Music Listings: September 28-October 1, 2026

September 28-October 1, 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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Sep 25-27 / Sep 28-Oct 4

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Monday, September 28

12:30-1:30pm: Culture Days Presents Troy Harmer and The Persuaders @ Hamilton Public Library, Saltfleet

6-7:30pm: Guitar Pickers (Open Stage) @ Hamilton Public Library, Greensville (Weekly) 

6-9pm: Beatles Tribute ft Re-Peatles @ Innsville (Stoney Creek)  (Weekly)

6-8pm: Youth Jam @ Moonshine Cafe (Oakville) $5 (Weekly)

6:30-8pm: Open Mic & Workshop with Victor Morgado @ Smoke and Moonshine  (Beamsville) (Weekly)

6:30-8:30pm: Thomas Nelson @ Spirit in Niagara (Niagara-on-the-Lake)(Bi-Weekly)

6:30-10pm: Open Mic @ Duke of Wellington (Waterloo) (Weekly)

7-11pm: Acoustic Open Mic with Sean Fuller @ Pub 36 (Hamilton) (Weekly)

7pm: The Australian Bee Gees Show @ FirstOntario Arts Centre (Milton) $?

7-9pm: Brant Harmonica Guild @ Nights (Brantford) (2nd & Fourth Mondays)

7:30-10:30pm: Irish Traditional Sessions @ Irish Harp (Niagara-on-the-Lake) 

8pm: Open Jam with Iain Leslie @ Moonshine Cafe (Oakville) (Weekly)

8pm: Dale Watson and his Lone Stars, India Ramey @ Capitol 33 (Delhi) $?

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Tuesday, September 29 (Linda, Our Marketing Maven, Birthday)

Culture Days (Across Canada): Burlington / Oakville / Milton / St. Catharines / Centre Wellington 

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

12pm: RBC Music at Noon ft Echoes of the Land: Songs and Knowledge from Indigenous Voices Shannon Thunderbird & Kate Dickson In recognition of National Day for Truth & Reconciliation @ FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre, Recital Hall (St. Catharines) $?

5-6pm: Guitar Pickers (Open Stage) @ Hamilton Public Library, Kenilworth FREE (Weekly)

7-10pm: Open Mic with Brennagh Burns @ Lukaya Cafe (Hamilton) (Weekly)

7pm: Open Mike  with Neil MacNaughton @ Moonshine Cafe (Oakville) $5 (Weekly)

7pm: The Australian Bee Gees Show @ FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre, Partridge Hall (St. Catharines) $?

7-11pm: Live Band Open Jam @ West Side Pizzeria & Sports Bar (St. Catharines) (Weekly)

7-10pm: Open Mic @ The Boathouse (Kitchener)(Weekly)

8-11pm: Open Jam with the Boom Babiez @ Ale House (Hamilton) (Weekly) 

8:30-11:30pm: Open Mic/Jam @ Barton Touchdown Pub (Hamilton) (Weekly)

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Wednesday, September 30

Culture Days (Across Canada): Burlington / Oakville / Milton / St. Catharines / Centre Wellington 

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

2pm: Get Down Tonight (The Ultimate 70’s Soundtrack) Leisa Way & The Wayward Wind Band @ Roselawn Theatre (Port Colborne) $35+ (Sep 30-Oct 4)

4-7pm: Open Mic Hosted by Victor Morgadoo @ Ridgeway Legion (Bi-Weekly)

6pm: Mitten, Nod, La Femme Damnee and Beyond This Point @ Niagara Artists Centre (St. Catharines) $?

6:30-9:30pm: Ryan Thomas Smelle @ Irish Harp (Niagara-on-the-Lake)

7-10pm: Mardi Gras Night ft Dan Thomas & Friends @ East End Social (Hamilton)

7pm: Veronica Johnny & The Johnnys: Truth and Reconciliation @ Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts FREE but must register 

7-10pm: Open Mic with Brant Parker @ Donnelly's Pub (Thorold) (Last Wed)

7pm: Perry and Mark @ Royal Electric (Guelph) (Weekly) 

7-10pm: Open Mic @ The Bullring (Guelph) (Weekly)

7:30pm: Adam Ostrosser @ Thirsty Cactus (Dundas) (Bi-Weekly) 

7:30pm: In the Country with Dave Woods @ Moonshine Cafe (Oakville) $10

7:30pm: Disney's The Little Mermaid (Youth Academy) (Musical) @ Hamilton Family Theatre (Cambridge) $? 

