Happy Canada Day! Videos by Donald McGeoch, Dubay Band, David Carte

Links: Donald McGeoch, More Don McGeoch Stories, Video above courtesy of Donald McGeoch - Topic

Links: The Dubay Band, Video above courtesy of The Dubay Band - Topic

Links: DavidCarte, More David Carte Stories, Video above courtesy of DavidCarteMusic

More Canada Day Videos!

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2023 Cable 14 Impact Awards

Hamilton's Cable 14 TV stations celebrated their staff and volunteers at the 2023 Impact Awards on Tuesday, June 6 at the Westdale Theatre. Ensemble! the cable 14 show produced by Hamilton Blues Lovers' Head of Marketing was nominated for Outstanding Entertainment Program. 

Click here for our pictures of the event.

The wonderful ceremony will be televised on June 27, 8pm on Cable 14 or live streamed on cable14now.com

Below is a complete list of nominees and winners.

Viewer's Choice: Marisa's Eazy Kitchen

Outstanding Community Advocate: Anthony Frisina (Above and Beyond)

Outstanding Entertainment Program

• WINNER! The Dylan Show
• Ensemble! (produced by HBL marketing maven, Linda)
• Dirt Fishing
• Hammer D20

Outstanding Production Skills: Kane Jennings

Outstanding Sport Coverage

• WINNER! The OHL Tonight
• Hammer City Pinball 
• HWCDSB Football
• Mount Hamilton Youth Soccer

Outstanding On-Air Performance: Marisa Mariella (Marisa's Easy Kitchen)

Outstanding Lifestyle Program

• WINNER! Hamilton Life
• Beyond the Veil
• Free the Foot
• Marisa's Easy Kitchen

Outstanding Programming Contribution: Aziz Kambali

Outstanding Social Media Promotion

• WINNER! Flying Moe-Ment
• Marisa's Easy Kitchen
• Our Hamilton Our Vote
• Talk to Santa

Outstanding Premiere Season

• WINNER! Beyond the Veil
• Bridging the Gap
• Flying Moe-Ment
• Hamilton Life

Outstanding Event Coverage

• WINNER! Our Hamilton Our Vote
• Lion's Lair
• Remembrance Day
• Tree of Hope Lighting

Community Impact Award: Kiwanis TV Bingo

General Manager's Award (Tie): TBA

Program of the Year

• WINNER! Our Hamilton Our Vote
• Hamilton Life
• The Dylan Show
• The OHL Tonight

More Impact Awards Stories

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Please Support Local Charities

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Please Support Local Charities

The Brian Lee Griffith Guitar Bursary is intended to support a different, talented, deserving guitar student each year. In honour of the late, great Hamilton guitarist Brian Griffith.

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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Happy Global Beatles Day! Videos by Smoke Wagon Blues Band, Gordon Hall, Liverpool 4

Links: Smoke Wagon Blues Band, More Smoke Wagon Blues Band Stories, Video above courtesy of Hamilton B Lous

Video above courtesy of Hamilton B Lous

Links: Liverpool 4, Video above courtesy of The Liverpool 4 Canada's Beatles Tribute

Links: More Beatles Covers/Stories, More Beatles Day Videos

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2023 Summer Solstice Indigenous Music Awards Winners

The 2023 Summer Solstice Indigenous Music Awards were handed on June 6 at the The National Arts Centre in Ottawa.

Below is a complete list of winners:

• Live Musical Performance: “Long Black Train” – Blue Moon Marquee (signed with Waterdown's Stony Plain Records)
  
  
  
  Links: Blue Moon Marquee, More BMM Stories, Video above courtesy of Blue Moon Marquee
  
  
• Radio Song/Single: “Deadman” – Logan Staats (Brantford)
  
  
  
  Links: Logan Staats, More Logan Staats Stories, Video above courtesy of L Staats
  
  
• Roots Album: Scream, Holler & Howl – Blue Moon Marquee (signed with Waterdown's Stony Plain Records)
• Artistic Video: “We Were Here” – Aysanabee
  
  
  
  Links: Aysanabee, More Aysanabee Stories, Video above courtesy of Aysanabee
  
  
• Country Album: That’s the Way It Goes – Jim Jacobs
• International Indigenous Artist/Group: Solju
• Inuit Artist/Group: Beatrice Deer
• Legacy Award: Vince Fontaine
• Pop/Alternative/Rock Album: Watin – Aysanabee
• Metis Artist/Group: Andrea Menard
• Music in the Arts: A Broken Heart (Remembers the Breaking) – Kaeley Jade
• Pow Wow/Hand Drum/Fiddle/Instrumental Album: Mikwanak Kamôsakinat – Joel Wood
• Rap/Hip-Hop/Electronica Album: I’M GOOD, HBU? – Snotty Nose Rez Kids
• Recording Artist: Snotty Nose Rez Kids
• Rising Star: Aysanabee
• Social Voice: Digging Roots

