2009 featured the very first Blues With A Feeling event that HBL covered. BWF is done in honour of the late, legendary Hamilton Bluesman King Biscuit Boy.
The first part was a Blues showcase at the Corktown on June 5.
Finishing up the festivities was the inaugural BWF Blues Cruise (June 7) featuring Trickbag and many wonderful guests. To top everything off Crowbar frontman Kelly Jay got married to Tammi G Rose on the boat! Unfortunately, both have since passed.
Now you can enjoy some incredible, rockin' Blues and help our brave soldiers at the same time.
Every Sunday from 2-5pm at the Brantford Gunners Club, the Howitzer Blues Band will be joined by a special guest to rock the place. The cost is only $5. Money raised goes to help veterans with PTSD or are homeless.
Our friend and sponsor Judy Marsales, co-hosts an incredible radio show called Sold on Hamilton on 900 CHML AM (1st Saturday of the month 11am-12pm). On the program she interviews interesting people from Hamilton and informs listeners on many goings on in the city. Many talented Hammertown musicians have appeared on the show.
These episodes are available to listen to and download online. Below is our guide to all the shows, with direct links and a few previews you can listen to directly in this page.
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!
It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Hamilton Bluesman Bryon Walpole (aka Backbeat Brian). We don't have any details yet but we will post it here when we hear about it. Our condolences to his family, friends and fans.
Much heartfelt thoughts go to his family during this time of change. Bryon was a light hearted enthusiastic guy who brought that chill and kindness to the work site, stage and friendships. I'm grateful for the memories yet very sad that he has left. Miss ya Buddy'... Until we meet again... Safe travels
The Hamilton music community lost a good man, good friend, and good musician yesterday ... Bryon Walpole. Many memories over the years, sending my love and respect out to his other friends and of course his family.
Gerry Mayor
He was the nicest of guys, great harp player, and all around good person. Bryon you will be missed dearly by all of us. Now it's time for you to run that jam in the sky. Tonight's jam at the Ale House will be in your memory. Rest in peace sir.
We are saddened to report that local harmonica player extraordinaire John Hess passes away on December 10, 2015. He frequently played open stages throughout the Hamilton area and had played with many local musicians. Our condolences to his family, friends and fans.
Tom Finochio is planning a jam in his memory on Sunday, December 13 from 3 to 9 at Rebel's Rock in Hamilton.
There were a lot of comments on social media:
Ian Andrews:
John, I thank you for the music we shared and the times we had, the stages we shared as well as the laughs and most ridiculous puns we could come up with. You always supported my music endeavors and came to every jam I've ever had. It hurts the most that I had put my busy schedule before coming to visit you in the hospital and that we never did get a chance to hang out and record - I know damn well there was ample opportunity for it. I'm sorry John, and one day down the road you and I are gonna cut that record we talked about, but for now... Rest in peace my blues brother. Everytime I hear a harp, I'll never forget... Wayne Janus:
John was a true gentleman and he will remain close to our hearts and thought of often. Blessings to you Dear friend. W.Janus
Troy Harmer:
Hamilton lost another charismatic and dedicated blues musician this week. He was always polite, kind, helpful and positive. Every Sunday up until he got sick, he would be at the open mic I hosted with the Persuaders at the Brown Barrel. Often times he would already be there set up with his amp and harmonicas ready to go before the band arrived. We will miss you my friend.
Unfortunately, Hamilton musician Tony "Rush" Wachnuik passed away on August 25, 2015 due to complications from a traffic accident. Our condolences to his family, friends and fans.
Tony was a beloved member of the local music community and a valued member of a number of bands, including the TNT Bluesmen, Hell County and most recently, the King Street Band.
