The lockdown got you down? Need your live music fix. A number of area artists are performing live on a weekly basis online. If you miss it, you can always catch them later too. Please see our Coming Soon page for more details.
Please tip the performers if you able to help support them.
Below are a few samples of what you can check out on the web.
Pearl, the final studio album from the unforgettable icon Janis Joplin was released 50 years ago this year. It was released January 11, 1971 - three months after her untimely death.
It is with sadness that we announce the passing of the legendary, Fort-Erie born keyboardist Michael Fonfara. We do not have many details but we will will post it here as we know more. Our condolences to this family, friends and fans.
It is with heavy hearts that we sadly announce the passing of our dear friend and longtime bandmate, Michael Fonfara. He was an incredible musician, a gentle soul and we were honoured to share the stage with him every time we performed. He will be deeply missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family. There will be a celebration of life once we are all safely able to get together.
I've heard Donnie Walsh say many times "He's the best musician I've ever worked with". I echo those words. Yesterday we lost a brother, a band mate, a co-writer and a dear friend. His important role away from the music business was as a husband, father and grandfather. If you met him, you loved him. A creative genius and a band leader's worst nightmare. I was very fortunate to share space with him in recording studios, big stages, small stages, vans, cars, planes, hotels and restaurants. Fonf has left us but we'll continue to play music that he wrote, arranged or just made better by his presence. Thanks for the memories, see you on the other side.
Musical genius, bandmate, innovator, wild man, loyal friend and sweet sweet soul. From the very first time I worked with him 15 or so years ago, he instantly became one of my biggest supporters and encouragers. It was never a handshake with Fonf, always a hug. We played a ton of gigs together on some huge stages and also tiny clubs, recorded together many times, misbehaved together once in a while and laughed our asses off more times than I can remember, and through it all I was always amazed by his playing, which really was out of this world. No matter his preparation or more often lack thereof, HE was the one who moved the crowd. Always. He was a star and our world is a little dimmer tonight because of this massive loss.
Fonf was a true genius. Every time I played with him he would amaze me. I would often look at Gary Kendall or Mike Fitzpatrick and they were amazed too. I would ask guys who played with him a lot more than I did and they said the same thing. You don't see too many musicians who could play like Fonf.
I only got to know him in the last 10 years or so. He was always smiling and laughing. He was just a sweet guy.
He always had time to say hello. When he talked to you he was intense and focused.
I was so fortunate to get to play and hang out with Mike. His musical gifts will be missed by so many. His sweet personality will be missed even more.
Fonf's enthusiasm and joy for playing was infectious!! Whether there were 2 people or thousands he always gave 110%. I always looked forward to playing with him when I knew he was on the gig. RIP Fonf love you !!
It is with sadness that we announce the passing of local organist and music director Douglas Haas. He passed away December 27, 2020 after a brave fight with COVID-19. He was the father of Hamilton musician Annette Haas as well. Our condolences to his family, friends and fans.
From the online announcement:
December 25, 1936 – December 27, 2020
We are deeply saddened to report the passing of Douglas Haas, one of Canada’s preeminent organists. For 53 years, Doug served as the music director of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Kitchener, Ontario, where, in addition to playing weekly services as an organist and choirmaster, telecast live across Southern Ontario, he founded and hosted a weekly noon-hour concert series (which ran from 1975 to 2020) and an international organists' concert series. He also commissioned and performed many new Canadian choral and organ works.
Music was Doug’s life. He was an artist of the highest caliber and a dedicated teacher.
Doug is survived by his wife, Sheryl Loeffler (David’s sister), two children, Annette and Christopher and family, and his brother Dennis.
Doug died from complications of COVID-19.
Facebook Reactions
Trish Walker: "For so many years I always enjoyed listening to Doug play the organ at St Andrew’s. I would take my mother to listen to all the Christmas and Easter services that Lloyd would record the audio for the TV station to air. We shall miss you greatly Douglas."
Sally Kandel (sister-in-law): "He was a world-class musician, a wonderful person, and the love that he and my sister shared was deep and everlasting."
Jonathan Oldengarm: "You were one of my first organ teachers, and had a formative influence on my understanding of the instrument. But your teaching went so much further, as you patiently mentored this somewhat erratic teenager towards a more structured approach to life in general. Over and over, you took chances on young musicians, and supported, encouraged, organized, pushed, and challenged us. And through all of it, you never lost that boyish enthusiasm for new ideas, new technology, new projects, or your zest for life. You were and are a continuing inspiration, may your memory be blessed, and may all of us who have benefited from your life's work go forth and do likewise."
It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Dundas bassist Raymond Poirier.
His obituary
A life gone too soon. A battle was continually fought, but the Lord had other plans for our dear and caring Raymond Poirier.
It is with a heavy and saddened heart that we announce the passing of Raymond Joseph Poirier from Dundas, on December 22, 2020 in his 67th year. With his partner, Sandi Stirling by his side, he returned home to be reunited with those who have gone before him, including his parents Ida & Daniel Poirier, and sister Diana Richarz.
Raymond was a loving father to Candace Craven (Dave) and his two grandchildren Jovie and Vincent Craven. Loving partner to Sandi Stirling and step-father to Lynsay (Jordan) and Ken (Erin) Connell. Uncle to Essa Richarz (Carol), JP Richarz (Coretta), Dana Rosiello (Anthony), and a Great Uncle to Zac, Devon, Jenna, Marcus, Madisyn, Robert, Luca, and Domenic.
Raymond had many close friends namely Nicole Noel, Joanne Augustyn, Shannon Beaulieu, John White, Reg and Patti Denis, Rob LaMaines, Mike Almas and Al Falcone and many musicians too many to list. Raymond spent 35 years as a letter carrier with Canada Post, but he was also an exceptionally talented musician playing the bass guitar with bands around Ontario. He had a passion for music, watching live bands, motorsports, go-karts and travelling with his partner Sandi on cruises, bus tours, and a memorable month trip in Kauai. He loved his Beagles as they bought him insurmountable joy. Raymond loved to go camping and even driving in his converted 1964 Blue Bird bus, especially to Racetracks, and being around his friends. Talking about friends and family, Raymond had the biggest heart for all he knew, he was a good man, and you could always trust on him and he was always there for you. The neighbourhood and house will now be quiet, with no band practices in the basement or loud races and Ti-Cat Games on the TV. There will be an emptiness that one is not able to describe, but in spirit he will be with us, continually by our side.
Thank you to everyone who has been part of his life. Thank you to the Doctors who worked endlessly to help him get better. To all of his support team – Medical, friends, and family – you are so appreciated and thank you, you made all the difference and our gratitude overflows to you.
Ray always thanked me for giving him his first job playing in a band in 1968, it was great performing with him and I got to know him Mom n Dad and sister very well. I will always remember our times together, we were very close friends and kept in touch all our lives, he will be very missed, gone but NEVER forgotten.
David Cross and Deanna Cross
Ray played in our band for quite a few years. He loved music, and he was so talented! More than that, he was a kind soul. He only wanted the best for others. We had such good times in that band, owing to his great sense of humour.
Ray is going to be so missed, by his friends, his family, and the Hamilton Music Community.
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