Here's a breakdown of the last three months of 'Sold On Hamilton with Judy Marsales' radio show on CHML 900AM in Hamilton
May 6, 2023
Guests: Musicians: Astrid Hepner & Darcy Hepner, Rebecca Bamford (Citizen Kid toy store) and Jennifer Daniel of Judy Marsales Real Estate Ltd
Links: Show above courtesy of Global News, Sold on Hamilton, More 'Sold on Hamilton' Stories
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June 3, 2023
Guests: Dan Wowk (ZoomMortgage), Nafia Al-Mutawaly (Ressam Gardens Memory Care Community) and Shane Barneveld (Team Shane, removations) from Judy Marsales Real Estate Ltd
Links: Show above courtesy of Global News, Sold on Hamilton, More 'Sold on Hamilton' Stories
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July 8, 2023
Guests: Big Johnny Blue, Sean Dawson (Sales Rep Judy Marsales Real Estate Ltd), Blake Regan (Regan Law)
Links: Show above courtesy of Global News, Sold on Hamilton, More 'Sold on Hamilton' Stories
Links: Big Johnny Blue, More Big Johnny Blue Stories, Video above courtesy of Big Johnny Blue - Topic
This wonderful program 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.
It is with sadness that we announce the passing of one of the region's biggest Blues champions, Patrick Monaghan. He passed away in his sleep on Tuesday, July 25, 2023. Our condolences to his family, friends and fans.
Patrick hosted the award-winning program, Buckslide Blues Cruise on 100.9 Canoe FM. His tireless efforts helped promote many new artists. In 2022, Patrick was named Blues Booster of the year at the Maple Blues Awards.
Click here for the Broadcast Dialogue story on his passing
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If you knew Patrick, you experienced his huge smile and saw his thumbs up photos and if fortunate you were in the photo with him, both of you giving the big thumbs up. You had to admire his dedication, opinions about, knowledge of and rarely duplicated commitment to The Blues. Patrick loved experiencing and supporting the live music scene. If he couldn't find anyone to travel with to share in his numerous trips he just headed out himself like a gypsy.
He joined the Grand River Blues Society at the beginning 20 years ago and kept his membership active each year. He volunteered so many times to Judge the GRBS Road to Memphis Competitions and then travelled to Memphis to support the representing acts. He was one of a kind. Patrick was one of the kindest, nicest person you'd ever have the privilege to know. This truly is a sad moment for our tight knit Blues community. Rest in Peace our Blues Brother.
Sad news today to hear of the passing of our good friend and tireless supporter, Patrick Monaghan. In February 2020 he told me that he was terminal, only had a few months left and he was going to continue living life. Cancer was not going to stop him. Well he did just that. His Buckslide Blues radio show continued to showcase artists new and well established. Pat did his best to make every blues show and special event that fell into his radar. There must be thousands of his signature thumbs up photos circulating the world. He and I made a pact that we would have our picture taken together at The Southside Shuffle every year. We pulled it off in 2021 and 2022 falling just a little short in 2023 as he moves on to the other side. My heart goes out to his family and friends with a special thank you to Christine who helped him get to the shows he just couldn't miss. Goodbye my friend, thumbs up.
The past weeks have been really hard for the Blues and the music community and it's very difficult to yet again find the words today. The Blues world has lost a son today. We will miss that infectious smile! We will miss that big thumbs up! We will miss your voice! We will miss The Canadian Blues Energizer Bunny! We all love you Patrick
He was a huge supporter of the band, so much so that before he got sick he was planning on being our official manager. The Smoke Wagon Blues Band and I can not convey how much we appreciated your support and friendship over the years Pat. Outside of the band I've lost a great friend, I visited him on buckslide road, and met up with him around the province year round just to enjoy shows and hang. I will miss my Tuesday nights with Canoe FM but I will miss our weekly conversations on the phone the most of all. Its very difficult to imagine the Canadian Blues scene without you, you were an inspiration of tenacity and energy to us all, a lesson on how to live and fight for your dreams.
