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Monday, December 31, 2018

Mike Taylor, Keyboardist for Burlington's Walk Off the Earth Passes


It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Mike Taylor, the keyboardist for the internationally popular Burlington band, Walk Off the Earth. He died of natural causes on December 29, 2018. Our condolences to his family, friends and fans.

Here is the band's statement:
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved brother and band member, Mike “Beard Guy” Taylor. Mike had a love for life that was unmatched and a willingness to give that went beyond ordinary means. He passed peacefully from natural causes last night in his sleep. Our deepest sympathies are with his two children, whom he adored more than anything else in the world. We ask for privacy for his family in this trying time.
Media stories:




More Beach Boys Covers/Stories



More Soundgarden Covers/Stories

Links: Walk Off The EarthMore WOTE Stories,  Videos above courtesy of Walk Off the Earth

Previous (Local Christmas Videos)

Friday, December 21, 2018

Guelph's Molly Kurvink (Of Tamarack) Passes


It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Guelph musician Molly Kurvink. She died in a mishap on Guelph Lake on Wednesday, December 19. Molly was part of the popular folk band Tamarack. Her husband (who survived the same accident) was musician Harri Palm. Our condolences to her family, friends and fans.

News stories:




Links: Molly KurvinkHarri Palm, Videos above courtesy of rebelmachine

Previous (Barry Smallbone Passes) - - - Next (Last News Roundup of 2018: Our Blogger Interviewed, Whitehorse, Passings, more)

Wednesday, December 19, 2018

Burlington Guitarist Barry Smallbone Passes


It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Burlington guitarist Barry Smallbone. He was a member of SwingLine and various other groups. Our condolences to his family, friends and fans.

SMALLBONE, Dr. Barry William B.Sc. Ph.D.
Unexpectedly in Hamilton on Sunday, December 16,2018 at the age of 66. Son of Margaret Smallbone (nee Peace) and the late Sidney Smallbone (October, 1999). Beloved husband of Nora Chen. Loving father of Laura Smallbone, Emily Ramsay (Arthur) and Colin Smallbone. Cherished grandfather of Daisy and Ella Ramsay. Brother of Randall Smallbone (Sandy), the late Mary-Ellen Iverson (Bruce), who by tragic coincidence died the same day and Heather Krick (Charles). He will be dearly missed by his nieces and nephews. Barry had a Ph.D. in biochemistry and was a talented guitar player. He will also be remembered for his love of car races. Cremation has taken place. Visitation at SMITH’S FUNERAL HOME, 1167 Guelph Line (one stoplight north of QEW), BURLINGTON (905-632-3333), on Saturday from 3-5 and 7-9p.m. Service of Remembrance will be held in the funeral home chapel on Sunday, December 23rd at 11a.m. Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Barry are asked to please consider the Joseph Brant Hospital Foundation
His daughter Laura Anne posted the following on Facebook:
My Dad had a PhD in Biochemistry and worked most of his life to make sure the city of Hamilton had clean, safe drinking water. I got my love of Science from him. He loved the guitar and was a very talented musician. I regretted not learning how to play from him and I had asked him to teach me this summer. He also loved watching car races and I loved going with him when I was a little girl. He loved little kids and always reminisced about how much fun he had with my sister, brother and I when we were small. Over the past year my Dad struggled with crippling mental illness. He is at rest now, hopefully watching us from heaven as he plays away peacefully on his guitar. I love you Dad, please rest in peace.
Frequent musical collaborator Shari Vandermolen had this to say:
Saddened to learn of the passing of Barry Smallbone. I enjoyed making music with Barry - he was a sweet soul who always played guitar by my side in SwingLine. Rest In Peace Barry and I hope you’re enjoying playing with some of the greats up there. Sending much love to his family and friends in this difficult time.
If anyone knows of any YouTube videos featuring Barry, please email us at blueshamilton@gmail.com and we will post them on this page. Thank you.

Previous (Professor Longhair's 100th Birthday) - - - Next (Molly Kurvink of Tamarack Passes)

Professor Longhair's 100th Birthday


Today (December 19, 2018) would have been legendary Bluesman Professor Longhair's 100th Birthday.

Biography highlights (from Wikipedia)






More Elvis Covers/Stories



More BB King Covers/Stories

Links: Professor Longhair, More Professor Longhair Stories/Covers, Videos above courtesy of Bob RMore 100th Birthdays

Previous (News Roundup: Cartoons, Annie Sumi, Anthony Tullo, Global Music Awards, more) - - - Next (Barry Smallbone Passes)

Friday, December 14, 2018

News Roundup (Cartoons, Annie Sumi, Anthony Tullo, Global Music Awards, more)

    Passings

          Adventure of Trebleclef, the Music-Loving Monkey

          Trebleclef is resting. He'll be back next week.

          Friday, December 7, 2018

          News Roundup (Rat Parade, Canadian Folk Music Awards, Danny Michel, more)

            Canada
            World
            Passings

                  Adventure of Trebleclef, the Music-Loving Monkey

                  Trebleclef returned to the Corktown to rock out to Trickbag and their special guest Dave Rave. He boogied all afternoon long!