Links: SSIMA, More SSIMA Stories

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National Indigenous Peoples Day! Videos by Joel Johnson, Dwayne LaForme, Blaine Bomberry

Links: Joel Johnson, More Joel Johnson Stories, Video above courtesy of BluesJohnson

Links: Dwayne LaForme, More Dwayne LaForme Stories, Video above courtesy of Dwayne LaForme’s Boogie Blues

Links: Blaine Bomberry, Blaine Bomberry, More Stevie Ray Vaughan Covers/Stories, Video above courtesy of Blaine Bomberry

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Summer Begins! Videos by the Ludgates, Philip Bosley, Checkboard Floors

Update of 2018 Post

Links: John and Sheila Ludgate, More John and Sheila Stories, Video above courtesy of saxondale2



Links: Philip Bosley, More Philip Bosley Stories, Video above courtesy of Philip Bosley

Links: Checkerboard Floors, More Checkerboard Floors Videos, Video above courtesy of Checkboard Floors

More Summer Videos

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2023 Canadian Music Week Award Winners

A ton of awards were handed out during the 2023 Canadian Music Week (June 5-10) celebrations in Toronto.

Below is a complete list.

Indies

• Electronic/Dance Artist/Group or Duo of the Year: REZZ (Niagara Falls)
  
  
  
  Links: REZZ, More REZZ Stories, Grabbitz, Video above courtesy of REZZ
  
  
• Pop Artist/Group or Duo: GRAE (Guelph)
  
  
  
  Links: GRAE, Video above courtesy of GRAE
  
  
• Album: July Talk – Remember Never Before
• Artist: Alexisonfire
• Country Artist/Group or Duo: Brett Kissel
• Francophone Artist/Group or Duo: Sophia Bel
• Group or Duo: Tegan and Sara
• Hip Hop/Rap Artist: AR Paisley
• Independent Label: 604 Records
• Indigenous Artist/Group or Duo: Aysanabee
• Producer: Ikky
• Publisher: Arts & Crafts Music
• R&B Artist/Group or Duo: Dylan Sinclair
• Rock Artist/Group or Duo: Simple Plan
• Roots/Folk Artist: The Dead South
• Song: We Could Get High – Written & Performed by Billy Rafoul
• Video: Charlotte Cardin & Lubalin – Phoenix (Reprise)
  
  
  
  Links: Charlotte Cardin, Lubalin, Video above courtesy of Charlotte Cardin
  
  
• INDIES Hall Of Fame: Alexander Mair

Live Music Awards

• Legends of Live: Bruce Cockburn | Canada (signed to Waterdown's True North Records)
• Program: RBCxMusic 
• Road Warrior: Jen Ochej 
• Agent: Grant Paley, Midnight Agency
• Manager: Six Shooter Management, Six Shooter Records
• Production Manager: Ozzy Stone, Studio Bell National Music Centre
• Concert/Club Talent Buyer: Samantha O’Connor, INK Entertainment/RAPSEASON
• Festival Buyer: Daniel Glick, evenko
• A/V Production Company: FM Systems
• Community Impact: Unison Fund
• Your Future Boss: Nicole Auger, International Indigenous Music Summit
• New Touring Artist of the Year: Aysanabee
• Industry Impact: Riley O’Connor
• Music City: City of Mississauga, ON
• International Agent: Marty Diamond, USA
• International Promoter: Michael Chugg, Australia

Festival Awards

• Green Operations Festival of the Year: Hillside Festival | Guelph, ON
• Small Festival: Folk on the Rocks | Yellowknife, NT
• Medium Festival: Bass Coast Festival | Merritt, BC
• Major Festival: Osheaga Music and Arts Festival | Montreal, QC

Sync Award Winners:

