If you can't see the videos below, click here
Quick Links: Previous videos - YouTube page - Dave Battrick - Alfie Smith - Spider Costello
Joanne Augustyn
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Alfie Smith
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Ron MacDonald
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Doug Smith - I'm a Ram
Hamilton Blues Lovers | MySpace Video
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Hey Bo Diddley - Big Joe Rhodes
Hamilton Blues Lovers | MySpace Video
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Sunday, December 27, 2009
New Halton Blues Society Live CD

The Saturday Sermon Live: Volume 2is a recording of a fantastic charity concert at Carrigan Arms on May 30, 2009. Money raised went to Halton Women's Place. Click here for our story of the event.
The backing group was the James Anthony Band (James Anthony - guitar and vocals on a few tunes, Garth Vogan - bass, Dave Russell - drums, and Mike Doyle - Organ). Joining this talented bunch were an astounding array of vocalists such as April Mazzone, Jack Civiletto, Chris Kenny, Miss Jaye, Jay Douglas, and Hamilton legend Harrison Kennedy (he performs on 3 tracks).
The disc is filled with many blues/rock classics like Walkin' the Dog, Malted Milk, Ain't No Sunshine, I Just Want to Make Love To You, and more.
This incredible CD is available through James Anthony
Links: More James Anthony stories - More Harrison Kennedy stories - Videos of the event
Friday, December 25, 2009
12 Videos of Christmas 2009
Please note that some of the videos have been removed since they were posted.
Links: Jude Johnson - More videos from this same show - Purchase the Love is Everything CD (proceeds go to help the homeless)
Links: Jacob Moon's Site, Other Jacob Moon stories, Past Christmas videos.
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Links: Trickbag site - More videos from this show - More Trickbag stories
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Links: Jackie Washington site, More Jackie Washington stories
Links: Jude Johnson - More videos from this same show - Purchase the Love is Everything CD (proceeds go to help the homeless)
Links: Jacob Moon's Site, Other Jacob Moon stories, Past Christmas videos.
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Links: Trickbag site - More videos from this show - More Trickbag stories
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Links: Jackie Washington site, More Jackie Washington stories
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Blues New Bites (Eaglesmith, Kirby, Max Wray, Stones)
Local
National
Funny/Weird Stuff
Video of Max Wray on INDI FM
Links: Matt Paxton, More Matt Paxton Stories
National
- Fred Eaglesmith Helps Steelworkers
- Top 20 CDs of 2009 from Roots Music Canada
- Leonard Cohen to get Lifetime Achievement Grammy
- Live Neil Young CD from 1992 now available
Funny/Weird Stuff
Video of Max Wray on INDI FM
Links: Matt Paxton, More Matt Paxton Stories
Labels:
Awards,
Blues,
Blues News Bites,
Cartoons,
CD Releases,
Christmas,
Country,
Dave Rave,
Folk,
Fred Eaglesmith,
Grammy,
Humour,
Kirby,
Leonard Cohen,
Matt Paxton,
Max Wray,
MP3,
Neil Young,
Rolling Stones
New Rob Reed and James Anthony CD: Merry Christmas
Talented
Burlington musicians Rob Reed and James Anthony have teamed up to create a wonderful Holiday CD entitled Merry Christmas: Festive Holiday Selections from the Heart.
Rob handles the vocals for most of the traditional tunes such as Do You Hear What I Hear, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, White Christmas and more. James sings mainly his incredible, original yuletide compositions like She Ran Off With Santa Claus, To Be With You, Don't Leave Me Alone A Christmas, and others.
So whether you're looking for a slow, soft, seasonal song or an upbeat, rocking holiday tune, this one has it all.
Rob and James, who also play keyboards and lead guitar respectively, are joined by Peter Griffin on drums and Garth Vogan on Bass.
This was truly a labour of love for everyone. "We went into the studio and played these tunes straight from the heart just for you." it says in the liner notes, "Live off the floor - to your ears. It's 4 guys, their instruments, a couple of vocalists and a lot of soul. It's our Christmas gift of song to you!"
The CD is available at their shows.
Links: James Anthony, More James Anthony Stories

