Winter hours: Wed to Sat from 6 pm, open on some Tuesdays and some Sundays for special events only. Check calendar and posts.

Artword Artbar, 15 Colbourne St. Hamilton. A friendly cafe-bar, live music and art venue in the heart of James North arts district. Great acoustic music, in the roots, folk, jazz, world beat and inventive mode. We have a baby grand piano, a sound system. Licenced under the LLBO for 60, table seating for 40 or so, micro-brew on tap, espresso, light meals. On the lower level, Artword Gallery has monthly curated exhibitions. Your hosts: Ronald Weihs & Judith Sandiford 905-543-8512, c:905-912-9083, artword@artword.net

Tribal Gallery presents Radhika Chary, North Indian Classical vocal music, Sat March 24

February 2nd, 2012
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Tribal_Gallery_logo_2012a650.jpgradhika_c650.jpgSaturday, March 24, 2012 at 8 pm at Artword Artbar, 15 Colbourne St., $15 at door, $10 advance (905-385-1829). The Tribal Gallery presents North Indian Classical vocal music performed by Radhika Chary – vocals and tablas. Radhika  has been singing North Indian Hindustani Classical music for 5 years now. Her repertoire will also include light classical music. She is accompanied by tabla player Kishore Kulkarni.

Event, Music, Tribal Gallery presents

Tribal Gallery presents Judith Cohen & Tamar Ilanas, Sat March 10

January 29th, 2012
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Tribal_Gallery_logo_2012a650.jpgJCohen.jpgtamar 2.jpgSaturday, March 10, 2012, at 8 pm at Artword Artbar, 15 Colbourne St., $15 at door, $10 advance (905-385-1829). The Tribal Gallery presents Judith Cohen and Tamar Ilana in a concert of Sephardic songs, songs from rural Spain and Portugal, the Balkans, French Canada, medieval troubadours, Yiddish – maybe even some songs in English. Judith Cohen, singer and ethnomusicologist, returns to Artword [that was Artword Theatre in Toronto] after many years, with her daughter, Tamar Ilana of “Ventanas”. Judith and Tamar sing stories from the misdemeanours of medieval Iberian monarchs to advice to naive brides. Mother-daughter dialogue songs, close Balkan harmonies, little-known songs from mountain villages, and stories drawn from Judith’s and Tamar’s years of traveling around the homelands of their repertoire.

Event, Music, Tribal Gallery presents

CONCERT: Jude Johnson, Carl Horton, Mike Malone, Sat March 3

January 23rd, 2012
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Jude_Johnson_23.jpgSaturday March 3 at 8 pm, $15 at the door $10 advance (call 905-543-8512). A special concert by a wonderful jazz trio:  Jude Johnson vocals, Carl Horton piano and Mike Malone trumpet/flugel horn.

Event, Music

Theatre: “The Keith Richards One Woman Show”, Friday March 2

January 22nd, 2012
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keithposter_niagaratour_smc.jpgFriday March 2 at 8 pm. details coming. Suitcase in Point Theatre Company presents “The Keith Richards One Woman Show” performed by Deanna Jones, as part of their 2012 bar tour. “The Keith Richards One Woman Show”collides fantasy, rock ‘n’ roll and pure heart in its exploration of image, excess and the inspiring endurance of the legendary co-founding member of the Rolling Stones – Mr. Keith Richards.  A one-woman powerhouse, Deanna Jones plays multiple characters and a few signature licks while taking audiences on a dream-like journey of Keith’s life through the eyes of a young ambivalent woman. What happens when Keith enters her dreams and won’t leave?  Collaborator and Stones enthusiast Kevin Richardson (aka Attic Daddy) plays a live rock score that invokes the world of The Stones and, in particular, the legendary sound of Richards.

