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Get the Hamilton Blues Lovers E-Mail Newsletter
Every Wednesday or Thursday night, the Hamilton Blues Lovers send out an e-mail blast with the latest happenings in the local Blues/Folk/Jazz/Roots/Country scene. Find out about new music releases, upcoming shows, our exclusive videos and much more.
To get this amazing newsletter, please please go to our MailChimp page and enter your email address. https://mailchi.mp/f5df63ee5f8b/blueshamilton
We also welcome any ideas you may have to help improve the newsletter.
Friday, November 28, 2025
Hamilton Blues Lovers Turns 17!
Today (November 29, 2025), the Hamilton Blues Lovers turns 17!
Links: Stevie Nicks, More Stevie Nicks Stories, Video above courtesy of Stevie Nicks
Previous (Electric Guitar Day Videos ft Brian Griffith) - - - Next (Heavy Metal Day Videos)
Sunday, May 25, 2025
Hamilton Arts Awards Short List, Including Our Very Own Marketing Queen
- Linda Fraser (Hamilton Blues Lovers, Ensemble!, Escarpment Blues Society)
- Dayna Gedney (founder and operator of Hamilton Craft Studios)
- Karen Logan (visual artist)
- Lisa La Rocca (Chair of the Hamilton Music Advisory Team and Co-chair of the new Women in Music Hamilton/Halton chapter)
- MaryAnn Demsar and Sandi Richardson (fundraising council members at the St Thomas Aquinas Centre for the Arts)
- Nancy Cabral-Leverton (curating and volunteering)
- Rachel Conduit (runs art gallery, music venue, two bars, a restaurant, and two artist studio spaces)
- Smokestack (limited-edition prints)
- Steven Hilliard (curator and organizer)
- Alfie Smith (musician)
- Emma Rush (musician)
- Luckystickz (musician)
- Priyanka Tope (dancer, choreographer, vocalist, and educator)
- Rollie Pemberton aka Cadence Weapon (musician, author)
- Adrien Crossman (artist, educator, and curator)
- Ardyn Gibbs (digital new media artist, designer)
- Casa Studio (small-batch ceramics studio)
- Clarence A. Porter (artist)
- Danielle Hitchcock (multidisciplinary graphic designer)
- David Hudson (choreographer, educator, and Executive Director of Hamilton Arts Council)
- David Trautrimas (multi-media artist)
- Deborah Sloboda (Professor and reproductive biologist at McMaster University)
- Delio E. Delgado (artist)
- Eli Nolet (artist)
- Hexe Noire (drag artist)
- Kaime Sherman (arts educator, founder of the Academy of Imagination & Dramatic Arts)
- Kamaldeep Kaur (artist and art instructor)
- Kiera Boult (interdisciplinary artist and performer)
- Lester Coloma (artist)
- Marta Hewson (photographer)
- Myke Hutchings (clown, storyteller)
- Radha S. Menon (multi-disciplinary artist)
- Same Boat Theatre
- Sonali Menezes (artist, writer)
- Tania LaCaria (artist)
- Tanis Sydney Macarthur (costumer, dance artist, choreographer, aerialist, stilt walker, prop maker and creature designer)
Lifetime Achievement Award
- Lyla Miklos (broadcast journalist, community organizer, education worker, publicist, vocalist and writer)
- Tom Beckett (musician, Beckett art galleries and studios)
- Ardyth Brott (Brott Music Festival, National Academy Orchestra of Canada and BrottOpera)
- Gary Smith (director, choreographer, critic, author, teacher, dramaturge)
- John Terpstra (Writer, poet, publisher)
Tuesday, April 16, 2024
2024 City of Hamilton Arts Awards Short List (including Linda, our Marketing Maven)
The Hamilton Blues Lovers are beaming with pride as Linda, our very own marketing maven, has been placed on the 2024 City of Hamilton Arts Arts Awards Short List! She's up for an Arts Champion Award for her dedicated, tireless support of the local music scene.
The winners will receive the awards at a ceremony in June 2024 (details TBA)
We're all rooting for you! CONGRATS!
Below is the compete Short List.
