More than just a presentation of facts about the legendary Hamilton band, this documentary tells a tale with emotional heft. It explores the legacy and toll the band's taken on it's members. The incredible music and the moving story makes it a great exploration of an unforgettable band.
Here's the documentary:
Video above courtesy of TVO Docs
Guitarist Gord Lewis and bassist Steve Mahon were guest of The Agenda with Steve Paikin before the premiere. Here's the interview:
Video above courtesy of The Agenda with Steve Paikin
Blast from the Past: Teenage Head and other legendary bands @ It's Your Festival
Links: Teenage Head, More Teenage Head Stories, More Documentaries
Local artists are once again well-represented among the nominees for the 2021 Maple Blues Awards. The virtual ceremony will be held on February 1, 2021 and hopefully, our talented musicians will win a few.
Hamilton's Jack de Keyzer is for a whopping five awards. Two of his bandmates (Richard Thornton and Alan Duffy) were nominated for one a piece.
Links: Jack de Keyzer, More Jack de Keyzer Stories, Video above courtesy of Jack de Keyzer
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Also from the Hammer are Smoke Wagon Blues Band (2 nods) as well as their horn player Gordon Achiele (1).
Links: Smoke Wagon Blues Band, More Smoke Wagon Blues Band Stories, Video above courtesy of Corey Lueck
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Hamilton Blues legend Harrison Kennedy (2) and Jesse O'Brien (1) round out the list from Steeltown.
Links: Harrison Kennedy, More Harrison Kennedy Stories, Video above courtesy of Harrison Kennedy - Topic
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The Legendary Downchild Blues Band (with members from the Niagara region and Brantford) is in the running for Entertainer of the Year. Band member Chuck Jackson and Gary Kendall are also up for one apiece.
Links: Downchild, More Downchild Stories, Video above courtesy of Anthony Bernstein
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Kitchener's Matt Weidinger was also nominated for New Artist of the Year.
Links: Matt Weidinger, More Matt Weidinger Stories, Video above courtesy of Matt Weidinger - Topic
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Crystal Shawanda's Church House Blues album from Waterdown's True North Records was also given the nod for Recording of the Year
Links: Crystal Shawanda, More Crystal Shawanda Stories, Video above courtesy of Crystal Shawanda
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Below is a complete list of nominees. Local artists are bolded.
Entertainer
Electric Act
Acoustic Act
Male Vocalist
New Artist
Recording/Producer
Female Vocalist
Guitarist
Piano/Keyboard
Horn Player
Bassist
B.B. King International Artist
Songwriter
Blues With A Feeling Award (Lifetime Achievement Award)
Harmonica Player
Drummer
Change of Perspective, the incredible new album from Hamilton singer/songwriter Will Gillespie is a fascinating mix of styles. Jazzy, rocking, funky, laid back and sometimes tender - the album is packed with character and vitality.
Tracks run the gamut from infectious and theatrical to deep and emotional. Will knows how to tell a interesting story and give it just the right sound. The down to earth, everyman lyrics connect you to the lovely songs.
CD's and vinyl can be purchased vid bandcamp. The album is also available online through bandcamp, Apple Music, Spotify
Stream the album here:
The Hamilton Fringe is pleased to present The Gilded Hammer Awards, the inaugural celebration of achievement in the Hamilton theatre arts. Hosted by Donna-Michelle St. Bernard, this fully accessible online event features The Gilded Hammers awards presentations, local artist performances, Scroll Down digital premiere funded by Canada Council for the Arts and community partners, and a community conversation hosted by theatre collective Femmepire. Tickets for The Gilded Hammer Awards ceremony on Saturday, November 21st are now on sale!
Earlier this month (October 4), Toronto Blues Society co-founder John Valenteyn passed away of a rare blood disorder. Among his many achievements include reviewing many Blues CDs for the Maple Blues newsletter and hosted a long running Blues radio show. Our condolences to his family, friends and fans.
Here are a few social media comments from local artists.
Deepest condolences to friends and family of John Valenteyn. Founding member of The Toronto Blues Society. John was such an amazing friend to the blues community in Canada. I will always remember our very first review from John way back on our very first album. I was so excited I drove to Toronto and picked up a whole bunch of copies for our friends and family. Every review, amazing radio play, and support over the years has meant the world to us. Thank you John RIP
Your selfless dedication to blues music and the people who create it was appreciated more than you may have known. Our last exchange involved you reaching out to me to make sure you received advance access to our new Cootes Paradise album, as you'd be heading up north and wanted to make sure to write a review in the August MapleBlues newsletter. In an industry where anything other than being ignored is really appreciated, you stood out as someone who always acknowledged and appreciated us. You were a true gentleman, and a kind, gentle soul. Deepest sympathies to Brenda, friends, family, and colleagues. Your loss will leave a canyon in the community.
