Update of 2021 post
Previous (Debby Friday Wins Polaris Music Prize) - - - Next (Toot Your Flute Day Videos)
Friday, September 29, 2023
Honouring 'National Day for Truth and Reconciliation'! Videos by Murray Porter, Tom Jackson, Cheryl Bear
Previous (Debby Friday Wins Polaris Music Prize) - - - Next (Toot Your Flute Day Videos)
Sunday, September 24, 2023
Debby Friday Wins Polaris Prize + Shortlist
The winner for the prestigious Polaris Prize was announced on September 9, 2023 and Toronto artist Debby Friday took the top honour (which includes $50,000) for her album Good Luck.
Here is her acceptance speech from the Gala
Video above courtesy of CBC Music
Links: Debby Friday, Video above courtesy of Debby Friday - Topic
We didn't report of the Short List, which was revealed on July 13 so here's is a complete list below. Links with an asterisk (*) will take you to the band's performance at the Gala.
You can view the Short List announcement below.
Links: Polaris Music Prize, More Polaris Stories, Video above courtesy of polarismusicprize
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Friday, September 22, 2023
Happy First Day of Fall! Videos by Matt Mays, Loralee McGuirl, Diana Panton
Links: Video above courtesy of Loralee McGuirl
Previous (Hamilton Spectator Readers' Choice Award Winners) - - - Next (Debby Friday Wins Polaris Music Prize)
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
- Diamond: Ryan Vivian
Links: Ryan Vivian, More Ryan Vivian Stories, Video above courtesy of Jay Lolli - Platinum: Brad Soucie
Links: Brad Soucie, More Brad Soucie Stories, More Tom Petty Covers/Stories, Video above courtesy of Brad Soucie - Gold: Justine Fischer
Links: Justine Fischer, More Justine Fischer Stories, Matty Simpson, More Matty Simpson Stories, Video above courtesy of Stellablu477
- Diamond: FirstOntario Concert Hall
- Platinum: Bridgeworks/The Casbah
- Gold: Theatre Aquarius
- Diamond: The Casbah
- Platinum: Coach & Lantern
- Gold: &Then You
- Diamond: Supercrawl
- Platinum: Dundas Cactus Festival
- Gold: Festival of Friends
- Diamond: 92.9 The Grand
- Platinum: K-Lite FM 102.9/CBC Radio
- Gold: KX 94.7 New Country
- Diamond: Adam Scott
- Platinum: Ania Fritch Music Studio
- Gold: Long & McQuade - Hamilton
- Diamond: Steven Collett
- Platinum: Adam Scott
- Gold: Ania Fritch
- Diamond: Long & McQuade - Hamilton
- Platinum: The Acoustic Room
- Gold: Picks and Sticks ONE OF OUR SPONSORS!
Special mentions
- St. Charles Adult & Continuing Education Centres (Lou, our blogger's workplace) won Gold for Best Adult Education
Sunday, September 17, 2023
2023 Canadian Country Music Award Winners
Below is the complete list of winners. Local acts are bolded.
- Breakthrough Artist or Group of the Year: Josh Ross (Waterdown)
Links: Josh Ross, More Josh Ross Stories, Video above courtesy of JOSH ROSS - Creative Team or Designer of the Year: Design Team: Austin Chaffe (The Reklaws - Cambridge)
- Top Selling Canadian Album of the Year: Good Ol’ Days – The Reklaws (Cambridge)
Links: Reklaws, More Reklaws Stories, Video above courtesy of The Reklaws - Album of the Year: Tim & The Glory Boys – Tim & The Glory Boys
- Alternative Country Album of the Year: A Traveler’s Lament – Kyle McKearney
- Bass Player of the Year: Justin Kudding
- Booking Agency of the Year: Sakamoto Agency
- Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame Inductees: Brian Edwards (Stan Klees Builder) / Jason McCoy (Artist)
- Country Club of the Year: The King Eddy (Calgary, AB)
- Country Festival, Fair or Exhibition of the Year: Boots And Hearts Music Festival (Oro-Medonte, ON)
- Country Music Program or Special of the Year: Christmas Time with Tenille Townes 2022 (Sony Music Entertainment (Canada) Inc)
- Country Personalitie(s) of the Year: Wendy Boomer (CKBY-FM)
- Drummer of the Year: Rich DaSilva
- Entertainer of the Year: Jade Eagleson
- Fans’ Choice: James Barker Band
- Female Artist of the Year: Tenille Townes
- Fiddle Player of the Year: Julie Kennedy
- Group or Duo of the Year: James Barker Band
- Guitar Player of the Year: Brennan Wall
- Industry Person of the Year: Warren Copnick (Sony Music Entertainment Canada Inc)
- Innovative Campaign of the Year: “She Don’t Know” Wedding Contest – (Jade Eagleson)
- Keyboard Player of the Year: Brendan Waters
- Male Artist of the Year: Jade Eagleson
- Management Company of the Year: The Core Entertainment
- Musical Collaboration of the Year: Do This Life – High Valley, Alison Krauss / One Too – Dallas Smith & MacKenzie Porter
- Music Humanitarian Award: Dean Brody
- Music Publishing Company of the Year: Big Loud Publishing
- Radio Station of the Year (Medium or Small Market): CHCQ-FM (Belleville, ON)
- Radio Station of the Year (Large Market): CJJR-FM (Vancouver, BC)
- Record Company of the Year: Big Loud Records
- Record Producer(s) of the Year: Danick Dupelle
- Recording Studio of the Year: MCC Recording Studio (Calgary, AB)
- Retailer or Commercial Platform of the Year: Spotify Canada Inc.
