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.

Click here for the full story.

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

Links: Living Blues, More Living Blues Awards Stories

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Previous (Throwback Thursday- Michael "OB" O'Brien Passes)

Music Listings: July 10-12, 2026

July 10-12, 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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Jul 9-12 / Jul 13-19

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Friday, July 10

Because Beer Craft Beer Festival @ Pier 4 Park (Hamilton) (Jul 10-11)

Hamilton Food Truck Festival (with live music) @ Gage Park FREE (Jul 10-12)

Brantford International Villages Festival (Jul 8-11)

Tea 'n' Tales @ Guelph Enabling Garden

Elora Festival (Jul 10-26)

Kultrún World Music Festival @ Waterloo Park (St. Jacobs) (Jul 10-12)

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

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

12-2pm: Jamie Shea @ Jackson Square, Rooftop (Hamilton) (July 6-10)

12-1pm: Noon Hour Concerts ft Thomas Duxbury and New Mother Nature @ Hamilton Public Library, Central FREE 

12-1pm: Tunes in the Park ft The Hive @ Victoria Park (Brantford)

1-1:30pm: Come Sunday (Gospel Radio Show) w Paul Panchezak (Trickbag) @ 93.3 CFMU or cfmu.ca (Hamilton) (Weekly)

1-4pm: Nathasha Meister @ 13th Street Winery (St. Catharines)

1:30-2pm: Ensemble! TV Show Hosted by Dave Rave & Starring Dwayne LaForme's Boogie Blues, Recorded at Clifford Brewing @ Cable 14 (Hamilton) or live stream on Cable14Now.com

2-3pm: Family Duet @ Hamilton Public Library, Barton FREE

2-4pm: Open Jam with the No Name Band @ Elora Legion (Weekly)

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

2pm: Sorry...I'm Not Sorry (Musical) @ Hildebrand Schoolhouse Theatre (St. Jacobs) $? (Jun 3-Aug 22)

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

2pm: The Full Monty: The Broadway Musical @ Huron Country Playhouse (Grand Bend) $? (Jul 2-25)

2pm: Chris Strei @ The Links at Dover Coast (Port Dover)

3-7pm: Jamie Boomer Time & Dinner @ ANAF Club (Guelph) (Weekly)

---- 5:00-6:59pm ----

5pm: Artcrawl @ James Street North (Hamilton)

5-8pm: Behind the Woodpile @ Westdale Village (Hamilton)

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

5-8pm: Front Paige @ 13th Street Winery (St. Catharines)

5:30pm: Jasmine T Band @ Henry of Pelham (St. Catharines)6pm: Jesse Adams @ Henry’s on James (Hamilton)

6-9pm: James Anthony @ Scout Cafe (Stoney Creek) (Weekly)

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

6-8pm: Natalie Reis @ Nickelbrook Brewing (Burlington) 

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

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

6-9pm: Brandon Corke @ Sassy Britches Brewery (Brantford)

6-9pm: Nick Vescio @ Block 3 Brewing (St. Jacobs) 

6:30-8:30pm: East Coast Kitchen Party with Ferguson Young @ Corktown Pub, Downstairs (Hamilton) (Weekly) 

6:30pm: Dave Menard @ Easy Pour (Cambridge) 

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

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

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

7-9pm: Stone the Radio  @ Shawn & Ed Brewing Co (Dundas) $10

7pm: Tony Paglia @ Piper Arms (Burlington)

7-11pm: Back Trax @ Burlington Legion 

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

7-11pm: South River Slim & the Original Sins @ Super Mario's Pizza (Port Colbounre)

7-10pm: Jeffery Arthur’s Jazz Band @ Crystal Chandelier (Crystal Beach)

7pm: Brant Harmonica Guild presents Al Lerman Harmonica Workshop @ Knight’s (Brantford)

7-10pm: Jazz on the Patio ft Denis Rondeau, Ralf Buschmeyer, Michael Wood @ Al Dente (Brantford)

7-10pm: Emily Kemp Trio @ Manhattans (Guelph)

7pm?: BJ Frid @ Sandbar on the Beach (Turkey Point)

7:30pm: Music from the Rooftop: Michelle Hedley @ Joseph Brant Museum  (Burlington) $18+

7:30-8:30pm: Night Fever (Bee-Gees Tribute) @ Chudleigh’s Entertainment Farm (Halton Hills) $?

