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
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
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
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 Videos
CONGRATS EVERYONE!
Links: Blues Blast Magazine, More Blues Blast Awards Stories
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.
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Treble with his grandparents |
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