It was his bucket list to put on the first ever Haliburton Blues Festival this summer and it breaks my heart to know we won't be celebrating it together. Thank you Patrick for everything. Onward through the fog
Dear Patrick Monaghan,
I am so very sad to hear of your passing today, and so grateful to have known you.
I will miss your late night phone calls, stories of Blues legends in smokey clubs and boxing matches. You almost died too many times but then were right back out there at the clubs and festivals; I haven't ever seen someone fight as hard as you and your fuel was gratitude and the Blues. What a life you've lived.
Never will there be a more tremendous supporter of live music, nor a more charismatic smile and the trademark "thumbs up" in EVERY pic. You painted a picture of positivity in the toughest of situations.
I will miss your raspy voice, and your support and encouragement so much. You were the man behind so many meetings with Blues legends and festival coordinators, and believed in me from day one.
I really wish that I picked up the phone one last time... my first thought was to call you when I got the news. You've got one last concert in you, I know it.
You're a true beauty, I'm glad you aren't struggling anymore. My deepest sympathies to Christine without whom you couldn't have continued to attend every damn concert regardless of your health state. All my love and support to Pat's close friends and family.
I'm sure the concerts are even better up there where you are, as are the photo ops. Sending a big thumbs up to my man, Patrick "Madman" Monaghan. Enjoy the big gig in the sky my friend.
As some of you know by now, we lost our fearless leader in the wee hours this morning. My beloved husband, John Marlatt, passed away during an emergency surgery to remove a large aneurism found in his stomach.
He suffered a variety of ailments over the past two months leaving him quite weak and extremely tired.
John was a larger than life character with an extremely quick wit that kept our Moonshine patrons constantly entertained.
I want to thank all of you for reaching out to me with your kind words and love. I am overwhelmed with pride with how respected and loved my Johnny was.
He will be missed dearly and daily by everyone who knew him. The Moonshine will never be the same without our Johnny Boy.
John Marlatt and his Moonshine Cafe was a musician's best friend. So many artists passed through those doors on Kerr Street in Oakville. John and his beautiful Jane, made the atmosphere as close to a home feel as anyone could. Between sets, there was a mixed playlist of mostly independent, Canadian performers. We (Sisters Euclid) are filled with gratitude to John, not only for the support over the years but he kindly released a live recording from the Moonshine Cafe for his Moonshine Record Label. What a good, solid person. The best friend we ever had. We love you John!!!!
This is a tough one :( I met John Marlatt way back in either 2005 or 06. The Moonshine Cafe was newish. And that man had a passion for singer/writers. I was on the road hard in those days. I had just left a band and was touring as a sideman for a number of singer/writers. And John was one of the first to step up with a booking. I liked him in the 1st minute of our meeting. Over the years his venue was always open to whatever I was doing. He was one of the 1st to book me solo when I headed out on my own. And, he was instrumental in helping me with booking even bigger gigs (he knew festival people) but the one thing that will stick with me forever, is one time at a show he gave me a cool old Garnet amp. Like super cool. He claims "it was always in his way" but I knew the deal. He wanted me to have it. He was a fan of slide guitar and that amp had mojo.
If the planet had 100 John Marlatts, the music biz would be not only alive and well, it would be a dreamland.
RIP John. You'll be sorely missed by musicians far and wide.
John Marlatt 🕊️🤍. I don’t even have the words for how much you’ll be missed. You did so much for me over the years. You gave me a little stage to find my legs on, in the safest place. I was so looking forward to seeing you at Christmas and playing our holiday show. I hope you know how many lives you touched, and that you’ll never be forgotten. Rest easy sweet friend.
Video above courtesy of Chloe Shackelton
Links: John Marlatt, More John Marlatt Stories, Video above courtesy of The Moonshine Cafe
I am filled with unbearable sadness and emptiness as I inform you of Mark's passing. He loved his fans and was always amazed at how many of you loved him and his music.
A word from Lou, our blogger:
It was always great to see Mark LaForme perform. His talent was evident at every show and he was always very friendly with his fans. My heart goes out to anyone whose life he touched.
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Mark Laforme, I call him The Rattler, is another musical guiding light, he was on the charts in the 1980’s and was Stompin Tom’s musical director. Always so supportive and a pillar to the music community here in Six Nations and New Credit, sad to hear the news he is gone.
