Friday, September 27, 2024

Jeremiah "Gerry" McCaw Budnark Was Kind-Hearted, Talented and Humble, RIP


It is with sadness that we announce the recent passing of Brantford musician Jeremiah "Gerry" McCaw Budnark. We will post more details as we know them. Our condolences to his family, friends and fans.

Jerry was a singer/songwriter, bassist and an organizer with the Branford Open Stage.

A word from Lou, our blogger.
I was very lucky to consider Gerry a good friend. We always bumped into each other at numerous events (including quite a few Brantford Open Stages). He was always smart, funny, talented and positive. I will miss him dearly.

Social Media Reaction

Dave Jensen

Once again my Heart is heavy with sad news. Our dear friend and supporter of BOS, Mr. Jeremiah Budnark has passed away at The Brantford General. Jeremiah has been battling some health issues and sadly has succumbed to the severity of the situation. Our condolences to Lynn and Michaela who were with him as much as the hospital permitted. 

Jeremiah will be truly missed and I’m sure if there’s a gathering of musicians in the great beyond, he’ll be there.

Rest in peace Mr. Budnark.

Mark McNeil

He was such a sweet, kind-hearted man. He loved being around everything associated with folk music. He loved watching it, singing it, playing his bass guitar to it, and spreading the word. We will certainly miss Jeremiah, the ambassador of all things folk. It's hard to imagine the Brantford Open Stage without him. 

Kathy Moore

Being friends with someone for decades gives you time to really see the good, the bad and the ugly.

Life didn't treat you well, yet you plugged along, day after day, trying to live your best life.

Your songs and your musical talents will live on in the hearts of the people you touched.

Brian sums it up well when he said "Gerry was always humble".  Yes sir, you were.

I know there some amazing friends awaiting your arrival at the Pearly Gates.  Please say hello to them from us.

Miss you already buddy.

Catriona McDonald 

There are people in your life who are so constant, so kind, so much a part of your being that it is impossible to believe that they could ever be gone. Jeremiah McCaw Budnark was one of those people for me. He was part of my life for 30 years, sometimes very frequently, sometimes much less often, but always, always someone I loved. My condolences to those closest to him, Lynn and Mikaela, and his family, and to the many many people whose lives were touched by his music and his wicked humour. He will be very much missed by anyone lucky enough to have known him.

Video above courtesy of Hamilton Blues Lovers


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Saturday, September 21, 2024

Fall Videos by The Nelson Family Bluegrass, Redhill Valleys, Lindy Vopnfjörð


Bassist Al Duffy was Humble, Gracious and Talented (RIP)


It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Toronto bassist Alan "Al" Duffy who recently passed away after a brave fight with cancer. We don't know many details but will post information here once we learn it. Our condolences to his family, friends and fans

Al played with many artists including local acts such as the Brant Parker Band, Pappy Johns Blues Band and Jack de Keyzer.

A word from Lou, our blogger:
I had the pleasure of getting to know Al while seeing him with many bands. He was always funny and friendly and was incredibly talented. I'll miss him

Social Media Reaction

Miles Evans-Branagh (Miles from NowherePappy Johns Blues Band)

Alan Duffy & I carpooled to most gigs with Josh & The Pappy Johns Band. We talked about pretty much every subject there was to talk about. Drove through snow storms overnight, used his TomTom GPS (as he managed to never covert to the cell phone), nearly ran out of gas more times than I can count. He even pulled over in a traffic jam when I was hungover to let me throw up, (non-judgementally). He was a brother, despite us being nearly 45 years apart in age. 

He was humble, gracious, and always made you feel better about what you were doing, both musically and personally. The absolute definition of a musician who plays to serve the music.

I got to see him a couple times at home over the last while and I have to thank his wife Charlotte for being so kind to me while visiting. Al was as passionate as ever when I visited. Visibly weak, but we talked for hours about music, gear, recording and life. We listened together to a mix he did of a Josh show with the Bay City Blues Band. I hope that recording eventually comes out. The last gig we ever played together, he played all 3 sets until his legs gave out in the encore. All in, all the time. "How's it goin', baby??"

An eccentric, hilarious, & real person to the very end. 

Thanks for all you gave us, Al. 

You will be missed.

Jack de Keyzer

Al Duffy was an integral part of the JdK band for over 20 years. We travelled from Paris to Calgary, Montego Bay to Alert and many points in between. 

A great friend and terrific musician with a wonderful sense of humour, Al brought a lot of joy to a lot of people. He will be greatly missed. Rest In Peace Alan Duffy.

Brant Parker

R.I.P. to my bandmate of 12 years and one of my very best friends Al Duffy . My deepest condolences to Charlotte, Austin and Sam, and all of Al's family, friends and fans .

Joshua Arden Miller (Pappy Johns Blues Band)

Al Duffy could've played bass for whoever he wanted but he chose to make music with us for the last leg of his world tour and I'm forever grateful.  RIP Al.  Love you. 

