Today (Friday, April 27, 2018) would have been American vocalist Kirby Stone's 100th Birthday. His ensemble, the Kirby Stone Four (KS4) released many popular albums and singles.
It was a dark and (ice) stormy night when Hamilton Singer/Songwriter Sarah Beatty was honoured by the Jack Richardson London Music Awards. On April 15, 2018, while an ice storm was raging, Sarah was handed a well-deserved. Ontario Independent Recording Artist Award.
She had this to say on her Facebook page:
All kinds of love. Thank you to everyone who voted when I put the call out! We did it!!
It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Hamilton musician Brian Wice. He passed away on Monday, April 16, 2018, just months after his beloved wife and musical partner, Angela McKay. He was also a regular at the Hamilton Folk Club.
His obituary:
WICE, Brian Carl - Peacefully (on his own terms) at his home, surrounded by love on April 16, 2018 in his 74th year.
Beloved husband of the late Angela McKay. Loving father of Brent (Roxana), David (Coby) and Benjamin. Cherished Grandpa of Julia, Taylor, Lacey and Lindsay.
Dear brother of Julia, the late Barbara (Hank), Alan (Slavica) and Grant (Angèle). Brian will be sadly missed by nieces, nephews, family and his enormous circle of friends.
Special thanks to all of Brian’s caregivers for their kindness and support.
Cremation has taken place. A celebration of Brian’s life will take place at the Royal Hamilton Yacht Club, 555 Bay Street North, on Thursday, May 17, 2018 at 6:30pm.
It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Jeannie Ingrassia, an integral member of the Guitar Clinic in Hamilton. She passed away on April 11, 2018. Our condolences to her friends and family.
We are currently looking for a picture of Jeannie to post here. Please email us at blueshamilton@gmail.com if you have one to send to us.
When I took my first band there to rehearse 4 days a week as we prepared to launch, she wouldn't accept any payment until we'd had our first gig. That was just the beginning of many years of friendship, support and encouragement. I was always super happy to see her whenever we connected.
Chris Church (former employee)
The guitar clinic was my first job when I was 17 fixing amps and pedals Jeannie was super nice to me always she had a wicked sense of humour she always made sure I had a good lunch to eat.. at Rosas bakery. She was a warm intelligent woman who did not take any shit I will miss her. She was a super nice person everyone who worked at the clinic had respect for her everyone liked her. She was a mom to all of us guys that worked there at the time. R.I.P
Jeannie allowed me to make payments over a year to help me pay for my 1st six string F-bass. Without that help, I would not have evolved into the musician I am today.
Christina Ingrassia (daughter)
She loved the people that came through the door of the Clinic, & she really did enjoy helping people, she was a true music lover; music all the time, at home, in the car. She was even singing & groovin' right up until the end.
Many of our incredible area musicians will be heading down to London for the Country Music Association of Ontario Awards on June 3, 2018. There were quite a few local nominees and hopefully they'll pick up some hardware.
Hamilton boasts a few nominees: Blue Rodeo (which has Hamilton's Colin Crippsin its current lineup) and radio stationKX 94.7 FM are up for awards.
Over 75 artists have been nominated in the 2018 City of Hamilton Arts Awards, including a number in the Music category.
From the arts award site:
The Awards Presentation will take place on Wednesday June 6, 2018 at Theatre Aquarius Dofasco Centre for the Arts as part of Hamilton Arts Week. The catered presentation event will feature great performers, art demonstrations, and the awarding of $35,000 in cash prizes to artists.
It is with sadness that we announce the passing of St. Catharines' Fraser Loveman. He was the frontman of the legendary Modbeats. He passed away on Friday, April 6, 2018. Our condolences to his family, friends and fans.
Originally the British Modbeats (to cash in on the 60's British Invasion) the band's debut album (recorded in less than 2 days) was released in 1967. They performed a lot at the castle in St. Catharines and also shared the stage with the Byrds, the Rascals and the Four Tops. The group performed on and off in the region for decades.
Fraser was also well-known as a musicologist with over 50,000 records in his collection. He was also a frequenter social media poster where he shared stories, collections and so much more.
The outpouring of love on social media was wonderful, here a few quotes:
I've never known anyone who was so dedicated to immersing their time daily to continuous and consecutive posts, supporting all genres of music from pre rock era, to present day.
Fraser, thru his posts brought a smile to many, including myself. We shared many private messages, and admired his respect in his comments to me personally, regarding my involvement in many facets of the music industry. Over the Christmas holidays, we had scheduled a time to phone each other, but due to Fraser's health issues, and as life's circles go, we didn't get that opportunity. Now entering the gates of 'Rock & Roll Heaven' our pal Fraser will unite with everyone he's supported, and add to ..one hell of a band!
Fraser Loveman and I had been discussing getting together and pulling our local knowledge together to start a Niagara Music Museum. I'm so sad that now we won't have that adventure together. He was a bit of a Hero to me. Goodbye Sir
He knew, loved and collected music, no label, catagory, or specialty needed, if it was music, it was Fraser's bag and destined for one of his many shelves.
He didn't just hoard them away, but shared his knowledge and love worldwide, each morning up earlier than some go to bed.
Assorted comments
Your endless stories and experiences will never be forgotten.
He definitely lived a full life though....so much inspiration.
I spent lots of time listening to his stories and shenanigans of the time.
Fraser always brought music to my (and many others) page with great photos & music every single day.
