Hamilton Blues Lovers Turns 7 Years Old!

A message from Lou, our blogger:

It was 7 years ago today (November 29) that I created a Kijiji ad announcing to the world that there was a new organization called the Hamilton Blues Lovers.  What started as a small social group evolved into a blog, Twitter feed, Facebook presence, YouTube page, a weekly e-mail newsletter and more.

One of the major highlights of the year was winning a the Hamilton Music Award for best website.  I am truly honoured!  Thank you to all who help support our website.

Another major change this year was the addition of Trebleclef, our cute little monkey mascot. He's been travelling the area meeting amazing musicians and attending spectacular venues!  I hope you've check out his adventures.

I plan to continue covering the wonderful musical scene that we are lucky enough to experience.  Thank you to all the friends I have met in my musical travels.  A special thank you to my beautiful wife Linda for her incredible marketing assistance was well as her love and support.  I LOVE YOU SWEETIE!!!!

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Previous (Western Swing Authority Nominated for Ameripolitan Awards) - - - Next (Preview the Unbelievable Blues Acts Coming to Jet Hall) 

GOOD LUCK! Waterloo's Western Swing Authority Nominated for Ameripolitan Music Awards! Vote for Them!

Waterloo's amazing band, The Western Swing Authority have been nominated in two categories (Western Swing Group and Western Swing Female) of the 2016 Ameripolitan Music Awards.  It's great seeing an incredible local band getting some international recognition!

From the awards website: The Ameripolitan Music Awards were created to benefit and acknowledge artists whose work does not readily conform to the tastes of today’s “country” or other music genres and organizations. It also provides fans with a means of finding these artists and their music.

Links: Western Swing Authority , More WSA Stories, Video above courtesy of TheWSAmusic

Other Canadians in the running are London's Tara Dunphy for Honky Tonk Female, The Neon Stars from Vancouver (Rockabilly Group), Montreal's Bloodshot Bill (Outlaw Male) and Paul Pigat (Rockabilly Male, Musician), who's originally from Toronto and now lives on the West Coast. Former Canadian Redd Volkaert was nominated for Best Musician as well.



Video above courtesy of Tara Dunphy



Video above courtesy of TheNitroGrettsch

You can even help by voting for them by clicking here!  Voting ends December 26, 2015. GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!

Here's a complete list of nominees

Western Swing Group

• Western Swing Authority
• Billy Mata and the Texas Tradition
• JP Cyr and his Radio Wranglers 
• Hot Texas Swing Band
• Carolyn Sills Combo

Western Swing Female

• Stacy Lee Guse (WSA)
• Carolyn Martin
• Kristyn Harris
• Mikki Daniel
• Katie Glassman

Honky Tonk Female

• Tara Dunphy
• Miss Leslie
• Kelsey Waldon
• Margo Price
• Brennen Leigh

Rockabilly Group

• The Neon Stars
• The Bellfuries
• Don Diego Trio
• The B-Stars
• Nathan Belt and The Buckles

Rockabilly Male

• Paul Pigat
• Jinx Jones
• Chris Casello
• Wayne Hancock 
• Scotty Baker

Outlaw Male

• Bloodshot Bill
• Whitey Morgan
• Roger Alan Wade
• Cash O'Riley
• Scott H. Biram

Musician

• Paul Pigat
• Redd Volkaert
• Joel Paterson
• Chris Casello
• Jason Roberts
• Tjarko Jeen
• Rose Sinclair 
• Richard Helsley
• Floyd Domino
• Lisa Pankratz
• Earl Poole Ball 
• Jim Loessberg
• Chris Scruggs
• Bobby Trimble
• Dave Biller

Western Swing Male

• Jason Roberts
• Billy Mata
• Doug Moreland
• Kelly Spinks
• Coby Carter

Honky Tonk Group

• Casey James Prestwood and the Burning Angels
• The Country Side of Harmonica Sam
• The Starline Rhythm Boys
• Jeff Woolsey and the Dancehall Kings
• JP Harris and the Tough Choices

Honky Tonk Male

• Jake Penrod
• Charlie Thompson
• Cale Tyson
• Michael Dart
• Jason James

Rockabilly Female

• Marti Brom
• Sara Dee
• Emmy Lou
• Lara Hope
• BaileyDee

Outlaw Group 

• The Hillbilly Casino
• Dallas Moore Band
• The Ponderosa Aces
• Jason Boland and The Stragglers
• Eric Strickland and the B-Sides

