World Storytelling Day, two events, Sun Mar 20

WorldStorytellingDay_logo_cSunday March 20, 2016. Two events to celebrate World Storytelling Day:
** 2:30 to 4:30 pm: Stories of Discovery by participants in the McMaster Discovery Program.
** 5 to 7 pm: Strong Women Burning Brightly, a concert celebrating the wit, wisdom and wonder of Crones and Damsels, by The Burlington Storytellers’ Guild.
Come to one or both. Admission free or by donation. All ages. Read on for details. Continue reading

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Earth Hour: music, story, dance by candle-light, host Tom Dusome, Sat Mar 19

EarthHour_canada_from_space_964x478_cSaturday March 19, 2016, at 8 pm. A candle-lit unplugged evening of song, story and dance performance, in honour of Earth Hour. Host is singer-songwriter Tom Dusome. Special guest Charly Chiarelli playing blues harmonica by candle-light. AND dancer/choreographer Learie Mc Nicolls takes up the challenge of dancing with candles, with Ron Weihs on fiddle. Charly will be joined for the second half of the evening by his Hamilton band The Sunamabeaches: Venesio DeSalvo (guitar),  Gary Santucci (guitarist), and Ron the Fiddler.
Image left (from NASA) is our Golden Horseshoe all lit up by electric lights, as seen from space. We will turn a couple of lights off.

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Jazz with the Brenda Brown Quartet, Fri Mar 18, 7:30 pm

brenda brown-sq_crFriday March 18, 2016,  at 7:30 pm, $10. Jazz vocalist Brenda Brown returns to Artword Artbar with One Hundred Years of Love Songs, with her quartet: Olivia Brown (bass), Ian Brown (piano), Jon Pascoal (drums).  http://brendabrownmusic.blogspot.ca/
Hamilton Music Award nominee Brenda Brown has been singing professionally since 2012. Her smooth, warm, and expressive voice has been sought after for audio books as well as always lighting up her musical repertoire. In 2013 Brenda teamed up with jazz musician Ross Wooldridge to record her debut self-titled EP, which garnered a nomination for Jazz Recording of the Year at the 2015 Hamilton Music Awards. She has performed at the Dundas Cactus Festival, Gasworks, the Pier 8 Waterfront Stage for Music In The City, the Downtown Hamilton BIA’s Localicious and in the Gore Park Promenade series.

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Blues with Beg To Differ Trio, Thurs Mar 17

BegToDiffer2Thursday March 17, 2016, cover $5 to $10. Blues night with the Beg To Differ Trio, and special guests. Featuring Tim Ninehouse on keyboard and vocals, Doug Sikma on guitar and Steve Foster on drums.

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Koopa Troop, jazz meets video games, Sat Mar 12

Koopa_Troop_1Saturday March 12, 2016, at 8 pm, $10. Koopa Troop brings the nostalgic sounds of video games to life in a quirky 5-piece ensemble. Koopa Troop is: Chelsea McBride/Princess Daisy (sax/flute), Wilson McLeish/ Luigi (guitar), Chris Bruder/Toad (piano), Tom Altobelli/Mario (bass), and Tyler Goertzen/Link (drums)
Donning their Nintendo-themed costumes, five Toronto jazz musicians embrace their inner nerd and become a live, musical nostalgia machine. Koopa Troop aims to induce flashbacks as they cover all the classic video game soundtracks from Mario to Megaman. Bringing the best video game composers to the forefront, the Koopa Troop jazz, rock, funk, and swing-infused arrangements bring the epic pixelated melodies of the past into the real world.
Koopa Troop website: http://www.thekoopatroop.com/

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Special double-bill: Edgardo Moreno & So Long Seven, Fri March 11

Tim_Posgate_So_Long_Seven_cFriday, March 11, 2016, at 8 pm, $10 (reservations call 905-543-8512). A special double-bill concert: Edgardo Moreno, electronic composer and video artist, and So Long Seven, a wonderful foursome playing a crazy blend of world, bluegrass & jazz. The whole evening for only $10. For Art Crawlers, we will pass a tip jar as well.
Edgardo_Moreno_cEdgardo Moreno is a composer that has been commissioned for projects in Canada, Venezuela, Mexico, Sweden, Argentina, England and USA. He has written scores for films produced by CBC, Bravo, City TV, NFB, OMNI, Ontario Arts Council, History Channel, TVO. He has worked extensively with contemporary dance choreographers creating sound design and musical scores. He is presently working in creating video and live sound pieces that are part of his Fireflyproject. His film Double Exposure has screened in various film festival across Canada and will be part of exhibitions in Ontario in the coming months. www.musicamoreno.com    www.fireflyproject.ca 
So Long Seven
is proud to release their debut self-titled CD featuring 8 tracks of original music. Influenced by bands such as Shakti, Punch Brothers, and Bela Fleck, So Long Seven combines elements of folk, bluegrass, world and jazz music to create an incredibly rich tapestry of sound. The band members include some of Toronto’s finest musicians including Neil Hendry (guitar, mandolin), William Lamoureux (violin), Ravi Naimpally (tabla) and Tim Posgate (banjo). Each player brings a vast amount of experience and talent, that when brought together, leads to a sublime listening experience. www.solongseven.com

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Double Bill: Will Gillespie and Mark Martyre, Sat Mar 5

Will and Mark Artbar March 2016Will Wall 1_crSaturday, March 5, 2016, at 8 pm, only $5. Singer-songwriter double-bill: Will Gillespie with Mark Martyre. Two unique voices share the stage at Artword: Hamilton’s own rockabilly-cabaret-crooner Will Gillespie and Toronto’s troubadour with a voice like “whisky and honey” Mark Martyre.
“From songwriter to crooner and cabaret man to power-pop genius, Will Gillespie is always evolving his artistry.” (Paul Loewenberg, Artistic Director, Northern Lights Festival Boreal)Mark Martyre Coffee_cr
“There is a certain wryness about Martyre‘s voice which makes it perfect for telling stories about knowing the truth and bearing the weight of it so that someone else doesn’t have to before their time.” (Juliette Jagger, Rock and Roll Journalist / alancross.ca)
www.willgillespie.ca           www.markmartyre.com

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Noche de poesia y musica (night of poetry and music), Fri Mar 4

Woman Scream 2016Friday March 4, 2016, at 8 pm, $15 or sliding scale. This Noche bohemia (a night of poetry and music) is called  Woman Scream, a night dedicated raising awareness about violence against women. There will be poetry and music. The poets include: Amaluna, Constanza Duran, Violeta San Juan, Maria Eugenia Lemus. Musicians include: Fito, Marcelo Puente, Edgardo Moreno, Lil Acevedo.
firma MPIThis event is part of an international event, Festival Internacional de Poesía y Arte: Grito de Mujer/Woman Scream/ Cri de Femme.
It also honours International Women’s Day (March 8, 2016).

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JAZZ double bill: Tom Altobelli Group + Scott Taplay Group, Thur Mar 3

Tom_Altobelli_Group_Pic2c800Thursday March 3, 2016, at 8 pm, $10. Jazz double bill of original compositions by two inventive groups: the Tom Altobelli Group, plus the Scott Taplay Group.  The Tom Altobelli Group will play a set of original compositions by bassist Tom Altobelli, arranged for his quintet: Andrew King sax, Chris Bruder piano, Scott McIntosh guitar, Jordan Snider drumss. The Scott Taplay Group, Jonas Pearson Paavola bass, Victor Agrippa alto sax, Jon Pascoal drums, and Scott Taplay guitar, will play compositions by Scott and by band members.
Tom Altobelli is an upright and electric bassist, currently in Hamilton, ON. He is a graduate of both the Humber College Bachelor of Music, and Mohawk College Music programs. Tom’s projects include The Altobeelays, Mother Tareka and the Rebel Funktion, Monkley Cascade, The Koopa Troop, The Aubrey Wilson Quartet, and his own original jazz group (Tom Altobelli Group).

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Celtic band The Outside Track, Wed Mar 2

OutsideTrack_CDCoverWednesday March 2, 2016 at 8 pm, $15. SOLD OUT!
Multi-award-winning Celtic band The Outside Track is touring Canada with a new CD, and Artword Artbar is their Hamilton stop! Hailing from Scotland, Ireland and Cape Breton, the five members are united by a love of traditional music. They blend fiddle, accordion, harp, guitar, whistle, step-dance and vocals with breathtaking vitality. http://www.theoutsidetrack.com/  Band members:
* Mairi Rankin, from Cape Breton, one of the legendary Rankin Family, plays fiddle, sings and also step-dances up a storm.
* Teresa Horgan, from Co. Cork, sings and plays flute.
* Ailie Robertson, from Edinburgh, is one of Scotland’s leading young traditional musicians and clarsach (celtic harp) virtuoso.
* Fiona Black plays accordion, intertwining her native Scottish style with Irish, Swedish and Cape Breton repertoire.
* Simon Marion, from Montreal, plays guitar on the Ontario tour. Continue reading

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Classical guitar: William Beauvais, CD launch, Sun Feb 28, 7 pm

William_BeauvaisSunday February 28, 2016, at 7 pm. BUY_tix_buttonBook online
Tickets: $25 (Concert + CD), Concert only $20 regular, $15 student/seniors/unemployed. To reserve, call 905-543-8512 or email artword@artword.net.
Classical guitarist William Beauvais launches a new CD Old Wood – New Seeds: new solo works for guitar by William Beauvais. With special guest Brent Wirth.
The new CD is also for sale for $15.00 at the door.
Preeminent Canadian guitarist/composer William Beauvais has been composing, recording, performing and improvising for over thirty years. Continue reading

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Poetry and song: Glenn Bowie w. Leonard, Burns & Dell, Sat Feb 27

Leonard_Burns&Dell_c680Saturday February 27, 2016, at 8 pm, $15. An evening of poetry and song with Leonard, Burns & Dell and poet Glenn Bowie 
Leonard_Burns&Dell_GlennBowie_cLeonard, Burns & Dell (Sue Leonard, Brennagh Burns, Cindy Dell) are a powerhouse harmony trio based out of Hamilton singing sultry blues and roots.  They will be singing songs from their new CD: Perfect Strangers, along with Glenn Bowie, a poet from Boston, who will be reading some of his works. Leonard, Burns & Dell have been collaborating with Bowie and writing songs from his poems. They will be performing these songs, along with others they have written.

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Benefit concert for Mo’ Kauffey, Sat Feb 27, 2 to 6 pm.

Mo' Kauffey FundraiserHBL_MoKauffeySaturday February 27, 2016, from 2 to 6 pm. A benefit concert fundraiser for talented roots bluesman Mo’ Kauffey (Gary Wickizer), who is fighting cancer, organized by Hamilton Blues Lovers and friends. Performers include: Duane Rutter, Will Gillespie, Ian Andrews, Ambre Maclean, and Mo’ himself! Check out these sites for updates. http://blueshamilton.blogspot.ca/   https://www.facebook.com/blueshamilton
Support the on-line “Mo’Better Benefit” for Gary Wickizer: https://www.youcaring.com/gary-wickizer-aka-mo-kauffey-457124

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Blues, Funk, Groove, w. Wayne Janus Trio, Fri Jan 29, Fri Feb 26

Wayne_Janus_2015Friday January 29, and Friday February 26, 2016, at 8:00 pm. Guitarist, singer and songwriter Wayne Janus continues his Last Friday residency at Artword Artbar, with David Carrillo on drums and Myron Plichota on bass. This electric trio displays artistic diversity based on Blues, Funk and Groove, a world class performance mixing original and cover material, and strong improvisation.

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Showcase: Nicole Chambers & Lauren Cumberbatch, Thurs Feb 25

Lauren_Cumberbatch_cdjNicole_Chambers_cdjThursday February 25, 2016, at 8 pm, $5. Mohawk Music showcase jam, featuring vocalists Nicole Chambers (left) and Lauren Cumberbatch, with R&B classics, Reggae tunes and some original tunes by the vocalists. Guest vocalist Jessie Faiazza.
The band includes Olivia Brown bass, Jon Becker bass, Shelby Crego guitar, Ian Brown piano, Jonathan Pascoal drums, and Will Fachin drums.

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Acoustic Moments for Black History Month, Sat Feb 20

Acoustic Moments_poster_res_enSaturday February 20, 2016, 8 pm. SOLD OUT $16 dinner+show. Still tickets left for $10 show only.  Call 905-543-8512,  Mr Jay hosts an Acoustic Moments special for Black History Month.
Dinner: Enjoy a sweet Caribbean Jerk chicken dish by chef
Learie Mc Nicolls.
Music: Listen to the the reggae, folk and R&B sounds of Riddim Riders Unplugged playing music inspired by the greatest legends from the past. Core members Franklin Joseph and Mike Rajczak with vocalist Lauren Mikayla, and lead guitar Keon Crosswell.
To reserve tickets, call 905-543-8512 or email artword@artword.net. Limited seating available.

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Jazz with the Scott Taplay Group, Fri Feb 19

Scott_Taplay_Group_2015_cFriday February 19, 2016, at 8 pm, $10 /$5 students. Jazz guitarist Scott Taplay is back with the Scott Taplay Group:
Jonas Pearson Paavola bass, Victor Agrippa alto sax, Jon Pascoal drums, and Scott Taplay guitar. They will be playing compositions by Scott and by band members. (Photo: the Scott Taplay Group during the Steel City Jazz Festival 2015 at Artword Artbar.)

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Jazz with the Jesse Martel Group, Thurs Feb 18

Jesse_Martel_cThursday February 18, 2016, at 8 pm, $5. Jazz with the Jesse Martel group: Jesse Martel guitar,  Ian Brown piano/keys, Michael Morabito alto saxophone, Devon Savas, upright bass/electric bass, Jonathan Pascoal  drums, with special guest vocalist Thomas Messore. They play a mix of jazz and jazz fusion, as well as some more modern pieces (Flying Lotus, King Crimson, etc.)

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Richard Garvey “I found a box of beer…” EP launch, Wed Feb 17, 2016

Richard_Garvey_2015_cRichard_Garvey_Feb17_800Wednesday February 17, 2016, at 8 pm, $10 (or by donation). Singer-songwriter Richard Garvey is launching the new year with a new EP I found a box of beer in the snow. The title song is “a tragic Canadian classic song that I wrote on a snowy morning with a hangover-of-magical-proportions. It explores some very deep themes.”
At Artword Artbar, the featured guests are:
* Harebrain (Alan Mackie & Anh Phung) from Toronto, “the coolest bass/flute improvised tunes and songs to bust your jam too!”
* Milo & Otis (Claire and Nicki), from Hamilton. Bestfriendcore – ukuleles and joyful noises.
* Richard Garvey, from Guelph, ukulele sing-a-longs and stories.
PS: There will be a dance-off! Wear your favourite scarf! http://www.richardgarvey.ca/

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Valentine sweet harmonies by The Ault Sisters, Sat Feb 13

ault sistersSaturday February 13, 2016, at 8 pm.  BUY_tix_buttonBook online $15/$10 students. Valentine treat: some sweet harmonies for your sweetie!
Ault_Sisters_c_680Jazz with the incredible vocal trio The Ault Sisters. Experience the joy of sweet sibling harmony from Amanda, Alicia and Alanna Ault. The trio are currently making a name for themselves in vocal jazz, a genre in which their signature and sublimely seamless vocal harmonies really shine. With Chris Bruder on piano, Tom Altobelli on bass, Jordan Snider on drums. http://aultsisters.com/

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Art Crawl: R&B, Motown, Soul w. Andre Bisson and band, Fri Feb 12

Andre_Bisson_1c680Friday February 12, 2016, James North Art Crawl, from 8 pm, tip jar. Warm up at Artword Artbar! Award-winning soul and R&B vocalist André Bisson on guitar, vocals; Kevin Beeby bass; Glenn Paul drums; Loretta Hale trumpet; Kristen Prince tenor sax; Victoria Cox baritone sax.
Website: http://www.andrebisson.ca/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/andreandthejtones
Since 2005, André Bisson has been performing his unique blend of R&B and Soul throughout the US, Canada, England, Wales & Ireland. The success of his six award-winning albums has led to four international tours, radio airplay, and the chance to open for artists such as Colin James, Jimmie Vaughan, Robben Ford and Steven Page (Barenaked Ladies). Recently, André was honored as ‘Male Vocalist of the Year’ for the 2015 Hamilton Blues Awards as well as a nomination for ‘Overseas Artist of the Year’ from the British Blues Awards. With the help of a horn section, André combines the influence of Motown and Stax in his own original compositions.