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

---- 8:00-8:59pm ---- 

8pm? Brad Soucie @ Handsome Dave's (Hamilton) 

8pm?: Rolodex Darko & Friends @ Ooey Gooey's (Hamilton) $?

8pm: From the Hip @ The Block Co, Edison Room (Burlington) $?

8pm: The Yachty Rockers @ Moonshine Cafe (Oakville) $25

8-11pm: The Leo's (Brian Melo & Joel Guenther) @ Gingerman (Oakville) 

8pm: Warren Jones @ Blk Swan Kitchen Pub (Oakville) 

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

 

8-11pm: Vic Barreira @ Teddy's (Grimsby)

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

8pm: JIN @ Oast House (Niagara-on-the-Lake)

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

8-10pm: Andrea Scala @ Silence (Guelph) $20

8pm: Marcus Trummer with Matthew Holtby @ Sonic Hall (Guelph) $20

8pm: Black Sheep: A New Musical Comedy @ Guelph Little Theatre $? (Jul 9-12)

8pm: The Father & Son @ Duke & Duchess (Cambridge)

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

8:30-11:30pm: 4 oz Pour @ Forge BBQ (Ancaster) $?

8:30pm: Bliss @ Coach & Lantern (Ancaster)

8:30-11:30pm: The Feverish Lemons @ Irish Harp (Niagara-on-the-Lake)

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

9pm: Fred Specks Combo @ The Capitol Bar (Hamilton)

9pm: Free Under Fire & Friends @ Corktown Pub, Downstairs (Hamilton) $?

9-11pm: Lemon Bucket Orkestra @ Oxigin (Hamilton) $39.55

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

9pm-12am: Stonewall @ Cat's Caboose (St. Catharines)

9pm: Evan Rotella @ South Coast Cookhouse (Crystal Beach)

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

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

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

9pm: Ryan Thomas Smelle @ Fallsview Casino Resort, Lucky's Restaurant (Niagara Falls) 

9pm: Manning & the Vook @ 211 Main (Port Dover) 

9:30-10:30pm: Night Fever (Bee-Gees Tribute) @ Chudleigh’s Entertainment Farm (Halton Hills ) $?

9:30pm: Mike Lynch Band @ Helliwell Hall (St Catharines)

10pm: Fiction @ B-Side Social (Hamilton) 

10pm: Jammr @ Powerhouse (Stoney Creek) 

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

10pm: Soldiers of Harmony @ The Dickens (Burlington) 

10pm-2am: Peter Peres @ Whiskey Dawgs (St. Catharines) 

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Saturday, July 11

Because Beer Craft Beer Festival @ Pier 4 Park (Hamilton) (Jul 10-11)

Hamilton AfroJazz FEST @ Bayfront Park (Hamilton) FREE (Jul 11-12)

Barton Village Sunday Market (with live music) @ Barton & Birch (Hamilton) (2nd & 4th Mon - June-Oct)

Hamilton Food Truck Festival (with live music) @ Gage Park FREE (Jul 10-12)

Brantford International Villages Festival (Jul 8-11)

Elora Festival (Jul 10-26)

Kultrún World Music Festival @ Waterloo Park (St. Jacobs) (Jul 10-12)

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

8:30-9am: Ensemble! TV Show Hosted by Dave Rave & Starring Dwayne LaForme's Boogie Blues, Recorded at Clifford Brewing @ Cable 14 (Hamilton) or live stream on Cable14Now.com

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)

11:30am: Chris Strei @ Farmers Market (Brantford)

12-4pm: Joel Lewczynski @ 13th Street Winery (St. Catharines)

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

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

1:30-5pm: Brant Parker Blues Band + Tim Gibbons @ Donnelly's Pub (Thorold) $10

2-5pm: John Demarchi @ Battlefield Legion (Stoney Creek) $10

2-5pm: Eric James @ BLK Swan, Brant St (Burlington) 

