Nominees for the the first ever Summer Solstice Indigenous Music Awards have been unveiled and quite a few local artists are on the list. Hopefully, they'll be honoured at the online ceremony on June 12, 2021.
From the website:
The SSIMAs will present awards representing a variety of music genres as well as awards for cultural contribution, significance, legacy and social voice. The award show itself will be two hours in length including the presentation of awards to the winners, as well as live performances from finalists throughout the evening.
Below is a complete list of nominees. Local acts are bolded.
Congratulations to the shortlisted 2021Arts Awards nominees! These remarkable local artists, arts collectives, arts community leaders and volunteers have been named to the 2021 City of Hamilton Arts Awards Short List in three categories:
Lifetime Achievement Award: Recognizes those who have contributed substantially to the artistic vitality of the city over the course of a career
Arts Champion Award: Honours the work of arts sector volunteers, advocates, or board members who are essential in supporting success in the arts community.
Creator Award: Conferred to individual artists and artistic collectives (including bands) working in any artistic discipline and at any career level.
A panel of 45 local artists and arts professionals evaluated 122 public nominations for the 2021 Arts Awards, shortlisting 37 nominees to move forward for final adjudication for an award.
Award recipients in all categories will be announced via an online presentation during Hamilton Arts Week (June 3 to 12, 2021).
Here's the complete short list. Music-related nominees are bolded.
It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Tim Sinnett, the founder of Thorold's Canal Bank Shuffle Blues Festival. He passed away on May 24, 2021. Our condolences to his family and friends.
Blues fans in Thorold and beyond are deeply saddened and shocked after hearing we've lost the man behind the Canal Bank Shuffle and Blues on the Battlefield. We received word this morning that the artistic director and driving force behind these events, and many more, Tim Sinnett, passed away suddenly last evening in hospital. We ask that family members are not disturbed at this difficult time.
This is very sad news. Sincere condolences to Lynne and Tim's family. Oddly enough, I put on my Canal Bank Shuffle T-shirt when I got up today and thought to give Tim a call. Then I saw this post... We would occasionally call just to catch up. Tim was one of my fave music people to deal with. A friendly soul who will be missed for sure. He was very generous in giving Fathead and my own solo show many high profile slots at his festival over the years. He also arranged for Fathead to go to Memphis for the IBCs many years ago. Tim & Lynne were frequent patrons of all the guest spots in the Niagara region. Tim was so supportive of so many musicians!!! I know he will be missed by many. Thank you for everything Tim!!!!
So sorry to hear this very sad news. Tim was one of the best guys I ever had the pleasure of working with. One of the most supportive, he helped so many blues artists. He was also one of the few that integrated US and Canadian musicians in the Canal Bank Festival. A real solid guy and class act. Condolences to his family, legions of friends and all the musicians who worked with him. RIP Tim Sinnett.
Very sad and shocking news , Tim has always been such a support and great friend to me and hundreds of other blues musicians all over the world . He was truly the mover and shaker in Southern Ontario blues scene . My deepest heartfelt condolences to Tim's family and many friends .
A word from Lou, our blogger
I got to meet Tim at the last Blues Shuffle and he was a very friendly and knowledgeable about the world and Canadian Blues scene.
It is with sadness that we announce the passing of bassist, artist, teacher and business owner, Bob Kirkpatrick. The former Hamiltonian and current Oakville resident passed away on May 26, 2021. Our condolences to his family, friends and fans.
Social Media Reaction
Andrew Kirkpatrick (son)
My father Bob Kirkpatrick passed away this morning. Many of you knew him from the stores he used to own. Music was his passion and he loved to share that with with world. Although sometimes stubborn, he touched many lives for the better. There was so much more I wish I got to experience and see with you. I love you dad ❤️ I wish we got more time together.
It is with a heavy and broken heart that I have to say goodbye to my good friend, former bandmate and superb human being in Mr. Bob Kirkpatrick .... or as I called him " Rock Bobster! Along side our drummer and vocalist George Kaloxilos , Bob would bring his knowledge and experience into our band and provide the groove. I loved the man and was shaken up when I heard of his passing away this morning. God bless you and your loved ones Mr. Kirkpatrick! May healing come soon for us here on earth and may you rest peacefully in the hands of God Bob. ..... you will be dearly missed. ❤ Thank you for gracing my life.
