Music Listings: October 16-18, 2026

October 16-18, 2026

We try our best to make sure these listings are as accurate as possible. If you spot any errors or omissions, please email us at blueshamilton@gmail.com.

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Oct 16-18 / Oct 19-25

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Friday, October 16

Folk Canada Conference @ Sheraton Hotel (Hamilton) $? (Oct 14-18)

---- Before 6:00pm ----

10am-4pm: Punching In: The Work of Hamilton Music (Exhibit) @ Visitor Experience Centre (Hamilton) (Jan 27-Dec 31, Tue-Sat)

1-1:30pm: Come Sunday (Gospel Radio Show) w Paul Panchezak (Trickbag) @ 93.3 CFMU or cfmu.ca (Hamilton) (Weekly)

1-10pm: Waterford Pumpkinfest (NO LIVE MUSIC) (Oct 16-18)

2-3pm: Noon Hour Concerts ft Vintage Noise @ Hamilton Public Library, Central FREE

2-4pm: Open Jam with the No Name Band @ Elora Legion (Weekly)

3-7pm: Jamie Todd: Boomer Time & Dinner @ ANAF Club (Guelph) (Weekly)

5-8pm: Brad James @ Fool & Flagon (Hamilton) (Weekly)  

---- 6:00-6:59pm ----

6pm: Chris Alcantara @ Henry’s on James (Hamilton) 

6-9pm: James Anthony @ Scout Cafe (Stoney Creek) (Weekly)

6pm: The Bull Collective @ Black Bull (Burlington) (Weekly)

6-8pm: Natalie Reis @ Nickelbrook Brewing (Burlington) 

6-8pm: The Distraction @ Puddy's (St. Catharines)

6-10pm: Runaway Dixie @ Super Mario's Pizza (Port Colborne)

6-10pm: Ricardo Barboza Band & Samba Dancers @ Brasa (Niagara Falls) (Weekly Fri & Sat)

6-9pm: Kym Music @ Sassy Britches Brewery (Brantford)

6pm: Paige Mykytowich @ Brandi's (Brantford)

6-8pm: Johnny Hover @ 2 Rivers (Paris) 

6-9pm: Denis James @ Block 3 Brewing (St. Jacobs)

6:30-8:30pm: Student Showcase @ Tabone Academy of Music (Hamilton) $15

6:30-8:30pm: East Coast Kitchen Party with Ferguson Young @ Corktown Pub, Downstairs (Hamilton) (Weekly)

6:30-8:30pm: Dragan on the Sax @ Spirit in Niagara (Niagara-on-the-Lake)(Weekly)

---- 7:00-7:59pm ----

7-10pm: Susan Atlee @ East End Social (Hamilton) 

7pm: The LowKey Concert with Adria Kain + David Matisse & Friends @ Mills Hardware (Hamilton) $20

7-10pm: Michael Theodore @ Ottawa St Local (Hamilton) (Weekly) 

7pm: Fractal Overtones @ Piper Arms (Burlington)

7-11pm: Guitars, Cadillacs @ Burlington Legion 

7-10pm: Dueling Pianos @ Uptown Social House (Burlington) (Every Fri & Sat)

7-10pm: Evan Rotella @ The Local (Niagara Falls)

7-11pm: Vooodooo Kingz @ Dunsdon Legion (Brantford)

7-10pm: Brantford Open Stage @ Harmony United Church (Brantford) (Bi-Weekly)

7-10pm: Open Mic with Victor Morgado @ Caledonia Legion (1st & 3rd Fri)

7pm: Brad Hailz @ Wishbone Brewery (Waterford)

7:30pm: Reign: The Queens of Blues, Soul & Rock ‘n Roll @ The Westdale (Hamilton) $?

7:30pm: Daryl Gray @ Gator Ted's (Burlington)

7:30pm: Dylan Forshner Single Release with Okay Camper & Mrs. Ricochet @ Niagara Artists Centre (St. Catharines) $? 

7:30-10:30pm: Highwaymen Show - Great Outlaws Tribute @ Sanderson Centre (Brantford) $?

7:30pm: Into the Woods (Musical) @ Country Playhouse (St. Jacobs) $? (Oct 8-25)

7:30pm: Pearl - Janis Joplin Experience @ Capitol 33 (Delhi) $?