2pm: Sirens @ Black Bull (Burlington) 

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

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

2pm: Black Sheep: A New Musical Comedy @ Guelph Little Theatre $? (Jul 9-12)

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

2pm: Sorry...I'm Not Sorry (Musical) @ Hildebrand Schoolhouse Theatre (St. Jacobs) $? (Jun 3-Aug 22)

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

2pm: The Full Monty: The Broadway Musical @ Huron Country Playhouse (Grand Bend) $? (Jul 2-25)

2-5pm: Scott & Smantha @ Block 3 Brewing (St. Jacobs)

---- 3:00-6:59pm ----

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

3-7pm: TD Summer Music Series ft Get Yachty @ Towne Square (Oakville)

3-6pm: Open Mic @ Sessions on the River (Fort Erie) (Weekly)3-5pm: Acaciawood @ Nickelbrook Brewing (Burlington)

3-6pm: Chris Chambers @ East End Social (Hamilton)

4-4:30pm: Ensemble! TV Show Hosted by Dave Rave & Starring Dwayne LaForme's Boogie Blues, Recorded at Clifford Brewing @ Cable 14 (Hamilton) or live stream on Cable14Now.com

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

5-8pm: Bryan Sorenson Trio @ 13th Street Winery (St. Catharines)

6pm: Nyasha Bijou @ Henry’s on James (Hamilton) 

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

6-8pm: Under the Sun @ Puddy's (St. Catharines)

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

6pm: The Flying Dutchmen @ Strykerz Kitchen & Bar (Kitchener)

6pm: Brad Hailz @ Concession Road Brewing Co (Jarvis)

6:30pm: Candlelight: Tribute to Fleetwood Mac @ The Westdale (Hamilton) $?

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

7-10pm: Open Mic @ The Gate (Hamilton) (Weekly)

7-11pm: Back Trax @ Burlington Legion

7pm: Adam Ostrosser & Sarah Church @ Black Bull (Burlington) 

7-10pm: Continezza Trio @ Briskit BBQ (Georgetown)

7pm: Lil Godd @ Warehouse Concert Hall (St. Catharines) $28.21

7-10pm: South River Slim & the Original Sins @ Crystal Chandelier (Crystal Beach) 

7-10pm: 

Ken Foster Trio 

@ Manhattans (Guelph)

7pm: Sorry...I'm Not Sorry (Musical) @ Hildebrand Schoolhouse Theatre (St. Jacobs) $? (Jun 3-Aug 22)

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

7pm: Stone House Road @ Knight’s Beach Resort (Dunnville)

7:30-8:30pm: Practically Hip (Tribute) @ Chudleigh’s Entertainment Farm (Halton Hills) $?

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)

7:30pm: The Full Monty: The Broadway Musical @ Huron Country Playhouse (Grand Bend) $? (Jul 2-25)

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

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

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

8-11pm: Sean Bienhaus @ Teddy's (Grimsby)

8pm: Terry Fator (ventriloquism, comedy, music) @ Fallsview Casino Resort, OLG Stage (Niagara Falls) $? 

8-10pm: Elvis Returns @ Sanderson Centre (Brantford) $?

8pm: Black Sheep: A New Musical Comedy @ Guelph Little Theatre $? (Jul 9-12)

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

8pm: ALT CTRL @ Maxwell’s Concerts & Events (Waterloo) $?

8-11pm: Whiskey Chasers @ Mudcat Bowling and Entertainment Center (Dunnville) 

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

8:30-11:30pm: Paul Mallard @ Forge BBQ (Ancaster) 

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

8:30pm: Tommy Gilham @ Winchester Arms (Dundas) 

8:30-11:30pm: Patsy & the Muscle @ Irish Harp (Niagara-on-the-Lake)

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

9pm: Famous Framus & Betty Bomb @ The Capitol Bar (Hamilton) 

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

9-11:45pm: Maeve & The Mystics @ Doc Magilligan's (Niagara Falls)

9pm-12:45am: Ryan Thomas Smelle @ Fallsview Casino Resort, Splash Bar (Niagara Falls) 

9pm: 4oz Pour @ Fallsview Casino Resort, Lucky's Restaurant (Niagara Falls) 

9pm: Lucas Stagg @ Paris Pub

9pm: The 3 Avocados @ 211 Main (Port Dover)

9:30-10:30pm: Practically Hip (Tribute) @ Chudleigh’s Entertainment Farm (Halton Hills) $?

