Videos: 1st Annual Hamilton Blues and Roots Festival

Links: Trickbag, More Trickbag Stories



Links: Terra Lightfoot, More Terra Lightfoot Stories



Links: Steve Strongman, More Steve Strongman stories



Links: Fry Truck, More Fry Truck Stories, Video courtesy of Fry Truck 

Click here for pictures of the festival 

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Previous (New Melissa Bel CD) - - - Next (News Roundup w Podcasts, Kimberley Wetmore and Douglas Watson)

News Roundup (Mike Almas, John M Crawford, Clapton)

Local

• Two iTunes singles from Kathleen Edwards: I Make The Dough, It Must Have Been Love
• Melissa Bel iTunes single: All the Wrong Things
• Cactus fest plans move to Driving Park
• Dan Medakovic co-writes first single off of Tim Magwood's new album

Canada 

• Blues and Roots radio

World

• Passings: Alvin Lee (Ten Years After), Bobby Rogers (Miracles), Richard Street (Temptations)
• Poster of Al Pacino as Phil Spector
• Eric Clapton says he'll stop touring at 70
• Podcasts: SA Blues 180, Nothing But the Blues 233

Blasts from the Past

• 2009: New Tewlips CD 
• 2010: Videos by Michael Pickett, Fathead, and Pappy Johns Band
• 2011: Duane Rutter's 48-Hour Guitarathon 
• 2012: Davy Jones (Monkees) passes, Video by Psychedellicatessin, more

Featured Videos
  


Links: Mike Almas, More Mike Almas Stories, Video courtesy of Stephen Shelton



Links: John M Crawford, More John M Crawford Stories, Video courtesy of Stonecrafter01

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Episodes of Ensemble Music TV Show on YouTube

Ensemble is a music-based TV show on Cable 14 Hamilton that features four singer/songwriters per episode.

The show runs on Saturdays at 10pm and Sundays at 9pm.  There is a new episode each month or so.  You can also watch the program online with their live feed if you are a Cogeco, Shaw, or Source Cable subscriber.

Recently, many of the episodes were placed on Cable 14's YouTube page.

Here's what they have so far . . .



Episode 1: Duane Rutter, Cindy Dell, Brennagh Burns, Les Smith (Trickbag)



 Episode 2: Dan Medakovic, Tiny Bill Cody, Kim Koren, Paul Langille



Episode 3: J.P. Riemens, Sue Sweetman (Barn Katz), Joe Clark, Steve Strongman



Episode 4: Steve Sinnicks, Melissa Bel, Mike Todd, Mo' Kauffey

We will be posting more episodes as they become available. . .

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Fry Truck@Artword Artbar (September 15, 2012) Part 2 - Full Band

Left to Right: Dan Medakovic, Matt Coleman (violin), Mike Trebilcock, Dave Pomfret, Chris Wheeler (slide guitar), Carrie Ashworth (bass), Linda Duemo (drums)







Bonus video (courtesy of MumbleMod007) featuring Linda Duemo's band




Click here for Part 1 (the solo set)

Blast from the Past: Videos of Fry Truck and Others

Links: Fry Truck, More Fry Truck Stories

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Fry Truck@Artword Artbar (September 15, 2012) Part 1 - Solo Set

Dan Medakovic (banjo, vocals), Dave Pomfret (guitar, vocals), Chris Wheeler (slide guitar)









Mike Trebilcock (guitar, vocals), Dave Pomfret (guitar), Matt Coleman (violin)


Click here for Part 2: Full Band

Blast from the Past: Fry Truck@This Ain't Hollywood

Links: Fry Truck, More Fry Truck Stories

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Vote for the Canadian Music Party

HBL (Hamilton Blues Lovers) Inc doesn’t usually get involved in politics but we’ve decided to help spread the good word about the newly formed Canadian Music Party. A few local musicians were tired of the current political climate and decided to take matters into their own hands.

Our very own blogger, Lou, was put in charge of propaganda. “We think it’s about time musicians had a say in how this country is run,” he explained.

“At our last meeting, we chose singer/songwriter/artist Tom Wilson as our leader and hopefully, the next Prime Minister,” Lou added, “There were many worthy candidates. In the end, it was hard to ignore Mr. Wilson’s passion and commitment (not to mention his height) when the final tally was counted.”

