Support Local Charities

From their site: Our goal is not only to help meet the needs of our clients in the short term, but also to help clients become self-sufficient and gain and maintain self-worth / esteem to eventually stand on their own with little or no help.

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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Halloween Videos ft Fraser/Daley, Bloodshot Bill, Lynne Hanson

Update of 2017 Post

Links: Fraser/Daley, More Mike Daley Stories, More Alec Fraser Stories, Video above courtesy of Brush Bass



Links: Bloodshot Bill, More Bloodshot Bill Stories, Video above courtesy of thatnastyrat



Links: Lynne Hanson, Video above courtesy of Twentyfive Musical

Click here for more Halloween videos

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Previous (Devil's Night Videos)

Music Listings: October 31-November 1, 2026

October 31-Nov 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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Oct 31-Nov 1 / Nov 2-8

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Saturday, October 31 (Halloween)

Hamilton Day (Oct 29-Nov 1)

DUE TO HALLOWEEN, SOME REGULAR GIGS MAY BE CANCELLED. PLEASE CHECK WITH THE VENUE.

---- 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)

11am: Frozen In Time (Musical) @ Roselawn Theatre (Port Colborne) $27.50 

12-4pm: Brunch, Bop & Boo (It's Your Festival Fundraiser) ft HellBent Rockers @ Marquis Gardens (Hamilton) $55 adv/$60 door

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

1-5pm: Cobby's Kitchen Party @ Dunsdon Legion, Upper Hall (Brantford)

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

1-5pm: The Mandevilles Duo @ 13th Street Winery (St Catharines)

1:30-5pm: Brant Parker Blues Band + Brad Krauss & Paul Mitchell @ Donnelly's Pub (Thorold) $10

2-5pm: Paul Sage (Kids Music) @ 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)

2-6pm: Loose Moralz @ South Brant Legion (Brant)

2pm: Frozen In Time (Musical) @ Roselawn Theatre (Port Colborne) $27.50

2:30pm: Hair of the Dog @ 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 Dave Rave @ Regency Athletic Resort and Sports Bar (Niagara Falls)

3-3:30pm: Ensemble! TV Show Hosted by Dave Rave starring The Brant Parker Band. Filmed at Clifford Brewing Co @ Cable 14 (Hamilton) or stream live on Cable 14.com

3-5pm: Neil MacNaughton @ Nickelbrook Brewing (Burlington) 

3-6pm: Unusual Suspect @ Carrigan Arms (Burlington) 

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

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

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

4pm: The Mighty Ship @ Black Bull (Burlington) 

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

6pm: Michael Bryan @ Brandi's (Brantford)

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: Rollercoaster @ Burlington Legion 

7-10pm: Masquerade with Max Hillier Band @ Crystal Chandelier (Crystal Beach) 

7:30pm: Epic Eagles @ Ancaster Memorial Centre, Peller Hall $?

7:30pm: Oakville Symphony: Enchanted @ Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts $? (Oct 31-Nov 1)

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

8pm: Approximators @ Ooey Gooey's (Hamilton) 

8pm: Jesse Roper @ Mills Hardware (Hamilton) $25 

8pm: Seratone & Friends @ Corktown Pub, Downstairs (Hamilton) 

8pm: Fiction @ The King George (Hamilton) 

8pm: Adam Ostrosser & Sarah Church @ Black Bull (Burlington)

8pm: The Weber Brothers @ Moonshine Cafe (Oakville) $35

8-11pm: Fiddlestix  @ Gingerman (Oakville)

8pm: Owen Rieglin + Will Terry @ Centre In The Square, Raffi Armenian Theatre (Kitchener) $? 

8-10:30pm: Mike Murley @ The Jazz Room (Waterloo) $?

8pm: Heavy Metal Halloween ft Faulty Rivals album release + Shadoeccult and Nepenthe @ Maxwell’s Concerts & Events (Waterloo) $?

8-11pm: The Retro Rockers ft Rock ‘N’ Ray Michaels @ Mudcat Bowling and Entertainment Center (Dunnville)

8:30pm: Blurred Vision @ Thirsty Cactus (Dundas) 

8:30-11:30pm: McFlys @ Forge BBQ (Ancaster) 

8:30pm: Matt B @ Coach & Lantern (Ancaster)

8:30pm: Radio Sonics  @ Pump & Patio (Oakville) 

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

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

9-11pm: Dinner is Ruined @ The Capitol Bar (Hamilton) 

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

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

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

9-11:45pm: The Orangemen @ Doc Magilligan's (Niagara Falls) 

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

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

9pm: EvMax Trio @ 211 Main (Port Dover) 

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

9:30pm-1:15am: Southpawz @ Fallsview Casino Resort, Splash Bar (Niagara Falls)

10pm: Real Kevin @ B-Side Social (Hamilton)

10pm: Dirty Pioneers @ Powerhouse (Stoney Creek) 

10pm: Say Uncle @ BLK Swan, Brant St (Burlington)

10pm: Sunday Noise @ The Dickens (Burlington) 

10pm-2am: Paige Rutledge @ Whiskey Dawgs (St. Catharines) 

11:55pm: Evil Dead: The Musical @ Hamilton Theatre Inc $? (Oct 30-Nov 14)

Fall Back (Change the clocks back 1 hr tonight)

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Sunday, November 1

Hamilton Day (Oct 29-Nov 1)

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

11am: Frozen In Time (Musical) @ Lighthouse Theatre (Port Dover) $27.50

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)

1-3pm: Steve Strongman Trio & Chri Ayries @ Shawn & Ed Brewing Co (Dundas) $? 