10pm: Voice Mob @ B-Side Social (Hamilton)

10pm: Steve Sinnicks & Jesse Elliott @ Handsome Dave's (Hamilton) 

10pm: Boombox @ Powerhouse (Stoney Creek) 

10pm: Checkerboard Floors @ BLK Swan, Brant St (Burlington) 

10pm: Rock Therapy @ The Dickens (Burlington) 

10pm-2am: Brad James @ Whiskey Dawgs (St. Catharines)

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Sunday, July 12

Hamilton Food Truck Festival (with live music) @ Gage Park FREE (Jul 10-12)

Elora Festival (Jul 10-26)

Kultrún World Music Festival @ Waterloo Park (St. Jacobs) (Jul 10-12)

Hamilton AfroJazz FEST @ Bayfront Park (Hamilton) FREE (Jul 11-12)

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

11am-3pm: Dundas Live & Local ft Hot Club of Nowhere @ Memorial Square

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)

2-5pm: Lucas Stagg @ Clifford Brewing Co (Hamilton) $?

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

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

2-6pm: Dave Cross Duo @ Mill St & 5 American House (Waterdown) 

2-5pm: Harmonia Songwriters Series @ The Block Co, Edison Room (Burlington) 

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

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

2-5pm: The Shalalas @ Irish Harp (Niagara-on-the-Lake)

2pm: Black Sheep: A New Musical Comedy @ Guelph Little Theatre $? (Jul 9-12)

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

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

2pm: The Full Monty: The Broadway Musical @ Huron Country Playhouse (Grand Bend) $? (Jul 2-25)

2-6pm: Jackson Flatts @ Port Dover Legion 

2:30pm: Rhythm @ Moonshine Cafe (Oakville) $10

2:30pm: Easy Street Blues Band @ Donnelly's Pub (Thorold) $10

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

3-5pm: Eddie Paton @ Nickelbrook Brewing (Burlington) 

3pm: Mike Stevenson & Friend @ BLK Swan, Brant St. (Burlington) (Weekly)

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

3:30-6:30pm: ANAT @ Duke of Wellington (Waterloo) (Weekly)

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

4-8pm: Howling Horns @ Chip N Charlie's (Niagara Falls)

6pm: Mike Dawson @ Coach & Lantern (Ancaster)

6:30pm: Crossroads Writers’ Round (Bernadette Connors, Alfie Smith) @ Forty Creek (Grimsby)

7pm: Deeps & Dani @ The Capitol Bar (Hamilton)

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

7-9pm: Toronto All Star Big Band @ Water Front Park (Crystal Beach)

7pm: Rick Springfield @ Fallsview Casino Resort, OLG Stage (Niagara Falls) $?

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

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

7:30-10:30pm: The Paige Armstrong Band @ Irish Harp (Niagara-on-the-Lake)

7:30pm: Songs & Stories: Local ft Evan Rotella, Amanda Lyn Parker, Robinson Treacher @ Local on Main (Niagara Falls)

8pm: Hooky, Boiler Beach, Reckless & Wild @ The Block Co, Edison Room (Burlington) 

9pm: Hey McFly @ Fallsview Casino Resort, Lucky's Restaurant (Niagara Falls) 

9pm-12:45am: Ryan Thomas Smelle @ Fallsview Casino Resort, Splash Bar (Niagara Falls)

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COMING SOON!

