Niagara's Lily Nazar Passes

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Niagara musician Lily Nazar. Our condolences to her family, friends and fans. She passed away on Wednesday, May 27, 2020.

Click here for her memorial page.

Her bio from the Lily Nazar Trio Facebook page:

Lily Nazar was born in St. Catharines and currently resides in Niagara-on-the-Lake. She has been singing and teaching music in the region for approximately fifteen years. She has performed with a number of local groups over the years as well as the The Lily Nazar Band. Although her musical interests span from pop to classical she made the decision to concentrate on one of her major loves, that of jazz, and graduated from the Mohawk College jazz program in 2007, specializing in vocal jazz and composition. Lily is quickly establishing herself as an up and coming jazz singer in the region and her group The Lily Nazar Jazz Trio frequently play at the Old Winery Restaurant in Niagara-on-the-Lake as well as at many private functions.

There was an outpouring of grief on social media. Here are a few examples:

Iolanda Ingrassia McKendrick

I lost my little Lily yesterday. A loving and heart full soul with the voice of an angel and a smile that could light up any room. She had her struggles and she tried so hard. So hard to be the perfect daughter, perfect singer, perfect friend and to find her perfect place in life. But her perfect little heart just couldn’t take it anymore. And I am shattered . The sadness and pain cuts like a knife I feel so much pain for my family. I wish I couldn’t say I know how they feel, but I do. I really do.

Lily finally found her angel wings and hopefully has found the peace she’s always been looking for. She would have turned 38 tomorrow. Still so much life ahead of her ... it just isn’t fair.

I will miss our chats and our texts messages. I will miss your zest for life, your crazy ideas, your smile and your voice Say hi to all our people up there and please continue to sing

Jennifer Gulland

My heart hurts and I am overwhelmed with sadness. The times that our paths crossed were magical and as my gemini twin we were two peas in a party pod. Wild and crazy and passionate and loud. Together we laughed and were merry. I will miss the bond we shared through music. Her talent was second to none. Her voice was surely something to be admired. 

Joshua Wood

RIP Lily Nazar. You sweet, wild, untameable soul on fire. You are the one who showed me how to lose myself to the song, to let go of the wheel and celebrate the moment. You were always such an inspiration to me and I just really wish I got to tell you this. I love you Lily, Ill see ya on the big stage. 

Talal Al Hamad

A beautiful soul .. taken from this earth suddenly.. An incredibly talented jazz singer and pianist and one of the original members of the first lineup of The Hot Potatoes my band... We shared some beautiful moments and I'm so proud to have had you has a friend.. You recently overcame some major challenges.. You grew... I;m sorry I could not have been there for you more ... 

Ian Reid covered on of Lily's songs in her memory.




Links: Ian Reid, More Ian Reid Stories, Video above courtesy of Ian Reid







Links: Lily Nazar, More Lily Nazar Stories, Videos above courtesy of Lily Nazar

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Peggy Lee's 100th Birthday

Today (Tuesday, May 26, 2020) would have been American singer, songwriter and actress Peggy Lee's 100th birthday.

Biography highlights:

• Born in Jamestown, North Dakota (May 26, 1920)
• First no. 1 hit, Somebody Else Is Taking My Place (1942)
• Sang in two movies with Benny Goodman (1943)
• Starred in the movie remake, The Jazz Singer (1952)
• Did voices and singing in Lady and the Tramp (1955)
• Passes away (January 21, 2002)

Juliet Dunn and Peter Shea and celebrated the occasion with a wonderful live Facebook performance.

Links: Juliet Dunn, More Juliet Dunn Stories, Peter Shea, More Peter Shea Stories, Video above courtesy of Juliet Dunn Jazz

We asked a few local artists to give their thoughts on the legendary singer. We will add more soon.

Brenda Brown

Peggy Lee was a beautiful communicator and a sophisticated powerhouse of a woman. Not only a gifted singer songwriter but also an actor,artist, entrepreneur and advocate for the arts. What a gift to us!

Karen Thornton

Her music was played in our home growing up. Understated sultry tone and phrasing no vocal aerobics, just a great quality to her voice and she really knew how to sell her songs.