Event, Music, Theatre

SINGALONG with Sam & Jane, Thurs March 1 at 7:00 pm

January 21st, 2012
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turtonlewis.gifThursday, March 1, 2012, 7-9 pm, pwyc ($5-$10 suggested). Something new at Artword Artbar – SINGALONG with Sam & Jane! Sam Turton and Jane Lewis, singer-songwriters from Guelph, played a delighted folk concert this past fall and told us about their Singalong project. We thought that would be a lot of fun. If you like it, could be a regular thing. Here’s how it works:
Come out and SING!  We’ve got songbooks full of classic favourites — YOU request the songs, and we all sing them together. Led by Jane Lewis and Sam Turton.    http://www.all-together-now.ca  HUNDREDS OF SONGS – SONGBOOKS PROVIDED: Over 100 great artists, Read more…

Event, Music, Special event

Concert: Grapevine — Giulio’s Latin Jazz, Sunday Feb 26 at 4 pm

January 20th, 2012
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GiulioandChristina2.jpgSunday February 26 at 4 pm, A special concert by Grapevine featuring Christina Dee on vibraphones and Giulio “Drummer with Attitude!” playing Latin Jazz.  http://www.grapevinemusic.ca/

Event, Music-Jazz

Concert: Elana Harte, + AndrewVictoria, Sat Feb 25

January 19th, 2012
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Elana_Harte_Feb 25 ARTBAR_650.jpgElana_Harte.jpgSaturday February 25, 2012 at 8 pm, $10. A dynamic, intimate evening  with Rockin’ Elana Harte (with the fabulous Lucio Agostini), plus guests AndrewVictoria, in a celebration of song.  Stand alone each performer commands the stage and delights with their interactive and engaging work and tonight they team up pure magic…
A gifted guitarist and vocalist, Elana maintains a “New Country / Rock” flavour and mass appeal. Elana is a founding member of Vinnick, Sheppard, Harte, with whom she has released two recordings. Among many other projects, Elana is a busy host of several regular showcase evenings in the GTA for both local and touring musicians. http://www.elanaharte.com    http://itsmyurls.com/elanaharte

AndrewVictoria.jpgAustralian Native Andrew Rudd and Canadian-born Australian Victoria Boland met in Hong Kong in late-2005. Now, several years later, the duo, currently residing in Hamilton, have toured internationally performing hundreds of dates for thousands of people. A combination of powerful vocals and guitar-driven indie pop-rock alternative, AndrewVictoria co-write songs that dig deep into realistic, everyday issues. Their self-titled EP received a nomination for Best Pop Recording of the Year for 2011′s Hamilton Music Awards. http://www.andrewvictoria.com/

Event, Music

Jazz with Carolyn Credico Quartet, Thursday Feb 23

January 17th, 2012
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Thursday February 23 at 8 pm, $5: Jazz with the Carolyn Credico Quartet, featuring  Chris Bruder on piano, Victor Vrankulj on bass, Jordan Snider on drums, and Carolyn Credico vocals

Event, Music

“Love In Motion: A Post-Materialist Love-in” Monday Feb 20

January 12th, 2012
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Monday February 20 at 8 pm. We’ll be open for a special event –  “Love In Motion: A Post-Materialist Love-in” at Artword Artbar. . . featuring Janice Lee (acoustic guitar/spoken word), Lorimer Longhaul (spoken word), Kendall Downey (spoken word) and a screening of the animated short “Condiment Love” (stop motion animation) by Aaron Fitzpatrick
Here are some links:  Janice Lee www.janjolee.net
Lorimer Longhaul http://lorimerlonghaul.wordpress.com/
Kendall Downey http://www.flickr.com/photos/kendallx
Aaron Fitzpatrick www.fitzpromedia.com

Event, Film, Literary, Spoken Word, Music

Concert: Euphonic (cello, guitar, drums), Sunday Feb 19 at 7:30 pm

January 11th, 2012
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euphonic5.jpgSunday February 19 at 7:30 pm, $5 or PWYC. A special concert of original compositions by chamber trio Euphonic: Bob Wegner – acoustic guitar, Geoff Ball – cello; Vincent Waters – drums / spoons. Consisting of all acoustic instruments (cello, guitar, and drums), the band has created an eclectic sound of their own, which includes Classical, Spanish, Folk, and Jazz influences.   http://www.vincewaters.com

Bob first met Geoff, a local cellist from McMaster University, while performing at the Staircase Cafe in Hamilton. Vince and Geoff were later introduced via Bob, and a few tunes were written as a trio with Geoff playing electric bass at first. As an experimental move, the suggestion was made for Geoff to bring his cello to a writing session. Read more…