Arts Champion
- Linda Fraser (Hamilton Blues Lovers, Ensemble! TV Show on Cable 14, Escarpment Blues Society)
- Ken Wallis (BluesSource, Escarpment Blues Society)
- Ashley Reaume (Events)
- Hamilton City Magazine
- Katie Sadie (Visual Arts)
- Light Lounge
- Mary Flynn (Back Alley Gallery)
- Melanin Market
- Noelle Allen (Wolsak and Wynn, publishers)
- Aeris Korper Contemporary Dance
- Bawaadan Collective
- Ben Bowen (musician)
- Birdie Gerhl (Visual Arts)
- Chasing Shadows Productions (Theatre)
- Cine-Psych Fim Making Team
- Clear Eyes Collective
- Dawn Grant (Visual Arts)
- Delio Delgado (Visual Arts)
- Gordon Leverton (Architecture)
- Hitoko Okada (Visual Arts)
- Ian Ross Pettigrew (Photography)
- Jae Cabrera (Musician)
- Jennifer Budd (Musician)
- Julie "Fazooli" Marquis (Visual Arts)
- Kayla Whitney (Visual Arts)
- Kyle Joedickie (Visual Arts)
- Lesley Loksi Chan (Filmmaker)
- Lyla Miklos (Multi-Discipline)
- Marta Hewson (Photography)
- Mayumou (Visual Arts)
- Monday Press
- Ravinder Ruprai (Visual Arts)
- Rob Raeside (Glass Blowing)
- Same Boat Theatre
- Simon Orpana (Writer, Artist)
- Steacy Easton (Writer, Artist)
- Tania Denyer (Visual Arts)
- Astrid Hepner (Hamilton Music Collective)
- Gary Smith (Journalist)
- John Balogh (Big Time Productions)
- Jovaune "Big Joe" Rhodes (musician, promoter)
- Melissa Murray-Mutch (Actor, Producer, Playwright)
Friday, June 9, 2023
2023 Hamilton Arts Awards Winners, Including our Founder!
"It was a great honour being recognized for my work alongside other incredible art supports. Hamilton is a city jam-packed with art and it deserves to be showcased to the world."
- Luis Pereira (Hamilton Blues Lovers)
- Chris Pannell (author, former board member of the gritLIT festival)
- Helen Graham (Helen Graham Presents Event Calendar)
- Jessica Vinluan (McMaster)
- The Hamilton Youth Steel Orchestra (musicians)
- Angela Demontigny (designer)
- Anjula Varghese (writer)
- David Collier (cartoonist)
- Deepti Gupta (actress)
- Kareem-Anthony Ferreira (painter)
- Nathan Euguene Carson (painter)
- Open Hearts Arts Theatre
- Sarah Sproule (visual artist)
Previous (Country Music Association of Ontario Award Winners) - - - Next (Patrick Fockler to Represent GRBS at International Blues Challenge)
Thursday, April 27, 2023
2023 Hamilton Arts Awards Shortlist Nominees (including our founder/blogger)
I'm honoured to be nominated among such great company. Hamilton's such a creatively diverse city and this recognition really helps get the word out that there's amazing art emmanating from Hamilton. Good luck to every one.
- Luis Pereira (Hamilton Blues Lovers)
- Chris Pannell (author, former board member of the gritLIT festival)
- Helen Graham (Helen Graham Presents Event Calendar)
- Jessica Vinluan (McMaster)
- Matt Moreland (filmmaker, writer)
- Natasha Jones
- Al Croxall (Theatre Ancaster)
- John Terpstra (writer)
- Judith Sandiford and Ron Weihs (Artword)
- Lorraine Segato (Parachute Club)
- Robert 'Bob' Daniels (Earls Court Gallery)
- 2Win Dunx (R&B Hip-Hop musicians)
- Alexander Notarangelo (painter)
- Andre Bisson (Blues musician)
- Angela Demontigny (designer)
- Anjula Varghese (writer)
- Chasing Shadows Productions (theatre company)
- Cine-Psych Fim-Making Team
- Darren Stewart-Jones (actor, writer, filmmaker, theatremaker)
- David Collier (cartoonist)
- Deepti Gupta (actress)
- Diana Panton (Jazz musician)
- Goddess (musicians)
- Jojo Chooi-Harley (photographer)
- Kaime Sherman (artist, writer)
- Kareem-Anthony Ferreira (painter)
- Katherine MacDonald (painter)
- Lyla Miklos (vocalist, writer)
- Myke Hutchings (musician)
- Nathan Euguene Carson (painter)
- Open Hearts Arts Theatre
- Piper and Carson (musicians)
- Piper Hayes (musician)
- Sarah Sproule (visual artist)
- Selena Middleton (writer)
- Sean Procyk (art, sculpture)
- Sid Ryan Eilers (dance)
- Sonali Menezes (artist)
- Steacy Easton (writer)
- The Hamilton Youth Steel Orchestra (musicians)
- Vick Naresh (artist)
Previous (Throwback Thursday: Leroy Emmanuel) - - - Next (Jazz Day Videos)
Friday, March 31, 2023
HBL Opens Unique Music School
The Hamilton Blues Lovers have decided to enter the education business in a big way!