Hailee Rose

Peggy Lee was, and still is, one of Jazz’s most inspirational female artists. Her song “Fever” introduced me to the art of simple yet captivating storytelling; painting a picture with words, and driving emotion with a minimalist sound.  A truly beautiful artist. 

Chris Ayries

If I had a coffee house, Peggy Lee would be in the top 10 on my playlist. Her sound is classic and soothing.

Here are a few videos from the lady herself.



Video above courtesy of TheUpstairsGirl



Video above courtesy of CurlySVT

More 100th Birthdays

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Previous (New Smoke Wagon Blues Band Album) - - - Next (Lily Nazar Passes)

Hamilton's The Smoke Wagon Blues Band Release Dynamic New Album!

The Ballad of Albert Johnson, the much-anticipated new album from Hamilton's The Smoke Wagon Blues Band has 13 breathtaking offerings for fans to sink their teeth into. Every tune is rooted in the Blues but the gang uses a ton of musical flavouring, giving each track it's own distinct essence. There some cajun spice mixed in here along with boogie woogie, roots, country, jazz and soul.

Everybody in the band's firing on all cylinders here.Corey Lueck's expressive vocals roar through tales of heartbreak and joy! The groove and rhythm flows and hits you with just the right amount of power. They also do an incredible job on the Fats Domino classic The Fat Man.

You can pick up this dynamic album through the band's website as well as Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Music, and more.



Video above courtesy of Corey Lueck



Video above courtesy of my blues rock chanal2018

Blast from the Past: Smoke Wagon's Previous Album

Links: Smoke Wagon Blues Band, More Smoke Wagon Blues Band Stories, More Releases

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CONGRATS! Canadian (incl Local) Musicians Win 2019 International Songwriting Competition!

The 2019 International Songwriting Competition closed recently and quite a few Canadians, including some local artists, got accolades for their fabulous work.

Click here for the full list.

Grand Prize: Tones And I - Dance Monkey



Links: Tones and I, Video above courtesy of Tones and I

Canadian Winners

• Lyrics Only 2nd Place: Scot Free Sessions - Istanbul / 3rd Place,  Carl Bernard (Kitchener) - I Am the Storm
• Blues, 3rd Place: Harpdog Brown - No Eyes for Me
• Comedy/Novelty, 3rd Place: Scout and Avery - Fingerblasting Woman
• Folk/Singer-Songwriter, 1st Place: Wild Rivers - I Do
• Music Video,  1st Place: Tim Moxam - Honesty
  
  
  
  Links: Tim Moxam, Video above courtesy of Tim Moxam
  
  
• Performance, 3rd Place: Mathew V - Let Me Go

Canadian Honourable Mentions

• JoJo Worthington (Waterloo) - Stablize
  
  
  
  Links: JoJo Worthington, More JoJo Worthington Stories, Video above courtesy of jojoworthingtonVEVO 
  
  
• Benjamin Dakota Rogers (Brantford) - Mercy
  
  
  
  Links: Benjamin Dakota Rogers, More Benjamin Dakota Rogers Stories, Video above courtesy of  Benjamin Dakota Rogers - Topic
  
  
• Madison Olds - Sorry
• Will Bowes - Timeless Love, Joy
• Matt Epp ft Kelly Prescott - Throw it Away
• Blue Moon Marquee - Big Black Mamba
• Matt Gerber - Buzz Off Mosquito
• Jake Mathews - Just Like A Country Song
• BUCKTWENTY - Shame on Me
• Lisa Nicole - Wait on Me
• Mallory Johnson - Drunk Mind, Sober Heart
• Donovan Woods - Way Way Back
• Scot Free Sessions - Istanbul
• Les Fireflies - Fireflies
• The Shuffle Demons - Makin' It Right
• El Norte Crew - El Norte
• Dale Boyle - Dust On The Fiddle
• Doug Long - Dead End Street
• Phil Thompkins - Move On
• David Leask - When You Think No One Loves You
• Rare Americans - Brittle Bones Nicky
• Sara Diamond - Baby
• Wildlife - No Control
• In The City - Every Single Day

Links: International Songwriting Competition, More ISC Stories

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Previous (Victoria Day Videos) - - - Next (New Smoke Wagon Blues Band Album)

Latest Album from Hamilton's My Flying Machine is Beautiful, Atmospheric and Unique

You'll find a beautiful, unique mix of pop, alt-folk, soul and much more on Running Out of Things to Lose, the latest album from Hamilton musical project My Flying Machine. The sound will reverberate in your psyche long after the first listen. It's infectious, atmospheric and definitely off the beaten path.

