Music Listings: August 31-September 3, 2026

August 31-September 3, 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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Aug 31-Sep 3 / Sep 4-6 / Sep 7-13

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Monday, August 31

1-4pm: Tin Roof @ 13th Street Winery (St. Catharines)

2pm: Beach Party Boys @ Hamilton Family Theatre (Cambridge) $? 

4-7pm: Evan Rotella @ Sherkston Shores (Weekly)

5-8pm: Mark Donoghue @ 13th Street Winery (St. Catharines)

6-7:30pm: Guitar Pickers (Open Stage) @ Hamilton Public Library, Greensville (Weekly)

6-9pm: Beatles Tribute ft Re-Peatles @ Innsville (Stoney Creek)  (Weekly)

6-8pm: Youth Jam @ Moonshine Cafe (Oakville) $5 (Weekly)

6-10pm: Open Mic @ Kin Club of Ridgeway (Crystal Beach) (Weekly)

6:30-8pm: Open Mic & Workshop with Victor Morgado @ Smoke and Moonshine  (Beamsville) (Weekly)

6:30-8:30pm: Thomas Nelson Band @ Spirit in Niagara (Niagara-on-the-Lake)(Bi-Weekly)

6:30-10pm: Open Mic @ Duke of Wellington (Waterloo) (Weekly)

7-11pm: Acoustic Open Mic with Sean Fuller @ Pub 36 (Hamilton) (Weekly)

7:30-10:30pm: Ferguson Young @ Irish Harp (Niagara-on-the-Lake)

7:30pm: Beach Party Boys @ Hamilton Family Theatre (Cambridge) $? 

8-8:30pm: Ensemble! TV Show Hosted by Dave Rave & Starring Tim Gibbons & the Swampbusters, Recorded at Clifford Brewing @ Cable 14 (Hamilton) or live stream on Cable14.com 

8pm: Open Jam with Iain Leslie @ Moonshine Cafe (Oakville) (Weekly)

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Tuesday, September 1

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

5pm: Kick N Strings @ Bardo (Hamilton) (Weekly)

6-8pm: Benny Douglas @ Forge BBQ (Ancaster) (Weekly)

7-10pm: Open Mic with Brennagh Burns @ Lukaya Cafe (Hamilton) (Weekly)

7pm: Open Mike  with Neil MacNaughton @ Moonshine Cafe (Oakville) $5 (Weekly)

7-11pm: Live Band Open Jam @ West Side Pizzeria & Sports Bar (St. Catharines) (Weekly)

7-10pm: Open Mic @ The Boathouse (Kitchener)(Weekly)

8-11pm: Open Jam with the Boom Babiez @ Ale House (Hamilton) (Weekly) 

8pm: Carter Cash Tribute @ Yuk Yuk's (Niagara Falls)

8:30-11:30pm: Open Mic/Jam @ Barton Touchdown Pub (Hamilton) (Weekly)

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Wednesday, September 2

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

4-7pm: Open Mic Hosted by Victor Morgadoo @ Ridgeway Legion (Weekly)

6:30-8pm: Welland Supper Market ft The Howling Horns @ Market Square

6:30-9pm: A Ladies Night Out ft  Amber Banks, Maddie Ball, Devyn Deschmeeker and Hannah Dolson @ Homegrown Hideaway (Port Dover) $25 

7-10pm: Greg Brisco & Dan Thomas @ East End Social (Hamilton) (Weekly)

7-8:30pm: Access Storage Concerts presents Fiddlestix @ Central Park Bandshell (Burlington) 

7-10pm: Music @ Donnelly's Pub (Thorold) 

7pm: Perry and Mark @ Royal Electric (Guelph) (Weekly) 

7-10pm: Open Mic @ The Bullring (Guelph) (Weekly)

7:30pm: Adam Ostrosser @ Thirsty Cactus (Dundas) (Bi-Weekly) 

7:30-10:30pm: Singer/Songwriter Series @ Irish Harp (Niagara-on-the-Lake)

