Global Beatles Day Videos by Andre Bisson, Dave Rave, Walk Off the Earth

Update of 2021 Post

Links: Andre Bisson, More Andre Bisson stories, Video above courtesy of Andre Bisson

Links: Dave Rave, More Dave Rave Stories, Video above courtesy of WhichwayII

Links: Walk Off The Earth, More WOTE Stories, Video above courtesy of Walk Off the Earth

More Beatles Day Videos

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Nominees for the Inaugural (2025) Canadian Blues Music Awards

With the Maple Blues Awards is no longer around, the Canadian Blues Music Awards has risen to take it's place. The inaugural list of nominees was recently announced. The ceremony takes place March 30, 2026 at the Phoenix Concert Theatre in Toronto. GOOD LUCK EVERYBODY.

Below is a video of the nominee announcements.

Video above courtesy of Canadian Blues Music Awards.

Here's a complete list of nominees. Local acts are bolded.

*Signed to Waterdown's Stony Plain Records

Acoustic Blues Recording

• Sue Foley: One Guitar Woman, A Tribute to the Female Pioneers of Guitar *
• Big Dave McLean: This Old Life (ft Hamilton's Jesse O'Brien on keys)
  
  
  
  Links: Big Dave McLean, More Dave McLean Stories, Jesse O'Brien, More Jesse O'Brien Stories, More Muddy Waters Covers/Stories, Video above courtesy of Big Dave McLean - Topic
  
  
• Al Lerman: Country-Fried Blues
• Blue Moon Marquee: New Orleans Sessions
• David Vest & Terry Robb: CrissCross

Blues Drummer 

• Jim Casson (Niagara) - Davis Hall & The Green Lanterns
  
  
  
  Links: Davis Hall & The Green Lanterns, More DHGL stories, Jim Casson, More Jim Casson Stories, Video above courtesy of jimcasson
  
  
• Bruce McCarthy (Bywater Call) 
• Kiran Francis (Angelique Francis) 
• Sandro Dominelli (Samantha King and the Midnight Outfit)
• Sylvain “Sly” Coulombe (Chambers DesLauriers)

Blues Guitarist

• Sue Foley*
• Brandon Isaak
• David Gogo
• Paul DesLauriers (Chambers DesLauriers)
• Tony D 

Blues Horn Player

• Loretta Hale (Hamilton) (André Bisson)
• Jerry Cook (Wailin’ Walker) 
• Julian Nalli (Bywater Call) 
• Kharincia Francis (Angelique Francis) 
• Kira Francis (Angelique Francis) 

Blues Industry Person

• Ken Wallis (Hamilton) (Blues Source Entertainment, Escarpment Blues Society) 
• Bruce Morel (Morel Music International) 
• Ken Simms (Think Tank Music Network) 
• Lori & Paul Murray (Music By The Bay Live)
• Ron Simmonds (Blues In The Dark) 

Blues Keyboard Player

• Kenny “Blues Boss” Wayne (Formerly from Burlington)*
  
  
  
  Links: Kenny "Blues Boss" Wayne, More Kenny "Blues Boss" Stories, Video above courtesy of Kenny 'Blues Boss' Wayne - Topic
  
  
• Miles Evans-Branagh (Hamilton) (Marcus Trummer, Sandra Bouza) 
  
  
  
  Links: Sandra Bouza, More Sandra Bouza Stories, Miles Evans-Branagh, More Miles Evans-Branagh Stories, Video above courtesy of Sandra Bouza Music
  
  
• David Vest
• Jeff Rogers 
• Rooster Davis (Secondhand Dreamcar) 

Blues Video (7 nominees due to ties) 

• André Bisson (Hamilton): Latchford 
  
  
  
  Links: Andre Bisson, More Andre Bisson Stories, Video above courtesy of André Bisson
  
  
• Blue Moon Marquee: Come On Down
• Angelique Francis: Train Coming
• The Harpoonist: Show Me The Green
• Bywater Call: Colours
• Ray Lemelin & Steve Hill: Walk On/Ain’t No Use In Worryin’ 
• JP LeBlanc: All On Your Own