---- 8:00-8:59pm ---- 

8pm: Ria Mae @ Bridgeworks (Hamilton) $27.50

8pm: The Vengaboys & Prozzak @ FirstOntario Concert Hall (Hamilton) $? 

8pm?: Factory (New Order Tribute) @ Oxigin (Hamilton) 

8pm? Holler and Honey @ Handsome Dave's (Hamilton) 

8pm?: Rubys Revenge, Orbiting, Deathray, The Truth Untold, Ellis in Transit, Miss Conduct @ Ooey Gooey's (Hamilton) $?

8pm?: Strums and Drums @ The King George (Hamilton) 

8-10pm: Dance Party with Sandy Vine And The Midnights @ Shawn & Ed Brewing Co (Dundas) $?

8pm: Retro Crush @ BLK Swan, Palladium Way (Burlington)

8pm: Icon Productions: Timeless Icons (Elton John, Prince, Tina Turner, Billy Joel) @ Burlington Performing Arts Centre $? 

8pm: Eldorado Bound @ Moonshine Cafe (Oakville) $15

8-11pm: Jimmy Vintage @ Gingerman (Oakville) 

8pm: The Yacht Rock Show @ FirstOntario Arts Centre (Milton) $?

8-11pm: Kristin Nicholls @ Teddy's (Grimsby)

8pm: The Jailbirds + Gravely + Foolproof @ Warehouse Concert Hall (St. Catharines) $21.01

8-11:45pm: Open Mic @ Mahtay Cafe (St. Catharines) (Weekly) 

8pm: Blank Expression with The Dead Souls @ Sonic Hall (Guelph) $25

8pm: Brendan O'Halloran (Bo) @Busholme (Erin) 

8pm: Lucas Stagg @ Falls Road on Victoria (Kitchener)

8-11pm: Short & Sweetness @ Duke of Wellington (Waterloo) 

8pm: Spoons & Rough Trade @ Maxwell’s Concerts & Events (Waterloo) $?

8-10:30pm: Fifth Element @ The Jazz Room (Waterloo) $?

8:30pm-12:30am: The Bash @ Ye Olde Squire, Fennell (Hamilton) 

8:30-11:30pm: Stone The Radio @ Forge BBQ (Ancaster) 

8:30pm: Brian & Niki @ Coach & Lantern (Ancaster)

8:30-11:30pm: The Danny Boys @ Irish Harp (Niagara-on-the-Lake)

8:30pm: Chicago Transit @ Lighthouse Theatre (Port Dover) $54 

---- After 9:00pm ----

9pm: Mark Thackway@ The Capitol Bar (Hamilton) 

9pm: Jesse Alarcon Presents @ Corktown Pub, Downstairs (Hamilton) 

9pm: Stella Rain, Pyramid Theorem and FALSET @ Corktown Pub, Upstairs (Hamilton) 

9pm-1am: Lost Roses @ Cat & Fiddle (Hamilton) 

9pm: Orangeman @ Blk Swan Kitchen Pub (Oakville) $15

9pm-1am: 90 Proof @ Pitchers Sports Bar (St. Catharines)

9pm-12am: Kim Kay and Stop @ Cat's Caboose (St. Catharines) 

9pm-1am: The Feverish Lemons @ Doc Magilligan's (Niagara Falls) 

9pm-1am: Shin-Dig @ Chip N Charlie's (Niagara Falls)

9pm-12:45am: Cheap Thrills @ Fallsview Casino Resort, Splash Bar (Niagara Falls) 

9pm: LMT Connection @ Fallsview Casino Resort, Lucky's Restaurant (Niagara Falls)

9pm: Ricky Nelson Remembered starring Matthew and Gunnar Nelson @ Fallsview Casino Resort, Avalon Theatre (Niagara Falls) $? (Oct 14-18) 

9pm: Dan Walsh @ 211 Main (Port Dover) 

9:15pm: Patti Payne @ Henry’s on James (Hamilton) 

9:30pm: Jay Bleus Trio @ Helliwell Hall (St Catharines)

9:30pm-12:30am: Going Postal @ Olde Angel Inn (Niagara-on-the-Lake) 

10pm: Dirty Pioneers @ B-Side Social (Hamilton) 

10pm: Driven @ Powerhouse (Stoney Creek) 

10pm: Rewind @ BLK Swan, Brant St. (Burlington) 

10pm: New Omen @ The Dickens (Burlington)

