Saturday, May 31, 2014

Hamilton Arts Award Winners!


Theatre Aquarius was abuzz on May 29, 2014 when the 2014 City of Hamilton Arts Awards were handed out.  It was an amazing celebration of the best art Hammertown had to offer. 

Local singer/songwriters Lori Yates and Mimi Shaw won in the music categories: Lori for Established Artist and Mimi for Emerging Artist.



Links: Lori Yates, More Lori Yates Stories, Video above courtesy of Angelo NotoCampanella



Links: Mimi Shaw, More Mimi Shaw Stories, Video above courtesy of Homegrown Hamilton

Teacher/musician/marketer Astrid Hepner won for Established Arts Administration. Music student/organizer  Dejehan Hamilton took home the Emerging Arts Administration award. 

Music instructors also dominated the Arts Education categories with Emma Rush (Established) and Sarah Lawrence (Emerging) winning that night.



Links: Emma Rush, More Emma Rush Stories, Video above courtesy of Hamilton Guitar Association

CONGRATULATIONS EVERYONE!

Click here for a complete list of winners.

Links: Hamilton Arts Awards, More Hamilton Arts Awards Stories

Previous (News Roundup w Human Orchestra, James DesRoches, Hazy Maidens, Lily Nazar, Billboard Awards) - - - Next (Ty Baynton Wins Boots and Hearts Showcase)

Thursday, May 29, 2014

News Roundup (Human Orchestra, Billboard Awards, Hazy Maidens, Lily Nazar)


James DesRoches Birthday Monday, June 2
Click pic for video

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          Tim Louis Videos

          http://www.timlouis.com/
          Videos below courtesy of Tim Louis









          Click here for Tim Louis' website

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          Wednesday, May 28, 2014

          Local Artists Win Country Music Association of Ontario Awards

           
          On May 26, 2014, a number of talented area musicians rounded up some Country Music Association of Ontario Awards in Markham.

          St. Catharines country star Tim Hicks continued his winning ways (he already has a Canadian Radio Music Award) by being named Best Male ArtistWaterloo's Western Swing Authority brought home the trophy for Best Roots Artist or Group. Burlington boy Tebey (along with Jason Barry) won Record Producer of the Year for his release, the Wait.

          CONGRATULATIONS!



          Links: Tim HicksMore Tim Hicks Stories, Video above courtesy of Tim Hicks



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



          Links: Tebey, More Tebey Stories, Video above courtesy of Tebey

          Here is a complete list of winners:
          Blast from the Past: Last Year's Winners

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          Videos: Trickbag and Friends@Buddy's Roadhouse (January 18, 2014)

          Trickbag are joined by Dave Rave on Reelin' and Rockin'/The Girl That Radiates That Charm and Sue Leonard on Shake Your Hips.

          Click here if you can't see the videos.



          More Bessie Smith Covers/Stories



          Links: Sue Leonard, More Sue Leonard Stories, More Slim Harpo Covers/Stories



          More Chuck Berry Covers/Stories



          Links: Dave RaveMore Dave Rave Stories

          Blast from the Past: Videos: Trickbag Go Acoustic@Buddy's

          Links: Dave RaveMore Dave Rave Stories

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          Sunday, May 25, 2014

          Best Wishes Debut EP (featuring Scott Orr)

          http://shop.othersongsmusic.com/album/best-wishes-ep
          Best Wishes, the new project from Hamilton singer/songwriter Scott Orr has released it's debut self-titled EP through Other Songs Music. This new band has transported Scott's already unique musical style into wonderous new territory.

          The group includes Toronto's Matt Henderson (Fitness Club Fiasco, Old English) on synths/guitar/programming and Guelph's Eric Fusilier (The City Harmonic) on bass. This collaboration has created an amazing sound that's almost dream-like and atmospheric. 

          The EP is available as both a limited edition CD and a download through the Other Songs Bandcamp page. It can also be downloaded through iTunes.



          Video above courtesy of Other Songs Music

          Blast from the Past:  Scott Orr CDs: A Long Life (Regular and Acoustic)

          Links: Scott Orr, More Scott Orr StoriesMore Releases

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          Thursday, May 22, 2014

          News Roundup (Crawlin' Kingsnakes, Aalia, Mark Lalama, Americana Awards)

          Click pic for video

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            Wednesday, May 21, 2014

            New Bob Bryden CD: Yorkville Days


            Yorkville Days, the first CD from Hamilton music veteran Bob Bryden since 2007 is well worth the wait.  This high-energy folk rock disc boasts some of his best work.

            With skilled storytelling, a powerful voice, rich harmonies and catchy riffs, the album deftly straddles the line between classic hard rock and folk.  It's equally intense and ethereal.

            Bob is aided by Kori Pop, Calvin Roy, Andrew Barbisan as well as Jordan Abraham and David Guild, who also produce the disc.

            The CD can be picked up at his wonderful live shows or downloaded through eMusic or iTunes.

