Local Artists Honour the Legendary Tina Turner

 

The music world lost a Titan when the legendary Tina Turner passes away on May 24, 2023. Tina's career spanned decades and included the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, a biopic, a musical, autobiographies as well as countless awards and hits.

The local music scene also felt the loss of this artistic giant.

Social Media Reaction

Chris Ayries

You inspired me so much. Your talent and strength to overcome so many obstacles. So powerful. So beautiful. You’re simply the BEST. R.I.P. Tina Turner 🎶💜🎤 

Felica McMinn

This one hits! 

May you RIP knowing that your music and creative abilities touched so many. Definitely this girl, right here. 

Wow 🥺

Keep on Rollin because you were absolutely, Simply The Best.

Samantha Martin

Man. Tina Turner. My heart is heavy to know she is no longer earthside. I never got the chance to see her live but she has been the single biggest influence for me musically, vocally and performance wise. I binge watch live footage regularly just hoping to feel the magic that was the Queen of Rock & Roll. RIP Tina - shine on.

Local Covers

Links: Garnetta and Dagroovmasters, More Garnetta and Da Groovmasters Stories, Video above courtesy of Vesna Trkulja-Stevens

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

A song from the lady herself

Links: Tina Turner, Video above courtesy of Tina Turner

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Previous (Grand River Blues Society Turns 20) - - - Next (Throwback Thursday: Black Music Month)

Happy 'World Saxophone Day'! Videos by Mary Kovacs

Links: More Jason Colavecchia Stories, Video above courtesy of Chopper Frank

Video above courtesy of Mary Kovacs 

Video above courtesy of Robert Manley

Links: Mary Kovas, More Mary Kovacs Stories, More Sax Day Videos

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Previous (Maple Blues Award Nominations) - - - Next (Led Zeppelin IV Turns 50 + Local Covers)

GOOD LUCK! Independent Blues Award Nominees !VOTE!

Hamilton Blues giants Smoke Wagon Blues Band are up for quite a few Independent Blues Awards this year and so are a number of other incredible Canadian artists. Please give them a hand by clicking here to vote.

Below is  a complete list of nominees. Canadians are bolded.

Contemporary Blues Band

• Smoke Wagon Blues Band (Hamilton)
• David Rotundo Band (Toronto)
• Broke Fuse (Toronto)
• John Nemeth 
• CD Woodbury 
• The Jimmys 
• Jeff Fetterman 
• Victor Wainwright and Train 
• Ronnie Earl 
• JD Taylor 
• Kat Riggins 
• Eric Johanson 
• Duke Robillard 
• Kirsten Thien

Blues Rock Band

• Smoke Wagon Blues Band (Hamilton)
• David Rotundo Band (Toronto)
• Albert Castiglia  
• Dennis Jones 
• Kurt Allen 
• Catfish 
• Too Slim and the Tail Draggers 
• Trevor Sewell 
• Peter Parcek Band 
• Mike Zito 
• Dave Fields 
• AJ Crawdaddy 
• Tinsley Ellis 

Music Video

• The Ballad of Albert Johnson - The Smoke Wagon Blues Band
  
  
  
  Links: Smoke Wagon Blues Band, More Smoke Wagon Blues Band Stories, Video above courtesy of Corey Lueck
  
  
• When It Comes To Love - (Wiikwemkoong, Ontario) Crystal Shawanda
• Creole Skies - Johnny & The Mongrels
• Gone to Stay - The Proven Ones
• Vortex - Tim Woods
• Who Sang it First? - Benny Turner
• Write a Hit - The Jimmys & Marcia Ball
• Ain't No Cure for the Downhearted - Kirk Fletcher
• Stand UP! - Whitney Shay
• I’ll Play Daddy - Juliet Hawkins
• Weeping Wind - Katarina Pejak
• Misbehavin - John Pagano Band

Modern Roots

• Smoke Wagon Blues Band (Hamilton)
• Rev Freakchild 
• Skylar Rogers 
• The Proven Ones 
• The Claudettes 
• Rev Shawn Amos 
• Lousiana Leroux 
• Randal Bramblett 
• Cary Morin 
• Harper and the Midwest Kind 
• Brianna Harness 
• John Fusco 
• Grannie Duffy 

