It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Ray Harrison (known as Rabbit to close friends) , a legendary musician who was a member of Crowbar and the Cameo Blues Band. We do not have any details at this time but we will post it on this page when we learn more. Our condolences to his family, friends and and fans.
I had the pleasure of meeting Ray quite a few times mostly through Crowbar and the Cameo Blues Band. He was extremely talented and friendly. I will miss him greatly.
One of the highlights of my life was playing with Ray and the guys at the Hotel Isabella. Many great years with Cameo and so many great memories of this Giant of a Man.
Ray Harrison was a goliath of a player, and among my musical heroes in Crowbar. I always cherished getting to hear him play. I'll never forget him letting me use his rig when I opened for them, a true honour. Ray was the best boogie-woogie player I ever heard. A true Rock N' Roller.
I just heard the sad news that Ray Harrison has passed away. Not only was "Rabbit" Ray a fantastic pianist and organ player, he was a larger than life character who leaves behind a huge void. He had a great ear and he knew how to rock and roll. He was one of those guys that never seemed to practice, yet he was absolutely killer on his instrument. We'd been on countless gigs together and the hang between sets was always as much fun as the playing... perhaps even more. Endless stories full of laughs!
When I lived in Toronto, he would often show up at my place unannounced and say "let's go". We'd get into his van, grab some beer and drive around for hours while he showed me old haunts from his past in Toronto's Mount Dennis neighbourhood. He had some scary biker friends. He knew the best greasy spoons all over the city. He'd make that Jackie Gleason/Ralph Kramden bulging eyes expression which always made me laugh. He'd collect old things and give them to friends he knew would appreciate them, like when he gave me an old Roy Rogers harmonica. We laughed a lot.
When I mentioned to him last year that so many friends our age were passing away, he said, "Yeah, they're plowing our row". He'd often comment on my FB posts with one word, "Whoosh".... a private joke. Whoosh, now you're gone. You will be missed, but something tells me the stories and anecdotes will go on and on. Rest in peace my friend.
My fondest memory of Ray Harrison ... I had played with him for a bit on and off on different shows. This time we were at the Shipdeck Stage at Harbourfront. The band was all set up and we got a rain call and had to relocate inside. Everyone dashed off with their gear except for Ray and I. Ray's gear was being moved by the crew and gone and Ray stood by me, telling me not to move anything, that the crew would move it all and for me not to move a thing. (I would have moved it all myself without Ray) I always felt good when Ray was on the gig. He always made you laugh and he always put his heart into everything he played.
On another occasion, I had a band called The Panthers....Ray found an old tv light, it was a panther light...and then he found a second panther light. I was thrilled. Ray knew I loved bulldogs, pugs and any dogs like them. He came over with a beautiful white French bulldog milk dispenser that matched my cookie jar perfectly (he had no idea)...then he brought over a pug cookie jar. I treasure these items, as I have with Ray's friendship. Sure gonna miss you Ray. I'm leaving the light on for you. RIP
It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Tim Sinnett, the founder of Thorold's Canal Bank Shuffle Blues Festival. He passed away on May 24, 2021. Our condolences to his family and friends.
Blues fans in Thorold and beyond are deeply saddened and shocked after hearing we've lost the man behind the Canal Bank Shuffle and Blues on the Battlefield. We received word this morning that the artistic director and driving force behind these events, and many more, Tim Sinnett, passed away suddenly last evening in hospital. We ask that family members are not disturbed at this difficult time.
This is very sad news. Sincere condolences to Lynne and Tim's family. Oddly enough, I put on my Canal Bank Shuffle T-shirt when I got up today and thought to give Tim a call. Then I saw this post... We would occasionally call just to catch up. Tim was one of my fave music people to deal with. A friendly soul who will be missed for sure. He was very generous in giving Fathead and my own solo show many high profile slots at his festival over the years. He also arranged for Fathead to go to Memphis for the IBCs many years ago. Tim & Lynne were frequent patrons of all the guest spots in the Niagara region. Tim was so supportive of so many musicians!!! I know he will be missed by many. Thank you for everything Tim!!!!
So sorry to hear this very sad news. Tim was one of the best guys I ever had the pleasure of working with. One of the most supportive, he helped so many blues artists. He was also one of the few that integrated US and Canadian musicians in the Canal Bank Festival. A real solid guy and class act. Condolences to his family, legions of friends and all the musicians who worked with him. RIP Tim Sinnett.
Very sad and shocking news , Tim has always been such a support and great friend to me and hundreds of other blues musicians all over the world . He was truly the mover and shaker in Southern Ontario blues scene . My deepest heartfelt condolences to Tim's family and many friends .
A word from Lou, our blogger
I got to meet Tim at the last Blues Shuffle and he was a very friendly and knowledgeable about the world and Canadian Blues scene.
The Adventures of Trebleclef, the Music Loving Monkey
Trebleclef went to the (possibly) final Hamilton Folk Club. It was founder, Al Lindsay's last club as runner (if no one takes over, this will be the final one). Thank you for all your hard work!
Thankfully, the matinee returned in September and the band is back in action at the Bar Upstairs. They be rockin' the joint with a nunber of very special guests.
The annual Blues With a Feeling scholarship fundraiser celebration has always been the Superbowl of Hamilton Blues! It's a major event (done to in honour of the late, legendary King Biscuit Boy) that features the best Blues performers around. Check out below to see who'll be rockin' the Bay City Music Hall on Saturday, June 4th.
Video: Al Lerman of Fathead w the Mighty Duck Blues Band at The Jet Hall #HamOnt #HamOntMusic #hblvids Gary Kendall Dave Curry Jim Casson David Torosian
Posted by Hamilton B. Lous on Tuesday, February 9, 2016
Our good friends atBluesSource Entertainmenthave been putting on some unbelievable Saturday Night Blues shows at the Jet Hall in Hamilton. There'll be many more stunning acts to come.
Tickets are generally $10 in advance and $15 at the door. Click here to buy tickets! IT'S WELL WORTH IT!
Stay tuned for an upcoming ticket contest!
Here's a preview of what's in store for the lucky listeners.
We all know there's world-class music in our own backyard but now the world is aware too thanks to the prestigious International Songwriting Competition. After thousands of submissions, many deserving local musicians were chosen as semi-finalists.
Kitchener's Alysha Brilla has her song Immigrant in two categories:Unsigned and Lyrics. JD Yanik, also from Kitchener, is up for best Latin tune with Ganas De Tí
Brantford's Benjamin Rogers was listed for three tracks: Pendulum (Instrumental), Move Ben Move (Teen) and Wayfarer (Teen).
Cambridge boy (who now resides in Kitchener) Robbie Hancock has his song, Into The Bright (co-written by Andy Gabrys) in the running for the folk category.
Dundas songstress, Maggie Szabo has two songs in the Pop/Top 40 category: Tragedy (co-written by w Lee Miles) plus Tidal Waves And Hurricanes (co-written by Andrew Allen)
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