Outlaw Female

• Darci Carlson
• Rachel Brooke
• Bonnie Montgomery
• Tommy Ash 
• Jesse Lafser

Venue

• Icehouse Theater, Selma NC
• Luckenbach, Luckenbach TX
• Sportsmen's Tavern, Buffalo NY
• Lil' Red's Longhorn Saloon, Fort Worth TX
• Knuckleheads, Kansas City MO
• The White Horse, Austin TX
• Skinny Dennis, Brooklyn NY
• The Thirsty Beaver Saloon
• The Nashville Palace, Nashville TN
• Don the Beachcomber, Huntington Beach CA

Festival

• Bristol Rhythm and Roots
• Viva Las Vegas
• Nashville Boogie
• San Angelo Cowboy Gathering
• New England Shake Up

DJ

• Woody Adkins, KOPN 89.5 FM Columbia MO
• Justin Trevino, KEQX 89.7 FM Dublin TX
• Gordon “Big G” Ames KERV 1230 Kerrville, TX
• Timothy Benton KSVY 91.3 FM Sonoma Valley, CA
• Johnny Knoxville and Roger Alan Wade Outlaw Country Sirius/XM Radio 
• James Riley SURF 97.3 FM Flager Beach FL
• Eddie White 2RRR 88.5 FM Sydney Australia
• Ted Branson, KOOP 91.7 Austin, TX
• Elizabeth Cook Outlaw Country, Sirius/XM Radio
• "Cousin" Lynn Joiner WHRB 95,3 FM Cambridge, MA

Blast from the Past: Members of WSA Win 2016 Canadian Country Music Awards

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Previous (News Roundup: Christine Leakey, Ron Hynes Passes, Ian Reid, Cartoons) - - - Next (Hamilton Blues Lovers Turns Seven)

News Roundup (Christine Leakey, Ron Hynes Passes, Ian Reid, Cartoons)

Click here for more of our music toons!

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News

Local

• Barbershop Podcast w Christine Leakey
  
  
  
  Links: Christine Leakey. Video above courtesy of Barber Shop Podcast
• CHCH Video: Tony Sciara's Tribute to Bobby Darin
• Times-Colonist story about Tom Wilson
• Pop the Gator Returns
• New CD Reviews: Human Orchestra, Mike Branton Band, Justin Sawicki

Canada

• Ron Hynes Passes
  
  
  
  
  Links: Ron Hynes, Stream his funeral here if you can't see the video above
  
  
• Nova Scotia Music Award Winners

World

• American Music Award Winners
• Passings: PF Sloan

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The Adventures of Trebleclef, the Hamilton Blues Lovers Monkey

Trebleclef returned to the Black Swan in Burlington to see the James Anthony Band with the legendary Harrison Kennedy.

Click here for more pictures of this event

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He also entered a contest from musician/realtor James Ferris of Judy Marsales Real Estate by posting a selfie.  HE WON A $20 COFFEE SHOP GIFT CERTIFICATE!  Click here to see how to enter.

Click here for more photos

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On Sunday, our little monkey went to the Brantford Station House Gallery to see Ian Reid do an amazing show.  While there, he also checked out some great art by Heather Verplanke.

Ian Reid sings an ode to John Mann of Spirit of the West @ The Station Coffee House And Gallery #BrantfordOnMusic #BrantOnMusic
Posted by Hamilton B. Lous on Wednesday, November 25, 2015

Links: Ian Reid, More Ian Reid Stories, Video above courtesy of Hamilton B Lous

Click here for more photos of the show

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Previous (New Human Orchestra Album) - - - Next (Western Swing Authority Nominated for Ameripolitan Awards)

Hamilton's Human Orchestra Stretch the Boundaries on New Album

Earlier this year, Hamilton band, The Human Orchestra, released an astonishing self-titled full length album.  This recording is the very essence of alt-folk.  They manage to take the folk format and stretch the boundaries to new, incredible heights.

Unique vocals, artistic instrumentation and a splash of the experimental create something entirely original while still preserving its rootsy soul.  If you're looking for something unpredictable and full of energy - you've come to the right place.

You can order a physical CD at the band's magnificent live shows or download it using their Bandcamp page.







Blast from the Past: Human Orchestra on the Barber Shop Podcast

Links: The  Human Orchestra, More Human Orchestra Stories, Videos above courtesy of the Human Orchestra, More Releases

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Previous (New Mike Branton Band Live Album) - - - Next (News Roundup: Christine Leakey, Ron Hynes Passes, Ian Reid, Cartoons)

Remarkable Live Album Captures Oakville's Mike Branton Band at Their Best!

Guaro De Contrebando captures a stunning night of Blues music by Oakville's Mike Branton Band at their hometown bar, the Moonshine Cafe.  That crowd was treated to a remarkable show and now you can share in the fun!