Rob handles the vocals for most of the traditional tunes such as Do You Hear What I Hear, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, White Christmas and more. James sings mainly his incredible, original yuletide compositions like She Ran Off With Santa Claus, To Be With You, Don't Leave Me Alone A Christmas, and others.
So whether you're looking for a slow, soft, seasonal song or an upbeat, rocking holiday tune, this one has it all.
Rob and James, who also play keyboards and lead guitar respectively, are joined by Peter Griffin on drums and Garth Vogan on Bass.
This was truly a labour of love for everyone. "We went into the studio and played these tunes straight from the heart just for you." it says in the liner notes, "Live off the floor - to your ears. It's 4 guys, their instruments, a couple of vocalists and a lot of soul. It's our Christmas gift of song to you!"
The CD is available at their shows.
Links: James Anthony, More James Anthony Stories
Labels:
Blues,
CD Releases,
Christmas,
Folk,
James Anthony,
Rob Reed
Thursday, December 17, 2009
New Dave Rave and Rick Andrew CD: Music for Christmas

It has Dave Raves's usual amazing catchy rock/pop sound but also has elements of country, folk, blues and more.
Joining the duo are a great collection of local musicians. Their former Shaker co-horts Tim Gibbons and Claude DesRoches. Other special guests include Doug Feaver, Lori Yates, Jack Pedler (Teenage Head), Trickbag, and lots more.
The collection is available on iTunes.
This is a great rockin' way to celebrate the season.
Click here for more Dave Rave stories
Labels:
CD Releases,
Christmas,
Dave Rave,
Doug Feaver,
Jack Pedler,
Lori Yates,
Rick Andrew,
Tim Gibbons,
Trickbag
Monday, December 14, 2009
Perfomer of the Week: Kirby

Previously, he was the frontman for First Time Fallen, a Burlington prog-rock band. When Kirby went solo, he concentrated his haunting voice on the folk/roots sound.
In 2008, the singer/songwriter released an astounding EP, The Good Fight and toured across Canada 3 times. US and European dates are in the works.
Links: Main Site/Blog, MySpace, Twitter, YouTube
This is the last Performer of the Week for the year.
Labels:
Folk,
Kirby,
Performer of the Week
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Saturday, December 12, 2009
New Ariana Gillis CD: To Make It Make Sense

Ariana skillfully manages to make her music catchy and poppy but still have the heart of the folk/roots sound. Blueberry Ocean (originally available on a Design Hope charity CD in 2008) starts the disc off with a bang. You can't help but sing along and dance. There are exquisite quiet moments to balance things out as well. Her unique voice enhances each tune, regardless of tempo.
This wonderful disc came out in time to be nominated for Hamilton Music Awards (Female Artist, New Artist, Adult Alternative). Ariana has also recently won a Canadian Folk Music Award (Young Artist).
Joining the talented singer on the album are area performers Josh Lamothe, David Gillis (who also produces), Mark McIntyre and others. Canadian guitar great, Kevin Breit also lends his axe to a tune.
Currently, the CD can be purchased at her shows and through Maple Music. It should be available through iTunes shortly
More Ariana Gillis stories
Labels:
Ariana Gillis,
CD Releases,
Folk,
Mark McIntyre
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Blues News Bites (John Ellison, Dylan, Arrogant Worms)
Canada
World
John Ellison: Some Kind of Wonderful at Hamilton Music Awards
Funny Video: Arrogant Worms: Christmas Blues
World
- Lost John Lennon tapes allegedly found
- Beatles have best selling CD of the decade
- Clapton to tour with the Who's Roger Daltrey
- Dylan angry over accusation that his Christmas CD is a joke
- New Tom Waits Live CD
John Ellison: Some Kind of Wonderful at Hamilton Music Awards
Funny Video: Arrogant Worms: Christmas Blues
Labels:
Arrogant Worms,
Beatles,
Blues,
Blues News Bites,
Bob Dylan,
Carlos Del Junco,
Christmas,
Eric Clapton,
Folk,
Humour,
John Ellison,
Releases,
Soul,
Thom Roberts,
Tom Wilson,
Who
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
New Jacob Moon CD: Maybe Sunshine

