In mid-2009, local musician Ginger St. James was heading to Toronto. On Thursday, June 18, 2009 she threw a goodbye party at This Ain't Hollywood with live music, a DJ, dancing, and more. Thankfully, she has since returned to the Hammer.
Lucky attendees also got a chance to pick up a limited edition (available only at that particular show) CD of Ginger's sultry, swinging songs.
It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Jake Hiebert aka Big Rude Juke. He unfortunatey passed away on June 16, 2022 after a brave battle with cancer. Our condolences to his family, friends and fans.
Jake had an amazing, long career which took him around the world, melding the styles of jazz, rock, punk and blues. He was a true original.
A word from Lou, our blogger:
I was lucky enough to see Jake quite a number of times and he was constantly full of life and had a smile on his face. You could see Jake loved what he did and was go great it. His lyrics were sharp and witty and his guitar skills were always world-class. I will miss him terribly.
He was very kind to me and invited me into his home when he first moved to Hamilton. I was very lucky and honored to play with such an amazing talent. He was in a league of players of their own. My heart goes out to the family and the family of musicians and fans he affected. Rest well my friend.
Dear Big Rude Jake: I'd say I have no words but there are plenty. Until I can muster a sentence up without crying i can peep out that I love you, respect you and will always remember you. Maybe that'll do for now. Every lightning strike and thunder crash I'll know that its you and your pals gettin' the band warmed up in heaven - taunting us earthly folks of the party that awaits. I'll be on my best behavior (mostly) so I can meet you up there one day . the good Lord raised His hand and has taken you home. We can find comfort in knowing you are at rest. Ladies and Gentleman Big Rude Jake. Whatta guy!
A loving farewell to Big Rude Jake Hiebert, an erudite and dapper man with a heart of gold and a wit sharper than a Bowery barber's razor. Thank for the impossibly witty lyrics, the soulful singing and the meaningful music that touched everyone in the bar and let them dream that they too were living the bohemian life of a crooning troubadour. I'm so lucky to have played and chatted, noshed and laughed with such a beautiful man. Sincere and deep condolences to his family, friends, colleagues and fans. We've lost a great one and somehow we'll have to soldier on without him. He'd want you to Live Large and follow your dreams. And damn the barricades!
Today (August 30, 2019) would have been American Country trailblazer Kitty Wells' 100th birthday. She was the first female country singer to top the US country charts. Click here for her Wikipedia bio.
We asked a few local artists for their thoughts on the legendary songstress.
The first lady of many things. From being the first female topping the billboard charts to the first female to headline a tour. This pioneer blazed a trail bright and hot enough for generations of songwriters to feel the impact and see her fire that still burns to this day.
On Friday, October 26, the 2018 winners of the Hamilton SpectatorReaders' Choice Awardswere unveiled. The special supplemental section featured the best that Hammertown has to offer, including our wonderful music community.
Hamilton's best of the best was celebrated at the 2018 View Magazine Readers' Choice Awards. The voting results were unveiled in the Oct 18, 2018 issue.
A special shout-out to one of our sponsors, Judy Marsales Real Estate for winning Gold in the Real Estate Office category.
Here are the music-related winners:
Please not that it goes from Gold (top) to Silver (middle or bottom if only two winners) and Bronze (third).
Results from the 2017 View Magazine Readers' Choice were unveiled in their Oct 19th issue. Their fans helped vote for the best of everything Hamilton (and the surrounding areas) has to offer.
A special shout-out to one of our sponsors, Judy Marsales Real Estate for winning Gold in the Real Estate Office category
Here are the music-related winners:
Please not that it goes from Gold (top) to Silver (middle or bottom if only two winners) and Bronze (third).
New Christmas Tunes, a wonderful holiday compilation packed with talented local musicians (mostly from the Halton region), will definteley put you in the yuletide spirit. Rather than rehash the same old songs you've heard over and over, the album features all original music.
The best part is that $1 from every CD purchase or album download will be donated to Kids Help Phone. You'll hear some amazing tunes and help out at the same time! What could be better?
Both the disc and the download are available through Bandcamp.
The is the track and personell listing (Click song title to stream on Bandcamp)
Christmas Cheer
Luke Dante - writer, lead vocals, lead guitar, rhythm guitar, bass, drums; Dyanna Prisk - duet vocal; Neil MacNaughton - trumpet, trombone
Old School Christmas
Daniel Wilson - writer, lead vocals, keyboard; John Cooperider - bass, drums; David Clarence MacLean - violin; Leslie Hudson - background vocals
Toboggan
Katie Minnis - lead vocal; Luke Dante - writer, lead guitar, rhythm guitar, bass, drums; Neil MacNaughton - trumpet, trombone; Dyanna Prisk - background vocals
Light Of A Star Charlie Jacklin, writer, lead vocals, background vocals, acoustic guitar; Leslie Hudson - keyboard, background vocals; John Cooperider - lead guitar, bass, drums; Neil MacNaughton - background vocals, Steven Jacklin (writer)
Results from the 2016 View Magazine Readers' Choice were unveiled in their Oct 13th issue. Their fans helped vote for the best of everything Hamilton (and the surrounding areas) has to offer.
Here are the music-related winners:
Please not that it goes from Gold (top) to Silver (middle or bottom if only two winners) and Bronze (third).
Posts
