Showing posts with label This Ain't Hollywood. Show all posts
Showing posts with label This Ain't Hollywood. Show all posts

Wednesday, March 11, 2026

Throwback Thursday: Videos of Ginger St. James' Bash (June 18, 2009)


Original Post: June 19, 2009

Updated post: Thursday, March 12, 2006

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.

Below are a few highlights from the event.




The incredible musical newcomer Rebecca MacNeil performed a few songs as songs as well.



Previous (International Women's Day Videos) - - - Next (Friday the 13th Videos)

Tuesday, November 3, 2015

CONGRATS! 2015 Spectator Readers' Choice Award Winners


The Hamilton Spectator readers have spoken!  After tabulating the votes, the winner of the 2015 Readers' Choice Awards were announced in the October 30, 2015 edition of the popular local paper.

The top prize (the Platinum award) for local musicians went to folk rockers Eclectic Revival.



Links: More Eclectic Revival Stories, Video above courtesy of Chris McLeod

Area Metalheads Prismind earned the Diamond award.



Video above courtesy of JohnnyMo69

The Gold award went to the late Hamilton guitar slinger Brian Griffith.



Links: More Brian Griffith Stories, Video above courtesy of Justin Dunlop

Click here to see the rest of the top ten

CONGRATS EVERYONE!

Click here for a complete winners listing. Below are the music-relate categories.

Category (Click to see top ten)
  • Platinum
  • Diamond
  • Gold
Local Musician
Concert Venue
Blast from the Past: Last Year's Winners

Links: Readers' Choice Awards, More Spec Readers' Choice Awards Stories

Previous (Halloween Videos) - - - Next (Harrison Kennedy to Receive European Blues Award)

Saturday, May 23, 2015

CONGRATS! 2015 Hamilton Music Industry Award Winners (Including Us!)


The Hamilton Blues Lovers website was only one of the many winners in the 2015 Hamilton Music Industry Awards.  Many deserving members of the local music community were recognized on May 23, 2015 at the Dofasco Centre for the Arts.

Lou, our blogger had this to say: "Thank you to all my fellow nominees who help get the word out about the amazing Hamilton music scene and thanks to all the amazing musicians.  It is an honour to receive this award."

The big winner of the day was classical musician Strat Andriotis, who earned three awards.



Video above courtesy of Dekatria Records

The night was also special because of the late, great Brian Griffith, who won the Guitarist of the Year Award.  His son accepted the award on his behalf.  Many of the speakers paid tribute to this amazing musician.  There were many touching moments.



Links: More Brian Griffith Stories, Video above courtesy of Doug Smith 

Click here for the CBC Hamilton story

Click here for pictures of the event

Click here for picture of our Mascot at the awards

CONGRATULATIONS EVERYONE!

Here is a complete list of winners.

Previous (Harrison Kennedy on New Eric Bibb Album)

Thursday, May 14, 2015

New Album by Waterdown's Terra Lightfoot is Stunning and Kinetic


With Every Time My Mind Runs Wild, Waterdown's Terra Lightfoot has taken her sound to the next level.  There's a dynamic, vibrant feel to her new stunning album (available through Sonic Unyon).

Her unmistakable voice is united with a kinetic  vigorous sound that is equal parts blues soul and country rock.  This is Terra's most radio-friendly work yet she doesn't sacrifice songwriting, depth or artistry.

The singer/songwriter is extremely adept at this fuller sound but also has help from Joel Haynes on drums, Matt Fleming on bass, and Liam O'Neil (The Stills) on keys.  This is a a wonderful team.

So go ahead and pick a copy up at any of her shows.  LPs, CDs and digital downloads are also available through the Sonic Unyon store.  iTunes carries the album as well.



Video above courtesy of Within Space



Video above courtesy of Exclaim TV

EXTRA MINI-REVIEW!

Some albums escape our radar, so occasionally we'll be catching up with some mini-reviews!


Her 2011 self-titled album has a more laid-back, delicate feel.  The sound has sweet, earthier tones and sparser arrangements.  if your in a mellower mood, this is definitely the perfect musical companion.

You can download it via iTunes.



Video above courtesy of meejoebee

Blast from the Past: Review of Terra Lightfoot's Band, the Dinner Belles - The River and the Willow

Links: Terra Lightfoot, More Terra Lightfoot Stories, More Releases

Previous (New Adam Cooke Album) - - - Next (News Roundup w Barber Shop Podcast, Awards, Strada Armonia, Dennis Napper)

Friday, April 10, 2015

CONGRATS! Hamilton Community News Readers' Choice Awards Honour Area Musicians


The public has spoken! The 2015 Hamilton Community News  Readers' Choice Awards have been unveiled.  Voters chose the best in the Hammer with Diamond, Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze awards.  Fidel, Freedom Train, Jack de Keyzer and Robin Benedict won in the Professional Entertainers category.  CONGRATS!