Traditional Blues Song

• Smoke Wagon Blues Band - Matapedia River Blues
• Frank Bey – All My Dues are Paid
• Kim Wilson – Strollin
• Kenny Blues Boss Wayne – Just Go Do It
• Duffy Bishop – I’m Gonna Do What I Want
• The Jimmys – Hotel Stebbins
• Catfish Keith – Jumpin' Jack Rabbit
• JD Taylor – You Got Me Where You Want Me
• John Tesky/Ash Grunwald – Low Down Dog
• The Nighthawks – Shame Shame
• Johnny Burgin – Old School Player
• Eric Hughes – I Ain’t Whipped Yet

Modern Roots Song

• Smoke Wagon Blues Band (Hamilton)– Song for Cheryl
• Danny Brooks  (Toronto) – The Battle
• Katarina Pejak – Weeping Wind
• Johnny and the Mongrels – Lousiana Girl
• Eric Johanson – River of Oblivion
• Randall Bramblett – My Lucky Day
• Red Red – Long Black Train 
• The Proven Ones – Gone to Stay
• Leroux – Don’t Rescue Me
• Brianna Harness – Warrior
• John Fusco – The Hottest Part of the Flame
• Mark May – My Last Ride

Modern Roots CD

• Smoke Wagon Blues Band (Hamilton) - The Ballad of Albert Johnson
• Harper and the Midwest Kind - Rise Up
• Larkin Poe - Self Made Man
• The Proven Ones - You Ain't Done
• Gina Sicilia - Love e Madly
• Kurt Allen - Wiskey Women and and Trouble
• Katarina Pejak - Outside Looking In
• Lloyd Jones - Tennesse Run
• Rev Shawn Amos - Blue Sky
• Lousiana Leroux - One of Those Days
• John Fusco - John the Revalator
• Randall Bramblett - Pine Needle Fire
• Cary Morin - Dockside Saints
• Grainne Duffy - Voodoo Blues

Independent Blues R&B/Soul CD

• Sass Jordan (Montreal) - Rebel Moon Blues (featuring Hamilton's Jesse O'Brien) (released on Waterdown's Stony Plain Records)
  
  
  
  Links: Sass Jordan, More Sass Jordan Stories, Video above courtesy of Sass Jordan - Topic
  
  
• JW Jones (Ottawa)- Sonic Departures
• Chris Bevington Organization - Sand and Stone
• Whitney Shay - Stand Up
• The Lucky Losers - Godless Land
• Kirk Fletcher - My Blues Pathway
• Gerald McClendon - You Can't Stop Me Now
• Mick Hayes - My Claim to Fame
• A Band Called Sam - Legacy
• Vanessa Collier - Heart on the Line
• Kevin Burt - Stone Crazy
• Dave Keller - You Get What You Give
• Devin B Thompson - Tales of the Soul

Independent Blues Acoustic CD

• Rory Block - Prove It On Me (released on Waterdown's Stony Plain Records)
• Broke Fuse (Toronto) Why Should I Be Blue
• Catfish Keith - Blues at Midnight
• Erin Harpe - Meet Me in the Middle
• Mark Telesca - Higher Vibrations
• Watermelon Slim - Traveling Man
• Steve Howell, Dan Summer, Jason Weinheimer - Long Ago
• Bobby Rush - Rawer Than Raw
• John Tesky and Ash Grunwald - Push the Blues Away
• Seasick Steve - Blues in Mono

Independent Blues LIVE CD

• Paul Reddick (Toronto) - Alive In Italia  (released on Waterdown's Stony Plain Records)
• Michael Kaeshammer (Toronto) - Live In Concert
• Rowland Jones - Rowland Jones
• Trevor Sewell - Live in Portugal
• Catfish - Exhile Live in Lockdown
• Laura Tate - Live From El Paso
• Blues Caravan - LIVE 2020
• Bernard Allison - Songs From the Road
• Dave Keller - LIVE at the Guitar Thriller
• Albert Castiglia - Wild and Free
• Sari Schorr - Live in Europe

Independent Blues Traditional CD

• New Moon Jelly Roll Freedom Rockers - Vol 1 (released on Waterdown's Stony Plain Records)
• Kenny "Blues Boss" Wayne - Go Just Do It (released on Waterdown's Stony Plain Records)
• Big Harp George - Living in the City
• Frank Bey - All My Dues Are Paid
• Duffy Bishop - I'm Gonna Do What I Want
• JD Taylor - The Coldwater Sessions
• Kim Wilson - Take Me Back
• John Blues Boyd - Through My Eyes
• Johnny Burgin - No Border Blues
• Eric Hughes Band - Postcard from Beale Street
• Anthony Geraci - Daydreams in Blue
• The Nighthawks - Tryin' to Get to You

