National Cartoonist Day

Update of 2013 Post

Click here for more of our Cartoons

Local Cartoonists:

• Sandra Bell-Lundy (Between Friends) (born in St. Catharines)
• Sheree Bradford-Lea (born in Hamilton)
• Blaine (RIP) (Hamilton Spectator)
• Cartoon Bob (musician, Oakville) caricatures
• Chris Chambers (Hamilton musician and cartoonist)(some mature content)
• Scott Chantler (Waterloo)
• David Collier (Hamilton)
• Richard Comely (Captain Canuck creator) (Cambridge, Hamilton)
• Brian Fray (Guelph)
• Lynn Johnston (For Better or For Worse)(Lived in Hamilton)
• Graeme MacKay (Hamilton Spectator)
• Bruce McCall (Born in Simcoe)
• Neal Moogk-Soulis (Waterloo)
• Warren Muzak (musician) Kitchener
• Steve Nease (Oakville)
• Joe Ollman (Hamilton)
• Bruce Outridge (Burlington) caricatures
• Paul Szep (born in Hamilton)
• Doug Wright (RIP) (Burlington)

Please email us at blueshamilton@gmail.com if you know of any other cartoonists that should be on our list.

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Previous

Music Listings: May 4-7, 2026

May 4-7, 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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May 4-7 / May 8-10

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Monday, May 4  (Star Wars Day)

6-7:45pm: Guitar Pickers (Open Stage) @ Hamilton Public Library, Greensville FREE (Weekly) 

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

6-10pm: Open Mic @ Kin Club of Ridgeway (Crystal Beach) (Weekly)

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

6:30pm: Wilber James Band @ 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)

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

8-8:30pm: Ensemble! TV Show Hosted by Dave Rave & Starring Lily Sazz, Rob Lamothe, Zander Lamothe,  Recorded at Clifford Brewing @ Cable 14 (Hamilton) or live stream on cable14now.com

8pm: Open Jam with Martin Rouleau @ Moonshine Cafe (Oakville) $5 (Weekly) 

8pm: Jesse Cook @ Sanderson Centre (Brantford) $40+

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Tuesday, May 5 (National Cartoonist Day) (Cinco de Maio)

---- Before 2:00pm ----

1:30-2am:  Ensemble! TV Show Hosted by Dave Rave & Starring Lily Sazz, Rob Lamothe, Zander Lamothe,  Recorded at Clifford Brewing @ Cable 14 (Hamilton) or live stream on cable14now.com

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

5-8:30pm: Kick N' Strings Duo @ Bardo (Hamilton)(Weekly)

6:30pm: Northshore Highlanders @ Port Dover Legion

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

7-10pm: Songwriter Night (Open Stage) Hosted by Joel Guenther @ West Town (Hamilton)(Weekly)

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

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

7-10pm: The John McKinley Jam @ The Huether Hotel Jazz Room (Waterloo) (Bi-weekly)

7:30pm: Bravo Niagara Presents James Ehnes @ St. Mark’s Anglican Church (Niagara-on-the-Lake) $?

7:30pm: Canadiana: The Musical @ Greg Frewin Theatre (Niagara Falls) $? (dinner available: 6pm)

7:30pm: Elliott BROOD + The Pintos @ River's Edge (Paris) $52.56

8pm: BHNCDSB Celebration of the Arts @ Sanderson Centre (Brantford) $10+

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

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

8pm: Destroyer (Solo) with Fortunato Durutti Marinettti @ Sonic Hall (Guelph) $?

