It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Niagara musician Dave Curry on December 30, 2023. He was a founding member of the Mighty Mighty Duck Blues Band and played with many other musicians in the area. Our condolences to his family, friends and fans.
Social Media Reaction
His wife Denise
My life is forever changed. Yesterday I lost my Best Friend & The Love of My Life to a heart attack. This year we celebrated 50 Years Together. Dave was getting ready to due what he loved to do on a Saturday afternoon: play music with The Mighty Duck Blues Band Gary, Jimmy, Lorraine & Frank on sound. He suddenly had severe chest pains I immediately called 911 for an ambulance & within an hour or so he was gone. Music was Dave's life he was a kind & amazing man, husband, friend & musician who loved playing his tele. I will always remember his kind smile & loving heart. I never said goodbye Dave because you will always be by my side. Your loving wife, Denise.
Today we lost Dave Curry, the leader and founder of The Mighty Duck Blues Band. I met Dave over 20 years ago playing with Mojo Willie & Bluesafire at Arizona's in Thorold ON. At first he was the guy who sat in with the band every week. Before long he was the lead guitar player and on the payroll.
When that band fizzled Dave and his wife/life partner Denise accepted an offer from The Golden Pheasant (The Duck) in St. Catharines ON to set up a Saturday afternoon blues series. The plan was to feature a house band with special guests. Dave got the first gig, named the band and along with Denise made sure we always had a venue to play in. Eventually that led us to Jo Blos Rock & Wok, the current home base. He didn`t care about touring or even playing other gigs, his passion was The Mighty Duck Blues Band, the special guests and a good house gig.
Dave Curry was a really good musician, a really good guitar player and a good friend. Being a good friend was one of his many talents. When the band first started half the audience was made up of personal friends of Denise and Dave. We never had to build a crowd, they brought it.
Jim, Lorraine, Francis and I are going to miss him terribly. We`re in a state of shock and will do what we can to rally around Denise, from day one, she`s been the band`s guiding light. When the time is right we`ll organize a musical tribute to Dave Curry. For now we`ll have to get used to him not taking his seat stage right, strapping on the Tele, flashing the smile and letting us know he was ready to play. Sail on brother, see you on the other side..
Today we lost one of the best people I know. An amazing musician, a great friend, a kind and generous soul and a loving husband to Denise. The Mighty Ducks are gutted. I will long for those sly looks that we would share when someone else on stage made a mistake and we both knew it, those pregnant pauses before counting off the opening song while he was wiping his guitar neck or sticking his pick on his finger, the starting the solo in the third bar because his head was down and didn’t realize it was his turn, the candies at the end of the gig. But most of all, his joy when we played together. I think it’s been more than 20 years that we’ve been playing together on Saturday afternoons.
I will always see you when I look to my right.
Sleep well, Dave. We love you.
Below is the final song he played with the Mighty Duck Blues Band
The music world is reeling after the loss of superstar Robbie Robertson who passed away on August 9, 2023. Our condolences to his family, friends and fans.
Robbie was best known as the guitarist and main songwriter with The Band. He also worked with Ronnie Hawkins, Bob Dylan, Martin Scorcese, local guitarist Bill Dillon and many others. Originally from Six Nations and Brantford, Robbie gained worldwide fame through The Band and his incredible solo work.
Robbie's family released this statement:
Robbie was surrounded by his family at the time of his death, including his wife, Janet, his ex-wife, Dominique, her partner Nicholas, and his children Alexandra, Sebastian, Delphine, and Delphine’s partner Kenny. He is also survived by his grandchildren Angelica, Donovan, Dominic, Gabriel, and Seraphina. Robertson recently completed his fourteenth film music project with frequent collaborator Martin Scorsese, Killers of the Flower Moon. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made to the Six Nations of the Grand River to support a new Woodland Cultural Centre.
Bill Dillon (Hamilton guitarist who recorded and performed with Robbie)
It's not that I'm at a loss for words
That would be ridiculous, but I have to find some or even one word.
I was born in Toronto in the early 50s and into the 60s so there's the awareness of his guitar playing, it's not about that.
Leaving the Hawk for Bob Dylan, it's not about that
The emerging Band and each of their unbelievable albums, it's not about that.
All the records and TV shows and huge concerts in Europe we did together, the movie soundtracks, the Native records, it's not about that.
I'm crawling out of an abyss I've never had to before with so much difficulty.
Soo many friends gone and artists gone it's been rough enough to say the least.
Dan Lanois gave me the opportunity to experience something I'd only dreamed of all through my formative years, Dan is my friend and I love him dearly.
