Friday, May 16, 2025

Winners of the 2025 East Coast Music Awards

The East Coast Music Awards: Festival and Conference (May 7-11, 2025) ended in a number of talented Eastern Canadian artists earning accolades in St. Johns, NFLD. This included Nova Scotia's Old Man Luedecke, a musician signed to Waterdown's True North Records.

  • Songwriter of the Year: Old Man Luedecke - “The Raven and The Dove” (signed to Waterdown's True North Records)



    Links: Old Man Luedecke, More Old Man Luedecke StoriesVideo above courtesy of OldManLuedecke

  • Acadian or Francophone Artist of the Year: Les Hay Babies
  • African Canadian Artist of the Year: Maggie Andrew
  • Album of the Year: Vishtèn Connexions - Expansion
  • Artist Management of the Year: Hurricane Music Artist Management
  • Blues Release of the Year: Campbell & Johnston - “Find Your Way”
  • Breakthrough Artist of the Year: Loviet
  • Bucky Adams Memorial Award: Marc Perry
  • Innovator of the Year: Chelsi Madonna
  • Children’s Artist of the Year: Heather Feather
  • Classical Composer of the Year: India Gailey - “Butterfly Lightning Shakes the Earth: I. SKY”
  • Classical Release of the Year: Suzie LeBlanc - “pour une Amérique engloutie”
  • Content Creator of the Year: Jud Haynes
  • Country Release of the Year: Brett Matthews - “If I Die Today (feat. Classified)”
  • Dance Release of the Year: Summer Bennett - “Just a Phase - Dave Aude Remix”
  • Electronic Release of the Year: Rich Aucoin - “Sonica”
  • Entertainer of the Year: Kellie Loder
  • Event of the Year: Congrès mondial acadien 2024
  • Folk Release of the Year: Vishtèn Connexions - “Kouma”
  • Fusion Release of the Year: Vishtèn Connexions - “Kouma”
  • Global Music Release of the Year: Ana Luísa Ramos - “Clouds”
  • Group of the Year: Neon Dreams
  • Indigenous Artist of the Year: Deantha Edmunds
  • Industry Builder Award: Wade Pinhorn
  • Instrumental Release of the Year: Mark Fewer - “The Simple Life (Arr. for Violin & String Orchestra by Andrew Downing)”
  • Jazz Release of the Year: Measha Brueggergosman-Lee - “Zombie Blizzard”
  • Lifetime Achievement Award: The Ennis Sisters
  • Loud Release of the Year: The Order of the Precious Blood - “Suffer & Die”
  • Media Person of the Year: Zach Snow
  • Musician’s Achievement Award: Chris Ryan
  • Pop Release of the Year: Noah Malcolm - “January”
  • Producer of the Year: Classified
  • Rap / Hip-Hop Release of the Year: Classified - “Sure Enough”
  • R&B/Soul Release of the Year: Jah’Mila - “Never Fail”
  • Release of the Year: Classified - “Amnesia”
  • Rock / Alternative Release of the Year: Maggie Andrew - “DAY JOB”
  • Roots Release of the Year: Quote The Raven - “Already Gone”
  • Solo Artist of the Year: Classified
  • Traditional Release of the Year: Rum Ragged - “Paddy Hyde”
  • Venue of the Year: Shore Club
  • Video of the Year: Kellie Loder - “Can't Go Back” (Directed by: Ashlea Wessel)
  • Vocal Release of the Year: Laura Roy - “Lucy”

Stompin’ Tom Awards

  • Newfoundland and Labrador: Korona Brophy
  • Cape Breton: Monica MacNeil
  • New Brunswick: Heidi Baird
  • Nova Scotia: Mike Campbell
  • Prince Edward Island: Ghislaine Cormier

Happy World Fiddle Day ft Videos by Shane Guse

Update of 2019 post




Roger Schmidt



Mark Wood



More Queen Covers/Stories



Links: Western Swing Authority (Shane's Band), More WSA StoriesVideos above courtesy of Shane Guse, More Fiddle Day Videos

Previous (Throwback Thursday: Laid Off Stelco Worker Writes Heartfelt Songs)

Thursday, May 15, 2025

Music Listings, Part 1: May 16-18, 2025

May 16-18, 2025

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.



Friday, May 16

---- Before 6:00pm ----


Niagara Children's Festival (May 3, 10, 15-18)


11am-9pm: Hamilton Poutine Feast @ Gage Park (May 15-18)

  • 5pm – 8pm | Jack Sith
  • 9pm – 10:30pm | AC/DC Show Canada
5-8pm: Brad James @ Fool & Flagon (Hamilton) (Weekly)

5:30-7pm: Music Trivia @ Mosaic Neighbourhood Bar (Hamilton) (Weekly)

5:30-9:30pm: Ricardo Barboza Band & Samba Dancers @ Brasa (Niagara Falls) (Weekly)

5:30-9:30pm: Pianist @ Corso (Niagara Falls) (Weekly)