The songs feature his incredible voice and a fabulous folk/pop sound. There are wonderful tender ballads and catchy hooks. All have insightful lyrics.
The disc is currently available through his web site for only $10 (PayPal) as well as CD Baby.
Click here for more Jacob Moon stories
Labels:
CD Releases,
Folk,
Jacob Moon
Alfie Smith and Harrison Kennedy Going to International Blues Challenge

More Alfie Smith stories, More Harrison Kennedy stories
Here's a list of the Canadian talent that'll be gracing the stage.
Band
Canada South Blues Society - The Bluesers
www.sonicbids.com/thebluesers2


www.thejessegreeneband.com

scottmccordmusic.com/
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Solo/Duo
Canal Bank Shuffle - Harrison Kennedy

www.harrisonkennedy.ca

www.julianfauth.com

www.myspace.com/alfiejohnsmith
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Youth Showcase
Canada South Blues Society - The Hawkins Cotton Trio
Grand River Blues Society - Alex Tintinalli
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Previous (Perfomer of the Week: Mat Toronto) - - - Next (New Jacob Moon CD)

www.sonicbids.com/thebluesers2
Labels:
Alfie Smith,
Blues,
Harrison Kennedy,
IBC,
Podcasts,
Soul
Monday, December 7, 2009
Performer of the Week: Mat Toronto

He can sing as well as play drums, bass, harmonica, sax, flute, bongos, piano, guitar and more. On top of being a multi-instrumentalist, he also crosses over into many genres of music.
Under the name Blues River Man, he performs incredible, unique hard rock and blues; as Matthew Folk he does great traditional and alt-folk, and also dabbles in electronic jazz with Jam Bodhi.
You'll soon be able to purchase more of his amazing work as he's working on a new CD to be released in January of 2010.
Sites: Mat Toronto (Reverbnation), Mat Toronto (MySpace), Matthew Folk, Blues River Man (My Space), Blues River Man (YouTube), Jam Bodhi (MySpace), Jam Bodhi (Reverbnation)
Labels:
Blues,
Mat Toronto,
Performer of the Week
Hamilton Music Award Winners 2009

Congratulation to the winners of the Hamilton Music Awards. The awards were handed out at the McIntyre Theatre at Mohawk College on December 6, 2009.
Highlights are below.
Blues Recording of the Year
Steve Strongman – Blues In ColourFolk / Roots Record of the Year
S.G. Sinnicks – Red Meat and Blue 88’s
Traditional Recording of the Year
Poor Angus – Prime Cuts
Adult Alternative Recording of the Year
Melissa McClelland – Victoria Day
Female Artist of the Year
Melissa McClelland – Victoria Day
Male Artist of the Year
Tiny Bill Cody – Tiny Bill Cody and The Liquormen
Record Of The Year
Arkells – Jackson Square
New Artist / Group of the Year
Pumps – Pumps
Rock Recording of the Year
Perennials – Aliensphere
Country Recording of the Year
Blackie Jackett, Jr. – Whiskey and Tears
Instrumental Recording of the Year
Daniel Lanois – The Omni Series (Box Set)
Songwriter of the Year
Arkells – Jackson Square
Female Vocalist of the Year
Melissa McClelland – Victoria Day
Male Vocalist of the Year
Max Kerman – Arkells – Jackson Square
Piano / Keyboard Player of the Year
Jesse O’Brien – Ian Gillan
Special Instrumentalist of the Year
Darcy Hepner – Lee Harvey Osmond/Dave Pomfret
Guitarist of the Year
Luke Doucet – Melissa McClelland – Victoria Day
Drummer of the Year
Steve Negus – Negus – Dare To Dream
Bassist of the Year
Paul Intson – Steve Strongman – Blues In Colour
ArcelorMittal Dofasco Lifetime Achievement Award – John Ellison
Local Group of the Year (People’s Choice)
Live How You Live
Canadian Recording of the Year (Peoples Choice)
Alexisonfire - Old Crows / Young Cardinals
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Blues Guitar Explosion @ McIntyre Theatre - December 4, 2009 (Full Band, Electric)
The main band consisted of: Steve Strongman (guitar), Dave King (drums), Colin Lapsley (bass) and Jesse O'Brien (keyboards)
Click here for Part 1 (Acoustic set)
If you can't see the videos below, click here
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Teddy Leonard (Fathead) joins the band on vocals and guitar
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Paul Deslauriers does the same
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Brian Griffith lends his guitar as Steve Strongman sings
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Everyone joins in for a final, instrumental jam
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More stories: Steve Strongman, Brian Griffith, Colin Lapsley, Jesse O'Brien
Click here for Part 1 (Acoustic set)
If you can't see the videos below, click here
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Teddy Leonard (Fathead) joins the band on vocals and guitar
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Paul Deslauriers does the same
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Brian Griffith lends his guitar as Steve Strongman sings
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Everyone joins in for a final, instrumental jam
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More stories: Steve Strongman, Brian Griffith, Colin Lapsley, Jesse O'Brien
Blues Guitar Explosion @ McIntyre Theatre - December 4, 2009 (Acoustic Set)
Left to right: Paul Deslauriers, Steve Strongman, Teddy Leonard (Fathead)
Click here for Part 2
If you can't see the videos below, click here
Links: Steve Strongman, More Steve Strongman stories
Click here for Part 2
If you can't see the videos below, click here
Links: Steve Strongman, More Steve Strongman stories
Labels:
Blues,
Paul Deslauriers,
Steve Strongman,
Teddy Leonard
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Canadian Heroes Charity CD Now Available at Dr. Disc

