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Thursday, September 10, 2026

Please Support Our Wonderful Sponsors


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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Tuesday, September 8, 2026

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: 

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

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

Previous (Back to School Videos)
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Music Listings: September 9-10, 2026

September 9-10, 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.

Sep 9-10 / Sep 11-13

Wednesday, September 9


6:30-9:30pm: Barley Brae @ Irish Harp (Niagara-on-the-Lake)




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

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

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

7:30pm: Beetlejuice (Musical) @ FirstOntario Concert Hall (Hamilton) $? (Sep 8-10)

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


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




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


8pm: Felicia McMinn @ 211Main (Port Dover) (Weekly)
Thursday, September 10


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



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



4-10pm: Cambridge Fall Fair @ Dickson Park $? (Sep 10-13)

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

5-10pm: Arthur Fall Fair (Sep 10-13)

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



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

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

6-8pm: Music @ 2 Rivers (Paris) 

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



6:30-8:30pm: Mark Sepic @ Shawn & Ed Brewing Co (Dundas) FREE 

6:30-9:30pm: Music  @ BLK Swan, Brant St. (Burlington)

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

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


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




7-10pm: Daryl Gray @ Doc Magilligan's (Niagara Falls) 


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

7:30pm: Beetlejuice (Musical) @ FirstOntario Concert Hall (Hamilton) $? (Sep 8-10)



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


7:30-10:30pm: Right Proper Lads @ Irish Harp (Niagara-on-the-Lake) 


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

8pm: Jon Hines @ Moonshine Cafe (Oakville) $15

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

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




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

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


Sep 7-10 / Sep 11-13


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Monday, September 7, 2026

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





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. 
Previous (Labour Day Videos) - - - Next (Dwayne LaForme Debut Album)
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Sunday, September 6, 2026

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

Update of 2021 Post 








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Please Support Local Charities


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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Friday, September 4, 2026

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.
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Thursday, September 3, 2026

Please Support Our Wonderful Sponsors


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Sunday, August 30, 2026

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.


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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Friday, August 28, 2026

'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
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Thursday, August 27, 2026

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 

Previous (Throwback Thursday: Les Paul Passes - 2009) - - - Next (Play Music on Your Porch Day Videos)
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Please Support Our Wonderful Sponsors


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 



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Wednesday, August 26, 2026

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
Previous (Dog Day Videos) - - - Next (Craig Martin, Co-founder of Classics Album Live, Passes)
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Tuesday, August 25, 2026

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


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Sunday, August 23, 2026

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

Song of the Year

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Please Support Local Charities


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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Thursday, August 20, 2026

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: 

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

Previous (Poet's Day Videos) - - - Next (Ontario Folk Music Award Nominations)
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Please Support Our Wonderful Sponsors


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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Poet's Day Videos by Tom Shea, Seryna, Aaliyah

Update of 2021 Post 







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Wednesday, August 19, 2026

Throwback Thursday - Mark McNeil: Greetings From Hamilton


Original Post: August 12, 2009

Updated Post: August 20, 2026

Update: This album is not available on streaming services and is now hard to find on CD.

Spectator reporter and musician, Mark McNeil recently released his third recording: Greetings from Hamilton.

The six songs on the EP showcase Mark's expressive voice, and his amazing talent with various instruments: guitar (acoustic, electric, Hawaiian, slide), bass, ukulele, banjo and mandolin.

The music is an incredible combination of folk, country, pop and many other styles. There is even a little reggae-esque feeling on the first track, Early Bird.

Lyrically, the album is a wonderful look at the many facets of Hamilton. Mark writes about his experiences in his adopted city (he's originally from Ottawa but has lived here for over 25 years).

"It's kind of a postcard to friends from long ago - to say I'm having a good time and I don't think I'll be moving back to Ottawa any time soon." Mark wrote in the the liner notes.

Joining in his celebration of Hamilton are a few local players such as Steve Sinnicks, Aaron Goldstein, Ray Lyell, Troy Dowding, and more. The disc is produced by Mark and Dan Medakovic and Engineered by Dan Medakovic and Rob Lamothe

Previous (Bill Durst Wins Mel Brown Award) - - - Next (Poet's Day Videos)
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Sunday, August 16, 2026

Support Local Charities


From their website: Food for Life holds a unique niche among Canadian food relief charities in that we focus on redistributing fresh, nutritious food as opposed to traditional food bank fare such as canned goods. Our clients tell us that they are often not able to afford fresh food and that having access to this healthy food allows them to focus on obtaining other life essentials as they work towards no longer relying on our services.

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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Friday, August 14, 2026

Bill Durst Wins 2026 Mel Brown Award


Stratford Bluesman Bill Durst the 2026 winner of the Mel Brown Blues Award. It is named in honour of the late, legendary Kitchener musician.