Wayne Janus, his Hell County bandmate had this to say: "Tony brought a level of energy to the music that I've only experienced while performing with him. He knew how to "connect" and his placement of his musical energies inspired me to give it all as if it were the last note to ever be played. I learned so much from him. I am forever grateful for our time together on and off the stage. Tony had a big heart and "continually" expressed compassion for my fathers failing health. Tony will always have a place in my heart and he will always have a place in the music that I will continue to play. Love you brother T"
A note from Lou, our blogger: "Tony was one of the first musicians I befriended after starting the Hamilton Blues Lovers. I remember his no-nonsense approach to life, his energy and amazing musical talent. We'll all miss him."
Reaction to his passing hit social media. Here a few comments. We'll be adding more later.
Mike Almas: "Lots of tears for Tony, what a character, what a great friend, so very glad to have known him, gonna miss him a lot."
Mike Branton: "Nobody fought the good fight as fiercely as Tony did. Nobody stuck it harder to the phonies. And when it was time to play and I mean really play there was nobody who could touch him. Not in a million years.. .A true friend and bluesman!
Steven Collett: "Rest in peace to my friend Tony Rush that played a wonderful Ibanez bass similar to the one I had. It was so great to play with him and we will miss the wide eyed spirit he had."
There will be a memorial show on Saturday, September 5, 2015 at the Homestead Bar from 4-8pm. Donations will be accepted for Tony's family.
It is with sadness that we report the passing of Hamilton musician Tony "Rush" Wachnuik on August 25, 2015 . Our condolences to his family, friends and fans. Click here for more information.
Kaizen (now re-named Kaizen.xyz) have released their incredible sophomore recording, Closer-to-Earth. Once again, they've crafted a collection of pure instrumental bliss (one song does have some vocals though).
Wayne Janus, Shane Lannigan and David Carillo continue their wonderful flow of funk, blues, jazz, rock and more. This time, the boys have added a little more ambience with some middle eastern sounds as well.
The trio are ably joined by Alex Bovkis's Sanskrit Chanting on Shivaya. Producer Christopher T. Wilson (of Perennials) adds a little synthesizer too.
Download this amazing recording through cdbaby - you won't regret it!
Hamilton's top-notch instrumental band, Kaizen recently released their fabulous debut album: First Impressions.There's enough excitement on this album that they don't need no stinkin' vocals.
With Wayne Janus (guitar), Shane Lannigan (bass) and David Carrillo (drums) this power-trio lay out tons of grooves and get extremely funky throughout the recording. Jazz, soul, rock, funk and more are thrown into the mixture and blended to perfection.
With the shortest song clocking in 8:08pm (and the longest at almost 20 minutes) the tunes are truly epic musical workouts. Shifts in tempo and rhythm keep things interesting - you never know where a song is headed. Surprises abound in this great collection!
This incredible instrumental experience can be downloaded through cdbaby or iTunes.
The self titled debut CD from local power trio, Hell County is not for the feint of heart. This is stunning, raw, super-heavy rock with a blues soul.
The powerful, gritty voice and infectious, loud guitar workouts of Wayne Janus set the stage for the whole disc. Tony "Rush" Wachnuik (bass) and Robin Houston (drums) meet him blow for blow as they create a shack shaking sound guaranteed to wake the neighbours.
This ain't just head bangin' music either. There's enough boogie infused in here to make you shake your booty as well as your head.
If you think you can handle it, you can pick up a CD at one of the band's (or Wayne's solo) live shows. It can also be downloaded through cdbaby or iTunes.
Wayne Janus divides his time between various spots in Canada but he's a local boy at heart.
He's performed at clubs and festivals all over Canada and the US since the 90's. One amazing addition to his resume is the ten-year stint as the lead guitarist for the legendary George “Wild Child” Butler, who said he was the meanest blues guitarist he ever heard.
This incredible singer/songwriter has three CD's to his name - each with its own special flavour: Rockin' Blues (OMP), Swamp Blues (All Access Blues), and Folk/Jazz/Rock Fusion (September Moon)
No matter what style he's playing, Wayne bring energy and musicianship. He can make the guitar scream, wail and soothe. His amazing voice can also adapt to many styles.
According to his MySpace Page, he's currently producing a new disc for 2010. It'll be interesting to see which direction he goes on.
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