                  Click here for more pics from the event

                  Tuesday, December 4, 2018

                  Check out the Sold on Hamilton Radio Archive


                  Our friend and sponsor Judy Marsales, co-hosts an incredible radio show called Sold on Hamilton on 900 CHML AM (1st Saturday of the month 11am-12pm). On the program she interviews interesting people from Hamilton and informs listeners on many goings on in the city. Many talented Hammertown musicians have appeared on the show.

                  These episodes are available to listen to and download online. Below is our guide to all the shows, with direct links and a few previews you can listen to directly in this page.
                  More Sold on Hamilton Episodes

                  We will be posting any new ones as part of our News Roundup series.

                  Preview (News Roundup: Marlon Chaplin, Rose Cousins, Cartoons, more) - - - Next (News Roundup: Rat Parade, Canadian Folk Music Awards, Danny Michel, more)

                  Thursday, November 29, 2018

                  Hamilton Blues Lovers Turns 10 Today!


                  This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Hamilton Blues Lovers! On November 29, 2008, Lou, our blogger advertised a new organization dedicated to the local music scene. The rest is local music history.

                  It has been a spectacular 10 years. Here are some highlights:
                  A word from Lou:
                  I want to thank my beautiful wife Linda for all her help and support for all these years. I LOVE YOU! I'd also like to thank our sponsors, the incredibly talented local musicians and all the new friends I've made as a result of the HBL. HERE'S TO ANOTHER 10!


                  Links: Led Zeppelin, More Led Zeppelin Stories, Video above courtesy of  zoso8t0

                  Previous (New Brian Vollmer - of Helix - Solo Album) - - - Next (News Roundup: Marlon Chaplin, Rose Cousins, Cartoons, more)

                  Wednesday, November 28, 2018

                  Kitchener's Brian Vollmer (Helix) Forges a Dazzling, Classic Solo Album


                  Kitchener's Brian Vollmer has stepped out from the shadow of his legendary metal band Helix to forge a dazzling new solo disc, Get Yer Hands Dirty. He goes for a more classic rock vibe with lots o' boogie thrown in for good measure. The album's hard driving and guitar driven but there's a lot of soul and funkiness in its veins.

                  This remarkable collection features kick ass covers of The Sensational Alex Harvey BandRose TattooTerry ReidLong John Baldry, Slade, Fleetwood Mac and more. To top it off, there's two thrilling originals: When the Bitter’s Got the Better of You and Get Yer Hands Dirty

                  Vollmer's aided and abetted by a team of sensational musicians, including:
                  You can pick up a copy at the Helix online shopcdbaby and iTunes then crank it up!







                  Blast from the Past: Helix Nominated for Music Express Award

                  Links: Helix, More Helix Stories, Videos above courtesy of helixrockband

                  Previous (National Electric Guitar Day Videos ft Bill Dillon) - - - Next (Hamilton Blues Lovers Turns 10)

                  Friday, November 23, 2018

                  News Roundup (Don Hayter Passes, Rachel + Timothy Senko, Maggies, Cambridge Times Readers Choice, More)




                    News

                    Local

                    Music-related winners below. Click title for complete list.

                    Talkin' Blues Podcasts
                    Passings

                          Adventure of Trebleclef, the Music-Loving Monkey

                          Trebleclef experienced the marvellous Kim Deschamps for the first time when the musician returned to his hometown to play a show at Clifford Brewing in Hamilton. It was a great show!



                          Wednesday, November 21, 2018

                          Videos: Sonny Del Rio, Trickbag, Smoke Wagon, Big Johnny Blue, Jude Johnson, Rockets


                          Sonny Del Rio's annual X-Mas bash is always the highlight of the holiday season and this year's edition will be packed with fabulous music. It's also a celebration of Sonny's 75th birthday and a release party for his new live DVD/CD. Even Santa himself is planning a visit to check out the festivities.

                          For only $20, you 'll get the see all of the incredible bands showcased below at the Leander Boat Club in Hamilton. Sunday, November 25, 2018, 1-5pm. IT'LL BE A MAGICAL NIGHT!



                          Links: Sonny Del RioMore Sonny Del Rio StoriesMore 5-Star Revue StoriesMore Louis Jordan Covers/StoriesVideo above courtesy of James Goodrick



                          Links: TrickbagMore Trickbag Stories, Video above courtesy of Trickbag Canada



                          Links: Smoke Wagon Blues BandMore Smoke Wagon Blues Band Stories, Video above courtesy of Corey Lueck



                          Links: Big Johnny BlueMore Big Johnny Blue Stories, Video above courtesy of Vesna Trkulja-Stevens




                          Links: Jude JohnsonMore Jude Johnson StoriesCarl HortonMore Carl Horton Stories, Video above courtesy of Jude Johnson



                          Links: The Rockets, More Rockets Stories, Video above courtesy of Vesna Trkulja-Stevens

                          Blast from the Past: Sax Day videos ft Sonny Del Rio

                          Previous (Videos: Treeline on Cultivate Music) - - - Next (News Roundup: Don Hayter Passes, Rachel + Timothy Senko, Maggies, Cambridge Times Readers Choice, More)