Links: Anna Jarvis, More Anna Jarvis Stories
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Tuesday, December 28, 2021
Happy International Cello Day! Videos by Anna Jarvis
Links: Anna Jarvis, More Anna Jarvis Stories
Previous (Christmas Videos) - - - Next (Bird Day Videos)
Wednesday, December 22, 2021
Merry Christmas! Videos by Linda Duemo, Hailee Rose, Tianna Woods, Andre Bisson, Andre Tellier, Hell Bent Rockers
The first two videos were part of the #LocalLyricsShowcase organized by our marketing maven, Linda.
Links: Pistolettes (Linda's current band), More Linda Duemo Stories, Video above courtesy of Hamilton Blues Lovers
Links: HellBent Rockers, More HellBent Rockers Stories, Video above courtesy of The Hell Bent Rockers - Topic
Monday, December 20, 2021
Dave Rogers Passes
It is with sadness that we announce the passing of local musician, Dave Rogers. He passes after a brave battle with Cancer. Our condolences to his family, friends and fans. He was the son of the late Hamilton musician Stan Rogers.
His obituary:
David Gregory Nasmith ROGERS
In his 53rd year, after a brief, courageous battle with colorectal cancer. He is survived by his Mom, Ariel Rogers (Scott Cameron Smith), his sisters, Beth Cassey (Roger) and Kate McLaughlin (Jeffrey-deceased 2020) and his brother Nathan Rogers (Jan); and he leaves also to mourn him, his long-time friend and companion Pamela Taylor. He will be greatly missed by his four adoring nieces, Violet, Beatrice, Eloise and Bella-Sophia. David is also survived by many aunts and uncles and cousins who will also always remember him for his crooked grin, his brilliant guitar playing and his ready advice on all things "FOOD." Cremation has taken place. A private funeral service will be held with plans for a Family Reunion and a Celebration of Life Picnic with Music in early summer 2022. The family wishes to thank Dr. Kate Prangley for her remarkable care and support of Dave's wish to be with his family in his final days; the wonderful care of the Palliative Care Outreach Team and the ongoing work of the Juravinski Cancer Hospital.
At Dave's request, please donate to his favourite charity, below and despite the restrictions of the COVID-19 virus and its variants placed on clinics, "stand firm and get tested!"
Please support Wayside House, Hamilton ~ http://www.waysidehouseham.com/
Online condolences available at www.dbancaster.ca
Social Media Reactions
He was a kind, creative, complex, sweetheart of a guy.
He loved music, cooking, and he especially loved Pam.
Along with Trevor Mills, I had the honour of traveling every inch of North America with Dave for years, playing songs and telling stories from the Atlantic to the Pacific and the Yukon to Texas in cafes and churches, schools and pubs, lodges and studios, hotel bedrooms and ballrooms, concert halls and festival stages.
He was a great musician, a loyal friend, and a happy-go-lucky sideman. He and Trev co-arranged my North Wind album, recorded the third live, and he taught me plenty about music, and about humility.
He lost an impossible battle with cancer, but he won an equally arduous battle with alcohol a few years ago by getting sober. I’ve never been prouder of a person who had hit rock bottom and did everything in his power to change his path when it seemed utterly unsurmountable, and ultimately turned his final years into something beautiful.
Recently we reconnected and despite the prognosis he was his buoyant self, looking at the positive, envisioning a best-case scenario, and we even joked about hitting the road again.
I’ll see you out there somewhere down the road buddy.
Love you!
I have learned today that my friend Dave Rogers now only lives on this earth in the hearts and memories of his friends and family. My condolences to the entire Rogers family and to all those whose lives have been blessed by the privilege of knowing this brilliantly talented, funny, and warm man. I will miss you Dave.
Previous (Monkey Day Videos) - - - Next (Winter Videos)
Monday, December 13, 2021
Sunday, December 12, 2021
Happy Violin Day! Videos by the Fox Duo
The Fox Duo is a collective of multiple artists that play as duos in various combinations.
