Links: Fred Eaglesmith, More Fred Eaglesmith Stories, Video above courtesy of Fred Eaglesmith - Topic
Links: Jennifer Budd, More Jennifer Budd Stories, Video above courtesy of Jennifer Budd
Links: More Jeff Daw Stories, Video above courtesy of Hamilton Blues Lovers
Links: HellBent Rockers, More HellBent Rockers Stories, Video above courtesy of The Hell Bent Rockers - Topic
Links: Quell the Swell, More Quell the Swell Stories, Video above courtesy of Loralee McGuirl
Silver Medal
Bronze Medal
You should pull up a seat and grab a glass when listening to Good Old Days, the latest wonderful recording by Hamilton's George Lardie. The album's like having a drink with an old friend and engaging in a long chat. There'll be reminiscing of the past, discussing the state of the world, advice (good and bad) and the occasional argument.
George's unique voice, great piano work and his lyricism steer the conversation in interesting ways. There's some fabulous boogie woogie, early rock plus a few touches of country, jazz and more.
There's agreat collection of talent helping him out on the music: Chris Wheeler (guitar), Andrew McTaggart (guitar), Carm Milioto (guitar, vocals, recording), Robert Nind (guitar), Tristan Bernardi (bass), Zander Lamothe (drums), Glen Brown (drums, vocals, kazoo), Ian Aisling (vocals), Elinor Brown (banjo, vocals).
CD's and downloads are available through his Bandcamp Page
Stream the album below
Links: George Lardie, More George Lardie Stories, Album above courtesy of George Lardie, More Releases
It's been a while since we've heard new studio recordings from veteran Hamilton artist SG (Steve) Sinnicks. Thankfully, his newest wonderful EP, Fridge Magnet breaks that silence! Listeners (and fridges) will be all the better for it.
SG's a talented musician and this new collection is a must for fans of singer/songwriters who can craft a song the old-fashioned way. Every tune tells a tale with impact, With his trademark wit and great lyricism, SG fashions six unforgettable tracks. The physical CD also comes with a free fridge magnet as an extra bonus!
A number of great musicians help out on the EP: Carl Jennings (Freedom Train) on bass, Randall Hill on mandolin, Mike Boguski (Blue Rodeo) on keyboards, and Bill Majoros and Steve Petrie (Blind River Band) on guitars.
You can purchase the CD (and fridge magnet) at SG's live shows or through his online shop. It also be downloaded on Apple Music or streamed through YouTube and Spotify.
Stream the album below
Links: Steve Sinnicks, More Steve Sinnicks Stories, Videos above courtesy of S.G. Sinnicks - Topic, More Releases
Sad and shocked to hear of the passing of April Wine’s Myles Goodwyn. A wonderful musician, singer writer and great guy. I was honoured to to work with him and to become friends in recent years. A Canadian rock legend gone too soon. RIP Myles Goodwyn.
Corey Lueck (Smoke Wagon Blues Band)
Super sad to see the passing of Myles Goodwyn 😪 this afternoon. It feels like a whole damn Canadian Rock'n'roll institution is passing along with him. I think you'd be hard pressed to find a Canadian music fan that hasn't rocked out to April Wine live! What an explosive singer/song writer/guitar hero and performer! One of the greatest that Canada has ever seen. I like most Canadians have seen them too many times to bother trying to count, a highlight for me was always their famous New year's Eve shows a lulus, very sad loss.
Sad day for Canadian music. Myles Goodwyn of April Wine has passed away. April Wine were a band that were introduced to me when I was a young kid via K-Tel records. Always loved their songs the most on those comps. I was in grade school when I bought "Electric Jewels" and to this day it still remains as one of my favourite Canadian albums. Bummer... again.
Sorry to hear about Myles Goodwyn. April Wine was the sound track of late teens ... early twenties. I still remember one summer ... working on my car in the driveway ... with April Wine blasting out of the speakers in my bedroom window! My band of the time also covered a few AW tunes! RIP Myles!
Truly saddened by this news. Had a few funny chats with Myles on Facebook. One time I asked if he still had the sparkly red Goya guitar that’s on the cover of Electric Jewels and told him I had a blue one I was playing for a time. He responded with “oh that thing? Yeah. Plays like shite!”
Thanks for the decades of wonderful music Myles.
Rest in peace.
Video above courtesy of Myles Goodwyn - Topic
Video above courtesy of Myles Goodwyn - Topic
Links: Myles Goodwyn, More April Wine Stories, Video above courtesy of Myles Goodwyn - Topic
We are pleased to report there's a new Blues society in town: The Escarpment Blues Society recently started up with our Founder/Blogger Lou and Linda, our marketing maven, as board members. We're very proud of this new initiative.