8:30pm: Dead Bob + MVLL Crimes @ Warehouse Concert Hall (St. Catharines) $33.68

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Wednesday, May 6 (Accordion Day)

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

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

6:30-8:30pm: Open Mic Jazz @ Corktown Pub, Downstairs (Hamilton) (Weekly)

7-10pm: Dan Thomas & Greg Brisco @ East End Social (Hamilton) (Weekly)

7-10pm: Country Night w Marty Allen, Kenny Lee, Jeff Brown @ Donnelly's Pub (Thorold) NO COVER

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

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

7:30pm: It’s a Good Life If You Don’t Weaken (Musical ft songs by the Tragically Hip) @ Theatre Aquarius (Hamilton) $?  (Apr 22-May 17)

7:30pm: Chris Chambers @ Thirsty Cactus (Dundas) (Bi-Weekly) 

7:30-10:30pm: Singer/Songwriter Series @ Irish Harp (Niagara-on-the-Lake)

• 7:30 pm: Will Rowe
• 8:30 pm: Chase Stevens
• 9:30 pm: Ryan Lunn

8pm: Dead Bob with MVLL CRIMES + Danny Miles @ Mills Hardware (Hamilton) $26.83

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

8pm: The Caribou Band @ Moonshine Cafe (Oakville) $15

8pm: Ariel Posen @ Warehouse Concert Hall (St. Catharines) $25.66

8pm: The Michael Jackson HIStory Show @ Sanderson Centre (Brantford) $72.25

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

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

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Thursday, May 7

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

ArtsEverywhere Festival (Guelph) (May 7-12)

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) 

12-12:30pm: Ensemble! TV Show Hosted by Dave Rave & Starring Lily Sazz, Rob Lamothe, Zander Lamothe,  Recorded at Clifford Brewing @ Cable 14 (Hamilton) or live stream on cable14now.com

12:30pm: Open Ukulele Session @ Moonshine Cafe (Oakville) $5 (Weekly)

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

6pm: Chris Chambers @ East End Social (Hamilton)  

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

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

6-8pm: Ed Pizzo on the Baby Grand Piano @ Spirit in Niagara (Niagara-on-the-Lake) (Weekly)

6-8pm: Music @ 2 Rivers (Paris) 

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

6pm: Music @ Strykerz Kitchen & Bar (Kitchener) 

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

6:30pm: Michael Maguire @ Henry's on James (Hamilton) 

6:30-9:30pm: James Ferris with Fried Balogna @ The Corktown Pub (Hamilton)(Weekly)

6:30-8:30pm: Nella @ Shawn & Ed Brewing Co (Dundas) 

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

7-8:15pm: Matilda Jr (Musical) @ Gasworks (Hamilton) $30+ (May 7-9)

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

7-10pm: Paige Armstrong @ Teddy's (Grimsby) 

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

7-10pm: Elliott Brood @ The Exchange (Niagara Falls) $39.97+

7-9pm: Matt Vandersluys Duo @ Doc Magilligan's (Niagara Falls)

7-10pm: Stu & Jay Peterson @ Manhattans (Guelph)  

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

7:30pm: It’s a Good Life If You Don’t Weaken (Musical ft songs by the Tragically Hip) @ Theatre Aquarius (Hamilton) $? (Apr 22-May 17)

7:30pm: Daniel Vnukowski in Recital @ Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre $? 

7:30pm: Wreckless Harbour & Rick St. Clair @ The Block Co, Edison Room (Burlington) $22.90

7:30pm: Dave Woods presents Classic Country Night ft Ty Baynton & Bethany Bysma, The Bareback Riders  @ Moonshine Cafe (Oakville) $15

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

7:30-10:30pm: The O'Deadlys @ Irish Harp (Niagara-on-the-Lake)

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

8pm: Ariel Posen @ Mills Hardware (Hamilton) $25.66

8pm: John Shambles with Tiny Horse + Luke Bentham @ Bridgeworks (Hamilton) $44.85+

8pm: John Davis @ Squire's Gastropub (Burlington) 

8pm: The North Sound with Mimi O'Bonsawin @ Burlington Performing Arts Centre $34.50+ 

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)

8:30pm: Music @ Ooey Gooey's (Hamilton)

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

9pm: Evan Rotella & Mark Rogers @ Fallsview Casino Resort, Lucky's Restaurant (Niagara Falls)

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COMING SOON!

May

January 27-December 31, 10am-4pm: Punching In: The Work of Hamilton Music (Exhibit) @ Visitor Experience Centre (Hamilton) 

April 22-May 17: It’s a Good Life If You Don’t Weaken (Musical ft songs by the Tragically Hip) @ Theatre Aquarius (Hamilton) $?