• Sports Program or Sports Promo: 2022/2023 IIHF World Juniors of Hockey (Canada v. Czechia Finals Promo) - Stereo by The Watchmen, Music Supervisor: Cody Partridge (Cambridge)
• Scene, Episodic Series (Drama or Comedy): Shoresy, True Love by Tobias Jesso Jr.  Music Supervisor: Cody Partridge (Cambridge)
• Soundtrack, Feature or Documentary Film: Bandit, Music Supervisor: Cody Partridge (Cambridge)
• Commercial: Apple AirPods 2022 - Voodoo by Badshah, J Balvin, and Tainy, Music Supervisor: Everton Lewis, Jr.
• Soundtrack, Episodic Series (Drama): Let the Right One In (Season 1), Music Supervisor: Natasha Duprey
• Soundtrack, Episodic Series (Comedy): Kids in the Hall (Season 1) - Music Supervisor: Natasha Duprey
• Scene, Feature or Documentary Film: Fancy Dance, Honour Song by Ottertrail, Music Supervisor: Sean Mulligan, Victoria Beard
• Soundtrack, TV Movie: A Picture of Her, Music Supervisors: Emma Lewicky, Hollie Sanders
• Sync Team – Major Record Label: Universal Music
• Sync Team – Major Music Publisher, Universal Music Publishing Group
• Sync Team – Indie Record Label, Six Shooter Records
• Sync Team – Indie Music Publisher, Third Side Music
• Sync Team – Sync Agency; The Greater Goods Co.
• Sync Artist - Tanya Tagaq
• Huey Award: Marlon Knight
• Social Justice Award: Kardinal Offishall

Radio Awards

• Broadcast Hall of Fame: Wayne Webster
• Radio Sales Person: Patrick Grierson
• Rosalie Award - Maie Pauts
• Young Broadcaster: Jenny West

Venue Awards

• Teamwork in an Arena: Scotiabank Arena | Toronto, ON
• Teamwork in a Soft Seat Theatre/ Performing Arts Centre: Massey Hall | Toronto, ON
• Teamwork in a Major Club: Commodore Ballroom | Vancouver, BC
• Best Teamwork in a Medium Club: Corona Theatre | Montreal, QC
• Best Teamwork in a Small Club: King Eddy | Calgary, AB

Links: Canadian Music Week, More CMW Stories 

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Please Support Local Charities

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Please Support Local Charities

From their website: Since 1966, the poverty of loneliness and exclusion has been overcome with friendship and compassion at Welcome Inn Community Centre, where people from all walks of life work together to alleviate poverty in the North End and across Hamilton.

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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Happy Father's Day (Videos by Two Oaks, Jeremy Snowden, Fred Eaglesmith)

Update of 2018 Post

Links: Two Oaks, Video above courtesy of Cultivate Music



Links: Jeremy Snowden, Video above courtesy of Cultivate Music



Links: Fred Eaglesmith, More Fred Eaglesmith Stories, Video above courtesy of NewfoundlandMusicMan

More Father's Day Videos

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Hamilton's Zoon on 2023 Polaris Long List

On June 13, 2023, the latest Polaris Music Prize Long List was unveiled. This prestigious competition celebrates musical creativity and diversity in the Canadian music scene. The short list will be announced on July 13.

You can view the announcement below.

Links: Polaris Music Prize, More Polaris Stories, Video above courtesy of polarismusicprize

Here's the complete Long List 

• Zoon – Bekka Ma’iingan
  
  
  
  Links: Zoon, More Zoon Stories, Video above courtesy of Paper Bag Records
  
  
• ALL HANDS_MAKE LIGHT – Darling The Dawn
• Alvvays – Blue Rev
• Aquakultre – Don’t Trip
• Aysanabee – Watin
• Badge Époque Ensemble – Clouds Of Joy
• Begonia – Powder Blue
• Bibi Club – Le soleil et la mer
• BIG|BRAVE – nature morte
• Philippe Brach – Les gens qu’on aime
• Mariel Buckley – Everywhere I Used To Be
• Daniel Caesar – Never Enough
• Chiiild – Better Luck In The Next Life
• Feist – Multitudes
• Debby Friday – Good Luck
• Gayance – Mascarade
• Ghostkeeper – Multidimensional Culture
• Home Front – Games of Power
• JayWood – Slingshot
• Khotin – Release Spirit
• Thierry Larose – Sprint!
• Murray Lightburn – Once Upon A Time In Montreal
• Isabella Lovestory – Amor Hardcore
• Dan Mangan – Being Somewhere
• N NAO – L’eau et les rêves
• Tami Neilson – Kingmaker
• Eliza Niemi – Staying Mellow Blows
• Nico Paulo – Nico Paulo
• Planet Giza – Ready When You Are
• poolblood – mole
• Jessie Reyez – Yessie
• The Sadies – Colder Streams
• Jairus Sharif – Water & Tools
• Andy Shauf – Norm
• Dylan Sinclair – No Longer In The Suburbs
• Snotty Nose Rez Kids – I’m Good, HBU?
• Alexandra Stréliski – Néo-Romance
• U.S. Girls – Bless This Mess
• Witch Prophet – Gateway Experience
• Yoo Doo Right – A Murmur, Boundless to the East