Mr. Wilson and the party have already outlined the main points of their future election campaign:

• Immediate decriminalization of marijuana
• All government business will only start after 2 pm.
• Groupies can now be listed as dependents on income tax
• Instruments can now be listed as dependents on income tax
• Requesting “Mustang Sally” or “Freebird” is punishable by life in prison
• Stealing musical instruments will be punishable by death
• Musicians to get LCBO tax discounts
• Hamilton will become the Canadian capital
• "Oh Canada" to be replaced by "Oh What a Feeling" as the national anthem
• The Queen will be replaced by King Biscuit Boy on all money
• Frankie Venom will be put on the $50 bill.
• Jackie Washington will now be on the $100 bill

Even though the next election is still far away, the party have already started hiring for various positions:

• Head of security: Shawn Brush, the Krooked Cowboy
• Head of the Children's Taskforce: Paul Langille
• Minister of the Environment: Dan Medakovic
• Minister of Transportation: Mark Vanderheyden

With this many musicians in one place, Lou says they were going to advertise a groupie wrangler position but luckily, local music fan and videographer Jill Johnson graciously accepted the job as an unpaid volunteer. “We’d like to thank Jill for her selfless act and for saving us some money. I’m sure she’ll take real good care of those groupies!”

So please remember to vote for your local CMP candidate when the next election rolls around. We need to put some more groove into Canadian parliament.

If you’d like to volunteer, please contact our volunteer coordinator, Ms. Luigi at 905-555-5555. For all other information, please call our secretary April Fulcilli at the same number.

New Mark McNeil and Kris Rochard CD: Shiny Things and Other Distractions

Hamilton singer/songwriter Mark McNeil and Toronto's Kris Rochard (both formerly of the Lowest Lanes) have teamed up for an amazing CD, Shiny Things and Other Distractions.

Mark's usual roots/country sound is enhanced by Kris' more modern pop-like sensibilities. Her sultry voice is a great contrast to Mark's rougher vocals. This combination gives the disc an eclectic, energetic feel.

Shiny Things weaves in and out of genres with ease. We have the funkiness of the title track, the country sounds of Outlaw of Love and the softer feel of Sunny Days With You (a runner-up in the International Song of the Year competition).

The duo are joined by Les Smith (Trickbag) on harmonica and harmony vocals, Mark Volkov on sax, and Derek Evernden on additional guitar. Mark and Dan Medavoic produced the disc.

As an added bonus, the physical CD can be purchased in a distractingly shiny metal case or standard cardboard packaging - both of which can be purchased at their live shows. The album is also available as a download on their Bandcamp web page.

Click here for song samples

Links: Mark McNeil, More Mark McNeil stories

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12 Videos of Christmas 2011: 5-8

Links: Dave Rave, More Dave Rave Stories, More Rick Andrew Stories, Download album on iTunes



Links: James Anthony, More James Anthony Stories, Download Album from iTunes



Links: Dan Medakovic, More Dan Medakovic Stories, Video courtesy of Dan Medakovic



Links: Famous Framus, More Famous Framus Stories, Video courtesy of Spankndakota

Click here for videos 1-4
Click here for videos 9-12

Fry Truck - Unplugged@This Ain't Hollywood (October 13, 2011) Part 2

All videos courtesy of the Fry Truck YouTube page













Click here for Part 1

Links: Fry Truck, More Fry Truck Stories

Fry Truck - Unplugged@This Ain't Hollywood (October 13, 2011) Part 1

All videos courtesy of the Fry Truck YouTube page

Click here for Part 2

Links: Fry Truck, More Fry Truck Stories

Cool You Tube Videos (The Heartbroken, Fry Truck, Burnin' Ethyl)

Videos courtesy of meejoebee

Links: The Heartbroken - More video from this performance





Videos courtesy of meejoebee

Links: Fry Truck





Videos courtesy of Mama Loves Music

Links: Burnin' Ethyl - More Burnin' Ethyl Stories

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Local YouTube Videos (Ginger St. James, Dan Medakovic, Uncorked)

Videos Courtesy of Mama Loves Music

Links - More videos from this performance - Ginger's Site - More Ginger St. James Stories

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Videos courtesy of Dan Medakovic.

Links: Dan Medakovic - More Dan Medakovic Stories

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Video courtesy of 6 String Junkie.

Links: Uncorked Site

Dan Medakovic, Rob Cunney, and Matt Coleman@West Town (August 24,2010)

Click here if you can't see the videos.

Links: Dan Medakovic - More Dan Medakovic Stories

Blues News Bites (Medakovic, Kirby, Dawn Larsh)

Local

• Mississippi Kings are Now Called City and the Sea
• View Magazine: Lee Harvey Osmond Cover Story, Hamilton Music Notes -Wilson Family Forgery/Blues With a Feeling 

World

• Podcasts: SA Roots and Blues #118, Murphy's Saloon #181, Nothing But the Blues #88, Roadhouse#274 
• Door Members to Tour with Voice Behind Rock Star Movie
• Mick Jagger Speaks Out For Legalized Drugs
• Bob Dylan's Like a Rolling Stone picked as best song of all time
• Joe Bonamassa's supergroup (featuring Deep Purple's Glenn Hughes and Jason Bonham) is now called Black Country Communion 

Featured Videos

Dan Medakovic: Karma's Gonna Get You


Kirby: Where to Begin


Broken by Dawn Larsh and Frank Koren

Blues News Bites (Patrick Lawton, Dan Medakovic, Mary Simon)