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Nano Valverde + Ayekan Ensemble, Sat Feb 6, 2016 at 7:00 pm!

AyekanSaturday February 6, 2016, at 7 pm. $15 at the door. https://www.facebook.com/events/968480229909687/.
An evening of Latin American music by Nano Valverde + Ayekan Ensemble, an ensemble of quena (bamboo flute), flute, guitars, violin, double bass. Band members Nano Valverde, Peter Dean, Tim FitzGerald, Irena Josipovic, Samantha Chang, and Miguel Vasquez will be playing Nano Valverde’s compositions. Special guest for the evening is Marcelo Puente, Chilean singer-songwriter. For more information about Ayekan: https://www.facebook.com/ayekanensemble/?fref=ts
Nano’s compositions and arrangements are grounded in South American Folk music, but also show the influences of a wide variety of other traditions, most importantly the minimal music movement most closely associated with the composers Steve Reich and Philip Glass. In bringing together these different styles and traditions in their performances, Ayekan seeks to break down the barriers that still separate musical styles and cultures: folk and classical, Latin American and European, traditional and contemporary.

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DANCE: Once I Lived in the Box, by Learie McNicolls, Feb 3, 4 & 5, 2016

Learie_Box_poster2Wednesday, Thursday & Friday, February 3, 4 & 5, 2016, at 8 pm, $15. BUY_tix_buttonBook online
Artword Theatre presents three performances of a new full-length dance work Once I Lived in the Box by choreographer Learie Mc Nicolls, for Black History Month. Performed by dancers Angelo Del Franco, Sharon Harvey, Tanis Macarthur and Learie Mc Nicolls with music by Edgardo Moreno.

Once I lived in the box/ hated the box/ loved the box/ respected the box/ got angry at the box /
raged at the box /
the box was shiny/ the box was misery/
the school of hard knocks/ pulled up mah socks

Learie Mc Nicolls has been a key figure in the contemporary dance scene in Toronto since the 1980s. He has danced with Toronto Dance Theatre, Desrosiers Dance Theatre, Continue reading

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Jazz with the ON TOPIC Trio, Sat Jan 30, 2016

ON-TOPIC-2_c_680Saturday, January 30, 2016, at 8 pm, $10. BUY_tix_buttonBook online
Jazz with the On Topic Trio, a collaborative effort from guitarist Kim Ratcliffe, drummer Aubrey Dayle from Toronto, and bassist  Brad Cheeseman from Hamilton. Each a leader of his own solo project, the trio was formed in early 2015, and are now putting aside other musical endeavors to perform in this trio setting. In On Topic,  they have an opportunity to express themselves in an environment where it is good to relinquish some control, and work as a band. This trio, playing electric instrumental jazz influenced by artists ranging from Weather Report to Pat Metheny, will caress you, rock you, and everything in between.  https://www.presskit.to/ontopic#/media

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Klyde Broox: launch of Xu Lizhi chapbook, Thurs Jan 28, 2016

Klyde_Broox_Tower_Xu_LizhiThursday, January 28, 2016, at 8 pm, free. The Tower and PoeMagic presents a poetry reading, in English and Mandarin, to launch a chapbook of poems by Xu Lizhi, the late Chinese poet, and worker at FoxConn, an electronics factory in Shenzhen. The chapbook is published by The Tower, Hamilton’s Anarchist Community Library and Resource Centre. http://the-tower.ca/
Readers include: Lee Reed, Laura Kodzhe, Chris Pannell, Ziboya Nhun, New-Era Neisha, Angie C, Campbell Young, and Adam Getty, as well as Klyde Broox, who hosts the event. Stories of the struggles of migrant laborers in Chinese factories and Canadian farms will also be shared, as we attempt to foster universal working class solidarity across great distances. The evening will include an open mic section. Continue reading

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Artword Artbar closed from Dec 13 2015 to Jan 27 2016

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Jazz w. the Brad Cheeseman Trio, Sat Dec 12

Brad_Cheeseman_Trio_vSaturday December 12, 2015 at 8 pm, $10. Have a jazzy night out with The Brad Cheeseman Trio. They will be playing an evening of standards, covers and original compositions. Brad Cheeseman – electric bass, Robert Chapman – guitar, Adam Fielding – drums.
Brad’s larger ensemble The Brad Cheeseman Group has recently released a new self-titled album, which has been nominated in the Best Jazz Instrumental category of the 2015 Toronto Independent Music Awards.
http://bradcheeseman.com/

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Art Crawl: Justin Sawicki CD launch, Fri Dec 11

Justin_Sawicki_albumcover2015Friday December 11, 2015, at 8 pm, pwyc/tip jar. A special Art Crawl evening: Singer-songwriter Justin Sawicki is releasing his new self-titled album Justin Sawicki (2015), a follow-up to 2011’s Nothing for No One. The album is a blend of traditional country, blues, and blue grass music. Think Blue Rodeo in an elevator with Wilco and Willie Nelson. www.justinsawickimusic.com. The performance will feature Sawicki and his full 5 piece band.
Getting the evening started is the lovely Deanna Wells from Ophelia Syndrome (www.opheliasyndrome.com).
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Queens of Quirk, hosted by Hanna Bech, Thurs Dec 10

HannaBech_4Thursday December 10, 2015, at 8 pm, $10. Queens of Quirk, a concert celebrating charming (un)conventional coolness, hosted by Hanna Bech.
*
Accordionist/storyteller-in-song Willow Rutherford
* Comedienne Michelle Zhitomirsky
* Silks Aerialist/vocalist Pamela Gardner
* Keyboardist/songsmith Hanna Bech

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A Charlie Brown Christmas, w. Aaron Z. Trio, Wed Dec 9

A_Charlie_Brown_Christmas_Guaraldi_soundtrack_680Aaron_Zukewich_image2Wednesday December 9, 2015, 8 pm, $10/ $5 students. Celebrate the season with A Charlie Brown Christmas tribute concert with the Aaron Z. Trio (Joel Banks bass, Tyler Goertzen drums, Aaron Zukewich piano).
The Aaron Z Trio will play through A Charlie Brown Christmas,  a 1965 studio album by jazz composer/pianist Vince Guaraldi, sound-track to the CBS Christmas television special. A Charlie Brown Christmas features several originals (Christmas Time Is Here, Linus and Lucy) as well as covers of contemporary Christmas songs (The Christmas Song, O Tannenbaum). Vince Guaraldi went on to compose scores for seventeen Peanuts television specials, plus the feature film A Boy Named Charlie Brown.

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The First Channukah in Kanata (1759), Allan Merovitz, Dec 6 & 7

First_Channukah_poster_2015_800Sunday December 6, 2015, matinee at 3 pm, $10 adults, $5 children 12 & under.
Monday December 7, 2015, evening at 7 pm. $10/$5. To reserve, call 905-543-8512.
The First Channukah in Kanata (1759), by Allan Merovitz (singer, actor, storyteller). Allan tells the story of Aaron Hart, sometimes known as The First Jew in Canada, with traditional Channukah songs.
In 1759, Aaron Hart came north from the British colony of New York, during the Conquest of Quebec. He stayed behind in the town of Trois Rivieres on the St. Lawrence River.

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Music and stories from Latin America: Marcelo Puente and Edgardo Moreno, Sat Dec 5

Marcelo_Puente3Saturday December 5, 2015, at 8 pm, $10. Places and Memory: an evening of music and stories about and from Latin AEdgardo_Moreno_cmerica, with singer-songwriter Marcelo Puente from Chile, and musician/composer Edgardo Moreno. Marcelo and Edgardo will be performing original and traditional Latin American music. Edgardo will be showing his film Double Exposure which features live as well as pre-recorded music and sound.   http://www.musicamoreno.com/

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CANCELLED: The Gypsy Rebels, w. Micheal T. Butch, Fri Dec 4

CANCELLED due to illness: Friday December 4, 2015, at 8 pm, $15 (call 905-543-8512). The incredible Gypsy singer-songwriter Micheal T. Butch and his full band The Gypsy Rebels.

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Big Dance, Little Stage, host Learie Mc Nicolls, Thurs Dec 3

BDLS_Learie_McNicolls_Oct29_0238_cThursday December 3, 2015, at 8 pm, $10. One night only! Choreographer/dancer Learie Mc Nicolls curates and hosts edition #8 of Big Dance, Little Stage, an evening of contemporary dance works for a small stage. New choreography, improvisations, live visuals. Line-up for Dec 3:
* Anderson Langille,
* Julia Garlisi
* Megan English with musician Dale Morningstar,
* Learie Mc Nicolls

link to Learie’s trailer on Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/james.seven.5/videos/10153085115981637/

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Jazz: Matthew Pullicino, Olivia Brown, Jake Franizcek, Wed Dec 2

Matthew_Pullicino_2cWednesday December 2, 2015, at 8 pm, $10 regular/$5 students.  Jazz and more with JOM! a three-piece band founded by Matthew Pullicino (drums), with Jake Franizcek (guitar), and Olivia Brown (bass), playing funk/jazz/fusion music (John Scofield, Jaco Pastorius, James Brown, The Meters) along with original compositions from each member. Guest vocalists throughout the evening.

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The Jay Danley Ethiojazz Project, Sat Nov 28 at 9:30 pm

Jay_Danley_image_680Saturday November 28, 2015, $10, at 9:30 pm, after Toller. The Jay Danley Ethiojazz Project features Jay Danley‘s compositions and guitar playing in the style of Ethiojazz, which combines the rich sounds of Ethiopian scales and modern jazz. For the concert at Artword Artbar the group will feature Elena Kapeleris on sax, Nabil Amarshi on bass and Max Sennit on drums. http://jaydanleyethiojazzpr.wix.com/jaydanleyethiojazz

The group has featured such Jazz luminaries as Hilario Duran (piano) and Rich Brown (bass). Watch the video of the larger group with Hilario Duran.

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Blues, Funk, Groove, w. Wayne Janus Trio, Fri Nov 27 at 9:30

Wayne_Janus_2015Friday November 27, 2015 at 9:30 pm, after Toller. Guitarist, singer and songwriter Wayne Janus continues his Last Friday residency at Artword Artbar, with David Carrillo on drums and Myron Plichota on bass. This electric trio displays artistic diversity based on Blues, Funk and Groove, a world class performance mixing original and cover material, and strong improvisation.

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North of Nashville: Medakovic, Nudie, Altmann, Wed Nov 25

North of Nashville Nov 251Wednesday November 25, 2015 at 8 pm, $10. North of Nashville: 3 Alt-Country songwriters in the round: Danny Medakovic, Nudie, and Chris Altmann. A night of great musical discovery and storytelling.
Singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, producer and engineer, Danny Medakovic has been gathering the respect of fellow musicians and music fans since moving to Hamilton 20 years ago. Danny will play tunes from his newest album, Jolley Cut. http://www.jolleycut.com/
Roots troubadour Nudie is touring through Ontario in November from his current home base of Charlottetown, PEI. His authentic style of music and songwriting is captured on his 2014 album Remember This. It is the soundtrack of relationships and heartache, delivered with wit and charm, and coated in the sounds of 1960s West Coast country soul. http://nudiemusic.com/
Pedal steel player and songwriter Chris Altmann was born in Adelaide, Australia and has been living in Hamilton for three years, where he is an in-demand session player and touring musician. He is currently working on his third solo album.  http://chrisaltmann.com.au/
Reviews:
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THEATRE: Sky Gilbert’s new play TOLLER, about Toller Cranston, Nov 19-22 & 26-29

toller-cranston4Thurs to Sat Nov 19-21 & Nov 26-28, 2015, at 8 pm, tickets $15.  Matinees Sundays Nov 22 & 29 at 2 pm, PWYC at the door only.
A two-week run at Artword Artbar of Sky Gilbert‘s new play TOLLER, about figure-skater Toller Cranston. The play is written and directed by Sky Gilbert, produced by hammertheatre, and stars David Benjamin Tomlinson in the role of Toller (photo right).
Toller_DBTomlinson_crSky Gilbert’s new play TOLLER: A Performance by Toller Cranston is a fictional one-act presentation in which Toller Cranston muses on his life and times. It is inspired by Cranston’s 1997 memoir Zero Tollerance: An Intimate Memoir by The Man That Revolutionized Figure Skating.
Toller Cranston died suddenly earlier this year at a relatively young age of 65. The Olympic Bronze medalist, born in Hamilton, was always a controversial figure. Sky Gilbert considers Toller Cranston as an historical gay figure much in the ‘old school closeted’ style of Noel Coward and Liberace. Uncomfortable with gay liberation, Cranston instead preferred to position himself as a creative outsider rather than as a homosexual.
The play allows Toller Cranston himself to speak about his life and his sexuality through an artful performance of the famous figure skater’s own devising. TOLLER boldly confronts issues of sexuality, identity, and hypocrisy, ultimately painting the portrait of a fierce, frightened, heroic, and very wounded gay man.
The running time is 60 minutes. Separate concerts will follow at 9:30 on Fridays and Saturdays, and at 5 pm on Sunday Nov 22.

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Hartzedike-Lider (Heartsongs), Allan Merovitz & Brian Katz, Sun Nov 22 at 5 pm

Allan_MerovitzBrian_KatzSunday November 22, at 5 pm, after Toller. Cover $15. Hartzedike-Lider (Heartsongs) features Allan Merovitz (vocals, guitar) and Brian Katz (guitar, piano, vocals). Hartzedike-Lider  brings together new renditions of well-loved Yiddish songs with storytelling, original music, a sprinkling of jazz standards … and ShmElvis!
Former lead singer with the Flying Bulgar Klezmer Band, Allan Merovitz is also a gifted actor, playwright and raconteur. He developed The Wedding Project, a performance exploring the traditional Jewish wedding entertainer, the Badchan, and toured extensively with his one man tour-de-force, If Cows Could Fly (produced by Artword Theatre).
Internationally acclaimed guitarist/pianist/composer Brian Katz, draws on jazz, classical, Jewish and various world music to form his personal sound. He is widely acclaimed for his solo performances and evocative compositions. Brian recently released Leaves Will Speak, a solo recording of original compositions and improvisations. http://briankatz.com/

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Jazz w. Sean Dowhaniuk Group, Sat Nov 21, at 9:30 pm

Saturday November 21, at 9:30 pm, after Toller. Cover $10/ $5. Jazz with the Sean Dowhaniuk Group, a long-awaited return visit from one of our favourite adventurous jazz groups. Sean Dowhaniuk guitar, Riley Keller alto saxophone, Mike Rajna drums, Josh Smiley piano, Ethan Tilbury bass, playing new compositions from the group members and some standards.

