Our Hamilton Blues Lovers 10th Anniversary Bashwas 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!
Hamilton is well-represented with Jack de Keyzer up for 2 awards (Guitarist of the Year, Producer of the Year. Jack's bandmate Richard Thornton is nominated for Horn Player of the Year. Other Hammertown nominees include Harrison Kennedy (Male Vocalist of the Year), Jesse O'Brien (Keyboardist of the Year) and Cootes Paradise (New Artists of the Year).
Also of note is Colin James' latest album, Miles to Go. It features Hamiltonians Jesse O'Brien (keys, writing), Steve Pelletier(bass)and Tom Wilson aka Lee Harvey Osmond (writing). Also, it's released by Waterdown's True North Records). That disc is up for Recording of the Year. Colin is also tied with Sue Foley for most nominations (6).
Two members of Waterloo's Soulstack, singer Jon Knight and drummer Tom Bona, were nominated as well. Another Waterloo group Elliott and the Audio Kings is in the running in the New Artistof the Year category.
Hopefully, a number of them will bring home the awards at the ceremony on February 4, 2019 at Koerner Hall in Toronto. You can help by VOTING ONLINE! Deadline is December 1, 2018 at 11:59pm.
It is with sadness that we announce that singer, songwriter, bassist, producer Mike Northcottpassed away on November 6, 2018. We will update the information as we get it. He was a member of a number of groups including Banned From Heaven, WJRMand others. He also worked as a producer for various TV shows and other media. Our condolences to his family, friends and fans.
"The Mike Northcott After Party" will be held on Sunday, November 18th from 12 p.m. until 6 p.m. at the Boston Manor in Burlington. We welcome all who loved him to gather on this special day to share music, stories, and friendship in Mike's honour. Donations, in memory, can be made to An Instrument For Every Child at http://hamiltonmusiccollective.ca/
Mike Northcott - lead vocals, bass-Mick (as his rock’n’roll friends call him) has been singing and playing music professionally since he was 18. Originally a drummer, he moved out front where his passionate vocal wailing’s could be better heard above the din of his mediocre drumming. Mick’s day job producing music for children’s cartoons only reinforces his inability to grow up.
A word from Lou, our blogger:
I got to meet Mike a number of times over the years. It was great to see his immense talent on stage and then see his warm, friendly smile as we talked during the breaks. I will miss him.
It is with great sadness we say goodbye to our friend and musical brother Mike Northcott, who passed away today after a brave fight against pancreatic cancer. Love and condolences to Shelly , Bailey and Will and extended family. Going to miss you a lot my friend.
Mike produced our CD The Baladins in 1995 and played bass with us. I loved the production on that record. He was a good friend and a wonderful guy. Sad news.
On Friday, October 26, the 2018 winners of the Hamilton SpectatorReaders' Choice Awardswere unveiled. The special supplemental section featured the best that Hammertown has to offer, including our wonderful music community.
Trebleclef rocked out to the Coachmen and their special guest Dave Rave at the Coach and Lantern in Ancaster. The Coachmen have a Saturday matinee there at 2:30pm with a different guest each week.
This year, the Hamilton Blues Lovers are celebrating a decade of covering the local music scene.
A big thank you to Judy Marsales Real Estate for sponsoring our show. If you are looking to buy or sell a house, we recommend you check them out. Judy has been a fabulous supporter of the music scene.
It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Waterdown Sax Man Peter McFarland. He passed away on October 26, 2018. Peter played with many local artists and was also a member of Groove Corporation. We will add details as we learn about them. Our condolences to his family, friend and fans.
It’s hard to know what to say today. Some of you May already know that Peter McFarland has passed. For those of you who don’t, I’m sorry to be the bearer of the news. Peter was a wonderful person and a great saxophone player. He will be missed in our musical Community. Rest in peace PETER.
I am deeply saddened by the loss of friend and fellow musician Peter McFarland today . He was my favourite local Sax player, the guy who "Got It". Now he can play with the angels.
Peter Griffin
Very sad to hear of the loss of a member of our musical community today. Peter McFarland was a talented musician and a warm gentleman. I am grateful that I had the opportunity to share the stage with him on occasion. He will be missed by many. RIP Pete.
In the early 1990's while a student at McMaster University, I had a job with the City of Hamilton at the municipal golf course cutting the greens. My boss was a laid back, gentle man named Peter McFarland. Soft-spoken, but as an employer, carried a strong authoritative energy that caused you the desire to always do good work. That was one of my favourite jobs and ran the course of 4 years while in school.
Years later my path navigated to music, and eventually owning a club and promoting concerts. It was only then that I figured out Peter was a talented musician. Not once during the 4 years that I worked for him did he mention he was one of the city's best saxophone players. Not one to self-promote, humble and again..soft-spoken.
It saddens me that my friend has passed away today. He will be missed.
He and my father worked together for 30+ years and he was the guy who introduced me to the entire circle of musicians who brought me up as a player when I was a really young kid. He was a hell of a guy and a great player. He’ll be missed.
His Groove Corporation bandmate, Lily Sazz, created this beautiful YouTube video shortly before his passing.
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