May 7-9: Matilda Jr (Musical) @ Gasworks (Hamilton) $30+

May 7-12: ArtsEverywhere Festival (Guelph)

May 8-10: Pelham Art Festival (Some Live Music)

May 8-23: Grease (musical) @ Hamilton Theatre Inc $? #

May 8-31: Nice Work If You Can Get It @ Drury Lane Theatre (Burlington) $? # 

May 8, 5pm: Artcrawl @ James Street North (Hamilton)

May 8, 8-10pm: Voodoo Sometimes Album Release + Aster Nox @ The Staircase, Bright Room (Hamilton) $? #

May 9: Train Day

May 9: Why Not Wine, Wine Tasting Festival @ Lasalle Park (Burlington) $?

May 9, 11am-9pm: Sew Hungry @ Ottawa St (Hamilton)

May 9, 8pm: Full Petty Fever - A Tribute to Tom Petty @ Capitol 33 (Delhi) $36.73 #

May 10: Mother's Day

May 10, 2-5pm: Open Mic Hosted by SnowHeel Slim @ Checkered Flag  (Hamilton) (Bi-Weekly)

May 10, 7-10pm: Open Jazz Jam Hosted by Andrew Schoetter, Tyler Wagler, Kevin Mak @ Silence (Guelph) PWYC (2nd Sun)

May 11, 8-8:30pm: NEW EPISODE! Ensemble! TV Show Hosted by Dave Rave & Starring the Brant Parker Band, Recorded at Clifford Brewing @ Cable 14 (Hamilton) or live stream on cable14now.com

May 12, 7pm: Song Circle @ ANAF Club (Guelph) (2nd & 4th Wed) PWYC

May 12, 7:30pm: Ian Thomas... Not Gone Yet @ Sanderson Centre (Brantford) $83

May 12, 8pm: The Blues Studio presents Steve Strongman Acoustic Sessions with Colin Lapsley + Dave Murphy @ Coach & Lantern, Upstairs (Ancaster) $?

May 13-14: Wild Love (Music, Dance, Theatre) (Inspired by The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe) @ Fergus Grand Theatre $? #

May 13, 7:30pm: Ian Thomas... Not Gone Yet! @ River Run Centre (Guelph) $86

May 14-17: Niagara Children's Festival

May 14, 7-10pm: Greg Brisco & Ian Andrews @ The Boiler & Whistle (Hamilton) (2nd Thu)

May 14, 7pm: TASC Niagara presents: Chicago (Musical) +  Selee @ Greg Frewin Theatre (Niagara Falls) $40#

May 14, 7:30pm: Live Jam & Open Mic Hosted by Sessionista @ The Barber Towne Pub (Georgetown) (2nd & 4th Thu) 

May 16-18: Binbrook Ribfest @ Binbrook Fairgrounds $2/Kids Free

May 17, 2-6pm: Trickbag @ Boiler & Whistle (Hamilton)

May 16, 8-11pm: Jordan John & His All-Star Band @ The Busholme (Erin) $65#

May 20, May 28, June 18, July 9, September 17, October 8, November 3, December 3, 7:30pm: Canadiana: The Musical @ Greg Frewin Theatre (Niagara Falls) $? (dinner available: 6pm)

May 20, 7-11pm: Dundas Music Club @ Oddfellows Hall (Dundas) (3rd Wed) 

May 20, 7:30-10pm: Open Mic with Corey @ The Staircase, Lounge (Hamilton) (3rd Wed) 

May 22, 7pm: Good Lovelies + Ian Bell @ Old Town Hall (Waterford) $52#

May 22, 8pm: Jazz Originals: Celebrating The Blues Hosted by Karent Thornton ft Michael Dunston, Carlos Del Junco, Jesse O’Brien @ The Westdale (Hamilton) $44.75 

May 22, 8pm: An Evening with Whitehorse ft. Chloë Doucet @ Sonic Hall (Guelph) $52.17

May 23: Concession Street Sidewalk Sounds (Hamilton)