The power trio of Mike along with Wayne DeAdder (bass), Shawn Abedin (drums) are at their best.  The guys serve up hot, funky, sometimes jazzy versions of Blues classics like Rollin' and Tumblin, Spoonful , Mellow Down Easy, and many more.

This Moonshine Records records release can be purchase at Mike's explosive live shows and at the Moonshine Cafe as well.  It's available as a download through cdbaby too.



Blast from the Past: Mike Plays With Michael Pickett and the Mighty Duck Blues Band

Links: Mike Branton, More Mike Branton Stories, Video above courtesy of BluesInBronte, More Releases

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Previous (New Justin Sawicki Album) - - - Next (New Human Orchestra Album)

Hamilton's Justin Sawicki Infuses New Album With Americana, Blues, Folk and Modern Touches

Justin Sawicki has opted for a folkier, bluesier Americana sound on his sophomore self-titled album and the transformation is amazing!  The talented Hamilton singer/songwriter infuses the countrified melodies with a modern, almost alternative aura.

Justin doesn't shy away from either the traditional or the contemporary.  Choosing elements that fit each song  - the selection always works extremely well.  The album runs the emotional gamut as well: good time rhythms share space with heartbreak, melancholia and more.

Joining Justin on this musical excursion is Dan Rodrigues (guitars), Eric Thachuk (bass), Andrew Barbisan (drums, vocals, lap steel), and Erin Aurich (fiddle).  They help flesh out this wonderful sound.

The physical CD should be coming out soon and you can pick it up at his CD Release at the  Artword Artbar in Hamilton on Friday December 11, 2015.  It can also be downloaded now via cdbaby or iTunes.

Blast from the Past: Justin's Debut CD

Links: Justin Sawicki, More Justin Sawicki Stories, Videos above courtesy of Justin Sawicki, More Releases

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Previous (News Roundup: Sloppy Jalopy, HIMA Nominees, Marty Allen, Lots of Monkey Business) - - - Next (New Mike Branton Band Live Album)

News Roundup (Sloppy Jalopy, HIMA Nominees, Marty Allen, Lots of Monkey Business)

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News

Local

• Barbershop Podcast w Sloppy Jalopy
  
  
  
  Links: Sloppy Jalopy, More Sloppy Jalopy Stories. Video above courtesy of Barber Shop Podcast
• Ensemble! TV Show Looking for New Theme
• New CD's: Sounds of Cambridge Vol. 1, Angela Siracusa

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Hamilton Independent Media Award Nominees
(music-related ones are below)

Media Outlet

• Unpack Magazine
• View Magazine
• Urbanicity
• CFMU
• Raise the Hammer
• North End Breezes
• Cut From Steel
• Ignite News
• The Silhouette
• People of Hamilton

Journalist - Arts and Culture

• Kristen Archer (I Heart Hamilton)
• Kevin Barber (Barber Shop Podcast)
• Biljana Njegovan (Cut From Steel)
• Chase March
• Rosemary Baptista (The Weekly Mosaic, CFMU) 
• Cody Lanktree (Hearts documentary) 
• Thomas Allan (Rebuild Hamilton) 
• Rick Taylor (Hamilton Music Notes, VIEW Magazine) 

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The Adventures of Trebleclef, the Hamilton Blues Lovers Monkey

Trebleclef  went to the Collective Arts Brewing open house. The Hamilton company teams up with the artistic community to create wonderful products.

Click here for more pictures of this event

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He also checked out Duane Rutter and Andrew Aldridge w Leonard Burns and Dell at the Staircase Theatre in Hamilton

Click here for more photos from the event

Duane's videos from the show

Leonard Burns and Dell videos from the Show

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Then he attended the wonderful Mike Branton Sunday matinee at Fionn MacCool's Burlington and picked up a copy of Mike's latest amazing CD!

Click here for more photos of the show

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Check out our recent blog post about Trebleclef's visits to two incredible charity events (includes photos and exclusive videos)

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Recently Added

Our Performer List

• Dougy Flyswatter

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Birthdays

Thu Nov 19

• Jimmy Dymond (Overplayers)
• Loralee McGuirl

Sun Nov 22

• Daryl Gray

Mon Nov 23

• Steven Branchaud
• Sonny Del-Rio
• Corin Raymond
• Tom Wells
• Aaron Zukewich

Tue Nov 24

• Jamie Tennant (CFMU/Ensemble)
• Dawn Tyler Watson

Wed Nov 25

• Robin Banks
• Bianca Bernardi
• Jill Johnson (Shotgun Jilly YouTube Page)
• Rebecca Miller

Thu Nov 26

• Tim Jennings (Freedom Train)

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Featured Video



Links: Marty Allen, More Marty Allen Stories, Video above courtesy of Matt Groopie

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Previous (New Angela Siracusa CD) - - - Next (New Justin Sawicki Album)

St. Catharines Songstress Angela Siracusa Hits a Home Run on New EP!