8-11pm: Open Mic @ The Block Co (Burlington) (Weekly)

8-11pm: Open Mic with Mike Shotton (Pop Machine) @ Gingerman (Oakville) (Weekly)

8-12pm: Open Jam @ Frankie's (Brantford) (Weekly) 

8-11pm: Blues Review ft Jon Knight & Friend @ White Rabbitt (Waterloo) (Weekly)

8pm: Felicia McMinn @ 211Main (Port Dover) (Weekly)

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Thursday, October 1

Culture Days (Across Canada): Burlington / Oakville / Milton / St. Catharines / Centre Wellington 

---- Before 7:00pm ----

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

10am-12pm: Breakfast of Champions (Radio Show) w Paul Panchezak (Trickbag) @ 93.3 CFMU or cfmu.ca (Weekly) 

1-3pm: Open Ukulele Session @ Moonshine Cafe (Oakville) $5 (Weekly)

2pm: Get Down Tonight (The Ultimate 70’s Soundtrack) Leisa Way & The Wayward Wind Band @ Roselawn Theatre (Port Colborne) $35+ (Sep 30-Oct 4)

5-8pm: Thomas Nelson Duo @ 13th Street Winery (St. Catharines)

5:30pm: Jamie Petrie @ Forge BBQ (Ancaster) (Weekly)

6pm: Music @ East End Social (Hamilton) 

6pm: Kiran Singh @ Henry’s on James (Hamilton) 

6-7pm: Culture Days Presents Patti Payne Trio @ Hamilton Public Library, Redhill

6pm: Open Jam with Alex Antinori @ Clifford Brewing Co (Hamilton) (1st & 3rd Thu)

6-9pm: Open Mic @ Crystal Chandelier (Crystal Beach) (Weekly) 

6pm: Open Mic @ Brandi's (Brantford)(Weekly)

6-8pm: Music @ 2 Rivers (Paris) 

6-9pm: Lucas Stagg @ Aging Oak (Cambridge) (Weekly)

6-8pm: Turk & The Hobbit (Juneyt & Derek) @ Molly Blooms (Waterloo) (Weekly)

6:30-8:30pm: The Decent Blokes (Acoustic) @ Shawn & Ed Brewing Co (Dundas) FREE 

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

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

7-9pm: Music @ Squires Pub on Locke (Hamilton) 

7pm: Classic Country Open Mic with the Country Ramblers @ 447 Wing (Hamilton) (Weekly) 

7-10pm: Abe Bergsma @ Teddy's (Grimsby)

7-10pm: Josh Coulter @ Judge & Jester (Grimsby) (Weekly)

7-10pm: Neil Carson @ Doc Magilligan's (Niagara Falls) 

7-10pm: Music @ Manhattans (Guelph) 

7pm: Open Mic @ The Falls Road on Victoria (Kitchener) (Weekly)

7:30-9:30pm: Phil Collins & Genesis…LIVE @ Mohawk College, McIntyre Performing Arts Centre (Hamilton) $? 

7:30pm: Steve Marriner @ Ancaster Memorial Centre, Voortman Studio Theatre $? ($5 off for Escarpment Blues Society members)

7:30pm?: Music @ The Block Co, Edison Room (Burlington) 

7:30-10:30pm: Open Mic with Victor Morgado @ Your Neighbourhood Pizza Co (Beamsville)  (Weekly) 

7:30pm: Danger Birds: A Tribute to Neil Young @ FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre, Partridge Hall (St. Catharines) $?

7:30pm: Harry Manx @ Saint James and Saint Brendan Anglican Church (Port Colborne)

7:30-10:30pm: Pat Matthews Duo @ Irish Harp (Niagara-on-the-Lake)

7:30pm: Take It To The Limit – The Music & Legacy of the Eagles @ River Run Centre (Guelph) $?

7:30pm: Disney's The Little Mermaid (Youth Academy) (Musical) @ Hamilton Family Theatre (Cambridge) $? 

---- After 8:00pm ----

8pm?: Music @ Corktown Pub, Downstairs (Hamilton) 

8pm?: Music @ Ooey Gooey's (Hamilton) $?

8pm: Music @ Moonshine Cafe (Oakville) $?