10pm-2am: Brad James @ Whiskey Dawgs (St. Catharines) 

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Saturday, October 17

Folk Canada Conference @ Sheraton Hotel (Hamilton) $? (Oct 14-18)

---- Before 4:00pm ----

9:30am-1pm: Freewheelin' Folk Show (Radio Show) Hosted by Jim Marino @ 93.3 CFMU or cfmu.ca (Hamilton) (Weekly) 

10am-4pm: Punching In: The Work of Hamilton Music (Exhibit) @ Visitor Experience Centre (Hamilton) (Jan 27-Dec 31, Tue-Sat)

10am-10pm: Waterford Pumpkinfest  (Oct 16-18)

• Onion Honey 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm
• Maddie & Paul 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
• Friendship on a Stick 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm
• Mississippi Bends 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm
• Trouble By Design 9:00 pm - 11:00 pm

1pm: The Secret Path Cushion Concert w/ Kate Dickson & Shannon Thunderbird @ Burlington Performing Arts Centre PWYC incl FREE

1pm: The Blues Studio Presents The Coachmen (Colin Lapsley, Chris Wheeler, Matt Burns) with Joel Guenther @ Coach & Lantern (Ancaster) $?

1-5pm: Joel Lewczynski @ 13th Street Winery (St. Catharines) 

1-4pm: Acoustic Jam @ Briskit BBQ (Georgetown) (Weekly)

1:30-5pm: James Anthony & Gerry Mamela @ Uptown Social House (Burlington) 

1:30-5pm: Brant Parker Blues Band + Mark Crissinger @ Donnelly's Pub (Thorold) $10

2-5pm: Dan Walsh @ East End Social (Hamilton)

2-5pm: Mike Branton & Friends @ Moonshine Cafe (Oakville) $10 (Weekly) 

2-4:30pm: Open Mic with Victor Morgado @ Smoke and Moonshine (Beamsville) (Weekly)

2-5pm: Easy Street Blues Band @ Sassy Britches Brewery (Brantford) 

2-6pm: Highway 24 @ South Brant Legion (Brant)

2-5pm: Dave Penfound @ Block 3 Brewing (St. Jacobs)

2pm: Into the Woods (Musical) @ Country Playhouse (St. Jacobs) $? (Oct 8-25)

2pm: The Ultimate Tribute To Dolly @ Drayton Festival Theatre (Drayton) $? 

2-4pm: Jazz Jam @ The Jazz Room (Waterloo)

2:30pm: Dead Root Revival @ The Block Co, Edison Room (Burlington) $?

2:30-6pm: Saturday Afternoon Blues at the Regency with Blues Etc (Steve Grisbrook, Jim Casson, Dave Mullen) ft Marty Allen  @ Regency Athletic Resort and Sports Bar (Niagara Falls)

3-6pm: Trickbag @ Boiler & Whistle (Hamilton) $10

3-3:30pm: Ensemble! TV Show Hosted by Dave Rave starring Snowheel Slim & Mark Vanderheyden filmed at Clifford Brewing Company @ Cable 14 (Hamilton) or stream live on Cable14.com

3pm: Bareback Riders with Darren Hancock @ Come by Chance (Hamilton)

3-5pm: Alfie Smith @ Nickelbrook Brewing (Burlington) 

3-6pm: Bonnie Meeker Band @ Carrigan Arms (Burlington) $10

3-6pm: Open Mic @ Sessions on the River (Fort Erie) (Weekly)

3pm: Ricky Nelson Remembered starring Matthew and Gunnar Nelson @ Fallsview Casino Resort, Avalon Theatre (Niagara Falls) $? (Oct 14-18) 

3-6pm: Johnny B@ Duke of Wellington (Waterloo) 

---- 4:00-7:59pm ----

4pm: Killin Time Band @ Black Bull (Burlington) 

Waterford Pumpkinfest  (Oct 16-18)

• Onion Honey 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm
• Maddie & Paul 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
• Friendship on a Stick 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm
• Mississippi Bends 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm
• Trouble By Design 9:00 pm - 11:00 pm

6pm: Alfie Smith @ Henry’s on James (Hamilton)

6-10pm: Ricardo Barboza Band & Samba Dancers @ Brasa (Niagara Falls) (Weekly Fri & Sat) 

6-9pm: Matt Campbell @ Sassy Britches Brewery (Brantford) 