The recording is mainly the work of Brandon General and Rusty Carriere (who also produces). Also lending a hand on a few tracks are Sarah Ivy Hardy (keys), Roo O’Donnell (piano) and Brennagh Burns (harmonies).

Physical copies should be out shortly but for now it is available on Bandcamp, Spotify and most other streaming services.

You can stream the album below:

Blast from the Past: My Flying Machine's Debut EP

Links: My Flying Machine, More Brandon General Stories, More Releases

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GOOD LUCK! 2020 Hamilton Arts Award Nominees

Hamilton's creative strength will shine even through the quarantine thanks to the 2020 City of Hamilton Arts Awards. Click here to view the nominee list.

From the awards website:

In light of the COVID-19 crisis, adjustments to the Arts Awards have been necessary to ensure the well-being of all program participants and public safety. We will continue to celebrate 2020 nominees and award $35,000 in cash prizes to recipients.  The event will shift from a live award ceremony to a series of web-based performances and award presentations. These videos will be posted during Hamilton Arts Week June 11 to 20.  Details to follow.

Musical nominees include:

• Jude Johnson/Ilona Spleit (Lifetime Achievement)
• Adam Carter aka the Human Race (Media Arts)
• Pip/Aisha Barrow/Abigail Richardson-Schulte/Liam Ritz (Music)
• Ronald Weihs/Will Gillespie (Theatre)

GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!

Blast from the Past: Last Year's Winners

Links: Hamilton Arts Awards, More Hamilton Arts Awards Stories

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New Ensemble! Episode ft Two Strangers

The incredible musical duo, Two Strangers are the latest stars of the Cable 14 show, Ensemble!. Their episode of the long-running series is currently being broadcast on TV.  The always amazing Lily Sazz hosted the show at Hamilton's Grant Avenue Studio.

This episode shoule be available on demand at soon (available only for Shaw, Rogers and Cogeco customers.) Anyone can now live stream Cable 14 for free at https://cable14now.com/.

Below are a few videos from the duo (this is not the episode):







Links: Two Strangers, Videos above courtesy of Two Strangers

The schedule for this episode (more will be added as we find out):

• None schedule

More Ensemble Stories

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Previous  (Mother's Day Videos) - - - Next (Hamilton Arts Awards Nominees)

Happy Mother's Day! Videos by Dan Edmonds, Jamie Shea, Reid Jamieson, Elvis

Links: Dan Edmonds, More Dan Edmonds Stories. Video above courtesy of dan edmonds



Links: Jamie Shea, More Jamie Shea Stories, Video above courtesy of Jamie Shea



Links: Reid Jamieson, Video above courtesy of Reid Jamieson



Links: Elvis, More Elvis Stories, Video above courtesy of AlfaBee2010

More Mother's Day Music

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Previous (Nevin Grant Passes) - - - Next (Episode of Ensemble! w Two Strangers)

Legendary Hamilton Broadcaster Nevin Grant Passes

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of legendary Hamilton broadcaster and author Nevin Grant (aka Mr. CKOC and "The Hitmaker") who died on May 6, 2020. Our condolences to his family, friends and fans.

Career highlights

• With the Hamilton radio station CKOC for 37 years (1968-2003)
• Received an Award of Merit from the Board of Governors of Mohawk College (1989)
• Wrote "Growing up with the Hits! Reliving The Best Time of Your Life 1955-1989" (2015)
• Will be inducted into the Canadian Broadcast Industry Hall of Fame in September 2020
• Will be receiving the Allan Waters Lifetime Achievement Award
• Mentored many radio personalities
• Co-wrote Plays for Stage West and performed with Theatre Ancaster

Media Roundup

• His obituary
• FYI Music News
• FYI Music News: Dave Charles Mourns Nevin
• FYI: Remembering Nevin
• The Bay Observer

Here are some social media reactions to his passing:

Brandon P General

Both Nevin Grant and Jason Farr had a hand in getting me my very first radio play waaaaay back in 1999. On oldies1150. That was a pretty great moment and remains a pretty great memory. Having a song you wrote played on the radio right before the Beatles.

