Thursday, September 21, 2023

2023 Hamilton Spectator Readers' Choice Awards Winners!




Below is a list of music-related winners. Click here for full list.

1st Place = Diamond
2nd Place = Platinum
3rd Place = Gold

Special mentions

Monday, September 18, 2023

Music Listings: September 20-21, 2023

Wednesday, September 20


---- Before 8:00pm ----





4:30-7:30pm: Nathan Warriner @ Spyce Lounge (Niagara Falls) 

6-9pm: Open Mic with Victor Morgado @ Oggi Bistro (Fort Erie) (Weekly)






7-10pm: Open Mic @ The Bullring (Guelph) (Weekly)

7-10pm: Open Mic @ DeBar (Guelph) (Weekly)

7:30pm: Ceol Cara (Unplugged) @ Irish Harp (Niagara-on-the-Lake) 



7:45pm: Jazz Night (Open Stage) @ Corktown Pub (Hamilton) (Weekly)


---- After 8:00pm ----


8pm: Jay Diem Band@ Spyce Lounge (Niagara Falls) 

8-12pm: Open Jam with Trevor Cobb @Frankie's (Brantford) (Weekly)


8-10pm: Felicia McMinn @ 211 Main (Port Dover) (Weekly)

9pm-2am: Mike B (Test Icicles) @ Jimmy Jazz (Guelph) (Weekly)

10pm-2am: Open Stage @ NV (Guelph) (Weekly)

Thursday, September 21

#hblgigs #OntMusic #HamOnt #HamOntMusic

---- Before 7:00pm ----










4:30-7:30pm: Jay Diem Duo @ Spyce Lounge (Niagara Falls) 

5-9pm: Ancaster Fair @ Ancaster Fairgrounds
  • 4:30 pm National Champion Guernsey Show (Show Arena)
  • 5:30 pm Bandaloni (Main Stage)
  • 6pm Demonstration Six Horse Hitch(AEC) 
5-7:30pm: Ed Pizzo on Piano @ Spirit in Niagara (Niagara-on-the-Lake) (Weekly)


6pm: Paul Mallard @ Slye Fox (Burlington)

6-9pm: Open Mic with Victor Morgado @ Oggi Bistro (Grimsby) (Weekly)

6-9pm: Open Mic @ Crystal Chandelier (Crystal Beach) (Weekly)

6-10pm: Niagara Falls Night of Art @ 5943 Sylvia Pl (Niagara Falls) FREE
  • 6pm: Tiny Cat
6-9pm: Lucas Stagg @ Aging Oak (Cambridge) (Weekly)


---- 7:00pm - 7:29pm ----

Ancaster Fair @ Ancaster Fairgrounds
  • 7pm Opening Ceremonies (Main Stage) 
  • 7pm: The Natrolites

7pm: Myles Ruzak @ Powerhouse (Stoney Creek)

7pm: Ron Fleming @ Southcote 53 (Ancaster)

7pm: Jasmine T @ Jack Astor's (Burlington)


7-10pm: Josh Coulter @ Judge & Jester (Grimsby) (Weekly)


7-10pm: The Thomas Nelson Band  @ Regency Athletic Resort (Niagara Falls) (Weekly)

7-9pm: Taylor Laslo @ Doc Magilligan's (Niagara Falls) (Weekly)

7pm: Soul Deep @ Fireman's Park (Niagara Falls)


7-10pm: Stan Chang @ Manhattans (Guelph)

7-11pm: Open Mic Night @ Royal City Studios (Guelph) (Weekly)


7-10pm: Open Stage -Mic Up @ Silvercreek's (Guelph) (Weekly)

7pm: Mary Shelley's Frankenstein: A New Musical @ Registry Theatre (Kitchener) $32.50 adv/35 door 1ST SHOW


---- After 7:30pm ----

Ancaster Fair @ Ancaster Fairgrounds
  • 7:30 pm Demolition Derby (Lower Ring) 
  • 8pm: JIN, 9pm: The Woodshed Orchestra

7:30-10:30pm: The O'Deadleys @ Irish Harp (Niagara-on-the-Lake) 





8-11pm: Open Mic Night + Jam @ Temple Bar (Oakville) (Weekly)

8pm: Stuck in the 90s @ Spyce Lounge (Niagara Falls) 




9-11pm: Open Mic with Anthony Vaughn @ King George (Hamilton) (Weekly)


Sunday, September 17, 2023

2023 Canadian Country Music Award Winners


The 2023 Canadian Country Music Awards were celebrated throughout Hamilton September 14-16. 

Below is the complete list of winners. Local acts are bolded.