6-8pm: Rupert Black @ 2 Rivers (Paris) 

6:30-8:30pm: Eddie Pizzo (Piano) @ Spirit in Niagara (Niagara-on-the-Lake)(Weekly)

7-10pm: Open Mic @ The Gate (Hamilton) (Weekly)

7-11pm: Public House @ Burlington Legion 

7-10pm: Tone Dogs @ Briskit BBQ (Georgetown)

7-11pm: Vooodooo Kingz @ Dunsdon Legion (Brantford)

7pm: Troy Brown @ Easy Pour (Cambridge) 

7-10pm: Pipe Down @ Old Town Hall (Waterford)

7:30-9:30pm: Floydium: Animals and Other Tales @ Mohawk College, McIntyre Performing Arts Centre (Hamilton) $? 

7:30pm: She Carries the Song w/ Celeigh Cardinal, Mimi O’Bonsawin, Lacey Hill @ Burlington Performing Arts Centre $?

7:30pm: SANDMAN - Celebrating the Music of Metallica @ FirstOntario Arts Centre (Milton) $?

7:30pm: The Music of Phil Collins & Genesis ft Niagara Symphony Orchestra &  The Gravel Museum Rock Band @ FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre, Partridge Hall (St. Catharines) $?  (Oct 17-18)

7:30-10pm: Garnett Cromwell & DaGroovmasters@ Crystal Chandelier (Crystal Beach) $5

7:30pm: Tchaikovsky & Sibelius: A Spectacular Season Opener with GSO @ River Run Centre (Guelph) $? 

7:30pm: Into the Woods (Musical) @ Country Playhouse (St. Jacobs) $? (Oct 8-25)

7:30pm: The Ultimate Tribute To Dolly @ Drayton Festival Theatre (Drayton) $? 

7:30pm: We Walk The Line – Tribute to Johnny Cash @ Lighthouse Theatre (Port Dover) $57.50 

---- 8:00-8:59pm ----

8pm: Zero End & Friends @ Ooey Gooey's (Hamilton)

8pm: A Eddy and the Dirty Boys, Local Pressurer, Lake Porter @ Corktown Pub, Upstairs (Hamilton) 

8pm?: PR Duo@ The King George (Hamilton) 

8pm? Adam & Courtney @ Handsome Dave's (Hamilton) 

8pm: Kick ‘N Strings @ Black Bull (Burlington)

8pm: Bill Wood & The Woodies @ Moonshine Cafe (Oakville) $20

8-11pm: Neon Rewind @ Gingerman (Oakville)

8pm: The Grapes of Wrath (Acoustic Duo) @ Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts $? 

8-11pm: Elijah Cousineau @ Teddy's (Grimsby)

8pm: Let's Dance: My Son the Hurricane @ FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre, Partridge Hall (St. Catharines) $? 

8-11pm: Evan Rotella @ South Coast Cookhouse (Crystal Beach)

8pm: An Evening with Symply Skynyrd @ The Sanctuary Centre or the Arts (Ridegway) $?

8pm: Brantford Musicians Association Presents Blowin' the Blues ft Mark Stafford, Dan Walsh, Chris Nemeth, Chris Arsenault, Bob Boisinclair, Dennis Rondeau + Thom Adkins (Opener) @ Polish Hall (Brantford) $20 adv/$25 door

8pm: Tommy Youngsteen: Fleetwood Mac Rumours @ Sonic Hall (Guelph) $36.50 

8pm: Blue Suede Tribute to the Music of Elvis @ Fergus Grand Theatre $?

8pm: Wooden Bridge @ Falls Road on Victoria (Kitchener)

8pm: Collective Soul @ Centre In The Square, Raffi Armenian Theatre (Kitchener) $?

8pm: Wing Night (The Band) @ Maxwell’s Concerts & Events (Waterloo) $? 

8-10:30pm: Samuel Bonnet Trio “Slow Tour” Album Launch @ The Jazz Room (Waterloo) $?

8-11pm: Blackwire @ Mudcat Bowling and Entertainment Center (Dunnville)

8pm: Killin' Time Band @ Waterford Legion

8:30pm: Joel Guenther @ Thirsty Cactus (Dundas) 

8:30pm: Darlington Underground@ Coach & Lantern (Ancaster)

8:30pm: Soldiers Of Harmony @ Winchester Arms (Dundas) 

8:30pm: Blood Roses @ The Block Co, Edison Room (Burlington) $? 