Lou and Linda are joined by an esteemed Board of Directors: Broadcaster Ken Wallis (President), Juno award-winning musician Steve Strongman (VP), Gail Broderick (Treasurer), publicist Sarah French, promoter Andrea Cassis and Bob Hunt of the Blues Studio.
From their website:
The goal of the Escarpment Blues Society is to strengthen awareness and appreciation of Blues And Roots Music while at the same time put the emphasis on growth.
The Escarpment Blues Society will:
- Promote Blues & Roots Music through multiple avenues including live performances, artist support, education with blues in the schools’ programs and highlighting recordings.
- Support local, national and international blues and roots artists for the advancement of their craft in the Niagara Escarpment area. This applies to established Blues And Roots artists as well as new artists.
- Support local venues that feature Blues And Roots music
- Engage in activities that will garner funds for operational needs
- Raise community awareness for Blues and Roots Music, through through social media, mainstream media, digital and print media
- Will become an affiliate of the Blues Foundation and help raise funds for artists to participate in the International Blues Challenge in Memphis
There'll be a party on May 28, 2024 (more details will follow) to help fully launch the EBS.
We are encouraging everyone to please become a member of this great organization. Benefits of Membership Include: ** First chance to buy tickets to all of our EBS sponsored events/shows **Discounts to various blues events throughout the year and the opportunity to meet other blues fans & musicians in the region, in addition to helping us promote blues n’ roots music and venues in the region.
We appreciate any support you may give the EBS. THANKS IN ADVANCE!
Links:
Today (November 29, 2023), the Hamilton Blues Lovers turns 15 years old!
Links: Depeche Mode, Video above courtesy of Depeche Mode
Stacey Lee Guse, the singer for the Waterloo band, the Western Swing Authority has been nominated in the Western Swing Female category in the 2024 Ameripolitan Awards. Alberta's Stefanie Joyce is up for Outlaw Female as well. You can help them by clicking here to vote.
The awards will be handed out the weekend of February 16-18, 2024, in Austin, Texas
Western Swing Female
Outlaw Female
DJ Of The Year
Festival Of The Year
Founders of the Sound Honorees
Honky Tonk Female
Honky Tonk Group
Honky Tonk Male
Master Award Honoree
Musician Of The Year
Outlaw Group
Outlaw Male
Rockabilly Female
Rockabilly Group
Rockabilly Male
Venue Of The Year
Western Swing Group
Western Swing Male
Links: Ameripolitan Music Awards, More Ameripolitan Music Awards Stories
On September 23, 2023 the 2023 Blues Blast Music Awards were handed out at the 3300 Event Centre in Peoria, Illinois. A few Canadian artists picked up some hardware including Burlington's Kenny “Blues Boss" Wayne and artists signed to Waterdown's Stony Plain Records.
Below is a complete list of winner. Local/Canadian acts are bolded.
* signed to Waterdown's Stony Plain Records
On November 10, 2023 the Grammys announced their 2024 nominees. As always, a number of our fellow Canadian were on the esteemed list, including area artist Deadmau5 from Niagara Falls.
Hopefully, a number of them will bring some awards home when the 2024 GRAMMYs air live on Sunday, February 4,2023 on CBS and Paramount+.
Here's a complete list of Canadian nominees:
Below is a complete list.
It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Hamilton Folk Club founder and musician, Al Lindsay. He was also a long-time member and organizer of the Brantford Open Stage (formerly the Brantford Folk Club). Al passed on November 19, 2023. Our condolences to his family, friend and fans.
A word from Lou, our blogger:
I had the pleasure of meeting Al quite a few times through the Folk clubs. I enjoyed his sharp wit and incredible talent and considered him a friend. I'll miss him dearly.
Social Media Reaction
(comments from the Brantford Open Stage announcement)
So sorry to hear about Al’s passing. I’ll always remember him with his fiddle or penny whistle or singing funny songs like “Piddlin’ Pete.” He was the one who started it all with the Hamilton Folk Club that led to the Brantford and Caledonia Folk Clubs and later the BOS which is carrying on the tradition of all three. We owe Al a lot for helping to bring music into our lives. He will be missed.
Ann Gorman McKinney
Such a witty and genuine guy. We really enjoyed his fiddle and whistle music and singing at the Hamilton Irish Arts sessions. God speed Al - we shall not forget you. Will raise a wee dram in your honour 🥃🏴🎻🪈🇮🇪🎶. May he RIP
Dolores Dugdale
So very sad to hear Al is no longer with us. He was a true gentleman and everyone enjoyed his music and songs. He is with Don (McGeoch), and they will be missed but never forgotten, The music will continue in the Heavens.God rest his soul and May he RIP.
Links: More John Harris Stories, Video above courtesy of saxondale2
Links: More Al Lindsay Stories, Video above courtesy of Hamilton Blues Lovers
It is with sadness that we announce the passing of local musician Stephen Hogg. Our condolences to his family, friends and fans.
