Previous (Jeremiah "Gerry" Budnark Passes) - - - Next (Toot Your Flute Day Videos)
Sunday, September 29, 2024
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Videos by Sultans of String ft Raven Kanatakta, The Halluci Nation, Antone George
Previous (Jeremiah "Gerry" Budnark Passes) - - - Next (Toot Your Flute Day Videos)
Friday, September 27, 2024
Jeremiah "Gerry" McCaw Budnark Was Kind-Hearted, Talented and Humble, RIP
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
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.
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
Previous (Fall Videos) - - - Next (National Day for Truth & Reconciliation Day Videos)
Saturday, September 21, 2024
Fall Videos by The Nelson Family Bluegrass, Redhill Valleys, Lindy Vopnfjörð
Bassist Al Duffy was Humble, Gracious and Talented (RIP)
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 Nowhere, Pappy 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.
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.
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 Krauss, More Brad Krauss Stories, Sean O'Grady, More Sean O'Grady Stories, More Al Duffy Stories, Video above courtesy of Canal Bank Shuffle
Previous (Jeremy Dutcher Wins Polaris Prize) - - - Next (Fall Videos)
Friday, September 20, 2024
Montreal's Jeremy Dutcher Wins 2024 Polaris Grand Prize
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 Prize, More Polaris Stories, Video above courtesy of polarismusicprize
Links: Jeremy Dutcher, More Jeremy Dutcher Stories, Video above courtesy of Jeremy Dutcher
Previous (Country Music Day Videos) - - - Next (Bassist Al Duffy Passes)
Monday, September 16, 2024
International Country Music Day Videos by Roadkill Bill & Shawn Brush, Shanya Lynn Dawson, Barry Mac
Links: Roadkill Bill, More Roadkill Bill Stories, Video above courtesy of Hamilton Blues Lovers
Links: Shanya Lynn Dawson, More Shanya Lynn Dawson Stories, Video above courtesy of Shanya Lynn Dawson
Links: Barry Mac, More Barry Mac Stories, Video above courtesy of Barry Mac
Links: International Country Music Day, More Country Music Day Stories, Our Country Music Stories
Previous (Winners of the 2024 Canadian Country Music Awards) - - - Next (Jeremy Dutcher Wins Polaris Prize)
Winners of the 2024 Canadian Country Music Awards
- Drummer of the Year: Rich DaSilva (Cambridge)
- Entertainer of the Year : Josh Ross (Waterdown)
- Fiddle Player of the Year: Linsey Beckett (Brantford)
- Innovative Campaign of the Year : “Blinding Lights” Case Study (Tebey - Burlington)
- Male Artist of the Year: Josh Ross (Waterdown)
- Musical Collaboration of the Year: Honky Tonkin’ About – The Reklaws (Cambridge), Drake Milligan
Links: Reklaws, More Reklaws Stories, Drake Milligan, Video above courtesy of The Reklaws - Radio Station of the Year (Medium or Small Market): CFWC-FM (Brantford, ON)
- Single of the Year: Trouble – Josh Ross (Waterdown)
Links: Josh Ross, More Josh Ross Stories, Video above courtesy of JOSH ROSS - Specialty Instrument Player of the Year: Shane Guse (Western Swing Authority) (Waterloo)
- Top Selling Canadian Album of the Year: Complicated – Josh Ross
- Album of the Year: Do It Anyway – Jade Eagleson
- Alternative Country Album of the Year: The Compass Project: West Album – Brett Kissel
- Bass Player of the Year: Lisa Jacobs
- Booking Agency of the Year: Paquin Entertainment Group
- Breakthrough Artist or Group of the Year: Owen Riegling
- Canadian Country Music Hall Of Fame® Inductees: Gilles Godard & k.d. lang
- Country Club of the Year: 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: Boomers Canadian Club (Rogers Sports & Media)
- Country Radio Personality(ies) of the Year: Jackie Rae Greening (CFCW)
- Creative Team or Designer of the Year: Design Team: Bronwin Parks (Feisty Creative)
- Fans’ Choice: James Barker Band
- Female Artist of the Year: MacKenzie Porter
- Group or Duo of the Year: James Barker Band
- Guitar Player of the Year (Tie): Chris Bray, Brennan Wall
- Humanitarian Award: Lindsay Ell
- Industry Person of the Year: Lindsay Hyslop (BBR Music Group)
- Keyboard Player of the Year: Brendan Waters
- Management Company of the Year: The Core Entertainment
- Music Publishing Company of the Year: Big Loud Publishing
- Radio Station of the Year (Large Market): CKGY-FM (Red Deer, AB)
- Record Company of the Year: Big Loud Records
