Monday, July 31, 2017

Local Super Fan Gary DePodesta Passes


It is our sad duty to report that Hamilton music super fan, Gary DePodesta passed away on July 22, 2017. A service will be held at Bayview Mausoleum (740 Spring Gardens Road, Burlington) at 11:00 am on Thursday, August 3, 2017. Our condolences to his family and friends.

Click here for his obituary.

A word from Lou, our blogger:
Gary was one of the first people to get involved with the Hamilton Blues Lovers. He was a passionate local music supporter and became a good friend to my wife and me. I'll miss his good nature and wonderful conversations about music.
Other online comments about Gary:

Donna Panchezak (Trickbag)
Shocked and deeply saddened by the sudden death of a long time supporter of music and our dear old friend, Gary DePodesta. Gary would appear at many of our Trickbag gigs, cheering us on over the years. He volunteered in many various organizations and especially the Festival of Friends of which he was so looking forward to attending the first year back in Gage Park. He was a sweet and gentle soul and will be dearly missed. RIP dear friend...God's speed.
Paul Langille
A kind gentle soul has left the Hamilton community, may peace be with him.

Previous (News Roundup: Kenny Shields, Steve Murphy, SOCAN Songwriting Prize) - - - Next (Uncommon Instrument Videos: Vaudevillian, Steelpan & Vibes, Mark Baum)

Tuesday, July 25, 2017

Local Music Supporter Greg Peltz Passes


It is with sadness that we announce the passing of local music supporter Greg Peltz, who lost his battle with cancer on Thursday July 20, 2017. He was known as a hardcore fan and hosted wonderful music parties in his amazing barn. Our condolences to his family and friends.

We will post more information here as it comes.

Click here for his obituary.

A word from Lou, our blogger:
Greg was a wonderful man who always had a smile for everybody. I loved going to his incredible parties and experiencing fabulous music. He was always a friendly, gracious host and his love of music was infectious. I'll miss him greatly.
There were a number of touching comments on social media:
He brought joy and fun into our lives through his amazing hospitality and love of music and parties. We have wonderful memories of our times at his farm in sunshine and rain (but mostly rain!) enjoying great music and even better company.
You were a true gentleman, a kind soul and the kind of guy that pulled his community together like no one I know
You were always an amazing neighbour...always willing to lend some advice, a tool, some labour....anything at all. You were very much like a big brother to me dude and I appreciated that more than you would ever know. You're going to be missed greatly.
In this life you gave it your all Greg with many good friends to show how much you are loved! 
Here's a video from his YouTube page.



Links: All Night Mule, Les Smith, Mark McNeil, Dan DufourVideo above courtesy of Greg Peltz, More Howling Wolf Covers/Stories, More About Greg's Parties

Previous (Assorted Jazz and Blues Videos) - - - Next (News Roundup: Kenny Shields, Steve Murphy, SOCAN Songwriting Prize)

Saturday, July 22, 2017

Red Hot Jazz and Cool Blues @ Royal Botanical Gardens, Incl. Videos


There are only a few weeks left of the Red Hot Jazz and Cool Blues shows at the Royal Botanical Gardens in Burlington. Every Wednesday from 6:30pm to 9pm you'be able to hear some incredible music in a beautiful flowery setting. All it takes is admission to the gardens (members are always FREE).

July 26, 2017: Joel Johnson



Links: Joel JohnsonMore Joel Johnson StoriesVideo above courtesy of BluesJohnson

August 2, 2017: Genevieve Marentette



Links: Genevieve MarentetteVideo above courtesy of Julio Clavero

August 9, 2017: Steven Taetz



Links: Steven Taetz, Video above courtesy of Steven Taetz

August 16, 2017: Spencer Mackenzie



Links: Spencer MackenzieMore Spencer Mackenzie Stories, Video above courtesy of Angelo NotoCampanella

August 23, 2017: Carol Welsman



Links:Carol Welsman, Video courtesy of Mark Steyn

August 30, 2017: Andria Simone



Links: Andria Simone, Video above courtesy of Andria Simone

September 6, 2017: Samantha Martin and Delta Sugar

Friday, July 21, 2017

News Roundup (Polaris Short List, Passings, Travelling Beer Bellies)


News

Local
Canada
Passings

Featured Video

Wednesday, July 19, 2017

Lunch Time Music @ Gore Park in August


Every summer, Gore Park in Hamilton is host to some incredible music. Tuesday - Fridays in August from 12-2pm there will be some amazing talent performing in the open air!

