Activities: Scavenger Hunt & Story Time with Living Stories  10:00 a.m.
  • Spirit Nation Singers  11:00 a.m.
  • Youth Jazz Ensemble  12:30 p.m.
  • Bria Moore 2:00 p.m.
  • Pat Collins Trio  3:30 p.m.
  • Paul Stoffer  5:00 p.m.
  • KW Kool Big Band  6:30 p.m.
  • The Stack  8:00 p.m.
  • Alexis Baro Y La Big Band  9:30 p.m.

12-11pm: The Stoney Creek Rib and Beer Festival @ Eastgate Square (Hamilton) $2 /Kids under 5 FREE
  • 1pm – 4pm | JACK SITH
  • 5pm – 8pm | Wicked Truth
  • 9pm – 10:30pm | Led by Zeppelin (Tribute to Led Zeppelin)
  • 2:30pm Sugar 
  • 5pm Crooked Zebras
  • 8pm Smile
12-4pm: 2 Man Group @ 13th Street Winery (St. Catharines)

  • Noon - 2pm The Morays
  • 2:30pm - 6pm Shred Penner
  • 6:30pm - 10pm The Hot Karls
---- 1:00pm-2:59pm ----

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

1-4pm: CRUZE @ Henry of Pelham Winery (St. Catharines)

  • Craig McNair: 1:00 PM to 2:15 PM
  • JAMMR: 2:30 PM to 3:45 PM
  • Back in the Daze: 4:00 PM to 5:15 PM
  • Figure Four: 5:30 PM to 6:45 PM
  • Mage: 7:00 PM to 8:15 PM
  • The Madhatters: 8:30 PM to 10:00 PM
  • The Chimps: 10:15 PM to 12:00 AM 
1-5pm: 50's Brothers @ Dunsdon Legion (Brantford)



2-11pm: Cap-alooza @ The Capitol Bar (Hamilton)


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

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




2pm: 42nd Street (Musical) @ Hamilton Family Theatre (Cambridge) $62 (Jul 2-19) 


2-5pm: Ed Madden @ Block 3 Brewing (St. Jacobs)

  • Bria Moore 2:00 p.m.
  • Pat Collins Trio  3:30 p.m.
  • Paul Stoffer  5:00 p.m.
  • KW Kool Big Band  6:30 p.m.
  • The Stack  8:00 p.m.
  • Alexis Baro Y La Big Band  9:30 p.m.
  • 2:30pm Sugar 
  • 5pm Crooked Zebras
  • 8pm Smile
  • 2:30pm - 6pm Shred Penner
  • 6:30pm - 10pm The Hot Karls
---- 3:00-5:59pm ----

3-5pm: Alfie Smith @ Nickelbrook Brewing (Burlington)

3-6pm: Brad James @ East End Social (Hamilton)

3:30pm: Vic Barreira @ Black Bull (Burlington) 

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





  • Back in the Daze: 4:00 PM to 5:15 PM
  • Figure Four: 5:30 PM to 6:45 PM
  • Mage: 7:00 PM to 8:15 PM
  • The Madhatters: 8:30 PM to 10:00 PM
  • The Chimps: 10:15 PM to 12:00 AM 

  • 5pm – 8pm | Wicked Truth
  • 9pm – 10:30pm | Led by Zeppelin (Tribute to Led Zeppelin)
  • 5pm Crooked Zebras
  • 8pm Smile
5-8pm: Olivia Amorian Duo @ 13th Street Winery (St. Catharines)

  • Paul Stoffer  5:00 p.m.
  • KW Kool Big Band  6:30 p.m.
  • The Stack  8:00 p.m.
  • Alexis Baro Y La Big Band  9:30 p.m.
---- 5:00-7:59pm ----


6pm: James Anthony @ Oggi Bistro (Grimsby) (Weekly)


6-10pm?: Big & Tall @ Super Mario's Pizzeria (Port Colbourne)

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

6-8pm: Cody Wood @ 2 Rivers (Paris) 

  • 6:30pm - 10pm The Hot Karls
7-10pm: Open Mic @ The Gate (Hamilton) (Weekly)




7pm: Troy Brown @ Easy Pour (Cambridge)



7:30pm: Sister Act (Musical) @ Drayton Festival Theatre (Drayton) $? (Jul 2-26)


7:30pm: 42nd Street (Musical) @ Hamilton Family Theatre (Cambridge) $62 (Jul 2-19)


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



  • 8pm Smile
8pm: Al Lerman @ Moonshine Cafe (Oakville) $20

8-10pm: Radio Sonics @ Gingerman (Oakville) 

8-11pm: Cole Mack (Debut) @ Teddy's (Grimsby)

8pm: USS @ Jackson-Triggs Niagara Estate Amphitheatre (Niagara-on-the-Lake) $? 