Electric Blues Recording

• Steve Marriner: Hear My Heart (ft Hamilton's Jesse O'Brien on keys)*
• David Gogo: YEAH! (ft Hamilton's Jesse O'Brien on keys)*
• Angelique Francis: Not Defeated 
• Brandon Isaak: Walkin’ With The Blues
• Crystal Shawanda: Sing Pretty Blues

Lifetime Achievement Award

• Kenny Blues Boss Wayne (Formerly from Burlington)*
• Amos Garrett 
• Bobby Dean Blackburn 
• Russell Jackson 
• Tim Williams

Producer

• Steve Marriner (Steve Marriner: Hear My Heart; Big Dave McLean: This Old Life (ft Hamilton's Jesse O'Brien on keys); David Gogo: YEAH! - (All 3 ft Hamilton's Jesse O'Brien on keys)
• Blue Moon Marquee 
• Brandon Isaak
• Renan Yildizdogan & Ross Hayes Citrullo (Marcus Trummer: From The Start) 
• Steve Dawson (Ndidi O: Simple Songs For Complicated Times) 

Blues Bassist

• Angelique Francis 
• Harry Gregg (Secondhand Dreamcar) 
• Jack Lavin 
• Jasmine Colette (Blue Moon Marquee) 
• Mike Meusel (Bywater Call)

Blues Harmonica Player

• Steve Marriner
• Al Lerman
• Guy Bélanger
• Shawn Hall (The Harpoonist) 
• Steve Grant “Cabbagetown Steve” (Little Magic Sam) 

Blues Song

• Crystal Shawanda: Sing Pretty Blues
• Angelique Francis: Train Coming
• Blue Moon Marquee: What I Wouldn’t Do
• Brandon Isaak: Walkin’ With The Blues
• Ndidi O: Working Girl

Emerging Blues Artist or Group

• Glenn Marais & the Mojo Train
• Jeff Rogers
• JP LeBlanc
• Ollee Owens
• Paul Black

Female Blues Vocalist

• Crystal Shawanda
• Angelique Francis 
• Dana Wylie
• Ndidi O
• Samantha King

Male Blues Vocalist

• Big Dave McLean
• Brandon Isaak
• Jeff Rogers
• Marcus Trummer
• Wayne Nicholson

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Christmas Videos by Paul James, Raoul Bhaneja, Steve Strongman, Dave Rave, Chris Ayries & André Bisson

Links: Paul James, More Paul James Stories, Video above courtesy of Hamilton Blues Lovers

Links: Raoul and the Big Time, More Raoul Bhaneja Stories, Video above courtesy of Hamilton Blues Lovers

Links: Steve Strongman, More Steve Strongman Stories, Video above courtesy of Hamilton Blues Lovers

Links: Dave Rave, More Dave Rave Stories, Video above courtesy of Dave Rave - Topic

Links: Chris Ayries, More Chris Ayries Stories, Video above courtesy of Hamilton Blues Lovers

Links: Andre Bisson, More Andre Bisson Stories, Video above courtesy of André Bisson

 More Christmas Videos

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Throwback Thursday: Andre Bisson: Rhythm and Blues Experience

Original Post: April 21, 2009

Updated Post: June 19, 2025

Andre Bisson released Rhythm and Blues Experience at a great release party on April 19, 2009 at the Royal Hamilton Yacht Club.

 
The disc is a great gumbo of blues, jazz, soul and more.

Along with 9 great original compositions, Andre and his large band performed an interesting soul-filled version of Neil Young's Heart of Gold. He really made it his own.

Guests: 

• Mark Kelso
• John Johnson
• Jason Logue
• Collin Barrett
• Dave Murphy
• Rob Somerville
• Dan Rodrigues
• Steve Bijakowski

Available: Spotify, YouTube 

You can stream the album below

Links: Andre Bisson, More Andre Bisson Stories, Album above courtesy of Andre Bisson - Topic, More Releases

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Community Votes Hamilton 2025 - Deadline is May 18

From April 16 to May 18, citizens of the Hammer can cast a ballot in Community Votes Hamilton 2025.