St. Catharines songstress Angela Siracusa has hit a home run with her newest EP, Be Kind.  It's filled to the brim with excellent, well-made tunes that will beg for repeat listens.

While mostly in the singer/songwriter vein, Angela embellishes the tracks with country, soul, pop, rock and even a little funk for good measure.  Her musical explorations make this recording a wonder to listen to.

Aiding Angela on this marvelous endeavor is Jim Casson (who also prodcues), Steve Goldberger and Gayle Ackroyd.  They definitely add a lot of lair to this already incredible project!

The EP is available as a download off her website (click here to listen too).

Blast from the Past: Angela Siracusa Video and more

Links: Angela Siracusa, More Angela Siracusa Stories, More Releases

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Previous (Our Mascot at Local Fundraisers - Incl. Music Video) - - - Next (News Roundup: Sloppy Jalopy, HIMA Nominees, Marty Allen, Lots of Monkey Business)

Trebleclef Reminds You to Please Help Local Charities

Santa agrees with Trebleclef: Please help local charities this Christmastime

As the holiday season approaches, there will be many incredible charity events to attend.  Please remember those less fortunate at this time of year.

Trebleclef, our little monkey mascot, has been experiencing a number of such special occasions and he encourages everyone to attend a few as well.  It'll make ya feel good there's some amazing music sometimes.

For example, there was Share the Warmth, a wonderful winter clothing drive that had a number of remarkable local musicians playing at Gallagher's in Hamilton.

All winter clothing went to the Good Shepherd Centre.  Check them out if you'd like to donate or volunteer.

With Greg Brisco and Friend

Hangin' with Tomi Swick

Click here for more photos of the event.

Shari Dunn and Jonny Kerr (and friends) play Lost in the Light (by Bahamas) at Share the Warmth at Gallagher's Shari Dunn, Jonny Kerr, Tomi Swick, Justin Dunlop, Deeps (mostly off camera playing piano)
Posted by Hamilton B. Lous on Tuesday, November 17, 2015

Click here if you can't see the video above

The 'Share the Warmth' performers jam to 'The Weight' by the Band! Shari Dunn and Jonny Kerr, Shari Dunn, Jonny Kerr, Mark Crissinger, Shelby Kerr, Tomi Swick, Deeps, Greg Brisco, Justin Dunlop
Posted by Hamilton B. Lous on Tuesday, November 17, 2015

Click here if you can't see the video above

Links: Shari and Jonny, Tomi Swick, Mark Crissinger, Deeps, Justin Dunlop, Stumbleweed, Greg Brisco, More Stories/Covers of the Band, Videos above courtesy of Hamilton B. Lous

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Also, Elyse, the daughter of Hamilton musician Kevin MacLean, had a beautiful, unique  7th birthday celebration at Delta High School.  Instead of receiving gifts, the event was to collect toys for the Y108 Children's Fund.  There were tons of activities, food and even Santa popped by.  Great job Elyse - you should be proud.

Elyse and her proud papa, Kevin Maclean

Click here for more information on the Children's Fund.

Click here for more photos of the event.

Click here for a listing of local charities.

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Ensemble! on Cable 14 Accepting Entries for TV Show Theme!

Would you like to be a composer of TV theme song? Here is your chance!

The popular Ensemble! TV show is preparing for its 4th season on Cable 14 in Hamilton! They're collecting recordings from musicians with original music to play on the intro and outro of Ensemble! The chosen artist will receive credit and have their entry played on all Season 4 Ensemble! shows.

As an added bonus, we here at the Hamilton Blues Lovers will offer the selected artist some extra promo on our web page.  We'll create a blog post showcasing your videos and place an ad for your shows and/or latest CD on our site for a month!

Please check out the Ensemble! intro graphic video below and submit your music indicating the intro and outro music selected (about 30 seconds each)

Please contact Linda with your entries at ensemblecable14@gmail.com by November 27th, 2015



Click here if you can't see the video above.

Click here to see the winner

Links: Ensemble!, More Ensemble Stories

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Previous (New Sounds of Cambridge CD) - - - Next (Our Mascot at Local Fundraisers - Incl. Music Video)