Robbie Robertson gave me the opportunity to realize my dreams, he's my friend and I love him dearly
So what is it that's so difficult to comprehend for me?
Through the shock and emotional collapse of this loss, while trying to come to grips with the reality, it took my best friend Barb to say the magic words "he trusted you".
That's what this is about, Trust.
These friendships were forged on trust, through every endeavor and every challenge together every success there was that one magic word, trust.
To look into each others eyes and know without saying anything at all, friendship and trust spoke volumes enough to proceed with anything at hand and it Had to come from the heart, That is friendship, that is trust.
No amount of money or success can buy this
No amount of gratitude can convey this
No amount of memories can replace this
That's what I will miss about Robbie: looking him in the eyes and experiencing his trust,in me.
It's humbling, it's devastating, and I find it difficult to trust anybody who doesn't know those two words in their heart.
Robbie Robertson: It's difficult to accept the passing of members of a generation that changed music and in some ways the world along with it. I first heard his name as a teenage musician in Fort William Ontario when I was starting my journey into the world of blues and R&B. It was 1966. No social media then, all word of mouth. Guitar players I would meet spoke of Toronto heroes Domenic Troiano, Robbie Robertson and others in the terms of legend. The word was out, Robbie was the best, a master of the Telecaster. He`d been with Ronnie Hawkins, Bob Dylan and story was that he and the Hawks were hiding out somewhere in the U.S. preparing to break out with their own music. And then Music From Big Pink and all the great records that followed.
Personally I was wrapped up in schooling myself, learning my craft in the blues, a landscape I knew The Band had already passed through. My record collection, Howlin Wolf, Muddy Waters and The Band. I`ve always been a fan, the 2nd album, The Band (the brown one) was a wedding present in 1969 and I was fortunate to see three live Band shows before the original lineup wrapped up in 1976. We`re all very fortunate to have lived during an era when Robbie Robertson created music. He gave us a lot to be thankful for.
We all have different and sometimes very unique points of entry or connection with artists. With Robbie Robertson of course I was around when he was playing with Dylan. I bought ‘Big Pink’ the year it was released. I followed The Band’s career arc - as well as much of Robertson’s solo work. But my most felt connection with him was when he collaborated with another one of my most deeply admired musicians, film composer Alex North. North composed the scores for the groundbreaking ‘A Streetcar Named Desire’, plus ‘Spartacus’, Liz Taylor's ‘Cleopatra’, ‘Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?’ and the immortal ‘’Unchained Melody’ among many others. Robbie Robertson and Alex North worked together on the music for 1980’s ‘Carny’.
I used to go with my friend John to the Horseshoe Tavern almost every year to see Colin Linden. He would always bring Rick Danko and Garth Hudson as his guests.
One year the Band was being inducted into the Juno Hall of Fame so Colin did one of his annual shows with Rick and Garth.
John and I were at the front as close as we could get to the stage as usual. I think I was about 18 or 19.
Rumors had been going around that Robbie was going to play. Suddenly, out he stepped onto the Horseshoe stage. Robbie Robertson. With Rick Danko and Garth Hudson. Right in front of my eyes.
I grabbed the 35 mm camera that I snuck in and snapped a couple of quick photos. I’m going to find the negatives one of these days. They did two songs together and it was glorious.
Earlier in the night, Ronnie Hawkins had come out and sang a few songs with them as well.
“Just like the old days in Port Dover, eh Ricky?” I overheard Ronnie say to Rick Danko.
For this teenager, it was a life-changing evening.
It is with sadness that we announce the passing of one of the region's biggest Blues champions, Patrick Monaghan. He passed away in his sleep on Tuesday, July 25, 2023. Our condolences to his family, friends and fans.
Patrick hosted the award-winning program, Buckslide Blues Cruise on 100.9 Canoe FM. His tireless efforts helped promote many new artists. In 2022, Patrick was named Blues Booster of the year at the Maple Blues Awards.
If you knew Patrick, you experienced his huge smile and saw his thumbs up photos and if fortunate you were in the photo with him, both of you giving the big thumbs up. You had to admire his dedication, opinions about, knowledge of and rarely duplicated commitment to The Blues. Patrick loved experiencing and supporting the live music scene. If he couldn't find anyone to travel with to share in his numerous trips he just headed out himself like a gypsy.
He joined the Grand River Blues Society at the beginning 20 years ago and kept his membership active each year. He volunteered so many times to Judge the GRBS Road to Memphis Competitions and then travelled to Memphis to support the representing acts. He was one of a kind. Patrick was one of the kindest, nicest person you'd ever have the privilege to know. This truly is a sad moment for our tight knit Blues community. Rest in Peace our Blues Brother.