Event, Music

Jazz concert: Sophia Perlman & Adrean Farrugia, Sat Feb 18

January 10th, 2012
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Sophia_Perlman_Adrean_Farrugia.jpgSaturday February 18, 2012 at 8 pm, $15 (students $10). A jazz concert by the superb and delightful duo Sophia Perlman on vocals and Adrean Farrugia on piano. Sophia will also give a vocal improvisation workshop at Artword Artbar in the afternoon (details coming). http://www.sophiaperlman.com/
Vocalist Sophia Perlman has made a name for herself as one of Canada’s most promising young vocalists, impressing audiences and seasoned musicians alike with her musical maturity and her impressive ability as an improviser. Multi-award winning pianist and composer Adrean Farrugia is one of Canada’s most distinct voices on the piano. Fusing many diverse musical influences he has forged a personal sound which generates a uniquely individual creative statement. Read more…

Event, Music-Jazz

Concert: Dave Pomfret special “30 Years, 30 Songs”, Friday Feb 17

January 9th, 2012
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Dave_Pomfret_2012.jpgFriday February 17 at 8 pm, cover TBA. One of our favourite Hamilton singer-songwriters (and one of the best), Dave Pomfret is back  at Artword Artbar for a special concert “30 Years, 30 Songs”. February 2012 marks 30 years of Dave playing guitar and writing songs (yes, he started young!). More details coming. http://www.reverbnation.com/davepomfret

Event, Music

Concert: David Essig, blues / roots extraordinaire, Thursday Feb 16

January 9th, 2012
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DAVIDESSIGPOSTERBlk_c675.jpgDavid_Essig.jpgThursday February 16, 2012 at 8 pm, $15. An intimate solo concert with the renowned David Essig, one of the founding members of Canada’s Roots Music scene. Dave is a songwriting bluesman who’s traveled the world and is now coming back to his old hometown. Be ready for an evening of great songs, great blues and searing slide guitar that puts him in a class with Ry Cooder and David Lindley.   www.davidessig.com
Dave writes, “I’m an old Hamilton boy – used to live on Guise St. in the North End and worked a lot at Grant Ave. mark & funky shirts050_adj_600.jpgAlso have done Festival of Friends lots of times over the years.” David, from BC, is on tour in Ontario with a new CD “Rolling Fork to Gallows Point“, and will appear at Winterfolk Festival in Toronto.
Hamilton singer-songwriter Mark McNeil (and David Essig fan) warms us up with an opening set. Read more…

Event, Music

Tribal Gallery presents Belly Dance Extravaganza, Sat Feb 11

January 8th, 2012
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Tribal_Gallery_Bellydance_image650.jpgTribal_Gallery_logo_2012a650.jpgSaturday February 11, 2012, at 8 pm at Artword Artbar, 15 Colbourne St., $15 at door, $10 advance. The Tribal Gallery presents Belly Dance Extravaganza. This is really going to be a fun night. We’ve got belly dancers of all kinds, plus Arabic tribal fusion music and three live drummers. The Tribal Gallery presented the dancers at the 2011 Supercrawl dance stage and everyone had so much fun that Gwen had to have them in this special concert. Dancers include Shades of Araby http://shadesofaraby.valizan.com;bellydance_4.jpg Asala Devi.jpgJuvia – Middle Eastern Dance Artist (Fusion Specialist); Siham – Artistic Director of belly-fusion dance company Dance Sister Dance; Shelina – a founding member of Tribe Maya Fire (American Tribal Style); and Asala Devi.

Dance, Event, Music, Tribal Gallery presents

Art Crawl: Trio Arjento + Behind the Kiln, Friday Feb 10

January 8th, 2012
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TrioArjento_JBusatophoto.jpgSeptember Kiln017smc.jpgFriday, February 10, 2012, from 8 pm onwards… (James North Art Crawl). Music, dance, video, and all of the above. First set, “Behind the Kiln” part one, dance and music improvised before your eyes, featuring Tanis MacArthur. Second set, a more formal concert set by Trio ArjentoMarcy Hull vocals, Jennifer Lockman piano, Tom Shea guitar, Orange McFarland stand-up bass. Third set, “Behind the Kiln” part two, more real-time collaborations and live video-mix by Judith Sandiford, with guest musicians and dancer/movers including Jenny Rae on a visit from Thailand