            Blast From the Past: Videos of Bob Bryden@Westside Theatre

            Two videos below courtesy of Dan Zen







            Video above courtesy of Bob Bryden


            Links: Bob BrydenMore Bob Bryden StoriesMore Releases

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            Tuesday, May 20, 2014

            New Harlan Pepper CD: Take Out a Twenty and Live Life to the Fullest

            Hamilton indie folk rock band Harlan Pepper have gone the retro route with Take Out a Twenty and Live Life to the Fullest, their newest album (Released though Six Shooter Records).  This is groovy, psychedelic roots rock that wouldn't be out of place in 1969.

            These free flowing jams veers to and fro from blues to country, rock, folk and all points in between.  Through it all, the band manage to preserve their intensity and modern-sounding alt-folk vocals.

            Produced by Juno winner Colin Linden of the Rodeo Kings, this disc is a wonderful, delicate balancing act of creating something unique while honouring their inspirations.  It's made for dancin' and groovin' or just layin' back and chillin'.

            You can pick up the CD at any of the group's explosive live shows or through the Six Shooter Records Shop.  It can also be downloaded through eMusic or iTunes.

            Videos below courtesy of Harlan Pepper







            Blast from the Past: Harlan Pepper CD: Young and Old

            Links: Harlan Pepper, More Harlan Pepper StoriesMore Releases

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            Sunday, May 18, 2014

            Hamilton Musicians' Guild Honour 25 Year and Lifetime Members


            The Hamilton Musician's Guild celebrated their veteran members at a special ceremony on April 28, 2014.  The union local (part of the American Federation of Musicians) handed out lifetime membership and 25 year pins/certificates to the deserving artists.

            Hamilton music legend, Sonny Del-Rio (Crowbar) was made a lifetime member as was Diane Merinuk, Russ McAllister, Roger Flock and Valerie Tryon.

            Christopher Hunt and John Bianchini were also recognized for over 25 years of membership.

            Click here for pictures



            Links: Sonny Del RioMore Sonny Del Rio StoriesVideo above courtesy of Jim Unsworth

            Blast from the Past: Sonny Del-Rio Receives Diamond Jubilee Medal

            Links: The Hamilton Musician's Guild, More Guild Stories

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            Saturday, May 17, 2014

            New Fearing and White CD: Tea and Confidences

            Former Guelph native Stephen Fearing is continuing his very successful partnership with Belfast singer/songwriter Andy WhiteTea and Confidences, the duo's sophomore CD (released through LowdenProud Records) continues the high quality set by their wonderful debut album.

            Boasting superb harmonies, amazing songwriting craft, funky riffs, sweet lighter moments and much more, the CD offers much to the listener.  These are two musicians at the top of their game.

            Gary Craig (Rodeo Kings) deftly handles percussion on most of the album with a great assist by Hamilton's Ray Farrugia (Lee Harvey Osmond, Junkhouse) on drums.  Jeff Bird of the Cowboy Junkies pops by to lend some superb harmonica work as well.

            On another local note, the disc was recorded at the Cottage in Guelph.

            You can pick up this CD at their live shows or online through MapleMusic.  It can also be downloaded through through iTunes or eMusic.



            Video above courtesy of Amarok50




            Video above courtesy of Hamilton Blues Lovers

            Blast from the Past: Their First CD

            Links: Fearing and White, More Stephen Fearing Stories, More Andy White StoriesMore Releases

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            Thursday, May 15, 2014

            News Roundup (Jacob Moon, Awards, Nash the Slash, Gary Cain)

            Click pic for video

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            Wednesday, May 14, 2014

            New Dark Mean EP: Samuel the Pheonix

            Samuel the Pheonix, the new EP by Hamilton indie-folk band, Dark Mean is quite simply a work of art!  The four songs create a moody, atmospheric, edgy, alt-folk masterpiece.

            With emotive vocals and unique musical arrangements, the band prove that they have something different to offer than just cookie cutter tunes.  This is a rare sonic experience.

            Kori Pop, Adam Bentley (The Rest), Anna Jarvis, Cat Higgins, Bryan Gibson, and Troy Dowding help the guys out in forging this amazing music. It was also recorded, mixed, and produced by Michael Keire.

            So if you feel like listening to something one of a kind, you can download the EP through their Bandcamp Page, eMusic or  iTunes

            Videos below courtesy of Dark Mean.





            Links: Dark Mean, More Dark Mean StoriesMore Releases

            Previous (City and Colour Wins 3 Indie Awards) - - - Next (News Roundup w Jacob Moon, Nash the Slash, Awards, Gary Cain)

            Tuesday, May 13, 2014

            City and Colour Takes Home 3 Indie Awards


            Dallas Green (aka City and Colour) made his hometown of St. Catharines proud by taking home 3 Independent Music Awards  (Single, Artist, and Most Played Artist) on Saturday May 10th, 2014 at the Kool Haus in Toronto.  CONGRATULATIONS!