Female Artist

• Crystal Shawanda (Wiikwemkoong, Ontario)
• Gina Siclia 
• Rory Block 
• Ghalia Volt 
• Whitney Shay 
• Katarina Pejak 
• Shaun Murphy 
• Kat Riggins 
• Hurricane Ruth 
• Kirsten Thien 
• Vanessa Collier 
• Eliza Neals 
• Cathy Lemons 

Independent Blues Contemporary CD

• Crystal Shawanda (Wiikwemkoong, Ontario)- Church House Blues (released on Waterdown's True North Records)
  
  
  
  Links: Crystal Shawanda, More Crystal Shawanda Stories, Video above courtesy of Folk Roots and Blues
  
  
• Ronnie Earl - Rise Up  (released on Waterdown's Stony Plain Records)
• Duke Robillard - Blues Bash (released on Waterdown's Stony Plain Records)
• David Rotundo Band (Toronto)- So Much Trouble
• Jeff Fetterman - Southern Son
• John Nemeth - Stronger than Strong
• The Jimmys - Gotta Have it
• Tomislav Goluban - Memphis Light
• Misty Blues - Weed Em and Reap
• Victor Wainwright and Train - Memphis Loud
• Kirsten Thien - Two Sides
• Kat Riggins - Cry Out

Blues Soul Artist

• JW Jones (Ottawa)
• Sass Jordan (Montreal)
• Whitney Shay 
• The Lucky Losers 
• Kirk Fletcher 
• Gerald McClendon 
• Mick Hayes 
• Vanessa Collier 
• Kevin Burt 
• Devin B Thompson 
• Chris Thomas King 
• Mindi Abair

Male Artist

• Big Harp George
• Walter Trout 
• Kenny Blues Boss Wayne 
• John Nemeth 
• Johnny Iguana 
• Kim Wilson 
• Bob Margolin 
• Kirk Fletcher 
• Bobby Rush 
• Albert Castiglia 
• Mike Zito 
• Bernard Allison 

Traditional Blues Band 

• Bob Margolin 
• Big Harp George 
• Frank Bey 
• Kenny Blues Boss Wayne 
• Duffy Bishop 
• Mary Jo Curry 
• Kim Wilson 
• The Nighthawks 
• John Blues Boyd 
• Johnny Burgin 
• Eric Hughes Band 
• Anthony Geraci

New Artist

• Bywater Call (Toronto)
• Dione Taylor (Regina)
• Mary Jo Curry 
• Johnny and the Mongrels 
• Avey Grouws Band 
• Gravel and Grace 
• Jose Ramirez 
• Nora Jean Wallace 
• Mandalyn 
• Sayed Sabrina 
• John Tesky & Ash Grunwald

Content Creators

• Danny Brooks and Lil Deb (Toronto)
• Larkin Poe  
• Mindi Abair 
• Jackie Venson 
• Rory Block 
• Samantha Fish 
• Ronnie Baker Brooks 
• Joe Bonamassa  
• Ally Venable 
• Avey Grouws Band 
• Damon Fowler 
• John Primer 
• Mike Zito

R&B - Soul Song 

• Crystal Shawanda (Wiikwemkoong, Ontario) – When It Comes to Love
• JW Jones (Ottawa) – Blue Jean Jacket
• Whitney Shay – Stand Up
• The Lucky Losers – Godless Land
• Mick Hayes – Political Funk
• Kevin Burt – Stone Crazy
• Laura Tate – I Need a Man
• Kirk Flecher – Ain’t No Cure for the Downhearted
• Gerald McClendon – Can’t Stop Me Now
• A Band Called Sam – Good To Ya 
• Vanessa Collier – Heart on the Line
• Devon B Thompson - Read Your Mind

Contemporary Blues Song 

• Crystal Shawanda (Wiikwemkoong, Ontario) – New Orleans is Sinking 
• David Rotundo Band (Toronto) – She’s Dynamite
• Kirsten Thien -Better or You’re Gonna Get Burned
• Kat Riggins – Truth
• Skylar Rogers – Like Father Like Daughter 
• The Jimmys and Marcia Ball – Write a Hit 
• Misty Blues – Swing My Blues
• Victor Wainwright – Memphis Loud
• Elle Bailey – Medicine Man
• John Nemeth – Work for Love
• Gina Sicilia – Like the world have Never Seen
• Lloyd Jones – Chicken Bone