Playing on the track is a Who's Who of the local music scene. These include members of Teenage Head, Juno Award Winning Bluesman Jack deKeyzer on lead guitar, Jesse O'Brien on keyboards, Steve Negus (Saga) on drums and many more.
Vocal duties are shared by Tom Wilson, Brian Melo, Ian Thomas and others. Backing vocalists include Kelly Jay (Crowbar) and Sonny Del Rio. Even the St. Michael's Choir joined in.
All money raised from the CD goes towards helping our troops. Buy one for yourself and for your friends this Christmas.
Labels:
Blues,
Canadian Heroes,
CD Releases,
Crowbar,
Jack de Keyzer,
Jesse O'Brien,
Kelly Jay,
Teenage Head,
Tom Wilson
Monday, November 30, 2009
Performer of the Week: Isobelle Gunn

They've been singing together since 2006 and released an amazing self-titled EP in 2007.
Their song, “Emily,” from that disc received an Honourable Mention in the ISC International Songwriting Competition.
Recently, they also contributed the track, "I Send Up a Prayer" to the Design Hope charity CD: Love is Everything.
The group's sound features incredible harmony vocals with a folk/pop feel and just a hint of country on a few songs.
Links My Space, Reverbnation, CDBaby (listen/purchase EP)
Labels:
Folk,
Isobelle Gunn,
Performer of the Week
Pappy Johns Blues Band - Waltz (Nov. 28, 2009)
If you can't see the videos below, click here
Shortly after winning the Canadian Aboriginal Music Award for best Blues album, the Pappy Johns Blues Band played Waltz.
First, the opening group, the Retrofit Blues Band, played a few numbers . . .
Joshua Miller (singer/guitarist for Pappy Johns) joined them for a few songs as well.
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Then the main attraction rocked the place . . .
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Keyboardist/singer, John Lee was in a dark bar, wearing black, next to a black background so you may have to take our word for it that he was singing on this song :)
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The band were joined by Rebecca Miller on this Otis Redding tune.
Shortly after winning the Canadian Aboriginal Music Award for best Blues album, the Pappy Johns Blues Band played Waltz.
First, the opening group, the Retrofit Blues Band, played a few numbers . . .
Joshua Miller (singer/guitarist for Pappy Johns) joined them for a few songs as well.
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Then the main attraction rocked the place . . .
---
Keyboardist/singer, John Lee was in a dark bar, wearing black, next to a black background so you may have to take our word for it that he was singing on this song :)
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The band were joined by Rebecca Miller on this Otis Redding tune.
Friday, November 27, 2009
Fred D. Smith and Friends - Artword Artbar (Nov. 21, 2009)
Fred D. Smith (vocals, guitar) was joined by Pete Sisk (bass), Midnight Jon (guitar/banjo) and Karen Corinth (Harmony vocals)
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Karen Johnson takes the mic
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Fred and Karen take five as Midnight Jon sings a tune with Pete and Dorothy Carey backing him up.
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Now Pete Sisk belts it out
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Previous (Blues News Bites) - - - Next (Pappy Johns Band@Waltz)
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
How to Help Support This Site
The Hamilton Blues Lovers is a not-for-profit organization. This blog and all our other related sites are labours of love.
Our main goal is to promote the amazing, talented blues/folk/roots/old-fashoined rock musicians in the Hamilton/Halton/Niagara area. By promoting us, you are helping them continue to entertain us with incredible music.
You can help promote us:
Our main goal is to promote the amazing, talented blues/folk/roots/old-fashoined rock musicians in the Hamilton/Halton/Niagara area. By promoting us, you are helping them continue to entertain us with incredible music.
You can help promote us:
- Spread the word about our sites.
- If you have a web site or blog, please consider adding a link to our blog on it.
- Share our YouTube videos on your Facebook, MySpace or Blog site
Labels:
Shameless Self-Promotion
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Blues News Bites (Awards, Podcasts, Videos)
Local
World
Video of Pappy Johns Band Live
Jacob Moon's Welcome Christmas Trailer
World
- Nothing But the Blues podcast # 3
- Woodstomp Blues Show podcast #15
- Roadhouse Podcast # 249
- Folk Singer Bess lomax Hawes Passes (she sang with Woody Guthrie, Pete Seeger and wrote with the Kingston Trio)
Video of Pappy Johns Band Live
Jacob Moon's Welcome Christmas Trailer
Ariana Gillis Wins Canadian Folk Music Award