Dance, Event, Film, James North events, Music

Singer-songwriter showcase Sarah Beatty & Friends, Thurs Feb 9

January 7th, 2012
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Thursday February 9, at 8 pm, $5. LIES, FABLES, OLD WIVES TALES – A singer/songwriter showcase with Sarah Beatty, Jesse T. Reid, Pete Tremblay, and Adam Webster. Having crafted some of Niagara’s finest musical lies, fables, and old wives tales, four musically diverse indie singer/songwriters will be offering up a jam-packed singer / songwriter showcase with their most recent musical works.
Sarah Beatty, currently a PhD candidate in the School of Geography and Earth Sciences, is best known for her insightful lyrics and sweet and lilting melodies wrapped in salty roots guitar. www.myspace.com/sarahbeattylive
Jesse_T_Reid.jpgJesse T. Reid (pronounced “reed”) is a well-known folk / country player in the Niagara Region. His storytelling songs of textured lives will knock you over just as you’re about to catch your breath: http://www.jessereid.com/
Pete Tremblay
, of “Pete Tremblay and the Boozy Truth” infamy uses acoustic guitar, catchy melodies, and a sharp wit to sculpt indie-folk-rock tunes that having been winning over audiences for years. : http://www.reverbnation.com/theboozytruth
Adam Webster
, originally from Creemore / Collingwood, writes funk & r&b influenced music. A founding member of “the Funky Truth,” and one of the most soulful voices and adept guitarists on the block, Adam conjures up images and musical impressions that last for days: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Uj9zpPBhLk

Event, Music

Artword Gallery in February: Ellen Irving + Martin Peckham

January 7th, 2012
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Ellen_Irving_0014c_650.jpgArt exhibit for February 2012, artists present Friday February 10, James North Art Crawl from 7 to 10:30 pm. Gallery hours: when Artword Artbar is open.
Martin_Peckham_0004c_650.JPGEllen Irving
has incorporate childhood loves of maps, hardware , painting and wood to her most recent works. Taking the scale bar from maps used to measure distance, she is using sculpture, drawings and paintings to explore the distance she has travelled in her personal life…
Martin Peckham will be showing his illuminated glass sculptures in the installation room. Having spent years collecting beach glass from the shores of Lake Erie he has now found a brilliant way to display them.

Artword Gallery, Event, James North events

SOLD OUT Sat Feb 4. Tribal Gallery presents Kavyan, classical Persian music, EXTRA SHOW ADDED! Sun Feb 5 at 4 pm

January 6th, 2012
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Tribal_Gallery_logo_2012a650.jpgKavyan 2012_650.jpgSOLD OUT! Saturday February 4, 2012, at 8 pm.
ADDED SHOW! Sunday February 5 at 4 pm (must reserve in advance, call Tribal Gallery 905-385-1829)
at Artword Artbar, 15 Colbourne St., $15 at door, $10 advance. The Tribal Gallery presents Kavyan, a seven-piece Hamilton band playing classical Persian music on traditional instruments. The musicians include:  Farimah Hakem Zadeh (vocals), Pourya Heidari (seTaar), Damon Panahi (violin), Sahar Ghafourian (Taar), Amin Afshinmanesh (Santoor), Pouya Zangeneh Kazemi (Taar), Roozbeh Mafi (Daff & Tomback). For advance tickets, call Tribal Gallery 905-385-1829
Classical Persian music is an ancient art form and one of the earliest musical traditions known today. …. Read more…

Event, Music, Tribal Gallery presents

“Love Sounds Charity Concert”, Friday Feb 3

January 5th, 2012
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Aaron_Zukewich_Feb32012.jpgFriday February 3 at 8 pm, by donation (minimum $10). “Love Sounds Charity Concert”, a special concert as a fundraiser for a special cause. Featuring jazz pianist Aaron Zukewich with Bonnie Hamilton, Brooke Nicholls, Nevena Kovacevic (classical piano), The Almost Sisters… and other surprises! Hosted by Masha Myryam, who writes “All the money raised are going straight to Russia to support two little orphans …who just lost their mother (my very close friend) this summer. Their grandmother is taking care of these kids and the family is in a big need since there is almost no government assistance for them… all your help will be much appreciated!”  Food by the organizers is included.

