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Wednesday, August 31, 2022
Friday, August 26, 2022
Thursday, August 25, 2022
Tuesday, August 23, 2022
Award-Winning Musician, Peter Shea, was Esteemed Member of Jazz Community, RIP
Career highlights
- 1995: Earned degree in Jazz Performance and Composition at University of Toronto
- 2006: Met with Juliet Dunn (who became his wife and musical partner)
- 2014: Co-founded Niagara Jazz Festival
- Performed with Phil Dwyer, Pat LaBarbera, Graham Lear, Heather Bambrick, June Garber and man more.
From his wife Juliet Dunn
Dear friends,
It is with such a heavy heart to announce that my dearest friend, my husband, and my life partner, Peter Shea, has passed away. Peter had been ill since 2018 and was only diagnosed in June of 2020 with cancer and has been battling ever since. He has been so courageous and graceful and strong but he is finally out of pain and at peace. He will always be with us and will be missed by many.
I am heartbroken and there are truly no words.
I will be sharing a link tomorrow that will allow people to share their sweet memories, photos and stories of Peter.
Thank you for all of your support.
All my love,
Juliet
Media Links
Social Media Reaction
David Restivo (Musician)
Peter and I hung out in Dubai many years ago when we both had long-term gigs in the UAE. More recently, as he and his wonderful wife and business partner, vocalist Juliet Dunn , created a festival and carved out a vibrant musical scene in the Niagara region, we had opportunities to collaborate musically.Pete oozed music out of his pores--he was a gifted pianist, drummer, and vocalist whose zest for life came through in every note he played, and we used to have a blast switching instruments on those occasions when we got to play together.I spoke to him about a month ago, and I knew he was fighting for his life, but he sounded upbeat and optimistic, always sunny...he was excited about a new Hammond organ he'd acquired, and we talked about collaborating on future projects. Alas, that will not come to pass.My thoughts are with Juliet right now, who has already suffered unbearable losses recently and this just feels like too much. Juliet, I hope you know how much you and Peter are loved in our musical family, and I hope you can feel the collective hug from all of us in this painful time. ❤️
Krysta Lee Gorman (photographer)
I have known and worked on various projects with Peter and Juliet over the last 20 years. I have had the privilege of watching them create so much joy and beauty with their music. My heart aches for dear Juliet who has had to endure more loss this year than anyone should ever have to with the passing of her sister, mother and now her loving husband.I watched these last few months as both Peter and Juliet worked to keep moving forward with positivity and love, even with a grim prognosis. Peter pushed himself to keep playing for as long as he could, to find healing through music.
There is a celebration of life planned for September 12th at White Oakes at 6pm for those who knew and loved him.
RIP Peter. 💔 My condolences to Juliet, your family and the entire music community who lost one of the greats today. Thank you for sharing your talent and art with us all.
Links: Kevin Turcotte, Video above courtesy of Peter Shea
Links: Juliet Dunn, More Juliet Dunn Stories, Video above courtesy of Juliet Dunn
Links: Peter Shea, More Peter Shea Stories, Video above courtesy of Juliet Dunn
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Sunday, August 21, 2022
Happy Poet's Day (Videos by Jeff Seffinga, Janice Jo Lee, Gary Barwin, Klyde Broox)
Update of 2019 Post
Links: Jeff Seffinga, Video above courtesy of BLUEANGELGALLERY
Links: Janice Jo Lee, More Janice Jo Lee Stories, Video above courtesy of Janice Lee
Links: Gary Barwin, Video above courtesy of Gary Barwin
Links: Klyde Broox, Video above courtesy of Decolonizing Mindsets
Thursday, August 18, 2022
Dundas Musician Ella Medakovic Was a Beautiful Soul, RIP
It is with sadness that we announce that Dundas musician Ella Medakovic passed away on August 16, 2022. Our condolences to her friends, family and fans.
From her father, singer/songwriter Dan Medakovic
RIP Ella Grace Medakovic Feb 26,2001 - Aug 16, 2022.
We are absolutely devastated to announce the death of our beautiful daughter Ella Medakovic who died peacefully in her sleep yesterday morning,
For those who knew her well, you will know she was an incredibly kind, generous and loving person, who cared deeply for all of the people in her life.