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3 Guitars: Will Gillespie, Robin Lee, Sarah Beatty, Fri Nov 20 at 9:30

Friday November 20, at 9:30 pm, after Toller. $10 cover. Three Guitars, second edition, hosted by singer-songwriter Will Gillespie, with guests Robin Lee and Sarah Beatty, in a workshop-style concert, playing their original folk, jazz & blues tunes, trading songs and stories. You will be treated to a wide range of styles, songs and subjects, taken on an emotional journey by three musicians who have finely honed their skills and craft as both songwriters and as guitarists. Continue reading

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Book Launch: Mansfield Press fall titles, Mon Nov 16 at 7 pm

MansfieldPress_Mean SeasoncoverMonday November 16, 2015, at 7 pm. Mansfield Press invites you to the Hamilton launch of its five fall titles! With readings by:
Tara Azzopardi — Last Stop, Lonesome Town (poetry)
Salvatore DiFalco — Mean Season (novel)
David W. McFadden — Abnormal Brain Sonnets (poetry)
Nick Papaxanthos — Love Me Tender (poetry)
Corinne Wasilewski — Live from the Underground (novel)
Come celebrate with us!
Hosted by Mansfield publisher/editor Denis De Klerck and editor Stuart Ross.
Check our authors out at www.mansfieldpress.net
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Zula Presents: LEE BARWIN 3 plus SCHOORL & KRAKOWIAK, Sun Nov 15 at 7 pm

schoorlkrakowiak_cSunday November 15, at 7 pm, $15/$12. The Something Else! Creative Music Series is hosted by Zula Presents and Cem Zafir. http://zulapresents.org/
LEE BARWIN 3 (Hamilton/Toronto): Gary Barwin alto saxophone, flute, vocals, electronics; Ryan Barwin pedal steel guitar; David Lee double bass. Both creative academics, musicians and writers, David Lee and Gary Barwin have been working together for quite a while as an incendiary duo. Ryan Barwin (Gary’s son), who plays in country and rock bands, adds lush pedal steel guitar.   http://www.garybarwin.com    http://davidneillee.com
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SCHOORL & KRAKOWIAK (Toronto): Holger Schoorl  guitar and Tomasz Krakowiak percussion (photo left). Purveyors of quiet, minimalist music, at turns introspective, bold, fascinating and intense, this duo generates a highly moving improvised set. http://audiopollination.bandcamp.com/track/holger-schoorl-and-tomasz-krakowiak

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The Harmones (Carol Greene, Christine Roarke, Audrey Hensen), Sat Nov 14

CarolGreene_The Harmones_cSaturday, November 14, 2015, 8 pm, $10. Artword Artbar is pleased to welcome The Harmones back to the stage, in a solo show! This ukulele trio (Carol GreeneChristine Roarke and Audrey Hensen) sing sweet three-part harmonies on folk and pop songs, old and new. Backed up by the very capable Wayne Krawchuk on guitar and Ed Roth on accordion, the night will launch their new CD, Live from Pine St. Carol Greene has performed with Wayne Krawchuk to standing-room only audiences twice before at the Artbar. Christine Roarke and Audrey Hensen joined them on a couple songs at both shows. Now, they are a bona fide trio, performing at numerous venues since their debut as The Harmones at Barnfest 2015. “Gosh, I do love hearing you gals sing!” – Carol’s mom.

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Art Crawl: Beg To Differ Trio, w. Tim Ninehouse, Fri Nov 13

BegToDiffer2Friday November 13, James North Art Crawl, from 8 pm, tip jar. An Artword favourite, the high-energy Beg To Differ Trio playing blues / jazz / funk — Tim Ninehouse on keyboards, vocals; Doug Sikma on guitar; Steve Foster on drums. Unique renditions of blues, jazz and funk songs, drawing from a large musical repertoire from early blues roots to jazzified contemporary songs. http://reverbnation.com/begtodiffertrio

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Jazz vocal jam with Sue Ramsay Trio, Thurs Oct 8 & Nov 12

Sue_RamsaySecond Thursday for 2 months: October 8 and November 12, 2015, at 8 pm, cover tba. Jazz vocalist Sue Ramsay hosts a jazz vocal jam, backed by Bob Shields on guitar and Clark Johnston on stand-up bass, with Adam Fielding on drums. And there may be some storytelling in the mix. Sue says: “I want to create an environment where singers can do their thing and promote whatever they’re working on.  And I get to gig once a month to try out new material and jam a wee bit with my trio. I have often found being a singer is a lonely road. The path is not always clear but so much easier with a network of friends around.”  http://www.suzanne-ramsay.com/  and
https://www.facebook.com/events/1183158435032605/

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Songwriter showcase: Megan Hamilton, Anthony Damaio, Shawn Clarke, Neil Kostecki, Sun Nov 8 at 3 pm

Megan_HamiltonMegan_Hamilton_posterSunday November 8, 2015, at 3 pm (doors 2 pm), $10. Spend a family-friendly Sunday afternoon with some talented musicians who want to sing you some songs. Singer-songwriter Megan Hamilton is touring with her new album Forty Warm Streams To Lead Your Wings. The album was produced by Jim Bryson and features Hamilton’s own Danielle Lennon, who is joining her on tour.  www.facebook.com/MeganHamiltonMusic   https://meganhamilton.bandcamp.com/
Some like-minded musicians are joining in to make the event into something really special: Shawn William Clarke (Toronto) https://www.facebook.com/shawnclarkemusic
(couldn’t make it) Anthony Damiao (Guelph)  https://www.facebook.com/Anthonydmusic
Neil Kostecki (Grimsby)  https://www.facebook.com/firekisser
Daniel Dell (Hamilton)
Concert starts at 3 pm, Artword Artbar’s doors will be open about an hour before that.

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THEATRE: Mikey Henley’s 23:30, performance about solitary confinement, Wed-Sat, Nov 4-7

Mikey_Henley_23-30_poster2015Wednesday November 4 to Saturday November 7, 2015, four performances. Michael Henley‘s theatrical performance 23:30, “the stark truth about his time in solitary confinement”. At Artword Artbar, tickets $15, 905-543-8512 or 905-912-9083. Arrive by 8:00 pm to be seated and served. Show starts sharp at 8:30 (no latecomers admitted).
Mikey Henley was a troubled teenager. Eighteen years old in 1997, he was sentenced to two years in penitentiary for robbery and assault. Serving his time in Collins Bay, he refused to rat on another prisoner, and in consequence was sent to “the hole”, solitary confinement. Three hellish months in all, locked in a tiny room for 23 hours and 30 minutes a day.
On April 17, 1999, he received his conditional release. Outside, he had a life to start over — and a nightmare that he couldn’t forget.
He had a story to tell, but how to tell it? The result is 23:30, a powerful piece of dramatic art that depicts the stark truth about what happens in solitary confinement to a human spirit.
“23:30 is a story, a play, a musical, a comedy, a nightmare. It is a story of how to think outside the box. A story that asks what do you do when you hit rock bottom, but worse…find yourself in the hole. What would you do? Locked in the hole for an average of 23 and a half hours a day, for over 3 months. How would it affect you?” 
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Hallowe’en mystery event, Sat Oct 31

Saturday October 31, 2015, free, vintage scary movies.

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Blues, Funk, Groove, w. Wayne Janus Trio, Fri Oct. 30

Wayne_Janus_2015Friday October 30, 2015 at 8:00 pm. Guitarist, singer and songwriter Wayne Janus is back at Artword Arbar, with David Carrillo on drums and Myron Plichota on bass. This electric trio displays artistic diversity based on Blues, Funk and Groove. The audience can expect a world class performance mixing original and cover material, and strong improvisation.

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Big Dance, Little Stage, Learie Mc Nicolls, Wed-Thurs, Oct 28 & 29

BDLS_Apr29_2015_Lisa_Emmons_cWednesday & Thursday October 28 and 29, 2015, at 8 pm, $10. Choreographer/dancer Learie Mc Nicolls curates and hosts edition #7 of his on-going series Big Dance, Little Stage, an evening of contemporary dance works for a small stage. New choreography, improvisations, live visuals. “This event has been an essential tool for me to take risks, grow and get out there!” Megan English (dancer/choreographer):
The Oct 28 & 29 edition features improvisations with musicians.
* Dancer Alyssa Nedich with musicians Kevin Fournier, Greg Chambers & Nimal Agalawatte
* Dancer Lisa Pijuan-Nomura, solo
* Dancers Tanya Langille and Anderson Langille,  with musicians Robin Lajoie, Orange McFarland and Nick Michas.
* Learie Mc Nicolls with musician Edgardo Moreno
Live visuals by Judith Sandiford
(Photo right: Lisa Emmons, BDLS, April 29, 2015)

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Steel City Jazz Festival, Tjaderama tribute band, Sun Oct 25 at 7pm

steel-city-jazz-2015_posterWeek One (Oct 21 to 25) of the 2015 Steel City Jazz Festival is at Artword Artbar. Week Two (Oct 29 to Nov 1) is at The Pearl Company. The artist-in-residence for this year’s festival is jazz pianist Adrean Farrugia.   http://steelcityjazzfest.com/
Cal_TjaderSunday October 25, at 7 pm, $15 reg, $10 students. BOOK ONLINE.
Tjaderama: The Music of Cal Tjader, a tribute band with Randy Stirtzinger (as Cal Tjader) playing the vibraphone, John Sherwood on piano, Carlos Rodriguez on drums, Rob McBride on bass and Antonio Perez on congas. John Sherwood has played in the Tjadermania tribute band since 1980.
Cal Tjader (1925 -1982), an American known as the most successful non-Latino Latin musician, played the music of Cuba, the Caribbean, and Latin America. His main instrument was the vibraphone, but he also played percussion and piano. (photo right) http://www.concordmusicgroup.com/artists/Cal-Tjader/

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Steel City Jazz Festival, WPBE (Worst Pop Band Ever), Sat Oct 24

steel-city-jazz-2015_posterWeek One (Oct 21 to 25) of the 2015 Steel City Jazz Festival is at Artword Artbar. Week Two (Oct 29 to Nov 1) is at The Pearl Company. The artist-in-residence for this year’s festival is jazz pianist Adrean Farrugia.   http://steelcityjazzfest.com/
WPBE_bandphoto_cSaturday October 24 at 8 pm, $15 reg, $10 students. BOOK ONLINE.  The Worst Pop Band Ever aka WPBE, back at Artword Artbar, featuring Adrean Farrugia (piano/keys) and Chris Gale (sax), along with Drew Birston (bass) and Tim Shia (drums), with new music off their upcoming album plus their own twisted interpretations of new and old Pop classics.

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Steel City Jazz Festival, Luanda Jones Trio, Fri Oct 23

steel-city-jazz-2015_posterLuanda_JonesWeek One (Oct 21 to 25) of the 2015 Steel City Jazz Festival is at Artword Artbar. Week Two (Oct 29 to Nov 1) is at The Pearl Company. The artist-in-residence for this year’s festival is jazz pianist Adrean Farrugia.   http://steelcityjazzfest.com/
Friday October 23, at 8 pm, $20 reg, $15 students. BOOK ONLINE.
Brazilian Jazz with vocalist/songwriter Luanda Jones and her trio: Ian De Souza (bass), Marito Marques (drums), with a unique blend of bossa nova, jazz, funk and samba.  http://www.luandajones.com/

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Steel City Jazz Festival, Jazz Vocalists John Neudorf & Sophia Perlman, Thurs Oct 22

steel-city-jazz-2015_posterJohn_Neudorf_cWAdrean_Farrugia_Sophia_Perlman2eek One (Oct 21-25) of the 2015 Steel City Jazz Festival is at Artword Artbar. Week Two (Oct 29-Nov 1) is at The Pearl Company. The artist-in-residence for this year’s festival is jazz pianist Adrean Farrugia.   http://steelcityjazzfest.com/
Thursday October 22 at 8 pm, $15 reg, $10 students. BOOK ONLINE.
Jazz Vocalists:  John Neudorf and Sophia Perlman with pianist Adrean Farrugia. John Neudorf, from St. Catharines, performs regularly throughout the Niagara Region, most recently at the Niagara Jazz Festival 2015. “With the history of John’s extensive blues background, combined with his explosive jazz scat and warm phrasing, John Neudorf is a must see.”

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Steel City Jazz Festival, New Jazz Compositions, Wed Oct 21

steel-city-jazz-2015_posterWeek One (Oct 21 to 25) of the 2015 Steel City Jazz Festival is at Artword Artbar. Week Two (Oct 29 to Nov 1) is at The Pearl Company. The artist-in-residence for this year’s festival is jazz pianist Adrean Farrugia.   http://steelcityjazzfest.com/
Wednesday October 21 at 8 pm, $10. BOOK ONLINE.
New Jazz Compositions, double bill:
– the Tom Altobelli Group:  led by Tom Altobelli on stand-up bass, playing his compositions, with Andrew King on tenor sax, Chris Bruder on keys, Jordan Snider on drums and Scott McIntosh on guitar.
– the Scott Taplay Group: features Scott Taplay, guitarist, with his new jazz compositions, backed by Victor Agrippa on alto saxophone, Jonas Pearson-Paavola on bass and Jon Pascoal on drums

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October Poetry Blast, hosted by James Deahl, Sun Oct 18, 2-5 pm

JamesDeahl_UnbrokenCover_cJames-Deahl_Lummox_OctPoetryBlastSunday October 18, 2015, from 2 to 5 pm. Free admission. October Poetry Blast, organized by poet James DeahlFeatured readers include Canadian contributors to the California-based anthologies LUMMOX 3 and LUMMOX 4. Readers: Jennifer L. Foster (Hamilton), David Haskins (Grimsby), Debbie Okun Hill (Sarnia), Donna Langevin (Toronto), Norma West Linder (Sarnia), Michael Mirolla (Oakville), Deborah Morrison (Hamilton), and James Deahl (Sarnia). Books will be for sale.

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Jazz Cabaret with vocalist Colina Phillips and Stacie McGregor, Sat Oct 17

Colina_PhillipsSaturday October 17, 2015, at 8:00 pm, $15. Stacie_McGregor_cBirthday Suite, a jazz cabaret with the wonderful vocalist Colina Phillips and  jazz pianist Stacie McGregor. In addition to her own band, the Stacie McGregor Quintet, Stacie is a member of Brandi Disterheft’s Juno-award winning band and Archie Alleyne’s hard-bop band Kollage.   http://www.staciemcgregor.com/ Joining Colina and Stacie is bassist Mike Milligan. Mike Milligan_c680Nominated for Jazz Bassist of the Year at the 2008 National Jazz Awards, Mike Milligan has performed and recorded with David Liebman, Joshua Redman, Donny McCaslin, David Binney, Claude Ranger, Jeff Ballard, Billy Kilson, Adam Nussbaum, Don Thompson, and Sonny Greenwich. Mike has toured all around the globe as a sideman including multiple tours of Europe with the Shuffle Demons. He presently also leads his Quartet and co-leads a guitar and double bass duo (SixplusFour) with guitarist James Brown.

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Guitarist Kyle Pacey w. Kevin Christoff & Jay Burr, Fri Oct 16

kyle_paceyFriday October 16, 2015, at 8 pm, $15.  Guitarist and singer Kyle Pacey presents an evening of original music that’s an eclectic mix of soul, roots, R & B and funk. With Kevin Christoff on bass, and Jay Burr on trombone and percussion. www.kylepacey.com
A musical force, Grammy-nominated Kyle Pacey has been described as Canada’s answer to the Buena Vista Social Club. Pacey’s combination of rhythm and technique are exhilarating. He likes to push the boundaries with his unorthodox style and unique approach to the guitar.
Joe Curtis, To-nite Magazine writes: “I was totally mesmerized by guitarist Kyle Pacey’s playing technique… Kyle is the fastest, most superb guitar virtuoso I’ve ever seen. I always daydreamed that if Superboy played guitar, his hand on the neck would be a blur. This feat of musical ability was achieved by Kyle… and no foolin’ his left hand on the neck became a blur.”