July

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

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

July 12-Sept 6 (Saturdays): 11am-3pm: Dundas Live & Local

July 13, 7-8pm: Hamilton Public Library Presents Tomi Swick and The Strummers Union @ Pier 8 (Hamilton) FREE

July 13, 8-8:30pm: Ensemble! TV Show Hosted by Dave Rave & Starring TBA, Recorded at Clifford Brewing @ Cable 14 (Hamilton) or live stream on Cable14Now.com

July 15, 7:30-10pm: Open Mic with Corey @ The Staircase, Lounge (Hamilton) (3rd Wed) #

July 16, 7pm: Ella Langley @ TD Coliseum (Hamilton) $? #

July 16, 7pm: Open Jam with Alex Antinori @ Clifford Brewing Co (Hamilton) (1st & 3rd Thu)

July 16: 7:30pm: The Classic Troubadours: The Songs Carole, James, Joni, & Jackson ft Jacob Moon, Alex Whorms, Ashley St. Pierre, Selena Evangeline, Mark McIntyre,  Rob Brown,@ Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre, Peller Hall $? #

July 16, 7:30pm: Cypress Hill @ Fallsview Casino Resort, OLG Stage (Niagara Falls) $?

July 17-26: Shrek: The Musical @ Fergus Grand Theatre $?#

July 17, 8pm: Metal Mayhem ft Pot of Greed, Loverseeth, King Eater, Backbone @ Capitol 33 (Delhi) $16.95+ #

July 18, 8pm: Al Lerman @ Moonshine Cafe (Oakville) $20

July 18, 8pm: USS @ Jackson-Triggs Niagara Estate Amphitheatre (Niagara-on-the-Lake) $? 

July 20, 7-8pm: Hamilton Public Library Presents Harrison Kennedy and Jesse O'Brien @ Pier 8 (Hamilton) FREE

July 23: Lou (Founder & Blogger) Birthday

July 23, 6:30-8:30pm: Music on the Waterfront ft Lowdown Dirty Mojos @ Pier 8 (Hamilton) FREE

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

July 23, 8pm: Matthew Good and His Band @ Jackson-Triggs Niagara Estate Amphitheatre (Niagara-on-the-Lake) $? 

July 24, 12-1pm: Tunes in the Park ft Tia McGraff @ Victoria Park (Brantford)

July 24, 8pm: Maggie's Wake @ Shawn & Ed Brewing Co (Dundas) $31.59

July 24, 8pm: Tea Party + Bif Naked @ Fallsview Casino Resort, OLG Stage (Niagara Falls) $?

July 25, 1-6pm: Niagara Falls Festival & Record Show @ Taps Brewhouse $5 incl outdoor marker & bands

July 26, 7pm: Foreign Jovi @ Greg Frewin Theatre (Niagara Falls) $?#

July 27: 6-9pm: Ensemble! Cable 14 TV Show Taping Hosted by Dave Rave @ The Westdale (Hamilton) FREE 

• 6-7pm: Paul Coombs Band
• 7-8pm: Joshua Arden Miller & Pappy Johns Band
• 8-9pm: Bend it Like Beck

July 27: 6-9pm: Ensemble! Cable 14 TV Show Taping Hosted by Dave Rave @ The Westdale (Hamilton) FREE 

• 6-7pm: Alex Whorms Band
• 7-8pm: Tia McGraff & Tommy Parham
• 8-9pm: Easy Street Blues Band

July 30, 6:30-8:30pm: Music on the Waterfront ft Caroline Wiles with Bob Doidge & Michael McCurlie @ Pier 8 (Hamilton) FREE

July 30-31, 7:30pm: The Beach Boys @ Fallsview Casino Resort, OLG Stage (Niagara Falls) $?

July 31: 6pm: Concerts on the Canal with Spencer Mackenzie & Soul Jam @ Merritt Park Ampitheatre (Welland)

August

Aug 1-Dec 31, 10am-4pm: Punching In: The Work of Hamilton Music (Exhibit) @ Visitor Experience Centre (Hamilton)

Aug 1-Sept 6 (Saturdays): Dundas Live & Local

August 1, 4-7pm: Open Mic Blues Jam with Garenetta Cromwell@ Corktown Pub, Downstairs (Hamilton)  (1st Sat)

August 4, 8pm: Rod Stewart @ Fallsview Casino Resort, OLG Stage (Niagara Falls) $?

August 8, 8pm: Daniel Lanois @ The Westdale (Hamilton) $?