Video above courtesy of Kyke Reimer



Links: Freedom Train, More Freedom Train Stories, More Band Covers/Stories, Video above courtesy of Freedom Train



Links: Robin Benedict, More Robin Benedict Stories, Video above courtesy of MarcTheMeatMan

Here are the results of the music-related categories

Professional Entertainers
Live Entertainment
Radio Station
Music Store (New)
Music Store (Used)
Musical Instrument Store

Previous (News Roundup w Tom Wilson, Peter Sabourin, Ensemble!, Shrimp Daddy) - - - Next (New Vaudevillian Album)

Sunday, March 29, 2015

Hamilton's Haolin Munk Serves up FREE Album That Will Surprise and Astonish


If Jekyll and Hyde needed a soundtrack, HMEP1, the new FREE recording by Hamilton's Haolin Munk would be a great choice.  The band can play amazing, traditional, funky jazz with the best of them.  They can also burst into some unique, crazy improvs.  Both sides of the musical coin blend well.

Listeners will be pleasantly surprised but what you hear from these instrumentals.  You'll never know when frenetic, wonderful noise will break out. Hip Hop beats pop in occasionally too.  It's no wonder is got a nod for Best Jazz in the 2015 Hamilton Music Awards.

Best of all, Haolin Munk is offereing this incredible album for FREE as a download via their Bandcamp page.



Video above courtesy of Soundcave Productions



Video above courtesy of Homegrown Hamilton



Video above courtesy of Cobalt Connections

Links: Haolin Munk, More Releases

Previous (News Roundup w Sammi Morelli, Rick Taylor, Mighty Duck Blues Band, Ian Thomas) - - - Next (New Diana Panton Album)

Thursday, March 5, 2015

Saturday, November 1, 2014

2014 Hamilton Spectator Readers' Choice Award Winners


The Hamilton Spectator has tallied all of their 2014 Readers' Choice votes and the people of Steeltown have chosen the best of their city.

This year, they included a Local Musician category.  Popular cover band, Freedom Train won the Platinum Award followed by Ginger St. James with Diamond and Shanya Lynn Dawson with Gold. Congratulations!



Links: Freedom Train, More Freedom Train Stories,  More Louis Armstrong covers/stories,, Video above courtesy of Freedom Train



Links: Ginger St. James, More Ginger St. James Stories, Video above courtesy of Bill Griffin



Links: Shanya Lynn Dawson, More Shanya Lynn Dawson Stories, Video above Courtesy of Janice Pinch

Here are the results of the music related categories.

Local Musician
Festival
Concert Venue
Live Entertainment
Record/CD Store - NEW
Record/CD Store - USED
Musical Instrument Store
Music School

Previous (Halloween Videos) - - - Next (Local Musicians Up for Maple Blues Awards)

Thursday, September 11, 2014

News Roundup (Tim Gibbons, Raphael Smith Keelan, Martin Verall)

Jimi Jameson of Survivor Passes

Local
World


Blasts From the Past 

Upcoming Birthdays

Thursday, September 11
Friday, September 12
Saturday, September 13
Monday, September 15
Tuesday, September 16
 Thursday, September 18

Featured Video



Links: Martin Verrall, More Martin Verall Stories, Video above courtesy of Steinberg321

Thursday, July 17, 2014

News Roundup (Johnny Winter, Polaris Short List, Big John and the Night Trippers, Maggie Ciere)


Local Reaction

James Anthony: I was invited into the dressing room by his manager and Johnny sat with me for about 20 mins and chatted. Very friendly guy. I had one of his Firebirds that I bought from a mutual friend and told him - A one pickup tabacco model.  He remembered the guitar and we had a laugh over it.  I'm sorry to have sold it.  He signed a book on blues players for me.  Here is guy that had a lot of problems like bad health from being an Albino, blindness, etc and he turned it all around and became a legend.  Very few could stand on a stage with Hendrix and BB King back then and not look stupid. One of the GREATS!  Cheers!

Joel Johnson: R.I.P Johnny Winter. He was a huge inspiration both guitar (texas blues/slide guitar) and vocal wise (the growl) to me. Cheers to a blues legend.

Tim Gibbons: Thanks Johnny, for the grit, the flash, for everything.