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Will Gillespie’s Old World Romance, Thurs Oct 15

Will_Gillespie_cWill_Gillespie_Oct15_posterThursday October 15, 2015 at 8  pm, $10. Will Gillespie’s Old World Romance. Sometimes heartbreaking, sometimes bombastic, sometimes campy fun, Old World Romance is the charming, disarming, elegant and eccentric vision of Hamilton-based singer-songwriter, Will Gillespie.
Will has also invited the ever-charming accordion-clad troubadour Willow Rutherford https://www.facebook.com/WillowRutherfordMusic
and local Hamiltonian roots/Americana songwriter Deeps (Steve De Piante) who will also be playing piano and accordion with him, and Michel DeQuevedo on percussion.
With this show Will offers you a glimpse into his world of Magic and Starlight.  http://www.willgillespie.ca/

“Will Gillespie will entertain you with his romantic flourish and cabaret flair. Will always has songs and guitar tricks up his sleeves aplenty.” – (Sarah Greene, NOW Magazine)
“From songwriter to crooner and cabaret man to power-pop genius, Will Gillespie is always evolving his artistry” -(Paul Loewenberg, Artistic Director, Northern Lights Festival Boreal)

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Dave Clark and The Woodshed Orchestra, “Brass Bandit”, Sat Oct 10

woodshed-orchestra-1Woodshed_Orchestra_BrassBandit_680Saturday October 10, 2015 at 8 pm, $10. The Hamilton launch of Brass Bandit, the latest CD from percussionist/ songwriter Dave Clark and his wacky and wonderful Woodshed Orchestrahttp://thewoodshedorchestra.com/
Plus an opening set with Dinner is Ruined band reunion: Dave Clark, Dale Morningstar and Dr Pee.
“The Woodshed Orchestra exists to uplift people. Legendary Toronto drummer Dave Clark (Rheostatics, Gord Downie, The Woodchopper’s Association, Dinner is Ruined, Charles Spearin) and The Woodshed Orchestra mash up classic dance styles from all over the world into a soulful celebration. The Woodshed’s new “Brass Bandit” disc sees the group celebrating in brass band style. They kick the ball around the world from New Orleans 2nd line, to Greek Surf Rock, to Politicized Poetry Love Scatting, to Old Tyme UK Beer Hall Waltzing, to Football Funk, to Meditative Yearning. The disc clocks in at a Punk Rock 26:26 for 9 tunes and it’s jammed with goodness!
Dave Clark founded The Woodshed Orchestra in 2005 in order to celebrate life through music. The band plays Clark’s 200 strong original songbook as a full on electric band and as a brass band a la the New Orleans 2nd line band tradition depending on the occasion. They’ve created their own on stage language to navigate from song to song and to shift gears on a dime for awestruck audiences. “

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Art Crawl: Honsi vs Grease Monkey, blues/funk, 2 bands! Fri Oct 9

DaveHollingshead_Honsi_GreaseMonkeyFriday October 9, 2015, James North Art Crawl, from 8 pm, tip jar. Pianist Dave Hollingshead has set up a mega-evening: Honsi vs. Grease Monkey, two blues fusion/funk bands square off at Artword Artbar.
Grease Monkey (funk/fusion/jazz/blues): Braden Varcoe guitar, Victoria Cox tenor sax, Greg Chambers keyboards, Olivia Brown bass, Kevin Fournier drums. https://www.facebook.com/greasemonkeymusic
Honsi (blues rock, funk, jazz fusion, jam band): Daniel Honsberger guitar and vocals, David Hollingshead keyboards, Jonas Pearson Paavola bass, Zach Thompson drums. https://www.facebook.com/honsiband

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Songwriter-guitarist Michael J. Birthelmer, Sat Oct 3

Michael J. Birthelmer_2c680Saturday October 3, 2015, 8 pm, $10. Hamilton’s own Michael J. Birthelmer, master guitarist, songwriter and story-teller performs selections from his infamous Songbook on themes of love, life, the American Civil War… and weasels in tuxedos. Join us for this not-to-be missed evening. Accompanied by Michael Hickey and friends.
Michael was born, raised and is still residing in Hamilton, Ontario where he has been writing and performing his music since 1976. His career has included four critically acclaimed albums; Zanzibar, Your Number, The Hat, and The Grand Review, featuring songs he composed about the American Civil War. Since 1997, Michael has recorded numerous CDs of other artists in his Recording Studio, most of which he arranged and produced. He also composed, arranged, and recorded the music to the television documentary The History of Hamilton. Currently, most of Michael’s time is spent operating his recording studio.

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Jazz with The Ault Sisters vocal trio + band, Fri Oct 2

ault sistersAult_Sisters_c_680Friday October 2, 2015 at 8 pm, $15 / $10 students. Jazz with the incredible vocal trio The Ault Sisters. Experience the joy of sweet sibling harmony from Amanda, Alicia and Alanna Ault. The trio are currently making a name for themselves in vocal jazz, a genre in which their signature and sublimely seamless vocal harmonies really shine. With Chris Bruder on piano, Tom Altobelli on bass, Jordan Snider on drums. http://aultsisters.com/

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Learie Mc Nicolls, sneak preview film screening, Thurs Oct 1

Thursday October 1, 2015 at 8 pm, free. Sneak preview of a film by dancer/choreographer Learie Mc Nicolls, a film version of his dance work Resurrection. For the past 10 months, Learie has been filming it at Artword Artbar, and editing it at home. If he determines that it is “finished”, we will have an official public screening later. Resurrection is the second dance work in his autobiographical trilogy: the first is Armour presented in Toronto a decade ago, and the third is Transformation presented at Artword Artbar this past spring and summer.

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Classical music: Bay City String Quartet, Sun Sept 27, 3 pm

MadeleineKayQuartet_0255_680Sunday September 27, 2015, 3 to 5 pm, $10 regular, $5 youth. Bay City String Quartet: Madeleine Kay violin, Ewen Hutton violin, Maximilan Aoki cello, Dominico Kim cello, play a Sunday afternoon concert at Artword Artbar. The string quartet is unconventional in instrumentation, as they play without a viola, substituting it with a second cello. The quartet will play a mixture of classical and modern music, coupled with individual and duo performances from the members of the group. They are all leading members of the Hamilton Philharmonic Youth Orchestra. Bay City Strings are quickly becoming active members of the Hamilton music scene, playing at the Hamilton Youth Poets 2015 fundraiser, participating in the 2015 Juno Awards Turn It On Hamilton, and playing for other local fundraisers and events in the area. http://baycitystringquartet.blogspot.ca/

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Zula Presents: In the Sea trio and Eschaton duo, Sat Sep 26 at 8:30

IntheSea_Tristan_HonsingerSaturday September 26, 2015, at 8:30 pm, $15 reg / $12 students. The Something Else! Creative Music Series is hosted by Zula Presents and Cem Zafir. http://zulapresents.org/
In The Sea, an improvising string trio from Montreal and Amsterdam, includes Tristan Honsinger (cello), Josh Zubot (violin) and Nicolas Caloia (double-bass). Eschaton“Their rapport is obvious, the results a satisfying mixture of musical empathy and creative conflict.” http://www.nicolascaloia.net/inthesea.html
Opening the evening: Aaron Hutchinson (trumpet, synthesizer, electronics, percussion) and Connor Bennett (saxophone, bass, vocals) are Eschaton, a Hamilton noise duo, whose music is driven by spontaneity and improvisation. https://soundcloud.com/eschaton-havn      Continue reading
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Folk-blues duo Jennis: Dennis Gaumond & Jen Gillmor, Fri Sept 25

Jennis-9671-smallcJennis-eflyer-Artbar-Sep25Friday September 25, 2015, at 8 pm, $10.  A return visit by dynamic  folk-blues duo JennisJennis brings together award-winning Guelph-based Dennis Gaumond‘s decades of experience writing and performing original blues and folk and the diverse musical experiences of veteran Toronto indie-scene multi-instrumentalist Jen Gillmor. The unique blend of cello and dobro is also augmented by unusual sounds, such as didgeridoo, custom-tuned harmonicas, flute, wah-guitar, jaw harp and wazinator. It makes for a very entertaining performance, filled with energy, passion and humour. “What do you get when you combine some talented songwriting, warm, rich vocals along with a resophonic guitar, cello, jaw harp and even a didgeridoo?  A unique and impressive blend of folk, roots and bluesy sounds served up as a fine, entertaining evening of Jennis music.” Debra Thornington, Ottawa Blues Society  www.jennis.ca     www.jengillmormusic.ca

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JAZZ: Sue Ramsay Trio, Thurs Sept 24

Sue_RamsaySue_Ramsay_Trio_cThursday, September 24, 2015, at 8 pm, $10. The Sue Ramsay Trio (jazz vocalist Sue Ramsay, Bob Shields on guitar and Clark Johnston on bass) will be looking longingly at the summer that was, and then to the autumn that is … in their favourite pocket of late 50’s and early 60’s jazz grooves.  It will be a hot night and the leaves will be flying. Sue’s latest CD, released in spring of 2015, Once Upon a Summertime will be available for purchase. The Trio has been playing at jazz festivals in the Golden Horseshoe. Sue’s previous CDs include two all-original albums co-authored with jazz guitarist Mike Stanutz: Reunion in 2006 followed by Dichotomy in 2011.  http://www.suzanne-ramsay.com/

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Choreographic Workshops, Wed Sept 23 and Wed Sept 30

Learie_Nov20_0345Wednesday, September 23 and 30, 2015 at 6:15 pm.
Workshop with choreographer Learie McNicolls and theatre director Ronald Weihs, for dancers, movers, actors, performers.
How to put together a performance piece with movement and structure in a theatrical space. Learie and Ron will share their secret processes to help you develop a short work. The second workshop is a continuation of the first one.
Cost: $10 per workshop.
Reserve: email Learie <leariemcnicolls@gmail.com>, or
email Artword <artword@artword.net>, or call Judith Sandiford 905-543-8512. Or you can join the event on FB: https://www.facebook.com/events/700491216747798/
Location: Artword Artbar, 15 Colbourne St, on the theatre stage.
Time: Please arrive by 6:15 to get ready. We will start right at 6:30 pm. We will finish at 9:30.
Bring: Comfortable clothes and soft footwear that you can move in.

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R&B and soul w. André Bisson & band, Sat Sept 19

Andre Bisson 2cSaturday, September 19, 2015, 8 pm, $10. Back at Artword Artbar! Shake it up with soul, R&B and motown classics and new compositions by award-winning vocalist André Bisson on guitar, vocals. Band members: Loretta Hale trumpet, Andrew King tenor sax, Kevin Matthews baritone sax, Kevin Beeby bass, Glenn Paul drums. We’ll push back some tables for dancing!
Since 2005, André Bisson has been performing his unique blend of R&B and Soul throughout the US, Canada, England, Wales & Ireland. After graduating from the Applied Music Program at Mohawk College in Hamilton, André went on to record, compose, and arrange five studio albums. The success of these award-winning albums has led to four international tours, radio airplay, and the chance to open for artists such as Colin James, Jimmie Vaughan, Robben Ford and Steven Page (Barenaked Ladies). Recently, André was honored as ‘Male Vocalist of the Year’ for the 2015 Hamilton Blues Awards as well as a nomination for ‘Overseas Artist of the Year’ from the British Blues Awards. With the help of a horn section, André combines the influence of Motown and Stax in his own original compositions. Website: andrebisson.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/andreandthejtones

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Jazz, blues, funk with Beg To Differ Trio, Friday Sept 18

Friday September 18, 2015, at 8 pm, pwyc. BegToDiffer2An Artword favourite, the high-energy Beg To Differ Trio playing blues / jazz / funk — Tim Ninehouse on keyboards, vocals; Doug Sikma on guitar; Steve Foster on drums. Unique renditions of blues, jazz and funk songs, drawing from a large musical repertoire from early blues roots to jazzified contemporary songs. http://reverbnation.com/begtodiffertrio

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Big Dance, Little Stage, Learie Mc Nicolls, Wed-Thurs, Sept 16-17

Learie_June11_2014_P1180076cWednesday & Thursday September 16 & 17, 2015, at 8 pm, $10. MeganEnglish_0626_c680Choreographer and dancer Learie Mc Nicolls curates and hosts edition #6 of his on-going series “Big Dance, Little Stage”, an evening of contemporary dance works for a small stage.
Line-up,updated, for Sept 16-17:
*Duet: Tanis McArthur and Pamela Gardner.
*Duet: Megan English with musician Dale Morningstar (photo right)
* Alyssa Nedich
performs choreography by Learie Mc Nicolls and choreographs a piece for a dancer.
*Betti Sheldrick, dancer, performs a new work
*Florence Roullet, dancer, performs a new work
*Solo: Learie Mc Nicolls
with live visuals by Judith Sandiford
https://www.facebook.com/events/1471889973107055/
Learie, who has had a lengthy career in Toronto, is now based in Hamilton. In 2014, he performed his one-man show Resurrection at The Pearl Company. He was choreographer on Artword Theatre’s production of their musical play “James Street” in May 2014 and May 2015. Most recently, his new work, “Transformation: A Journey of the Soul’s Healing”, an Artword Theatre production, written, choreographed and performed by Learie McNicolls, directed by Ronald Weihs, was remounted for an 8-show run at Artword Artbar in July, 2015, for the Hamilton Fringe Festival, to rave reviews.

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Supercrawl weekend: psychedelic jazz fusion, Doug Murphy, Sun Sept 13, 4 pm

Doug_Murphy_Brian_Ropcean_Alanna GunnSunday September 13, 2015, Supercrawl weekend. Sunday afternoon from 4 to 6 pm. A return appearance of “It Is What It Is” — fusion psychedelic jazz featuring the far-out fabulous Doug Murphy guitar, with Brian Ropcean drums and Alanna Gunn bass. Special guest artists: Mike Ricci alto sax & flute plus Carmen Nemeth violin.

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Supercrawl weekend: reggae w. Riddim Riders & Klyde Broox, host Mr. Jay, Sat Sept 12

Jay_Mr._D.I.DAcoustic Moments Sept 12-15final600wSaturday September 12, 2015, (Supercrawl Saturday). Doors at 8 pm, show at 9 pm. Tickets $10 advance (Book tickets online) , $15 at door. Artword Artbar’s good friend Mr. Jay hosts a Supercrawl Special Edition reggae roots music night, with a return appearance of the wonderful Riddim Riders Unplugged!
Riddim Riders Unplugged, aka Acoustic Ride, are an extension of Hamilton’s premier reggae band Riddim Riders. Core members Franklin Joseph and Mike Rajczak are joined by vocalist Lauren Mikayla, lead guitar Keon Crosswell and Christopher Charles. The Riders break away from their usual reggae-rockers vibe with this configuration, Klyde_Broox_3featuring acoustic and classical guitars, djembe, conga and hand percussion, and a big focus on rich vocal harmonies. Although still touching on the reggae tip, the focus is on acoustic Riddim_Riders_Unplugged_crock, r&b and soulful originals, showcasing the band’s diversity and unique sound potential.
Featured guest is dub-poet Klyde Broox, who will be backed by the Riddim Riders Unplugged.

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Supercrawl weekend: Stuart Laughton’s Radio Dial, Fri Sept 11, 8 pm

Stuart_Laughton_cFriday September 11, 2015, at 8 pm (Supercrawl Friday). Tickets $15. (Book tickets online). Artword Artbar launches its Fall 2015 season with one of our favourites:Stuart_Laughton_June212014_0246_680 Stuart Laughton and his wonderful Radio Dial, with Stuart Laughton on vocals, guitar, harmonica, trumpet, piano. Guest artists for the Friday Sept 11 edition of Radio Dial are: Rebecca Campbell (vocals), Jim Clayton (piano), Steve Lucas (bass); Martin Worthy (banjo/drums).
Why RADIO DIAL? Because on long car trips, Stuart scours the radio waves for interesting music, and wanted to bring a similarly eclectic presentation to the stage (think Stuart McLean’s Vinyl Café, with the speaking and musical proportions reversed). http://www.radiodial.ca/ Continue reading

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closed from August 1 to Sept 10, 2015

August 1, 2015 to September 10, 2015. Back in action Friday September 11, for Supercrawl weekend. To get in touch, email artword@artword.net.