Below are the music-related nominees.

Local Band

• Alfie Smith
• Andre Bisson Band
• Boomtown Band
• Born in The 80s
• Freedom Train
• Goddess
• The Hammer Tones
• Hollow Core
• The John Atlee Band
• Midnight Hombres
• Pulse X
• Slap Entertainment and Productions

Entertainer

• Cameron Michael Caton AKA Covid-Elvis
• Christopher Bull (Eelev8 Dance)
• Danielle Viola - Curtain Call Performing Arts Company
• Dustin Jodway - Hamilton Theatre Inc - Something Rotten
• Eshe YıLdıZ - Dance Instructor
• Hexe Noire - Drag Queen
• Karma Kameleon, Drag, Comedy
• Matthew Moore - Hamilton Theatre Inc  
• Red Tree Performance Academy - Sister Act Jr
• St. John Boy - Drag
• Will Gillespie

Live Entertainment

• Baby Butcher
• Cameron Michael Caton AKA Covid-Elvis
• Chasing Shadows Productions
• Curtain Call Performing Arts Company
• Danielle Viola - Curtain Call Performing Arts Company
• Freedom Train
• Hamilton Academy of Performing Arts
• Hamilton Theatre
• HäUs of The Holy Spirit
• Hexe Noire - Drag Queen
• It's Your Festival
• Olivia Jodway - Red Tree Performance Academy
• Red Tree Performance Academy - Sister Act Jr

Night Club

• Club 54
• Embassy Club
• Goddess House
• Hush
• Mint Restaurant & Lounge
• NYX Lounge
• Play Bar
• Poor Folks Deli
• The Casbah
• The Well

Radio Stations

• 93.3 CFMU
• 101.5 The Hawk
• 95.3 Fresh Radio
• Bell Media Radio GP
• Bounce 102.9
• Byrnes Media
• Hot Country 93.9
• JOY 1250
• KLCA
• KX947 New Country FM
• Lite 92.1 FM 
• Riderradiorocks.Com
• Roger's Radio Broadcasting
• The Shooting Eye Corp
• Y108

Music Lessons

• Picks & Sticks Music (One of our Sponsors!)
• Ancaster Music Academy
• Ania Fritch Music Studio
• Aurora Benedicto - Red Tree Performance Academy
• Celine's Voice Studio
• Curtain Call Performing Arts Company
• Danielle Viola Private Vocals
• Davie Brideau - Red Tree Performance Academy
• Dundas Conservatory Of Music
• Elev8 Dance Inc
• Emerson Arts Theatrical Productions
• Emilee Cuthbert - MC² Music
• Footprints Music Hamilton
• Guitar Lessons With Adam Scott
• Hamilton Academy Of Music
• Hamilton Academy of Performing Arts
• Long & McQuade Musical Instruments
• Mason Micevski Vocal Lessons
• Michael Cuthbert - MC² Music
• Mr. Ben's Music
• Nicole Christian
• Red Tree Performance Academy
• Red Tree Performance Academy - Dustin Jodway/ Vocal Coach
• Red Tree Performance Academy - Luis Arrojo - Piano
• Red Tree Performance Academy - Special Needs Services
• Studio E
• Tabone Academy Of Music

Youth Music Lessons

• Ania Fritch Music Studio
• Aurora Benedicto - Red Tree Performance Academy
• Curtain Call Performing Arts Company
• Danielle Viola Private Vocals
• Davie Brideau - Red Tree Performance Academy
• Emilee Cuthbert - MC² Music
• Michael Cuthbert - MC² Music  
• Red Tree Performance Academy
• Red Tree Performance Academy - Dustin Jodway/ Vocal Coach
• Red Tree Performance Academy - Luis Arrojo - Piano
• Red Tree Performance Academy - Special Needs Services