8:30pm: Leah Holtom @ Pump & Patio (Oakville) 

8:30-11:30pm: Jack Van Ginger @ Irish Harp (Niagara-on-the-Lake) 

---- After 9:00pm ----

9pm-1am: Famous & Betty @ Cat & Fiddle (Hamilton)

9pm: Bourbon & Company @ Mill St & 5 American House (Waterdown)

9pm: Tone Deaf @ Jersey's Bar & Grill (Burlington)

9-11:45pm: Breakfast Club @ Doc Magilligan's (Niagara Falls) 

9pm-12:45am: New Rising Sun @ Fallsview Casino Resort, Splash Bar (Niagara Falls)

9pm: Ryan Thomas Smelle @ Fallsview Casino Resort, Lucky's Restaurant (Niagara Falls) 

9pm-1am: Figure Four @ Chip N Charlie's (Niagara Falls) 

9pm: Ricky Nelson Remembered starring Matthew and Gunnar Nelson @ Fallsview Casino Resort, Avalon Theatre (Niagara Falls) $? (Oct 14-18) 

9pm: Shari & Jonny @ 211 Main (Port Dover) 

Waterford Pumpkinfest  (Oct 16-18)

• Trouble By Design 9:00 pm - 11:00 pm

9:15pm: Joel Haynes  @ Henry’s on James (Hamilton)

9:30pm: JIN @ Helliwell Hall (St Catharines)

9:30pm-12:30am: Feverish Lemons @ Olde Angel Inn (Niagara-on-the-Lake) 

10pm: Time Machine@ B-Side Social (Hamilton)

10pm: New Omen @ Powerhouse (Stoney Creek) 

10pm: Cheap Thrills @ BLK Swan, Brant St (Burlington)

10pm: Twist of Fate @ The Dickens (Burlington) 

10pm-2am: Peter Perez @ Whiskey Dawgs (St. Catharines) 

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Sunday, October 18

Folk Canada Conference @ Sheraton Hotel (Hamilton) $? (Oct 14-18)

---- Before 3:00pm ----

9am-4pm: Waterford Pumpkinfest  (Oct 16-18)

• Amber and Nolan 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
• Lower Ground 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm
• The Treeline 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm

10am-5pm: Sundays Unlocked @ Locke Street (Hamilton)

11:30am-2pm: Jazz Brunch with Henry Strong & Friends @ Ottawa Street Local (Hamilton) (Weekly)

11:30am: Beatles Brunch ft Andrew McTaggart @ Black Bull (Burlington) (Weekly)

12-11pm: Collabfest ft Maggot Pizza, Sunshine Express, Superstar Crush, Mitten, Red Trillium, Katie Mazi, Dhatura, Moonlight Circus,more @ Niagara Artists Centre (St. Catharines) $20 

12pm: Jasmine T Duo @ Henry of Pelham Winery (St. Catharines)

1:30-4:30pm: Irish Jam Session @ Doc Magilligan's (Niagara Falls) (Weekly)

2-5pm: New Rebel Westerners @ Clifford Brewing Co (Hamilton) 

2-5pm: Lionel Bernard @ Battlefield Legion (Stoney Creek) $10

2pm: Beach Party Boys (Tribute) @ Burlington Legion $40 

2pm: Tony Bennett 100 Years of the Good Life with Toronto All Star Big Band @ Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts $? 

2-5pm: James Anthony & Guest @ Ned Devine's (Milton)

2-5pm: Open Mic @ Harbourfront Inn (Port Colbourne)(Weekly)

2-5pm: Ryan Thomas @ Olde Angel Inn (Niagara-on-the-Lake)

2-5pm: The O'Deadlys @ Irish Harp (Niagara-on-the-Lake)

2pm: Into the Woods (Musical) @ Country Playhouse (St. Jacobs) $? (Oct 8-25)

2pm: Ray @ Falls Road on Victoria (Kitchener)

2-6pm: Black River Remedy @ Port Dover Legion 

2pm: Reign: The Queens of Blues, Soul & Rock ‘n Roll @ Lighthouse Theatre (Port Dover) $55 

2:30pm: The Music of Phil Collins & Genesis ft Niagara Symphony Orchestra &  The Gravel Museum Rock Band @ FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre, Partridge Hall (St. Catharines) $? (Oct 17-18)

