Happy Uncommon Instrument Awareness Day! ft Videos by the Vaudevillian

Every July 31, we celebrate Uncommon Instrument Awareness Day.









Links: The Vaudevillian, More Vaudevillian Stories, Videos above courtesy of The Vaudevillian

Blast from the Past: The Vaudevillian's Album - Bringing Satan Down

Click here for more Uncommon Instrument Videos

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Previous (Jesse O'Brien on Sass Jordan Blues Album) - - - Next (Live Music Returns to Stonewalls)

Hamilton's Jesse O'Brien Helps Sass Jordan Get the Blues on New Album

Legendary Canadian Rocker Sass Jordan recruited talented Hamilton keyboard maestro Jesse O'Brien to help bring the Blues on her latest album, Rebel Moon Blues on Stony Plain Records. The lady proves without a doubt that she can belt out a Blues tune with the best of 'em.

Backed by a powerful band under the cool moniker of Champagne Hookers (Chris Caddell, Jimmy Reid, Derek Brady, Cassius Pereira) -  Sass thunders through energetic classic covers such as My Babe, One Way Out, Still Got the Blues and more. There's also one kick-ass original co-written by Sass called The Key.

The aforementioned Jesse O'Brien also help out with the fun by providing his always dynamic keyboard skills. Steve Marriner of MonkeyJunk brings his harmonica/vocal mastery and Hill Kourkoutis deftly adds some extra vocals to one track.

You can pick up this explosive album at many physical and online shops. It's available through Sass's website, iTunes and Spotify.








Blast from the Past: Sass and Others Live on Canada Day Weekend 2012

Links: Sass Jordan, More Sass Jordan Stories, Jesse O'Brien, More Jesse O'Brien Stories, Videos above courtesy of Sass Jordan - Topic

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Previous (Local Canadian Country Music Award Nominees) - - - Next (Uncommon Instrument Awareness Day)

GOOD LUCK! Local Artists Nominated for Canadian Country Music Awards + Complete Nominee List

The 2020 CCMA Awards will feature a truckload of local talent. Many area artists were nominated this year. The ceremony will be broadcast on Global TV - Sept. 27.

From the Hamilton area, we have Chris Altmann (Steel Guitar Player of the Year) and Peter Walker of CHKX-FM (Radio Music Director of the Year - Large Market).



Links: Chris Altmann, More Chris Altmann Stories, Danny Medakovic, More Dan Medakovic Stories, Video above courtesy of Dan Medakovic

Representing Burlington is country superstar Tebey (Fan's Choice Award, Male Artists of the Year). His video director Raphael Mazzucco is up for Video Director of the Year.



Links: Tebey, More Tebey Stories, Marie Mai, More Marie Mai Stories, Video above courtesy of Tebey

St. Catherines nominees include Tim Hicks (Songwriter of the Year, Video of the Year) and his drummer Rob Wells (Drummer of the Year). Also, Peter Morena of CKYY-FM is in the running for Music Director of the Year (Medium/Small Market).



Links: Tim Hicks, More Tim Hicks Stories, Video above courtesy of Tim Hicks

Out Brantford way, we have Linsey Beckett and Tyler Beckett who are both up for Fiddle Player of the Year and Doug Johnson (Steel Guitar Player of the Year).




Links: Linsey Beckett, Beckett Family, More Linsey Beckett Stories, Video above courtesy of Chris Scerri CSP

In Cambridge, the Reklaws were nominated for two awards: Fan's Choice Award and Entertainer of the Year). Their video director, Ben Knechtel (Video Director of the Year) received a nod.



Links: Reklaws, More Reklaws Stories, Dean Brody, More Dean Brody Stories, Video above courtesy of Dean Brody

Members of Waterloo's  Western Swing Authority got in on the action as well: Paul Chapman (Guitarist of the Year) and Jason Barry's Barrytone Studios (Recording Studio of the Year).