August 7, 8pm: Dallas Smith @ Jackson-Triggs Niagara Estate Amphitheatre (Niagara-on-the-Lake) $? 

August 8, 8pm: Chantal Kreviazuk @ Jackson-Triggs Niagara Estate Amphitheatre (Niagara-on-the-Lake) $? 

August 14-21: Pippin (Musical) @ Gasworks (Hamilton) $? #

August 14, 8pm: Wild Rivers @ Jackson-Triggs Niagara Estate Amphitheatre (Niagara-on-the-Lake) $? 

August 7, 8pm: July Talk @ Jackson-Triggs Niagara Estate Amphitheatre (Niagara-on-the-Lake) $? 

August 16, 7:30pm: Bonnie Raitt + Maia Sharp @ Centre In The Square (Kitchener) $?

August 20, 8pm: Keith Urban @ Fallsview Casino Resort, OLG Stage (Niagara Falls) $?

August 20, 8pm: Dogstar (ft Keanu Reeves) @ Fallsview Casino Resort, OLG Stage (Niagara Falls) $?

August 22, 8pm: Finger Eleven (Acoustic) @ Jackson-Triggs Niagara Estate Amphitheatre (Niagara-on-the-Lake) $? 

August 28, 7:30pm: Bryan Adams + Lights @TD Coliseum (Hamilton) $? 

August 28, 8pm: Trews (Electric) @ Jackson-Triggs Niagara Estate Amphitheatre (Niagara-on-the-Lake) $?

August 28, 8pm: Kool & the Gang @ Fallsview Casino Resort, OLG Stage (Niagara Falls) $?

August 29, 8pm: Trews (Acoustic) @ Jackson-Triggs Niagara Estate Amphitheatre (Niagara-on-the-Lake) $?

September

Sep 1-Dec 31, 10am-4pm: Punching In: The Work of Hamilton Music (Exhibit) @ Visitor Experience Centre (Hamilton)

Sept 5 (Saturdays): Dundas Live & Local

September 3, 8pm: Default + Wide Mouth Mason @ Fallsview Casino Resort, OLG Stage (Niagara Falls) $?

September 4, 8pm: Alan Doyle @ Jackson-Triggs Niagara Estate Amphitheatre (Niagara-on-the-Lake) $?

September 5, 8pm: Big Wreck @ Jackson-Triggs Niagara Estate Amphitheatre (Niagara-on-the-Lake) $?

September 9, 8pm: Blue Moon Marquee @ Mills Hardware (Hamilton) $20

September 11, 8pm: An Evening with ZED - A Tribute to Led Zeppelin @ The Sanctuary Centre or the Arts (Ridegway) $?#

September 11, 8pm: The Jim Cuddy Band @ Jackson-Triggs Niagara Estate Amphitheatre (Niagara-on-the-Lake) $?

September 11, 8pm: Babyface @ Fallsview Casino Resort, OLG Stage (Niagara Falls) $?

September 12, 7pm: Bywater Call @ Mills Hardware (Hamilton) $25

September 12, 7pm:  ZED. The Led Zeppelin Love-In @ FirstOntario Arts Centre (Milton) $? #

September 12, 8pm: Colin James Blues Trio @ Jackson-Triggs Niagara Estate Amphitheatre (Niagara-on-the-Lake) $?

September 12, 8pm: Elvis Costello & The Imposters with Charlie Sexton @ Fallsview Casino Resort, OLG Stage (Niagara Falls) $?

September 13, 8pm: Bywater Call @ Sonic Hall (Guelph) $25

September 15-26: Get Down Tonight (The Ultimate 70’s Soundtrack) ft Leisa Way & The Wayward Wind Band @ Lighthouse Theatre (Port Dover) $35+ #

September 16, 8pm: Blue Moon Marquee @ Sonic Hall (Guelph) $20

September 17, October 8, November 3, December 3, 7:30pm: Canadiana: The Musical @ Greg Frewin Theatre (Niagara Falls) $? (dinner available: 6pm)

September 18, 8-11pm: Jess & Tay @ Tabone Academy of Music (Hamilton) $22+# 

September 19, 7:30pm: The Last of the Duke Street Kings (Springsteen Tribute) @ Sanderson Centre (Brantford) $49

September 22, 8pm: Alice Cooper @ Fallsview Casino Resort, OLG Stage (Niagara Falls) $?