8pm: Nelly @ Fallsview Casino Resort, OLG Stage (Niagara Falls) $? 



  • The Stack  8:00 p.m.
  • Alexis Baro Y La Big Band  9:30 p.m.

8:30pm: Paul Mallard @ Thirsty Cactus (Dundas) 

8:30-11:30pm: James Ferris & Fried Balogna  @ Forge BBQ (Ancaster) 

8:30pm: Almost Heroes @ Coach & Lantern (Ancaster) 


8:30pm: Bourbon Brown Trio @ Pump & Patio (Oakville) 

  • The Madhatters: 8:30 PM to 10:00 PM
  • The Chimps: 10:15 PM to 12:00 AM 
8:30-11:30pm: Innisfree @ Irish Harp (Niagara-on-the-Lake)


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

  • 9pm – 10:30pm | Led by Zeppelin (Tribute to Led Zeppelin)

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

9pm-1am: The Well Wells @ Pitchers Sports Bar (St. Catharines)

9-11:45pm: Ryan Thomas Smelle Trio @ Doc Magilligan's (Niagara Falls)



9pm-1am: Figure Four @ Chip N Charlie's (Niagara Falls)

9pm: Shari & Jonny @ 211 Main (Port Dover)

9:15pm: Todd Smith @ Henry’s on James (Hamilton) 


9:30-10:30pm: The Coldplay Show @ Chudleigh’s Entertainment Farm (Halton Hills) $? 

  • Alexis Baro Y La Big Band  9:30 p.m.
10pm: Driven @ B-Side Social (Hamilton)

10pm: Shyster @ Powerhouse (Stoney Creek) 

10pm: Time Machine @ BLK Swan, Brant St (Burlington) 

10pm: Cheap Thrills @ The Dickens (Burlington) 

10pm-2am: Charlie Weston @ Whiskey Dawgs (St. Catharines)

  • The Chimps: 10:15 PM to 12:00 AM 

Sunday, July 19


Dances at the Bay @ Bayfront Park (Hamilton) (Jul 17-19)


Elora Festival (Jul 10-26)

Norfolk Pro Rodeo @ Timmermans Ranch (Simcoe) $? (Jul 17-19)

---- Before 2:00pm ----

10am-5pm: Sundays Unlocked @ Locke Street (Hamilton)





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

12-7pm: The Stoney Creek Rib and Beer Festival @ Eastgate Square (Hamilton) $2 /Kids under 5 FREE
  • 1pm – 2:30pm | Big Dan Band
  • 3:30pm – 6:30pm | Otis Wonder & The Hustle
  • 2pm: Canadiana Band
  • 4:30pm: From the Hip
  • 7pm: Bad to the Bone
  • Noon - 2pm Softcase
  • 2:30pm - 7pm The Killin' Time Band
12-5pm: Uptown Waterloo Jazz Festival (Jul 17-19)
  • Youth Jazz Ensemble  12:00 p.m.
  • Adrean Farrugia Quintet  1:30 p.m.
  • The Tonewheels featuring Matt Weidinger  3:00 p.m

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


2-11pm: Cap-alooza @ The Capitol Bar (Hamilton)

2-6pm: Kayar @ Mill St & 5 American House (Waterdown) 


2-5pm: Open Mic @ Harbourfront Inn (Port Colbourne)(Weekly)

2-5pm: The O'Deadlys @ Irish Harp (Niagara-on-the-Lake)


2pm: 42nd Street (Musical) @ Hamilton Family Theatre (Cambridge) $62 (Jul 2-19)



2:30pm: Thomas Nelson Band @ Donnelly's Pub (Thorold) $10

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

  • The Tonewheels featuring Matt Weidinger  3:00 p.m
  • 3:30pm – 6:30pm | Otis Wonder & The Hustle
3:30-6:30pm: ANAT (NOT THIS WEEK) @ Duke of Wellington (Waterloo) (Weekly)

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

4-7pm: Uncorked @ Chip N Charlie's (Niagara Falls)

  • 4:30pm: From the Hip
  • 7pm: Bad to the Bone



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

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

7:30-10:30pm: Generation Train @ Irish Harp (Niagara-on-the-Lake) 

Jul 16-19 / Jul 20-26


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Wednesday, July 15, 2026

Throwback Thursday: Melissa Bel Debut Album + EP (2009)


Original Post: September 15, 2009 & July 19, 2009

Updated Post: July 16, 2026

Melissa Bel Debut: Brave

In September 2009, Burlington's Melissa Bel released her debut album, Brave.

Melissa's incredible, smooth voice is used to great effect as she travels through blues, pop, soul, rock, and folk with ease.