May 24, 10:30am-4pm: Hamilton Record Show @ Bridgeworks - $5/$15 Early Bird @ 9am #

May 26, 7:30pm: Escarpment Blues Society Anniversary Gala ft Steve Strogman, Morgan Davis, Miss Angel Brown, Shawn Kellerman, Kim Doolittle, Lily Sazz, Chris Ayries & Roly Platt with Dave King, Colin Lapsley & Jesse O'Brien @ Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre $62.72 (incl fees) $5 off for EBS members

May 28, 7pm: Sounds Gay! Open Mic @ Mosaic (Hamilton) (4th Thu) 

May 28, 7:30-10pm: Boogie for 412 Barton: A Disco Tribute Concert @ Mohawk College, McIntyre Performing Arts Centre (Hamilton) $56+ #

May 28, June 18, July 9, September 17, October 8, November 3, December 3, 7:30pm: Canadiana: The Musical @ Greg Frewin Theatre (Niagara Falls) $? (dinner available: 6pm)

May 29-30: Meadows Music Festival @ Centre Wellington Community Sportsplex (Fergus) $?

May 29, 7:30-8:30pm + 9:30-10:30pm: Fleetwood Mac Mania @ Chudleigh’s Entertainment Farm (Halton Hills) $? #

May 29, 8pm: The Hogtown Allstars @ Clifford Brewing (Hamilton) $25 adv/$30 door

May 30-31: Paris Cheesecake & Taco Festival @ Paris Fairgrounds

May 30, 3-8pm: Hohner Avenue Porch Party (Kitchener)

June

January 27-December 31, 10am-4pm: Punching In: The Work of Hamilton Music (Exhibit) @ Visitor Experience Centre (Hamilton) 

June 5, 7pm: Ja Rule & Trina @ Kitchener Auditorium $78.65+#

June 6, 8pm: Electric Lettuce Album Release Concert + The Somber Spirits @ The Sanctuary Centre for the Arts (Ridegway) $30 #

June 8, 8-8:30pm: NEW EPISODE! Ensemble! TV Show Hosted by Dave Rave & Starring Dwayne La Forme's Boogie Blues, Recorded at Clifford Brewing @ Cable 14 (Hamilton) or live stream

June 12-13: Sam Roberts Band @ Jackson-Triggs Niagara Estate Amphitheatre (Niagara-on-the-Lake) $?#

June 12: 6:30-8:30pm: Staff Showcase @ Tabone Academy of Music (Hamilton) $10#

June 18, July 9, September 17, October 8, November 3, December 3, 7:30pm: Canadiana: The Musical @ Greg Frewin Theatre (Niagara Falls) $? (dinner available: 6pm)

June 22, 7:30pm: Bend It Like Beck with Sandra Bouza Duo @ Mills Hardware (Hamilton) $26.83

June 23, 7:30pm: Reverend Horton Heat + The Surfrajettes @ Maxwell’s Concerts & Events (Waterloo) $?

July

January 27-December 31, 10am-4pm: Punching In: The Work of Hamilton Music (Exhibit) @ Visitor Experience Centre (Hamilton)

July 9, September 17, October 8, November 3, December 3, 7:30pm: Canadiana: The Musical @ Greg Frewin Theatre (Niagara Falls) $? (dinner available: 6pm)

July 23: Lou (Founder & Blogger) Birthday

September

January 27-December 31, 10am-4pm: Punching In: The Work of Hamilton Music (Exhibit) @ Visitor Experience Centre (Hamilton)

September 15-26: Get Down Tonight (The Ultimate 70’s Soundtrack) @ Lighthouse Theatre (Port Dover) $35+ #

September 17, October 8, November 3, December 3, 7:30pm: Canadiana: The Musical @ Greg Frewin Theatre (Niagara Falls) $? (dinner available: 6pm)

September 29: Linda (Our Marketing Maven) Birthday

October

January 27-December 31, 10am-4pm: Punching In: The Work of Hamilton Music (Exhibit) @ Visitor Experience Centre (Hamilton)

October 8, November 3, December 3, 7:30pm: Canadiana: The Musical @ Greg Frewin Theatre (Niagara Falls) $? (dinner available: 6pm)