Links: Western Swing Authority, More WSA Stories, Video above courtesy of Weare1world

GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!

Click here for the winners

Below is a complete list of nominees.

Fan's Choice

• Tebey
• The Reklaws
• Dean Brody
• Jade Eagleson
• Hunter Brothers
• James Barker Band
• Brett Kissel
• MacKenzie Porter
• Dallas Smith
• Tenille Townes

Male Artist

• Tebey
• Dean Brody
• Jade Eagleson
• Brett Kissel
• Dallas Smith

Entertainer

• The Reklaws
• Dean Brody
• Brett Kissel
• Dallas Smith
• Tenille Townes

Group or Duo

• The Reklaws
• High Valley
• Hunter Brothers
• James Barker Band
• The Washboard Union

Songwriter(s)

• The Reklaws - I Do Too (co-written w Brad Rempel + Ben Stennis)
• Tim Hicks - No Truck Song (co-written w Jeff Coplan, Bruce Wallace)
• Aaron Goodvin - Good Ol’ Bad Days (co-written with Skip Black + Matt Nolen)
• Tenille Townes - Jersey On The Wall (I’m Just Asking) (co-written w Tina Parol, Gordie Sampson)
• MacKenzie Porter - These Days (co-written w Jordan Sapp, Parker Welling)

Video

• No Truck Song – Tim Hicks
• Country Thunder – The Washboard Union
• Drink About Me – Brett Kissel
• Jersey On The Wall (I’m Just Asking) – Tenille Townes
• Silver Lining – Hunter Brothers

Guitar Player

• Paul Chapman (Western Swing Authority)
• Ryan Davidson
• Matt McKay
• Chad Murphy
• Darren Savard

Drummer

• Rob Wells (Tim Hicks)
• Matthew Atkins
• Ben Bradley
• Spencer Cheyne
• Flavio Cirillo
• Greg Williamson

Steel Guitar Player

• Chris Altmann
• Doug Johnson
• Mitch Jay

Fiddle Player

• Linsey Beckett
• Tyler Beckett
• Denis Dufresne
• Matt Piche
• Mike Sanyshyn
• Tyler Vollrath

Radio Music Director (Large Market)

• Peter Walker – CJKX-FM/CHKX-FM – Oshawa, ON/Hamilton, ON
• Steph Hansen – CISN-FM/CKRY-FM – Edmonton, AB/Calgary, AB
• Jaxon Hawks – CJJR-FM – Vancouver, BC
• A.J. Keller – CFCW – Edmonton, AB
• Amanda Kingsland – CKBY-FM – Ottawa, ON

Radio Music Director (Medium/Small Market)

• Peter Morena – CKYY-FM – St. Catharines, ON
• Shilo Bellis – CJXL-FM – Moncton, NB
• Paul Ferguson – CHCQ-FM – Belleville, ON
• Cal Gratton – CJVR-FM – Melfort, SK
• Luca James – CKGY-FM – Red Deer, AB

Recording Studio

• Barrytone Studios – Miramichi, NB
• Bart McKay Productions – Saskatoon, SK
• MCC Recording Studio – Calgary, AB
• Noble Street Studios – Toronto, ON
• OCL Studios – Chestermere, AB

Album

• Black Sheep – Dean Brody
• Love, Heartbreak, & Everything In Between – Tenille Arts
• Now Or Never – Brett Kissel
• Singles Only – James Barker Band
• Wild As Me – Meghan Patrick

Female Artists

• Lindsay Ell
• Jess Moskaluke
• Meghan Patrick
• MacKenzie Porter
• Tenille Townes

Interactive Artist or Group

• Dan Davidson
• Lindsay Ell
• Aaron Goodvin
• Nice Horse
• Tenille Townes

Rising Star

• Tenille Arts
• Matt Lang
• Tyler Joe Miller
• Emily Reid
• Sons Of Daughters

Roots Album

• Everbound – The Washboard Union
• Fingers Crossed – JJ Shiplett
• Kalsey Kulyk – Kalsey Kulyk
• Love Wins – Kelly Prescott
• The Other Way – Donovan Woods