Song for the Common Good

• Davi Rotundo Band (Toronto) – So Much Trouble
• Dennis Jones – Like Sheep
• Avey Grouws Band – Rise Up
• John Pagano Band – Rise Up
• Kenny Blues Boss Wayne – Don’t Shoot me Down
• Brianna Harness – Quarantine 
• Victor Wainwright – America
• Gravel and Grace – Bottles – Ava Grace
• Ronnie Earl – Black Lives Matter
• Mike Zito – What it use to Be
• David Keller – Land of the Lonely
• Chris Thomas King – Black Lives Matter

New Artists CD

• Danny Brooks and Lil Miss Deb (Toronto) - Are You Ready? The Mississippi Sessions
• Dione Taylor (Regina)- Spirits in the Water
• Avey Grouws Band - Devil May Care - Buy
• Johnny and the Mongrels - Creole - Buy
• Jose Ramirez - Here I Come - Buy
• Gravel and Grace - Bringing the Blues - Buy
• Mary Jo Curry Band - Front Porch - Buy
• Nora Jean Wallace - BluesWoman - Buy
• Brianna Harness - Welcome to My Nightmare
• Mandalyn - Wrecked
• John Tesky and Dash Grunwald - Push the Blues Away

Gateway Artist

• Johnny and the Mongrels 
• Kirtk Fletcher 
• Mick Hayes 
• Kevin Burt 
• Whitney Shay 
• Ghalia Volt 
• Mindi Abair 
• Larkin Poe  
• Samantha Fish 
• Vanessa Collier 
• Mike Zito 
• Albert Castiglia 

Engineer/Producer

• Tom Hambridge
• Jim Gaines
• Eric Corne
• Kid Andersen
• Kenny Neal
• Mike Zito
• Tad Benoit
• Tony Braunagel
• Luther Dickinson

Blues Rock Song

• Kurt Allen – Graveyard Blues
• Chris Bevington – Deep River
• Peter Parcek – Mississippi Suitcase
• Alastair Greene – The New World Blues
• Tinsley Ellis – Foolin Yourself
• Albert Castiglia – Big Dog
• Larkin Poe – Holy Ghost Fire
• Eric Johanson – Down to the Bottom
• Dave Fields – Force of Will
• Hurricane Ruth – Good Life
• AJ Crawdaddy – Big Hurt
• Walter Trout – Ordinary Madness

Independent Blues Rock CD

• Wily Bo Walker - Ain't No Man a Good Man
• Dave Fields - Force of Will
• Dennis Jones - Soft Hard and Loud
• Peter Parcek - Mississippi Suitcase
• Tinsley Ellis - Ice Cream in Hell
• Alastair Greene - The New World Blues
• Hurricane Ruth - Good Life
• AJ Crawdaddy - Steppin Out
• Too Slim and the Taildraggers - The Remedy
• Eric Johanson - Below Sea Level
• Eliza Neals - Black Crow Moan
• Mike Zito - Quarantine Blues
• Walter Trout - Ordinary Madness

Links: Independent Blues Awards, More IBA stories

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Previous (Phil Naro Passes) - - - Next (National Cartoonists Day)

Winners of Maple Blues Awards, Final Day, Including Hamilton's Smoke Wagon Blues Band

This year, the Maple Blues Awards are online and divided between four Mondays in February.

The last day - day four (February 22) was streamed from Vancouver.

Below is a video of the final ceremony:

Video above courtesy of the Toronto Blues Society

• New Artist: Smoke Wagon Blues Band (Hamilton)
  
  
  
  Links: More Smoke Wagon Blues Band Stories, More Fats Domino Covers/Stories, Video above courtesy of Corey Lueck
  
  
• Male Vocalist: Matt Andersen
  
  
  
  Links: More Matt Andersen Stories, Video above courtesy of Folk Roots and Blues
  
  
• Horn Player: Mark Leclerc (Fuel Junkie) / Mat “Moose” Mousseau (Ben Racine Band) TIE!
  
  
  
  Video above courtesy of Fuel Junkie - Topic
  
  
  
  Links: More Ben Racine Stories, Video above courtesy of Blues Rock This Time
  
  
• John Valenteyn Blues Booster of the Year: Cindy McLeod
  
  
  
  Video above courtesy of Cindy Mcleod Music

Blast from the Past: Last Years' Winners

Links: Maple Blues Awards, More Maple Blues Awards Stories, Day 1 of 2021, Day 2 of 2021, Day 3 of 2021

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Previous  (Crowbar's Bad Manors Turns 50) - - - Next (Hamilton Spectator Readers' Choice Award Winners)

GOOD LUCK! 2021 Maple Blues Award Nominees

Local artists are once again well-represented among the nominees for the 2021 Maple Blues Awards. The virtual ceremony will be held on February 1, 2021 and hopefully, our talented musicians will win a few.

