Strong Debut from Hamilton's Garnetta Cromwell

As a former Olympic weight-lifter, Hamilton musician Garnetta Cromwell knows all about strength. Actually, strength can be the main theme of her incredible debut solo album, Time to Shine. There are songs about strong women, tunes about having a strong will and more. Even the slower songs have a strong vibe to them. Powerful Funk, Soul and Blues beats flex their way into each and every number throughout this brawny album.

Her band, DaGroovmasters:

• GARNETTA CROMWELL (Lead vocals, Congas, Percussions)
• ROBIN HOUSTON (Drums)
• MARK HOWE (Bass)
• TOSHIHIRO OTANI (Electric Guitar)
• SABIAN CROSSWELL (Piano, Wurlitizer Electric Piano, Hammond Organ, Nord Keyboard)
• JUAN ARCE (Tenor Sax, Alto Sax, Horn arrangements)

Guests: 

• KEN WHITELEY (Electric Guitar, Hammond Organ, Harmony vocals, producer)
• QUISHA WINT (Harmony vocals)
• SELENA EVANGELINE (Harmony vocals)
• REBECCA HENNESSY (Trumpet, Additional horn arrangements)
• COLLEEN ALLEN (Alto Sax)
• CARRIE CHESNUTT (Tenor Sax)
• ELENA KAPELERIS (Baritone Sax)

Available: live shows, Bandcamp, Spotify, YouTube

Stream the album below

Links: Garnetta and DaGroovmasters, More Garnetta and DaGroovmasters Stories, Album above courtesy of GARNETTA CROMWELL - Topic, More Releases

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Brantford Music Promoter Victor 'Big Vic' Mirco Passes

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Brantford music promotor, Victor 'Big Vic' Mirco. Unfortunately, we do not know the details but we will post them here when we know them.

A word from Lou, our blogger:

I got to know Big Vic well through promoting shows in Brantford. He was always fun to be around and knew a ton about music. I will miss his friendship. RIP Vic.

Social Media Reaction

Bruce Hall, founder of the Grand River Blues Society

So sorry to hear this news of the passing of a good friend. Really enjoyed working with Big Vic on all his shows. He knew how to pack rooms with top notch entertainment. Will miss sparring with him on music trivia for he knew his stuff. Rest in Peace Victor.

Jeanna Jackson

So so sad to hear this, I knew Vic for the 25 years. I owned Brantford Minuteman Press Printing, he always printed the posters and tickets for the show.Vic would sit for hours at the office, talking , laughing crazy jokes i never got....hahaha, Last time I saw him was when he dropped off the coconut heads (from his parents) he had when he was cleaning the house. I have them still hanging on the wall. I will miss him always. xo. And I still have the files for all the old posters he would order. I am sure most are still on the old hard drive. Having some hanging up would be sweet memories of the loss of an amazing person. 

Susan J Neziol

R.I.P. Vic Mirco  aka "Big Vic"...my dear friend ...you were a big part of our teenage years working at Records on Wheels and organizing bus trips...in particular, for me, the Police Picnic bus!  I have been lucky enough to have had you as a life long friend and attend many concerts with you....you will be dearly missed....xo 

Rose Devereux 

Been missing you at the blues for a while! He used to "pay me" in merch to start up the dance floor not that I needed to be persuaded. I miss harassing you  at your table 🤣 I know I have a million more photos like these somewhere and I’ll forever cherish them! The shows are so insanely huge these days im never the first person on the dance floor but it’s probably because we paved the way lol! Rest easy my friend you finally get to meet some of the greats that paved the way! Thank you for always making me feel so special ❤️

Brad Grose

Vic has left a lasting legacy of creating great times and a real celebration of music. A real Community Champion and a dear friend. Godspeed Vic.

You will be missed.

My sincere condolences to the family and friends 🧡 

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Ensemble! Nominated for 2 Cable 14 Impact Awards

It's with pride that we announce that the Ensemble! TV show was nominated for 2 Cable 14 Impact Awards: Outstanding Entertainment Series & Outstanding Social Media Promotion.  The program, created and produced by HBL's own marketer, Linda Fraser, has been showcasing local singer/songwriters for over a decade now.