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

November

January 27-December 31, 10am-4pm: Punching In: The Work of Hamilton Music (Exhibit) @ Visitor Experience Centre (Hamilton)

November 1 : Fall Back (Change the clocks back1 hr tonight)

November 3, December 3, 7:30pm: Canadiana: The Musical @ Greg Frewin Theatre (Niagara Falls) $? (dinner available: 6pm)

November 29: Hamilton Blues Lovers Turns 18

December

January 27-December 31, 10am-4pm: Punching In: The Work of Hamilton Music (Exhibit) @ Visitor Experience Centre (Hamilton) 

December 2, 7:30pm: Mudmen @ Fergus Grand Theatre $?

December 3, 7:30pm: Canadiana: The Musical @ Greg Frewin Theatre (Niagara Falls) $? (dinner available: 6pm)

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May 3-7 / May 8-10

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Become an Escarpment Blues Society Member

 

From their website:

The goal of the The Escarpment Blues Society is to strengthen awareness and appreciation of Blues And Roots Music while at the same time put the emphasis on growth. 

The Escarpment Blues Society will:

• Promote Blues & Roots Music through multiple avenues including live performances, artist support, education with blues in the schools’ programs and highlighting recordings.  
• Support local, national and international blues and roots artists for the advancement of their craft in the Niagara Escarpment area. This applies to established Blues And Roots artists as well as new artists.  
• Support local venues that feature Blues And Roots music 
• Engage in activities that will garner funds for operational needs
• Raise community awareness for Blues and Roots Music, through through social media, mainstream media, digital and print media 
• Will become an affiliate of the Blues Foundation and help raise funds for artists to participate in the International Blues Challenge in Memphis

We are encouraging everyone to please become a member of this great organization. Benefits of Membership Include:   ** First chance to buy tickets to all of our EBS sponsored events/shows  **Discounts to various blues events throughout the year and the opportunity to meet other blues fans & musicians in the region, in addition to helping us promote blues n’ roots music and venues in the region. 

$25 for a one-year membership and $40 for a two-year membership. .

We appreciate any support you may give the EBS. THANKS IN ADVANCE!

Links:

• Main Website
• Become a Member
• Sign Up for the Newsletter
• Show Listings
• Post Your Live Shows
• Join the Facebook page
• The Board of Directors
• Donate

World Laughter Day Videos by Donald McGeoch, Erin McFadden, Bob & Doug w Geddy Lee

Update of 2021 Post

Links: Donald McGeoch, More Don McGeoch Stories, Video above courtesy of Donald McGeoch - Topic

Links: Erin McFadden, More Phil Collins Covers/Stories, Video above courtesy of  Angelo NotoCampanella

Links: Dave Thomas, Rush, More Rush Stories, Video above courtesy Bob and Doug McKenzie - Topic

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Previous (Tuba Day Videos)

International Tuba Day Videos ft Intrada Brass

Update of 2021 Post

Videos above courtesy of Intrada Brass

Links: Intrada Brass, Video above courtesy of Town of Oakville, Mora Tuba Day Stories

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Previous (Jazz Day Videos) - - - Next (World Laughter Day Videos)

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 Jazz Day Videos ft Dually Noted, Ashley St. Pierre, Hamilton All Star Jazz Band w Micah Barnes

Update of 2015 Post

Links: Dually Noted, Video above courtesy of Jim Slominski



Links: Ashley St. Pierre, More Clark Johnston Stories, Adrean Farrugia, More Videos from this Show, Video above courtesy of Greater Niagara Jazz Club



Links: Hamilton All-Star Jazz Band, More HASJB Stories, Micah Barnes, Video above courtesy of Melody Greaves


Links: More International Jazz Day Videos, Our Jazz Posts

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Previous (Throwback Thursday - Jack de Keyzer on Harmonica Shah Album) - - - Next (Tuba Day Videos)

Buy Holiday Smile Cookies This Week to Help Local Charities

 

This week (April 27-May 3) all sales from Tim Hortons' Holiday Smile Cookies will go towards local charities, A tasty way to give.