Hamilton's Jack de Keyzer is for a whopping five awards. Two of his bandmates (Richard Thornton and Alan Duffy) were nominated for one a piece. 

Links: Jack de Keyzer, More Jack de Keyzer Stories, Video above courtesy of Jack de Keyzer

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Also from the Hammer are Smoke Wagon Blues Band (2 nods) as well as their horn player Gordon Achiele (1). 

Links: Smoke Wagon Blues Band, More Smoke Wagon Blues Band Stories, Video above courtesy of Corey Lueck

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Hamilton Blues legend Harrison Kennedy (2) and Jesse O'Brien (1) round out the list from Steeltown.

Links: Harrison Kennedy, More Harrison Kennedy Stories, Video above courtesy of Harrison Kennedy - Topic

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The Legendary Downchild Blues Band (with members from the Niagara region and Brantford) is in the running for Entertainer of the Year. Band member Chuck Jackson and Gary Kendall are also up for one apiece.

Links: Downchild, More Downchild Stories, Video above courtesy of Anthony Bernstein

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Kitchener's Matt Weidinger was also nominated for New Artist of the Year.

Links: Matt Weidinger, More Matt Weidinger Stories, Video above courtesy of Matt Weidinger - Topic

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Crystal Shawanda's Church House Blues album from Waterdown's True North Records was also given the nod for Recording of the Year

Links: Crystal Shawanda, More Crystal Shawanda Stories, Video above courtesy of Crystal Shawanda

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Below is a complete list of nominees. Local artists are bolded.

Entertainer

• Jack de Keyzer
• Downchild
• Dawn Tyler Watson
• JW-Jones
• Samantha Martin and Delta Sugar

Electric Act

• Jack de Keyzer
• Dawn Tyler Watson and Ben Racine Band
• JW-Jones
• Samantha Martin & Delta Sugar
• Sue Foley

Acoustic Act

• Harrison Kennedy
• Adam Karch
• Matt Andersen
• Michael Jerome Browne
• Rick Fines

Male Vocalist

• Harrison Kennedy
• Jack de Keyzer
• Chuck Jackson (Downchild)
• Jim Byrnes
• Matt Andersen

New Artist

• Smoke Wagon Blues Band
• Matt Weidinger
• Dione Taylor
• Horojo Trio (Holmes, Rogers, Jones)
• Liam Docherty

Recording/Producer

• Jack De Keyzer – Tribute / (Jack de Keyzer)
• Smoke Wagon Blues Band – Ballad Of Albert Johnson / Self (Steve Sherman)
• Crystal Shawanda – Church House Blues / True North (Producer: Dewayne Strobel)
• Durham County Poets – Hand Me Down Blues  / Self (Bill Garrett)
• JW-Jones – Sonic Departures / Solid Blue (Eric Eggleston)

Female Vocalist

• Crystal Shawanda
• Angel Forrest
• Dawn Tyler Watson
• Dione Taylor
• Samantha Martin

Guitarist

• Jack de Keyzer
• Garrett Mason
• Jw-Jones
• Sue Foley
• Tony D (Monkeyjunk)

Piano/Keyboard

• Jesse O'Brien
• David Vest
• Duane Blackburn
• Kenny “Blues Boss” Wayne
• Michael Kaeshammer

Horn Player

• Gordon Achiele (Smoke Wagon Blues Band)
• Richard Thornton (Jack de Keyzer Band)
• Jerry Cook (Harpdog Brown)
• Mark Leclerc (Fuel Junkie)
• Mat “Moose” Mousseau (Ben Racine Band)

Bassist

• Alan Duffy (Jack de Keyzer)
• Gary Kendall (Downchild)
• Alec Fraser
• John Dymond (Colin Linden)
• Keith Picot

B.B. King International Artist

• Christone “Kingfish” Ingram
• Ghost Town Blues Band
• Larkin Poe
• Rick Estrin and The Nightcats
• Victor Wainwright

Songwriter

• Crystal Shawanda/Dewayne Strobel
• Colin Linden
• Dione Taylor
• Kevin Harvey (Durham County Poets)
• Paul Reddick