2:30pm: Jimmy’s Juke Joint Hosted by Jim Casson ft Spencer Mackenzie & Andrew Marshall @ Iggy’s Pub & Grub (Fonthill)

---- After 3:00pm ----

3pm: Harmonia: Womens Songwriting Series @ The Block Co, Edison Room (Burlington) 

3-5pm: Alexander Quail @ Nickelbrook Brewing (Burlington) 

3pm: Mike Stevenson & Friend @ BLK Swan, Brant St. (Burlington) (Weekly)

3-6pm: All Ages OPEN Jam @ Moonshine Cafe (Oakville) $5, under 12 FREE 

3pm: Ricky Nelson Remembered starring Matthew and Gunnar Nelson @ Fallsview Casino Resort, Avalon Theatre (Niagara Falls) $? (Oct 14-18) 

3-6pm: Open Stage with Hellion Ton @ Cornerstone (Guelph) (Weekly) 

Waterford Pumpkinfest  (Oct 16-18)

• The Treeline 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm

3:30-6:30pm: ANAT @ Duke of Wellington (Waterloo) (Weekly)

4pm: Glenn Groves @ Black Bull (Burlington) (Weekly)

4-8pm: The Bash @ Super Mario's Pizza (Port Colborne)

5-8pm: John Neudorf @ Cat's Caboose (St. Catharines) 

7pm: Ray Whimsey @ The Avro (Hamilton)

7pm: Nicol Robertson @ The Capitol Bar (Hamilton)

7pm: Jam @ Henry’s on James (Hamilton) (Weekly)

7pm: Ricky Nelson Remembered starring Matthew and Gunnar Nelson @ Fallsview Casino Resort, Avalon Theatre (Niagara Falls) $? (Oct 14-18) 

7:30pm: Pavlo @ The Westdale (Hamilton) $? 

7:30pm: Open Mic @ Golden Brothers (Welland) (Weekly)

7:30-10:30pm: Chris Chambers Trio @ Irish Harp (Niagara-on-the-Lake)

7:30pm: Highwaymen Show – Great Outlaws Tribute @ River Run Centre (Guelph) $63

8pm: Keegan Powell & The Jetpacks + Peter van Helvoort @ Warehouse Concert Hall (St. Catharines) $26.83

8pm: Joel Plaskett with Special Guest Alexander Gallant @ The Sanctuary Centre or the Arts (Ridegway) $?

8pm: 2112 Celebrating 22 Years (Rush Tribute) @ Fergus Grand Theatre $?

8pm: The Buena Vista Orchestra @ Centre In The Square, Raffi Armenian Theatre (Kitchener) $?

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Oct 15-18 / Oct 19-25

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Winners of the 2026 Ontario Folk Music Awards

The Ontario Folk Music Awards were handed out at The Studio in Hamilton, Ontario on Wednesday, October 14th during the annual Folk Canada Conference. 

Highlights from local area artists

• Brantford's Logan Staats earned Performing Artist of the Year & the Culture in Climate Award and also perfomed.
• Waterdown's own Terra Lightfoot did an amazing job hosting the night too.
• Hamilton songstress Treasa Leveasseur led a musical tribute to Coco Love Alcorn when she earned the Estelle Klein Community Builder Award.
• The final jam was a cover of Shine from Hamilton legends Junkhouse.

Media

• Hamilton City Magazine
• CHCH
• Roots Music Canada
• Billboard Canada

Below is a complete list of winners. 

• Performing Artist of the Year: Logan Staats (Brantford)
  
  
  
  Links: Logan Staats, More Logan Staats Stories, Video above courtesy of Logan Staats
  
  
• Culture in Climate Award: Logan Staats (Brantford)
• Album of the Year: Reasons To Stay by Tanika Charles
• Colleen Peterson Songwriting Award: Jonathan Nvita
• Estelle Klein Community Builder Award: Coco Love Acorn
• Estelle Klein Lifetime Achievement Award: Chris White
• Music Video of the Year: “Been Done” by Frank Mighty
  
  
  
  Links: Frank Mighty, More Frank Mighty, Video above courtesy of Frank Mighty
  
  
• Recording Artist of the Year: Aysanabee
• Song of the Year: “Quit My Habit” by Rebekah Hawker
  
  
  
  Links: Rebekah Hawker, More Rebekah Hawker Stories, Video above courtesy of Rebekah Hawker

More Ontario Folk Music Awards Stories

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Previous (New Smoke Wagon Blues Band Double Live Album)

Still Jukin' Celebrates 30 Wonderful Years of the Smoke Wagon Blues Band

Mini-Review: To celebrate their 30th anniversary, the award-winning local favorite, SSmoke Wagon Blues Band, has released a double-live album: Still Jukin'. Recorded live at Kitchener's Registry Theatre, it captures the band performing at the absolute top of their game. This is what 30 years of powerful blues sounds like!