There's a lot of hard work that goes into each episode of the show. Dave Rave does an incredible, high-energy job as the host of the proceedings.  Eric Bower and Gary Greenland handle the sound wonderfully. The staff and volunteers of Cable 14 are also an integral part of the success of Ensemble!

A big thank you the Clifford Brewing Company for inviting the show to film at their fabulous venue.

Of course, the show couldn't exist without all the talented local musicians who volunteered their time to perform on the show. Thanks everyone!  

We'll all be keeping our fingers crossed for Ensemble! at the awards ceremony on May 28, 2024 at the Westdale Theatre. GOOD LUCK!

Unfortunately, we do not know who the nominees are for any of the categories but if we find out, we'll be posting them here.

Links: Ensemble!, More Ensemble! Stories, More Impact Award Stories

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Previous (Earth Day Videos) - - - Next (Promotor Victor 'Big Vic' Mirco Passes)

Happy Earth Day - Videos by Sultans of String ft Duke Redbird, Neil Young, Bruce Cockburn

Update of 2018 post 

Links: Sultans of String, More Sultans of String Stories, Video above courtesy of Sultans of String

Links: Neil Young, More Neil Young Stories, Video above courtesy of TheMusicExtener



Links: Bruce Cockburn, More Bruce Cockburn Stories, Video above courtesy of BruceCockburnVevo

More Earth Day Videos

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Hamilton's Andre Bisson Reaches New Heights on Latest Album

Hamilton's Andre Bisson shows growth with each new release and the tradition's alive and well with his latest fabulous album, Latchford. The incredible songwriting continues from the previous offerings. On top of that, Andre also now manages to add a bit more of a singer/songwriter, almost folky vibe. There's even a bit of country thrown in the mix. Without sacrificing his trademark funk and soul, the Bluesman has once again expanded his sound to new heights.

Band members:

• Jesse O’Brien (Piano, Organ)
• Mike Rowell (Bass)
• Keagan Early (Drums)
• Pat Carey (Sax)
• Shawn Moody (Trumpet)
• Loretta Hale (Trumpet, Cello)
• Rob Somerville (Trombone)
• Paul Barna (Violin/Viola)
• Quisha Wint (Vocals)
• Selena Evangeline (Vocals)

Guests: Dan Rodrigues (Piano on Enough)

Available: Live shows, Bandcamp, Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube

Stream album below

Links: Andre Bisson, More Andre Bisson Stories, Album above courtesy of Andre Bisson - Topic, More Releases

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Happy Harmonica Day! Videos by Sweet Sammy D, Harpdog Brown, Michael Pickett

Update of 2018 post

Links: Sweet Sammy D, More Sweet Sammy D Stories, Tim Gibbons, More Tim Gibbons Stories, Video above courtesy of Pauline De Rosa



Links: Harpdog Brown, More Harpdog Brown Stories, Video above courtesy of thelointavern



Links: Michael Pickett, More Michael Pickett Stories, Video above courtesy of leeoskarharmonicas

More Harmonica Day Videos

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Previous (Hamilton Arts Awards Short List) - - - Next (New Andre Bisson Album)

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)

Creator

• 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)

Lifetime Achievement

• 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)

Click here for the winners

Links: Hamilton Arts Awards, More Hamilton Arts Awards Stories

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Previous  (Local Blues Supporter Doug Gilmore Passes) - - - Next (Harmonica Day Videos)

Local Blues Supporter Doug Gilmore Passes

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of local Blues supporter, Doug Gilmore.

From the Grand River Blues Society:

Rest in Peace Doug Gilmore (GORFIT) 5-Mar-1953 - 7-Apr-2024

Doug was a long time supporter and a member of The Grand River Blues Society and worked behind the scenes helping transition the former Blues Blast into the weekly GRBS Blues Buzz. He also designed and formatted the Grand River Blues Bi-Monthly Newsletter. In the early years of the Grand River Blues Society, Doug provided assistance with research and music selections for the former Poor Folks Radio Blues Show on CKMS Univ. of Waterloo hosted by DJ Bruce Hall. 