Our first venture is Luigi’s House o’ Music Learnin’. We approached Principal April Fulcilli about LHML’s upcoming plans.
“Every music school teaches singing, guitar, drums, etc,” she explained, “We’ve decided to think outside the box with classes that’re a bit more unique.”
Here’s the first batch of courses
by Professor Trebleclef, the Music Loving Monkey
by Professors Lou and Linda
by Professor Steve Strongman
by Dr. Doug Feaver
“The new school will be located in the old Chuck’s Income Tax and Waffle Emporium building on Main Street”, Principal Fulcilli announced.
We'll keep you posted!
Previous (Marriner, O'Brien & Bowskill Videos) - - - Next (Sultans of String Win 2 Canadian Folk Music Awards)
Thursday, March 31, 2022
Hamilton Blues Lovers' 1st Musical Theatre Production
Previous (Piano Day Videos ft Lily Sazz) - - - Next (Doris Day's 100th Birthday)
Sunday, January 9, 2022
Hamilton Blues Lovers on 'Sold On Hamilton with Judy Marsales' Radio Show!
On Saturday, January 8, 2022, our blogger Lou and HBL marketing maven Linda were guests on the 'Sold On Hamilton with Judy Marsales' radio show on CHML 900AM in Hamilton.
This wonderful show is generally broadcast on the first Saturday on the month between 11am and 12pm. It is hosted by Judy Marsales, owner of Judy Marsales Real Estate Ltd (a proud HBL sponsor) and an amazing local music supporter. The program showcases the best and brightest citizens of the Hammer, including many musicians. Judy also discusses the Hamilton housing market.
Below is the episode Lou and Linda were on - they were interviewed at the 23:39 mark.
Links: Show above courtesy of Global News, Sold on Hamilton, More 'Sold on Hamilton' Stories
Other incredible guests included lawyer and vice chair of the John Howard Society of Hamilton, Jeffrey Manishen (1:37 mark) plus Mary Francis Moore, the new artistic director of Theatre Aquarius (13:46 mark).
Click here for photos from our visit.
Previous (Bird Day Videos) - - - Next (Harpdog Brown Passes)
Sunday, November 28, 2021
Hamilton Blues Lovers Turns 13 Today!
Previous (National Electric Guitar Day) - - - Next (Jim Skarratt Passes)
Thursday, April 1, 2021
Hamilton Blues Lovers Getting Into Comic Book Publishing
The Hamilton Blues Lovers empire is expanding!
HBL has decided to get into the comic book business big time.
Lou, our esteemed blogger and CEO has been a comic book fan for decades and has decided to throw his hat into the funny book arena.
"After a lifetime of reading comics, "Lou's said, "I've now embarked on a new business journey and will publish the best comics around. I spared no expense in hiring the most talented comics book creators in the business: Todd McFarlane, John Byrne, Alan Moore, Neil Gaiman, Neal Adams, and April Fulcilli."
The first issue to come out of this soon-to-be-legendary venture is Super-Treble Comics, a new monthly series starring our monkey mascot Treble in super-heroic adventure that puts the Avengers to shame.
Click here for a free preview of the first fabulous issue!
Other comic book titles will to come out in the next couple of months, including:
- Crisis on Infinite Monkeys (a 12 issue multi-world epic)
- M.O.N.K.I.E. Agents (super-hero spy team)
- Treble vs the Banana Zombies (horror series)
- Simian Romance
- Astro-Monkey (sci-fi)
- Game of Chimps (fantasy)
- The Banana Peel Gang (humour)
Previous (Lowell Fulson's 100th Birthday) - - - Next (Easter Videos)
Sunday, November 29, 2020
Hamilton Blues Lovers Turns 12!
Previous (National Guitar Day Videos ft Bran Griffith) - - - Next (Canadian Folk Music Award Nominees)
Friday, November 29, 2019
Hamilton Blues Lovers Turns 11 Today!
The Hamilton Blues Lovers is 11 years old today (November 29, 2019).
A word from Lou, our blogger:
With the hustle and bustle of last year's 10th anniversary celebration, it was nice to have a more laid back year of music and fun!. Looking forward to another year of great local music! I'd like to thank my wife Linda for all her hard work and support for the site. I LOVE YOU!
Links: Rodrigo y Gabriela, Video above courtesy of Because Music
Previous (Electric Guitar Videos ft Andrew Aldridge) - - - Next (Marz Garage Season 5 Videos)
Friday, February 15, 2019
Happy 4th Birthday to Trebleclef
Today (Feb 15) our little monkey turns 4 years old! He's had quite a busy year, including:
- Meeting Bruiser, the Hamilton Bulldogs mascot
- The Hamilton Blues Lovers 10th Anniversary Bash
- Hamilton City Hall
Click here for more of Trebleclef's adventures.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BUDDY!