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

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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Throwback Thursday - Hamilton's Jack de Keyzer on Harmonica Shah Album

Original post: July 15, 2009

Updated Post: April 23, 2026

Talented bluesman Harmonica Shah may be from Detroit but he knows exactly where to find great blues players.

Hamilton's own Jack deKeyzer plays guitar on his latest album, If All You Have is a Hammer, Everything Looks Like a Nail through Electro-Fi Records

Joining Shah and DeKeyzer are Canadians Alec Fraser (bass) and Al Cross (drums). Juno award winner, Julian Fauth also lends occasional piano to the disc.

If All You Have . . . is good old fashioned Blues in the style of Howlin' Wolf and Muddy Waters with a bit of soul. DeKeyzer's guitar prowess is evident on all tracks. There's booty shaking boogie and some amazing slower numbers too.

Available through: Spotify, YouTube, Amazon, Apple Music

Stream the album below

Links: Harmonica Shah, More Harmonica Shah Stories,  Jack de Keyzer, More Jack De Keyzer Stories, More Releases, Album above courtesy of Harmonica Shah - Topic

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Previous (Earth Day Videos) - - - Next (Jazz Day Videos)

Earth Day Videos by Richard Garvey, Steve Goldberger, Rush

Update of 2021 post

Links: Richard Garvey, More Richard Garvey Stories, Video above courtesy of Richard Garvey

Links: Steve Goldberger, More Steve Goldberger Stories, Video above courtesy of Steve Goldberger

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

More Earth Day Songs

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Previous (Winners of the 2026 Canadian Folk Music Awards) - - - Next (Throwback Thursday - Jack de Keyzer on Harmonica Shah Album)

Please Support Local Charities

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Please Support Local Charities

From their website: At the Kemp Care Network, our goal is to provide individuals and families living with a life-threatening illness excellence in care, whether that be at home, in hospital, a long-term care facility or our very own residential hospice. Hospice is about celebrating life and quality of living. All services, including our residential program, are provided at no cost to our clients or their families.

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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Winners of the 2026 Canadian Folk Music Awards

The 2026 Canadian Folk Music Awards were handed out in Calgary during a April 9-12 event.

Below is a complete list of winners

• Album Artwork of the Year: Ru Rose - Revival 
• Children’s Album of the Year: Ginalina - All the Earth Speaks
• Contemporary Album of the Year: AHI - The Light Behind The Sun
• Contemporary Singer of the Year: Julian Taylor
• English Songwriter(s) of the Year: Terra Spencer
• Ensemble of the Year: Cassie and Maggie - Gold and Coal
• French Songwriter(s) of the Year: Guillaume Arsenault
• Global Roots Album of the Year: Kazdoura - Ghoyoum (Clouds)
• Indigenous Songwriter(s) of the Year (tie): Aysanabee / PIQSIQ
• Instrumental Composer(s) of the Year: Schmaltz & Pepper
• Instrumental Group of the Year: The Fretless
• Instrumental Solo Artist of the Year: Rachel Therrien
• New Artist(s) of the Year: Claire Morrison
• Oliver Schroer Pushing the Boundaries: Oktoecho
• Producer(s) of the Year: Ben Plotnick (Loud in the Pines - Every Colour Left)
• Single of the Year: Human Kind - AHI
  
  
  
  Links: AHI, More AHI Stories, Video above courtesy of AHI
  
  
• Solo Artist of the Year: Lennie Gallant
• Stan Rogers Traditional Singer of the Year: Matthew Byrne - Stealing Time
• Traditional Album of the Year: Matthew Byrne - Stealing Time
• Vocal Group of the Year: PIQSIQ 
• Young Performer(s) of the Year: Max Francis

Video performances from the event:

• Songs & Stories
• Folk Forward
• Traditional & Global Roots
• Folk for Families

Links: CFMA, More CFMA Stories

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Previous (London Music Award Nominations) - - - Next (Earth Day Videos)

Local Nominees at 2026 Forest City London Music Awards! Vote (Deadline May 8)

There a few local connections among the nominees for the 2026 Forest City London Music Awards.