Single

• Count The Ways – Jade Eagleson
• Drop – Dallas Smith
• Keep It Simple – James Barker Band
• Single Man – High Valley
• Whiskey In A Teacup – Dean Brody

Bass Player

• Kirby Barber
• Lisa Dodd
• Curtis Ebner
• Doug Elash
• Matt Genereux
• Justin Kudding

Keyboard Player

• Mike Little
• Brendan Waters
• Scott Wilkinson

Specialty Instrument Player

• Mitch Jay
• Connor Riddell
• Tyler Vollrath

Country Personality

• Wendy Boomer – CKBY-FM
• Shannon Ella – Pure Country
• Paul McGuire – Stingray
• Randy Owen – CJDL-FM
• Sarah Scott – CFXO-FM

Radio Station (Large Market)

• CFCW – Edmonton, AB
• CJKX-FM – Oshawa, ON
• CKBY-FM – Ottawa, ON
• CKKL-FM – Ottawa, ON
• CKRY-FM – Calgary, AB

Radio Station (Small/Medium Market)

• CFXO-FM – High River, AB
• CHCQ-FM – Belleville, ON
• CICX-FM – Orillia, ON
• CJXL-FX – Moncton, NB
• CKGY-FM – Red Deer, AB

Booking Agency 

• The Feldman Agency
• Invictus Entertainment Group
• Paquin Artist Agency
• Sakamoto Agency
• United Talent Agency

Country Club

• Cook County Saloon – Edmonton, AB
• Cowboys Roadhouse – Winnipeg, MB
• King Eddy – Calgary, AB
• Ranchman’s Cookhouse And Dancehall – Calgary, AB
• Rock ‘N’ Horse Saloon – Toronto, ON

Country Festival

• Boots And Hearts Music Festival – Oro-Medonte, ON
• Calgary Stampede – Calgary, AB
• Cavendish Beach Music Festival – Cavendish, PE
• Centerfield Music Festival – St. Paul, AB
• Diesel Bird Digital Music Festival – Online

Country Music Program

• A Kissel Country Christmas – BAK 2 BAK Entertainment Inc./Stingray
• Canada Together: In Concert – Corus Entertainment
• Casey Clarke Country Countdown – Casey Clarke Productions
• Girl Power Hour – Rogers Media
• The Paul McGuire Show – Stingray

Management Company

• Big Loud Management
• Invictus Entertainment Group
• MDM Artist Management Services
• RGK Entertainment Group
• Starseed Entertainment

Music Publishing Company

• Anthem Entertainment
• Big Loud Publishing
• Sony / ATV Music Publishing
• Universal Music Publishing Group
• Warner Chappell Music Canada

Record Company

• MDM Recordings Inc.
• Open Road Recordings
• Sony Music Entertainment (Canada) Inc.
• Universal Music Canada
• Warner Music Canada

Industry Person

• Steve Coady – Warner Music Canada – Vice President, Radio Promotion
• Warren Copnick – Sony Music Entertainment (Canada) Inc. – Director of National Promotion
• Mike Denney – MDM Recordings Inc – President
• Brianne Deslippe – Big Loud Records – Vice President of Promotion/General Manager Canada
• Anya Wilson – Anya Wilson Promotion – Radio Promoter

Creative Director(s)