Event, Music, Special event

Social gathering, panel discussion, Political Action Committee, Thurs Feb 2, 2012

January 4th, 2012
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Thursday February 2, 2012, from 7 to 9 pm. “in soli?: A panel, open discussion and social event about what it means to be “in solidarity”. This event is hosted by the Political Action Committee, CUPE 3906. It is free and open to all. For more information, contact politicalaction@cupe3906.org. Panelists include: Alex, Niki, Jamila, Michelle, and Holly. The artwork of Roberto Lavidez will be on display for the evening.
As a key catch-phrase for activists within and beyond organized labour, ‘in solidarity’ is often taken as a self-evident and non-contentious statement. This event aims to unpack this phrase by talking more about how we think about and practically approach ‘solidarity’ work. We will be hearing thoughts from community activists in Hamilton on how they approach being ‘in solidarity’ with others in the work that they do. Panelists’ experiences span topics such as: anti-poverty support, labour organizing, Indigenous solidarity and mobilizing against community injustice broadly defined. We hope the event can generate collective discussion and self-reflection on our various strategies and the overlaps and/or tensions that might exist between different forms of solidarity.

Event, Special event

Wednesdays in February, music jams and open mics

January 3rd, 2012
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Wednesday February 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29, at 8 pm. Free. Artword Artbar hosts a series of jams and open mics for the month of February.

Event, Music, Open Mic and Jam

Special Concert: Hartzedike-Lider (Heart Songs) – Allan Merovitz & Brian Katz, Sun Jan 29

January 2nd, 2012
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Brian_Katz_1.jpgAllan_in_Montreal_2010.jpgSunday January 29, 4 pm, $10 at Artword Artbar, 15 Colbourne St, Hamilton. A special concert by singer Allan Merovitz and guitarist/pianist Brian Katz. Hartzedike-Lider (Heart Songs) –  the Yiddish song tradition meets jazz, blues and world music.  Hartzedike-Lider brings together well-loved Yiddish songs with original stories of Jewish Canadians. [Allan and Brian are also playing their Hartzedike-Lider show on Wednesday January 25 at 9 pm in Toronto at Mezzetta Cafe, 681 St Clair Ave W. at Christie http://www.mezzettarestaurant.com/events.php]
Since beginning their collaboration over ten years ago, Allan and Brian have been exploring the treasures of the Yiddish song tradition – “bluesing,” reharmonizing, and changing the forms, finding new riches in the music, new ways to communicate its riches. Read more…

Event, Music, Special event

SOLD OUT! Tribal Gallery presents Ventanas (Flamenco, Balkan, Sephardic music and song), Sat Jan 28

December 24th, 2011
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Ventanas_c.jpgTribal_Gallery_logo_2012a650.jpgSOLD OUT! Saturday January 28, 2012 at 8 pm at Artword Artbar, 15 Colbourne St., $15 at door, $10 advance. The Tribal Gallery presents a special concert by Ventanas. “Ventanas draws on the musical and cultural backgrounds of its Toronto-based members, bringing together the music and dance worlds of Flamenco, Balkan and Sephardic musics and their diasporas.” Band members are: Tamar Ilana – vocals, hand percussion; Mark Marczyk – violin, vocals; Dennis Duffin – Flamenco guitar; Jaash Singh – darbuka, cajón; Demetrios Petsalakis – oud, buzuki. www.VentanasMusic.com
(For advance tickets call The Tribal Gallery 905-385-1829)

Event, Music, Tribal Gallery presents

PoeMagic, spoken word w. Klyde Broox, Fri Jan 27, Fri Feb 24

December 23rd, 2011
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Klyde_Broox_3c.jpgFriday January 27, 2012 at 8 pm, pwyc.
Friday February 24, 2012 at 8 pm, pwyc.
PoeMagic“, an evening of spoken word, hosted by dub poet Klyde Broox, usually fourth Friday of the month. All genres of spoken word poets welcome. Contact Klyde at  kbroox@porchlight.ca.  “Steeped in oral traditions, Broox’s gesture-enabled, dance and song-oriented, performances are consistently pitched to engage, entertain, and invite audiences to experience poetry as social communion.   … ” Read more…

Event, Literary, Spoken Word

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