• Former Hamiltonian Paul Langille is up for the Blues category
• The Lowdown Dirty Mojos features band members who are currently living in Hamilton/Oakville gor the nod for Ontario Independent Recording Artist of the Year
• Tribute artist nomiee Disgusteen, cover tunes from Hamilton punk veterans Teenage Head

People can vote for their favourites untl May 8, 2026 by clicking here

Winners will be revealed in two events: June 7, 2026 at Aeolian Hall and June 14, 2026 at London Music Hall as part of London Music Week - June 6 to 14.

GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!

Below is a complete list of nominees

BLUES

• Paul Langille (formerly from Hamilton)
  
  
  
  Links: Paul Langille, More Paul Langille Stories, Video above courtesy of Paul Langille - Topic
  
  
• Galea & the Galvanizers
• The Heartless Saints
• The Black Tops
• Bill Durst
• Smokes Like Lightning
• Joel Dupuis Band

ONTARIO INDEPENDENT RECORDING ARTIST

• Lowdown Dirty Mojos (members from Hamilton/Oakville)
  
  
  
  Links: The Lowdown Dirty Mojos, More Mojos Stories, Video above courtesy of LOWDOWN DIRTY MOJOS
  
  
• Lorraine Klassen
• Nostalgic Brightlights
• Tell It to Sweeney
• Dayna Manning
• Danny Miles
• The Truth Untold

TRIBUTE ARTIST

• Disgusteen: Teenage Head (covers legndary Hamilton group)
  
  
  
  Links: More Teenage Head Covers/Stories, Video above courtesy of Shoveling In the Hammer & Surrounding Areas
  
  
• Full Petty Fever: Tom Petty
• Sweetwood Mac: Fleetwood Mac
• Coop’s Troops: Alice Cooper
• ZED: Led Zeppelin
• Ozzy Forever: Ozzy Osbourne
• AXL/DC: Guns N’ Roses and AC/DC

AFRO CARIBIANNA

• Jaghuligin
• Solo YT
• King Willie
• Callel
• V Merchant
• Patron
• Divice Hydera

CLASSICAL INSTRUMENTAL (GROUP)

• Brass Roots New Horizons Band
• Encore: The Concert Band
• Vintera String Quartet
• Forte Piano Trio
• London Concert Band
• London Community Orchestra

CLASSICAL INSTRUMENTAL (SOLO)

• Peixuan He, Piano
• Jeffrey Komar, Viola
• Sarah Cupit, Cello
• Iris Leck, Double Bass
• Yanet Campbell-Secades, Violin
• Kennedy Kimber-Johnson, Pipe Organ
• Gillian Derer, Flute

CLASSICAL VOCAL (SOLO)

• Julia LoRusso
• Nicholas Gryniewski
• Madeline Berman
• Hannah Cole
• Angelique Croteau
• Hannah Pinhorn
• Felix Stueckmann

CLASSICAL VOCAL (CHOIR OR GROUP)

• London Gospel Collective
• Chor Amica
• Karen Schuessler Singers
• London Pro Musica
• Kammerchor London
• The London Singers
• The Metropolitan Choir

CLUB DJ

• DJ Joze
• DJ Wickham
• DJ Matt Royal
• DJ Ph!lo
• DJ Calderon
• DJ Deon
• DJ Shoray

CONTEMPORARY SINGER SONGWRITER

• Brent Jones
• Anne Moniz
• Aidan Hough
• Steve Sinclair
• Marty Kolls
• John Fellner
• Laura Gagnon

CONTRIBUTOR

• Paul Latorre (Community Supporter)
• Vinnie Vincenzo (Community Builder)
• James O’Rourke (Community Supporter)
• Leanne Mayer (Community Builder)
• Seth McNall (Community Builder)
• Allison Oosterman (Community Builder)
• Dario Novoa (Community Builder)
• Jeff Bailkowski (Community Builder)
• Daubian Oliviera (Community Builder)
• Saidat (Community Builder)