More Ariana Gillis Stories
Other winners include:
Traditional Album of the Year
James Hill & Anne Davison – True Love Don’t Weep (Langley, BC)
Contemporary Album of the Year
Joel Plaskett – Three (Halifax)
Children’s Album of the Year
Chris McKhool – FiddleFire! (Toronto)
Traditional Singer of the Year
Colette Cheverie - Hours Before Dawn (Charlottetown PE)
Contemporary Singer of the Year
Jim Byrnes – My Walking Stick (Vancouver)
Instrumental Solo Artist of the Year
Tony McManus – The Maker’s Mark (Elora ON)
Instrumental Group of the Year
Sultans of String – Yalla Yalla! (Toronto)
English Songwriter of the Year
Susan Crowe for Greytown (Halifax)
French Songwriter of the Year
Catherine Durand for Coeurs Migratoires (Montreal)
Aboriginal Songwriter of the Year
Don Amero for Deepening (Winnipeg)
Vocal Group of the Year
Madison Violet – No Fool For Trying (Toronto)
Ensemble of the Year
The Deep Dark Woods – Winter Hours (Saskatoon)
Solo Artist of the Year
Catherine MacLellan – Water in the Ground (Charlottetown PE)
World Solo Artist of the Year
Karim Saada – La Danse de L’exilé (L’Assomption QC)
World Group of the Year
Jayme Stone and Mansa Sissoko – Africa to Appalachia (Toronto / Quebec QC)
New/Emerging Artist of the Year
The Good Lovelies – Good Lovelies (Toronto)
Producer of the Year
Joel Plaskett for Joel Plaskett – Three (Halifax)
Pushing the Boundaries
Steve Dawson – Telescope (Vancouver)
Labels:
Ariana Gillis,
Awards,
CFMA,
Folk
Monday, November 23, 2009
Performer of the Week: Mike Allen (Guitar Case Mike)
Burlington boy,
Mike Allen aka Guitar Case Mike, is a master of acoustic folk blues. His music combines deep-down folk music vocals, a bit of boogie, and the old delta blues of Robert Johnson and Leadbelly.
Throughout the years, this talented musician has played in Canada and the US. He performed in rock groups but has since returned to his acoustic roots.
On occasion, he teams up with bassist Bill Douglas as the Acoustic Boogie Duo.
In 2003, Mike released the CD, Blues, Boogie and Roots. He took classic folk/blues forms and added his own unique spin.
Links: MySpace, His CD, Acoustic Boogie Duo