It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Mississauga musician Ron Baumber. He lost his brave battle with COVID-19 on May 19, 2021.
Ron was a regular part of the Oakville music scene as he played the area regularly, including many performances at the Moonshine Cafe.
Social Media Reactions
Ryan Baumber (son)
Dear Dad,
I still can’t believe I lost my bestfriend. There so many things I’d like to tell you. I either lack the words or fail to find the time or place. The memories of childhood days and all that you have done to make our home a happy place and growing up such fun.
First I’m proud to say I’m the luckiest son to have you as my father, even though we have ups and down but you never give up on me instead you give me your unconditional love. I will missed the time we spent together watching CP24 all day, I will missed the time that you will asked me to cut your toenails using the saw (jokes), you called me Ryan Jacob Baumber as the new member of American idol, I will missed my mid morning routine saying I love you to you and giving you my big hug over and over.
Lastly, it’s not gonna be the same watching Roughriders play knowing you're not there to cheer with me . We were inseparable, I don’t have many friends but you I would also called my best friend, my rock, my idol. I’ll keep these precious memories as cherished souvenirs. My bestfriend, I love you so much Dad!!!
Danielle Baumber (daughter)
Dear Daddy,
I don’t even know where to begin. My heart is shattered in pieces. I want to start by thanking you for stepping up when our mom left. Most men would have walked away but You worked 3 jobs to take care of us all and make sure we had everything we needed and more. You were my rock, I’m gonna miss picking on you and licking your glass before you could drink out of it or hiding your cup when you turned around to put the water back in the fridge. I’ll miss our days of watching Jeopardy together & you knowing all the answers. Dinners will never be the same without you to roast. I wish you could yell at me one more time for messing with the thermostat & or leaving the garage door open.
Even though we lived together we would FaceTime or talk on the phone every day while I was at work. What I would give to hear you tell me you loved me one more time. You were the smartest man I know. You’ve taught me so much in life but mostly you taught me that family is everything. You literally lived your life for your kids. You gave up so much so that we could have a good safe life & I am forever grateful for that. I’ll always remember the days of riding in your taxi and getting tips from your customers. Even though I made a lot of mistakes in my life you were always there for me no matter how bad I was. You always accepted me back home with open arms. I promise to take care of Erin, Ryan and Tanya for you.
Erin Baumber (daughter)
Daddy, my heart is broken... I never thought I would be saying goodbye to you at 25. I would do anything for one more hug from you. To hear you call me baby bear or bunny one more time. To tell you I love you one more time. I haven’t been able to sleep since you left me.
All I can think about is all the Sunday Swims we went to when I was little and scootering around Lake Aquitaine. Our recent trip to Banff where you told me all the routes and directed me to cool places that google can’t even tell you because you’re literally human Wikipedia. Sitting 4 of us in the TV room 2 on chairs and 2 on the floor watching EVERY basketball game together. It makes me feel so happy knowing I took you to your first basketball game ever, your favourite team and got you post game tickets. I loved seeing you happy.
I'm so proud to have you as my father, the musical genius that you are with an amazing heart and soul for people in need. I love you for always supporting my art you’re such an influence on me and you don’t even know. These last 4+ weeks have destroyed my family to say the least. All testing positive for Covid, my dad and I being admitted to the hospital because we couldn’t breathe from Covid, my nephew getting admitted to the hospital for a dog bite. And now losing our best friend to COVID.
We’re lost without you Daddy, we already don’t know what to do. Come back and yell Danielle for touching the thermostat in the house, or Ryan for not taking the garbage out. Let me steal your drink so Danielle and I can drink it all and give it back empty, or eat all the ice cubes in the machine so you have none left. We don’t function without you. It breaks my heart that I promised you you wouldn’t die, if I had one wish it would be to make sure I came through on that promise I made to you. You tried fighting Daddy and we saw that. We know you were tired of fighting and it was time to go.