8-11pm: Open Mic Night + Jam @ Temple Bar (Oakville) (Weekly) 

8-10pm: Dragan on the Sax @ Spirit in Niagara (Niagara-on-the-Lake) (Weekly)

8-11:30pm: Open Mic with Nora Crete and Derek Bowers @ Elora Legion (Weekly)

8pm: Moondoggy + The Stamps @ Maxwell’s Concerts & Events (Waterloo) $?

8-11pm: Acoustic Melodies ft Lor & Friends @ White Rabbitt (Waterloo) (Weekly)

8:30pm: Open Mic @ Coach & Lantern (Ancaster) (Weekly) 

8:30pm: One Vision of Queen featuring Marc Martel  @ Fallsview Casino Resort, Avalon Theatre (Niagara Falls) $? 

9pm-12am: Black Sheep @ Olde Angel Inn (Niagara-on-the-Lake) 

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

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Sep 25-27 / Sep 28-Oct 4

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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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Previous (Grand River Blues Award)

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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Previous (Sonny Del-Rio Passes)

Sonny Del-Rio Was a Giant in the Music Scene, RIP!

It is with sadness that we report on the passing of the legendary, unforgettable Sonny Del-Rio. He died on Friday, September 18, 2026. Our condolences to his family, friends and fans. We will post more information here as we learn it.

Sonny was a giant in the music scene and his contributions are incalculable.  His stellar, decades-long career (he started in 1957) included performing with Crowbar, King Biscuit Boy, Ronnie and the Rockets, Trickbag, Smoke Wagon Blues Band, Ray Materick and too many to mention here. His yearly Hamilton Hometown Christmas shows helped raise a lot of money for charity, earning him a much-deserved Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal medal for his fundraising in 2012.

A word from Lou, our blogger.

Linda and I were lucky to consider Sonny a great friend. We got to laugh with him, hear his incredible stories, and got to experience his immense talent. My wife and I will miss him terribly and our heart goes out to his family. We love you Sonny! 

Social Media Reaction

Smoke Wagon Blues Band

This might be the most tearful goodbye I've had to make about a fellow musician and mentor. Writing something, anything, helps me try to process this sad news this morning. The Smoke Wagon Blues Band and myself owe so much to the legendary Sonny Del Rio. "Mr Hamilton" it was over 23 or 24 years ago we first started playing with Sonny (Dennis Grasley) . We looked up to him so much that I was so scared to ask him to play on our album at the time that I called Jesse O'Brien to ask him for us ha. I was nervous and excited the first time I met him, you got to remember we were a young band at the time. We had a 7:00 a.m early studio session booked (ridiculous) so it's 6:30 in the morning when Sonny gets there and the first words out of his mouth as he walked up was reefer? As he handed me a doobie! Lol that was the start of an amazing friendship.

Sonny became our alternate sax player for many years and we had all kinds of fun and shenanigans playing throughout Ontario. Sonny always stole the show; he was the most charismatic musician that I've ever shared the stage with. I learned so much about stage presence, professionalism, friendship, and humanity from him.

He introduced us and invited us into the family of legendary Hamilton musicians. Sonny was so supportive of our career, he booked us on bills with Jackie Washington, Ray Materick, Tom Wilson, Harrison Kennedy, Trickbag, Teenage Head, Crowbar, Tim Gibbons, and so many more. He would come to Mike and I's family events and invite us to his. He was family!  Sonny will always be the king of Hamilton to us, I love you Sonny. Our deepest condolences to Tammy, Tommy, Lori, April, all his lifetime, bandmates, friends and family, he was loved by so many. Farewell to the king " blow your horn man"

Bill Irvine (Friend)

I'm really sad to hear that Sonny Del-Rio has passed, we had a lot of history over the years. He was a good friend, we worked together for about 5 or six years.

He was a mentor to my son Dean Irvine. He recognized Dean's talent and ambition, included him and his band in all the events he could!! Love that he showed up on Superbowl Sunday (he came to our house for the game for years) at 2 in the afternoon, the game was at 6:30 and I told him that. He told me that he wasn't here to see me lol, he wanted to see Dean. They went downstairs to Dean's practice room and Sonny taught him jazz standards for about 3 hours!! Who does that for a kid??? 