Here's the complete schedule
Tue Aug 1, 2017: Hardwood (ft Troy Harmer and Steve Tomalty)



Links: Troy HarmerMore Troy Harmer StoriesVideo above courtesy of Troy Harmer Live In Concert At Your Place, More Bowie Covers/Stories

Wed Aug 2, 2017: Kyle Pacey Trio
Thu Aug 3, 2017: Escapade
Fri Aug 4, 2017: Further the Lion 
------------------------------------------------------------- 
Tue Aug 8, 2017:  Brenda Brown Trio
Wed Aug 9, 2017: Monterey Jack
Thu Aug 10, 2017: Em and Joce



Links: Emily KempVideo above courtesy of Emily Kemp

Fri Aug 11, 2017:  Sloppy Jalopy
------------------------------------------------------------- 
Tue Aug 15, 2017:  Alfie Smith
Wed Aug 16, 2017: Roberts and Shea
Thu Aug 17, 2017:  Cowboy Quartet (ft Tiny Bill Cody, Mimi Shaw, Jeffrey Griffiths, Orange McFarland)
Fri Aug 18, 2017:  Delta Overdrive Band 



Links: Delta Overdrive Band, Video above courtesy of the Delta Overdrive Band
------------------------------------------------------------- 
Tue Aug 22, 2017: The George Arnone Big Band
Wed Aug 23, 2017: Lip Sync Battles
Thu Aug 24, 2017: Nick Pacheco



Links: Nick Pacheco, Video above courtesy of Nick Pacheco

Fri Aug 25, 2017: Knee Deep
-------------------------------------------------------------  
Tue Aug 29, 2017: Aubrey Wilson Quartet



Links: Aubrey Wilson, More Aubrey Wilson Stories, Video above courtesy of aubreywilsonquartet

Wed Aug 30, 2017: Dulamon
Thu Aug 31, 2017: The Kirkendolls
Have fun! 

Previous (The Commissionaires ft Jacob Moon + Joel Parisien Debut Album) - - - Next (News Roundup: Polaris Short List, Passings, Travelling Beer Bellies)

Tuesday, July 18, 2017

Hamilton's Jacob Moon and Niagara's Joel Parisien (The Commissionaires) Team Up for Electrifying, Soulful Album


Hamilton's Jacob Moon and Niagara's Joel Parisien have combined their considerable talents in an amazing new project: The Commissionaires.  Shelter Me, their electrifying debut album, is the result of this incredible melding.

Packed full of spiritual and soulful cover songs, the recording proves without a doubt that they make a superb duo. With unbelievable harmonies, good old-fashioned rock and some gospel thrown in, Shelter Me is a wondrous musical showcase. The two do justice to songs originally performed by Buddy and Julie Miller, Ben Harper, Ray Charles, Stevie WonderJonny Lang and more.

They have an amazing team behind them as well: Richard Moore (bass), Mark McIntyre (bass), Lyle Mozan (drums), Joey Landreth (slide guitar, backing vocals), Chantal Williams (vocals), Quisha Wint (backing vocals) and Robyn Pauhl (backing vocals).

You can grab a copy of the CD at any of their solo/group live shows. It's also available through Jacob's online shop, the band's online shop or cdbaby.



More Stevie Wonder Covers/Stories





More Buddy Miller Covers/Stories

Blast from the Past: Great Jacob Moon Compilation Album

Links: CommissionairesJacob MoonMore Jacob Moon StoriesJoel Parisien, More Joel Parisien Stories, Videos above courtesy of Jacob MoonMore Releases

Previous (Local Canadian Country Music Association Award Nominations) - - - Next (Videos: Troy Harmer, Em & Joce, Delta Overdrive, Nick Pacheco, Aubrey Wilson)

Sunday, July 16, 2017

GOOD LUCK! Local 2017 Canadian Country Music Association Award Nominations


This year's Canadian Country Music Award Association Award nominees were recently announced and it once again boasted a number of area musicians in the mix.

St. Catharines country boy, Tim Hicks can't seem to stop being nominated and winning awards and he's continued on here.  Tim's up for 3 categories (Male Artist of the Year, Interactive Artist or Group of the Year and Recording Package of the Year)



Links:  Tim HicksMore Tim Hicks StoriesVideo above courtesy of TimHicks

Cambridge songstress, Shae Dupuy is running against Tim for Interactive Artist or Group of the Year as well. Also from that city is Rich DaSilva (Drummer of the Year).



Links: Shae DupuyMore Shae Dupuy StoriesVideo above courtesy of Shae Dupuy

The Waterloo area is also teeming with nominees thanks to Shane Guse (Fiddle Player of the Year, Special Instrument Player of the Year) and Jimmy Boudreau (Drummer of the Year). Both are from the group, Western Swing Authority . Barrytone Studios (also from the Waterloo region) received a nod for Recording Studio of the Year.