Links: Danielle Marconi (violin), Sabrina Liu (piano)
Links: Fox Duo, More Violin Day Stories, Videos above courtesy of The Fox Duo - Violin & Piano Music
Previous (Heavy Metal Day Videos) - - - Next (Monkey Day Videos)
Saturday, December 11, 2021
Wednesday, December 8, 2021
CONGRATS! New Hamilton Musicians' Guild Honourees
At the October 12, 2021 Hamilton Musicians' Guild general meeting, quite a few local artists were presented with their AFM (American Federation of Musicians) Life Membership Certificate and Pin
They include:
- David Dalgleish (Hamilton Bucket List Band)
Links: Hamilton Bucket List Band, More Bucket List Stories, Video above courtesy BOYDWILSONFILMS - Larry Feudo (Trickbag)
Links: Trickbag, More Trickbag Stories, Video above courtesy of Trickbag - Topic - Alex Karcza (Hamilton Bucket List Band)
Links: B A R, Video above (Alex on drums) courtesy of Rick Donmoyer - John Morris (Big John and the Night Trippers)
Links: Big John and the Night Trippers, More Big John Stories, Video above courtesy of Robert Manley - Jon Richardson
Wednesday, December 1, 2021
CONGRATS! 2021 Canadian Country Music Awards Winners, Including Cambridge's Reklaws
The 2021 Canadian Country Music Awards were held on November 28-29 at a wonderful televised event in London, Ontario. Cambridge's The Reklaws took home two trophies. CONGRATS!
Below are highlights from the ceremony
Links: Canadian Country Music Association, More CCMA Stories, Video above courtesy of ET Canada
Below is a complete list of winners:
- Group or Duo: The Reklaws (Cambridge)
- Top Selling Canadian Single: Can’t Help Myself – Dean Brody & The Reklaws (Cambridge)
Links: Reklaws, More Reklaws Stories, Dean Brody, More Dean Brody Stories, Video above courtesy of Dean Brody - Entertainer: Dallas Smith
- Male Artist: Dallas Smith
- Top Selling Canadian Album: Timeless – Dallas Smith
- Single: “Like A Man” — Dallas Smith
- Album: Tenille Townes — “The Lemonade Stand”
- Alternative Country Album: Agricultural Tragic – Corb Lund
- Female Artist: Tenille Townes
- Fans’ Choice: Brett Kissel
- Video: Make A Life, Not A Living – Brett Kissel
Links: Brett Kissel, More Brett Kissel Stories, Video above courtesy of Brett Kissel - Live Innovation Award: Brett Kissel: Live At The Drive-In
- Country Music Program or Special: Brett Kissel: Live At The Drive-In
- Rising Star: Robyn Ottolini
- Interactive Artist or Group: Lindsay Ell
- Songwriter(s): Patricia Conroy, Ester Dean, Andrew DeRoberts, Dave Haywood, Charles Kelley, Shane McAnally, Madeline Merlo, Tina Parol, Hillary Scott, Ryan Tedder, Dave Thomson — (Lady A: Champagne Night)
- Drummer: Matthew Atkins/Ben Bradley (tie)
- Fiddle Player: Tyler Vollrath
- Specialty Instrument Player: Mitch Jay
- Creative Director(s): Bronwin Parks, Emma-Lee (Album: Washboard Union: Everbound)
- Management Company: MDM Artist Management Services
- Recording Studio: MCC Recording Studio
- Music Publishing Company Warner Chappell Music Canada
- Music Director (Medium or Small Market): Paul Ferguson – CHCQ – FM (Belleville, ON)
- Music Director (Large Market): Amanda Kingsland – CKBY-FM (Ottawa, ON)
- Talent Buyer or Promoter: Paul Biro – Sakamoto Agency
- Booking Agency: Sakamoto Agency
- Industry Person: Brianne Deslippe – Vice President, International – Big Loud Records
- Country Personality: Jennifer Campbell – CIKZ – FM
- Radio Station (Medium or Small Market): CHCQ – FM (Bellville, ON)/CKGY – FM (Red Deer, AB) (tie)
- Radio Station (Large Market): 840 CFCW (Edmonton, AB)
- Record Company: Warner Music Canada
- Record Producer: Danick Dupelle (“Sometimes I Don’t, But Sometimes I Do,” Tyler Joe Miller)
- Retailer: Apple Music
- Video Director: Stephano Barberis
- Gary Slaight Music Humanitarian Award: CP Holiday Train
- CCMA Hall of Fame Inductions: Patricia Conroy (Artist Inductee) / Randy Stark (Stan Klees Builder)
Previous (Jim Skarratt Passes) - - - Next (New Hamilton Musicians' Guild Honourees)
Tuesday, November 30, 2021
Hamilton Music Promotor Jim Skarratt Passes
It is with sadness that we announce the passing of musician and music promotor Jim Skarratt. Our condolences to his family and friends.