COUNTRY

• Maddy McKenzie
• Genevieve Fisher
• Tom Dunphy
• Tyler DeLargie
• Brothers Wilde
• Greg Williams
• Amanda Keeles

COVER BAND

• The Strands
• The Last Call
• Grunge Cantina
• Down N Dirty Band
• KJ & the Motones
• Betamaxx
• Big Shiny Toons

ELECTRONIC

• K-VIII
• apaull
• DJ Dave. Foxx
• Incredible Melting Man
• Patio G
• Mat Lunnen
• Stirling

FAN FAVOURITE

• The Regal Beagles
• Amanda Movio
• Pepper Jones & the Rockits
• Myrtle Earl
• Pop Rockets
• The Do-Overs
• Aimee & Aaron Allen
• Lindsey & The Lonelies
• Red Banzino
• Twin Fin

FOLK ROOTS

• Maggie’s Wake
• The Pairs
• The Marrieds
• The Bookends
• Jesse Grandmont & Brian Barber
• Willow Switch
• Pete Denomme

HIPHOP

• Jack Craven
• Kai Banks
• Cameron James
• Trizzy
• 2 Divine
• Insyst
• Cronica

JAZZ VOCAL (SOLO or GROUP)

• Rachelle Courtney
• The Jitterbugs
• Hilary Welch
• Nicole Tan
• The Crooners: Rick Kish & Connor Boa
• Laurraine Sigouin
• Scott Bollert

JAZZ INSTRUMENTAL (SOLO or GROUP)

• The Jazz Collective
• Seth McNall Sextet
• Mark Swan’s Good Hang
• Juice Joint
• London Jazz Orchestra
• Baddest Big Band
• Aitken l Ladd l Peacock

LATIN

• Ana De México
• Descortés
• J David
• Simple Reflections for Artists
• Sofi R
• Dau Brazil
• Andrés Valencia

LIVE MUSIC VENUE

• Richmond Tavern
• Palasad Social Bowl
• Eastside Bar & Grill
• The Bunker Performance Lounge (Stratford)
• Aeolian Hall
• Pier Side (Port Stanley)
• The Wortley Roadhouse
• FitzRays
• Mustang Sally’s
• Quiet Earth

METAL

• Falls For the Elderly
• Abandoned Souls
• Prosector
• Dead Days
• Quiet Mind
• No Exceptions
• Crowning Kings

POP

• Drives the Common Man
• Addi John
• Tean Dream
• The Sunshine Makers
• Bella Rosa
• Justin Maki
• Lua Sol

PUNK

• Mvll Crimes
• Moore Ave 
• Polluted
• Full Throttle
• Set To Go!
• 4HateU8
• Junko Daydream

ROCK

• Status Non Status
• Pro Wrestling the Band
• No Exceptions
• Thunder Queens
• Wabi Sabis
• Pot is Drugs
• Texas King

WORLD MUSIC

• Brent Jones
• V Merchant
• Mas Aya
• Rachel McGarry
• Anddre Mafra
• Doreño
• Emily Jean Flack

Links: London Music Awards, More London Music Awards Stories

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Previous (Throwback Thursday: Drummer John "Babe" Myles Passes) - - - Next (Winners of the 2026 Canadian Folk Music Awards)

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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Throwback Thursday - Drummer John "Babe" Myles Passes

Original Post: July 1, 2009

Updated Post: April 16, 2026

It is with sadness that we announced the passing of local drummer John "Babe" Myles on Thursday, June 26, 2009. Our condolences go out to his friends and family.

Below is the obituary from the July 4, 2009 Hamilton Spectator.

He played many years with King Biscuit Boy, the Capris, the Chessman and the Stingrays.

Former bandmate, John LaRocca (Stingrays), said he was "one of the best blues drummers around"

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Previous  (Throwback Thursday: Dave Pomfret's No Rush + Album Release Videos) - - - Next (London Music Award Nominations)

Please Support Local Charities

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Please Support Local Charities

From their website: The Compassion Society responds to the needs of the community by providing food, clothing, everyday household articles and referrals to local resources.

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

They sell instruments, do repairs and offer lessons. 

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

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