This year, the Hamilton Blues Lovers are celebrating a decade of covering the local music scene.
A big thank you to Judy Marsales Real Estate for sponsoring our show. If you are looking to buy or sell a house, we recommend you check them out. Judy has been a fabulous supporter of the music scene.
It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Waterdown Sax Man Peter McFarland. He passed away on October 26, 2018. Peter played with many local artists and was also a member of Groove Corporation. We will add details as we learn about them. Our condolences to his family, friend and fans.
It’s hard to know what to say today. Some of you May already know that Peter McFarland has passed. For those of you who don’t, I’m sorry to be the bearer of the news. Peter was a wonderful person and a great saxophone player. He will be missed in our musical Community. Rest in peace PETER.
I am deeply saddened by the loss of friend and fellow musician Peter McFarland today . He was my favourite local Sax player, the guy who "Got It". Now he can play with the angels.
Peter Griffin
Very sad to hear of the loss of a member of our musical community today. Peter McFarland was a talented musician and a warm gentleman. I am grateful that I had the opportunity to share the stage with him on occasion. He will be missed by many. RIP Pete.
In the early 1990's while a student at McMaster University, I had a job with the City of Hamilton at the municipal golf course cutting the greens. My boss was a laid back, gentle man named Peter McFarland. Soft-spoken, but as an employer, carried a strong authoritative energy that caused you the desire to always do good work. That was one of my favourite jobs and ran the course of 4 years while in school.
Years later my path navigated to music, and eventually owning a club and promoting concerts. It was only then that I figured out Peter was a talented musician. Not once during the 4 years that I worked for him did he mention he was one of the city's best saxophone players. Not one to self-promote, humble and again..soft-spoken.
It saddens me that my friend has passed away today. He will be missed.
He and my father worked together for 30+ years and he was the guy who introduced me to the entire circle of musicians who brought me up as a player when I was a really young kid. He was a hell of a guy and a great player. He’ll be missed.
His Groove Corporation bandmate, Lily Sazz, created this beautiful YouTube video shortly before his passing.
Hamilton's best of the best was celebrated at the 2018 View Magazine Readers' Choice Awards. The voting results were unveiled in the Oct 18, 2018 issue.
A special shout-out to one of our sponsors, Judy Marsales Real Estate for winning Gold in the Real Estate Office category.
Here are the music-related winners:
Please not that it goes from Gold (top) to Silver (middle or bottom if only two winners) and Bronze (third).
It is with sadness that we announce the passing of local multi-instrumentalist and singer/songwriter Dave Pearson. He was a member of the duo Elysian Dream (along with TC Petit). He was also a popular solo act as well as a regular of the Hamilton and Brantford Folk Clubs. We will pass along details as we know them.
This local duo was the first act to appear LIVE on the FREEWHEELING FOLK SHOW. I always have had a spot in my heart for them. He was a talented singer/songwriter/instrumentalist.
I had the privilege of working with Otis Rush for a week at Albert's Hall around 1983. One night pre show time we sat head to head in the dressing room and he wanted me to play this line for the song Two Trains Running. He'd play it, I'd copy it (what to my ear sounded 100% right-or as close as you can get ) and he'd look at me and go , "uh uh" He'd show me again, and I'd play it ..."uh uh" 4 times. "uh, uh" Finally he looked at me disparagingly "Ok let's not play that one." Reminded me of the bit in Chuck Berry's Hail Hail Rock'n Roll where he keeps showing Keith Richards the intro to Carol and insisting he's got it wrong! Ha ha. I still loved Otis!
Another legend gone.Otis’ Cold Day in Hell and Right Place, Wrong Time are two masterpieces that stand up against anything that came out of Chicago. On top of being an exceptional guitarist, it was his singing and overall presentation from the sharp clothes and pompadour that had had the biggest impact on me. He will be missed.
It's Another Sad Day For The World of Music & Black Music Culture. The technique and sound that Otis Rush delivered in his singing, songwriting and guitar style. Not only helped shape what we know today as the definitive Chicago Blues sound, but his incredible gifts helped bridge the societal gaps of acceptance between people around the world. What a Serious Loss to the World of Music & Global Acceptance. Rest Comfortably Otis Rush
When we were rabid teenagers drinking at the fountain of Chess Records in late '60's Sydney Australia one of the most soulful dudes in the pack was Otis Rush. And now Otis Rush had died. RIP to him. He was a badass and I cannot believe that I actually got the honour of playing with him one time way back when.
Every year, the Polaris Heritage Prize celebrates amazing Canadian albums from the past. This year, there are quite a few local entries. You can help by clicking here to vote for our area artists. Deadline is October 18, 2018.
The late, great Hamilton folk legend Stan Rogers is in the running for the 1976-1985 category for his classic Fogarty’s Covealbum.
Another hammertown veteran, Daniel Lanois, has his debut Acadielisted in the 1986-1995 section. Also 2112by Rush, the world-renowned power trio featuring Hamilton-born Neil Peart on drums is up for the 1976-1985 category
The Band, the legendary ground featuring members from the Norfolk area was nominated for their classic album Music From Big Pink(1960-1975 category)
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