Links: Brad KraussMore Brad Krauss Stories, Sean O'GradyMore Sean O'Grady StoriesMore Al Duffy StoriesVideo above courtesy of Canal Bank Shuffle


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Friday, September 20, 2024

Montreal's Jeremy Dutcher Wins 2024 Polaris Grand Prize


The 2024 Polaris Grand Prize winner was announced at the Polaris Gala at Massey Hall on September 17, 2024. Jeremy Dutcher, an artist from Montreal (born in Toronto) took home the accolades

From the press release:

Jeremy Dutcher has won the 2024 Polaris Music Prize for the album Motewolonuwok.

This is Dutcher’s second Polaris Music Prize win.

The Prize, which was presented by CBC Music, goes to the best Canadian album of the year based on artistic merit without regard to genre, sales history or label affiliation. It was determined by a Grand Jury of 11 music media professionals drawn from the greater Polaris jury pool of 207 music media and selecters from across the country. This was the 19th edition of the Polaris Music Prize.

“Six years ago, this award changed my life. I have to give unending gratitude to this music community, please keep your hands going for all of these nominees.” He continued, “Not a single album on that list sounded like each other and that speaks to the breadth of music in this place. This choir, these singers, this band, everyone who helped make this album, I love you. I didn’t think this would happen,” said Dutcher upon accepting their prize.

Dutcher’s victory came with a $50,000 monetary reward courtesy of the Slaight Family Foundation.

Below is a video of his acceptance speech

Links: Polaris Music PrizeMore Polaris StoriesVideo above courtesy of polarismusicprize

Links: Jeremy Dutcher, More Jeremy Dutcher StoriesVideo above courtesy of Jeremy Dutcher


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Monday, September 16, 2024

International Country Music Day Videos by Roadkill Bill & Shawn Brush, Shanya Lynn Dawson, Barry Mac

Update of 2017 Post




Links: 
Roadkill BillMore Roadkill Bill StoriesVideo above courtesy of Hamilton Blues Lovers



Links: Shanya Lynn DawsonMore Shanya Lynn Dawson Stories, Video above courtesy of Shanya Lynn Dawson



Links: Barry MacMore Barry Mac StoriesVideo above courtesy of Barry Mac

Links: International Country Music DayMore Country Music Day StoriesOur Country Music Stories

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Winners of the 2024 Canadian Country Music Awards


Winner for the 2024 Canadian Country Music Awards were announced on September 13 at an Industry Gala Dinner and a televised event on Saturday, September 14.

Below is a complete list of winner. Local musicians are bolded.

Tuesday, September 10, 2024

Winners of the 2024 Blues Blast Awards Including Local & Canadian Artists


The winners of the 2024 Blues Blast Awards were announced in the magazine's September 2024 issue. Burlington's Kenny “Blues Boss” Wayne earn another in his long list of accolades. Canadians Sue Foley (who's signed to Waterdown's Stony Plain Records) and the Blackburn Brothers also got come much-deserved recognition.

CONGRATS EVERYONE!

Links: Blues Blast MagazineMore Blues Blast Awards Stories

    Sunday, September 8, 2024

    Please Support Local Charities


    From their Facebook page:
    The Giving Closet Thrift Shop is a neighbourhood thrift store, whose profits will be reinvested into Crown Point and surrounding neighbourhoods. 
    We accept donations. If you would like to donate, please contact us through this page (Click picture above) or by phone
    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, September 5, 2024

    Please Support Our Wonderful Sponsors




    Please Support Our Wonderful Sponsors


    NEED COMPUTER HELP? Try First Choice Computer Solutions
    Their service is friendly and reliable. In person and remote assistance available.



    Monday, September 2, 2024

    Back to School Videos With Jason Raso, Dan Baird

    Update of 2019 Post


    First, a quick lesson in honour of back to school . . .



    Links: Jason Raso, More Jason Raso Stories, Video above courtesy of Jason Raso Music



    Links: Dan Baird, Video above courtesy of Dan Baird - Topic

    Interested in going back to school for music? Check out our wonderful sponsor, Pick n Sticks. They have incredible music lessons.


    For more (mostly adult) education, we recommend the St. Charles Centre (our blogger's day job) who offer high school credit courses, ESL, computer workshops, career programs and more, Also FREE language classes for elementary/secondary school children. 

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    Sunday, September 1, 2024

    Labour Day Videos by Lowdown Dirty Mojos, Whitehorse, Doug and the Slugs

    Update of 2019 Post




    Links: The Lowdown Dirty MojosMore Mojos StoriesVideo above courtesy of Entre2Blues

    Please Support Local Charities


    From their website: Ladybird Animal Sanctuary is a unified voice for abandoned, abused and neglected animals in our community. Together, through a system of volunteers, foster homes, educators, animal lovers and exceptionally generous people, we aim to eliminate the unnecessary suffering of domestic animals in our local high­-kill shelters. Ladybird rescues cats, dogs, small animals and even farm animals­ and we never shy away from rescuing senior animals, those with costly medical issues and the so­-called ‘hard to adopt’. Through our success stories, we know that every life is worth saving and that a loving home is just around the corner for these deserving creatures.

    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.