Although you won’t physically be with me anymore I hope you visit me in my dreams and watch over me always. I’ll forever be playing your songs to remind me of you. One promise I need from you is to still be with me at my future wedding, and when I have my own children. You really have no idea how many people love you. I’ll miss you and love you forever Papa, wait for me upstairs ❤️ - Love your baby girl
What can you say about Ron Baumber that hasn't now been said by the dozens and dozens of tributes pouring in for this beloved man? Ron had a way of making everyone feel like they were his special friend. His kindness knew no bounds. His music brought a hush to the room. His humour was warm. He always had a twinkle in his eye, and he always had some new plan that he would hint about, but never tell you.
I knew Ron through my years of participating in, and then hosting, the Moonshine Cafe Open Mic. He was such a great supporter of the 'Shine and the cast of characters that would show up to share their talents. Ron often came by even if he had no plans to play. He just wanted to be where the music was.
Ron, your presence will be deeply missed. My condolences to your lovely family, and the many, many friends you have touched. Goodbye, friend.
I am so sad to hear of covid 19 taking the life of my musical buddy .... Ron Baumber . Devastating. 😔
Ron was not only a highly skilled musician ... but was a truly supportive and compassionate human being.
I was lucky enough to meet Ron years ago, through the music community at the Moonshine Cafe. He was always supportive and encouraging to me for my original music. He actually liked most of my tunes that he heard! 🙂
One thing for sure about Ron ... he truly loved his kids/family and friends ... and made no bones about it.
He was a good man and will be missed very much.
Our heart felt condolences to Ron's family.
The Moonshine Cafe Open Mic produced a wonderful tribute to Ron.
There is a local connection to the album. Hamilton Blues legend, Harrison Kennedy played harmonica on the sessions for the album when he was a member of the Detroit group, Chairmen of the Board. Unfortunately, none of his work was used for the final recording but he has fond memories of the experience.
"Competition for recording with any of the major groups was intense," Harrison said, "That’s what I respected about the work ethic those days."
Kitchener singer/songwriter/keyboardist John Lee is the 2021 winner of the Mel Brown Blues Award. It is named in honour of the late, legendary Kitchener bluesman.
John has worked with many other musicians throughout his career and has appeared on many recordings, as both a musician and recording engineer/producer.
John has mentored countless musicians over the years, and is an instructor at the annual Grand River Blues Camp. He is currently working on his own CD that will be available soon as a digital download.
The 32nd SOCAN Awards will be handed out on the week of May 24, 2021 but SOCAN recently announced the winners of a series of new Guardian Awards. These awards are to honour people who helped boost Canadian music over the years. It's all part of the 50th anniversary of the Canadian Content (aka CanCon) rules. A number of amazing local people got the nod.
Here is a complete list of winners - area ones are bolded:
It is with sadness that we announce the passing of rock superstar Phil Naro. He died on May 3, 2021 after a brave battle with cancer.
Phil was an international rock star. Born in New York, he played in the band Talas with legendary bassist Billy Sheehan (Mr. Big, David Lee Roth) and sang on KISS drummer Peter Criss' solo album Cat #1. He moved to Toronto and played as a solo performer as well as numerous bands such as DDrive, Zeppelin tribute Ozone Baby, and Hamilton's Sarasin (he recorded the album, The Last Word with them).
A message from Lou, our blogger.
"I've been a fan of Phil's ever since I got a cassette of the band Talas out of the library. I noticed how much better the second side was and realized that was because Phil was the singer on those tracks. I've followed his career ever since and was happy when I found out he was now Canadian and hanging out next door in T.O. I managed to catch him live as a member of Sarasin during their CD release. He was absolutely incredible."
Phil Naro. One of the finest human beings I have ever known. I’m deeply saddened to report his passing. He fought a valiant battle till the end, and inspired all who knew him to stay positive and keep going against all odds.
Phil wouldn’t get through a set in a pub without calling me up to play Yes or McCartney, who else can sing those songs in full voice? We had some great times with Druckfarben, but the highlight and my fondest memory of Phil was playing Detroit Rock City at the Phoenix in full Kiss make up and Dressed To Kill suits, he’d do his best Paul Stanley impersonation...”Listen....!” and we’d crack up and he’d do it again! I’d always tell him he was my favourite singer and Phil would reply with some gracious comment. My condolences to his many band members and musical collaborators, friends and family.
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