She tried so hard, and she deserved so much more. Our hearts are broken. She was a beautiful soul, who lived and loved big.
Video above courtesy of Dan Medakovic
Links: More Bob Dylan Covers/Stories, Video above courtesy of Dan Medakovic
Links: Dan Medakovic, More Dan Medakovic Stories, Video above courtesy of Dan Medakovic
Previous (New Spencer Mackenzie Album) - - - Next (Poet's Day Videos)
Saturday, August 13, 2022
Spencer Mackenzie Tops Himself With Phenomenal New Album
Niagara Blues master Spencer Mackenzie has been topping himself with every release and his latest phenomenal album, Preach to My Soul, is no different. This Gypsy Soul Records release (distributed by Warner Canada) is a massive step forward.
Spencer's youthful vibrancy is still in place plus he's added lot more sweet soul to his repertoire. His voice projects the experience of musicians two times his age. Whether he's rockin' out, getting his gospel on or slinking through a beautiful slow number, Spencer's playing grabs your attention and doesn't let go.
The singer/guitar slinger is aided and abetted by Miles Evans (keys), Steve Pelletier (bass), Adam Cannon (drums), Ross Hayes-Citrullo (producer, guitars on two tacks), Steve Strongman (guitar on Paranoia Blues), Chantal Williams (background vocals), Julian Nalli, and Stephen Dyte (trumpet)
Get your hands on this astounding album at his powerful live shows or Spencer's website. It also available on Spotify to stream.
Video above courtesy of Spencer Mackenzie - Topic
Links: Steve Strongman, More Steve Strongman Stories, Video above courtesy of Spencer Mackenzie - Topic
Links: Spencer Mackenzie, More Spencer Mackenzie Stories, Video above courtesy of Spencer Mackenzie - Topic, More Releases
Previous (Teenage Head Guitarist Gordie Lewis Passes) - - - Next (Ella Medakovic Passes)
Monday, August 8, 2022
Legendary Teenage Head Guitarist Gordie Lewis Passes
It is with sadness that we announce the passing of legendary Teenage Head guitarist Gordie Lewis, who was found dead on Sunday, August 2, 2022 after an apparent murder (his son has been charged). Details will be updated as we know them.
Media Links
A word from Lou, our blogger:
The world has lost a guitar legend. I was lucky enough to catch him performing numerous times and talking with him on a few occasions. He was a wonderful, sweet man and was a true guitar master. My favouite memory of was when he played Gage Park, soloing on his guitar until the cops had to come and shut things down. How rock and roll is that? RIP Gord.
Social Media Reaction
We may add more later on
We are heartbroken and still trying to process the loss of our friend, bandmate and brother Gord Lewis Our hearts are with his family and all that knew and loved him. Gord was a force and an inspiration to many. You were taken from us far too soon.
Gene Champagne (Teenage Head Drummer)
I am utterly heartbroken. I am going to miss trying to make you laugh. All your stories... I will never never forget how much you inspired me and believed in me and made me believe in myself.
You are and always will be my hero. I love you Gord. Rest in Peace
Tom Wilson (Junkhouse, Blackie and the Rodeo Kings)
Gord Lewis was friend, a gentle man with a wild desire who burned up the air with a Les Paul Jr & a Marshall stack. He was a pioneer who took us where we’d never been. Thanks for showing us the way Gord. We’ll continue to follow your spirit in your absence.
Brad Germain (Golden Feather)
Tributes are pouring in for a reason. I’ve never heard a person say a bad word about you Gordie Lewis ❤️
Loved playing music with you - loved waiting for you to be ready to start - loved talking to you always. You were always so supportive of me as I learned and grew.
Loved watching you play - effortless style and grace, and pure volume ☺️
You meant so much to our whole community, and all of us are heartbroken to lose you.
I’m hearing you sing “The Right Stuff” by Robert Calvert in my head right now, and I’m crying for you Gord. I love you always and forever.
To all my friends that knew him - I love you all, hold him in you with lightness and warmth. He’ll be missed forever.
Gordie, I love you forever and always. ❤️
The sweetest, kindest, most gentle human.
Thank you for your inspiration, love and support.