Below is his obituary:
James Anthony SKARRATT passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on November 25, at the age of 76. Predeceased by his wife Lois (Doel) and his son David. He will be missed by his family and his extended Lazy Flamingo family. Jim was active in the community for decades starting as Program Director at his Alma Matter, McMaster University and then with Skarratt Promotions which brought concerts and entertainment to Hamilton for five decades. He was also an accomplished musician, playing tenor sax with Bobby Washington and the Soul Society. In the 90's his promotion office evolved into the Lazy Flamingo, which continues to serve and entertain the community of Hamilton. The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to the PSWs and support staff for their care. Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, December 11, at 11 a.m. the MARLATT FUNERAL HOME "Swackhamer Chapel", 195 King Street West, Dundas. For those who wish, the service will be live streamed at www.marlattfhdundas.com
Proof of full vaccination, along with government issued ID, are mandatory to attend indoor funeral services for those age 12 and older. Masks are required.
Here are a some social media reactions:
Carl Jennings (Freedom Train)
How cool was Jim Skarratt? Super cool.
When I was a teenager in the 80’s I was fanatical about knowing all about the music scene, including knowing who’s who in the Hamilton area.
It was a no-brainer that I knew who Jim Skarratt was.
Jim headed his own record label, and he was one of Canada’s top concert promoters, bringing in acts like Frank Zappa, The Bee Gees, Cat Stevens, Neil Young, Chicago, The Turtles, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Tony Bennett, Billy Connolly and so many more - and Jim lived right here in Hamilton!
I was admittedly nervous when I first met Jim back in 1992.
I managed to arrange a meeting in his office located on the top floor above his new business venture: a pub he owned in Hess Village called The Lazy Flamingo.
My group Speck Jennings was trying keep our head above water with our original music.
To keep working, we decided on a plan to play covers under the name Freedom Train to try to break into corporate events and cool venues, hopefully managing to keep performing as full time musicians.
Jim suggested that we play at his pub every Tuesday night, practice the tunes and build an audience.
The Lazy Flamingo only had acoustic single and duo acts at that time.
Because we would be the first full rock band with drums playing in a pub in Hess Village, Jim said if people inside or outside complain that it’s too loud we’ll just stop the arrangement.
That meeting changed my life as we ended up playing The Lazy Flamingo every Tuesday night, year round, for 13 years!
So many relationships were built during those years, musicians coming together, staff, music lovers, it was a magical time.
Jim was there for most of our Tuesday shows, drink in hand, welcoming the guest musicians and customers with his warmth and charm.
Jim helped us by breaking Freedom Train into corporate shows, special events, and in 2000 he was solely responsible for booking us to play Massey Hall, one of our top musical moments ever.
Meeting Jim, knowing Jim and his family, our Tuesdays at the Flamingo, was a catalyst for our CAREER.
So THANK YOU Jim, for helping so many, especially all of us musicians, and for being super cool!