Blues With A Feeling Award (Lifetime Achievement Award)

• Alec Fraser
• Brent Parkin
• Danny Brooks
• Joe Murphy
• Ken Whiteley
• Michael Fonfara
• Tom Lavin

Harmonica Player

• Guy Bélanger
• Harpdog Brown
• Paul Reddick
• Roly Platt
• Steve Marriner

Drummer

• Cory Blackburn
• Dani Nash (Samantha Martin and Delta Sugar)
• Gary Craig (Colin Linden, Steve Dawson)
• Lindsay Beaver
• Matt Sobb (Monkeyjunk)

Blast from the Past: Last Years's Winners

Links: Maple Blues Awards, More Maple Blues Awards Stories

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Previous (Halloween Videos) - - - Next (Teenage Head Documentary + Interview)

Hamilton's The Smoke Wagon Blues Band Release Dynamic New Album!

The Ballad of Albert Johnson, the much-anticipated new album from Hamilton's The Smoke Wagon Blues Band has 13 breathtaking offerings for fans to sink their teeth into. Every tune is rooted in the Blues but the gang uses a ton of musical flavouring, giving each track it's own distinct essence. There some cajun spice mixed in here along with boogie woogie, roots, country, jazz and soul.

Everybody in the band's firing on all cylinders here.Corey Lueck's expressive vocals roar through tales of heartbreak and joy! The groove and rhythm flows and hits you with just the right amount of power. They also do an incredible job on the Fats Domino classic The Fat Man.

You can pick up this dynamic album through the band's website as well as Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Music, and more.



Video above courtesy of Corey Lueck



Video above courtesy of my blues rock chanal2018

Blast from the Past: Smoke Wagon's Previous Album

Links: Smoke Wagon Blues Band, More Smoke Wagon Blues Band Stories, More Releases

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Previous (International Songwriting Competition Winners) - - - Next (Peggy Lee's 100th Birthday)

Happy World Sax Day ft Videos by Gordon Aeichele

Links: Official Blues Brothers Revue,  More Blues Brothers Stories, Video above courtesy of  Gordon Aeichele



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



Links: Smoke Wagon Blues Band, More Smoke Wagon Blues Band Stories, Video above courtesy of Angelo NotoCampanella



Links: Gordon Aeichele, More Gordon Aeichele Stories, Video above courtesy of  Gordon Aeichele, More Sax Day Videos

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Previous (New Matty Simpson Album) - - - Next (Maple Blues Awards Nominees)

Videos: Cootes Paradise, Smoke Wagon, Big John, Bucket List)

On Saturday, October 26, Hamilton's Stonewalls Restaurant will be rocking to a good cause. From 12-6pm, a number of incredible steeltown artists will be performing to help help raise money for the Bob Pedler Memorial Fund. It's only $10 and you'll be guaranteed a great time!

From the event's press release:

It (the fund) raises money for the Local’s BOB PEDLER FUND which financially
aids Hamilton musicians who are unable to perform due to injury or ongoing health issues. The fund is named for the late BOB PEDLER, a popular musician and music store owner in the city and a former member of the executive board of the Hamilton Musicians’ Guild. Bob is also the father of the well- known Hamilton based drummer Jack Pedler (Teenage Head).

Also, during the event, the George R Robinson Award will be handed out to our friend and sponsor Judy Marsales and Dr. John Chong of the Hamilton Musicians’ Clinic. The award is given every year to individuals who have helped support local live music.

Here are few videos from the performers.



Links: Cootes Paradise, More Cootes Paradise Stories, Video above courtesy of Montreal Blues Society



Links: Smoke Wagon Blues Band, More Smoke Wagon Blues Band Stories, Video above courtesy of Corey Lueck



Links: Big John and the Night Trippers, More Big John Stories, More Sam and Dave Covers/Stories, Video above courtesy of Big John and the Night Trippers



Links: Bucket List, More Bucket List Stories, Video above courtesy of Hamilton's Bucket List Band - Topic

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Previous (Jack de Keyzer Videos) - - - Next ('Punk for a Day' Day Videos)

Videos: Sonny Del Rio, Trickbag, Smoke Wagon, Big Johnny Blue, Jude Johnson, Rockets

Sonny Del Rio's annual X-Mas bash is always the highlight of the holiday season and this year's edition will be packed with fabulous music. It's also a celebration of Sonny's 75th birthday and a release party for his new live DVD/CD. Even Santa himself is planning a visit to check out the festivities.