• Design Team: Mitchell Nevins, Madeline Merlo, Photography: Emma-Lee
  Digital Single Packaging: Kiss Kiss, If You Never Broke My Heart, It Didn’t, Digital Singles, Newsletter Template, Zoom Digital Background Filter, Instagram Filter, Website (Artist: Madeline Merlo)
• Design Team: Bronwin Parks
  Single: Just Let Go (Artist: Gord Bamford), Album, Vinyl and Artist Merchandise: It Was A Song (Artists: Ryan Langlois) Singles: (Country Thunder, Country Thunder Acoustic, Dock Rock, Artist Branding (Artist: The Washboard Union)
• Design Team: Wes Mack, Kyle Bottoms
  Album: Soul (Artist: Wes Mack)
• Design Team: Nick Perreault, James Murdoch, Ben Shillabeer
  Album: Twenty Something, Single: Homesick For The Holidays, Social Graphics (Artist: The Dungarees)
• Design Team: Brett Kissel, Connor Schefler
  Album: Now Or Never (Artist: Brett Kissel)

Record Producer (s)

• Jeff Dalziel   
• Jacob Durrett, Brett Kissel, Bart McKay
• Karen Kosowski
• Scott Moffatt
• Joey Moi, Dave Cohen

Retailer

• Amazon Music
• Apple Music
• Spotify Canada Inc.

Talent Buyer or Promoter

• Paul Biro – Sakamoto Agency
• Jim Cressman – Invictus Entertainment Group
• Adam Oppenheim – Stampede Entertainment Inc.

Video Director

• Stephano Barberis 
• Emma Higgins
• Ben Knechtel
• Raphael Mazzucco
• Travis Nesbitt

Click here for the winners.

Blast from the Past: Last Year's Winners

Links: Canadian Country Music Association, More CCMA Stories

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Previous (Amalia Rodrigues' 100th Birthday) - - Next (Jesse O'Brien on Sass Jordan Blues Album)

Amália Rodrigues' 100th Birthday

Today (July 23, 2020) would have been Portuguese music legend Amália Rodrigues' 100th birthday (officially at least - see mini bio for details).

A word from Lou, our blogger:

Amália Rodrigues is the biggest figure in the world of Fado, a Portuguese musical style known for it's emotion and down-to-earth subject matter. I grew up with her music in my house and learned to appreciate her artistry as I got older. This legendary lady is a big part of my cultural heritage and my past.

Mini-bio (from Wikipedia) 

• Born in Lisbon Portugal (July 1, 1920). Her parents registered Amália's birthday as the 23rd because otherwise there would be a fine for registering a baby too late - this was common practice with poorer Portuguese families back then.
• Starting singing (around 1935)
• Made her acting debut in 'Capas Negras' (1946)
• Recorded an album in Italian, A Una Terra Che Amo (1973)
• Released her last studio album, Lágrima (1983)
• Died (October 6, 1999)

Here's video of Hamilton Fado singer, Luis Ferraz covering one of her songs.

Links: Luis Ferraz, More Luis Ferraz Stories, Video above courtesy of luis ferraz

Below are a few of Amália's many beautiful songs.







Links: Amália Rodrigues, Videos above courtesy of Amália Rodrigues - Official, More 100th Birthdays

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Previous (James Anthony Band Matinee Returns to Burlington) - - - Next (Local Canadian Country Music Award Nominees)

James Anthony Band Matinee Live Returns to Burlington

Now that most of Ontario is in stage 3, live music will slowly be returning. James Anthony has quickly put his Saturday matinee (1:30-5pm) at the Uptown Social House in Burlington back in action. He will also be playing acoustic with a guest on Thursdays from 7 to 10.

For only $5, you can see James Anthony and his talented guests rock the place in person!

Here are the guests he has scheduled:

July 25: Chuck Jackson of Downchild Blues Band

Links: Chuck Jackson, More Downchild Stories, More Muddy Waters Covers/Stories, Video above courtesy of ABCooper Media

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August 1: Djino LeFrancois

Links: Djino LeFrancois, Video above courtesy of daragent2

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August 8: Terry Chisholm

Links: Terry Chisholm, Video above courtesy of Colin Cherry

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August 15: Danny B

Links: Danny B, More Danny B Stories, Video above courtesy of  Kimberley Leonard

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August 22: Brant Parker

Links: Brant Parker, More Brant Parker Stories, Video above courtesy of Canal Bank Shuffle

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August 29: Amber Durette

Links: Amber Durette, Video above courtesy of Grant Lyle

Here's a bonus video of James playing solo.