RIP
Jim Skarratt helped to make Hess Village what it was - and still is. Him and his son Jay Skarratt kept live music going in the village when most other bars didn't. He helped the music scene in Hamilton and should be remembered and honoured for helping to make this city the music capital of Canada. You did great things Jim; you'll be missed. Cheers to the Skarratt family. Condolences.
As so many friends have posted the Skarratt family have been an institution for musicians in Hamilton for decades. The Lazy Flamingo gave so many musicians a chance to cut their teeth, to hone their craft and to play their best for appreciative music loving people. Jim Skarratt was a friend and supporter to and for me from the day I met him, he let me know he cared every single time I ever saw him. He and his family gave us all an unconditional home all these years. No matter how messed up any of us were or got once you were family you had a place . For a family that has been through so much Jay Skarratt,Steve Skarratt 😞 I’m so sorry for the loss. I love you guys. As you know you have a massive extended family of brothers and sisters in your corner. RIP JIM thank you for everything
Click here for more Jim Skarrat Stories
Previous (Hamilton Blues Lovers Turns 13) - - - Next (Canadian Country Music Award Winners)
Sunday, November 28, 2021
Hamilton Blues Lovers Turns 13 Today!
Today (November 29, 2021), the Hamilton Blues Lovers turns lucky 13 years old! We're now in our teenage years!
With COVID-19 starting to get better (fingers crossed), this year was a major improvement from the previous one now that venues are having live music again. Hopefully, many of you are able to check out some amazing, in-person music now.
Previous (National Electric Guitar Day) - - - Next (Jim Skarratt Passes)
Friday, November 26, 2021
Happy National Electric Guitar Day! Videos by Gary White
Links: Sean McAuley, More Sean McAuley Stoories, SnowHeel Slim, More Snow-Heel Slim Stories, Video above courtesy of Vesna Trkulja-Stevens
Video above courtsy of SimVid
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Monday, November 22, 2021
CONGRATS! 2021 St. Catharines Arts Awards Winners
Links: St. Catharines Culture, More St. Catharines Arts Awards Stories, Video above courtesy of FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre
Previous (Downchild Debut Album Turns 50) - - - Next (National Electric Guitar Day)
Here's a complete list of winners.
- Arts in Education: Curtis Tye
- Emerging Artist: Elise Naccarato
Links: More Elise Naccarato Stories, Video above courtesy of Elise Naccarato - Established Artist: Peter Shea, music
Links: More Peter Shea Stories, Juliet Dunn, More Juliet Dunn Stories, Video above courtesy of FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre - Jury's Pick Award: Jean Bridge
- Patron of the Arts: Janet Partridge
Links: St. Catharines Culture, More St. Catharines Arts Awards Stories
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Saturday, November 20, 2021
Downchild Blues Band's Debut 'Bootleg' Turns 50
Bootleg, the explosive debut album from the now-legendary Downchild Blues Band turns 50 this year (2021). Their original lineup included Hamilton bassist Jim Milne.
Details:
- Released November 1971
- It was one of Canada's first independent albums.
- Lineup: Don Walsh (guitar), Hock Walsh (vocals), Jim Milne (bass), Cash Wall (drums), Dave Woodward/Ron Jacobs (saxophones)
Links: Downchild, More Downchild Stories, Videos above courtesy of Downchild - Topic, More Album 50th Anniversaries
Previous (More Stony Plain Releases) - - - Next (St. Catharines Arts Awards Winners)
Thursday, November 18, 2021
Incredible New Releases from Waterdown's Stony Plain Records! Sue Foley, Steve Marriner, Maria Muldaur
We'll be occasionally showcasing the fabulous recordings they recently released.