Links: Steely Dan , More Steely Dan Stories, Video above courtesy of VinylForever
Previous (Get Out Your Guitar Day Videos w Dan Medakovic) - - - Next (News Roundup: St. Catharines Arts Awards, Grammys, Sam Heller, Gaslight Alley, Ti-Cats, more)
Thursday, November 29, 2018
Hamilton Blues Lovers Turns 10 Today!
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Hamilton Blues Lovers! On November 29, 2008, Lou, our blogger advertised a new organization dedicated to the local music scene. The rest is local music history.
It has been a spectacular 10 years. Here are some highlights:
- November 2008: HBL founded
- November 2013: HBL turns 5
- December 2014: Our blogger Lou, gets married to his sweetheart (and HBL marketing consultant) Linda.
- February 2015: Our Mascot Trebleclef is Introduced
- May 2015: HBL Wins Hamilton Music Award
- November 2017: Lou and Linda Win 1st George R. Robinson Award
- November 2018: The 10th Anniversary HBL Bash Packs the Corktown
I want to thank my beautiful wife Linda for all her help and support for all these years. I LOVE YOU! I'd also like to thank our sponsors, the incredibly talented local musicians and all the new friends I've made as a result of the HBL. HERE'S TO ANOTHER 10!
Links: Led Zeppelin, More Led Zeppelin Stories, Video above courtesy of zoso8t0
Previous (New Brian Vollmer - of Helix - Solo Album) - - - Next (News Roundup: Marlon Chaplin, Rose Cousins, Cartoons, more)
Friday, November 9, 2018
News Roundup, Part 1: HBL 10th Anniversary Bash Edition
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| Photo courtesy of Leigh MacDonald |
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,
Of course, Trebleclef was at the bash and he loved meeting everybody.
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Everyone who attended!
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THANKS!
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Monday, October 29, 2018
THANKS TO THE MUSICIANS WHO PLAYED OUR 10TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION!
- Picks N Sticks.
- Corktown.
- Carnegie Concerts.
- The Johnny Cash tribute hosted by Lori Yates at This Ain't Hollywood.
- The Eggmen (Beatle Tribute) show at the Knights of Columbus in Brantford.
- Hamilton Food and Drink Fest
Links: Trickbag, More Trickbag Stories, Les Smith, More Les Smith Stories, Crowbar, More Crowbar Stories, Video above courtesy of Hamilton B. Lous Les Smith
Links: Jerome Godboo, More Jerome Godboo Stories, Video above courtesy of 'Toronto Live Music Scene'
Links: Cootes Paradise, More Cootes Paradise Stories, Video above courtesy of Jim Unsworth
Links: Tim Gibbons, More Tim Gibbons Stories, Video above courtesy of Stellablu477
Links: Sonny Del Rio, More Sonny Del Rio Stories, Video above courtesy of James Goodrick
Links: Mark McNeil, More Mark McNeil stories, Video above courtesy of Mark McNeil
Previous (Peter McFarland Passes) - - - Next (Devil's Night Videos by Faser/Daley, Brock Zeman, Terry Gillespie)
Monday, September 24, 2018
GOOD LUCK! Our Blogger and Founder Nominated for Maggie Award!
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| Pic courtesy of Helen Graham |
Here's what Luis has to say:
I am honoured to be nominated for this prestigious award and I'm in such wonderful company. Over 20 years after earning my Journalism diploma, it's great to get such recognition. I'm hoping many of you will vote and have your voices heard. Thank you!Other nominees in the category include
- Kristin Archer of I Heart Hamilton
- Allison M. Jones of View Magazine
- Bernadette Rule of 101.5 FM the Hawk
- Razan Samara of the McMaster Silhouette
The HIMAs (AKA “The Maggies”) is committed to supporting the Hamilton community of independent journalists by hosting a yearly awards celebration. Through the awards the HIMAs seeks to promote critical independent journalism in the City of Hamilton and beyond.
- Winners will be announced on Thursday, November 15, 2018 at a ceremony at the Hamilton Central Library (Hamilton Room). The event starts at 6pm. Everyone is welcome and it's free.
- Winners receive a commemorative plaque and a monetary prize.
Previous (New Hamilton Musicians' Guild Honourees) - - - Next (Local Canadian Folk Music Award Nominees)
Friday, April 20, 2018
News Roundup (Jeannie Ingrassia Passes, Terra Lightfoot w Jim Cuddy, Brodie Dakin, Harbourtown Sound, Bev Munro Passes)
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.PJason 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.
- 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
- 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






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