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4 great reviews for Learie McNicolls’ Transformation, July 2015

Peter Malysewich: “…the premier performance of this year’s Fringe.”
The performance was totally awesome. As a Learie fan, I came prepared to enjoy it and was rewarded with even more than I expected. Held my attention from right from the beginning. But I have to give a shout out to Dale Morningstar who at times was so intense he seem to be Learie’s alter ego, with his masterful timing, that movement and sound became one. A terrific venue, a terrific beer, and a fusion of artists for the premier performance of this year’s Fringe. July 23, Peter Malysewich, audience member, posting on FB, https://www.facebook.com/groups/11108185093/

Gary Smith: “..Theatre that pricks the social conscience, stirs the imagination and releases thought. Go get transformed.”

For goodness sake, go see Learie McNicolls’ dance drama “Transformation.” This piece of theatre-cum-performance art is a highly polished, professional work that finds inspiration in McNicolls’ narrative and Ron Weihs’ inspired direction. Add Judith Sandiford’s powerful visuals with their icy tinge of realism and you have a work of art.
McNicolls moves with easy grace offering a seemingly improvised (it’s not of course) banter that gives the work energy and rhythm. Accompaniment by musician Dale Morningstar on drums, keyboard, whistle and cymbals is always perfectly in tune with what’s going on.
“Transformation” reminded me of heady nights in Greenwich Village’s once famous Café Bizarre where, during the 1960s, art was deliriously performed for audiences who savoured every moment. Transformation_learie_McNicolls_8cr
This is theatre that pricks the social conscience, stirs the imagination and releases thought. Go get transformed. Performed at Artword Artbar 15 Colbourne St.
Gary Smith in The Hamilton Spectator, July 16, 2015. Gary Smith has written on theatre and dance for The Hamilton Spectator for more than 35 years. He saw these Fringe shows in previews. Gary Smith reviews Transformation

Dawn Cattapan: “…Mc Nicolls’ strong mastery of dance performance and movement is especially apparent as each transformation takes place with ease and grace… a powerful and meaningful performance…”

Transformation: A Journey of the Soul’s Healing is a multi-disciplinary art piece that encompasses dance, spoken word, live music and image projections. … Transformation was first presented earlier this year and incorporates three [many] of Mc Nicolls’ poems in order to bring three distinct characters to life.
Although these characters have other interactions, Learie is able to portray every single character with ease, using his body and voice alone to capture the essence of each; from a small child passing by on a beach to a preacher as he comes to terms with a troubled childhood.
In this sense, the story itself is epic; intense emotions and opinions of family, poverty, war, love, fear, sacrifice and faith are carefully explored as the character gracefully transforms and weaves their way into and out of the changes in their life. Through it all, they continue walking forward, to face each sunrise, and the promise of a new day with unreserved enthusiasm for the promise it may hold.
Mc Nicolls’ strong mastery of dance performance and movement is especially apparent as each transformation takes place with ease and grace that reflect his professional training. No space or moment is wasted throughout the performance, as Artword Artbar is utilized perfectly in its entirety to capture each transformation, both in music, imagery and movement. Mc Nicolls and his live collaborators have carefully and consciously thought out each moment, ensuring that they contribute to a powerful and meaningful performance as the music and images move the story forward as seamlessly as its main character.
Although many may feel that contemporary dance is an art form not for them, Learie Mc Nicolls is an apt tour guide for those looking to learn more about it as he conveys his story. This type of performance is reason enough to be excited about the future of the dance and art community in Hamilton.
Dawn Cattapan is an arts management and communications professional who is currently working with Green Venture. The former Executive Director of the Sudbury Symphony Orchestra and Education Manager for the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, she is particularly interested in the potential of the Hamilton arts community. In her spare time, Dawn is an active yogi, burrito aficionado and can be found on Twitter @dcattapan.  July 17, 2015: http://www.raisethehammer.org/blog/2880/transformation:_a_journey_of_the_souls_healing

Robin Pittis: “… masterpiece of poetic theatre, … a feat of mature creative artistry…”
Transformation: An avant garde dancer teams up with a musician and visual artist to create this challenging masterpiece of poetic theatre. Learie McNicolls is an accomplished and award-winning modern dancer, and he draws on richly personal material of growing up in Trinidad for his poems. Themes of innocence, violence, and faith swirl between Judith Sandiford’s imagery, Dale Morningstar’s creative sound scape, McNicolls’ lithe and free movement, and his vocal commitment to the text. This is a feat of mature creative artistry connoisseurs won’t want to miss. [R.P.] Robin Pittis, View Magazine, July 23, 2015

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Transformation by Learie Mc Nicolls, Fringe Festival, July 16 to 25

transformation_poster_Jul2015Hamilton_Fringe_BLK Logo_smJuly 16 to 25, 2015, $10. Artword Theatre presents Transformation: A Journey of the Soul’s Healing by Learie Mc Nicolls, in the 2015 Hamilton Fringe Theatre Festival.
Learie Mc Nicolls confronts the demons of poverty, violence and fear in his powerful new work, Transformation_Learie_McNicolls_13bcTransformation: a Journey of the Soul’s Healing. An Artword Theatre production, directed by Ronald Weihs, Transformation combines dance, spoken word, soundscape and visual images, to present one man’s struggle to come to terms with his troubled Trinidad childhood and redeem the forgotten child inside him. The live musical soundscape is by Dale Morningstar, and live visuals by Judith Sandiford.Transformation_Learie_McNicolls_3br
Article on March version of Transformation
Venue: Artword Artbar, 15 Colbourne St., a Bring-Your-Own-Venue.
Running time: 60 minutes. Eight performances, showtimes:
Thursday July 16 at 9 pm; Friday July 17 at 9 pm;
Saturday July 18 at 9 pm; Sunday July 19 at 8 pm;
Wednesday July 22 at 9 pm; Thursday July 23 at 8 pm;
Friday July 24 at 9 pm; Saturday July 25 at 9 pm  (Final Show)
Tickets $10 at door or online at: http://hamiltonfringe.ca/tickets/
plus a one-time purchase of a Fringe Button ($5), good for all Fringe shows.

Click here for Transformation_press_rel_Artword_Fringe2015.pdf
Learie Mc Nicolls has been a key figure in the contemporary dance scene in Toronto since the 1980s. He has danced with Toronto Dance Theatre, Desrosiers Dance Theatre, Dancemakers, the National Ballet of Cuba, and his own company, Mythmakers. Continue reading

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Drinking, Fighting and Fishing, Fringe Festival, July 16 to 25

Hamilton_Fringe_BLK Logo_smJulian_Nicholson_posterJuly 16 to 25, 2015, eight performances, $10. Julian Nicholson and David B. Fraser present Drinking, Fighting and Fishing at Artword Artbar (a BYOV Venue), as part of the 2015 Hamilton Fringe Theatre Festival, .
Julian Nicholson stars in Drinking, Fighting and Fishing, a one-man play by David B. Fraser, about Andy and his two brothers drinking, fighting, and fishing their way through life. Andy re-lives his youth and his traumatic history that masks a deeper and mysterious illness affecting his life. The play, a coming of age story that deals with mental illness and substance abuse, is funny, desperate, and honest.
Julian Nicholson and David B. Fraser are long-time theatre veterans who have collaborated on many theatre projects in the Toronto and Hamilton area. Most recently, Julian directed David’s play A Home for Margaret in the 2014 Hamilton Fringe Festival. David B. Fraser won the 2008 Hamilton Fringe Playwright’s Contest for his play Gerald Hilroy’s Guide to the Art of Seduction.
Venue: Artword Artbar, 15 Colbourne Street, a Bring-Your-Own-Venue.
Running time is 45 minutes.
Show times for Drinking, Fighting and Fishing are: Thursday, July 16 at 7:30 pm; Friday, July 17 at 7:30 pm; Saturday, July 18 at 7:30 pm; Tuesday, July 21 at 8 pm; Wednesday, July 22 at 7:30 pm; Friday, July 24 at 7:30 pm; Saturday, July 25 at 5:00 pm and at 7:30 pm  (Final Show)

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Late jazz show: Patrick Smith band fusion and hard bop, Thurs July 23 at 9:30 pm

Patrick_Smith_21C_11cPatrick_Smith_21C_10cThursday July 23, 2015, at 9:30 pm, $5/pwyc. (Late show after performance of Transformation 8 to 9 pm.) Jazz fusion and hard bop band called 21C, led by up-and-coming jazz composer Patrick Smith on saxophones. Band members: Jacob Thompson keyboards; Ethan Tilbury upright bass; Patrick Armstrong drums. Opening set by David Baldry, trumpet, and his group.
Drawing on influences from hard bop and fusion, to flamenco, classic rock and hip hop, the Pat Smith band 21C connects with the 21st century by playing original, modern music with a strong emphasis on melody and groove. Their goal is to play music that reaches across genres to reflect the various faces of the world we are living in. The band has played in venues in Ottawa and Toronto. Currently in the works is the recording of a short length EP and a tour of southern Ontario. Patrick Smith is a young saxophonist and composer, originally from Ottawa, who is currently studying Jazz Performance at the University of Toronto. Continue reading

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Dance/Music Collaboration: Olga Barrios, John Henry Gerena, Edgardo Moreno, Tues July 14

olga_barrios_BGR_cNEW DATE! Tuesday July 14, 2015, at 9 pm, $10. A special evening by three brilliant Latin American performers. In a rare appearance back in Hamilton, dancer/choreographer Olga Barrios  joins forces with Hamilton-based dancer John Henry Gerena and musician Edgardo Moreno in an extended experimental interaction of movement and electro-acoustic music, with projections.
Olga Barrios is a choreographer, dancer and teacher who has collaborated with theatre, music and dance companies in Canada, USA and Colombia. Born in Bogota Colombia where she studied Performing Arts – Dance Program at the Arts Academy and Advertising at the Universidad Jorge Tadeo Lozano. Olga also holds a MFA in Dance from Toronto’s York University. She is co-founder of Vanguardia Dance Projects in Canada and Artistic Director of Olga Barrios Contemporary Dance. Olga received the 2011 Hamilton Arts Award in Performance and is proud of being part of the multi-cultural artistic development movement in the Canadian community. http://www.olgabarrios.com/
Edgardo_Moreno_cEdgardo Moreno, born in Santiago Chile, is Hamilton-based composer who specializes in film scores as well as contemporary dance and theatre. Edgardo has begun a multi-media exploration of Nostalgia and notions of home. The work includes video, live sound manipulation, and music. He has worked extensively with numerous choreographers, including Allen and Karen Kaeja. His compositions are a mix of influences and styles, and have been called ‘compelling and strongly integrated’ by the Washington Post. ‘Beautiful and haunting ‘ Globe & Mail. ‘Ominous, threatening, driven and haunting’ Montreal Gazette. ‘Richly textured’ Toronto Star. http://www.musicamoreno.com/
John_Henry_Gerena_bcJohn Henry Gerena is a Colombian choreographer, improviser, performer and dancer with more than twenty years of artistic experience. Graduated in art education and advertising; Master in dance from York University of Toronto-Canada. In Canada, he has worked as a guest dancer in companies such as ParBleux, Newton Moraes Dance Theatre, Kaha:wi Dance Theatre and Olga Barrios Contemporary Dance. His interest as an independent artist focuses on the development of solo performance work, taking the body as central element in a close dialogue with other artistic disciplines, to find new ways to conceive dance.   http://johnhenrygerena.wix.com/john-henry-gerena

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Songstress Orit Shimoni, plus Dave Pomfret, Sat July 11

Orit_Shimoni_a680Saturday July 11, 2015, at 8 pm, $10. “Brilliant and lyrically impactful vocalist” singer-songwriter Orit Shimoni swings by Artword Artbar. On the road full time for nearly seven years now, this fiercely independent songstress has been writing and singing her way into the hearts, minds and souls of fans across the globe. Dave_PomfretWith five full-length albums, all highly acclaimed and radio charting, and a new EP in hand, Shimoni is defiantly proving there’s a place for ‘smart’ in the world of song. She even has a sense of humour. “Playing impressive fingerstyle guitar, she commands a vocal wallop and her intense, singer-songwriter material covers a lot of ground.” – Roots Music Canada. www.oritshimoni.com
With an opening set by one of our favourite singer-songwriters, Dave Pomfret. Dave’s solo debut album NO RUSH (Mike Trebilcock, Producer) has garnered high praise from Hamilton’s music community, including 2009 Hamilton Music Awards Nominee for Male Artist of the Year and Folk/Roots Record of the Year. “On his first solo effort, Dave Pomfret demonstrates a mature songwriting craft that blends a rootsy grit with a natural pop sensibility.” – Graham Rockingham.  http://www.davepomfretmusic.com/
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Art Crawl: R&B, Motown, Soul w. Andre Bisson and band, Fri July 10

Andre Bisson 2cFriday July 10, 2015, James North Art Crawl, from 8 pm, tip jar. Hot summer night at Artword Artbar! Award-winning vocalist André Bisson on guitar, vocals; Kevin Beeby bass; Glenn Paul drums; Loretta Hale trumpet; Andrew King tenor sax; Kevin Matthews baritone sax.
Since 2005, André Bisson has been performing his unique blend of R&B and Soul throughout the US, Canada, England, Wales & Ireland. After graduating from the Applied Music Program at Mohawk College in Hamilton, André went on to record, compose, and arrange five studio albums. The success of these award-winning albums has led to four international tours, radio airplay, and the chance to open for artists such as Colin James, Jimmie Vaughan, Robben Ford and Steven Page (Barenaked Ladies). Recently, André was honored as ‘Male Vocalist of the Year’ for the 2015 Hamilton Blues Awards as well as a nomination for ‘Overseas Artist of the Year’ from the British Blues Awards. With the help of a horn section, André combines the influence of Motown and Stax in his own original compositions.
Website: andrebisson.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/andreandthejtones

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Jazz vocal duo Carolyn Credico and Mim Adams, Thurs July 9

CarolynCredico_MimAdams_cThursday July 9, 2015, at 8 pm, $10/$5 students. Jazz vocal duo Carolyn Credico and Mim Adams are two performers whose impeccable vocal precision come together in this combo.  They sing a variety of jazz standards (arranged by Mim herself), pop and folk tunes. Guest Chris Banks on upright bass.
Mim sings in a number of bands in the GTA.  She is the Jazz choir conductor at Mohawk College and York University, and writes arrangements for the vocal duo.
Carolyn has released a jazz album titled “Pieces of Dreams” with Don Thompson, Reg Schwager and Pat Collins.  She sings in the GTA, Hamilton, and the Niagara Region, as well as performs for special events for 91.1 Jazz FM in Toronto. Carolyn teaches voice, piano and guitar at InTune Music Academy. https://credicoadams.wordpress.com
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Jazz with the Dimitri Mavridis Group, Wed July 8

Dimitri_Mavridis_picWednesday July 8, 2015, at 8 pm, pwyc. A reunion jazz concert with the Dimitri Mavridis Group, with Dimitri Mavridis bass, Calvin Barnard drums, Travis Baynham guitar, David Hollingshead piano. Find out more about these musicians and more:  http://www.hollingsheadmusic.com/

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Gypsy Jazz: Les Petits Nouveaux, Sun July 5 at 7 pm

Les_Petits_Nouveaux_logo_cLes_Petits_Nouveaux_2_680Sunday July 5, 2015, at 7:00 pm, $10/pwyc. A special concert by Les Petits Nouveax, a Gypsy Jazz group in town at Whitehern Museum in the afternoon and at Artword Artbar in the evening. Les Petits Nouveaux play music in the tradition of Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli. Members: Andy Mac guitar, Tak Arikushi guitar, Aline Homzy violin, plus guest Julian Anderson-Bowes bass.  https://www.youtube.com/user/LesPetitsNouveaux
Sabine_NdalambaOpening the evening is guitarist/composer Sabine Ndalamba. Her approach to jazz guitar is forward thinking, modern and contemporary yet also pays tribute to the greats. http://sabinendalamba.blogspot.ca/
Les Petits Nouveaux is a gypsy jazz trio from Canada/Sweden. While the group’s sound is defined by Django and Grappelli, Les Petits Nouveaux also draw inspiration from Astor Piazzolla, Bartok and many other composers and styles into their signature sound. After being formed in 2011 by Swedish guitarist Mikko Hilden in Toronto, the international trio has maintained a presence on the gypsy jazz scene through concerts and residencies. In August, 2015 the trio will make its second tour of Sweden.