We were quite close with Sonny and his wife, Faye, dinners etc. Everyone has Sonny stories, he was recognized by the City of Hamilton as 12th most famous person. He was a good man, a great musician who played with everyone, man he could blow that Sax!!! You are already missed by my Anita, Dean and I, your legion of fans and so many friends. RIP pal!! 

Lily Sazz

I left a voicemail for Sonny recently to arrange a visit, then hit the road planning to follow up when I got back, only to receive this sad news. Sonny gave my band Cootes Paradise our first gig and called us “the cooties”. And I’m just remembering that way back when I was a music student in university in the early 80s, I interviewed him for a project, and asked what he soaked his reeds in, and the answer was vodka. What a character. I’ll always love and remember him. Condolences to all of us.  

Video above courtesy of Jim Unsworth

Links: We Got Blues, More We Got Blues Stories, Video above courtesy of Chris “#DeaconsTable” Labonville

Links: Sonny Del-Rio. More Sonny Del Rio Stories, Video above courtesy of Hamilton Blues Lovers

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Please Support Our Wonderful Sponsors

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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.

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International Country Music Day Videos by Brad Battle, James Cameron, Karli June, Ashlynne Vince

Update of 2019 Post 

Links: Brad Battle, More Brad Battle Stories,  Video above courtesy of Brad Battle



Links: James Cameron Band, Video above courtesy of James Cameron Music



Links: Karli June, Video above courtesy of Karli June - Topic



Links: Ashlynne Vince, More Ashlynne Vince Stories, Video above courtesy of Ashlynne Vince - Topic

Links: More Country Music Day Stories, Our Country Music Stories

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Previous (Grandparents Day Videos) - - - Next (Sonny Del-Rio Passes)

Please Support Local Charities

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Please Support Local Charities

From the website: Carpenter Hospice, located in the heart of Burlington, Ontario, provides individuals who are dying, and their families, with high quality palliative care in a home-like setting.

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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Grandparents Day Videos by Ty Baynton, Dana Sipos, Lightnin' Hopkins

Update of Our 2021 Post

Treble with his grandparents

Links: Ty Baynton, More Ty Baynton Stories, Video above courtesy of Ty Baynton

Links: Dana Sipos  More Dana Sipos Stories, Video above courtesy of Dana Sipos

Links: Lightnin' Hopkins, More Lightnin' Hopkins Stories, Video above courtesy of Lightnin' Hopkins - Topic

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Please Support Our Wonderful Sponsors

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Please Support Our Wonderful Sponsors

To enable you to make good housing decisions call us or email us: www.judymarsales.com

PROUD SUPPORTER OF HAMILTON BLUES LOVERS

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Dwayne LaForme's Impressive Debut Demands to be Heard!

Mini-Review: Relax may be Dwayne LaForme's debut album but this is a tight collection of road-tested tunes with a few battle scars. Dwayne is a Blues veteran and he, along with his impressive band, amplify the funk, soul, rock, swing and more to craft songs that demand to heard.

Personnel: 

• Jim Casson (drums)
• Shane Scott (bass)
• Chris Wheeler (second guitar)
• Mike Doyle (organ): 
• Pat Carey (saxophone)

Available: Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, His Live Shows (CD & Vinyl)

Links: Dwayne LaForme, More Dwayne LaForme Stories, Video above courtesy of Release - Topic

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Previous (Back to School Videos) - - - Next (Grandparents Day Videos)

Back to School Videos by Big Trouble Band, Diana Braithwaite & Chris Whiteley, Ace Frehley

Update to 2021 Post 

Links: Blueswinder (has former members of the Big Trouble Band), More Blueswinder Stories, Video above courtesy of Hamilton Blues Lovers

Links: Braithwaite & Whiteley, More Diana Braithwaite Stories, More Chuck Berry Covers/Stories, Video above courtesy of Diana Braithwaite & Chris Whiteley

Links: Ace Frehley, More KISS Stories, Video above courtesy of Ace Frehley

More Back to School Videos

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 school children. 