• Larry Rockvegas 7:30 pm
• Zach Bury 8:30 pm
• Woody Woodburn 9:30 pm

8-11pm: Open Mic @ The Block Co (Burlington) (Weekly)

8pm: The Unfaithful Servants@ Moonshine Cafe (Oakville) $15

8-11pm: Open Mic with Mike Shotton (Pop Machine) @ Gingerman (Oakville) (Weekly)

8-12pm: Open Jam @ Frankie's (Brantford) (Weekly) 

8-11pm: Blues Review ft Jon Knight & Friend @ White Rabbitt (Waterloo) (Weekly)

8pm: Felicia McMinn @ 211Main (Port Dover) (Weekly)

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Thursday, September 3

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

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

10am-12pm: Breakfast of Champions (Radio Show) w Paul Panchezak (Trickbag) @ 93.3 CFMU or cfmu.ca (Weekly) 

1-3pm: Open Ukulele Session @ Moonshine Cafe (Oakville) $5 (Weekly)

1:30-2pm: Ensemble! TV Show Hosted by Dave Rave & Starring Tim Gibbons & the Swampbusters, Recorded at Clifford Brewing @ Cable 14 (Hamilton) or live stream on Cable14.com 

5-8pm: Thomas Nelson Duo @ 13th Street Winery (St. Catharines)

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

5:30-6:30pm: Caitlin Miller @ Fonthill Bandshell

5:30-9pm: Waterfront Market ft Surprise Guest @ Crystal Beach

6pm: Music @ East End Social (Hamilton) 

6pm: Alfie Smith @ Henry’s on James (Hamilton) (Weekly)

6pm: Open Jam with Alex Antinori @ Clifford Brewing Co (Hamilton) (1st & 3rd Thu)

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

6-8pm: Music @ 2 Rivers (Paris) 

6-9pm: Open Sky Live ft Matthew James and The Bearskins @ Elora Centre for the Arts $? 

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

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

6-8pm: Turk & The Hobbit (Juneyt & Derek) @ Molly Blooms (Waterloo) (Weekly)

6:30-8:30pm: Music @ Shawn & Ed Brewing Co (Dundas) FREE 

6:30-9:30pm: Dino Killer Duo @ BLK Swan, Brant St. (Burlington) 

6:30-8:30pm: Eddie Pizzo (Piano) @ Spirit in Niagara (Niagara-on-the-Lake)(Weekly)

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

7-9pm: Music @ Squires Pub on Locke (Hamilton) 

7pm: Classic Country Open Mic with the Country Ramblers @ 447 Wing (Hamilton) (Weekly) 

7pm: Lake Notes ft Fiddlestix @ Bronte Park (Oakville) FREE

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

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

7-9pm: Strange Magic @ Fonthill Bandshell

7pm: Blues in the Park ft The Night Shadows @ Fireman's Park (Niagara Falls) 

7-9pm: Matt Vandersluys Duo @ Doc Magilligan's (Niagara Falls) 

7-10pm: Music @ Manhattans (Guelph) 

7-9pm: Nic Nolet Trio @ The Boathouse (Kitchener) FREE 

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

7pm: Summer Sunset Sounds ft Clara Stegall + Meteor Heist @ Grand Bend Beach 

7:30pm?: Music @ The Block Co, Edison Room (Burlington) 

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

7:30-10:30pm: The Other Band @ Irish Harp (Niagara-on-the-Lake) $?

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

8pm?: Music @ Ooey Gooey's (Hamilton) $? 