From the Kitchener Blues Festival Facebook page:

MAY 12TH 2021 – MEL BROWN BLUES AWARD

Bill Durst, our 2026 winner of the Mel Brown Award, and always an audience favourite, is a Canadian Blues- Rock- Roots guitarist, singer, songwriter, entertainer who has written and recorded over 125 songs on 12 albums with 7 national radio chart hits. Bill has opened for or shared the stage with Rush, Aerosmith, BTO, Yardbirds, John Mayall, Savoy Brown, Bobby Rush, Little Feat, George Thorogood, Bad Company, Loverboy, Edgar Winter Group, Jeff Healey, Burton Cummings, Johnny Winter, Rick Derringer, Jack de Keyser, April Wine, L.A. Guns, David Wilcox, Bob Seger, Sly And The Family Stone and more. Mr. Durst has toured across North America and in Europe and tours extensively in Canada.

As a kid growing up in Wingham and then London, Ontario (which is halfway between Toronto and Detroit), Bill was heavily influenced by Motown, R&B, Toronto Psychedelic Soul music as well as the British Blues Invasion and Jimi Hendrix.

Bill’s entrance on the national/international stage was with his classic rock band Thundermug formed from London R&B groups in 1969. By the summer of 1972 the band had a number one hit and a fan following in Eastern Canada. The band went on to record a total of 5 albums, (3 albums in the early/mid 1970s and two CDs in the mid 1990s) releasing records in the US and Europe. Bill put out his first two solo releases in the mid eighties but it wasn’t until the early 2000s that Durst got some real career momentum. In 2004 he proclaimed his intention to start up a “little, fuzzy, psychedelic blues band” and since then Bill and his co-writer Joe DeAngelis have produced 5 full length CDs: The Wharncliffe Sessions (’05), The Great Willy Mammoth (’09), Bill Durst Live (‘12) and Hard And Heavy (’13) Good Good Lovin ('15).

Links: Bill Durst, More Bill Durst Stories, Video above courtesy of Bill Durst - Topic

Previous Years' Winners

Previous (New Dunlop Brothers Album) - - - Next (Throwback Thursday: Mark McNeil - Greeting from Hamilton)
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Thursday, August 13, 2026

Expressive Vocals & Great Songwriting on Dunlop Brothers Album

Mini-Review: Expressive vocals and great songwriting permeate the latest relase from Hamilton's Dunlop Brothers. Vol. 2 picks up where they left off on their splendid debut. It's roots meets alternative wrapped in striking production.

Available on Bandcamp, Spotify, Apple Music

Personnel


Previous (Throwback Thursday - Festival of Friends 2009)
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Wednesday, August 12, 2026

Throwback Thursday - Festival of Friends 2009

From August 7, 2009 Hamilton Spectator

Original Posts: August 9, 10, 14, 2009

Merged Post: August 13, 2026

Here's a look at the 2009 Festival of Friends.

Click here to read the August 6 Hamilton Spectator story

August 8, 2009

Lovers & Other Strangers Workshop

Good Lovin' Gone Bad Workshop
Guinness Book of World Records Attempt

Click pictures to make them larger



Guitars were raised high after a performance of Deep Purple's Smoke on the Water at the Festival of Friends on August 8, 2009. Hamilton musician Christopher Charles and his band were joined by a legion of guitarists scattered across Gage Park.

This was an attempt to enter the Guinness Book of World Records for most guitars in a jam performance.

According to the Spectator, the record wasn't broken (we were 77 short) but we did beat Toronto's recent attempt)

Below is a video of the event. We apologize for the extreme close-ups (the camera was stuck on zoom)

Links: Deep Purple, More Deep Purple Covers/Stories, Video above courtesy of Hamilton Blues Lovers

August 9, 2009 

Memories of Jackie Washington Workshop

Previous (Winners of the London Music Awards) - - - Next (New Dunlop Brothers Album)
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Sunday, August 9, 2026

Please Support Local Charities


Please Support Local Charities


From their website: Our objective is to accumulate capital, earn investment income and use this income to make charitable donations in Norfolk County.

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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Saturday, August 8, 2026

Winners of the 2026 Forest City London Music Awards


The 2026 Forest City London Music Awards were handed out as part of London Music Week - June 6 to 14.

CONGRATS EVERYONE!

Below is a complete list of winners. Click the name to see the award announcement.

Previous (Cat Day Videos) - - - Next (Throwback Thursday - Festival of Friends 2009)
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Friday, August 7, 2026

International Cat Day Videos by Trevor Strong & the Arrogant Worms




Previous  (New Rob Lamothe Live Album) - - - Next (Winners of the London Music Awards)
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