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

  • Anthony Joseph (Elvis Tribute) @ Zoetic Theatre Patio
  • Ginger St. James @ 555 Concession Street
  • Frank Beni  & Sam White @ ?
  • ​Louise Concepcion @ 574 Concession
6-9pm: James Anthony @ Scout Cafe (Stoney Creek) (Weekly)


6pm: Strummers Union @ Black Bull (Burlington) (Weekly)

6-9pm: Stephanie Deshane @ Judge & Jester (Grimsby) (Weekly)

6-10pm: Pianist @ Watermark (Niagara Falls) (Weekly)



6:30pm: Ferguson Young @ Corktown Pub, Downstairs (Hamilton) (Weekly)

6:30pm: LUCAS STAGG @ Easy Pour (Cambridge)

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



7pm: GLEE Pop Rock Concert(Musical) @ Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre - Adults: $24/Seniors: $21/Youth: $13 (May 16-18)


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


7-10:30pm: Zach Perry @Fixed Gear Canteen (Guelph)


7:30pm: Waitress (Musical) @ Theatre Aquarius (Hamilton) $? (Apr 30-May 18)

7:30-11:30pm: Open Mic @ Mahtay Cafe (St. Catharines) (Weekly)

7:30-10:30pm: Jack & Danica @ Malt & Barley Public House (Kitchener)

7:30pm: The Full Monty (Musical) @ St. Jacobs Country Playhouse (Waterloo) $? (May 14-Jun 7)

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






8pm:? The Commandos @ Absinthe (Hamilton)




8pm?: Mike Stevenson @ Barra Fion (Burlington)




8-11pm: JEFF RILEY @ Teddy's (Grimsby)


8pm: Gowan @ Sanderson Centre (Brantford) $48.00/$40.00

8pm: Norbert Botos @ Jazz Room (Waterloo) $?

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

8:30-11:30pm: Sonic Haze @ Pub Fiction (Ancaster) 


8:30pm: B.J FRID @ Slye Fox (Binbrook)



8:30pm: MARY SIMON @ Slye Fox Pub (Burlington)

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

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

9pm: AWESOME MATTHEWS @ Stonewalls (Hamilton) $10 

9pm: Poster Boys @ Cat & Fiddle (Hamilton) 


9pm-1am: Restless Diesel @ Come by Chance (Hamilton)



  • 9pm – 10:30pm | AC/DC Show Canada (Tribute)

9pm: Orangeman @ Blk Swan Kitchen Pub (Oakville) $15

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

9pm: Vinyl Flux @ Pitchers Sports Bar (St. Catharines)

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



9pm-1am: CORY CRUISE @ Elements Casino (Brantford) 

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

9:30pm: Buzz Kings @ Which Craft (Guelph)

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

10pm: Billboard Nation @ Powerhouse (Stoney Creek)

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

10pm: Jasmine T Band @ The Dickens (Burlington)

10pm-2am: 4 Ounce Pour @ Big Texas (Niagara Falls) 


Saturday, May 17

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


Niagara Children's Festival (May 3, 10, 15-18)





11am-9pm: Hamilton Poutine Feast @ Gage Park (May 15-18)

  • 1pm – 2:30pm | The Electric Merchants
  • 3:30pm – 6:30pm | Monty & The Crew
  • 7:30pm – 10:30pm | Wicked Truth

1pm: Crazy for You (Musical) @ Hamilton Family Theatre (Cambridge) $59.50 (Apr 23-May 18)


1:30pm: Waitress (Musical) @ Theatre Aquarius (Hamilton) $? (Apr 30-May 18)




2pm: GLEE Pop Rock Concert(Musical) @ Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre - Adults: $24/Seniors: $21/Youth: $13 (May 16-18)

2-5pm: Ken Musson @ Battlefield Legion (Stoney Creek) $10

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

2-5:30pm: Brian Daniels @ Pitchers Sports Bar (St. Catharines)

2-4pm: Jazz Jam @ Jazz Room (Waterloo)

2pm: Albatross @ Live at the Lodge (Port Dover) $5



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


3-6pm: John Rogers @ Carrigan Arms (Burlington) $5



  • 1pm – 2:30pm | The Electric Merchants
  • 3:30pm – 6:30pm | Monty & The Crew
  • 7:30pm – 10:30pm | Wicked Truth
4-7pm: Jazz Express @ Cat's Caboose (St. Catharines)

4:30pm: The Two Stevies @ Black Bull (Burlington)

5:30-9:30pm: Ricardo Barboza Band & Samba Dancers @ Brasa (Niagara Falls)  (Weekly - Fri & Sat)

5:30-9:30pm: Pianist @ Corso (Niagara Falls)  (Weekly - Fri & Sat)

6-10pm: Pianist @ Watermark (Niagara Falls) (Weekly - Fri & Sat)





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

7pm: John Restas @ Turtle Jack's, Upper James (Hamilton) (Weekly) 

7pm: GLEE Pop Rock Concert(Musical) @ Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre - Adults: $24/Seniors: $21/Youth: $13 (May 16-18)




7pm: TROY BROWN @ Easy Pour (Cambridge)

7pm: Crazy for You (Musical) @ Hamilton Family Theatre (Cambridge) $59.50 (Apr 23-May 18)


