Thursday, October 10, 2024

Nominees for the 2024 St. Catharines Arts Awards


From the News Release

The City is excited to announce its 2024 St. Catharines Arts Awards nominees, recognizing some of the community’s most talented creatives and their supporters. These outstanding individuals and organizations will be honoured at a celebration on Nov. 3, 2024, at the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre (FOPAC). The Awards Ceremony will begin at 5 p.m. in FOPAC’s Robertson Theatre.

The City is presenting the 2024 St. Catharines Arts Awards in partnership with FOPAC. Tickets are free and can be reserved through the FOPAC box office at stcatharines.ca/ArtsAwardsTickets starting on Oct. 4 at 10 a.m.

“We would like to extend a huge congratulations to our 2024 Arts Awards nominees, all of whom display remarkable passion and commitment to making the arts happen here in St. Catharines,” Culture Coordinator Ashley Judd-Rifkin said. “We can’t wait to celebrate the enormous contributions of these nominees.”

For more information on the St. Catharines Arts Awards, visit stcatharines.ca/ArtsAwards.

Below is a complete list on nominees. Music-related nominees are bolded.

Arts in Education Award

Emerging Artist Award 

Established Artist Award

Making a Difference Award

Patron of the Arts Award

More St. Catharines Arts Awards Stories

Saturday, October 5, 2024

October 2024 Global Music Awards Winners (including a few Canadians)


October 2024 edition of the Global Music Awards.

Gold Medal Winners

Canadian Silver Medal Winners

Canadian Bronze Medal Winners

Friday, September 27, 2024

Jeremiah "Gerry" McCaw Budnark Was Kind-Hearted, Talented and Humble, RIP


It is with sadness that we announce the recent passing of Brantford musician Jeremiah "Gerry" McCaw Budnark. We will post more details as we know them. Our condolences to his family, friends and fans.

Jerry was a singer/songwriter, bassist and an organizer with the Branford Open Stage.

A word from Lou, our blogger.
I was very lucky to consider Gerry a good friend. We always bumped into each other at numerous events (including quite a few Brantford Open Stages). He was always smart, funny, talented and positive. I will miss him dearly.

Social Media Reaction

Dave Jensen

Once again my Heart is heavy with sad news. Our dear friend and supporter of BOS, Mr. Jeremiah Budnark has passed away at The Brantford General. Jeremiah has been battling some health issues and sadly has succumbed to the severity of the situation. Our condolences to Lynn and Michaela who were with him as much as the hospital permitted. 

Jeremiah will be truly missed and I’m sure if there’s a gathering of musicians in the great beyond, he’ll be there.

Rest in peace Mr. Budnark.

Mark McNeil

He was such a sweet, kind-hearted man. He loved being around everything associated with folk music. He loved watching it, singing it, playing his bass guitar to it, and spreading the word. We will certainly miss Jeremiah, the ambassador of all things folk. It's hard to imagine the Brantford Open Stage without him. 

Kathy Moore

Being friends with someone for decades gives you time to really see the good, the bad and the ugly.

Life didn't treat you well, yet you plugged along, day after day, trying to live your best life.

Your songs and your musical talents will live on in the hearts of the people you touched.

Brian sums it up well when he said "Gerry was always humble".  Yes sir, you were.

I know there some amazing friends awaiting your arrival at the Pearly Gates.  Please say hello to them from us.

Miss you already buddy.

Catriona McDonald 

There are people in your life who are so constant, so kind, so much a part of your being that it is impossible to believe that they could ever be gone. Jeremiah McCaw Budnark was one of those people for me. He was part of my life for 30 years, sometimes very frequently, sometimes much less often, but always, always someone I loved. My condolences to those closest to him, Lynn and Mikaela, and his family, and to the many many people whose lives were touched by his music and his wicked humour. He will be very much missed by anyone lucky enough to have known him.

Video above courtesy of Hamilton Blues Lovers


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Saturday, September 21, 2024

Fall Videos by The Nelson Family Bluegrass, Redhill Valleys, Lindy Vopnfjörð


Bassist Al Duffy was Humble, Gracious and Talented (RIP)


It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Toronto bassist Alan "Al" Duffy who recently passed away after a brave fight with cancer. We don't know many details but will post information here once we learn it. Our condolences to his family, friends and fans

Al played with many artists including local acts such as the Brant Parker Band, Pappy Johns Blues Band and Jack de Keyzer.

A word from Lou, our blogger:
I had the pleasure of getting to know Al while seeing him with many bands. He was always funny and friendly and was incredibly talented. I'll miss him

Social Media Reaction

Miles Evans-Branagh (Miles from Nowhere, Pappy Johns Blues Band)

Alan Duffy & I carpooled to most gigs with Josh & The Pappy Johns Band. We talked about pretty much every subject there was to talk about. Drove through snow storms overnight, used his TomTom GPS (as he managed to never covert to the cell phone), nearly ran out of gas more times than I can count. He even pulled over in a traffic jam when I was hungover to let me throw up, (non-judgementally). He was a brother, despite us being nearly 45 years apart in age. 

He was humble, gracious, and always made you feel better about what you were doing, both musically and personally. The absolute definition of a musician who plays to serve the music.

I got to see him a couple times at home over the last while and I have to thank his wife Charlotte for being so kind to me while visiting. Al was as passionate as ever when I visited. Visibly weak, but we talked for hours about music, gear, recording and life. We listened together to a mix he did of a Josh show with the Bay City Blues Band. I hope that recording eventually comes out. The last gig we ever played together, he played all 3 sets until his legs gave out in the encore. All in, all the time. "How's it goin', baby??"

An eccentric, hilarious, & real person to the very end. 

Thanks for all you gave us, Al. 

You will be missed.

Jack de Keyzer

Al Duffy was an integral part of the JdK band for over 20 years. We travelled from Paris to Calgary, Montego Bay to Alert and many points in between. 

A great friend and terrific musician with a wonderful sense of humour, Al brought a lot of joy to a lot of people. He will be greatly missed. Rest In Peace Alan Duffy.

Brant Parker

R.I.P. to my bandmate of 12 years and one of my very best friends Al Duffy . My deepest condolences to Charlotte, Austin and Sam, and all of Al's family, friends and fans .

Joshua Arden Miller (Pappy Johns Blues Band)

Al Duffy could've played bass for whoever he wanted but he chose to make music with us for the last leg of his world tour and I'm forever grateful.  RIP Al.  Love you. 

Links: Brad Krauss, More Brad Krauss Stories, Sean O'Grady, More Sean O'Grady Stories, More Al Duffy Stories, Video above courtesy of Canal Bank Shuffle


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