- Single of the Year: Right On Time – Lindsay Ell
- Songwriter(s) of the Year : The Thing That Wrecks You (Artist: Tenille Townes feat. Bryan Adams) - Bryan Adams, Daniel Tashian, Tenille Townes, Kate York
- Speciality Instrument of the Year: Mitch Jay
- Steel Guitar Player of the Year: Doug Johnson
- Talent Buyer of the Year: Brooke Dunford (Republic Live)
- Top Selling Album of the Year: One Thing At A Time – Morgan Wallen
- Top Selling Canadian Single: Dear Alcohol – Dax
- Video Director of the Year: Travis Nesbitt
- Video of the Year: Float – Tim & The Glory Boys
Links: Tim & the Glory Boys, Video above courtesy Tim & The Glory Boys
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 Ramblers, Video above courtesy of Cutler Boyd
Links: Grand River Ramblers, Video above courtesy of CBC Music
Links: Shine, Video above courtesy of Sine Bluegrass Band
Links: Thomas St. Clair, Video above courtesy of Benjamin McCullough
Links: International Country Music Day, More Country Music Day Stories, Our Country Music Stories
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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
- Born Hiram Williams in Alabama (September 17, 1923)
- Started his career playing radio stations and local venues (late 1930's)
- Released first single Never Again (Will I Knock on Your Door) (1947)
- Released over of Lovesick Blues, his first country #1
- Died aged 29: January 1, 1953
- 1967: Inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame
Here are a few covers of Hank's songs.
Links: Ginger St. James, More Ginger St. James Stories, Video above courtesy of S Blanchard
Links: Sarah Beatty, More Sarah Beatty Stories, Video above courtesy of Misha Fotos
A now one from the man himself
Links: Hank Williams, More Hank Williams Stories/Covers, Video above courtesy of Hank Williams, More 100th birthdays
Previous (Grandparent's Day Video) - - - Next (International Country Music Day Videos)
Saturday, September 9, 2023
Happy Grandparents Day! Videos by SunYears ft Ron Sexsmith, Nicole Cerminara of JIN, Brett Kissel
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| Treble with his grandparents |
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!!!
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.
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 Band, Video above courtesy of George Belmore
Links: Pete Storm, North Of Memphis, More Elvis Covers/Stories, Video above courtesy of George Belmore
Links: Bill Cayley, More Johnny Cash Covers/Stories, Video above courtesy of George Belmore
Previous
Monday, September 4, 2023
Back to School! Videos by Rough Trade, Lionel Lodge, Chuck Berry
Update of 2018 Post
Links: Carole Pope (Rough Trade singer), Video above courtesy of kurdtss
Links: Lionel Lodge, More Lionel Lodge stories, More Paul Simon Covers/Stories, Video above courtesy of Lionel Lodge
Links: Chuck Berry, More Chuck Berry Stories, Video above courtesy of GoldenOldiesOn45RPM
Click here for more back to school songs
Previous (Labour Day Videos) - - - Next (George Belmore Passes)
Happy Labour Day! Videos by Ray Materick, Brad MacDonald, Steve Foster
Update of 2018 Post
In honour of Labour Day, here are a few videos from the compilation, Steelworker's Waltz
Links: Ray Materick, More Ray Materick Stories, Video above courtesy of Ray Materick - Topic
Video above courtesy of Brad MacDonald -Topic
Video above courtesy of Steve Foster - Topic
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, DonaldOn 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 McGeoch, More Don McGeoch Stories, Video above courtesy of Donald McGeoch - Topic
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