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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Easter Videos by Nicole Christian, Jacob Moon, Jimmy Wakely

Update of 2020 post 

Links: Nicole Christian, More Nicole Christian Stories, Video above courtesy of Nicole Christian - Topic



Links: Jacob Moon, More Jacob Moon Stories, More Marillion Covers/Stories, Video above courtesy Jacob Moon



Links: Jimmy Wakely, Video above courtesy of jackie w gauntt

Click here for more Easter videos

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GOOD LUCK! Local Reps for 2018 International Blues Challenge in Memphis

For the first time, the Hamilton Blues Lovers (along with their mascot, Trebleclef  were on hand to see the Grand River Blues Society pick their representatives for the 2018 International Blues Challenge in Memphis.  Hopefully they will win during the January 2018 event.

The GRBS judges chose their winner at a wonderful music event on Sunday, September 24, 2017 at Bobby O'Brien's in Kitchener.

Hamilton music legend, Tim Gibbons beat out Ajax's Ragwax to go to the prestigious contest to compete in the solo/duo category.



Links: Tim Gibbons, More Tim Gibbons Stories,  Video above courtesy of Pauline DeRosa

There were 5 amazing groups vying for a trip to go to the competition: Gary Cain Band, Craig Dougan Band, Lonestar Cafe, Big D and The Topside Band, The Vaudevillian and the Outsider Band. In the end, Kitchener's Gary Cain Band won it.



Links: Gary Cain, More Gary Cain Stories, Video above courtesy of Gary Cain

HBL and Trebleclef had an fabulous time at the local show and we have a lot of picture from the event. Please click here to see them.

In other local news, former Hamiltonian Paul Langille and his music partner Tom Lockwood have been chosen to represent the Great Lakes Blues Society in the IBC (for the second year in a row).



Links: Paul Langille, More Paul Langille Stories, Tom Lockwood, More Tom Lockwood Stories, Video above courtesy of Spur of the Moment Media

UPDATE: We recently learned that Hamilton's Alfie Smith and Nicole Christian will also be heading to the Challenge under the Western New York Blues Society banner.



Links: Alfie Smith and Nicole Christian, More Alfie Smith Stories, More Nicole Christian Stories,  Video above courtesy of Paul Bottos

CONGRATS AND GOOD LUCK GUYS!

Blast from the Past: Last Year's Winners

Links: International Blues Challenge , More IBC Stories

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More Marz Garage Episodes (Dave Pomfret, Nicole Christian, HPO String Trio, Greg Moverley)

Recently, local company Marz Homes started up the second season of their YouTube music video series, Marz Garage.  This is an amazing showcase for Hamilton artists.

Here are a few of these wonderful episodes.



Links: Dave Pomfret. More Dave Pomfret Stories, Video above courtesy of Marz Homes



Links: Nicole Christian, More Nicole Christian Stories, Video above courtesy of Marz Homes



Links: HPO, More HPO Stories, Video above courtesy of Marz Homes



Links: Greg Moverley, More Greg Moverley Stories, Video above courtesy of Marz Homes

Blast from the Past: Season 1 Videos

Links: Marz Garage, More Marz Garage Stories

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Previous (News Roundup: Allan Holdsworth, Thomas Wade, Harpdog Brown, More) - - - Next (Videos: Deeps, Riddim Riders, Shari + Jonny & Justin, Pistolettes, Matty Simpson)

GOOD LUCK! 2016 Hamilton Arts Award Nominees

The City of Hamilton Arts Awards celebrates the local creative community on Thursday, June 9, 2016 at The Scottish Rite Club.  As always, music is an integral part of the ceremony and a number of talented area musicians have been nominated

Here are the music nominees:

Established

• Neeraj Prem
• Diana Panton
• Pip 
• Nicole Christian

Emerging

• Shavini Ranasinghe
• Troy Witherow
• Daniel Empringham
• Geoff Hudson

A few musicians were also nominated in other categories

• Tom Wilson (Lifetime Achievement Award)
• Dave Gould (Arts Education and Community Arts)
• Emma Rush (Arts Innovation)

Click here for a full list of nominees

GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!

