It was a dark and (ice) stormy night when Hamilton Singer/Songwriter Sarah Beatty was honoured by the Jack Richardson London Music Awards. On April 15, 2018, while an ice storm was raging, Sarah was handed a well-deserved. Ontario Independent Recording Artist Award.
She had this to say on her Facebook page:
All kinds of love. Thank you to everyone who voted when I put the call out! We did it!!
The world is still reeling from the loss of one of Canada's most distinctive voices. Gord Downie, the lead singer of the legendary Tragically Hip passed away on October 18, 2017 after a brave battle with cancer. He left behind an unforgettable legacy. Our condolences to his family, friends and fans.
Last night Gord quietly passed away with his beloved children and family close by.
Gord knew this day was coming — his response was to spend this precious time as he always had — making music, making memories and expressing deep gratitude to his family and friends for a life well lived, often sealing it with a kiss on the lips.
Gord said he had lived many lives. As a musician, he lived “the life” for over 30 years, lucky to do most of it with his high school buddies. At home, he worked just as tirelessly at being a good father, son, brother, husband and friend. No one worked harder on every part of their life than Gord. No one.
We would like to thank all the kind folks at KGH and Sunnybrook, Gord’s bandmates, management team, friends and fans. Thank you for all the help and support over the past two years.
Thank you everyone for all the respect, admiration and love you have given Gord throughout the years — those tender offerings touched his heart and he takes them with him now as he walks among the stars.
The very first time I met Gord Downie was in Ottawa at Barrymore's. I think The Hip's first album just came out. We started chatting about music. I asked him what some of his fave bands were. Within the first 3 names, TEENAGE HEAD was mentioned. Not a bad way to meet a singer in a rock n roll band. RIP Gord Downie.
Gord Downie wasn't just the Hip. He was a spokesman for the country. Whenever he had the chance, he spoke for us.
As an indigenous person, I felt the things he said on a personal level. He spoke for the rights of all of us and spent his last days fighting for us.
We all knew it was coming, but we all hoped he would fight it. He can't be cut down so needlessly. We all hoped that he would beat this.
As a Canadian, it's a huge loss. He was the benchmark for what someone in his position should do with their fame. I will be listening to The Hip today with the rest of you and mourning the loss. RIP Gord Downie
Gord Downie. Thank you for being such a beautiful example of what it is like to be Canadian. We are blessed to have shared this lifetime with your music and your stories. You have created new folklore to pass through the generations and have left a powerful legacy of pride, hope, love and togetherness.
In his honour, here are a few area performers covering Gord's amazing work.
The readers of Hamilton Community News have voted and chosen the winners for their 2017 Reader's Choice Awards. As always, a number of local musicians were recognized for their talent.
Here are the winners from the music-related categories.
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