Music Retailer

• Picks & Sticks Music (One of our Sponsors!)
• Dr. Disc
• Long & McQuade Musical Instruments
• Mountain Music
• Musicians Webstore
• Records On Wheels
• Revolution Records
• Second Chance Records
• Stardust Records
• Sunrise Records
• The Beat Goes On
• The Music Stand
  

Musical Instruments

• Picks & Sticks Music (One of our Sponsors!)
• Cithara Guitars Inc.
• Long & McQuade Musical Instruments
• M.E.S. Music Equipment Sales Ltd
• Mojo Music
• Mountain Music
• Musicians Webstore
• Penny Pinchers Costume & Party Store
• Second Chance Records
• The Acoustic Room
• The Guitar World
• The Music Stand

We'd also appreciate a vote for one of our incredible sponsors, Judy Marsales Real Estate

Links: Community Votes, More Community Votes Stories

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Community Votes Burlington 2024 Winners

Earlier this year, Community Votes Burlington announced their 2024 winners, which were voted on by the citizens of the city.

Below are the music-related winner. Click here for the full list.

Local Band

• Platinum: Rob Fitzgerald
  
  
  
  Links: Rob Fitzgerald, Video above courtesy of Rob Fitzgerald
  
  
• Gold: Killin' Time Band
  
  
  
  Links: Killin' Time Band, More KTB Stories, Video above courtesy of Killin' Time Band
  
  
• Silver: Bent City Rockers
  
  
  
  Links: Bent City Rockers, Video above courtesy of Carmen MacIntyre
  
  
• Bronze: Andre Bisson Band
  
  
  
  Link: Andre Bisson, More Andre Bisson Stories, Video above courtesy of André Bisson

Entertainer

• Platinum: Chris McKhool
  
  
  
  Links: Chris McKhool, More Chris McKhool Stories, Video above courtesy of Chris McKhool
  
  
• Gold: DJ Floops

Live Entertainment

• Platinum: Slye Fox
• Gold: Drury Lane Theatrical Productions
• Silver: Uptown Social House
• Bronze: Carrigan Arms

Entertainment

• Platinum: Slye Fox
• Gold: Chutney Music
• Silver: The Golfers Academy Inc

Night Club

• Platinum: Play Bar
• Gold: NYX Lounge
• Silver: Club 54

Radio Stations

• Platinum: 102-9 Klite
• Gold: KX947 New Country FM
• Silver: 97.7 Hitz FM
• Bronze: Byrnes Media

Music Lessons

• Platinum: Arcadia Academy Of Music / Shepherd Private Coaching
• Gold: Tiptoe Music
• Silver: Myriad Ensemble
• Bronze: Capstone Music
• Top Picks: Long and McQuade, Melody Man Studios, Music Centre - City Of Burlington, Rock This Way-School of Rock

Youth Music Lessons

• Platinum: Shepherd Private Coaching
• Gold: Arcadia Academy Of Music
• Silver: Capstone Music
• Bronze: Young Artists' Theatre
• Top Pick: Melody Man Studios

Music Retailer

• Platinum: Looney Tunes
• Gold: ODDSPOT
• Silver: Melody Man Studios
• Bronze: Sunrise Records

Musical Instruments

• Platinum: Long and McQuade
• Gold: Melody Man Studios
• Silver: Cyclomedica Canada Limited
• Bronze: Mountain Music

Links: Community Votes, More Community Votes Stories

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National Drumming Day Videos ft Keagan Early

Links: Andre Bisson, More Andre Bisson Stories, Video above courtesy of Hamilton Blues Lovers

Links: Smoke Wagon Blues Band, More Smoke Wagon Blues Band Stories, Video above courtesy of Hamilton Blues Lovers

Links: Keagan Early, More Keagan Early Stories, Video above courtesy of Keagan Early

More Drummer Day Stories

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World Sax Day Videos by Bill Holinaty, Gordon Aeichele + Simon Wheeldon, Mike Ricci