            Links: City and Colour, More City and Colour Stories, Video above courtesy of City and Colour

            Other highlights include Ottawa's MonkeyJunk winning for Blues Artist, Toronto's The Strumbellas for Roots, BC's Dean Brody for Country and Montreal's Colin Stetson for Jazz.  Montreal rock band
            Arcade Fire also took home a trio of awards.


            Here's a complete list of winners

            Single: City and ColourThe Lonely Life
            Artist: City and Colour
            Most Played Artist: City and Colour
            Blues Artist: MonkeyJunk



            Video above courtesy of the Strumbellas

            Country Artist: Dean Brody
            Jazz Artist: Colin Stetson
            Word Music Artist: Sultans of String
            Rock Artist: Wildlife
            Soul/R and B Artist: Chloe Charles
            Album: Arcade Fire: Reflektor
            Group/Duo: Half Moon Run
            Female Artist: Basia Bulat
            Male Artist: Sebastien Grainger
            Live Artist:  Hollerado
            Songwriter: Mother Mother
            Video: Arcade Fire: Reflektor
            Must Follow Artist: Born Ruffians                                                                       
            Collaboration: Classified ft. David MylesInner Ninja
            Best Selling Release: Arcade Fire: Reflektor
            Emerging Artist (English): Mounties
            Emerging Artist (French): Ponctuation
            Children's Artist: Splash N Boots
            Dance Artist: Rosette
            Electronic Artist: A Tribe Called Red
            Francophone Artist: Karim Ouellet
            Metal Artist: Kataklysm
            Pop Artist: Fast Romantics
            Punk Artist: PUP
            Rap Artist: Shad
            International Group: Vampire Weekend
            International Artist: Janelle Monae
            International Album: Artic Monkeys: AM
            International Singer: Artic Monkeys: Do I Wanna Know?
            International Video: Macklemore and Ryan Lewis: Can't Hold Us

            Blast from the Past: The 2013 Winners

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            Saturday, May 10, 2014

            The Mackinaws Debut Album

            With their self-titled debut album (through Porcelain Records), Hamilton band, The Mackinaws have unleashed an amazing fusion of the modern with the traditional. Blues, roots and folk are all revved up and ready to rock.

            They sound like an indie rock band playing roots music and succeeding beautifully.  Fans of either genre will have something to enjoy on this disc. 

            Grammy and Juno winning producer Steve Bigas is behind the board on this one and he does a wonderful job of giving us a live off the flood sound.

            This fabulous album can be downloaded though the group's Bandcamp Page.



            Video above courtesy of the Mackinaws





            Above two videos courtesy of MSU Broadcast

            Links: The MackinawsMore Releases

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            Tim Hicks and Walk Off the Earth Win Canadian Radio Music Awards!


            Both local artists that were nominated for Canadian Radio Music Awards took some hardware home on May 7, 2014 in Toronto.  St. Catharines boy Tim Hicks won the Factor Breakthrough Award and Burlington's Walk Off The Earth received 4 out of the 5 awards they were nominated for.

            Congratulations!



            Links: Tim HicksMore Tim Hicks StoriesVideo above courtesy of Tim Hicks



            Links: Walk Off The EarthMore WOTE StoriesVideo above courtesy of Walk Off the Earth

            Here's the complete list of winners:

            Previous  (News Roundup w Killin' Time, Rozell Carraro Outfit, Steve Rivers) - - - Next (The Mackinaws Debut Album)

            Thursday, May 8, 2014

            Wednesday, May 7, 2014

            New TG (Tim Gibbons) and the Swampbusters CD: Swamp Tooth Comb

            http://timgibbons.ca/
            Local music legend, Tim Gibbons has triumphantly returned to his rock roots with his latest CD, Swamp Tooth Comb (under the name of TG and the Swampbusters) .  After years showing off his amazing banjo skills, he's picked up the guitar again and proven he can still rock it with the best of them.

            The result is a fabulous mix of country blues rockin' songs.  He even handles the banjo on a few tunes just to remind us that he's a master of that as well.

            You can pick up this album at his live shows or at Dr. Disc and Picks 'N' Sticks.  You'll be glad you did.



            Video above courtesy of Hamilton Blues Lovers

            Blast from the Past: Cootes Leland (aka Tim Gibbons) CD-Trail of Smoke

            Links: Tim GibbonsMore Tim Gibbons StoriesMore Releases

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            Jordan John on Matt Schofield CD: Far As I Can See

            British Bluesman Matt Schofield's newest CD, Far As I Can See has some wonderful local flavour. Talented Oakville boy Jordan John sits behind the drum kit on the disc.  There's even an instrumental called Oakville Shuffle!

            Matt and Jordan are joined by Jonny Henderson on keys and Carl Stanbridge on bass to create this amazing album.  These guys have forged a set of incredibly soulful, high-powered, funky tunes.

            The recording can be purchased through many physical and online stores.  It can also be downloaded through iTunes and eMusic.

            Videos below courtesy of 1AnitrasDance.







            Blast from the Past: Jordan John CD-New Day

            Links: Matt SchofieldMore Matt Schofield StoriesJordan JohnMore Jordan John StoriesMore Releases

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