Released October 22, 2021
Links: Sue Foley, More Sue Foley Stories, Video above courtesy of Folk Roots and Roots
Steve Marriner: Hope Dies Last
Release July 2, 2021
Links: Steve Marriner, More Steve Marriner Stories, Video above courtesy of Folk Roots and Roots
Maria Muldaur - Vaccinated and I'm Ready for Love (Single)
Links: Maria Muldaur, More Maria Muldaur Stories, Video above courtesy of Folk Roots and Roots
Links: Stony Plain Records, More Stony Plain Records Stories, More Linus Entertainment Stories, More Releases
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Sunday, November 14, 2021
Happy National Drumming Day! Videos by Adam Bowman
Links: Jason Raso, More Jason Raso Stories
Saturday, November 13, 2021
Waterdown's Karen Thornton Glides Through Bluesy, Jazzy Landscape on New Album
Waterdown's Karen Thornton has returned with an incredible new album, Worth the Wait. The lady approaches Jazz with more of a singer/songwriter vibe sprinkled with soul. Her passionate vocals and splendid piano work just glide along the bluesy, jazzy landscape.
Karen's partners in crime are no slouches either. The main band includes Paul Intson (bass), Jason Fowler (guitar), Maureen Brown (percussion), Steve O'Connor (organ), Jason Logue (trumpet), Rob Sommerville (trombone, tuba), Leo Sullivan (tenor sax, clarinet) along with backup vocals by Nicola Mitchell & Carla Small. Other guests include Rick Gratton (drums), Ravi Naimpally (tabla), Ron Korb (bass flute) and Caitlin Boyle (viola)
If you want a copy of this amazing CD, you can contacting her at her website (CD) or download it via Bandcamp.
You can stream the album below or by clicking here.
Previous (Remembrance Day Videos) - - - (National Drumming Day Videos)
Wednesday, November 10, 2021
Sunday, November 7, 2021
50th Anniversary of 'Led Zeppelin IV' + Local Covers
Today (November 8, 2021) is the 50th anniversary of Led Zeppelin's 4th album (though officially untitled, most people know it as Led Zeppelin IV or ZOSO)
Trivia:
- Release date: November 8, 1971on Atlantic Records
- Produced by Jimmy Page
- Recorded partially at Abbey Road.
- Guests: Sandy Denny (Fairport Convention), vocals on 'Battle of Evermore' and Ian Stewart (Rolling Stones on 'Rock and Roll')
Below are a few local covers of songs from the album.
And now a song from the band:
Links: Led Zeppelin, More Led Zeppelin Stories, Sandy Denny, Video above courtesy of Led Zeppelin, More Album 50th Anniversaries
Previous (World Saxophone Day Videos) - - - Next (Remembrance Day Videos)
Please Support Local Charities
From their website:
Holiday Wish Hamilton is comprised of a small group of caring and compassionate people that work tirelessly to help those less fortunate in our community during the holiday season.There are many reasons why people are in need, a recent job loss, an illness in the family, bereavement, the list is endless. We give to those who need that little pick me up, just a little bit of the hope to bring them some holiday spirit.
The Hamilton Blues Lovers (HBL) want to showcase a deserving local charity every week. HBL is not affiliated with these charities nor does it fund raise for them.
Friday, November 5, 2021
Happy 'World Saxophone Day'! Videos by Mary Kovacs
Video above courtesy of Mary Kovacs
Video above courtesy of Robert Manley
Links: Mary Kovas, More Mary Kovacs Stories, More Sax Day Videos
Thursday, November 4, 2021
GOOD LUCK! 2022 Maple Blues Award Nominations Including Local Artists! VOTE!
From the Maple Blues newsletter
There’s no stopping the blues – not even a second year of a global pandemic. In a year like no other, 2021 has proven that Canadian blues artists are tenacious, forward-thinking, and incredibly creative in the face of adversity. Despite ongoing challenges and changes, Toronto Blues Society continues to support and promote Canadian Blues artists by announcing the nominees for the upcoming 25th annual Maple Blues Awards. The winners will be announced on January 31, 2022 at the LIVE Maple Blues Award Show to be held at Koerner Hall in Toronto,
Blues fans can cast their votes online at www.mapleblues.ca. Public Voting opens November 3, 2021 at 12:01 am Eastern Time and closes December 1, 2021, 11:59 pm Eastern .