- Recording Studio of the Year: MCC Recording Studio (Calgary, AB)
- Record Producer(s) of the Year: Joey Moi
- Retailer or Commercial Platform of the Year: Apple Music
- Songwriter(s) of the Year: Old Dirt Roads - Owen Riegling
- Steel Guitar Player of the Year: Matt McKay
- Talent Buyer or Promoter of the Year: Brooke Dunford (Republic Live)
- Top Selling Album of the Year: One Thing At A Time – Morgan Wallen
- Video Director of the Year: Ryan Nolan
- Video of the Year: Chasing Tornadoes – MacKenzie Porter
Links: Mackenzie Porter, More Mackenzie Porter Stories, Video above courtesy of MacKenzie Porter
Thursday, September 12, 2024
Violin Day Videos by Chris McKhool
Links: Chris McKhool, More Chris McKhool Stories, Video above courtesy of Chris McKhool - Topic
Links: Sultans of String, More Sultans of String Stories, Video above courtesy of Sultans of String
Links: Chris McKhool, More Chris McKhool Stories, Video above courtesy of Chris McKhool
More Violin Day VideosPrevious (Friday the 13th Videos) - - - Next (Winners of the 2024 Canadian Country Music Awards)
Friday the 13th Videos by Brant Parker, Fraser/Daley, Skynyrd
Links: Brant Parker, More Brant Parker Stories, More Albert King Covers/Stories, Video above courtesy of David Stephen
Links: Fraser/Daley, More Mike Daley Stories, More Alec Fraser Stories, More Blind Lemon Jefferson Covers/Stories, Video above courtesy of Alec Fraser - Topic
Links: Lynyrd Skynyrd, More Skynyrd Stories/Covers, Video above courtesy of SOUTHERN REBEL
Click here for more Friday the 13th videos
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Tuesday, September 10, 2024
Winners of the 2024 Blues Blast Awards Including Local & Canadian Artists
CONGRATS EVERYONE!
- Keyboard Player Of The Year: Kenny “Blues Boss” Wayne (Burlington)
Links: Kenny "Blues Boss" Wayne, More Kenny "Blues Boss" Stories, Video above courtesy of Lorne Tontegode - Acoustic Blues Album: Sue Foley (Ottawa)– One Guitar Woman
- Acoustic Guitarist Of The Year: Sue Foley (Ottawa)
- Female Blues Artist: Sue Foley (Ottawa)
Links: Sue Foley, More Sue Foley Stories, Video above courtesy of Sue Foley - Soul Blues Album: Blackburn Brothers (Toronto) – SoulFunkin’Blues
Links: Blackburn Brothers, More Blackburn Brothers Stories, Video above courtesy of Blackburn Brothers - Topic - Bass Guitarist Of The Year: Danielle Nicole
- Blues Band Of The Year: Rick Estrin & The Nightcats
- Blues Video Of The Year: Omar and The Howlers – No Peace in the City
- Contemporary Blues Album: Rick Estrin & The Night Cats – The Hits Keep Coming
- Electric Guitarist Of The Year: Christone “Kingfish” Ingram
- Harmonica Player Of The Year: Charlie Musselwhite
- Historical Or Vintage Recording: Magic Slim & John Primer feat. The Teardrops – Slow Blues
- Horn Player Of The Year: Trombone Shorty
- Live Blues Album: Christone “Kingfish” Ingram – Live In London
- Male Blues Artist: Christone “Kingfish” Ingram
- New Artist Debut Album: DK Harrell – The Right Man
- Producer Of The Year: Joe Bonamassa & Josh Smith
- Percussionist Of The Year: Kenny “Beedy Eyes” Smith
- Rising Star Award: Candice Ivory
- Rock Blues Album: Mike Zito – Life is Hard
- Slide Guitarist Of The Year: Derek Trucks
- Traditional Blues Album: John Primer & Bob Corritore – Crawlin’ Kingsnake
- Vocalist Of The Year: Ruthie Foster
Links: Blues Blast Magazine, More Blues Blast Awards Stories
Sunday, September 8, 2024
Please Support Local Charities
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 phoneThe 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.
Saturday, September 7, 2024
Grandparents Day Videos by Dave Fenley, Barry Brown, Bill Withers
Treble with his grandparents |
Thursday, September 5, 2024
Please Support Our Wonderful Sponsors
Monday, September 2, 2024
Back to School Videos With Jason Raso, Dan Baird
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.
Previous (Labour Day Videos) - - - Next (Grandparents Day Videos)
Sunday, September 1, 2024
Labour Day Videos by Lowdown Dirty Mojos, Whitehorse, Doug and the Slugs
Links: The Lowdown Dirty Mojos, More Mojos Stories, Video above courtesy of Entre2Blues
Links: Whitehorse, More Whitehorse Stories, Video above courtesy of Pilchadium
Links: Doug and the Slugs, Video above courtesy of Hans Sipma
More Labour Day Videos
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Please Support Local Charities
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.