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Saturday, September 16, 2023

Happy International Country Music Day! (Cutler Boyd, Grand River Ramblers, Shine, Thomas St. Clair)

Update of 2016 Post




Links: Cutler Boyd, , Grand River RamblersVideo above courtesy of Cutler Boyd



Links: Grand River RamblersVideo above courtesy of CBC Music



Links: ShineVideo above courtesy of Sine Bluegrass Band



Links: Thomas St. Clair, Video above courtesy of Benjamin McCullough

Links: International Country Music DayMore Country Music Day Stories, Our Country Music Stories

Previous (Hank Williams' 100th Birthday) - - - Next (2023 Canadian Country Music Awards Winners)

Hank Williams' 100th Birthday with Local Covers


Today (September 17, 2023) would have been American country legend Hank Williams' 100th birthday.

Biography highlights, courtesy of Wikipedia

Here are a few covers of Hank's songs.

Links: Ginger St. James, More Ginger St. James StoriesVideo above courtesy of S Blanchard

Links: Sarah BeattyMore Sarah Beatty StoriesVideo above courtesy of Misha Fotos

A now one from the man himself

Links: Hank Williams, More Hank Williams Stories/CoversVideo above courtesy of Hank WilliamsMore 100th birthdays


Previous (Grandparent's Day Video) - - - Next (International Country Music Day Videos)

Thursday, September 14, 2023

Please Support Our Wonderful Sponsors




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To enable you to make good housing decisions call us or email us: www.judymarsales.com
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Sunday, September 10, 2023

Please Support Local Charities




Please Support Local Charities



From their website: The Compassion Society responds to the needs of the community by providing food, clothing, everyday household articles and referrals to local resources.

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.



Tuesday, September 5, 2023

Hamilton Country Artist George Belmore Passes


It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Hamilton Country Artist George Bellmore. He passed away on Sunday, September 3, 2023. Our condolences to his family, friends and fans.

He was an important  member of many groups such as North Of Memphis (Elvis Tribute), the Ray Darren Band and a few others.

Social Media Reaction

George Bakhuis (Neon Moon)
It is with heavy heart that I have to say my cousin George Belmore passed into the arms of the heavenly angels this morning. Widely known in the musical industry. He will be sorely missed by friends, family and fans. RIP George!!!

John Chris Ford

RIP George Belmore. 

You were one of Canada's top Country guitar pickers. And will be remembered that way forever..

You gave me my first start this business... from stage to studio.

Thank you for always encouraging me to keep growing. And always telling me how proud you were of me.... means more now than ever!

I was lucky enough to sit down with George Belmore and Sheila just a few months ago... we caught up and had some good laughs.... and some great times... 

You will be truly missed my friend. 

Ron Griffin

Rest in peace George Belmore . I first met George 37 years ago at the Stampede Corral. Little did I know then that not only I but my son as well would have the pleasure of getting to know him and jamming on many occasions.  You will be truly missed brother .

Links: Ray Darren BandVideo above courtesy of  George Belmore


Previous

Sunday, September 3, 2023

Brantford's Donald McGeoch Passes


It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Brantford singer/songwriter Donald McGeoch. He passed away on August 28, 2023. Our condolences to his family, friends and fans.

McGEOCH, Donald

On August 28, 2023 Donald passed away peacefully surrounded by family, at the age of 75. A kind, loving, creative and charismatic man who loved his family and his music. Donald leaves behind his adoring wife Brenda of 54 years, and his daughter Angela Henrique (Tony), and his 2 grandchildren Mackenzie and Madelaine. He loved well and was well-loved by his family. Donald is the youngest of four boys. His brothers, Dave (Myra) in Australia, Robert in Scotland (2020), and Billy (Jane) in Brantford, along with many nieces and nephews will miss him dearly, as will his sister-in-law, Isobel Robertson.
Donald was a carpenter by trade, but his passion in life was music. Singer/ songwriter and guitarist, he spent most of his free time honing his craft. He was a natural on stage and adored by many. 
Born in Scotland, Donald, Brenda and Angela emigrated to Canada in 1974 and built a life in Brantford, Ontario. In 1982, he started the Brantford Folk Club, a place where musicians could come and play in front of an audience. He and Brenda ran this club for 25 years as a way to share their love of music and give back to their community. Many close friendships were built through this club. The club is still running today under the name of Brantford Open Stage, operated by Dave Jensen.
Cremation has already taken place. A Celebration of Donald's Life will be held for family and friends, and will be announced at a later date.

In Donald's memory, donations to the Alzheimer's Society of Brant are appreciated. Memories and condolences can be shared with the family at mccleisterfuneralhome.ca.