Thanks for saving my ass the first time I was to ever perform an original song of mine. I asked if you could play guitar with me and without hesitation you obliged.
Thank you for welcoming me so warmly into your world and for teaching me so much.
❤️ You’re in my heart forever. ❤️
To all my friends who are hurting right now, I can’t wait to hug you and share stories about our beloved Gordie. Xoxo
We are all so devastated by the death of legend Gord Lewis💔. I was always so starstruck by him that all I could do was say hello, I couldn’t talk! I was a huge Teenage Head fan when I first started out with my band The Last Resorts and the pinnacle of our career was getting to open for Teenage Head at Erindale College! We always hoped for world domination for them and were so spoiled by their local performances. I was asked to sing with the band after Frank died and I was told they would “bat me around like I was in a pinball machine”…and indeed they did! RIP Gord…we won’t forget.❤️💔❤️
He was a true gentle man, and always treated me with utmost respect and kindness. Many great conversations about music. RIP and condolences to his family and all the many who loved him. 💔 Hamilton and the world have lost a truly great, influential musician.
Video above courtesy of Blüm Media
Links: Headstones, More Headstones Stories, Video above courtesy of superfannrock
Links: Teenage Head, More Teenage Head Stories, Video above courtesy of surrealiststreetgang
Previous (30 Years Ago: Our Blogger Publishes Just for Fun #1) - - - Next (New Spencer Mackenzie Album)
Saturday, August 6, 2022
30 Years Ago Today: Our Blogger, Lou Publishes Just For Fun #1
A word from Lou, our blogger:
I know this is supposed to be a music blog but I'd like to celebrate the anniversary of a fun, important time my life.
30 years ago today (August 7, 1992) I published the first issue of Just for Fun.
After graduating from Sheridan College in Print Journalism, I realized that becoming a reporter was not in the cards for me. I did, however, develop a love for computerized graphic design.
I had an idea. At the time, there were lots of free magazines about music, sports, local news and more. Why wasn't there anything for kids? I came up with, Just for Fun, a free children's magazine.
I had quite a bit of help:
- I hired my fellow graduate, Joe Morgante to handle the all-important ad sales and much more. He even managed to get McDonald's on board for the first issue (quite the feat!)
- Hamilton cartoonist (also a Sheridan grad) Greg Hyland did an incredible job on the artwork.
- My cousin Sofia (7 at the time) was the first cover model - I wanted the covers to be of kids and their pets.
- Family friend, Kathy Lang supplied art for the Kid's Page, where children could submit art, writing and more.
Unfortunately, after the second issue (I will post that one up soon), I started losing too much money and had to stop publishing. I now look on this experience with fondness - it was great to run my own business for a while. It also helped cement my love of computers, which evolved into my current career.
Previous (More Stony Plain Releases) - - - Next (Teenage Head Guitarist Gordie Lewis Passes)
Friday, August 5, 2022
Fabulous New Releases from Waterdown's Stony Plain Records! Kenny "Blues Boss" Wayne, Duke Robillard, Ronnie Earl
We'll be occasionally showcasing the fabulous recordings they recently released.
Kenny "Blues Boss" Wayne: Blues From Chicago To Paris
Released March 4, 2022
Note: Covers of Memphis Slim & Willie Dixon songs
Links: Kenny "Blues Boss" Wayne, More Kenny "Blues Boss" Stories, More Willie Dixon Covers/Stories, Video above courtesy of Kenny 'Blues Boss' Wayne - Topic
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Released March 18, 2022
Links: Duke Robillard, More Duke Robillard Stories, Video above courtesy of Folk Roots and Roots
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Released April 15, 2022
Links: Ronnie Earl, More Ronnie Earl Stories, Video above courtesy of Folk Roots and Roots
Links: Stony Plain Records, More Stony Plain Records Stories, More Linus Entertainment Stories, More Releases
Previous (Canadian Country Music Award Nominations) - - - Next (30 Years Ago: Our Blogger Publishes Just for Fun #1)
Wednesday, August 3, 2022
GOOD LUCK! Local 2022 Canadian Country Music Award Nominees
A number of area artists were nominated for 2022 Canadian Country Music Awards (CCMA). Hopefully, a few of them will return home with the hardware after the ceremony on September 11, 2022 in Calgary.
GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!
Below is a complete list of nominees (local artists are bolded)
Creative Director(s)
- Austin Chaffe (Reklaws - Cambridge)
- Mitchell Nevins (Tim Hicks - St. Catharines)
- Alee
- Chris Cavill, Chris Doi, Kyle McKearney, Jeffrey Ojeda
- Bronwin Parks
Fan's Choice
- The Reklaws (Cambridge)
- Tenille Arts
- Dean Brody
- Jade Eagleson
- High Valley
- James Barker Band
- Brett Kissel
- Tyler Joe Miller
- Robyn Ottolini
- Dallas Smith
- Tenille Townes
Fiddle
- Linsey Beckett (Brantford)
- Tyler Beckett (Brantford)
- Denis Dufresne
- Julie Kennedy
- Mike Sanyshyn
Group or Duo
- The Reklaws (Cambridge)
- High Valley
- Hunter Brothers
- James Barker Band
- Tim & The Glory Boys
Interactive Artist
- The Reklaws (Cambridge)
- Hailey Benedict
- Aaron Goodvin
- Hunter Brothers
- James Barker Band
Radio Station (Large Market)
- CHKX-FM – Hamilton, ON
- CFCW – Edmonton, AB
- CJJR-FM – Vancouver, BC
- CJKX-FM – Oshawa, ON
- CKKL-FM – Ottawa, ON
Radio Station (Medium/Small Market)
- CKDK-FM – Woodstock, ON
- CHCQ-FM – Belleville, ON
- CJXL-FM – Moncton, NB
- CKGY-FM – Red Deer, AB
- CKLJ-FM – Olds, AB
Record Producer
- Danick Dupelle, Tebey Ottoh (Burlington) - Single: Tebey - What Was I Drinking
- Deric Ruttan - Single: Tim Hicks - Whiskey Does
- Dan Davidson - Single: Hailey Benedict - Wanted You To
- Danick Dupelle - Single: Tyler Joe Miller- Wild As Her
- Joey Moi- Single: Dallas Smith - Hide From A Broken Heart
Rising Star
- Nate Haller (Waterloo)
Links: Nate Haller, Reklaws, More Reklaws Stories, Brett Kissel, More Brett Kissel Stories, Video above courtesy of Nate Heller - Josh Ross (Burlington)
Links: Josh Ross, Video above courtesy of JOSS ROSS - Hailey Benedict
- Andrew Hyatt
- Sacha
Songwriter(s)
- Whiskey Does - Tim Hicks (St. Catharines) (Co-written by Monty Criswell, Deric Ruttan)
- Girl Who Didn’t Care - Tenille Townes) (co-written by Steph Jones, David Pramik)
- Pickup - MacKenzie Porter (co-written by Will Bundy, Lydia Vaughan)
- Rebel Phase - The Prairie States (written by Matthew Cardinal, Doc de Groot, Jay Der, Jeff Dick, Mike Nash, Aaron Pollock, Chris Yurchuck)
- Right On Time - Lindsay Ell (co-written by Jordan Schmidt, Geoffrey Warburton)
Specialty Instrument
- Shane Guse (Waterloo)
- Johnny Gasparic
- Mitch Jay
- Connor Riddell
- Katie Rox
Steel Guitar Player
- Chris Altmann (Hamilton)
- Doug Johnson
- Mitch Jay
Video
- Whiskey Does – Tim Hicks
Links: Tim Hicks, More Tim Hicks Stories, Video above courtesy of Tim Hicks - Girl Who Didn’t Care – Tenille Townes
- Heaven On Dirt – Gord Bamford
- High School – Nice Horse
- More Drinkin’ Than Fishin’ – Jade Eagleson, Dean Brody
- Pickup – MacKenzie Porter
- Relationship Goals – Steven Lee Olsen
Video Director
- Ben Knechtel (One of the videos: Somewhere To Drink by Nate Haller, The Reklaws - Cambridge, Brett Kissel)
- Stephano Barberis
- Codi McIvor
- Travis Nesbitt
- Ryan Nolan
Album
- Diamonds in a Whiskey Glass – Gord Bamford
- Heart On My Glass – Meghan Patrick
- Honkytonk Revival – Jade Eagleson
- Masquerades – Tenille Townes
- Nothing Is Meaningless – Don Amero
Alternative Country Album
- Diamonds In The Desert – Jason Blaine
- Down-Home – Kyle McKearney
- Homebound – Twin Kennedy
- Songs My Friends Wrote – Corb Lund
- Unreleased Songs From The Vault Collection. Vol 4: Let’s Smile Again – Stompin’ Tom Connors
Bass
- Lisa Dodd
- Justin Kudding
- Mark Rynkun
- Brandi Sidoryk
- Holt Stuart-Hitchcox
Booking Agency
- Action Entertainment Collaborative
- The Feldman Agency
- Invictus Entertainment Group
- Paquin Artists Agency
- Sakamoto Agency
Country Music Program or Special
- Christmas Time With Tenille Townes – Sony Music Entertainment Canada Inc.