Saddened to hear of the passing of John Valenteyn, one of the true pillars of Canadian blues and the nicest guys you'll ever meet. His passion and knowledge of blues was unrivaled and he supported so many blues artists as co-founder of the The Toronto Blues Society and through his over 30 years as host of The Blues Hour on CJRT and CIUT. Only a few months ago, he reviewed our 50th album for the Maple Blues Newsletter in John's Blues Picks, as he'd done for so many of our albums over the years.
Our sincere condolences to his wife of 46 years, Brenda Valenteyn and family. John will be dearly missed......Chris Antonik
I was fortunate to be a guest on John's show several times, and his review of my first record 10 years ago helped instill the confidence and encouragement I needed to get moving in this business.
RIP John Valenteyn Blues DJ on CJRT and CIUT, long time Toronto Blues Society member, reviewer of thousands of Blues recordings for Maple Blues Magazine and a one time record store sales man who turned so many customers on to blues music (and more) on his shifts. Condolences to his many friends and family.
From the Toronto Blues Society:
After a difficult fight with a rare blood disorder HLH John passed mid day on Sunday October 4 at Toronto Western Hospital according to his wife of 46 years, Brenda Valenteyn. Co-founder of the Toronto Blues Society in 1985, John was a pillar of the Canadian blues community broadcasting at CIUT 89.5 FM for fourteen years following a twenty year run with The Blues Hour at CJRT (now jazzfm). According to life long Port Colborne friend Doug McVicar, John’s first taste of broadcasting at Queens University flipped him from a path in engineering to the Ryerson Radio and Television Arts program and his stint as a producer, leading to years on the air. An avid collector, John travelled yearly to the Chicago Blues Festival trolling the aisles at Bob Koester’s Blues and Jazz Mart while catching live shows at Petrillo Band Shell.
His enormous collection made him a natural member of the Maple Blues Award Steering Committee and monthly Maple Blues newsletter reviewer in John’s Blues Picks. His knowledge and passion for blues recordings and artists made him the leading figure in Canada’s blues history. He will be missed.
Cards to Toronto Blues Society and in lieu of flowers, donations requested to TBS via online or cheques to the office address: 910 Queen St. W. Suite B04, Toronto-ON M6J 1G6.
Media Links
The 2nd episode of the Toronto Blues Society's Pioneer Profile Series put the spotlight on the late Hamilton Blues legend Jackie Washington. Hamilton Spectator music reporter Graham Rockingham and longtime musical collaborator Ken Whitely were part of this wonderful show. It was aired on September 30 is is available on YouTube.
The 2020 Toronto Blues Society Talent Search took place on October 4, 2020 and after a wonderful event, a winner and two runner's up were chosen.
Mike Nagoda and the Spectrum Blues Band took home the main prize.Links: Josh Ritchie, More Josh Ritchie Stories, Video above courtesy of Josh Ritchie Music
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Madison Galloway from Fergus was 2nd Runner Up.
Links: Madison Galloway, More Madison Galloway Stories, Video above courtesy of Madison Galloway
CONGRATS EVERYONE!
From the news release
October 5, 2020 - The Toronto Blues Society (TBS) is extremely excited to announce that Mike Nagoda and The Spectrum Blues Band is the winner of this year’s edition of the annual Talent Search.
After narrowing the field to six finalists who showcased on Sunday, October 4th, and after careful deliberations, the jury selected Mike Nagoda and The Spectrum Blues Band as the champion, with Josh Ritchie as the first runner-up, and Madison Galloway as the second runner-up.
The judges for the 25th edition of the TBS Talent Search were Sarah Kim Turnbull (Artistic Director of Markham Jazz Festival), Diana Webley (Harbourfront Centre Senior Producer), Josh Grossman (Toronto Jazz Festival Artistic Director), and Kris Kane (Southside Shuffle Festival Chair) .
"Six solid and diverse performers graced the stage at Bar Twelve 16 in Etobicoke but the judges managed to select Mike Nagoda as the deserving talent on this rainy Sunday!", said TBS President Derek Andrews. "The new venue was forced to move the show indoors due to cold weather and a strong TBS team delivered a rare live event for the physically distanced gathering. We look forward to supporting Mike with his package bounty!"
"This year’s 6 finalists of the TBS talent search were all of fine caliber. Each one delivering unique Blues performances that had the fans & judges smiling in delight & tapping their toes. It was not an easy task for the judges to select a winner but their unanimous selection was made", said TBS Vice President Lucie Dufault. "Congratulations to Mike Nagoda & The Spectrum Blues Band, the winner of the 2020 Toronto Blues Society Talent Search."
Mike Nagoda and The Spectrum Blues Band takes home a professional development package that includes:
The six finalists were (in alphabetical order):
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Blast from the Past: Last Year's Winner
Links: More TBS Talent Search Stories
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