Sad news today to hear of the passing of our good friend and tireless supporter, Patrick Monaghan. In February 2020 he told me that he was terminal, only had a few months left and he was going to continue living life. Cancer was not going to stop him. Well he did just that. His Buckslide Blues radio show continued to showcase artists new and well established. Pat did his best to make every blues show and special event that fell into his radar. There must be thousands of his signature thumbs up photos circulating the world. He and I made a pact that we would have our picture taken together at The Southside Shuffle every year. We pulled it off in 2021 and 2022 falling just a little short in 2023 as he moves on to the other side. My heart goes out to his family and friends with a special thank you to Christine who helped him get to the shows he just couldn't miss. Goodbye my friend, thumbs up.
The past weeks have been really hard for the Blues and the music community and it's very difficult to yet again find the words today. The Blues world has lost a son today. We will miss that infectious smile! We will miss that big thumbs up! We will miss your voice! We will miss The Canadian Blues Energizer Bunny! We all love you Patrick
He was a huge supporter of the band, so much so that before he got sick he was planning on being our official manager. The Smoke Wagon Blues Band and I can not convey how much we appreciated your support and friendship over the years Pat. Outside of the band I've lost a great friend, I visited him on buckslide road, and met up with him around the province year round just to enjoy shows and hang. I will miss my Tuesday nights with Canoe FM but I will miss our weekly conversations on the phone the most of all. Its very difficult to imagine the Canadian Blues scene without you, you were an inspiration of tenacity and energy to us all, a lesson on how to live and fight for your dreams.
It was his bucket list to put on the first ever Haliburton Blues Festival this summer and it breaks my heart to know we won't be celebrating it together. Thank you Patrick for everything. Onward through the fog
I am so very sad to hear of your passing today, and so grateful to have known you.
I will miss your late night phone calls, stories of Blues legends in smokey clubs and boxing matches. You almost died too many times but then were right back out there at the clubs and festivals; I haven't ever seen someone fight as hard as you and your fuel was gratitude and the Blues. What a life you've lived.
Never will there be a more tremendous supporter of live music, nor a more charismatic smile and the trademark "thumbs up" in EVERY pic. You painted a picture of positivity in the toughest of situations.
I will miss your raspy voice, and your support and encouragement so much. You were the man behind so many meetings with Blues legends and festival coordinators, and believed in me from day one.
I really wish that I picked up the phone one last time... my first thought was to call you when I got the news. You've got one last concert in you, I know it.
You're a true beauty, I'm glad you aren't struggling anymore. My deepest sympathies to Christine without whom you couldn't have continued to attend every damn concert regardless of your health state. All my love and support to Pat's close friends and family.
I'm sure the concerts are even better up there where you are, as are the photo ops. Sending a big thumbs up to my man, Patrick "Madman" Monaghan. Enjoy the big gig in the sky my friend.
Below is a 2020 video by Craig Mumford honouring Patrick
In spite of another year of uncertainty in the face of a global pandemic, Canadian blues artists continued to write, record, and yes, even tour throughout Canada and beyond. Musicians of all genres faced much adversity in 2022, but the current slate of nominees for the upcoming Maple Blues Awards show that hard times can channel intense creativity. That’s the blues, in a nutshell.
Public voting opens November 2nd, 2022 at 10:01 am Eastern Time and closes December 1st, 2022 at 11:59 pm Eastern Time. Fans can vote in eligible categories at www.mapleblues.ca
Winners of the Maple Blues Awards will be announced at the gala/performance on Monday January 30th, 2023 at Koerner Hall in Toronto. Tickets are on sale now and start at $35. Tickets for the not-to-be-missed event can be purchased here.
There’s no stopping the blues – not even a second year of a global pandemic. In a year like no other, 2021 has proven that Canadian blues artists are tenacious, forward-thinking, and incredibly creative in the face of adversity. Despite ongoing challenges and changes, Toronto Blues Society continues to support and promote Canadian Blues artists by announcing the nominees for the upcoming 25th annual Maple Blues Awards. The winners will be announced on January 31, 2022 at the LIVE Maple Blues Award Show to be held at Koerner Hall in Toronto,
Blues fans can cast their votes online at www.mapleblues.ca. Public Voting opens November 3, 2021 at 12:01 am Eastern Time and closes December 1, 2021, 11:59 pm Eastern .