7:30pm: Waitress (Musical) @ Theatre Aquarius (Hamilton) $? (Apr 30-May 18)

7:30pm: Yogi Turgeon @ Townhall Social Eatery (Hamilton) (Weekly)

  • 1pm – 2:30pm | The Electric Merchants
  • 3:30pm – 6:30pm | Monty & The Crew
  • 7:30pm – 10:30pm | Wicked Truth
7:30pm: David Trenaman @ La Poche (Guelph) $15

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


8pm: 
The Killer Hooks 
@ Stonewalls
 (Hamilton) $10



8pm?: Goddess @ Absinthe (Hamilton)





8pm: Brian Melo @ Black Bull (Burlington)





8-11pm: EVAN ROTELLA @ Teddy's (Grimsby)

8pm: Zuba 4000kg @ Sonic Hall (Guelph) $35





8:30pm: SETH RYAN @ Slye Fox (Binbrook)

8:30pm: Killin' Time Band @ Slye Fox Pub (Burlington)

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

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






9pm-12am: The Way Outs (Debut) @ Cat's Caboose (St. Catharines)

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





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

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


10pm: The McFlys @ Powerhouse (Stoney Creek) 


10pm: Kayar's Damn Animals @ The Dickens (Burlington) 

10pm-2am: Basil Bauer @ Big Texas (Niagara Falls) 

 Sunday, May 18

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


Niagara Children's Festival (May 3, 10, 15-18)


11am-3pm: Mike Woods @ Puddicombe Farms (Stoney Creek (Sat & Sun May 18-Oct 27)

11am-6pm: Hamilton Poutine Feast @ Gage Park (May 15-18)

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

  • 1pm – 4pm | Otis Wonder & The Hustle
  • 5pm – 8pm | The Trip (Tribute to The Tragically Hip)
  • 9pm – 10:30pm | Stoned and Rolling (Tribute to The Rolling Stones)

1:30pm: Waitress (Musical) @ Theatre Aquarius (Hamilton) $? (Apr 30-May 18)

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


2pm: 
James Anthony Trio 
@ Stonewalls
 (Hamilton) $10




2pm: GLEE Pop Rock Concert(Musical) @ Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre - Adults: $24/Seniors: $21/Youth: $13 (May 16-18)




2-5pm: Ryan Thomas @ Olde Angel Inn (Niagara-on-the-Lake) 

2-5pm: Ryan Thomas Smelle @ Irish Harp (Niagara-on-the-Lake) 


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

2pm: Crazy for You (Musical) @ Hamilton Family Theatre (Cambridge) $59.50 (Apr 23-May 18)

2-5pm: Almost Serious @ The Falls Road Pub (Kitchener) (Weekly)


2:30-4:30pm: Jack & Danica @ Malt & Barley Public House (Kitchener) 

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


3pm: 4 Bands @ Vertagogo (Hamilton) $?


3-6pm: Open Stage with Nathan Coles @ Cornerstone (Guelph) (Weekly) 

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

  • 5pm – 8pm | The Trip (Tribute to The Tragically Hip)
  • 9pm – 10:30pm | Stoned and Rolling (Tribute to The Rolling Stones)
6-9pm: Sonia Collymore @ Lowville Bistro (Burlington)

6-8pm: John Rogers @ Nickel Brook Brewing (Burlington)




  • 1pm – 4pm | Otis Wonder & The Hustle
  • 5pm – 8pm | The Trip (Tribute to The Tragically Hip)
  • 9pm – 10:30pm | Stoned and Rolling (Tribute to The Rolling Stones)
9pm: Bo @ McCabe's Irish Pub (Guelph) (Weekly)

10pm: Open Mic @ Jimmy Jazz (Guelph) (Weekly)

2025: May 15-18 / May 19-25 / May 26-Jun 1 / Jun 2-8



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Wednesday, May 14, 2025

Throwback Thursday: Laid Off Stelco Worker Records Heartfelt YouTube Videos

Original Post: April 9, 2009
Updated Post: May 15, 2025


Remo Cino, who was laid off from Stelco in November of 2009, wrote and recorded heartfelt songs about Hamilton steel industry's woes. The Hamilton mountain resident has posted them on YouTube.

Sunday, May 11, 2025

46th Annual Blues Music Award Winners including Canada's Sue Foley

On May 8, 2026, The Blues Foundation announced the winners of their 46th Annual Blues Music Awards winners in Memphis, Tennessee. The only Canadian artist to win was Ottawa's Sue Foley, who is signed to Waterdown's Stony Plain Records

Below is the new report from Blues Rock Review:

Links: Blues Music AwardsMore Blues Music Awards Stories, Video above courtesy of Blues Rock Review

Below is a complete list of winners.

Please Support Local Charities




Please Support Local Charities


From their website: We are a non-profit organization run entirely by volunteers, and have been helping the needy families of Oakville since 1988. We currently serve 350 to 420 families (approx. 1,300 people) per month from our location at 1240 Speers Road, between 3rd Line and 4th Line.

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.



Thursday, May 8, 2025

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