- A Kissel Country Christmas – Bak 2 Bak Entertainment Inc., CFCW
- Pure Country Top 50 Of 2021 Hosted By Shannon Ella With Special Guests Dustin Lynch & MacKenzie Porter – Bell Media
- The Road Less Travelled – Stingray
- Wise Woman, The Show – Mallory Johnson, Twin Kennedy
Country Personality
- Wendy Boomer – CKBY-FM
- Shannon Ella – Pure Country
- Paul Ferguson – CHCQ-FM
- Jason McCoy – Pure Country
- Greg Shannon, Stella Stevens – CFCW
Drummer
- Matthew Atkins
- Spencer Cheyne
- Flavio Cirillo
- Rich DaSilva
- Krista Wodelet
Entertainer
- Tenille Arts
- James Barker Band
- Brett Kissel
- Dallas Smith
- Tenille Townes
Female Artist
- Tenille Arts
- Lindsay Ell
- Robyn Ottolini
- Meghan Patrick
- MacKenzie Porter
- Tenille Townes
Guitar
- Ryan Davidson
- Matt McKay
- Tara McLeod
- Chad Murphy
- Brennan Wall
Industry Person
- Paul Biro – Sakamoto Agency – Vice President and Operating Partner
- Steve Coady – Warner Music Canada – Vice President, Radio Promotion
- Mike Denney – MDM Recordings Inc. – President
- Brianne Deslippe – Big Loud Records – VP International
- Bobby Wills – Willing Entertainment – Director and General Manager
Keyboard
- Mike Little
- Brendan Waters
- Scott Wilkinson
- Dean Brody
- Jade Eagleson
- Brett Kissel
- Tyler Joe Miller
- Dallas Smith
- Big Loud Management
- The Core Entertainment
- Invictus Entertainment Group
- MDM Artist Management Services
- Starseed Entertainment
Music Publishing Company
- Anthem Entertainment
- Big Loud Publishing
- Sony ATV Music Publishing
- Warner Chappell Music Canada
Record Company
- Big Loud Records
- MDM Recordings Inc.
- Sony Music Entertainment Canada Inc.
- Universal Music Canada
- Warner Music Canada
Recording Studio
- Barrytone Studios – Miramichi, NB
- Bart McKay Productions – Saskatoon, SK
- MCC Recording Studio – Calgary, AB
- OCL Studios – Chestermere, AB
- Revolution Recording – Toronto, ON
Retailer
- Amazon Music
- Apple Music
- Spotify Canada Inc.
Single
- All Night To Figure It Out – Jade Eagleson
- Boy Like Me – Aaron Goodvin
- Girl Who Didn’t Care – Tenille Townes
- Make A Life, Not A Living – Brett Kissel
- More Drinkin’ Than Fishin’ – Jade Eagleson, Dean Brody
- Over All Over Again – James Barker Band
- Tailgate To Heaven – Shawn Austin (Feat. Chris Lane)
Talent Buyer or Promotor
- Paul Biro – Sakamoto Agency
- Dan Clapson – Blue Jay Sessions
- Jim Cressman – Invictus Entertainment Group
- Brooke Dunford – Republic Live
- Adam Oppenheim – Stampede Entertainment Inc.