Update of 2017 Post

Links: More Bill Holinaty Stories, Sherman Lee Dillon, Video above courtesy of daragent2



Links: Gordon Aeichele, More Gordon Aeichele Stories, More Simon Wheeldon Stories, Andre Bisson, More Andre Bisson stories, Video above courtesy of Andre Bisson



Links: Mike Ricci, Video above courtesy of Mike Ricci Trio

More Sax Day Videos

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Hamilton's Andre Bisson Reaches New Heights on Latest Album

Hamilton's Andre Bisson shows growth with each new release and the tradition's alive and well with his latest fabulous album, Latchford. The incredible songwriting continues from the previous offerings. On top of that, Andre also now manages to add a bit more of a singer/songwriter, almost folky vibe. There's even a bit of country thrown in the mix. Without sacrificing his trademark funk and soul, the Bluesman has once again expanded his sound to new heights.

Band members:

• Jesse O’Brien (Piano, Organ)
• Mike Rowell (Bass)
• Keagan Early (Drums)
• Pat Carey (Sax)
• Shawn Moody (Trumpet)
• Loretta Hale (Trumpet, Cello)
• Rob Somerville (Trombone)
• Paul Barna (Violin/Viola)
• Quisha Wint (Vocals)
• Selena Evangeline (Vocals)

Guests: Dan Rodrigues (Piano on Enough)

Available: Live shows, Bandcamp, Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube

Stream album below

Links: Andre Bisson, More Andre Bisson Stories, Album above courtesy of Andre Bisson - Topic, More Releases

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2024 Maple Blues Award Nominees

From the news release:

Considered the highest honours on the Canadian blues scene, the nominees for the 27th annual Maple Blues Awards have been announced.

Returning to its roots, the 27th annual Maple Blues Awards will take place at The Phoenix Concert Theatre (410 Sherbourne Street, Toronto), where the awards were held from 2000 to 2006. The not-to-be-missed blues music event of the year will take place on Monday, February 12th.  Tickets start at $37.40 and are on sale now at ticketweb.ca

Below is a complete list of nominees. Local artists are in bold.

* artists is signed with Waterdown's Stony Plain Records

+ artist is signed with Waterdown's True North Records

% artist is signed with Waterdown's Borealis Records)

Acoustic Act of the Year

• Harrison Kennedy (Hamilton)
• Suzie Vinnick (Vineland)
• Michael Jerome Browne %
• Brandon Isaak
• Garrett Mason

Bassist of the Year

• Gary Kendall (Niagara)
• Angelique Francis
• Jasmine Colette
• Nathan Blackburn
• Russell Jackson

Blues With A Feeling/Lifetime Achievement Award 

• Cheryl Lescom (Kitchener)
• Sue Foley*
• Alec Fraser
• Bobby Dean Blackburn
• Brent Parkin
• Dalannah Gail Bowen
• Danny Brooks
• Mike McKenna
• Murray Porter
• Tom Lavin

Drummer of the Year

• Jim Casson (Niagara)
• Matt Sobb (MonkeyJunk*)
• Chris Nordquist
• Cory Blackburn
• Gary Craig

Harmonica Player of the Year

• Jerome Godboo (Niagara)
• Roly Platt (Simcoe)
• Steve Marriner*
• Guy Belanger
• Joe Murphy

Horn Player of the Year

• Loretta Hale (Hamilton)
• Chris Whiteley %
• Alison Young
• Dan Jancar
• Kaven Jalbert

Male Vocalist of the Year

• Harrison Kennedy (Hamilton)
• Steve Marriner*
• Matt Andersen+
• Brandon Isaak
• Brooke Blackburn

New Artist or Group of the Year

• Garnetta Cromwell & DaGroovmasters (Hamilton)
• Angelina Hunter Trio
• Little Magic Sam Band
• Sandra Bouza 
• The Sugar Darlings

Piano/Keyboard Player of the Year

• Jesse O' Brien (Hamilton)
• Kenny 'Blues Boss' Wayne (Halton)*
• David Vest
• Debra Power
• Duane Blackburn

