The 2022 Maple Blues Awards were handed out on June 20, 2022 at a wonderful ceremony at the Koerner Hall in Toronto,
Here's a complete list of winners:
Local artists are bolded.
I was lucky enough to see Jake quite a number of times and he was constantly full of life and had a smile on his face. You could see Jake loved what he did and was go great it. His lyrics were sharp and witty and his guitar skills were always world-class. I will miss him terribly.
He was very kind to me and invited me into his home when he first moved to Hamilton. I was very lucky and honored to play with such an amazing talent. He was in a league of players of their own. My heart goes out to the family and the family of musicians and fans he affected. Rest well my friend.
Dear Big Rude Jake: I'd say I have no words but there are plenty. Until I can muster a sentence up without crying i can peep out that I love you, respect you and will always remember you. Maybe that'll do for now. Every lightning strike and thunder crash I'll know that its you and your pals gettin' the band warmed up in heaven - taunting us earthly folks of the party that awaits. I'll be on my best behavior (mostly) so I can meet you up there one day . the good Lord raised His hand and has taken you home. We can find comfort in knowing you are at rest. Ladies and Gentleman Big Rude Jake. Whatta guy!
Jake dreamed big and rode a wave that inspired many of us who loved swing, jump, early jazz and blues to make Toronto a home for our music.
JakeFest in his honour last week was filled with love for the man and his tunes that uplifted us all.
One of the best nights of music I’ve experienced in Toronto. A fitting evening to honour an important member of our musical family.
Richard Underhill (Shuffle Demons)
A loving farewell to Big Rude Jake Hiebert, an erudite and dapper man with a heart of gold and a wit sharper than a Bowery barber's razor. Thank for the impossibly witty lyrics, the soulful singing and the meaningful music that touched everyone in the bar and let them dream that they too were living the bohemian life of a crooning troubadour. I'm so lucky to have played and chatted, noshed and laughed with such a beautiful man. Sincere and deep condolences to his family, friends, colleagues and fans. We've lost a great one and somehow we'll have to soldier on without him. He'd want you to Live Large and follow your dreams. And damn the barricades!
Video above courtesy of Big Rude Jake
Video above courtesy of Big Rude Jake
Links: Big Rude Jake, More Big Rude Jake Stories, Video above courtesy of Big Rude Jake
Sure Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars was in my opinion and probably in all of our opinions one of the greatest albums ever.
It didn’t leave my tape deck for a year. It’s mesmerizing from start to finish: the production is beautiful and warm, it’s lyrically amazing, it’s one of the best album I’ve ever heard to this day.
Personally it inspired me the way I write music the limitless boundaries of creativity: no fences, no genre - phenomenal.
On June 4, 2022 CHML 900AM in Hamilton aired another fabulous episode of the 'Sold On Hamilton with Judy Marsales' radio show.
This wonderful show is generally broadcast on the first Saturday on the month between 11am and 12pm. It is hosted by Judy Marsales, owner of Judy Marsales Real Estate Ltd (a proud HBL sponsor) and an amazing local music supporter. The program showcases the best and brightest citizens of the Hammer, including many musicians. Judy also discusses the Hamilton housing market.
The June 4, 2022 show featured Gord Conroy of Theatre Ancaster, Cindy Hawryluk (Westdale BIA & Ancaster BIA) and real estate broker, Catherine Palmer from Judy Marsales Real Estate Ltd.
Links: Show above courtesy of Global News, Sold on Hamilton, More 'Sold on Hamilton' Stories
Video above courtesy of Erin Bree Pierce
As I watched the Wizard of Oz as an 8 year old child, and heard Judy Garland singing Over the Rainbow for the first time, I knew right then and there, I wanted to be a singer when I grew up. It was a defining moment in my life - she inspired me to become a singer and performer.