For only $20, you 'll get the see all of the incredible bands showcased below at the Leander Boat Club in Hamilton. Sunday, November 25, 2018, 1-5pm. IT'LL BE A MAGICAL NIGHT!



Links: Sonny Del Rio, More Sonny Del Rio Stories, More 5-Star Revue Stories, More Louis Jordan Covers/Stories, Video above courtesy of James Goodrick



Links: Trickbag, More Trickbag Stories, Video above courtesy of Trickbag Canada



Links: Smoke Wagon Blues Band, More Smoke Wagon Blues Band Stories, Video above courtesy of Corey Lueck



Links: Big Johnny Blue, More Big Johnny Blue Stories, Video above courtesy of Vesna Trkulja-Stevens

Links: Jude Johnson, More Jude Johnson Stories, Carl Horton, More Carl Horton Stories, Video above courtesy of Jude Johnson



Links: The Rockets, More Rockets Stories, Video above courtesy of Vesna Trkulja-Stevens

Blast from the Past: Sax Day videos ft Sonny Del Rio

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Previous (Videos: Treeline on Cultivate Music) - - - Next (News Roundup: Don Hayter Passes, Rachel + Timothy Senko, Maggies, Cambridge Times Readers Choice, More)

News Roundup, Part 1: HBL 10th Anniversary Bash Edition

Photo courtesy of Leigh MacDonald

A message from Lou, our blogger.

Our Hamilton Blues Lovers 10th Anniversary Bash was a smashing success. The Corktown was packed and there was lots of amazing music. Thanks to all the performers, the Corktown, sponsors, companies who donated doors prizes and all those who attended. I would like to personally thank my wife, Linda for all her hard work in planning the show and during the event as well. I LOVE YOU LINDA!

Also, we'd like to thank:

• Judy Marsales for her sponsorship and having me on her fabulous CHML radio show, Sold on Hamilton 
• Graham Rockingham from the Hamilton Spectator for making us one of his best bets.
• snapd Hamilton for covering the event. Click here to see their photos.
• Ken Wallis for covering the event for his blog. Click here for the post.

Our good friend, Helen Graham took quite a few videos from the bash.

Here's a list of them with links:

• Trickbag w John Gibbard (Crowbar)
• Trickbag w Jerome Godboo
• Trickbag, Jerome, John and Sonny Del-Rio
• A look at the crowd
• Trickbag, Les Smith, Corey Lueck (Smoke Wagon Blue Band)
• Cootes Paradise: Video 1, Video 2
  
  
  
  Links: Cootes Paradise, More Cootes Paradise Stories
  
  
• Trickbag, Jerome, Tim Gibbons
• Trickbag, Jerome, John
• Final Song: Crowbar's Oh What a Feeling w Trickbag, Jerome, John and Les
  
  
  
  Links: Trickbag, More Trickbag Stories, Les Smith, More Les Smith Stories, Crowbar, More Crowbar Stories, Jerome Godboo, More Jerome Godboo Stories,

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Adventure of Trebleclef, the Music-Loving Monkey

Of course, Trebleclef was at the bash and he loved meeting everybody.

Click here for more pics from the event

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Please support those who supported our event

Trickbag Cootes Paradise John Gibbard (Crowbar) Les Smith Sonny Del Rio Corey Lueck (Smoke Wagon Blues Band) Tim Gibbons
	Everyone who attended!	THANKS!

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MORE NEWS ROUNDUPS

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Previous (Local Maple Blues Award Nominees) - - - Next (News Roundup: Waterloo Record Reader Awards, Craig Cardif, Saffron A, More)

New Ensemble! Episode ft Corey Lueck and Dan Thomas

The next new episode of Ensemble!, the Cable 14 TV show will be out soon. This latest one showcases the incredible Corey Lueck of the Smoke Wagon Blues Band and the explosive Dan Thomas (ex-Hammertones, 5-Star Revue). Backing the duo are Paul Panchezak of Trickbag on drums and Corey's Smoke Wagon bandmate Jason Colavecchia on the bass. This'll be quite the Blues extravaganza. Mark McNeil will be hosting this one as well.

This episode can also be streamed online on cable14now.com if you are a Rogers, Cogeco or Source subscriber.

Here are a few videos from the guys:





More Taj Mahal Covers/Stories



More Stevie Wonder Covers/Stories

Links: Smoke Wagon Blues Band, More Smoke Wagon Blues Band Stories, More Dan Thomas Stories, Videos above courtesy of James Goodrick

This episode is no longer available.