Songwriter of the Year

• Andre Bisson (Hamilton)
• Crystal Shawanda+
• Matt Andersen+
• Blackburn Brothers
• Brandon Isaak

Electric Act of the Year

• Colin James*
• Sue Foley*
• Matt Andersen+
• Blackburn Brothers
• Bywater Call

Entertainer of the Year

• Matt Andersen+
• Angelique Francis
• Blackburn Brothers
• Blue Moon Marquee
• Bywater Call

Female Vocalist of the Year

• Crystal Shawanda+
• Dawn Tyler Watson
• Meghan Parnell
• Miss Emily
• Shakura S'Aida

Guitarist of the Year

• Sue Foley*
• Tony D (MonkeyJunk*)
• Brooke Blackburn
• Garrett Mason
• Jack Semple

Recording/Producer of the Year

• Matt Anderson: The Big Bottle of Joy (PRODUCER: Matt Andersen)+
• Crystal Shawanda: Midnight Blues (PRODUCER: Dewayne Strobel)+
• Brandon Isaak: One Step Closer (PRODUCER: Brandon Isaak/Conrad Hillis)
• Bywater Call: Remain (PRODUCER: Renan Yildizdogan) 
• Blackburn Brothers: SoulFunkn'Blues (PRODUCER: Howard Ayee)

B.B. King International Artist of the Year

• Christone ''Kingfish'' Ingram
• Rick Estrin & The Nightcats
• Tedeschi Trucks Band
• Thorbjorn Risager and The Black Tornado
• Warren Haynes (Gov't Mule)

Links: Maple Blues Awards, More Maple Blues Awards Stories

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2023 Hamilton Arts Awards Shortlist Nominees (including our founder/blogger)

Recently, the 2023 Hamilton Arts Awards Shortlist was announced, celebrating all the great artistic talent the Hammer has to offer. Luis Pereira, our founder and blogger is also up for an Arts Champion award.

A word from Luis:

I'm honoured to be nominated among such great company. Hamilton's such a creatively diverse city and this recognition really helps get the word out that there's amazing art emmanating from Hamilton. Good luck to every one.

Below is the complete Shortlist

Click here for the winners.

Arts Champion (up to 4 awards, non-monetary award)

• Luis Pereira (Hamilton Blues Lovers)
• Chris Pannell (author, former board member of the gritLIT festival)
• Helen Graham (Helen Graham Presents Event Calendar)
• Jessica Vinluan (McMaster)
• Matt Moreland (filmmaker, writer)
• Natasha Jones

Lifetime Achievement (1 award to be won, $2,500)

• Al Croxall (Theatre Ancaster)
• John Terpstra (writer)
• Judith Sandiford and Ron Weihs (Artword)
• Lorraine Segato (Parachute Club)
• Robert 'Bob' Daniels (Earls Court Gallery)

Creator Award (minimum of 8 awards, $2,500 each)

• 2Win Dunx (R&B Hip-Hop musicians)
• Alexander Notarangelo (painter)
• Andre Bisson (Blues musician)
• Angela Demontigny (designer)
• Anjula Varghese (writer)
• Chasing Shadows Productions (theatre company)
• Cine-Psych Fim-Making Team
• Darren Stewart-Jones (actor, writer, filmmaker, theatremaker)
• David Collier (cartoonist)
• Deepti Gupta (actress)
• Diana Panton (Jazz musician)
• Goddess (musicians)
• Jojo Chooi-Harley (photographer)
• Kaime Sherman (artist, writer)
• Kareem-Anthony Ferreira (painter)
• Katherine MacDonald (painter)
• Lyla Miklos (vocalist, writer)
• Myke Hutchings (musician)
• Nathan Euguene Carson (painter)
• Open Hearts Arts Theatre
• Piper and Carson (musicians)
• Piper Hayes (musician)
• Sarah Sproule (visual artist)
• Selena Middleton (writer)
• Sean Procyk (art, sculpture)
• Sid Ryan Eilers (dance)
• Sonali Menezes (artist)
• Steacy Easton (writer)
• The Hamilton Youth Steel Orchestra (musicians)
• Vick Naresh (artist)

GOOD LUCK EVERYONE! 