Links: James Anthony, More James Anthony Stories, Video above courtesy of James Anthony

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Previous (Caribou on Polaris Short List) - - - Next (Amalia Rodrigues' 100th Birthday)

CONGRATS! Dundas' Caribou on Polaris Short List + Complete List

Dundas Electronic music artist Caribou took one more step towards winning the 2020 Polaris Prize.  The local artist made the Short List, which was announced on July 15.  Hopefully, he'll take home the $50,000 grand prize on September 21 at The Carlu in Toronto).



Video above courtesy of CaribouVideos



Links: Caribou, More Caribou Stories, Video above courtesy of CBC

CONGRATS!

Media:

• CBC
• FYI Music News

Here's a complete list of winners:

• Caribou – Suddenly
• Backxwash – God Has Nothing To Do With This Leave Him Out Of It
• Junia-T – Studio Monk
• Kaytranada – Bubba
• nêhiyawak – nipiy
• Pantayo – Pantayo
• Lido Pimienta – Miss Colombia
• Jessie Reyez – Before Love Came To Kill Us
• U.S. Girls – Heavy Light
• Witch Prophet – DNA Activation

Click here to see the winner.

Blast from the Past: Last Year's Short List

Links: Polaris Music Prize, More Polaris Stories

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Previous  (Wayne Buttery Passes) - - - Next (James Anthony Band Matinee Returns to Burlington)

Ontario Bluesman Wayne Buttery Passes

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Ontario Bluesman and Wasaga Beach Blues Festival Artistic Director, Wayne Buttery. He passed on July 6, 2020. Our condolences to his family, friends and fans.

His obituary:

BUTTERY ROBERT ‘WAYNE’ 2020
Passed away peacefully on Monday, July 6, 2020 at the age of 70. Wayne Buttery of Orr Lake, treasured husband and creative partner of Rita Johns-Schindler. Stepfather of Noel, Paul, Cathy and Julie and stepgrandfather to Sam, Eric, Jackalynn, Gary, Norman, Erin, Sean and Michael, all of whom he considered his own family. Predeceased by his wife, Catherine Parkinson. Fondly remembered by his extended family as well as many friends and co-workers whom he loved very much. Wayne’s love and talent for music took him to Night Clubs all over Canada. Amongst numerous local venues, he has played at the Fish Bar in Collingwood for the past 7 years and was the dedicated and passionate Artistic Director of the Wasaga Blues Festival for the past 4 years.
Due to the current pandemic a celebration of Wayne’s life will take place at a later date.
Memorial donations to Diabetes Association or Heart & Stroke Foundation would be appreciated.

From the Wasaga Beach Blues Festival site:

With a heavy heart we want to communicate the passing of our Artistic Director, Wayne Buttery, the Gentleman of Blues.

His legacy, his kindness and his passion for the Blues will never be forgotten. We will treasure the laughs, the great music from his guitar and his voice, and the true drive to make our festival grow. We will smile when we think of Wayne because he had a heart of gold and was always a gentleman.

Our Stonebridge Wasaga Beach Blues Festival Crew and volunteers will miss him tremendously and send the deepest condolences to his family and friends.

Wayne was a respected and beloved part of the Blues community in the region and in Ontario. His music and talent will be forever in the memory of those how knew him. 

Here are some social media reactions to his passing.

Virgil Scott

I have been searching for the words to express some of my thoughts...We met in 68 and for many years, watched each other from a distance go from stage to stage with respect and love for each other...He was a wonderful soft soul, who was so very talented in many ways. A big man, with that big smile coming at me every time we saw each other, with a huge hug of love and he made it feel like it was just for me...Not often in life do you cross paths with someone like Wayne and so many people will feel the void in their life with him passing...Fly high my friend. 