Jon Knight (Soulstack): Rest easy Johnny Winter. Johnny's lightning guitar style and vocal are touchstones for all of us. In 1992 I (Jon) heard him play at Madison Square gardens and all it took was his warm up lick before he ripped into Highway 61 to galvanize my desire to learn slide guitar. Chris had the opportunity while we were on the road last summer to meet the man, after a tip from the hotel staff he woke up at 8 in the morning and casually sat in the foyer with a newspaper and coffee waiting patiently to meet him.

Corey Lueck (Smoke Wagon): Johnny a true honest to god legend. Even though I do not play guitar he has been a huge influence on me. One of the greatest guitarists in the history of music let alone the blues. And the man that brought Muddy Waters back to us! Very lucky to have met him on more then one occasion. Always gracious and always tore it up! A real blues hero! I'm out of here for a shot of whisky and some careful with a fool... Very sad day.


Steve Strongman: I'm so sad to hear the news about Johnny Winter. I had the pleasure of opening for him last March. He sang and played great ~ he's always been a big influence on me for sure. The guitar world has lost another hero.



Links: Johnny Winter, More Johnny Winter Stories, Video above courtesy of Urban Hero Magazine

Local
Polaris Shortlist
World

Recently Added

Our Performer List 

Saturday, July 12, 2014

Social Animals Debut Album: Innominate

http://socialanimals.ca/socialanimals_003.htm

One thing you'll definitely notice while hearing Innominate, the debut album from Hamilton band Social Animals, is the impressive power and energy they possess.  Their amazing Classic Rock meets Roots sound will rattle your bones and feed your soul at the same time.

The group features married couple and main songwriters, Chris and Christa Bradbury.  If you haven't heard the lady's voice yet, you'll be awed.  She can be soulful, tender and forceful.  Chris' own superb voice works well alone or in wonderful harmony with his wife.  His guitar playing (both on acoustic or electric) is thrilling to hear.

Originally a duo, they've expanded with the talented help of Jarrod Ross (bass) and David Guild (drums, co-producer).  Orange McFarland lends his great bass skills to a number of tunes and co-producer Jordan Abraham also adds some synth to the proceedings.

Together, they show a wonderful mastery of light and shade as they weave through loud, heavier moments and softer sounds.  The lyrics are extremely poetic and add an overall artistic vibe to the album.

You've gotta grab this CD so you can either head on down to Pick N' Sticks to get it or go to one of the band's live show.  It can also be downloaded through their website.







Videos above courtesy of Social Animals 

Blast from the Past: Social Animals on Barber Shop Podcast

Links: Social Animals, More Social Animals Stories, More Releases

Previous (News Roundup w Local You Tube Guide, Waterloo Arts Awards, Craig Cardiff, Aaron Vos) - - - Next (Ron Sexsmith and Constantines on CBC's Top Canadian Songs List)

Wednesday, February 12, 2014

News Roundup (Muppets Sing the Weight, Rachel Heart, Sloppy Jalopy)

http://www.amazon.ca/Northwest-Passage-Stan-Rogers/dp/1554981530


Local

Recently Added
Performer List

Blasts From the Past 

Funny Stuff

NEW FEATURE! Upcoming Birthdays 

Friday, February 14, 2014
Saturday February 15, 2014:  
Sunday, February 16, 2014: Ed Roth

Monday, February 17, 2014: Lou Campanella

Wednesday, February 19, 2014
Saturday, February 22, 2014: Drew Smith

Tuesday February 25, 2014: George Harrison

Wednesday February 26, 2014: Johnny Cash

Thursday, February 27, 2014: Matt King

Featured Video



Links:  Sloppy Jalopy, More Sloppy Jalopy Stories, More Johnny Cash Covers, Video above courtesy of Rockin Ramzis


Previous (New Scott Orr CD) - - - Next (Valentine's Day videos with Robin Benedict, Kenny MacInnis, Darin Martin and Fraser/Daley)

Saturday, October 12, 2013

View Magazine Reader's Choice Award Winners 2013

Readers of Hamilton's View Magazine have had their say!  The mag's Reader's Choice Awards for 2013 have been unveiled.

All the votes are tallied and the Hammer has chosen their local favourites: From the best music, to the best place to break up (Gore Park, by the way) to the finest shops in the land.

Musically, the big winners are rock group Monster Truck with 3 wins and This Ain't Hollywood with 4 (co-owner Lou Molinaro landed an additional two)

You can click here for the full list. 

Below are all the music-related categories.

Congrats to everybody!