Tickets to the ceremony are free but you must reserve them by clicking here

Blast from the Past: Last Year's Winners

Links: Hamilton Arts Awards, More Hamilton Arts Awards Stories

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Hamilton's Alfie Smith and Nicole Christian Team Up For a Stunning Album

With Come On In My Kitchen, their first album as a duo, Hamilton couple Alfie Smith and Nicole Christian prove they mesh extremely well as a musical team.  This Busted Flat release is a must-have for any folk blues aficionados.

Alfie's gritty blues growl and Nicole's sweet voice give the disc a wonderful contrast, especially when the two sing in harmony. They even switch it up with Nicole adding an edge to her vocals on a few tracks and Alfie showing his softer side on others.  Of course, this is on top of the stunning guitar and flute work from the talented pair. The only other performer on the album is Nick Burson, who contributes some tasty percussion.

Listeners get the best of both worlds with this mix of classics (the title track, Cakewalk into Town, You Are My Sunchsine, Hound Dog, Iko Iko) and marvelous original songs.

You can pick up a physical CD at their outstanding live shows or through the Busted Flat website (it can be downloaded here too).  Downloads can also be purchased via cdbaby or iTunes.



Links: More Robert Johnson Covers/Stories, Video above courtesy of Twisted Wood Guitars



Video above courtesy of Paul Bottos

Links: Alfie Smith and Nicole Christian, More Alfie Smith Stories, More Nicole Christian Stories, More Releases

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Hamilton Arts Award Winners 2013

The area's amazing creative community was celebrated on May 27, 2013 with the handing out of the Hamilton Arts Awards.  As always, the city's unrivaled music talent was an important part of the ceremony. Click here for the Spectator story.

In the Performance (Established) category, Dave Gould won for his musical and storytelling skills. 



Links: Dave Gould, More Dave Gould Stories, Video courtesy of Alex Maveal

The Performance (Emerging) award went to the incredible Nicole Christian.



Links: Nicole Christian, More Nicole Christian Stories, Video courtesy of Steve Porter

Music veteran Steve Sinnicks took home the Music (Established) honours.



Links: Steve Sinnicks, More Steve Sinnicks Stories,Video courtesy of Steve Sinnicks

The accomplished Sarah Good recieved accolades for Music (Emerging).



Links: Sarah Good, Video courtesy of Southern Souls

Congratulations to everyone.  Click here for more about the Arts Awards. 

Blast from the Past: The 2012 Hamilton Arts Awards Winners 

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Previous (Jay Lees of the Plain Steel Passes) - - - Next (Country Music Association of Ontario Awards)

News Roundup (Jacob Moon, Fred Eaglesmith, Doors, more)

This will be a new feature (similar to our old Blues News Bites) where every Wednesday night, we'll review the local, national and international music news. We'll also include a weekly featured video.

Hamilton and Area

• Jacob Moon January 2012 newsletter
• Kathleen Edwards on cover of jan 2012 Stomp and Stammer
• Jacob Moon: Band & Break (download MP3 and donate to Haiti)

Southern Ontario

• Stream Fred Eaglesmith's 6 Volts album in it's entirety
• Toronto musician funds album with Canadian Tire money

World

• Blues artists that died in 2011
• Former Fleetwood Mac guitarist Bob Weston passes
• Doors to release 1st new track in decades

Funny Stuff

• Australian man fends off croc with guitar

Featured Video

Hamilton Music Award Nominations

The Hamilton Music Award Nominations were recently released. Below is a list of the nominees. Good luck everyone. The awards will be given on Sunday November 20 at the McIntyre Theatre.

Female Artist of the Year

• Amberley B.
• Sarah Blackwood
• Rita Chiarelli
• Nicole Christian
• Sharon Musgrave

Male Artist of the Year

• Jeremy Fisher
• James Hoffman
• Brian Melo
• Matt Paxton
• Alfie Smith

New Artist/Group of the Year

• Dawn & Marra
• Dinner Belles
• James Hoffman
• Brandon Pacheco
• Riddim Riders

Pop Recording of the Year

• Andrew Victoria – Andrew Victoria
• Robin Benedict – Ride Of My Life
• Andrea Godin – Andrea
• Brian Melo – The Truth
• Brandon Pacheco – Broke Up

Roots Recording of the Year

• Blackie and the Rodeo Kings - Kings and Queens
• Jeremy Fisher – Flood
• Dave Gould – Truck For Sale
• Matt Paxton – How The Land Lies
• Whitehorse – Whitehorse