Throughout the years, this talented musician has played in Canada and the US. He performed in rock groups but has since returned to his acoustic roots.
On occasion, he teams up with bassist Bill Douglas as the Acoustic Boogie Duo.
In 2003, Mike released the CD, Blues, Boogie and Roots. He took classic folk/blues forms and added his own unique spin.
Links: MySpace, His CD, Acoustic Boogie Duo
Labels:
Blues,
Guitar Case Mike,
Performer of the Week
Friday, November 20, 2009
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Design Hope CD Release Party - Nov. 15, 2009 - Last Videos
Links: Part 1, CD Info and Part 2,
Left to right: Christopher Clause, Zander Lamothe, Frank Koren.
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Links: Bob Bryden, More Bob Bryden Stories, Christopher Clause
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Left to right: Andrew Aldridge, Rob Lamothe, Zander Lamothe, Marrakech Koren
Left to right: Christopher Clause, Zander Lamothe, Frank Koren.
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Links: Bob Bryden, More Bob Bryden Stories, Christopher Clause
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Left to right: Andrew Aldridge, Rob Lamothe, Zander Lamothe, Marrakech Koren
Design Hope Songwriter's Project - Love is Everything CD

This year's talent crop include, Christopher Clause, Fred D Smith, Isobelle Gunn, Josh Lamothe, Chris & Christa, Dan Medakovic, Kim Koren, Bob Bryden, Lisa Winn, Hailey Gillis, Amy King, Kori Pop, Shawn Brush, Jude Johnson, and Shelly Addams.
The CD will be available at the front desk of the Spectator, many local retailers, and through the Design Hope web site.
Click here for more Design Hope Stories.
Below are a few videos from the CD Release party - If you can't see the videos below, click here - Click here for the previous videos from the show. More will be posted soon.
Left to right: Christopher Clause, Zander Lamothe, Frank Koren
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Left to right: Amy King, Christopher Clause, Josh Lamothe, Zander Lamothe, Rob Lamothe
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Hailey Gillis (vocals, keys), Zander Lamothe (drums), Kim Koren (harmony vocals)
Monday, November 16, 2009
Performer of the Week: Backroom 11

You can definitely get some variety with Backroom 11 as a few of them take the lead vocal spot on different numbers.
Links: Main site, MySpace, Facebook
Labels:
Backroom 11,
Performer of the Week,
Soul
Design Hope CD Release Party - Nov. 15, 2009
Fred D Smith,(vocals), Karen Corinth (harmony vocal), Frank Koren (guitar, left), Zander Lamothe (drums), Christopher Clause (bass, right)
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Chris and Christa, Frank Koren (guitar, left), Amy King (keys), Zander Lamothe (drums), Christopher Clause (bass, right)
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Dan Medakovic (vocals), Colin Lapsley (keys), Kim Koren (harmony vocals), Zander Lamothe (drums), Michael Hickey (Trickbag, bass), Anthony Medakovic (guitar, right)
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Kim Koren (vocals), Frank Koren (guitar, left), Colin Lapsley (keys), Zander Lamothe (drums), Marrakech Koren (Bass, right)
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Jude Johnson and Randall Hil
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Click here to purchase/download any of the Design Hope CD or donate money to help the Out of the Cold program.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Blues News Bites (Neil Young, Canadian Heroes CD, Videos)
Canada
Canadian Heroes song released Nov 11
Jacob Moon covers Peter Gabriel (Video)
More Peter Gabriel covers/stories
Lee Harvey Osmond cover Neil Young
- BC Interior Music Award Winners
- Neil Young to reissue 1st 4 albums
- Leonard Cohen biography to be released in December
- Alex Tintinalli chosen to represent Grand River Blues Society at Memphis Youth Showcase
- House of Blues podcasts: Rory Block talks about Bonnie Raitt, Bonnie Raitt talks about Fred McDowell
Canadian Heroes song released Nov 11
Jacob Moon covers Peter Gabriel (Video)
More Peter Gabriel covers/stories
Lee Harvey Osmond cover Neil Young
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