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Patrick Fockler to Represent the GRBS at the 2024 International Blues Challenge

Newmarket's Patrick Fockler (left) won the honour of representing the Grand River Blues Society in Solo/Duo category of the Memphis Blues Challenge. GRBS president Bruce Hall on right.
Photo courtesy of Marion G

On Sunday, June 11, 2023the Grand River Blues Society held their International Blues Challenge solo/duo competition. The Front Porch Southern Kitchen and Blues Joint in Langton was the place to be to see amazing blues musician competing for the honour. 

In the end it was Newmarket Bluesman Patrick Fockler who won the chance to go to Memphis and represent the society in January 2024.

CONGRATS! 

Here's the announcement.

Video above courtesy of Marion G

Here's one the performances that put him over the edge.

Video above courtesy of Marion G

There was some stiff competition. Below are performances form the other incredible contestants.

• Madison Galloway (Fergus)
• Felicia McMinn (Port Dover)
• Tim Gibbons (Hamilton)
• Gayle Ackroyd (Guelph)
• Will Wright (Kitchener)
• Caleb Bourgeois (Kitchener)

Links: International Blues Challenge, More IBC Stories

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Support Local Charities

From their website: Begun in the 1980's out of a desire to help one family with a terminally ill child, the TENDER WISHES FOUNDATION has grown to seek out and grant wishes to children in the Niagara Region who suffer from a potentially life-threatening illness.

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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2023 Hamilton Arts Awards Winners, Including our Founder!

The Art Gallery of Hamilton was abuzz on Thursday, June 8 thanks to the 2023 Hamilton Arts Awards ceremony. Artists from all different genres and disciplines were there to celebrate the creative side of our fair city. 

Lou, our founder and blogger took home one of the Arts Champion awards.

A word from Lou.

"It was a great honour being recognized for my work alongside other incredible art supports. Hamilton is a city jam-packed with art and it deserves to be showcased to the world."

Here is a video of Lou and the other winners getting their much-deserved awards.

Video above courtesy of Linda Luigi

Below is a complete list of the winners.

Arts Champion (non-monetary award)

• Luis Pereira (Hamilton Blues Lovers)
• Chris Pannell (author, former board member of the gritLIT festival)
• Helen Graham (Helen Graham Presents Event Calendar)
• Jessica Vinluan (McMaster)

Lifetime Achievement ($2,500): Judith Sandiford and Ron Weihs (Artword)

Here is the end Judith and Ron's acceptance speech

Video above courtesy of Hamilton B. Lous

Creator Awards ($2,500 each)

• The Hamilton Youth Steel Orchestra (musicians)
• Angela Demontigny (designer)
• Anjula Varghese (writer)
• David Collier (cartoonist)
• Deepti Gupta (actress)
• Kareem-Anthony Ferreira (painter)
• Nathan Euguene Carson (painter)
• Open Hearts Arts Theatre
• Sarah Sproule (visual artist)

CONGRATS EVERYONE! 

Nezqwik with Mother Tareka performed at the end of the ceremony. Here's a sample:

Video above courtesy of Hamilton B. Lous

Click here for our photos of the event

Links: Hamilton Arts Awards, More Hamilton Arts Awards Stories

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Support Local Charities

Chuck Jackson Needs A Helping Hand 

From the GoFundMe page:  Chuck Jackson has been battling cancer since 2020.

Throughout this time he has continued with his heavy schedule of performing and festival direction. It`s time for him to take a break. He needs an indefinite period of time off dedicated to recovery, concentrating on the necessary healing needed to rebuild his energy and immune system.

He is celebrated by many as Downchild's long time lead vocalist, the artistic director of Tim Horton`s Southside Shuffle, The Hogtown Allstars frontman and leader of The Chuck Jackson Band.

It`s a well known fact that working musician`s do not have the luxury of health benefits or income supplements. When the lights go down and the stage is empty the cash flow grinds to halt.

We're calling on everyone who has benefited from Chuck Jackson's good natured performances and event organizing over the years to step up and assist us in providing the financial support he needs during this difficult time. Your generosity will be greatly appreciated.

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.

Country Music Association of Ontario Awards Winners!