8-11pm: Music @ Southcote 53 (Ancaster) 

8pm: Music @ Moonshine Cafe (Oakville)

8-11pm: Open Mic Night + Jam @ Temple Bar (Oakville) (Weekly) 

8-10pm: Dragan on the Sax @ Spirit in Niagara (Niagara-on-the-Lake) (Weekly)

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

8-11:30pm: Open Mic with Nora Crete and Derek Bowers @ Elora Legion (Weekly)

8-11pm: Acoustic Melodies ft Lor & Friends @ White Rabbitt (Waterloo) (Weekly)

8:30pm: Open Mic @ Coach & Lantern (Ancaster) (Weekly) 

8:30pm: Bywater Call @ Warehouse Concert Hall (St. Catharines) $25.33 #

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

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

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Aug 31-Sep 3 / Sep 4-6 / Sep 7-13

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Please Support Local Charities

From their website: Arts After School Kids (AASK) is a Unique Free not for profit charitable organization that offers an arts based program that develops self esteem and confidence and sparkling potential in youth 11-14 in our community.

This is placed in honour of the late Jeremiah Budnark, RIP.

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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'Play Music on Your Porch' Day Videos by Porch Chops, Wayne Cheater, Clarissa Diokno

Video above courtesy of Porch Chops

Video above courtesy of Wayne Cheater

Links: Clarissa Diokno,Video above courtesy of Clarissa Diokno

More Porch Music Day Videos

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Previous (Craig Martin, Co-founder of Classics Album Live, Passes)

Craig Martin, Co-Founder of 'Classic Albums Live' Was Bold & Unwavering (RIP)

It is with sadness that we report the recent passing of Toronto musician Craig Martin. He was also the co-founder of the hugely successful Classic Albums Live series. We will add more details to this page when we learn them. Our condolences to his family, friends and fans.

Social Media Reaction

Classic Albums Live Facebook Page

It is with a collective sadness that we announce the passing of our friend & founder: Craig Martin. 

Classic Albums Live was created in 2003 by Craig, and thanks to his bold personality & unwavering passion, it has grown into a renowned live music experience that continues to thrill loyal & mighty audiences, today. 

He was immensely proud of his family & friends and made no secret of his belief in them. In turn, we all believed in Craig and shared in his incredible pursuit of connecting people through the music that we all love. 

He was a true original, a born leader, and an undeniable force of energy. His vision of bringing people together through iconic sounds will live on in the hands of his family & the musicians he loved. 

We vow to honour Craig with years of great performances to come. 

Frank Koren (Dundas musician who performs with Classic Albums Live)

He’s been one of my music bosses since 2018. He was always fair, funny and ferocious in his vision. We did a few tours too so I even got to share some great stages with this human. You’re forever in my heart.

Links: Video above courtesy of  Toronto Live Music 

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Previous (Throwback Thursday: Les Paul Passes - 2009) - - - Next (Play Music on Your Porch Day Videos)

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 - Les Paul Passes (2009)

Originally part of our August 13, 2009 post

Updated Post: Thursday, August 27, 2026

Guitar legend Les Paul passed away on Thursday, August 13, 2009.

Les with local Bluesman Alfie Smith

Les with local musician Joel Guenther

Links: Les Paul, Video above courtesy of Sunday Funnies

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International Dog Day Videos by Jane Siberry, Crash Test Dummies, Neil Young

Links: Jane Sibbery, More Jane Sibbery Stories, Video above courtesy of Otsini

Links: Crash Test Dummies, Video above courtesy of Crash Test Dummies

Links: Neil Young, More Neil Young Stories, Video above courtesy of neilyoungchannel

Click here for more Dog Day videos

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Previous (Ontario Folk Music Award Nominations) - - - Next (Throwback Thursday: Les Paul Passes - 2009)

Nominations for the 2026 Ontario Folk Music Awards

From the FolkCanada.com news release:

Folk Canada Announces 2026 Ontario Folk Music Award Nominees

The 32nd annual Ontario Folk Music Awards will take place at The Studio in Hamilton, Ontario on Wednesday, October 14th during the annual Folk Canada Conference.

The event will feature performances by a select number of nominated artists and special guests, and is open to all Folk Canada Conference attendees. Still to be announced are the Estelle Klein Award recipients, the Laureate for the Colleen Peterson Songwriting Award and Culture in Climate Award.