Michael B Davie

Mourning the loss of friend and radio icon Nevin Grant. Nevin was one of the nicest people I've ever met in my entire life, a wonderfully thoughtful, supportive, caring music icon who went well out of his way to give Canadian artists radio airplay when so many others wouldn't give them the time of day.

Nevin helped make the careers of of Ian Thomas, Gowan, Crowbar, the Spoons, Teenage Head and countless others. He transformed the Canadian music scene and made it shine. It was an absolute pleasure to have known him and his lovely wife.

It was a privilege to have published and worked with Nevin on his book Growing Up With The Hits! relating his life story and love of music, going through the books passages and his insightful thoughts on the industry together and selecting key photos from his enormous collection of photos and albums, choosing great shots of him with Alice Cooper, Elton John, Hall & Oates, and other iconic rock stars he'd met over the years. Nevin was absolutely wonderful, and my heart aches from this loss.

Sincere condolences to Heather and their family. 

The Stampeders

It is with great sadness that The Stampeders send their deepest condolences at the passing of our very good friend and supporter of Canadian Music Nevin Grant. Thank you for playing many of our records, and being the first to broadcast, and break, our song "Wild Eyes" You will be forever missed, and remembered by Rich, Kim, Ronnie = The Stampeders, and our families. 

Andy Kim

The headline reads Nevin Grant Radio Legend and Champion of Canadian Artists. And he was. Although he programmed CKOC Hamilton, his talent crossed borders & helped so many of us who were just starting out. He often told me “I just love my job”

Onto the light Dear Nevin

Video above courtesy of etaradio

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Previous (Accordion Day Videos) - - - Next (Mother's Day Videos)

Happy World Accordion Day! Videos by Jordan Abraham

Links: Touch of  Klez, Two videos above courtesy of Codetski Jaigobin





Links: Johannes Linstead, More Johannes Linstead Stories, Two videos above courtesy of Johannes Linstead

Links: Jordan Abraham, More Jordan Abraham Stories, More Accordion Day Videos

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Happy National Cartoonists Day!

Reality Check

Bent Pinky

Argyle Sweater

Local Cartoonists:

• Sheree Bradford-Lea (born in Hamilton)
• Blaine (RIP) (Hamilton Spectator)
• Cartoon Bob (Oakville) caricatures
• Chris Chambers (Hamilton musician and cartoonist)(some mature content)
• Brian Fray (Guelph)
• Lynn Johnston (For Better or For Worse)(Lived in Hamilton)
• Graeme MacKay (Hamilton Spectator)
• Bruce McCall (Born in Simcoe)
• Steve Nease (Oakville)
• Bruce Outridge (Burlington) caricatures
• Paul Szep (born in Hamilton)
• Doug Wright (RIP) (Burlington)

Please email us at blueshamilton@gmail.com if you know of any other cartoonists that should be on our list.

Links: More of our Cartoons, More Cartoonist Day Posts

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Previous (More COVID-19 Videos) - - - Next (Accordion Day Videos)

More COVID-19 Videos! Jesse Parent, Craig Cardiff, Choir of Women Physicians, Rolling Stones

Canadian cartoonist Gary Clement

Links: Jesse Parent, More Jesse Parent Stories, Video above courtesy of Jesse Parent



Links: Craig Cardiff, More Craig Cardiff Stories, Video above courtesy of The Indie Folk Music Channel



Links: More Rankin Family Covers/Stories, Video above courtesy of Voices Rock Canada!



Links: Rolling Stones, More Rolling Stones Stories, Video above courtesy of The Rolling Stones

CHCH Video: Local musician Martin Wall plays on his porch

Links: More COVID-19 Videos, Guide to Helping Musicians during COVID-19

Any local artist have a virus/isolation song? Please email us at blueshamilton@gmail.com

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