Larry Kurtz

I will always smile when I think about time spent with him because it was so much fun! I first met Wayne back in 2001 when I was playing his music on my radio show Roots & Blues on Orangeville Community Radio. I then met him in person at his gig at Fitzys Crab Shack at the Midland harbour. He mentioned he was looking for a harmonica player for his band The Groove Project. I told him I would be interested and joined the band for the next 2 years. What a great time we had playing memorable shows like backing Curly Bridges and an 11 year old Jimmy Bowskill in Collingwood, opening for James Cotton in Orillia, playing the Mercedes Benz launch at the CNE, the Southside Shuffle, plus countless blues cruises aboard the Georgian Queen in Penetanguishene. The band at that time featured Charlie Hinkel, Dennis King, Bob Federer, Paul Robillard, Russell Strathdee and the late John Shand. After I left the band, we remained friends. I have had Wayne perform at Orangeville Blues & Jazz Festival many times and was also a guest of his band many times over the years. He was great musician and band leader. We spoke often about festivals as he had become the Artistic Director of the Wasaga Beach Blues Festival. Wayne was generous with his time, helping many charitable events and I will really miss his big smile and laugh. RIP my friend. 

Video above courtesy of Adri A. Ousbastis



Video above courtesy of Wayne Buttery



Links: Wayne Buttery, More Muddy Waters Covers/Stories, Video above courtesy of neek49

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Previous (Local East Coast Music Award Winners) - - - Next (Caribou on Polaris Short List)

CONGRATS! Album with Local Guest Stars Wins 2020 East Coast Music Award + Complete Winners

On July 10, 2020, the un-televised pre-awards show for the 2020 East Coast Music Awards announced the first batch of winners. Myles Goodwyn and Friends of the Blues 2, an amazing album starring the April Wine frontman, took home the top prize for Blues Recording of the Year. Guest stars on the recording included Hamilton Blues vet, Jack de Keyzer and Milton' own Mike "Shrimp Daddy" Reid.

The rest of the awards were handed out during a televised ceremony on July 11, 2020.

This track features Shrimp Daddy on harp:



Links: Shrimp Daddy, More Shrimp Daddy Stories, Video above courtesy of Myles Goodwyn - Topic

This track features Jack de Keyzer on guitar:



Links: Myles Goodwyn, More April Wine Stories, Jack de Keyzer, More Jack de Keyzer Stories, Video above courtesy of Myles Goodwyn - Topic

CONGRATS GUYS.

View the full pre-show here:



Links: East Coast Music Awards, More ECMA stories, Video above courtesy of East Coast Music Association

Here is a complete list of winners from both nights:

Music Awards

• Blues Recording of the Year: Myles Goodwyn - Myles Goodwyn and Friends of the Blues 2
• Album of the Year: Wintersleep - In The Land Of
• Bucky Adams Memorial Award: Jon Samuel
• Classical Recordingof the Year : Marc Djokic - Solo Seven
• Contemporary Roots Recording of the Year: The East Pointers - Yours to Break
• Country Recording of the Year: Dave Sampson - All Types of Ways
• Dance Recording of the Year: Famba - “Swear to God”
• Dr. Helen Creighton Lifetime Achievement Award: Shanneyganock
• Electronic Recording of the Year: Rich Aucoin - Release
• Fans' Choice Entertainer of the Year: Jimmy Rankin
• Fans' Choice Video of the Year: Jason Benoit - “Slow Hand” feat. Leah Daniels (Director: Tim Deegan)
  
  
  
  Links: Jason Benoit, Leah Daniels, More Leah Daniels Stories, Video above courtesy of Jason Benoit
  