September 24, 9pm: Three Dog Night @ Fallsview Casino Resort, OLG Stage (Niagara Falls) $?

September 29: Linda (Our Marketing Maven) Birthday

September 30-October 4: Get Down Tonight (The Ultimate 70’s Soundtrack) Leisa Way & The Wayward Wind Band @ Roselawn Theatre (Port Colborne) $35+#

October

September 30-October 4: Get Down Tonight (The Ultimate 70’s Soundtrack) Leisa Way & The Wayward Wind Band @ Roselawn Theatre (Port Colborne) $35+

October 1-December 31, 10am-4pm: Punching In: The Work of Hamilton Music (Exhibit) @ Visitor Experience Centre (Hamilton)

October 1, 7:30pm: Take It To The Limit – The Music & Legacy of the Eagles @ River Run Centre (Guelph) $69+#

October 2, 8pm: Tom Jones @ Fallsview Casino Resort, OLG Stage (Niagara Falls) $?

October 3, 8pm: UB40 @ Fallsview Casino Resort, OLG Stage (Niagara Falls) $?

October 3, 8pm: Begonia @ Sonic Hall (Guelph) $30

October 7, 8pm: Smashing Pumpkins @TD Coliseum (Hamilton) $? 

October 7, 8pm: 54-40 @ Maxwell’s Concerts & Events (Waterloo) $? 

October 8, November 3, December 3, 7:30pm: Canadiana: The Musical @ Greg Frewin Theatre (Niagara Falls) $? (dinner available: 6pm)

October 8, 8pm: Twister Sister with Sebastian Bach (Skid Row) on Vocals @ Fallsview Casino Resort, OLG Stage (Niagara Falls) $?

October 14-18: Folk Canada Conference @ Sheraton Hotel (Hamilton) $?

October 14, 7:30pm: The Musical Journey of Neil Diamond ft Jay White @ Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts $?#

October 15, 8pm: The Grapes of Wrath (Acoustic Duo Show) @ Maxwell’s Concerts & Events (Waterloo) $?

October 21-22, 8pm: Herman's Hermits Starring Peter Noone @ Fallsview Casino Resort, Avalon Theatre (Niagara Falls) $?

October 31-November 14: 2pm: Evil Dead: The Musical @ Hamilton Theatre Inc $?

November

November 1-December 31, 10am-4pm: Punching In: The Work of Hamilton Music (Exhibit) @ Visitor Experience Centre (Hamilton)

November 1 : Fall Back (Change the clocks back1 hr tonight)

November 3, December 3, 7:30pm: Canadiana: The Musical @ Greg Frewin Theatre (Niagara Falls) $? (dinner available: 6pm)

November 4, 7pm?: Mia Kelly and Her Band + Basset @ The Conrad Centre (Kitchener) $30#

November 13, 8pm: Roch Voisine: The Lightfoot Sessions Live @ Fallsview Casino Resort, OLG Stage (Niagara Falls) $?

November 6-29: A Christmas Story - The Musical @ Drury Lane Theatre (Burlington) $? #

November 13 (Friday the 13th)

November 18-December 20: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Musical) @ Theatre Aquarius (Hamilton) $?#

November 20, 8pm: Royal Wood & Friend @ The Sanctuary Centre or the Arts (Ridegway) $?#

November 21, 8pm: Lowest of the Low + Junkhouse @ Fallsview Casino Resort, OLG Stage (Niagara Falls) $?

November 26, 8pm: Basia Bulat @ River's Edge (Paris) $55.72

November 29: (Hamilton Blues Lovers Turns 18)

December

December 1-31, 10am-4pm: Punching In: The Work of Hamilton Music (Exhibit) @ Visitor Experience Centre (Hamilton) 

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

December 3, 7:30pm: Canadiana: The Musical @ Greg Frewin Theatre (Niagara Falls) $? (dinner available: 6pm)

December 18, 8pm: Hanson @ Fallsview Casino Resort, OLG Stage (Niagara Falls) $?