Here's a complete list of nominees:
Local artists are bolded.
Acoustic Act
- Harrison Kennedy (Hamilton)
Links: Harrison Kennedy, More Harrison Kennedy Stories, Video above courtesy of Harrison Kennedy - Topic - Brandon Isaak
- David Gogo & Steve Marriner
- Rick Fines
- Rob Lutes
Male Vocalist
- Harrison Kennedy (Hamilton)
- Chuck Jackson (Brantford)
- Colin James
- Matt Andersen
- Steve Marriner
Blues with a Feeling Award (Lifetime Achievement Award)
- Harrison Kennedy (Hamilton)
- Murray Porter (Six-Nations)
- Alec Fraser
- Bobby Dean Blackburn
- Brent Parkin
- Dalannah Gail Bowen
- Danny Brooks
- Shakura S’Aida
- Tom Lavin
Electric Act
- Jack de Keyzer (Hamilton)
Links: Jack de Keyzer, More Jack de Keyzer Stories, Video above courtesy of Jack de Keyzer - Colin James
- MonkeyJunk
- Samantha Martin & Delta Sugar
- Sue Foley
Recording/Producer
- Jack de Keyzer (Hamilton) – Tribute (Jack de Keyzer, Producer)
- Steve Marriner - Hope Dies Last (from Waterdown's Stony Plain Records) (Steve Marriner, Producer)
- Sue Foley - Pinky’s Blues (from Waterdown's Stony Plain Records) (Mike Flanigin, Producer)
- Colin Linden – bLOW (Colin Linden, Producer)
- Samantha Martin & Delta Sugar - The Reckless One (Darcy Yates & Renan Yildizdogan, Producers)
Guitarist
- Jack de Keyzer (Hamilton)
- David Gogo
- Garrett Mason
- Sue Foley
- Tony D
Piano/Keyboard
- Jesse O' Brien (Hamilton)
- David Vest
- Duane Blackburn
- Kenny "Blues Boss" Wayne
- Lance Anderson
Horn Player
- Richard Thornton (Hamilton)
- Alison Young
- Chris Whiteley
- Mat 'Moose' Mousseau
- Mike Clark
New Artist
- Lowdown Dirty Mojos (Hamilton)
Links: The Lowdown Dirty Mojos, More Mojos Stories, Video above courtesy of tvjer1 - Beauwater
- Broke Fuse
- Endrick & The Sandwiches
- Shakey Trill
Bassist
- Gary Kendall (Niagara)
- Alan Duffy
- Alec Fraser
- Alec McElcheran
- Keith Picot
Drummer
- Jim Casson (Niagara)
- Tom Bona (Waterloo's Soulstack)
- Gary Craig
- Lindsay Beaver
- Matt Sobb
Harmonica Player
- Roly Platt (Simcoe)
- David Rotundo
- Guy Bélanger
- Harpdog Brown
- Steve Marriner
Entertainer
- David Gogo
- Dawn Tyler Watson
- Samantha Martin & Delta Sugar
- Steve Marriner
- Sue Foley
Female Vocalist
- Crystal Shawanda
- Dawn Tyler Watson
- Dione Taylor
- Miss Emily
- Samantha Martin
International Artist
- Bonnie Raitt
- Christone “Kingfish” Ingram
- Elvin Bishop
- Larkin Poe
- Tedeschi Trucks Band
Songwriter
- Colin Linden
- Kat Danser
- Rick Fines
- Steve Marinner
- Sue Foley
Sunday, October 31, 2021
Saturday, October 30, 2021
Sunday, October 24, 2021
Happy 'Punk for a Day' Day! Videos by Pantychrist, Saint Alvia, Creepshow
Links: Pantychrist, Video above courtesy of Richard Dryfist
Links: More Punk Stories, More Punk Day Videos
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