  
• Folk Recording of the Year: Tim Baker - Forever Overhead
• Francophone Recording of the Year: Jacobus - Caviar
• Group Recording of the Year: Wintersleep - In The Land Of
• Indigenous Artist of the Year: Eastern Owl
• Inspirational Recording of the Year: Ian Foster and Nancy Hynes - A Week in December
• Instrumental Recording of the Year: Florian Hoefner - First Spring
• Jazz Recording of the Year: Florian Hoefner - First Spring
• Loud Recording of the Year: Spirit of the Wildfire - Bittersweet Nothings
• Pop Recording of the Year: Neon Dreams - Sweet Dreams Till Sunbeams
• Rap/Hip-Hop Recording of the Year: Jacobus - Caviar
• RnB/Soul Recording of the Year: Laura Roy - Forte
• Rising Star Recording of the Year: Dave Sampson - All Types of Ways
• Rock Recording of the Year: Wintersleep - In The Land Of
• Roots/Traditional Recording of the Year: Natalie MacMaster - Sketches
• Solo Recording of the Year: Tim Baker - Forever Overhead
• Song of the Year: Wintersleep - “Beneficiary” (Producers: Tony Doogan, Wintersleep)
• Songwriter of the Year:The East Pointers

Industry Awards

• Company of the Year: The Syrup Factory
• Event of the Year: Celtic Colours International Festival
• Graphic/Media Artist of the Year: Deep Hollow Print
• Management/Manager of the Year: Jones and Co.
• Media Outlet of the Year: The East
• Media Person of the Year: Bill Roach
• Producer of the Year: Daniel Ledwell
• Studio of the Year: Soundpark Studios
• Studio Engineer of the Year: Thomas Stajcer
• Venue of the Year: The Ship Pub
• Video of the Year: Tim Baker - “All Hands” (Director: Jordan Canning)
  
  
  
  Links: Tim Baker, Video above courtesy of heytimbaker
  

Honorary Awards

• Directors’ Special Achievement Award:Measha Brueggergosman
• Industry Builder Award:Tony Murray
• Musician’s Achievement Award:Kelly Russell

Blast from the Past: Last Year's Winners

Links: East Coast Music Awards, More ECMA Stories

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Previous (Nick Cordero Passes) - - - Next (Wayne Buttery Passes)

Hamilton-Born Singer/Broadway Star Nick Cordero Passes

It is with sadness that we report on the passing of Nick Cordero, a Hamilton born singer and Tony-nominated Broadway star. He passed away on July 5 after a much publicized brave battle with COVID-19.Our condolences to his family, friends and fans.

Please consider donating to help his family by clicking here.

Media Stories:

• Hamilton Spectator
• CHCH
• CBC
• Bay City Observer
• HamiltonNews

His wife posted the following:

RIP Nick  7/5/20: God has another angel in heaven now. My darling husband passed away this morning. He was surrounded in love by his family, singing and praying as he gently left this earth.  I am in disbelief and hurting everywhere. My heart is broken as I cannot imagine our lives without him. Nick was such a bright light. He was everyone’s friend, loved to listen, help and especially talk. He was an incredible actor and musician. He loved his family and loved being a father and husband. Elvis and I will miss him in everything we do, everyday.
 - Amanda Kloots 

Here's a sampling of the social media response:

Jesse O'Brien

There just aren't words. RIP Nick Cordero. So young, funny and talented.From his early days at Westdale to "Tony n' Tina's Wedding", to writing/recording his fantastic music, truly a shining star in any room he walked in, it's easy to see why his star shone so bright on Broadway. Sending love to the entire Cordero family.

Shari Dunn

He was a beautiful person inside and out. He was talented in so many ways. He knew how to laugh and have a great time. And oh how we laughed. He knew how to make you feel special and worthy and listened to and loved. He was one in a million. I’m so honoured to have called you a friend. I’ll never forget you for as long as I live. Thank you for being a part of my life. You were just too bright a star. Your life should have blown up the sky for many more years to come. Love you Nick Cordero. I’m just gutted. Sending peace and love to Amanda, Elvis, Nick’s family and all who had the pleasure of knowing you. Rest In Peace and Love

Jude Johnson

Such a vibrant soul...unbelievable...rest now sweet prince....your light will forever shine in the hearts of all who met you, heard you sing, saw you dance...you were a King among men...a gentle soul...a husband and father, a son and brother...a friend to all...so young.