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Wayne Shorter’s Speak No Evil played by the Chris Bruder Group, Sat July 4

WayneShorter_SpeakNoEvil_backWayneShorter_coverSaturday July 4, 2015, at 8 pm, cover $10-$15. Jazz pianist Chris Bruder hosts a Wayne Shorter tribute night, featuring Mike Malone on trumpet, Clark Johnston on bass, Adam Fielding on drums, Chris Bruder on piano, and (hopefully) Scott Neilson on sax. They will be playing Wayne Shorter‘s classic 1964 album Speak No Evil from front to back, and then another set of Shorter tunes.
From Wikipedia: Murray Horwitz stated in 2001 that “Speak No Evil is sort of a consolidation of Wayne Shorter’s compositional excellence. It’s so thorough and consistent and wide-ranging. It’s almost a manifesto for his ideas. Those ideas were new 40 years ago, but they’re still fresh today.”

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Roots reggae, host Mr. Jay, singer-songwriter Jsun, Riddim Riders Unplugged, Fri July 3

Jay_Mr._D.I.DFriday July 3, 2015, at 8 pm, $10. Artword Artbar’s good friend Mr. Jay hosts an evening of reggae roots music. Jsun_live1-u3008c encFeatured is Bajan-Canadian singer-songwriter jSun, who will call in some relaxing vibes with his reggae-folk infused acoustic sound. Special guest appearance by Riddim Riders Unplugged!
jSun will share some sunny new tunes from his upcoming release Mellow Moods, songs inspired by the rhythm of the natural world. A musical journey through both the light and the shadows,  jSun will also venture into a few Songs of Past, with more politically-oriented songs from the beginnings of his musical journey.  J will have on display some hand-crafted instruments and several paintings from the series Waves and Sunshine.  http://www.jmusic.ca/
Riddim_Riders_Unplugged_cRiddim Riders Unplugged, aka Acoustic Ride, are an extension of Hamilton’s premier reggae band Riddim Riders. Core members Franklin Joseph and Mike Rajczak are joined by vocalist Lauren Mikayla, lead guitar Keon Crosswell and Christopher Charles. The Riders break away from their usual reggae-rockers vibe with this configuration, featuring acoustic and classical guitars, djembe, conga and hand percussion, and a big focus on rich vocal harmonies. Although still touching on the reggae tip, the focus is on acoustic rock, r&b and soulful originals, showcasing the band’s diversity and unique sound potential. Audiences are loving the Acoustic Ride, set for a busy summer in 2015, so come check it out and be blessed.

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Jazz with the Brad Cheeseman Group, Thursday July 2

Thursday July 2, 2015, at 8 pm, $10 (or $20 includes CD). The Hamilton launch of The Brad Cheeseman Group’s new self-titled CD. Brad Cheeseman – electric bass/compositions; Robert Chapman – guitar; Nick Maclean – piano/keys; Marito Marques – drums; Chelsea McBride – tenor sax. Plus an opening set with the Tom Altobelli Group.
“By blending the rich language of jazz with elements of rock, R&B, fusion and other styles, Brad was able to marry his many influences into a unique compositional voice. The music seeks to bridge the gap between jazz and other genres in order to provide an engaging, emotional and exciting musical experience for all listeners. ”  http://bradcheeseman.com/

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“Open Mic for Open Streets”, hosted by Ron the Fiddler, Sun June 28, 11:00 to 4 pm

OpenStreets_WWR-JUNE-28-2015_680Sunday June 28, 2015. It’s the Open Streets Festival again (walk, ride, roll all day from 10 am to 5 pm up and down James Street North. http://openstreetshamilton.ca/).
OpenStreets_Artword_2014c_photoAWenzowskiFrom 11 am to 4 pm or so, Artword Artbar presents “Open Mic for Open Streets“, our traditional presence on the street, as we haul our sound gear out to the corner of Colbourne & James Street North, to join in the fun. Roll on by with your guitar or harmonica or kazoo and take over a mic. Hosted by Ron the Fiddler. Music, songs, stories, poems, dance – all welcome. (Photo 2014)

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Sat June 27: Zineposium 2 to 6 pm, Spoken Word open mic and PoeMagic, 6:30 to 9:30 pm

Zineposium_image_FB_cSaturday June 27, 2015, from 2 pm on, free. Artword Artbar hosts the 2015 Hamilton Zineposium from 2 to 6 pm, followed at 6:30 pm by a special edition for Zine-ists of spoken word open mic PoeMagic (hosted by Klyde Broox) and Campfire Stories (hosted by Tom Dusome, anything-goes storytelling).

Here is the call for submissions from Hamilton Zineposium on Facebook: “Do you make zines, artists’ books, DIY multiples of any kind? Do you make bizarre indie-arts/crafts/prints/comics/graphic novels/electronic arts/3d prints/posters/stickers/t-shirts/buttons/ … Maybe your stuff is too out-there for the X-mas craft fairs, or maybe it is so low key and subtle you feel like people never notice it at all… Now’s the time to get your stuff out into the world…”  Continue reading

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FOLK/BLUEGRASS: The Allen Family Reunion, Fri June 26

The_Allen_Family_ReunionFriday June 26, 2015, at 8 pm, $10 (call 905-543-8512 to reserve). Back at Artword Artbar! The Allen Family Reunion TheAllenFamilycoveris a five-piece bluegrass and folk band from London, Ontario. The original Allen Family Reunion, four members of the Allen family, brought their bluegrass music to many festivals in the early ’80s. Today, the band has reunited three of the original members, siblings John, Joe and Julie plus two of the next generation.
Band members are: John P. Allen on fiddle, mandolin, guitar, voc
als; his daughter Beverly Allen on autoharp and vocals; Joe Allen on banjo and trumpet; Julie Allen on string bass and vocals; and her son Paul Hickling on guitar and vocals.
John P. Allen is a country, rock and bluegrass fiddler, was a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame group P
rairie Oyster, winning six Juno awards. Continue reading

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Jazz: Scott Taplay’s new trio + guest Adrean Farrugia, Thurs June 25

Scott_Taplay_c680Thursday June 25, 2015 at 8 pm, $5-10. Jazz guitarist Scott Taplay‘s new trio: Jill Mckenna on bass and Kevin Dempsey on drums, play jazz standards and some originals. Special guests: Adrean Farrugia on the piano and Brad Goode on trumpet. Brad is visiting the area from his home base in Boulder, Colorado, for some appearances at the Toronto Jazz Festival.  http://www.bradgoode.com/home/bio/

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Jazz with the Brenda Brown Quartet, Wed June 24

brenda-brown7_680Wednesday June 24, 2015, at 8 pm, $10. Jazz vocalist Brenda Brown celebrates her debut self-titled EP, which was nominated for a 2015 Hamilton Music Award for Jazz Recording of the Year. She’ll be singing with her quartet: Brenda Brown (vocals), John Imre (piano), Olivia Brown (bass), Jon Pascoal (drums).
Her EP is a tantalizing tribute to great songs. The performances are chosen from Brenda’s eclectic and inspiring portfolio – the North American Songbook, Adult Contemporary, Classic Country, and an original composition penned by daughter Olivia. Watch for her at upcoming outdoor festival shows Continue reading

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2015 Something Else! Festival of Creative Music, Fri June 19 to Mon June 22

ZulaPresents_Festival2015_flyerpg1cFriday June 19, to Monday June 22, 2015, four evenings of concerts at 8:30 pm. Zula Pesents welcomes you to the second annual SOMETHING ELSE! Festival of Creative Music, at Artword Artbar.  http://zulapresents.org/
This year’s festival line-up should satisfy all adventurous ears… get ready for some seriously outrageous fun!
Concert tickets ($12-18) and Festival Passes ($35) can be reserved via email cem@zulapresents.org or by phone 289-993-1993.

Artist in Residence for this year’s festival, Ellwood Epps of Montreal (photo). Epps will initiate Friday, Saturday and Monday concerts with a solo trumpet set, and will sit in with various musicians. He will also conduct a free Saturday afternoon improvisation workshop (see below).

Friday, June 19,  8:30  pm ($15/12)
OSWALD/MALONE/LEE/FRASER  (Toronto/London/Hamilton) Alto-saxophonist John Oswald, with London percussionist Terry Fraser, joining Hamiltonians improvising bassist David Lee and  jazz trumpeter Mike Malone.
Ellwood_EppsALDCROFT/THOMSON  (Toronto/Montreal) Guitarist Ken Aldcroft and trombonist Scott Thomson
ELLWOOD EPPS  (Montreal) Artist in Residence, trumpeter Ellwood Epps

Saturday, June 20, 5:00 pm, free.
Ellwood Epps will conduct a free Saturday afternoon  improvisation workshop at Artword Artbar, discussing  things, technical and practical, things an instrumentalist or an improviser would want to know… Call 289-993-1993 for info.

Saturday, June 20 8:30 pm  ($15/12)
NOT THE WIND, NOT THE FLAG  (Toronto): Colin Fisher  (guitar, bouzouki, ney, tenor sax, guzheng, hulusi, misc. percussion) and Brandon Valdivia (trapset, mbira, slit-drum, percussion)
BRODIE WEST (Hamilton)  Alto saxophonist Brodie West
ELLWOOD EPPS  (Montreal) Artist in Residence, trumpeter Ellwood Epps

Sunday, June 21 8:30 pm  ($15/12)
SEE THROUGH TRIO (Toronto) Pianist Tania Gill, saxophonist Karen Ng, and bassist Pete Johnston.
CHRIS PALMER (Wellington/Hamilton) Improvising guitarist Chris Palmer, with a sense of adventure and mischief.
DALE MORNINGSTAR (Hamilton)  Multi-instrumentalist Dale Morningstar plays a rare solo set for us on guitar, keyboards or…

Monday, June 22 8:30 pm  ($18/15)
ERIC BOEREN 4TET  (Amsterdam) Four heavy-hitters of the Amsterdam creative music scene and the New Dutch Swing sound… in Hamilton for the first time! Ebullient cornetist Eric Boeren with all reeds virtuoso Michael Moore, monster double bassist Wilbert De Joode (photo on poster), and master drummer Han Bennink.
ELLWOOD EPPS  (Montreal) Artist in Residence, trumpeter Ellwood Epps

BIOGRAPHIES: Continue reading

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Campfire Stories: Tom Dusome’s Open Stage, Thurs June 18

Tom_Dusome_cCampfireStories_TomDusome_2Thursday June 18, 2015, 8 pm, free. Campfire Stories. It’s time to fire up your creativity at Artword Artbar. Singer-songwriter Tom Dusome hosts an open stage for spoken word, poetry, song, music, dance, movement, visual art, or anything goes. Everyone has a story to tell. Come share your stories — by any means.

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Jazz with the Jason Jones Unit, Wed June 17

Jason_Jones_Unit_c680Wednesday June 17, 2015, at 8 pm, $5. A night of modern acoustic music played by the Jason Jones Unit. Their music is a blend of Bluegrass, Jazz and Gypsy Swing.  Featuring Jason Jones guitar, Jill McKenna bass and Scott Taplay guitar, playing original music along with the music of Tony Rice, David Grisman, Bela Fleck and others.

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Songstress Shari Vandermolen is back! Sat June 13

Shari Vandermolen_0112_enrcSaturday June 13, 2015, at 8:00 pm, $15. Back again for an intimate evening of song with her trio: vocalist Shari Vandermolen, accompanied by Steve McCrae on piano and James Gannett on bass.
Shari sings with her own 6-piece jazz band Quarter To Nine and has been invited to collaborate on a number of other larger jazz and swing projects over the past couple years. It was the intimate vibe of our very own Artbar that inspired her to bring you an intimate evening of song accompanied by Steve McRae, an accomplished jazz pianist and member of Quarter To Nine, who has played with Shari for the past 5 years. They will leave the sound of the big band behind and bring you some of their favourite jazz, torch and blues standards. Come and get your jazz on! Shari’s Quarter to Nine website

Fans of musical theatre have been treated to Shari’s unique vocal stylings for the past 9 years. “She takes a song and gives it emotional depth and edge. She not only sings it magnificently she acts the heart and soul out of it.” Gary Smith, The Hamilton Spectator.

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Art Crawl: Jazz with the Aubrey Wilson Quartet, Fri June 12

AubreyWilson_quartetFriday June 12, 2015, James North Art Crawl, from 8 pm, tip jar. Jazz vocalist Aubrey Wilson is back with her Quartet: Aubrey Wilson vocals, Chris Bruder piano, Sean Bruce Parker drums, and Tom Altobelli bass, playing a variety of jazz standards. http://www.aubreywilsonmusic.com/

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3 Guitars: Will Gillespie, ‘Mo Kauffey & Robin Lee: Pickin’ & Grinnin’ Thurs June 11

Will_Gillespie_3_Guitars_c680Thursday June 11, 2015, at 8 pm, $10. “3 Guitars: Will Gillespie, ‘Mo Kauffey & Robin Lee: Pickin’ & Grinnin’ “ is a song-trading, in-the-round, workshop-style concert featuring these three singer-songwriters, together for the first time in a show, playing their original Folk, Jazz & Blues tunes, trading songs and stories, creating a casual, off-the-cuff jam-session atmosphere. You will be treated to a wide range of styles, songs and subjects, taken on an emotional journey by three men who have finely honed their skills and craft as both songwriters and as guitarists.
Will Gillespie has been described as a “one-of-a-kind finger-picking old-time crooning, genuine songwriter you absolutely must see perform” He calls his sound “Jazzed-Up Folk-Rock”: Original Rock & Roll with an air of Old-World Romance, taking Folk-Rock from the Barn to the Ballroom. www.willgillespie.ca
‘Mo Kauffey is among other things a Bluesman from Guelph, ON. Describing his approach to songwriting, he says “It is about the story, which is told by the lyrics. The lyrics are borne by the melody. The chord progression gives the melody a path. The rhythms are the ‘driving wheel’. And that is how it all makes sense to me.” www.mokauffey.com
Robin Lee is one of the smoothest pickers around. Hailing from Hamilton, Robin has a laid-back delivery both in his Chet Atkins-style finger-picking and almost conversational singing style. www.youtube.com/user/robinlajoiemusic

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Sim Bansal, Amber-Leigh Palka, Thom Mason, Coco Murphy, Wed June 10

Sim_BansalWednesday June 10, 2015, at 8 pm, $5. Sim Bansal, guitarist/vocalist, hosts an evening of songs, originals, jazz and more. Guests include jazz duo Amber-Leigh Palka on vocals and Thom Mason on guitar.  Sim Bansal‘s solo acoustic set of mostly original material, might remind you of… “early Sting, Steely Dan, Peter Gabriel, and David Bowie and may include some covers of songs from these artists.”
Rounding out the evening, singer songwriter Coco Murphy performs a set of originals on piano and guitar.