Hamilton went country last weekend during the Country Music Association of Ontario Awards celebration. The awards ceremony itself was at the Westdale Theatre on Sunday, June 4.

Below is complete list of nominees and winners. Local acts are bolded. 

Album

• Party in the Back – Nate Haller
• Talk to Time – Tim Hicks (St. Catharines)
• Diamonds in the Desert – Jason Blaine
• Where You Come From – Karli June

Compass Award

• WINNER: The Reklaws (Cambridge)

Fan's Choice

• WINNER: Jade Eagleson
• Tebey (Burlington)
• The Reklaws (Cambridge)
• Tim Hicks (St. Catharines)
• Josh Ross (Waterdown)
• James Barker Band
• Meghan Patrick
• Nate Haller
• Robyn Ottolini
• Steven Lee Olsen

Female Artist

• WINNER: Robyn Ottolini
• Nicole Rayy (Oakville)
• Elyse Saunders
• Genevieve Fisher
• Sacha

Francophone Artist

• WINNER: Reney Ray
• Gabrielle Goulet
• Kristine St. Pierre
• Les Rats d’Swompe
• Vincent Bishop

Group or Duo

• WINNER: The Reklaws (Cambridge)
• The Western Swing Authority (Waterloo)
• James Barker Band
• River Town Saints
• Rosewood Ave.

Impact Award

• WINNER: Family Brown

Male Artist

• WINNER: Tim Hicks (St. Catharines)
• Tebey (Burlington)
• Josh Ross (Waterdown)
• Andrew Hyatt
• Nate Haller

Music Industry Person of the Year

• Winner: Dave Woods from In The Country

Music Video

• WINNER:“Genes” – Elyse Saunders
  
  
  
  Links: Elyse Saunders, More Elyse Saunders Stories, Video above courtesy of Elyse Saunders
  
  
•  “Sink With The Sun” – Tebey
• “Country Like You” – Ryan Langdon (Welland)
• “Busy” – Robyn Ottolini
• “Somedays” – Graham Scott Fleming

Radio Station (Large Market)

• WINNER: KX-947, Hamilton
• Country 106.7, Kitchener
• Country 104, London
• KX96, Oshawa
• Pure Country 94, Ottawa

Radio Station (Medium Market)

• WINNER: Pure Country 105, Peterborough
• Hot Country 93.9, Brantford
• COOL 100.1, Belleville
• Country 92.9, Chatham
• Country 93.5, Kingston

Radio Station (Small Market)

• WINNER: 100.1 FM The Ranch, Listowel
• Country 89, Welland
• Country 103, Manitoulin
• Country 93, Owen Sound
• Pure Country 106, Orillia

Record Producer

• WINNER: Karen Kosowski – Karli June
• Tebey and Danick Dupelle – Tebey 
• Jeff Dalziel – New Moon Junction
• Mark Schroor & Erik Fintelman – Robyn Ottolini
• The Agenda – Graham Scott Fleming

Rising Star

• WINNER: Josh Ross (Waterdown)
  
  
  
  Links: Josh Ross, More Josh Ross Stories, Video above courtesy of JOSH ROSS
  
  
• Amanda Jordan
• Graham Scott Fleming
• Karli June
• Owen Riegling

Roots Artist

• WINNER: Mackenzie Leigh Meyer (Hamilton)
• The Western Swing Authority (Waterloo)
• Callie McCullough
• Julian Taylor
• The Abrams

Single

• WINNER: “Say It” – Robyn Ottolini
  
  
  
  Links: Robyn Ottolini, More Robyn Ottolini Stories, Video above courtesy of Robyn Ottolini
  
  
• “What Was I Drinking” – Tebey (Burlington)
• “First Taste Of Gone” – Josh Ross (Waterdown)
• “She Don’t Know” – Jade Eagleson
• “We Did” – Sacha

Songwriters

• WINNER: Steven Lee Olsen, Brandon Day – Nashville or Nothing (recorded by Steven Lee Olsen)
• Deric Ruttan, Tim Hicks (St. Catharies), Monty Criswell – Whiskey Does (recorded by Tim Hicks)
• Josh Ross (Waterdown), Grady Block, Mason Thornley – On a Different Night (recorded by Josh Ross)
• Karli June, Karen Kosowski, Tori Tullier – Makes You Pretty (recorded by Karli June)
• Robyn Ottolini, Nate Miles, Emily Falvey – Say It (recorded by Robyn Ottolini)

Links: Country Music Association of Ontario, More CMAO Stories

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