Established in 1987 and now in its 39th year, the Folk Canada Conference (previously the Folk Music Ontario Conference and Ontario Council of Folk Festivals) will take place October 14-18 in Hamilton, Ontario and welcomes attendees from across the country to the event. To learn more, Folk Canada invites interested parties to visit their website and sign up for their newsletter.

“The Ontario Folk Music Awards are an opportunity to celebrate the incredible talent and creativity found across the province,” says Rosalyn Dennett, Executive Director of Folk Canada. “We’re proud to recognize this year’s nominees and bring the folk community together in Hamilton to celebrate their work.” Rosalyn Dennett is available for interviews, and select artists are available for interviews and performances in advance of the event.

Below is a complete list of nominees. Local artists are bolded.

Album of the Year

• Honesty by The Lifers (Guelph)
  
  
  
  Links: The Lifers, More Lifers Stories, Video above courtesy of The Lifers
  
  
• The Truth We Hold by Amanda Rheaume
• Not Defeated by Angelique Francis Band
• Mi Pequeña by Eliana Cuevas
• Immersed by Justin Gray
• Sofreh Tisch by Ladom Ensemble
• Reasons To Stay by Tanika Charles

Music Video of the Year

• “One More Dance Around The Sun” by Great Lake Swimmers
  
  
  
  Links: Great Lake Swimmers, More GLS Stories, Video above courtesy of  GreatLakeSwimmers
  
  
• “Without You” by Aysanabee
• “Been Done” by Frank Mighty
• “Kaku “Grandma’” by Jonathan Nvita
• “Exploits Island” by Kate Weekes
• “Vulgar Bulgar” by Medusa Quartet
• “Fruta Prohibida” by Payadora

Performing Artist of the Year

• Logan Staats (Brantford)
  
  
  
  Links: Logan Staats, More Logan Staats Stories, Video above courtesy of Logan Staats
  
  
• The Barrel Boys
• Julian Taylor
• Mimi O’Bonsawin
• OK Naledi
• Schmaltz & Pepper

Recording Artist of the Year

• Great Lake Swimmers (Wainfleet)
• Aysanabee
• John Muirhead
• Kazdoura
• The Pairs
• summersets

Song of the Year

• “Unforgettable” by Amanda Rheaume
• “Inevitable” by Emma Lamontagne
• “WIHOGORA” by Empress Nyiringango
• “Oh, Little One” by Jory Nash
• “Patron Saint” by Kate Greenland
• “Until the Devil’s Paid” by Michael Darcy & The Atlantic Tramps
• “Quit My Habit” by Rebekah Hawker
• “Temporary” by Vicki Brittle

More Ontario Folk Music Awards Stories

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Please Support Local Charities

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Please Support Local Charities

From their website: Hamilton Food Share's purpose is to increase our community's capacity to reduce hunger. We do this by supplying much needed food supplies and short-term storage to food banks and hot meal programs. Additionally, our organization establishes community partnerships, donor relations and fundraising activities that support our food recovery operation.

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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The Lowdown Dirty Mojos Take You Thru Salvation & Sin On 'Lucky 7'

Mini-Review: Lucky 7, the high-octane album from Hamilton's Lowdown Dirty Mojos is not your typical covers collection. These ain't the same songs you've heard a million times - they're revved up versions of  hidden gems from the likes of Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Mavis Staples, Huey Piano Smith, The Velvet Underground, Barbra Lynn as well as Ike & Tina Turner. These tracks'll take you on a wonderful, soulful journey through salvation and sin.

Guests: 

• The Shiny Lights (Patti Smith, Mimi Shaw, Buckshot Bebee) (background vocals)
• Dean Hunt (sax)
• Les Kadar (trumpet)

Available: Bandcamp, Spotify, Apple Music, Their Live Shows (CD)

Links: The Lowdown Dirty Mojos, More Mojos Stories, Album above courtesy of Bandcamp

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