Links: Hamilton Arts Awards, More Hamilton Arts Awards Stories

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2023 Hamilton Community News Readers' Choice Winners!

The 2023 Hamilton Community News Reader's Choice Awards were announced on Thursday, April 6, 2023.

Here's a full list of winners from the music-related categories.

D = Diamond, 1st Place

P = Platinum, 2nd Place

G = Gold, 3rd PLace

Children's Entertainment

• D: Mr. Ben's Music / Zacada Circus School
  
  
  
  Video above courtesy of MrBensMusic
  
  
• P: Lion's Heart Family Martial Arts
• G: NJADS - Not Just Another Dance Studio

Guitar Teacher

• D: Big Johnny Blue
  
  
  
  Links: Big Johnny Blue, More Big Johnny Blue Stories, Video above courtesy of Big Johnny Blue - Topic
  
  
• P: Andre Bisson
• G: Anthony Goodine - Picks & Sticks (an HBL Sponsor)

Live Entertainment Facility

• D: FirstOntario Centre
• P: FirstOntario Concert Hall
• G: Theatre Aquarius

Live Music Bar / Lounge

• D: Stonewalls
• P: Powerhouse
• G: 33 Bowen / 1515 (Brown Barrel)

Local Entertainment

• D: Cameron Michael Caton a.k.a. Covid-Elvis
  
  
  
  Links: COVID Elvis, More Elvis Covers/Stories, Video above courtesy of Elvis Cameron Michael Caton
  
  
• P: Rob Leonard (Acoustically Yours) / Mike Woods
• G: Chris Newman (Keep The Faith) / Sarah Smith

Local Event

• D: Side Hustle Events
• P: Winona Peach Festival
• G: Hamilton Tiger-Cats / Dundas Cactus Festival

Local Festival

• D: Dundas Cactus Festival / Winona Peach Festival
• P: Ancaster Fair / Supercrawl
• G: Festival Of Friends

Music Instructor

• Alyssa Michalsky - Divine Harp
• D: Anita Hiripi - Cricket Chamber Orchestra / Mate Szigeti - Cricket Chamber Orchestra
• P: Kaz Chrapka - The Music Stand / Ben Bowen - Mr. Ben's Music
• G: Crystal Lee - Crystal Sound Music / Paula Tessaro - Tabone Academy of Music Inc.

Musical Instruments Store

• D: Long & McQuade
• P: Music Stand
• G: Mountain Music

Also, our blogger's workplace, St. Charles Adult and Continuing Education Centres won Diamond in the Adult Education category.

CONGRATS EVERYONE

Links: Hamilton Community News Reader's Choice Awards, More HCN Awards Stories

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Hamilton's Andre Bisson Wins Blues and Roots International Song of the Year Contest

Hamilton's Andre Bisson was the overall winner of the Blues and Roots International Song Contest. He also previously won the Male Artist category. The talented Bluesmen will collect an extra $750 CAD on top of the $250 CAD he earned for the category.

CONGRATS!

Andre's Fan Page posted the following 

A big thank you to Blues & Roots Radio and to the Jury around the world who voted for André’s song as the International Song of the Year, this is a great honour as the committee is made up of great music industry professionals. Thank you to all of the musicians who performed on this song and album! Also a Congratulations to Izzy Burns, Jeff Plankenhorn and all of the finalists.

Andre added:

I just wanted to say thank you so much for all your support and congratulations over the past week. I am truly grateful for every like, comment, and share I have received. Also, a huge thank you to Loretta Hale for all the hard work she does to make sure the music gets out to all the right places. It is all of your support and kindness that motivates and inspires me to continue to create and perform the music I love. Thank you!! 

 Andre Bisson (Hamilton) - Down The Line (WINNER!)