I just heard of his passing. Some amazing memories sharing the stage with this incredible musician and all around great human being. Love and hugs to Jenn and all his family.
It is with a heavy heart we see another legend cross over the heavenly gates.
Mark Laforme made an impact on many people's lives in and out of The Galley Pump. He brought so much spirit and energy to his performances and always drew amazing crowds.
Our hearts are with Mark's family, we are sorry to hear of your loss and we are here for you when you need us.
Video above courtesy of Armadillo Killer
Video above courtesy of Mark LaForme
Links: Mark LaForme, More Mark LaForme Stories, More Hank Williams Covers/Stories, Video above courtesy of Hamilton B Lous
For the 2nd year in a row, local Bluesman Kenny "Blues Boss" Wayne has won the Most Outstanding Musician (Keyboard) award at the Living Blues Awards. He's also signed to Waterdown's Stony Plain Records won.
Critics' Poll
Album Awards
It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Ancaster musician, hairstylist and photographer Paul Vasilak. He passed away on Friday, July 14, 2023 due to a motorcycle crash. Our condolences to his family, friends and fans.
Click here for the Hamilton Spectator story.
Social Media Reaction
You were one of a kind, Paully.💔 A friendship unmatched. The love, support and encouragement you’ve given me over the years will be carried out through my entire life. You’ve always reminded me of how proud you were of me, and I’d always remind you of how proud I was of you. I’m absolutely devastated that you’re gone. I am heartbroken that I can’t call you for a pep talk, launch another rocket with you, play pinball together, play music together- those are all memories I’ll cherish. We made a lot of those in our time together. Another hole punched in my heart. I miss you already.
Til we meet again, 😔 I can’t believe I’m writing this..
Rest in Paradise, Paully.
Give CBT and Bob a hug for me.
Rest in Peace, Paul Vasilak
Thank you for all the support and inspiration and songs. You were one of a kind. I hope you and Bob are jamming and laughing together.
Links: Caretakers, More Caretakers Stories, Video above courtesy of TheCaretakersProject
Links: Matt Paxton, More Matt Paxton Stories, Greg Preston, Video above courtesy of Jay Lolli
Voting was recently opened for the 2023 Blues Blast Music Awards. members of the public have until August 18 to vote for their favourites. Many local/Canadian artists are in the running and they can use your support. Click here to vote.
Below is a complete list of nominees. Local/Canadian acts are bolded
* signed to Waterdown's Stony Plain Records
Rock Blues Album
Keyboard Player Of The Year
Female Blues Artist
Acoustic Guitarist Of The Year
Contemporary Blues Album
Male Blues Artist
Historical Or Vintage Recording
Electric Guitarist Of The Year
Soul Blues Album
Traditional Blues Album
Acoustic Blues Album
Live Blues Album
New Artist Debut Album
Blues Band Of The Year
Sean Costello Rising Star Award
Producer Of The Year
Slide Guitarist Of The Year
Bass Guitarist Of The Year
Percussionist Of The Year
Harmonica Player Of The Year
Horn Player Of The Year
Vocalist Of The Year
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| Photo courtesy of Tom Wilson |
Tom had the following to say on Facebook.
This is a very emotional and unexpected moment for me.
I bring with me Bunny and George Wilson , the two people who gave me a fighting chance, my family and every one of my Mohawk ancestors.
I hope this appointment will help to influence the results of my work for indigenous education and support my positive intentions as I help bring a deeper awareness of the true history of this country and the power and beauty of indigenous people forward through my art my writing and my music.
The future generations depend on the hard work we do today .
I’d like to thank my long time friend and art associate Stewart Pollock for bringing me into this circle of outstanding Canadians. I met Stewart in grade 9 at Sherwood Secondary Alumni on the East Mountain. We made mischief and got ourselves into plenty of trouble. I never would have imagined back then that Stew and I would soon be being standing toe to toe being honoured by the Governor General.
Below is the complete list of appointments.
Members of the Order of Canada
Officers of the Order of Canada
Companions to the Order of Canada
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