Video above courtesy of Stephen Hogg - Topic
Video above courtesy of Stephen Hogg - Topic
Links: Stephen Hogg, More Stephen Hogg Stories, Video above courtesy of Stephen Hogg - Topic
Previous (Videos: Glenn Marais, Patrick Focker, Trainwrecks) - - - Next (Al Lindsay Passes)
A few months before hitting the Road to Memphis, three incredible acts will be rocking hamilton's Stonewalls on November 26 (2-5pm) to help fund a trip to represent the Grand River Blues Society at the International Blues Challenge in 2024!
Glenn Marais & the Mojo Train plus Patrick Fockler will be competing in the Group and Solo/Duo categories respectively. The Trainwrecks, winners of the 2023 Kitchener Blues Festival Youth Legacy Showcase, will also be on hand to give the event some extra juice.
For only $15 in advance or $20 at the door (if it isn't sold out!) you can check out all of these incredible artists and help pay for them to show the world what our area has to offer to the world of Blues!
It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Fergus' Dorothea Smith, a member of the Folk trio, Sing Me a River. Our condolences to her family, friends and fans.
SMITH, Dorothea Jakelski
On the evening of November 9th, surrounded by family in person and virtually, Dorothea Jakelski Smith was ushered into eternity. While this was unexpected, we are filled with peace knowing she is pain free, with her Heavenly Father and “dancing in the cosmos” among dear family and friends who have gone before her.
Born to Gunter and Ilse Jakelski in Sudbury, Ontario, Dorothea had a deep love for Northern Ontario. As a child, she loved enjoying the outdoors, traveling, acting, music and participating in cultural experiences with her parents, younger brother Dave (Beverley) and many treasured friends.
Dorothea met her husband Bruce in the summer of 1974 at Bark Lake, the Ontario Camp Leadership Centre. After a casual invitation from Dorothea’s father to come to Sudbury for a visit anytime, Bruce surprised everyone at the door 3 weeks later! It didn’t take long for them to decide that they wanted to share the rest of their lives together. In the summer of 1976, they were married in the backyard of Dorothea’s childhood home. For 7 years before settling down, they enjoyed adventuring together all over Ontario and parts of the USA and Central America. They have spent a deeply meaningful 47 years together in a relationship that has yielded so much fruit; 4 children, spouses, 6 grandchildren and many shared journeys through life’s ups and downs.
She was a devoted mother to her very core. Everything about her life revolved around cultivating the passions of her kids, Alison (Adrian), Michael (Robin), Emily and Zac and inspiring them to follow their unique callings. She was equally as fabulous a Nana as she was a mother. She spent so much of her time and energy pouring into Maya, Jayden, Liam, Ella, Benjamin and Huxley; lavishing love and attention on them whenever she could.
Dorothea was a beautiful woman in every definition of the word. She made everyone she spent time with feel like they were her closest friend. She was intentional and deeply kind and understanding. She constantly modeled “seeing” people and invested deeply in them. She seemed to know everyone she ran into by name and always stopped to talk and check-in. She lit up every room with her outgoing personality and genuine care. She embodied the definition of hospitality and relationship.
She deeply loved music, writing, theatre, art and all things creative. This was her pulse, her outlet and a gift she shared widely and freely with the community at large. She poured herself out constantly through her many songs and we will all reap the rewards of this for years to come.
Thank you to our family doctor, Stephen Beamish as well as all the doctors and nurses at Groves Memorial Hospital, Guelph General Hospital and the Grand River Cancer Centre for your selfless and humble care over this last season.
Visitations will be held on Friday, November 17th at Graham A. Giddy Funeral home located at 280 St. David Street South, Fergus, Ontario from 2pm until 4pm and again from 7pm until 9pm. A Celebration of Life will be held at Grace Christian Fellowship located at 35 Farley Road, Fergus, Ontario on Sunday, November 19th at 2pm.
Dorothea, Mom, Nana - you have made it and we love you beyond words.
Social Media Reaction
David Lum (Sing me a River)
My heart is broken tonight.
My dear friend Dorothea Jakelski Smith has crossed over and I will miss her terribly. I cherished every moment with her, not just musically in #singmeariver, but her kindness, our shared sense of humour, her laughter and her joyful spirit.
I love you, my friend, always.
Julie McCann (Hazy Maidens)
I feel honoured to have known Dorothea Jakelski Smith through music but she was so much more than that. One of the kindest, warmest & up for fun people I have met. Taken too soon .. my heart goes out to her family, her friends & her bandmates, David Lum & Kathy Lepp
Video above courtesy of Sing Me a River
Video above courtesy of Sing Me a River
Links: Sing Me a River, More Sing Me a River Stories, Video above courtesy of Sing Me a River
