Today (September 11, 2021) marks the 50th anniversary of the first airing of the Hamilton-filmed Canadian TV classic, the Hilarious House of Frightenstein.
It is with sadness that we announce the passing of St. Catharines drummer Glen Gratto. He passed away on August 31, 2021. Our condolences to his family, friends and fans.
Here is Glen's obituary
Born in St Catharines April 8 1951 – August 31 2021
It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that I share the news that the love of my life and best friend passed away peacefully in his sleep at home, as he wished.
Missing Glen more than ever is our daughter Missy (Lisa) & Jeff Phelps (affectionately known as “Phelpsman”). Grandfather “G Man” was the biggest fan of Luc, Nick, Carson, Bella & Walker Phelps.
He will be forever loved and missed by his sister Cory Bissell and her late husband Martin and their children Colin & Sarah, Devon & Casey.
Father of April Gratto-Gibbs (Nick), Jordan & Conner
Glen Gratto
Alex Gratto (Jessica)
Cassandra Gratto (Dalton), William & Alec
Loving son of the late Chester & Pearl Gratto, brother Larry and son-in-law Jeff Gibbs.
On February 9, 1964, Glen was mesmerized with Ringo Starr playing the drums on the Ed Sullivan show and announced “I can do that”. Glen played for The Kidds, Bull Rush, Madcats, Lee Aaron, Burnside Blues Band and Frank Soda just to name a few. You may have seen him in The Big Story of Small Potatoes with bandmates from the glory days.
Glen admired the musicians he played with, fondly reminisced, told stories and laughed about “the road”. He was a teacher and friend to many.
He loved Jazz, Afro/Cuban, Funk and Country music although “rock straight up” was his niche.
Garage rehearsals and Eller Stock are fond memories.
Glen was an avid, long suffering and forgiving fan of the Toronto Maple Leafs. He loved his Yankees just as much.
Hi sweet love “Pawco” will be missing his dad giving him sausage and eggs from the table and snuggling alongside him.
The “crows nest” will never be the same.
As per Glen’s wishes, there will be no service. Put on your favourite music – pour a drink and raise your glass to a life well lived.
Our family is grateful to Sally NP, RN’s Mychalina, Heather and Trevor, PSW Lindsay, Dr. Butera, Dr. Abonowara, Dr. J Roberts, Dr. Blewett and Dr. Lejnieks.
He was an amazing drummer who performed in many Niagara bands, most notably The Mad Cats. He also recorded with Frank Soda and Lee Aaron. Glen was our first soundman when the band started at The Duck. A great guy, always with a smile and a fierce drummer. Our condolences to his family and friends.
I remember when I came to Toronto in the mid 70's with Thor, drummer John Lechasseur (RIP), and Charlie Towers on bass. Glen was playing in a band called Bullrush, along with Brian Gagnon. They headlined a show in St. Catharines, which included Rushand Mahogany Rush. Later he played and recorded with the Madcats, who were on the same record label Quality Records, that I was on. For my 3rd album Saturday Night Getaway, I recruited Glen and Peter Crowley, with Michael Tilka producing. I toured extensively with Glen and Brian, Doug Raymond and Lorraine Morgan. I will always remember his smile and all the laughs we had..an excellent drummer and friend that I will dearly miss.
Today, September 1, 2021 my beloved maternal grandmother, Maria da Luz Pinto would have turned 100 years old. Unfortunately, she passed away on December 13, 2020 from COVID complications. I miss her every day.
Maria da Luz was born in Portugal and had a hard life in her early years. She lived in poverty, raising five children, a lot of that time on her own. Despite all this, grandma was always one of the happiest people around. I remember her playfulness and how wonderfully fun she was. Grandma is a big part of the man I have become.
I will miss her beautiful smile and her childlike sense of fun.
A diverse group of nominees — shining a light on just how vibrant the city’s arts scene is — are being recognized as part of this fall’s 2021 St. Catharines Arts Awards celebration.
The jury for the event, which annually celebrates the arts community and those who champion it, has made its selection for this year’s nominees. The 17 nominees chosen as finalists range from visual artists to film makers to musicians, and more.
Nominees for the Arts in Education Award, celebrating individuals and groups committed to engaging residents through arts education, include:
Nominees for the Established Artist Award, presented to a professional St. Catharines artist in any discipline who has received critical recognition for excellence in their art practice in St. Catharines and beyond, include:
Nominees for the Making a Difference Award — celebrating entrepreneurs, administrators, organizations and volunteers contributing to the growth of arts and culture — include:
The Patron of the Arts Award, presented to a well-deserving recipient that has made a meaningful contribution to the arts through innovative, transformative, and entrepreneurial partnerships or philanthropic investments, will be announced at a later date.
The 2021 St. Catharines Arts Awards will be presented as a free live-stream event on Sunday, Nov. 21.
On August 14, 1971, the Who released their classic album, Who's Next. To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the recording, here are a few local covers of songs from the LP.
With track names like Mystic Highway 6, Superstition Blues, Devil Blues, and Lucky Juju Hand, there's certainly a lot of incredible hoodoo in Stone Cold Groovers. Magical music permeates this incendiary sophomore album from Hamilton's The Lowdown Dirty Mojos (featuring Paul Wootton and Stephen Foster, formerly of the Crawlin' Kingsnakes).
You can feel the swamp country boogie Blues haunting every song. The essence of the bayou rises up and gets electrified, creating an unforgettable otherworldly sound that just sucks you right in.
Pick up this wonderous album through the band's Bandcamp page.
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