More Ensemble Stories

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News Roundup (Jeannie Ingrassia Passes, Terra Lightfoot w Jim Cuddy, Brodie Dakin, Harbourtown Sound, Bev Munro Passes)

R.I.P. Jeannie Ingrassia of Hamilton's Guitar Clinic

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Jeannie Ingrassia, an integral member of the Guitar Clinic in Hamilton. She passed away on April 11, 2018. Our condolences to her friends and family.

We are currently looking for a picture of Jeannie to post here. Please email us at blueshamilton@gmail.com if you have one to send to us.

Click here for her obituary.

Here are a few comments from social media

Lily Sazz (Cootes Paradise)

When I took my first band there to rehearse 4 days a week as we prepared to launch, she wouldn't accept any payment until we'd had our first gig. That was just the beginning of many years of friendship, support and encouragement. I was always super happy to see her whenever we connected.

Chris Church (former employee)

The guitar clinic was my first job when I was 17 fixing amps and pedals Jeannie was super nice to me always she had a wicked sense of humour she always made sure I had a good lunch to eat.. at Rosas bakery. She was a warm intelligent woman who did not take any shit I will miss her. She was a super nice person everyone who worked at the clinic had respect for her everyone liked her. She was a mom to all of us guys that worked there at the time. R.I.P

Jason Colavecchia (Smoke Wagon Blues Band)

Jeannie allowed me to make payments over a year to help me pay for my 1st six string F-bass. Without that help, I would not have evolved into the musician I am today.

Christina Ingrassia (daughter)

She loved the people that came through the door of the Clinic, & she really did enjoy helping people, she was a true music lover; music all the time, at home, in the car. She was even singing & groovin' right up until the end.

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News

Local

• CBC Music Video: Terra Lightfoot and Jim Cuddy (of Blue Rodeo) @ Juno Showcase
  
  
  
  Links: Terra Lightfoot, More Terra Lightfoot Stories, Jim Cuddy, More Blue Rodeo Stories, Video above courtesy of CBC Music
  
  
• CHCH Videos: Brodie Dakin, Harbourtown Sound
  
  
  Links: Brodie Dakin, Video above courtesy of CHCH
  
  
  Links: Harbourtown Sound, Video above courtesy of CHCH
  
  
• Hamilton Blues Lovers Quoted in Brenda Lewis Review
• St. Catharines Arts Awards Nominees
• Local Country Music Association of Ontario Nominees

Canada

• Maple Music Advocate, Stuart Jolliffe Passes
• Bev Munro Passes
  
  
  
  Links: Bev Munro, Video above courtesy of cdncountryvideo
  
  
• Cherie Sinclair Wins Prism Prize Special Achievement Award

MORE NEWS ROUNDUPS

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News Roundup (Johnny Burke, Jay Pollmann, Charles Bradley, Trebleclef)

Canadian Country Singer Johnny Burke Passes

Links: Johnny Burke,  Video above courtesy of FrancineBourque

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News

Local

• Blues Tribe Video w Jay Pollmann
  
  
  
  Links: Jay Pollmann, More Jay Pollman Stories, More Blues Tribe Videos, Video above courtesy of the Blues Tribe
  
  
• Terra Lightfoot on CBC Albums You Need to Hear (Fall 2017) List
• Hamilton Community News Opinion Piece on the Importance of Music
• Local Toronto Independent Music Award Nominees
• Niagara Music Award Winners
• Local Reps for the 2018 International Blues Challenge
• Local Canadian Folk Music Award Nominees

World

• Passings: Johnny Sandlin (Allman Brothers Producer),  Charles Bradley
  
  
  
  Links: Charles Bradley, Video above courtesy of Radial by the Orchard
  

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The Adventures of Trebleclef the Music Loving Monkey

Trebleclef's been a busy monkey!

First, he attended the 10th Annual Brantford International Jazz Festival

Click here for more pictures from the event

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He also helped out with tickets and merch at the Trickbag/Smoke Wagon Blues Band show at the Corktown

Click here for more pictures from the event

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Finally, he went to the Grand River Blues Society's Road to Memphis Competition at Bobby O'Brien's in Kitchener and got to see who'll represent them at the International Blues Challenge.

Gary Cain's group (from Kitchener) won the band competition

Hamilton's Tim Gibbons won in the solo category

Click here for our story on the event

Click here for more photos from the event

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