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Hanna Bech and Friends, special concert, Sun June 7 at 7 pm

Hanna_Bech_Geoff_Ball_7829c_680Sunday June 7, 2015, at 7 pm, $10. Singer-songwriter-pianist Hanna_Bech_Rachel_Nolan_cHanna Bech presents a concert of her new songs, with cellist Geoff Ball and harpist Rachel Nolan, the first time all the songs are being showcased together. Hanna Bech is an “elegant, funny and passionate” storyteller with song. She likens her songs to a “a musical seascape where poetry loves deeply, stories soar sublimely, and our turtle hearts trump fear with laughter: vulnerable vibes in a confident cadence.”
Opening set by singer-songwriter Bob Edmonds accompanied by his partner Michelle on piano. His music grafts Celtic ballads to blues and roots, to create a wide variety of playful tunes. His song ‘Carry On’ formed a central piece of the May concert by Hamilton Sings! Community Choir, and will also play a part in celebrations around the upcoming PanAm Games.
Plus a guest set by The Folk (formerly known as What the Folk), Hamilton’s popular a capella group performing music from the heart of Ontario to the East Coast of Canada, and across the British Isles. The Folk is well-known for rousing harmonies, thrilling a capella songs, foot-stomping instrumental tunes, and various blends thereof.

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Jazz: Thom Mason, Adrean Farrugia, Pat Collins, Sat June 6 at 9 pm

Saturday June 6, 2015, at 9:00 pm, $8 ($5 for students). Jazz with the Thom Mason Group. Jazz guitarist Thom Mason is very fortunate to be sharing the stage with Canadian jazz icons Adrean Farrugia on piano and the always swinging Pat Collins on bass. Mike Rajna will be joining the group on drums for a wonderful night of jazz standards ranging from swing to latin and everything in-between.

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Tiny Bill Cody presents Wranglers and Weepers, Fri June 5

Tiny_Bill_Cody_June5_680Friday June 5, 2015, at 8:30 pm, $15. Tiny Bill Cody presents
Wranglers and Weepers an evening of classic western and classic originals with his super talented friends. Featuring Mimi Shaw, Dan Medakovic, Jeff Griffiths, Michael Hickey and Chris Altmann!

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Richard Garvey: “Where Fools Gather” CD launch, Thurs June 4

Richard_Garvey_cThursday June 4, 2015, at 8 pm, $10. Singer-songwriter Richard Garvey is releasing his new album, Where Fools Gather. The Hamilton launch is at Artword Artbar. Guest sets by Betty Supple and Marley Daemon. Richard is playing with a band: Julia Narveson – bass / fiddle, Dan Henshall – mandolin, Cory Orr – percussion, Celidh Barker – voice
www.richardgarvey.ca/wherefoolsgather

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Ariana Nasr sings PIAF! a special concert, Wed June 3

ariananasr-piaf_c680Wednesday June 3, 2015 at 8 pm, $12. Imagine Artword Artbar as a  cabaret in Paris in the 40s or 50s — Ariana Nasr chante PIAF! To Edith_piaf_columbia_posterscelebrate the 100th year anniversary of the birth of the famous chanteuse Édith Piaf, Ariana Nasr has developed a live performance including 18 songs from the repertoire of Piaf, one of France’s best loved performers (see image right). The songs are all sung en français and the show includes song synopsis and background info in English. She is accompanied by her long-time collaborator, the inimitable Andy Flinn (of Andy and Ariana, who regularly visit Artword Artbar from Nova Scotia) http://www.andyandariana.com/      http://www.ariananasr.com/

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“James Street” returns to Artword Artbar, May 20 to 30

james_street_poster_700Wednesday May 20 to Saturday May 30, 2015. We are delighted to announce that our hit musical, James Street, is coming back! To Artword Artbar, 15 Colbourne Street, just off James!
Showtimes: Wed May 20 to Sat May 23 at 8 pm
Sun May 24 matinee at 2 pm
Wed May 27 to Sat May 30 at 8 pm.
Tickets: $25 (Fri & Sat), $20 (Wed, Thur, Sun), $10 preview May 20 only.
(Book online  or call 905-543-8512 to reserve.)

Hamilton’s official Town Crier from 1850 meets a modern Hamiltonian from the North End, right on James Street!

Performed by The Artword Theatre Ensemble: Charly Chiarelli as modern day Hamiltonian, Jeremy Shand as Town Crier Paola Brown, plus
JamesStreet2014_0017_c800Paula Grove, Valeri Kay, Gordon Odegaard and Ryan Sero as everyone else [Surveyor and Helper, Land Promoters, Pioneer Woman and Man, Dentist, George Hamilton, James Durand, Nathaniel Hughson, Immigrant Woman, Robert Murray Police Chief, Newsboy, Farmer, Editor, Auctioneer, Mr. Cummings, Woman, Wanzer, Mr. Ryan, Workers, Hugh Cossart Baker, Mrs. Baker and family, Billy Carroll, HSR Conductor 1906, Trolley Girl, WWI Recruiters, Marion Simpson, Soldier, Rocco Perri, Bessie Starkman, WWII soldiers from RHLI, Evelyn Dick, citizens in 40s and 50s and 60s…]

An Artword Theatre production, written and directed by Ronald Weihs, with original music by Mark McNeil and choreography by Learie McNicolls. Produced and designed by Judith Sandiford. Music performed by Mark McNeil, Ron Weihs & the Ensemble.

Click here for the new May 7th James Street press release

Click here for the full-size James Street full poster:

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Humber Literary Review issue #3 launch, Tues May 26, 7-9 pm

HumberLiteraryReview_flyerTuesday May 26, 2015, 7 to 9 pm, free. The Humber Literary Review launches its third issue for its Hamilton readers at Artword Artbar. Readings by Krista Foss, Sally Cooper, Claire Caldwell, Kelli Deeth, Nicola Winstanley. “HLR is the creation of Humber College’s Department of English, and its collective includes writers, academics, critics, visual artists, and linguists. Our goal is to share our enthusiasm for work that provokes, excites, and entertains — writing that makes you want to read more.” http://humberliteraryreview.com/

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Folk-blues duo Jennis, Dennis Gaumond & Jen Gillmor, plus Sarah Beatty, Sat May 16

Jennis-9671-smallcSaturday May 16, 2015, at 8 pm, $10. (Book online or call 905-543-8512.) An evening of music with  folk-blues duo Jennis and an opening set by local songstress Sarah BeattyJennis brings together award-winning Guelph-based Dennis Gaumond‘s decades of experience writing and performing original blues and folk and the diverse musical experiences of veteran Toronto indie-scene multi-instrumentalist Jen Gillmor. The unique blend of cello and dobro is also augmented by unusual sounds, such as didgeridoo, custom-tuned harmonicas, flute, wah-guitar, jaw harp and wazinator. It makes for a very entertaining performance, filled with energy, passion and humour. SarahBeatty8x10300-0282cWhat do you get when you combine some talented songwriting, warm, rich vocals along with a resophonic guitar, cello, jaw harp and even a didgeridoo?  A unique and impressive blend of folk, roots and bluesy sounds served up as a fine, entertaining evening of Jennis music.” Debra Thornington, Ottawa Blues Society  www.jennis.ca     www.jengillmormusic.ca
Hamilton-based singer-songwriter Sarah Beatty deftly occupies the space between blues, jazz, country, and soulful styled roots music. Her music shines with dynamic vocals, imaginative lyrics, and sing-song melodies. www.sarahbeatty.ca

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Country band The Lovelocks, Fri May 15

Lovelocks_stageFriday May 15, 2015, at 8 pm, $10. (Book online  or call 905-543-8512 to reserve.) The Lovelocks, Ali Raney and Zoe Neuman, a dynamic duo of two city girls who LOVE country music. Lovelocks_CD_frontTheir sound is described as a mixture of The Dixie Chicks go Lumineering with a Mumford & Sons-ian alt-country, roots-inspired approach filled with soaring vocals, sweet harmonies and sultry string. Celebrated by BlogTO (July 2014) as one of the top 5 alt-country bands to watch in Toronto. In 2014 The Lovelocks had a chart topping debut EP, and multiple accolades including the 2014 Canadian Country Music Association® (CCMA®) Discovery Award Finalist and Rising Star Nomination.
http://www.thelovelocksband.com/

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Jazz with pianist John Imre and his band, Thurs May 14

Thursday May 14, 2015, at 8 pm, cover $5-10. Jazz pianist John Imre hosts an evening of jazz and Brazilian standards and original compositions: Jeff Plumbley – trumpet, Victor Agrippa – alto sax, Amber-Leigh Palka – vocals, Jill McKenna – bass, Brandon Munro – drums and John Imre on piano.

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Special concert by bluesman Michael Pickett, Sat May 9

Michael_Pickett_Artword_2015_rSaturday May 9, 2015 at 8 pm, $20 ( Book online  or call 905-543-8512 to reserve). Artword Artbar is delighted to announce a rare and return appearance by the extraordinary blues guitarist and singer Michael Pickett. Michael told us back in 2009, when we were just starting out, that we were a “listening room” and that put us on the track we have followed ever since.
More about Michael from his website: “With exceptional award winning rack harmonica skills and powerful vocals, he delivers charismatic, compelling, and passionate performances that are charged with electricity and filled with authenticity, and a unique style. He puts his own spin on obscure tunes of legendary icons such as Robert Johnson, Bukka White, Mississippi John Hurt, Sonny Terry & Brownie McGhee and showcases his own potent material. Michael Pickett has evolved into an eclectic and captivating storyteller through Delta Blues, Country, Folk, and Americana, revealing a profound understanding of where this music comes from and why it stands the test of time. Pickett now performs exclusively as a solo acoustic artist touring throughout Canada, the US, the UK. and Europe, appearing in blues, folk, jazz clubs, coffee houses, house concerts, theatres, festivals… ”
http://www.michaelpickett.com/

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Art Crawl with jazz vocalist Sophia Perlman, Fri May 8

Sophia-Perlman-credit-Diana-Piruzevska_rFriday, May 8, 2015, James North Art Crawl. Music in the bar from 8 pm, tip jar. The fabulous vocalist Sophia Perlman is performing and hosting an evening of song, with some surprise guests. Sophia has performed with pianist Adrian Farrugia as a jazz duo quite often at Artword Artbar. This time she is on her own, with some friends. http://www.sophiaperlman.com/

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Campfire Stories: Tom Dusome’s Open Stage, Thurs May 7

Tom_Dusome_cCampfireStories_TomDusomeThursday May 7, 2015, 8 pm, free. Campfire Stories. It’s time to fire up your creativity at Artword Artbar. Singer-songwriter Tom Dusome hosts an open stage for spoken word, poetry, song, music, dance, movement, visual art, or anything goes. Everyone has a story to tell. Come share your stories — by any means.

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The Shoeless, folk/Celtic/Klezmer/Appalachian… Wed May 6

theShoeless-45-14_c900Wednesday May 6, at 8 pm, $10 or pwyc. An evening of traditional folk mixed with originals by The Shoeless: Frank Evans banjo, Eli Bender cello and Emilyn Stam 5-string fiddle. Artword Artbar is pleased to have this new group here — we remember Emilyn as a member of the fiddle trio “Eh!?” with Anne Lederman. Bringing together the talents of Frank Evans, Eli Bender and Emilyn Stam, The Shoeless strikes a perfect balance between traditional folk songs and original material. Their self-titled debut serves up a hearty cross-cultural stew, combining the sounds of klezmer, French, Celtic, Appalachian and English music. Recorded in Torontos Magnolia Studio, the album was conceived as a tribute to the members’ travels; each tune has its own story, having been learned or composed in a different part of the world. With gorgeous three-part harmonies and each instrument (cello, fiddle and banjo) taking turns on rhythmic chopping, swooping melody lines, and wacky acoustic sounds, The Shoeless will keep you smiling and tapping your toes – with or without your shoes on! www.theshoeless.com   www.facebook.com/TheShoelessBand

“Few bands on the local or national scene combine the kind of freewheeling spontaneity and improvisational skills that is at the heart of traditional music with the kind of of jaw-dropping accuracy and attention to detail that one finds in the best chamber music.”  Dominique Denis, Music critic, À bon verre, bonne table magazine

Frank Evans   (banjo) is also known for his hot pickin’ in the Slocan Ramblers. Growing up in a family of classical musicians, studying Jazz at Humber College, and placing second the Clifftop Appalachian Stringband Festival banjo competition all add to his unique sound in the band.
Eli Bender (cello) multi-instrumentalist, educator, and composer, has studied with Mike Block, Natalie Haas, and Rushad Eggleston. He has a knack for choppin’ and sawing away at his cello as if it were a fiddle in a giant’s hands. He recently released an album with his cello duo, Hale and Hearty.
Emilyn Stam (5 string fiddle) grew up under the mentorship of Oliver Schroer the mountains of Western Canada. She currently tours as violinist, pianist, and accordionist in Europe and Canada with crazy 16 piece balkan – gypsy – klezmer band Lemon Bucket Orkestra (CAN), Bal Folk band Té (NL) and all Canadian trio EH?! (CAN), collaborates with clowns, actors, poets, and organizes folk dance events.

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Latin Music evening with Marcelo Puente, Sat May 2

Saturday May 2, 2015, at 8 pm, $10. Artword Artbar becomes a peña folklórica (a folk-music club) for a Noche Bohemia, an evening of Latin music, featuring Chilean musician and activist Marcelo Puente with guests. Join us for acoustic Latin music, Latin folk and South American New Song (Nueva Cancion). Guest performers include guitarist Jorge Lasso, vocalist Lil Acevedo with some Cuban boleros and Chilean musician and composer Edgardo Moreno with some instrumental pieces.
From Wally Brooker’s Music Notes Newsletter: “Marcelo Puente [is] one of the outstanding exponents of the “nueva cancion” tradition in this (or any) country. Marcelo Puente came to Toronto in the aftermath of the coup in Chile in 1973, bringing his songs and poetry. In the late seventies he co-founded the popular Chilean-Greek band Los Compañeros, a group of anti-fascist exiles who discovered a common musical language.” For more info: http://companero-group-international.com/

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Darryl Webster, Paul Federici, Emilio Bonito, Fri May 1

darryl-webster-closeupcFriday May 1, 2015, at 8 pm, $10 / pwyc. Canadian author and former Sunriser frontman Darryl Webster (aka OLD KID) performs a special acoustic show to celebrate the release of his new EP This Echo on Hamilton indie record label Maisonneuve Music. (http://maisonneuvemusic.com/artists/old-kid/)
A departure from the sparse acoustic tone of his last release (OLD KID, 2010), This Echo resurrects the singer/songwriter’s indie rock roots. Electronic undercurrents run beneath hypnotic, lilting guitars in “Yorkshire Lady.” The restless, expectant energy of “OK, Okay” dissolves into a wash of resonating guitars and synths. “[This Echo] is more than just okay — it’s deep, soulful and moody…” David Mooney, 104.9 Imagine FM (Manchester, UK). The release of This Echo follows Darryl’s recent 70,000-km trip around the globe, and the book he wrote to chronicle his journey. Released by Pitch Publishing in November 2014, Pride in Travel: A Title-Winning Season Exploring the World of Manchester City is a captivating exploration of local culture and sport, set against the author’s journey towards self-discovery. This Echo is a musical snapshot of one Canadian musician’s evolution from indie rocker to incisive storyteller.

Featuring opening sets by singer/songwriter Paul Federici (http://www.paulfederici.ca/) and instrumental guitarist Emilio Bonito (http://emiliobonito.com/).