Available: Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, Their Website (CD + Download), Their Live Shows (CD)

Links: Smoke Wagon Blues Band, More Smoke Wagon Blues Band Stories, Album above courtesy of  The Smoke Wagon Blues Band - Topic, More Releases

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Previous (Hug a Bassist Day Videos) - - - Next (Winners of the 2026 Ontario Folk Music Awards)

Hug a Bassist Day Videos of Justine Fischer

Update of 2021 Post

Links: Matty Simpson, More Matty Simpson Stories, Video above courtesy of Matty Simpson

Links: Logan Staats, More Logan Staats Stories, Video above courtesy of L Staats

Links: Spencer Mackenzie, More Spencer Mackenzie Stories, Video above courtesy of Frank Muggianu

Links: Justine Fischer, More Justine Fischer Videos, More Bassist Day Posts

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Previous (Thanksgiving Videos) - - - Next (New Smoke Wagon Blues Band Double Live Album)

Thanksgiving Videos by the Ludgates, Garnet Rogers, Soul Brothers Six (ft John Ellison)

Update of 2021 Post

Links: John and Sheila Ludgate, More John and Sheila Stories, Video above courtesy of saxondale2

Links: Garnet Rogers, More Garnet Rogers Stories, Video above courtesy of Douglas Carter

Links: John Ellison, More John Ellison Stories, Video above courtesy of NSoulClassics

More Thanksgiving Music

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Support Local Charities

From their website: Food4Kids provides packages of healthy food for kids aged 5-14 years with limited or no access to food each weekend.

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.

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Hug a Drummer Day Videos of Matt Burns

Update of 2021Post

Links: Spencer Mackenzie, More Spencer Mackenzie Stories, Video above courtesy of Frank Muggianu

Links: Matty Simpson, More Matty Simpson Stories, Video above courtesy of bluetiltstudio

Links: Steve Deeps, More Deeps Stories, Video above courtesy of The Unicorn Project GTA

Links: Matt Burns, More Drummer Day Stories

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Throwback Thursday: Alan Jackson Covers Fred Eaglesmith on Album 'Freight Train' (2010)

Original Post: Part of March 24, 2010

Updated Post: October 8, 2026

On March 30, 2010, Country Superstar Alan Jackson released the album Freight Train, whose title track was actually a cover of a tune by local singer/songwriter Fred Eaglesmith.

"I heard it on satellite radio one day in the car," Jackson said. "I listen to bluegrass on there a lot. I wasn't familiar with it, and I thought it would be a good remake."

• Click here for the Reuters story

Links: Alan Jackson, More Alan Jackson Stories, Fred Eaglesmith, More Fred Eaglesmith Stories, Video above courtesy of Alan Jackson,, More Releases

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Support Local Charities

N2N's mission is to alleviate and prevent poverty by supporting neighbours at risk.

Check out their amazing used book store.

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.

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Toot Your Flute Day Videos by Michael McAllister

Video above courtesy of Michael McAllister

Video above courtesy of Michael McAllister

Links: Michael McAllister, Video above courtesy of Michael McAllister

More Flute Day Videos

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Kids Music Day Videos by Paul Sage, Chris McKhool, Washboard Hank

Links: Video above courtesy of Paul Sage

Links: Video above courtesy of Chris McKhool Family Music

Links: Video above courtesy of Sherine Cisco

Click here for more Kids Music Day videos

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Please Support Our Wonderful Sponsors

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They sell instruments, do repairs and offer lessons. 

This wonderful store does a lot to help to local music community.

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Throwback Thursday: 2009 Toronto Blues Society Talent Search

Original Post: Part of  August 14, 2009

Updated Post: October 1, 2026

The 2009 Toronto Blues Society Talent Search Finals took place on August 13 at Nathan Phillips Square in Toronto. Toronto's catl took home the top prize.

See video of the announcement and catl's performance below.