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Previous (Labour Day Videos) - - - Next (Dwayne LaForme Debut Album)

Labour Day Videos by Stan Rogers, Snooky Pryor & Mel Brown, Ronnie Hawkins

Update of 2021 Post 

Links: Stan Rogers, More Stan Rogers Stories, Video above courtesy of Norman Dale

Links: Mel Brown, More Mel Brown Stories, Snooky Pryor, More Snooky Pryor Stories, Video above courtesy of Mel Brown - Topic

Links: Ronnie Hawkins, More Ronnie Hawkins Stories, Video above courtesy of futykoolz

More Labour Day Videos

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Please Support Local Charities

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Please Support Local Charities

From their site: Hope for People-Fodivha Inc, is a Canadian Non-Profit Organization partnering with Fodivha Orphanage and School in Thomaseau, Haiti. We work to fund the building of the infrastructure necessary to give children a safe, nurturing environment to live and learn in. Funding also supports a nutritious feeding programme. Currently, 35 orphaned children live at Fodivha and another 300 come to school everyday. It is the only free school in the area, servicing the most marginalized and needy, in this very poor area of Haiti.

100% of your donation to Hope for People – Fodivha goes directly to support the ongoing construction projects at the orphanage and school and to the purchase of food for the children.

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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Get the Hamilton Blues Lovers E-Mail Newsletter

Want to be kept up to date with what's going on in the local area (Hamilton/Halton/Brant/Niagara/Waterloo/Norfolk/Haldimand)? Then get all the Blues News You Can Use with our new weekly e-mail newsletter.

Every Wednesday or Thursday night, the Hamilton Blues Lovers send out an e-mail blast with the latest happenings in the local Blues/Folk/Jazz/Roots/Country scene. Find out about new music releases, upcoming shows, our exclusive videos and much more. 

To get this amazing newsletter, please please go to our MailChimp page and enter your email address. https://mailchi.mp/f5df63ee5f8b/blueshamilton

We also welcome any ideas you may have to help improve the newsletter.

Please Support Local Charities

From their website: Arts After School Kids (AASK) is a Unique Free not for profit charitable organization that offers an arts based program that develops self esteem and confidence and sparkling potential in youth 11-14 in our community.

This is placed in honour of the late Jeremiah Budnark, RIP.

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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'Play Music on Your Porch' Day Videos by Porch Chops, Wayne Cheater, Clarissa Diokno

Video above courtesy of Porch Chops

Video above courtesy of Wayne Cheater

Links: Clarissa Diokno,Video above courtesy of Clarissa Diokno

More Porch Music Day Videos

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Previous (Craig Martin, Co-founder of Classics Album Live, Passes - - - Next (Labour Day Videos)

Craig Martin, Co-Founder of 'Classic Albums Live' Was Bold & Unwavering (RIP)

It is with sadness that we report the recent passing of Toronto musician Craig Martin. He was also the co-founder of the hugely successful Classic Albums Live series. We will add more details to this page when we learn them. Our condolences to his family, friends and fans.

Social Media Reaction

Classic Albums Live Facebook Page

It is with a collective sadness that we announce the passing of our friend & founder: Craig Martin. 

Classic Albums Live was created in 2003 by Craig, and thanks to his bold personality & unwavering passion, it has grown into a renowned live music experience that continues to thrill loyal & mighty audiences, today. 

He was immensely proud of his family & friends and made no secret of his belief in them. In turn, we all believed in Craig and shared in his incredible pursuit of connecting people through the music that we all love. 

He was a true original, a born leader, and an undeniable force of energy. His vision of bringing people together through iconic sounds will live on in the hands of his family & the musicians he loved. 

We vow to honour Craig with years of great performances to come. 

Frank Koren (Dundas musician who performs with Classic Albums Live)

He’s been one of my music bosses since 2018. He was always fair, funny and ferocious in his vision. We did a few tours too so I even got to share some great stages with this human. You’re forever in my heart.

Links: Video above courtesy of  Toronto Live Music 

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Throwback Thursday - Les Paul Passes (2009)

Originally part of our August 13, 2009 post

Updated Post: Thursday, August 27, 2026

Guitar legend Les Paul passed away on Thursday, August 13, 2009.

Les with local Bluesman Alfie Smith

Les with local musician Joel Guenther

Links: Les Paul, Video above courtesy of Sunday Funnies

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International Dog Day Videos by Jane Siberry, Crash Test Dummies, Neil Young

Links: Jane Sibbery, More Jane Sibbery Stories, Video above courtesy of Otsini

Links: Crash Test Dummies, Video above courtesy of Crash Test Dummies

Links: Neil Young, More Neil Young Stories, Video above courtesy of neilyoungchannel

Click here for more Dog Day videos

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Nominations for the 2026 Ontario Folk Music Awards

From the FolkCanada.com news release:

Folk Canada Announces 2026 Ontario Folk Music Award Nominees

The 32nd annual Ontario Folk Music Awards will take place at The Studio in Hamilton, Ontario on Wednesday, October 14th during the annual Folk Canada Conference.