Alternative Country Recording of the Year

• Dinner Belles – West Simcoe County
• Sarah Blackwood – Wasting Time
• Rachel Heart – Rachel Heart
• JP Riemens & the Barflies – Dirty Sunset
• The Vanishers – Hagersville Dance Party

Folk Recording of the Year

• Amberley B. – Paper Dolls
• Dawn & Marra – Never Ask Me Why
• James Hoffman – The Union
• Brian Meecham – On Blue Water
• Scott Orr – Where I Live And What I Lived For

World Recording of the Year

• Yiannis Kapoulas – Yiannis Kapoulas
• Yitka Karlik – Diplomatic Dream
• Riddim Riders – Riddim Riders

Alternative/Indie Rock Recording of the Year

• 2x The Mono – Art Rock and Science Fiction
• The Creepshow – They All Fall Down
• Dark Mean – Dark Mean
• Justin Sawicki – Nothing For No One
• Martin Verrall – Spears of Fate

Blues Recording of the Year

• Rita Chiarelli – Music From The Big House Soundtrack
• Nicole Christian – Run, Rabbit Run
• Famous Framus Band – On Mortal Love
• Alfie Smith – Sometimes The Rain
• Susan Wylde – In The Light

R&B/Soul Recording of the Year

• Kojo ‘Easy’ Damptey – Songs
• Chris Jackson – Action
• Sharon Musgrave – Outflow

Religious Recording of the Year

• Jamie Barnes – Wilderness
• Eagles – Your Kingdom Come
• Rosanna Riverso – Let There Be Peace

Songwriter of the Year

• Jeremy Fisher
• Jeremy Greenspan/Matt Didemus (Junior Boys)
• James Hoffman
• Brian Melo
• Tom Wilson

Female Vocalist of the Year

• Rita Chiarelli
• Terra Lightfoot
• Melissa McClelland
• Sharon Musgrave
• Rosanna Riverso

Male Vocalist of the Year

• Jon Harvey (Monster Truck)
• Brian Melo
• Mike Rajczak (Riddim Riders)
• Alfie Smith
• Tom Wilson

Piano/Keyboard Player of the Year

• Brandon Bliss (Monster Truck)
• Greg Brisco (Dinner Belles)
• Amy King – (Alfie Smith, Dawn & Marra)
• Jesse O’Brien (Blackie and the Rodeo Kings, Justin Sawicki)
• Christabel Pinto (Rosanna Riverso)

Special Instrumentalist of the Year

• Loretta Hale (Justin Sawicki)
• Yiannis Kapoulas
• Randell Neudorf (2x the Mono)
• Melanie Pothier (Dinner Belles)
• Clint Rice (Martin Verrall)

Guitarist of the Year

• Luke Doucet – Whitehorse
• Brian Griffith (JP Riemens, Sharon Musgrave)
• Yiannis Kapoulas
• Alfie Smith
• Jeremy Widerman (Monster Truck)

Drummer of the Year

• Dave Gould – (solo, Nicole Christian, Famous Framus)
• Peter Grimmer (Sharon Musgrave)
• Steve Kiely (Monster Truck)
• Danny Lockwood (JP Riemens)
• Chris Sindrey (Aerith)

Bassist of the Year

• Carrie Ashworth (JP Riemens)
• Richard Bailey (Riddim Riders)
• Jon Harvey (Monster Truck)
• Sean McNab (The Creepshow)
• Mike Williams – Martin Verrall

Record of the Year

• Blackie and the Rodeo Kings – Kings and Queens
• Dinner Belles – West Simcoe County
• Finger 11 – Life Turns Electric
• Jeremy Fisher – Flood
• Junior Boys – It’s All True

ArcelorMittal Dofasco Lifetime Achievement Award

• Ian Thomas

Rock Recording of the Year

• Finger 11 – Life Turns Electric
• Gruve – Out Of Nowhere
• Live How You Live – Blue Collar Love
• Monster Truck – The Brown EP
• Perennials - Red

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Duane Rutter and Friends - 48 Hour Guitarathon @ Robot Cafe (February 27, 2011) Part 1

Click here if you can't see the videos.











Links: Duane Rutter - More Duane Rutter Stories - Dave Pomfret - Nicole Christian - Alfie Smith

More from this show: Part 2, Part 3

Duane played to raise money for Camp Trillium. Click below to donate.