Links: Toronto Blues Society, More TBS Talent Search Stories, Video above courtesy of ChernozymVideo

Other semi-finalists

• Alfie Smith (Hamilton)
• Melissa Bel (Burlington)
• The Homeless (Toronto) (1st runner up)
• Urban Preacher (Toronto)(2nd runner up)
• Jon Adessky (Toronto)

Other Winners:

• 2010: 24th Street Wailers
• 2011: Bradleyboy MacArthur
• 2012: Irene Torres & The Sugar Devils
• 2013: Sugar Brown

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National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Videos by Aysanabee, Digging Roots, Gord Downie's Secret Path

Links: Aysanabee, More Aysanabee Stories, Video above courtesy of Aysanabee

Links: Digging Roots, More Digging Roots Stories, Video above courtesy of DiggingRootsMusic

Links: Gord Downie, More Tragically Hip Stories, Video above courtesy of The Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund

More Truth and Reconciliation Videos

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Please Support Local Charities

From their website:

An Instrument For Every Child (AIFEC) provides ALL children with a high quality music education and allows them to explore their creative potential. This program will build self-esteem, develop leadership and teamwork skills and realize a sense of fulfillment. AIFEC will greatly assist in successfully carrying children forward, as vital citizens of their community.

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.

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Please Support Our Wonderful Sponsors

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Please Support Our Wonderful Sponsors

Ken Wallis is an amazing local music supporter. He has a great radio show

Tuesdays: 4-5:30pm: Blues Source Canada w Ken Wallis @ INDI 101.5 FM 

Now on-demand at Mixcloud

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Fall Videos by Tia McGraff, Killin' Time Band, Hamilton All-Star Jazz Band

Update from 2021 Post

Links: Tia McGraff,  More Tia McGraff Stories, Video above courtesy of Tia McGraff

Links: Killin' Time Band, More KTB Stories, Video above courtesy of Killin' Time

Links: Hamilton All-Star Jazz Band, More HASJB Stories, Video above courtesy of Hamilton All Star Jazz Band - Topic

More Fall Videos

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Please Support Local Charities

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Support Local Charities

From their website: The Canadian Heroes Foundation is a Registered Not for Profit organization and is about creating awareness and support for our front line responders, our fallen heroes and families. It is also a tribute to those who have served in the past, present and future.

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.

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Kitchener's Cheryl Lescom Earns 2026 Grand River Blues Award

Picture courtesy of Grand River Blues Camp

Kitchener singer/songwriter Cheryl Lescom received the Grand River Blues Award on August 7th, 2026, at The Kitchener Blues Festival.

From the Grand River Blues Society Newsletter:

The Grand River Blues Award is presented annually to an individual or individuals who have contributed to blues music and the growth of blues in the region. 

For over 15 years now Cheryl was there on day one to mentor the youth campers with her musical expertise and MC our most popular live performances of our region’s teens. Each August THE GRAND RIVER BLUES CAMP offers a four-day Youth Blues Camp, providing an intensive Blues educational experience to improve musical skills, to learn from and play with professional musicians. On the last day of the Camp students perform with peers at the Kitchener Blues Festival - kitchenerbluesfestival.com. Blues Music is the foundation for modern popular music including such as Jazz, Pop, Rock, Hip-Hop, R&B etc.

Also, for many years now Cheryl Lescom has masterfully MCed the main stage at City Hall during the Kitchener Blues Festival.

Cheryl Lescom has been part of the Canadian music scene for over 45 years. Starting off in 1975 with several of her own bands before becoming a back up singer for Ronnie Hawkins and touring with Long John Baldry. Cheryl also sang on many national jingles in the 1980's. She has toured and performed with the likes of Jeff Healey, Matt Minglewood, Dutch Mason, and the Downchild Blues Band to name a few. To date, Cheryl has released 6 CD's and has earned awards such as The Kitchener Blues Festival - Mel Brown Award 2006 and the Kitchener Waterloo Arts Award for Music 2009. 

Links: Cheryl Lescom, More Cheryl Lescom Stories, Video above courtesy of Gerry Bungay

Previous winners include:

• Willy A / Bill Alexander (2024): Recognized for hosting The Old Chicago Blues Show on CKWR and championing the blues for nearly three decades.
• George White and Dennis Cuomo (2023): Recognized as the inaugural recipients and founders of the Grand River Blues Camp 

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