Links: Western Swing AuthorityMore WSA StoriesVideo above courtesy of TJ Social

Brett KisselDean Brody and the James Barker Band lead the pack with 6 nominations each.

We'll be keeping our fingers crossed for them on September 10, 2017 during the awards ceremony at the SaskTel Centre.

GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!

Male Artist
Interactive Artist or Group
Album
Fans' Choice Award
Female Artist
Group or Duo
Roots Artist or Group
Rising Star
Single
Video
Songwriter(s) 
Bass Player
Guitar Player
Keyboard Player
Steel Guitar Player
Music Director (Large Market)
Music Director (Medium/Small Market)
Booking Agency
Country Club
Country Festival, Fair or Exhibition
Country Music Program or Special
Management Company
Music Publishing Company
Record Company
Record Company Person
Record Producer(s) 
Retailer
Talent Buyer or Promoter
Video Director
Links: Canadian Country Music AssociationMore CCMA Stories

    Previous (News Roundup: Top Canadian Jazz, Rough Trade, John Blackwell Jr)

    Friday, July 14, 2017

    News Roundup (Top Canadian Jazz, Rough Trade, John Blackwell Jr)


    CBC Music List: Best Canadian Jazz Artists under 35

    News

    Local
    Canada
    World

    Tuesday, July 11, 2017

    Burlington's Melissa Bel Creates Soulful, Powerful Pop on Latest Album


    Burlington songstress Melissa Bel embraces her inner pop diva on her latest album, In the Light.  Unlike other similar artists, she's not sacrificing soul and melody to do so.  It's an amazing, tasty blend of modern sounds with old-fashioned goodness stirred in.

    Her voice takes charge of every single song and imbues it with soul, power, fragility or whatever else it needs.  Melissa takes on many vocal roles and does an incredible job with all of them.  The result is a fabulous album with a surprise on every track.

    You can pick the CD up at her rare live shows (she spend a lot of time in the UK now) or via her online shop. It can also be downloaded through iTunes and eMusic.







    Blast From the Past: Melissa Bel Album - Don't Forget to Breathe

    Links: Melissa BelMore Melissa Bel StoriesVideos above courtesy of Melissa BelMore Releases

    Previous (Dan McKinnon Wins Toronto Blues Society Talent Search) - - - Next (News Roundup: Top Canadian Jazz, Rough Trade, John Blackwell Jr)

    Monday, July 10, 2017

    CONGRATS! Guelph's Dan McKinnon Wins Toronto Blues Society Talent Search


    Guelph's own Dan McKinnon beat out five other contestants in the Toronto Blues Society Talent Search on Saturday, June 24, 2017.

    Dan had the following to say on his Facebook page:
    First and foremost, I have been totally floored by the outpouring of best wishes and love from everyone across social media. It was a privilege to perform at yesterday’s Toronto Blues Society Talent Search! and taking home first place was such an honour. A day later, it still seems surreal. 
    Yesterday’s events would not have been possible without the help I have received over the years from family, friends, and a countless number of people in the music community both here and elsewhere. From the musicians I’ve had the pleasure of sharing the bandstand with to the people who have provided me with opportunities to hone my craft and others who have always been supportive of what I do, I don’t think I could express how grateful I truly am. Thank you for being a part of this journey that I can promise is only getting started. 
    If there is a lesson I could pass on from this experience, it would be the value of staying persistent. Prior to this year, I had applied to perform in the TBS Talent Search six times. With each ‘no’, I spent more time in the woodshed with the goal of trying to get better so that eventually, I would get my shot. 
    Regardless of what you’re chasing, just because it isn’t happening today doesn’t mean it isn’t going to happen someday. Nothing is truly out of reach if you continue to keep at it.
    By being crowned the winner, Dan receives



    More Junoir Wells Cover/Stories



    More Howlin' Wolf Covers/Stories



    More Bukka White Covers/Stories

    First runner up was Bad Luck Woman and Her Misfortunes and Catriona Sturton was second.

    CONGRATS!

    Saturday, July 8, 2017

    CONGRATS! Hamilton's Daniel Lanois Earns Order of Canada Medal


    To celebrate Canada's 150th birthday, there were 99 people honoured at this year's Order of Canada gala on July 1, 2017. Representing Hamilton was music legend and highly respected producer Daniel Lanois, who received the title of Officer of the Order of Canada.



    CONGRATS Daniel!

    Links: Daniel LanoisMore Daniel Lanois StoriesVideo above courtesy of Shaun Ledding

    Music-Related Honourees
    Other Notable Honourees

    Previous (News Roundup: Global Music Awards, Tomi Swick, Trebleclef @ Dundurn Castle) - - - Next (Dan McKinnon Wins Toronto Blues Society Talent Search)