Links: Andre Bisson, More Andre Bisson Stories, Video above courtesy of André Bisson - Topic

1st Place Runner Up! Izzy Burns (Idaho) - Guessing Game

Video above courtesy of Izzy Burns

2nd Place Runner Up: Jeff Plankenhorn (BC)- Trouble Find Me

Video above courtesy of Jeff Plankenhorn

More Blues and Roots International Song Contest 

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Vote for the 2023 Hamilton Community News Readers' Choice Awards

It's time to get out and vote for the 2023 Hamilton Community News Reader's Choice Awards.  Deadline to get your vote out is Monday, February 27, 2023.

Here's a list of nominees from the music-related categories.

Children's Entertainment

• Andy G and Friends
• Binbrook Little Theatre
• Giggles The Clown
• Lion's Heart Family Martial Arts
• Messy Play Studio
• Mr. Ben's Music
• NJADS - Not Just Another Dance Studio
• Telling Tales Festival
• Zacada Circus School

Guitar Teacher

• Anthony Goodine - Picks & Sticks (an HBL Sponsor)
• Andre Bisson
• Big Johnny Blue

Live Entertainment Facility

• Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre
• Binbrook Little Theatre
• Burlington Performing Arts Centre
• Dundas Little Theatre
• FirstOntario Centre
• FirstOntario Concert Hall
• Hamilton Convention Centre By Carmens
• Spice Factory
• Theatre Aquarius
• Westdale

Live Music Bar / Lounge

• 1515 (Brown Barrel)
• Powerhouse
• Stonewalls
• 33 Bowen

Local Entertainment

• Andre Bisson Band
• Big Johnny Blue
• Cameron Michael Caton a.k.a. Covid-Elvis
• Carl Jennings - Freedom Train
• Chris Newman (Keep The Faith)
• Daryl Gray
• Ian Wood
• Jay Askee (Rock City The Band)
• Mike Woods
• Paula Tessaro Band
• Rob Leonard (Acoustically Yours)
• Rob Reed (Rock City The Band)
• Sarah Smith

Local Event

• Ancaster Lifestyle Fall Home Show
• Dundas Buskerfest
• Dundas Cactus Festival
• Festival Of Friends
• Hamilton Boat, Fishing & Outdoor Show
• Hamilton RV Show
• Hamilton Tiger-Cats
• Northern Heat Rib Series (Hamilton/Hamilton Mountain Ribfest)
• Side Hustle Events
• Soupfest
• Supercrawl
• Telling Tales Festival
• Winona Peach Festival

Local Festival

• Ancaster Fair
• Ancaster Heritage Days
• Dundas Cactus Festival
• Festival Of Friends
• gritLIT: Hamilton's Readers and Writers Festival
• It's Your Festival
• Locke St Festival
• Mountain Kidz Klub Easter Egg Hunt
• Northern Heat Rib Series (Hamilton/Hamilton Mountain Ribfest)
• Supercrawl
• Winona Peach Festival

Music Instructor

• Alyssa Michalsky - Divine Harp
• Anita Hiripi - Cricket Chamber Orchestra
• Ben Bowen - Mr. Ben's Music
• Crystal Lee - Crystal Sound Music
• Danielle Musgrave-Bond - ECE Music Program, NJADS - Not Just Another Dance Studio
• Dave Simpson - Long & McQuade
• Kaz Chrapka - The Music Stand
• Marta Greda-Kicek - Hamilton Academy of Performing Arts
• Mate Szigeti - Cricket Chamber Orchestra
• Paula Tessaro - Tabone Academy of Music Inc.
• Rosemary Hale - Long & McQuade,Garden City Orchestra
• Sean McAllister
• Steve McRae
• Sylvia Nieboer - Ontario Conservatory Of Music

Musical Instruments Store

• Long & McQuade
• Mountain Music
• Music Stand

Also, our blogger's workplace, St. Charles Adult and Continuing Education Centres is nominated in the Adult Education category and he'd appreciate a vote.

Links: Hamilton Community News Reader's Choice Awards, More HCN Awards Stories

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