Click here for the  story.



More Louis Armstrong covers/stories



Links: Nick Cordero,, Videos above courtesy of Michael J Moritz Jr

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Previous (Les Smith Videos) - - - Next (Local East Coast Music Award Winners)

Check Out a Few Incredible Les Smith Videos

Lester "Les" Smith is a veteran of the Hamilton music scene. This wonderful singer/songwriter is at home with the Blues as well as Folk and Americana. His varied musical history includes playing with Blues mainstays, Trickbag and performing as a current member of the legendary Crowbar. He also runs the Hamilton Regional Songwriters Group.

Les is currently working on a new solo album and we are looking forward to it here at HBL.

Here's some samples of his work.

Les wrote a beautiful song about HBL members Lou and Linda for their 10th anniversary as a couple.



Video above courtesy of Hamilton B. Lous





Here is a full online show he did recently.



Blast from the Past: COVID-19 videos from Les and others

Links: Les Smith, More Les Smith Stories, Last 3 Videos above courtesy of Lester Smith

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Previous (Cable 14 Impact Awards Winners) - - - Next (Nick Cordero Passes)

CONGRATS! Ensemble! Wins Cable 14 Impact Award + Complete Winners

We here at the Hamilton Blues Lovers are proud of our Marketing Guru, Linda Fraser, The wonderful local music show she produces, Ensemble! recently earned one of the very first Cable 14 Impact Awards. It won for Outstanding Entertainment Program during the inaugural ceremony in 2020. Her incredible show was also nominated for Outstanding Promotion.

As well, Hamilton musician Nathan Fleet took home the Outstanding Community Advocate (Community Member) award.



Links: Nathan Fleet, More Nathan Fleet Stories, Video above courtesy of Nathan Fleet

Here is a complete list of winners:

• Outstanding Entertainment Program: Ensemble!
• Outstanding Sports Events Coverage: The OHL Tonight
• Outstanding Non Sports Event Coverage: LION's Lair
• Outstanding  Lifestyle Program: Hamilton Eats
• Community Impact Award: Vital Signs
• Outstanding Promotion: Hamilton Wrestling Entertainment (Ensemble! was nominated)
• Outstanding Program in its Inaugural Season (Program): Hammer D20
• Outstanding On-Air Performance: Mike Fortune
• General Manager's Award: Mike Fortune
• Person of Excellence (staff): Rihab Dawoud
• Outstanding Production Skills in a Crew Member (non-staff): Emma Russell
• Outstanding Behind the Scenes Skills in a Crew Member (non-staff): Adam Culp
• Outstanding Attitude in a Crew Member (non-staff): Emma and Emily Sullivan
• Outstanding Community Advocate (Community Member): Nathan Fleet
• Outstanding Dedication in Production: Paige Whitehouse

CONGRATS EVERYONE!

Click here for a full list of nominees

More Ensemble Stories

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Previous (Canada Day Videos) - - - Next (Les Smith Videos)

Happy Canada Day! Videos by Carl Jennings, Golden Beaver, Brandon P. General, Fern Viola

Links: Freedom Train, More Freedom Train Stories, Video above courtesy of Freedom Train 



Links: Golden Beaver, More Golden Beaver Stories, Video above courtesy of Killin' Time

Brandon P. General · Great Wild North

Links: My Flying Machine (Brandon's musical project), More Brandon General Stories, Song above courtesy of Brandon P General



Links: Fern Viola, More Fern Viola Stories, Video above courtesy of Fern Viola - Topic

More Canada Day Videos!

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