Here's a complete list of nominees: Local artists are bolded.
Yesterday (September 15, 2021) would have been American Blues legend Snooky Pryor's 100th birthday. Snooky performed with a number of local artists such as Mel Brown, Gary Kendall, John Lee and many others.
We asked a number of local artists about working with the legendary Bluesman.
Al Richardson (Mel Brown and the Homewreckers)
Snooky has an old-style approach, where he would drop beats at various places in a song, when he felt it. And he didn’t feel bound to do it in the same places from performance to performance, or take to take. This is very different from jazz-style improvisation which is much more about working within a pretty locked-down structure.
So here we were, just doing everything on ESP, and it went brilliantly. I think people often call it ‘flow’ and that’s exactly what we all had. Everything felt free but at the same time it like it was all inevitable.
The only sad thing about it is that I’m probably one of the few people my age who got to come up in this traditional, apprenticeship kind of way, with guys like Snooky and (of course) Mel, who was already a generation younger than Snooky. I’m almost certainly one of the last who got to learn that way, and I’m eternally grateful that I did.
Andrew Galloway, owner of ElectroFi Records aked me to play on an album with Snooky. Andrew introduced me to him on the sidewalk outside of the studio in Toronto. Snooky shook my hand, looked me up and down, felt my bicep and said:
"Yep. He'll do!"
Mr. Pryor was a true gentleman. Morally strong, never touched liquor. Ever. Some of my fondest memories in all my years playing drums come from my time with Mel Brown and Snooky Pryor.
Being able to meet Snooky Pryor, share his positive approach to life and play his deep blues was an extremely important part of my journey in the world of music.
When I heard Lowell Fulson's Reconsider Baby in the 70's I was hooked. He was one of the best. Good eye for talent as well, I mean he hired Ray Charles.
Need an injection of joy to get over the lockdown Blues? Look no further than Four Hot Tracks, the latest EP from Toronto's The Swingin' Blackjacks. This short but sweet rockabilly collection will give ya a dose of boogie and have you stompin' your feet.
Featuring Niagara's Gary Kendall (Kendall Wall Band, Downchild) on bass/vocals, the trio is rounded out by Matt Allenon lead vocals/guitar plus Adam David on drums. Every one of them are firing on all cylinders and serving up world-class rock.
It is with sadness that we announce the passing of the legendary, Fort-Erie born keyboardist Michael Fonfara. We do not have many details but we will will post it here as we know more. Our condolences to this family, friends and fans.
It is with heavy hearts that we sadly announce the passing of our dear friend and longtime bandmate, Michael Fonfara. He was an incredible musician, a gentle soul and we were honoured to share the stage with him every time we performed. He will be deeply missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family. There will be a celebration of life once we are all safely able to get together.
I've heard Donnie Walsh say many times "He's the best musician I've ever worked with". I echo those words. Yesterday we lost a brother, a band mate, a co-writer and a dear friend. His important role away from the music business was as a husband, father and grandfather. If you met him, you loved him. A creative genius and a band leader's worst nightmare. I was very fortunate to share space with him in recording studios, big stages, small stages, vans, cars, planes, hotels and restaurants. Fonf has left us but we'll continue to play music that he wrote, arranged or just made better by his presence. Thanks for the memories, see you on the other side.
Musical genius, bandmate, innovator, wild man, loyal friend and sweet sweet soul. From the very first time I worked with him 15 or so years ago, he instantly became one of my biggest supporters and encouragers. It was never a handshake with Fonf, always a hug. We played a ton of gigs together on some huge stages and also tiny clubs, recorded together many times, misbehaved together once in a while and laughed our asses off more times than I can remember, and through it all I was always amazed by his playing, which really was out of this world. No matter his preparation or more often lack thereof, HE was the one who moved the crowd. Always. He was a star and our world is a little dimmer tonight because of this massive loss.
Fonf was a true genius. Every time I played with him he would amaze me. I would often look at Gary Kendall or Mike Fitzpatrick and they were amazed too. I would ask guys who played with him a lot more than I did and they said the same thing. You don't see too many musicians who could play like Fonf.
I only got to know him in the last 10 years or so. He was always smiling and laughing. He was just a sweet guy.
He always had time to say hello. When he talked to you he was intense and focused.
I was so fortunate to get to play and hang out with Mike. His musical gifts will be missed by so many. His sweet personality will be missed even more.
Fonf's enthusiasm and joy for playing was infectious!! Whether there were 2 people or thousands he always gave 110%. I always looked forward to playing with him when I knew he was on the gig. RIP Fonf love you !!
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