Special notes:
  • All online versions of the album do not contain the song You Don't Fool Me, which was on the CD
  • The CD of the album is now hard to find
Available on: Spotify, YouTube, Apple Music



-----------

Melissa Bel: Self Titled EP

There's a little bit of everything on this EP. Bluesier numbers such as Distance (co-written with Ray Lyell) and He'll Never be You share the spotlight with soulful pop-folk gems like We All Lose Our Way, I Hate to Say it and Tragedy in Disguise. Melissa ends this amazing collection with a smooth version of Smokey Robinson's You've Really Got a Hold On Me. 

Personnel (highlights): 
Special notes:
  • Songs from this EP that also appeared on the album Brave were remixed, remastered or rerecorded for the later recording
  • You've Really Got a Hold On Me is the only song from the EP that wasn't on also on her debut album.
  • The EP is not available online 
  • The CD is hard to find.
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Sunday, July 12, 2026

Please Support Local Charities


From their site: Working to make a significant impact in the quality of life of Canada’s ill & injured CAF members, Veterans, First Responders, and their families.

The Hamilton Blues Lovers (HBL) want to showcase a deserving local charity every week.  HBL is not affiliated with these charities nor does it fund raise for them.

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Saturday, July 11, 2026

Hamilton's Kyle Pacey Weaves Innovative Soundscapes & Emotional Storytelling on New EP


Mini-Review: The world is constantly chaging and Hamilton's Kyle Pacey reflects that in his poignant new EP, After the Fall. With genre-blending precision, Kyle weaves between pessimism, optimism, hope and disaster. Emotional storytelling and innovative sonic landscapes take listeners on an almost philosophical journey.

Personnel

Available on: Bandcamp, Spotify, Apple Music

Links: Kyle Pacey, More Kyle Pacey Stories, More Releases, Album courtesy of Bandcamp

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Friday, July 10, 2026

Tommy Hunter Was Canada’s Country Gentleman, RIP


"Canada’s Country Gentleman," Tommy Hunter passed away on July 2, 2026 in London, Ontario. Our condolences to his family friends and fans.

He was an essential part of Canada's Country Music scene thanks, in part, to The Tommy Hunter Show, his long-running radio & TV program.

Here is the official obituary:

HUNTER, Thomas (Tommy) James, CM, OOnt

March 20, 1937 – July 2, 2026

Thomas (Tommy) James Hunter passed away peacefully at his home in London, Ontario on Thursday, July 2, 2026, in his 90th year.

He was the beloved son of the late Edith and James Hunter. Tommy was the loving father of Jeff, Greg, and Mark. He will be deeply missed by his grandchildren, Tyler, Karli, Bradley, and Nicole, as well as his great-grandchild, Mason. Tommy is also fondly remembered by his longtime business manager and friend, Brian Edwards, and his wife Barbara.

Known all over the world as "Canada’s Country Gentleman," Tommy was a legendary figure in music and broadcasting. For 27 consecutive years, The Tommy Hunter Show welcomed millions into their living rooms on CBC Television in Canada, and for 10 years, it broadcast across the United States on The Nashville Network. A proud member of the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame, Tommy was also honored as a Member of the Order of Canada and the Order of Ontario for his immense contributions to Canadian culture.

The family wish to thank the staff of University Hospital, Parkwood Hospital, Fox Hollow, and McGarrell Place for their care and compassion. Visitation will take place at Needham Funeral Service, 520 Dundas Street, London, Ontario on July 9, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm, and again on July 9, 2026, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. A Private Family Funeral Service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers donations to the Humane Society of London & Middlesex would be appreciated.

Media Links

 Social Media Reaction

Brad Hails (Killin' Time Band)

RIP Tommy Hunter, I was fortunate enough to spend some time on the road with you and my grandfather when I was a kid and you both showed me some great memories. Tommy lent me a big ol’ country acoustic guitar to use for my first lessons and actually gave me a 57 fender deluxe amp and some microphones when my grandfather and I helped you move many many years ago. Foolishly I sold that amp when I was a teenager and will always regret it. Last time I saw you was at my grandfathers funeral. Some of those times I spent with the both of you will stay with me for life and taught me lessons I still use today in my own career.

Juno Awards

It is with great sadness that we acknowledge the passing of Canadian country music legend Tommy Hunter. Over a career spanning more than six decades, Tommy became one of the country's most recognizable entertainers. As the beloved host of The Tommy Hunter Show, he welcomed generations of Canadians into country music while providing a national stage for both established and emerging artists.

A pioneering figure in Canada's music industry, Tommy played a defining role in the growth of Canadian country music. A three-time recipient of the RPM Gold Leaf Awards, the forerunner to today's JUNO Awards, he was recognized early for his outstanding contributions to Canadian music and remained a steadfast champion of Canadian artists throughout his career.

Tommy's contributions to Canadian music will continue to be felt for generations to come. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and all those whose lives were touched by his music and remarkable career.