December 19, 8pm: Simple Plan @ Fallsview Casino Resort, OLG Stage (Niagara Falls) $?

December 21 (1st Day of Winter)

December 25 (Christmas)

2027

January - 4: Bird Day, 25 - Robbie Burns Day, 28: Automobile Day + Kazoo Day 

February (Black History Month) - 3: The Day the Music Died, 6 - Year of the Goat, 12: Radio Day, 14: Valentine's Day, 15: Family Day + Trebleclef's Birthday, 17: Mardi Gras

March - 8: International Women's Day, 17: St. Patrick's Day, 20: 1st Day of Spring, 25: Easter, 26: Quirky Country Music Song Titles Day, 28: Women in Music Day, 29: Piano Day

April - 1: April Fools, 8: Banjo Day,  22: Earth Day, 30: Jazz Day

May - 2: Laughter Day, 5: Cartoonist Day, 6: Accordion Day, 7: Tuba Day,  8: Train Day, 9: Mother's Day, 15: World Fiddle Day, 24: Victoria Day

June - 10 Portugal Day, 25 Global Beatles Day

July - 1:  Canada Day

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Jul 9-12 / Jul 13-19

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Please Support Our Wonderful Sponsors

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Please Support Our Wonderful Sponsors

They sell instruments, do repairs and offer lessons. 

This wonderful store does a lot to help to local music community.

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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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International Kissing Day Videos by Freedom Train, Jeremy Fisher, Alannah Myles

Links: Freedom Train, More Freedom Train Stories, Video above courtesy of Freedom Train

Links: Jeremy Fisher, More Jeremy Fisher Stories, Video above courtesy of Jeremy Fisher Music

Links: Alannah Myles, Video above courtesy of Alannah Myles

More Kissing Day Videos

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Previous (Throwback Thursday: Lee Harvey Osmond DVD: Live at Tractorgrease) - - - Next (Throwback Thursday- Michael "OB" O'Brien Passes)

Please Support Local Charities

From their website: Good Shepherd services include a emergency food and clothing; daily hot meals; emergency shelters for men, youth, families, women and children; transitional housing and education for homeless and street-involved youth; hospice palliative care; community mental health programs; and supportive housing programs.

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

Please Support Our Wonderful Sponsors

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Please Support Our Wonderful Sponsors

Ken Wallis is an amazing local music supporter. He has a great radio show

Tuesdays: 4-5:30pm: Blues Source Canada w Ken Wallis @ INDI 101.5 FM 

Now on-demand at Mixcloud

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Throwback Thursday - LeE HARVeY OsMOND DVD: "Live at Tractorgrease"

Original Post: July 22, 2009

Updated Post: July 2, 2026

Note: This DVD was a very limited release and is now a rare find.

According to the LeE HARVeY OsMOND Facebook Fan Page, their DVD Live @ Tractorgrease was available at their shows and DivineIndustries.com. LHO featured local rock star Tom Wilson (Junkhouse, Blackie and the Rodeo Kings, Florida Razors) and Junkhouse drummer Ray Farrugia along with members of the Skydiggers and the Cowboy Junkies.

Links: LeE HARVeY OsMOND, More LeE HARVeY OsMOND stories, Video above courtesy of highorhurtin, More Releases

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Canada Day Videos by Carl Jennings, Golden Beaver, Fern Viola

Update of 2020 Post 

Links: Freedom Train, More Freedom Train Stories, Video above courtesy of Freedom Train 



Links: Golden Beaver, More Golden Beaver Stories, Video above courtesy of Killin' Time



Links: Fern Viola, More Fern Viola Stories, Video above courtesy of Fern Viola - Topic

More Canada Day Videos!

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International Reggae Day Videos by Errol Blackwood, Jay Douglas, The Human Rights

Links Errol Blackwood, More Errol Blackwood Stories, Video above courtesy of errolblackwood

Links Jay Douglas, More Jay Douglas Stories, More Bob Marley Covers/Stories, Video above courtesy of The House of Kuumba

Links: The Human Rights, Video above courtesy of  Reggaeville

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