Local Female Artist


Links: Terra Lightfoot, More Terra Lightfoot Stories, Video courtesy of Mel Olds

Local Male Artist


Links: Steve Strongman, More Steve Strongman stories, Video courtesy of M2B67

Local Band
Local Cover Band
Local Band Most Likely to Make it Big
  • Gold: Monster Truck
Local Band Name
Local Album Artwork
  • Gold: Blind Mule EP
  • Silver: Jonny Debt: Prince of The Golden Horseshoe
Open Jam
  • Gold: Carrigan Arms
  • Silver: This Ain’t Hollywood
Open Stage
  • Gold: The Baltimore House  
  • Silver: This Ain’t Hollywood
Local Festival
  • Gold: Festival Of Friends
  • Silver: Super Crawl
  • It’s Your Festival
Local Radio Station
  • Gold: Y108
  • Silver: Funny 820
  • CFMU
Local Radio Personality
  • Gold: Ric Taylor (CFMU)
  • Silver: Lou Molinaro (CFMU)
Local Show Promoter
  • Gold: Lou Molinaro
  • Silver: Ken Inouye
Local Independent Record Label
  • Gold: Sonic Unyon
  • Silver: Hidden Pony Records
Coolest Instrument to Play
  • Gold: Guitar
  • Silver: Drums
Local Recording Studio
  • Gold: Grant Avenue Studio
  • Silver: Catherine North Studios
  • Jukasa Studios
Local Rehersal Space
  • Gold: Rock Parlour
  • Silver: The Jam Zone
  • SoundCheck
Lounge
  • Gold: The Casbah Lounge
  • Silver: The Baltimore
Live Venue
  • Gold: Stonewalls
  • Silver: This Ain’t Hollywood
  • The Casbah
Country Bar
  • Gold: Dirty Dog Saloon
  • Silver: Galley Pump
Jazz & Blues Venue
  • Gold: The Masque
  • Silver: Cat ‘N’ Fiddle
Pub
  • Gold: Slainte
  • Silver: Rebel’s Rock
  • Snooty Fox
Vibe
  • Gold: Gallagher’s
  • Silver: Sarcoa
  • Lazy Flamingo
Dive
  • Gold: This Ain’t Hollywood
  • Silver: Prince Edward Tavern
  • Galley Pump
Musical Instrument Store
  • Gold: Long & McQuade
  • Silver: Mountain Music
  • Musical Equipment Sales
Store to Buy New Music
  • Gold: HMV
  • Silver: Cheapies
  • Dr. Disc
Store to Buy Old Music
  • Gold: Cheapies
  • Silver: Dr. Disc
  • Where Heads Meet
Blast from the Past: The 2012 Winners

Links: View Magazine, More from the View's Readers' Poll

Previous (Jethro Tull Videos) - - - Next (Videos from a Private Show w/Crucial Groove, Michael Maguire, Donna Ceighton, Don McGeoch)

Monday, July 22, 2013

Alex MacDougall (Groove Corporation) Passes

It is with sadness that we announce the passing (on July 19) of Groove Corporation guitarist, Alex MacDougall. During his storied career, he worked with Crowbar, Harrison Kennedy, the Trailblazers, Ray Materick and many others.  He was also an accomplished painter.  Our condolences to his family, friends and fans.

Here is some of the online reaction:

His Groove Corporation bandmate, Lily Sazz

Due to the unexpected illness and death (on July 19th) of our long-time guitarist and friend, Alex MacDougall, we are taking a break from performing for a little while. We know that Alex would want us to continue with our band, and we plan for "the show to go on" as soon as we are able.

We thank you for your continued support for Groove Corporation, and the noteworthy career of Alex. His work as a producer, engineer, guitarist, and composer, touched the lives of many people.

As per Alex's wishes, no funeral service will take place. However, there are plans to have a musical tribute/memorial/celebration of life for and with the musical community, probably late summer or early fall.

------

From Paul Panchezak (Trickbag)

Rest in peace my old and dear friend Alex MacDougall. Together with our band mates Kelly Jay, Richard Newell, Sonny Del Rio and Rick Waite, we spent something like five years together crossing the continent from Newfoundland to Vancouver and south to New Orleans. We shared many great musical adventures. It many ways it was the time of our lives with many memories that time will never erase.

-----

From, Lou, HBL Blogger

A few years ago, I was lucky enough to go from being a longtime fan of Alex to becoming a friend.  I will cherish his music, his art and my memories of him.

-----

Blast From the Past: Perfomer of the Week: Alex MacDougall




Video above courtesy of Shotjun Jilly

Links: Alex MacDougall, More Groove Corporation Stories

Previous (Local Musicians on 1st Half of CBC's Best Canadian Albums List) - - - Next (4 New Episodes of Ensemble on YouTube)