Links: Tommy Hunter, Video above courtesy of Canadian Cult Classics

Links: Lori Yates, More Lori Yates Stories, Video above courtesy of Lori Yates Authorized Content

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Thursday, July 9, 2026

2026 Living Blues Award Winners Including Kenny "Blues Boss" Wayne


In early July, Living Blues Magazine announced the winners for their 2026 awards. The only Canadian winner was former Burlingtonian Kenny "Blues Boss" Wayne, who earned the Critics Poll Most Outstanding Musician (Keyboard) award.


CONGRATS

Below is a complete list of winners. 

* Signed to Waterdown's Stony Plain Records

Critics' Poll
  • Most Outstanding Musician (Keyboard): Kenny "Blues Boss" Wayne (formerly from Burlington)*



    Links: Kenny "Blues Boss" Wayne, More Kenny "Blues Boss" Stories, Video above courtesy of Roberto Scorta

  • Comeback Artist of the Year: Maria Muldaur*
  • Artist Deserving More Attention: Sean McDonald
  • Blues Artist of the Year (Male): John Primer
  • Blues Band of the Year: Southern Avenue
  • Best Blues Book of 2025: Before Elvis: The African American Musicians Who Made the King By Preston Lauterbach
  • Best Historical Release / Pre-war: Bukka White – Aberdeen Mississippi Blues: Complete Recordings, 1930-1940
  • Best Historical Reissue / Postwar: Clifton Chenier – King of Louisiana Blues & Zydeco
  • Best Live Performer: Bobby Rush
  • Best New Recording / Best Debut Release: Sean McDonald – Have Mercy!
  • Best New Recording / Contemporary Blues: Sean McDonald – Have Mercy! 
  • Best New Recording / Soul Blues: Johnny Rawls – Make Them Dance
  • Best New Recording / Traditional or Acoustic Blues: John Primer – Grown in Mississippi
  • Blues Artist of the Year (Female): Shemekia Copeland
  • Best Blues Album of 2025 (New Recordings): D. K. Harrell: Talkin' Heavy
  • Most Outstanding Blues Singer: Mavis Staples
  • Most Outstanding Musician (Bass): Bob Stroger
  • Most Outstanding Musician (Drums): Kenny “Beedy Eyes” Smith
  • Most Outstanding Musician (Guitar): Christone "Kingfish" Ingram
  • Most Outstanding Musician (Harmonica): Charlie Musselwhite
  • Most Outstanding Musician (Horns): Vanessa Collier
  • Most Outstanding Musician (Other): Sharde Thomas-Mallory (Fife)Most Outstanding Musician (Other): Sharde Thomas-Mallory (Fife)
  • Producer of the Year – Historical / Reissue: Adam Machado – King of Louisiana Blues & Zydeco
  • Producer of the Year / New Recording: Tom Hambridge – Ain’t Done with the Blues
Readers' Poll

  • Best Blues Album of 2025 (New Recordings): Bob Stroger & the Headcutters: Bob is Back!
  • Best Blues Album of 2025 (Reissue Recordings): Buddy Guy: This is Buddy Guy
  • Best Blues Book of 2025: Inside the Moment: Iconic Blues, Soul, Jazz, Rock, and R&B Images and History By Joseph A. Rosen
  • Best Live Performer: Bobby Rush
  • Blues Artist of the Year (Male): Bob Stroger
  • Blues Band of the Year: Billy Branch & the Sons of Blues
  • Blues Artist of the Year (Female): Shemekia Copeland
  • Most Outstanding Musician (Guitar): Christone "Kingfish" Ingram
  • Most Outstanding Musician (Harmonica): Charlie Musselwhite
  • Most Outstanding Musician (Keyboard): Marcia Ball
  • Most Outstanding Blues Singer: Taj Mahal

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Wednesday, July 8, 2026

Throwback Thursday: Michael Joseph O'Brien (OB) Passes


Original Post: July 13, 2009
Updated Post

Michael O'Brien, an amazing musician and beloved father of performers Jesse O'Brien and Matt O'Brien passed away on July 8, 2009 at the age of 65. Our condolences to his family.

From the Spectator:

O'BRIEN , Michael Joseph Peacefully at the Dr. Bob Kemp Hospice on July 8, 2009, at age 65. Loving father of Jesse Michael, Matty and Natalie. Known to many as OB, he was a fantastic musician, pool player, golfer and dad. His love and passion for music will undoubtedly live on through his children. Cremation has taken place and a private service will follow. If desired, memorial contributions to the Dr. Bob Kemp Hospice would be appreciated by the family.

Comment placed on lifenews.ca:

"He had an uncanny ability to pick songs that people would respond to. And no one could do those early Elvis covers from the Sun records days like OB. It's sad when someone who has so much to offer is taken at such a relatively young age. Fortunately, he had time to pass on his musical abilities and instincts to his sons, Matt and Jesse (Michael). I know they'll carry on his musical legacy for years to come. "
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