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

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

2pm: Oakville Symphony: Enchanted @ Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts $? (Oct 31-Nov 1)

2-5pm: James Anthony @ 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: Hedly & Walker @ Irish Harp (Niagara-on-the-Lake)

2pm: Frozen In Time (Musical) @ Lighthouse Theatre (Port Dover)

2:30pm: Jimmy’s Juke Joint Hosted by Jim Casson with Glenn Marais & Manny DeGrandis @ Iggy’s Pub & Grub (Fonthill)

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

3pm: Dreams of Autumn and Winter ft Valerie Tryon @ Ancaster Memorial Centre, Peller Hall $?

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

3pm: Milton Philharmonic Orchestra Presents Have You Heard? @ FirstOntario Arts Centre (Milton) $?

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

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

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

4-8pm: Loose Moralz @ Super Mario's Pizza (Port Colborne)

5-8pm: The Leaky Faucets and the Drips @ Cat's Caboose (St. Catharines) 

6:30pm: Tune In Foundation + Fresh Up Showcases Roper ft Mauvey + Kyle Wildfern + Tesharah + GOODBADUGLY + Stacey + Salomé + Mazii + Belladonna @ Mills Hardware (Hamilton) $10 

6:30-9:30pm: Alistair Robertson on Sax @ Irish Harp (Niagara-on-the-Lake)

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

7-9:30pm: Bear Grease (Musical)@ Sanderson Centre (Brantford) $? (Nov 1-2)

7:30pm: Matthew Good and his Band @ FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre, Partridge  Hall (St. Catharines) $? 

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

8pm: Owen Riegling + Will Terry @ FirstOntario Concert Hall (Hamilton) $? 

11:30pm-12am: Ensemble! TV Show Hosted by Dave Rave starring The Brant Parker Band. Filmed at Clifford Brewing Co @ Cable 14 (Hamilton) or stream live on Cable 14.com

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Oct 29-Nov 1 / Nov 2-8

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Devil's Night Videos by Spencer Mackenzie, Madison Galloway, Colin Linden

Update of 2021 Post

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

Links: Madison Galloway, More Madison Galloway Stories, Video above courtesy of Madison Galloway

Links: Colin Linden, More Colin Linden Stories, Video above courtesy of Colin Linden

More Devil's Night Songs

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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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Please Support Local Charities

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Please Support Local Charities

From their website: Since 1966, the poverty of loneliness and exclusion has been overcome with friendship and compassion at Welcome Inn Community Centre, where people from all walks of life work together to alleviate poverty in the North End and across Hamilton.

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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'Punk for a Day' Day! Videos by Pantychrist, Saint Alvia, Creepshow

Update of 2021 post

Links: Pantychrist, Video above courtesy of Richard Dryfist

Links: Saint Alvia, More Saint Alvia Stories, Video above courtesy of Stomp Records

 
Links: Creepshow, Video above courtesy of Stomp Records

 
Links: More Punk Stories, More Punk Day Videos

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Previous (Throwback Thursday: JW Jones on 2009 Guitar Player Magazine Compilation) - - - Next (Devil's Night Videos)

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: JW Jones on Guitar Player Magazine Compilation (2009)

Original: Part of Aug 25, 2009 Post

Updated/Expanded Post: Thursday, October 15, 2026

In 2009, Guitar Player Magazine Releases a CD compilation, Guitar Masters Vol. 2, that featured the song Parasomnia by Ottawa Bluesman JW Jones. The incredible track hung out with such guitar luminaries as Jimmy Page, Santana, BB King, Yngwie Malmsteen & others.

Links: JW Jones, More JW Jones Stories, Video above courtesy of Jw Jones Band - Topic

Available on Spotify, Amazon Music, You Tube. CD may be available used online.

Tracklist

Not on online services*

1. Yngwie Malmsteen–Light Up The Sky *
2. Jimmy Page, Lord Sutch– Flashing Lights *
3. Santana–Jingo *
4. B.B. King– Payin' The Cost To Be The Boss*
5. Pete Anderson–Baby Done Something Wrong
6. Larry McCray–Buck Naked
7. Michael Lee Firkins, Neil Zaza–Fargo
8. Brian Tarquin, Max Middleton–Jungle Room Boogie
9. Hal Lindes–Ricarda
10. The JW-Jones Blues Band–Parasomnia
11. Brian Tarquin, Steve Morse-Towers
12. Beat The Bone–Planet E
13. The Flyin' Ryan Brothers–Gaza
14. Alex De Rosso–Wishes

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Support Local Charities

From their website: Begun in the 1980's out of a desire to help one family with a terminally ill child, the TENDER WISHES FOUNDATION has grown to seek out and grant wishes to children in the Niagara Region who suffer from a potentially life-threatening illness.

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

NEED COMPUTER HELP? Try First Choice Computer Solutions. 

Their service is friendly and reliable. In person and remote assistance available.

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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) - - - Next (Throwback Thursday: JW Jones on 2009 Guitar Player Magazine Compilation)

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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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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