Local

• New Ariana Gillis Blogpost
• Pictures from John Ellison's Gala Fundraiser in Snap Magazine
• View Magazine: Caretakers Cover Story 

World

• SA Blues and Roots #117 , Nothing But the Blues #85, Roadhouse Blues # 271
• Folk Singer Susan Reed Passes

Featured Videos

Patrick Lawton: Boogie for the Doctor


Dan Medakovic: Sailing


Mary Simon: Big Sore Heart

Blues News Bites (Petko, Daniel Lanois, Medakovic)

Local

• Country Star Alan Jackson Releases CD with Title Track Written by Fred Eaglesmith

 World

• Podcasts: Murphy's Saloon #178, Roadhouse#266, Nothing But the Blues #80
• Rock Photographer Jim Marshall Passes 
• Jimi Hendrix Coming to Rock Band

 Funny/Weird Stuff

• Kiss - Detroit Rock City (Reggae Version)

Featured Videos

George Petko and the Soul Shifters@Corktown


Daniel Lanois: Birth of Bellavista Nights


New Song by Dan Medakovic

Design Hope Songwriter's Project - Love is Everything CD

Every year, around Christmastime, some of the best local artists gather to create an Incredible CD. On November 15, 2009, volume 4 of the Design Hope Songwriters Project was unleashed to the world. Proceeds from these amazing collections go to help feed and shelter the homeless.

This year's talent crop include, Christopher Clause, Fred D Smith, Isobelle Gunn, Josh Lamothe, Chris & Christa, Dan Medakovic, Kim Koren, Bob Bryden, Lisa Winn, Hailey Gillis, Amy King, Kori Pop, Shawn Brush, Jude Johnson, and Shelly Addams.

The CD will be available at the front desk of the Spectator, many local retailers, and through the Design Hope web site.

Click here for more Design Hope Stories.

Below are a few videos from the CD Release party - If you can't see the videos below, click here - Click here for the previous videos from the show. More will be posted soon.

Left to right: Christopher Clause, Zander Lamothe, Frank Koren


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Left to right: Amy King, Christopher Clause, Josh Lamothe, Zander Lamothe, Rob Lamothe


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Hailey Gillis (vocals, keys), Zander Lamothe (drums), Kim Koren (harmony vocals)

Design Hope CD Release Party - Nov. 15, 2009

Fred D Smith,(vocals), Karen Corinth (harmony vocal), Frank Koren (guitar, left), Zander Lamothe (drums), Christopher Clause (bass, right)


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Chris and Christa, Frank Koren (guitar, left), Amy King (keys), Zander Lamothe (drums), Christopher Clause (bass, right)


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Dan Medakovic (vocals), Colin Lapsley (keys), Kim Koren (harmony vocals), Zander Lamothe (drums), Michael Hickey (Trickbag, bass), Anthony Medakovic (guitar, right)


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Kim Koren (vocals), Frank Koren (guitar, left), Colin Lapsley (keys), Zander Lamothe (drums), Marrakech Koren (Bass, right)


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Jude Johnson and Randall Hil



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Click here to purchase/download any of the Design Hope CD or donate money to help the Out of the Cold program.

New Mark McNeil CD: Greetings From Hamilton

Spectator reporter and musician, Mark McNeil recently released his third recording: Greetings from Hamilton.

The six songs on the EP showcase Mark's expressive voice, and his amazing talent with various instruments: guitar (acoustic, electric, Hawaiian, slide), bass, ukulele, banjo and mandolin.

The music is an incredible combination of folk, country, pop and many other styles. There is even a little reggae-esque feeling on the first track, Early Bird.

Lyrically, the album is a wonderful look at the many facets of Hamilton. Mark writes about his experiences in his adopted city (he's originally from Ottawa but has lived here for over 25 years).

"It's kind of a postcard to friends from long ago - to say I'm having a good time and I don't think I'll be moving back to Ottawa any time soon." Mark wrote in the the liner notes.

Joining in his celebration of Hamilton are a few local players such as Steve Sinnicks, Aaron Goldstein, Ray Lyell, Troy Dowding, and more. The disc is produced by Mark and Dan Medakovic and Engineered by Dan Medakovic and Rob Lamothe

More Mark McNeil stories - More CD Releases

Performer of the Week: Dan Medakovic

Dan Medakovic is an incredible singer/songwriter from Hamilton who adds everything from cathcy hooks, soft guitar, deep lyrics, and more to his music.

Dan's CD, Honeybucket (produced by Ray Materick and featuring sax by Sonny Del Rio) is a great mix of energetic songs and slower tunes.

The musician's also the owner of Silver Studio. On top of all that, he's involved in Design Hope, an organization that helps the homeless and comes out with great mixed CDs featuring original music by local folk/blues artists around Christmas time.

Click here for his MySpace page.

Click here for his Soundclick page.




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