Doug peacefully passed in his 72nd year, surrounded by the love of his family. Son of the late Samuel and Janet Gilmore. Forever cherished and loved by his wife Catherine. Dearly loved father of Jason (Paola) HALL , Erin, Brandon (Amy), and Shaughna (Geoff). Adored Poppa of Madisyn, Brooke and Cole. Doug will be dearly missed by many treasured family members and friends. Survived by his loving sister Shirley (Bruce). He will be fondly remembered by his first wife Maureen Hall-Gilmore. Doug will be missed dearly by his beloved puppy Jake. A celebration of Doug’s life will be held at Toll Funeral Home, 55 Charing Cross St Brantford on Tuesday, April 16th, 2024 from 10am – 11am. Eulogies will be shared in the Chapel at 11am. In Lieu of flowers the family would appreciate memorial donations to the Brant County SPCA.

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Enter to Win 2 Tix to 2024 Blues With A Feeling!

Blues With a Feeling is back for another year!  The annual fundraiser (proceeds go the Bob Pedler Fund) in honour of Blues giant King Biscuit Boy (aka Richard Newell) always features killer Blues acts and this year's no different.

Juno winner Steve Strongman will be headlining the incredible show. Brant Parker will bring his recently reunited Bay City Blues Band to join in the fun. Special guest Carlos Del Junco is gonna be showing off his harmonica virtuosity too. All this for only $30. Click here to buy tickets.

Thanks to the event's promo team, we have two tickets to this not-to-be-missed show to give away. To enter to win please do one (or more) of the following:

• Email blueshamilton@gmail.com with the BWAF in the subject
• Like and share this Facebook post
• Like and RT this X (formerly Twitter) post 

The deadline to enter is Monday, May 6, 2024 at midnight. A winner will be drawn and they'll have until the end of the day to respond. If they don't respond, another winner will be picked.

 

Links: Steve Strongman, More Steve Strongman Stories, Video above courtesy of Mario Toneguzzi

Links: Brant Parker, More Brant Parker Stories, Video above courtesy of Angelo NotoCampanella

Links: Carlos Del Junco, More Carlos Del Junco Stories, Video above courtesy of Stray Music Tracks From DavoRobbo

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2024 Erin McCallum Blues Legend & Legacy Distinctions

From the news release,

The Erin McCallum Blues Legend & Legacy Distinction has just announced the next musician to be recognized with the distinction of “Blues Legend”.  

Upon receiving an official letter detailing the structure and initiative of the Blues Legend & Legacy Distinction, and how his contributions meet the strict criteria, Morgan Davis has accepted the distinction of Blues Legend. 

For over 50 years of musical contributions dedicated strictly to the Blues, singer, songwriter, and guitarist Morgan Davis is recognized with the distinction of Blues Legend.

Links: Morgan Davis, More Morgan Davis Stories, Video above courtesy of Morgan Davis - Topic

In addition to being officially recognized as a “Blues Legend” by title and a physical acknowledgement, Davis has also received full entitlement to recognize up to two eligible musicians of his choice for the “Blues Legacy” distinction.  

Each musician recognized with the Erin McCallum Blues Legend & Legacy Distinction will be recognized for their contributions to the Canadian Blues Collective on the globally accessible platform, The Sound Café.   

Morgan Davis has elected to select two artists to be acknowledged with the “Blues Legend” distinction. Back Alley John (John Carl David Wilson) and Fraser Finlayson are set to be officially recognized alongside Davis on The Sound Café website this spring.  A customized physical representation of the Blues Legacy Distinction will also be awarded to Davis this spring.

Links: Back Alley John, Video above courtesy of Greg Partyka

Links: Fraser Finlayson, Video above courtesy of Cam Hildebrandt

The Erin McCallum Blues Legend & Legacy Distinction recognizes Blues musicians who have made an impact through their contributions to the Canadian Blues Collective. The self-funded, criteria based, and musician-led initiative strives to educate people about the musicians who have been acknowledged via this distinction, serving as its own contribution to the Canadian Blues Collective.   

More BL&LC Stories

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