The event will feature performances by a select number of nominated artists and special guests, and is open to all Folk Canada Conference attendees. Still to be announced are the Estelle Klein Award recipients, the Laureate for the Colleen Peterson Songwriting Award and Culture in Climate Award.

Established in 1987 and now in its 39th year, the Folk Canada Conference (previously the Folk Music Ontario Conference and Ontario Council of Folk Festivals) will take place October 14-18 in Hamilton, Ontario and welcomes attendees from across the country to the event. To learn more, Folk Canada invites interested parties to visit their website and sign up for their newsletter.

“The Ontario Folk Music Awards are an opportunity to celebrate the incredible talent and creativity found across the province,” says Rosalyn Dennett, Executive Director of Folk Canada. “We’re proud to recognize this year’s nominees and bring the folk community together in Hamilton to celebrate their work.” Rosalyn Dennett is available for interviews, and select artists are available for interviews and performances in advance of the event.

Below is a complete list of nominees. Local artists are bolded.

Album of the Year

• Honesty by The Lifers (Guelph)
  
  
  
  Links: The Lifers, More Lifers Stories, Video above courtesy of The Lifers
  
  
• The Truth We Hold by Amanda Rheaume
• Not Defeated by Angelique Francis Band
• Mi Pequeña by Eliana Cuevas
• Immersed by Justin Gray
• Sofreh Tisch by Ladom Ensemble
• Reasons To Stay by Tanika Charles

Music Video of the Year

• “One More Dance Around The Sun” by Great Lake Swimmers
  
  
  
  Links: Great Lake Swimmers, More GLS Stories, Video above courtesy of  GreatLakeSwimmers
  
  
• “Without You” by Aysanabee
• “Been Done” by Frank Mighty
• “Kaku “Grandma’” by Jonathan Nvita
• “Exploits Island” by Kate Weekes
• “Vulgar Bulgar” by Medusa Quartet
• “Fruta Prohibida” by Payadora

Performing Artist of the Year

• Logan Staats (Brantford)
  
  
  
  Links: Logan Staats, More Logan Staats Stories, Video above courtesy of Logan Staats
  
  
• The Barrel Boys
• Julian Taylor
• Mimi O’Bonsawin
• OK Naledi
• Schmaltz & Pepper

Recording Artist of the Year

• Great Lake Swimmers (Wainfleet)
• Aysanabee
• John Muirhead
• Kazdoura
• The Pairs
• summersets

Song of the Year

• “Unforgettable” by Amanda Rheaume
• “Inevitable” by Emma Lamontagne
• “WIHOGORA” by Empress Nyiringango
• “Oh, Little One” by Jory Nash
• “Patron Saint” by Kate Greenland
• “Until the Devil’s Paid” by Michael Darcy & The Atlantic Tramps
• “Quit My Habit” by Rebekah Hawker
• “Temporary” by Vicki Brittle

More Ontario Folk Music Awards Stories

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Please Support Local Charities

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Please Support Local Charities

From their website: Hamilton Food Share's purpose is to increase our community's capacity to reduce hunger. We do this by supplying much needed food supplies and short-term storage to food banks and hot meal programs. Additionally, our organization establishes community partnerships, donor relations and fundraising activities that support our food recovery operation.

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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The Lowdown Dirty Mojos Take You Thru Salvation & Sin On 'Lucky 7'

Mini-Review: Lucky 7, the high-octane album from Hamilton's Lowdown Dirty Mojos is not your typical covers collection. These ain't the same songs you've heard a million times - they're revved up versions of  hidden gems from the likes of Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Mavis Staples, Huey Piano Smith, The Velvet Underground, Barbra Lynn as well as Ike & Tina Turner. These tracks'll take you on a wonderful, soulful journey through salvation and sin.

Guests: 

• The Shiny Lights (Patti Smith, Mimi Shaw, Buckshot Bebee) (background vocals)
• Dean Hunt (sax)
• Les Kadar (trumpet)

Available: Bandcamp, Spotify, Apple Music, Their Live Shows (CD)

Links: The Lowdown Dirty Mojos, More Mojos Stories, Album above courtesy of Bandcamp, More Releases

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