I Will Cherish The Memories

A word from Lou, our blogger:

Donald was a good friend and I always found him in good spirits at the Brantford Open Stage, Hamilton Folk Club and at a handful of his other live performances. He was an incredible songwriter and performer and I am honoured to have known him.

Video above courtesy of Donald McGeoch - Topic

Video above courtesy of Donald McGeoch - Topic

Links: Donald McGeochMore Don McGeoch StoriesVideo above courtesy of Donald McGeoch - Topic


Previous (Rockin' Bobby Harris Passes) - - - Next  (Labour Day Videos)

Please Support Local Charities




Please Support Local Charities


From their website: We are a non-profit organization run entirely by volunteers, and have been helping the needy families of Oakville since 1988. We currently serve 350 to 420 families (approx. 1,300 people) per month from our location at 1240 Speers Road, between 3rd Line and 4th Line.

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.



Thursday, August 31, 2023

Please Support Our Wonderful Sponsors




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Sunday, August 27, 2023

Simcoe's Rockin' Bobby Harris Passes


It is with sadness that we announce the passing of longtime musician Rockin' Bobby Harris (Robert Edward Harris). He died on August 24, 2023. Our condolences to his family, friends and fans.

From Discogs.com:

Born in 1937 in Simcoe, Ontario, Rockin' Bobby Harris began his musical career at the age of 16 when he bought his first acoustic guitar and began playing rockabilly, with both originals and covers.

Although his main gig was driving a big rig, Bobby still whooped and hollered whenever he could. He was a big fan of Carl Perkins, Johnny Horton, Buddy Holly and Johnny Cash. In 1960 he finally met Johnny Cash face to face, and was blown away by that meeting. Bob also released a single during his younger years. Once Bobby retired from trucking, he had more time to play.

From 1997 to 2007 Bobby joined 'Two Dollar Bill And His Bad Pennies' playing gigs all over Ontario. When he realized his health was starting to hold him back from playing, Bobby cut a CD in 2005 with producer Andy Magoffin so he'd have a viable recording of his style and music. Two different version of this CD exist. When Two Dollar Bill broke his band up, Bobby began singing with Bernie Demmery's band in Port Dover for two years.

Bobby stopped actively playing after 2009, but still lives down in Tillsonburg, ON, where music is still his life. Bob is also a very skilled artist, and one of his drawings is on display at the Simcoe Art Museum.

Social Media Reaction 

Duane Rutter

Local Legend “Rockin” Bobby Harris has been liberated from the trials of his earthly body. 

An original in the early golden days of the true Norfolk Sound, he never quit, often resorting to taping a pick to his hand because he could no longer grip one. Rockin’ Bob was a treasure to those of us old enough to remember as well as the generations to follow.

 He was very kind to me and I’m embarrassed at the number of years that have disappeared since our last visit.

Our hearts go out to his dear ones.

Video above courtesy of  Rockin' Bobby Harris

Video above courtesy of  Rockin' Bobby Harris

Video above courtesy of  Rockin' Bobby Harris


Previous (Play Music on The Porch Day Videos) - Next (Donald McGeoch Passes)

Support Local Charities




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From their website: Interval House will provide a safe place, support for abused women with or without children,community outreach services and practice-based research in our shared quest for freedom from violence.

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.



Thursday, August 24, 2023

Hamilton Drummer Cliff Goodwin Passes

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Hamilton drummer Cliff Goodwin. Unfortunately, we don't know the details of his death put will post on this page when we know more. Our condolences to his family, friends and fans.

Cliff performed with many band in the area including Big Johnny Blue, No Show Smith, and Blueswinder (aka Paul Coombs Band)

Social Media Reaction

Very sad to hear about the passing of Cliff Goodwin . You sure will be missed around the Hamilton music scene. I remember some 20 plus years ago he pinched hit for us at the last minute for a New Year's Eve gig at "The Happy Hog" in Tottenham Ontario, saving our butts. He was always damn good company. RIP

Paul Coombs (Blueswinder)

From the beginning, when we were Blueswinder, Clifford Goodwin was family. 

He now joins the other incredible blues musicians who have gone on to play for the angels. 

Good journey, and rest peacefully Cliff.

Links: BlueswinderMore Blueswinder StoriesVideo above courtesy of Gary Greenland

Links: Big Johnny BlueMore Big Johnny Blue StoriesVideo above courtesy of John Crawford


Previous (Poet's Day Videos)

Sunday, August 20, 2023

Happy Poet's Day (Videos by James Owen Brown, Ian Keteku, Sergio Guerra)




Links: James Owen BrownVideo above courtesy of SPEAKoutPoetry



Links: Ian KetekuVideo above courtesy of 
SPEAKoutPoetry


Please Support Local Charities




Please Support Local Charities


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.



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