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Big Dance, Little Stage, Learie Mc Nicolls, Wed-Thurs Apr 29-30

Learie_June11_2014_P1180076cWednesday & Thursday April 29 & 30, 2015, at 8 pm, $10. Choreographer and dancer Learie Mc Nicolls curates and hosts the next edition of his on-going series “Big Dance, Little Stage”, an evening of contemporary dance works for a small stage. Line-up for April 29-30, so far:
Learie Mc Nicolls dance, choreography and text,
Lisa Emmons, choreographer/performer, of Form Contemporary Dance Theatre www.formcdt.ca in Burlington (Wed eve only)
Tanya Langille, dancer, choreography by Learie Mc Nicolls
Tanis_Nov20_2014_0281cTanis Sydney Macarthur, dancer, aerialist, choreographer, (photo right Nov 20 2014 BDLS)
Megan English dance/improv choreography and Dale Morningstar live music,
Live visuals by Judith Sandiford

Learie, who has had a lengthy career in Toronto, is now based in Hamilton. In 2014, he performed his one-man show Resurrection at The Pearl Company. He was choreographer on Artword Theatre’s production of their musical play “James Street” in May 2014. Most recently his new work, “Transformation: A Journey of the Soul’s Healing”, an Artword Theatre Production, written, choreographed and performed by Learie McNicolls, directed by Ronald Weihs, was performed at Artword March 25-26, 2015.

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Diana Braithwaite and Chris Whiteley, Sat April 25

Diana_Braithwaite_c680Saturday, April 25, 2015, at 8 pm, $20. Book online  or call 905-543-8512. A special concert with Diana Braithwaite, vocalist (left), Chris Whiteley, guitarist, with an intimate evening of soulful music: roots and blues, early jazz and gospel. (This concert was postponed from Jan 31, 2015.) Joining Diana and Chris is guest vocalist Colina Phillips (right)
Colina_PhillipsDiana Braithwaite and Chris Whiteley, eight-time national blues award winners, have recorded five albums together with Electro-Fi Records and have toured all over North America, UK and Europe winning numerous awards for their songwriting and albums together. “It’s a rare and good thing when two talented performers join forces”. Downbeat Magazine. http://www.braithwaiteandwhiteley.com    Continue reading

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Kyle Pacey, guitar extraordinaire, Fri Apr 24

kyle_paceyFriday April 24, 2015, at 8 pm, $10, call 905-543-8512 to reserve.  Back again! Grammy-nominated guitarist and singer Kyle Pacey presents an evening of original music that’s an eclectic mix of soul, roots, R & B and funk. With Kevin Christoff on bass, and other guests. www.kylepacey.com
A musical force, Kyle Pacey has been described as Canada’s answer to the Buena Vista Social Club. Pacey’s combination of rhythm and technique are exhilarating. He likes to push the boundaries with his unorthodox style and unique approach to the guitar.
Joe Curtis, To-nite Magazine writes: “I was totally mesmerized by guitarist Kyle Pacey’s playing technique… Kyle is the fastest, most superb guitar virtuoso I’ve ever seen. I always daydreamed that if Superboy played guitar, his hand on the neck would be a blur. This feat of musical ability was achieved by Kyle… and no foolin’ his left hand on the neck became a blur.”

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Zula Presents Craig Petersen Quartet, Thurs Apr 23

Craig-PedersenThursday April 23, at 8:30 pm, cover $12/$10. The Craig Pedersen Quartet, a fiery, inspired avant-jazz quartet made up of younger mavericks and led by Craig Pedersen trumpet, with Linsey Wellman saxophones, Joel Kerr bass and Eric Thibodeau drums. They’re on tour with their new CD Ghosts.
Part of the Something Else! Creative Music Series hosted by  Zula Presents and Cem Zafir. http://zulapresents.org/

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Klyde Broox hosts a special on Chinese poet Xu Lizhi, Wed April 22

Xu-Lizhi-Foxconn-suicideWednesday, April 22, 2015, 8:00 pm. Host Klyde Broox returns to Artword Artbar with a Poetry Month special edition of PoeMagic. Klyde Broox  hosts I SPEAK BLOOD, an open community poetry reading in memory of Xu Lizhi, the late Chinese poet, and worker at FoxConn, an electronics factory in Shenzhen.  https://libcom.org/blog/xulizhi-foxconn-suicide-poetry

“I Swallowed a Moon Made of Iron”
I swallowed a moon made of iron
They refer to it as a nail Continue reading

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Poetry Month special, host James Deahl, Sun Apr 19 at 2:30

Sunday April 19, 2015 , from, 2:30-5:30 pm. A Poetry Month Special hosted by poet James Deahl. “Established in Canada in April 1998 by the League of Canadian Poets (LCP), National Poetry Month (NPM) brings together schools, publishers, booksellers, literary organizations, libraries, and poets from across the country to celebrate poetry and its vital place in Canada’s culture.” http://poets.ca/programs-2/reading-programs/national-poetry-month/
The readers at Artword Artbar (they didn’t mention “bars” in the above quote or whether beer qualifies for the “food” theme) are:
James Deahl, Sarnia                G.W. Down, Hamilton     David Haskins, Grimsby
Laurence Hutchman, Oakville     John B. Lee, Port Dover             Norma West Linder, Sarnia
Bernadette Rule, Hamilton       Lynn Tait, Sarnia       Anna Yin, Toronto

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Jazz with the Tom Altobelli Group, Sat April 18

Saturday April 18, 2015, at 8 pm, $10. Jazz with the Tom Altobelli Group with a set of original compositions by bassist Tom Altobelli, arranged for his quintet: Andrew King sax, Chris Bruder piano, Scott McIntosh guitar, Jordan Snider drums, and Tom on bass.  https://m.soundcloud.com/tomaltobellibass

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Jazz with the Kite Trio from Montreal, Fri April 17

Kite_Trio3_c800Friday April 17, 2015, 8 pm, $10. Kite Trio, an innovative jazz trio from Montreal, are coming back to Artword Artbar — guitarist Eric Couture, drummer Eric Dew, and upright bassist Paul Van Dyk. http://kitetrio.com/
Opening set by the Scott Taplay Group: Jill McKenna bass, Brandon Munro drums, Victor Agrippa saxophone and Scott Taplay guitar.
Review of Strange Beast by Kite Trio: “Maîtres de leurs instruments et repoussant leurs limites, ils nous offrent un jazz métissé aux couleurs progressives avec une touche post-moderne, parsemé de classique et de rock.  Masters of their instruments and pushing their limits, they offer a jazz mixed with progressive colours and a post-modern touch, dotted with classical and rock.” Continue reading

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Singer-songwriter Mark McNeil, new CD Flashbacks, Sat Apr 11

Mark_McNeil_Flashbacks_coverSaturday April 11, 2015, at 8 pm, $10. Book online  or call 905-543-8512. Mark McNeil is an acclaimed singer-songwriter and award-winning Hamilton Spectator journalist with a new CD called Flashbacks that celebrates the character and characters of Hamilton. Join him on a musical romp of heroes and hoodlums; victors and vamps; time-travelling soldiers, trolley-car lovers, mad scientists and a homicidal monkey named Jacko. The show will feature Mark on vocals, guitar and ukulele, with bass player Mike Hickey, drummer Paul Panchezak and multi-instrumentalist Mark Volkov along with some surprise guest appearances. For more information about Mark, his new CD, and his four other recordings, check out: shinythingspage.wordpress.com
Many of the songs on the CD were created for and/or formed part of Artword Theatre’s hit musical play “James Street” (to be remounted in May 2015 at The Players Guild Theatre).

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Art Crawl: Psychedelic jazz with Doug Murphy’s quartet, Fri Apr 10

Doug Murphy_ItIsWhatItIs_5014c_900Friday April 10, 2015. James North Art Crawl. Music in the bar from 8 pm, tip jar. A return appearance of “It Is What It Is” — fusion psychedelic jazz featuring the far-out fabulous Doug Murphy guitar, with Tim Kulakowsky guitar, Brian Ropcean drums, Alanna Gunn bass.

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no events from April 1 to 9, 2015

April 1 to 9, no events at Artword Artbar. Back for Art Crawl, Friday April 10, 2015

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Hat & Beard (Aldcroft & Clark) + West & Cartwright, Sat March 28

HatandBeard_SomethingElse_680Saturday, March 28, 8:30 pm, $12 /$10. Hat & Beard plus West & Cartwright, part of the Something Else! Creative Music Series hosted by Zula Presents and Cem Zafir. http://zulapresents.org/
Hat & Beard: An unusual, charming homage to Thelonious Monk (via Eric Dolphy) by Ken Aldcroft (guitar) and Dave Clark (drums),  kenaldcroft.com/hat.asp
West & Cartwright: a dynamic, improvising duo comprised of Hamilton’s Brodie West (alto saxophone) and Evan Cartwright (drums) from Toronto.

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Ophelia Syndrome, with new CD, Fri Mar 27

Ophelia_Syndrome_Wall_c900Friday March 27, 2015, at 8 pm, $10. (To buy tickets in advance, contact opheliasyndrome@gmail.com.) Local alternative rock band Ophelia Syndrome is back at Artword Artbar with their new crowd-funded CD “North Sea“.  Josh Kohler bass, Trina Nadeau cello, Deanna Wells keys, vocals, Andrew Barbisan drums. With special guests Justin Sawicki and the Basement Choir.
“They try to blend various keyed instruments, cello, bass, drums, guitar, vocals, and whatever else they can find to hit, pluck, strum or occasionally blow. The result is their own unique blend of “indie” music, a term they are fairly certain has become ambiguous enough to encompass their indistinguishable classical, jazz, folk, roots, funk, soul, r&b, classic and contemporary rock influences.”
http://opheliasyndrome.com/

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DANCE & THEATRE: Learie Mc Nicolls “Transformation”, Wed-Thurs, Mar 25-26

Transformation_poster_Mar_680Wednesday & Thursday, March 25 & 26, 2015, at 9 pm, $10.  Call 905-543-8512 to reserve. Artword Theatre presents  “Transformation: A journey of the soul’s healing”, told in spoken word and dance by award-winning choreographer Learie Mc Nicolls, directed by Ronald Weihs, script by Learie Mc Nicolls with dramaturgy by Ronald Weihs, designed by Judith Sandiford, with live music by Dale Morningstar.
Walked I have into the sun’s glare
till my princedom became fear

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Bluegrass: Randal Hill, Richard Dugal, Glenn George, Larry Johnston, Sat Mar 21

March21_2015_650Saturday March 21 at 8 pm, $15. An evening of traditional bluegrass with Randal Hill and friends: Richard Dugal, Glenn George and Larry Johnston. Virtuoso mandolin player Randal Hill (and vocals) is joined by Richard Dugal guitar and vocals, Glenn George bass,  Larry Johnston  banjo. Richard, Glenn and Larry are all members of the Clean Sweep Bluegrass Band. Glenn and Richard are also in the Commercial bluegrass band. Glenn also plays with Barn Katz and is President of the Waterloo Wellington bluegrass club.

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Wayne Janus and KAIZEN, Fri Mar 20

Kaizen2040caMarch 20, 2015, 8 pm $10.  The brilliant guitarist Wayne Janus and his band KAIZEN:waynejanus drums (David Carrillo), bass (Shane Lannigan) and guitar/vocals (Wayne Janus) will be back at Artword Artbar. Their sound has a rich variety of influences ranging from Funk, Jazz, Blues, Fusion, Rock, and Latin, a mix of original and cover material. Kaizen’s debut release entitled First Impressions, received positive reviews from national and international sources. Currently, Kaizen has just finished their second CD and launched their new web page www.kaizen.xyz.
Review: “Kaizen’s second album entitled Closer To Earth is an epic modern ground-breaking instrumental masterpiece. This unique album has it all, from New York Funk, Jazz, Rock, Fusion and even features a Sanskrit Chant entitled Shivaya. A Must Have!
For more about Wayne Janus, visit http://www.waynejanus.com/

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Koopa Troop, jazz arrangements of video game music, Thurs Mar 19

Koopa_Troop_cThursday March 19, 2015, at 8 pm, $5. Jazz bassist Tom Altobelli has a new project, Koopa Troop, a new group who play their own jazz arrangements of classic video game music. Songs from Mario, Tetris, Pokemon, Metroid, and Banjo Kazooie. The band members, all Humber alumni, are: Chelsea McBride flute/tenor sax, Wilson McLeish guitar, Chris Bruder keys, Tom Altobelli bass, Jared Goldman drums. This concert was snowed out back in November, so we finally found a new date for it! Opening set by Grease Monkey: Braden Varcoe guitar, Greg Chambers keyboard, Kevin Fournier drums, and guests Victoria Cox on saxophone and Jonas Pearson Paavola on bass.

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closed Wed Mar 18

Wednesday March 18, 2015, closed for rehearsal

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JunoFest jazz at Artword Artbar, Angela Galuppo and Marianne Trudel, Sat Mar 14

2015-JUNOfest_socials_3angela_galuppo_cSaturday, March 14, 2015, JunoFest takes over Artword Artbar to showcase some of the jazz nominees. Tickets are $10. http://www.ticketfly.com/event/798605-junofest-2015-hamilton/

Matinée show, doors: 2:00 pm
2:30 pm: Angela Galuppo, vocalist, with piano accompanist, 2015 nominee for Juno Award for Jazz Vocal Album of the Year  http://www.justin-time.com/
Marianne_Trudel_1653:30pm: Marianne Trudel, solo piano, 2015 nominee for Juno Award for Jazz Album of the Year: Solo  http://www.justin-time.com/

JUNOfest wristbands offer priority access to all JUNOfest venues over two nights (subject to capacity). Wristbands are $30 each and are available through all Ticketmaster outlets or online at ticketmaster.ca.

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JunoFest jazz at Artword Artbar, Alex Pangman & Bristles Trio, Fri Mar 13

2015-JUNOfest_socials_3Alex Pangman_music_picFriday March 13, 2015, JunoFest takes over Artword Artbar to showcase some of the jazz nominees. Tickets $10: http://www.ticketfly.com/event/798303-junofest-2015-hamilton/

8:00 pm  doors
9:00 pm:  Alex Pangman, a vibrant young vocalist known as Canada’s Sweetheart of Swing, with her quartet, with classic jazz songs from the 20s and 30s. Alex is on the Justin Time record label.
10:00 pm: Bristles Trio: Andrew Downing bass, Jim Lewis trumpet & David Occhipinti guitar. Bristles, the trio’s new CD is a 2015 nominee for Juno award for Jazz Album of the Year: Group. The CD, is a collection of twelve songs – six jazz standards and six collaborative improvisations dedicated to painters such as Emily Carr and Cy Twombly.

JUNOfest wristbands offer priority access to all JUNOfest venues over two nights (subject to capacity). Wristbands are $30 each and are available through all Ticketmaster outlets or online at ticketmaster.ca.

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Juno Week showcase: jazz/pop adventure with WPBE, Thurs Mar 12

WPBE_bandphoto_cThursday March 12, 2015, at 8 pm, $10. Artword Artbar presents a Juno Week showcase concert: The Worst Pop Band Ever aka WPBE, returning to Artword Artbar in Hamilton as part of the Juno Week Celebrations.
Featuring not one but two past Juno winners and Hamiltonians Adrean Farrugia (piano/keys) and Chris Gale (sax), along with Drew Birston (bass) and Tim Shia (drums), the band will be featuring new music off their upcoming album plus their own twisted interpretations of new and old Pop classics. From CBC to All About Jazz to Canadian Musician Magazine to losers of the NOW Toronto Soundclash competition, the WPBE has played to packed houses across North America and were called “a highlight of the (2012 TD Toronto Jazz) Festival” by tojazz.com. The boys are excited to be back in Hamilton, and promise no one will be hurt too badly this time.
“The music’s fresh, may appeal to pop lovers but assuredly to jazzers keen on a kind of driven fluency as genre stylings are examined, discarded and reworked.” (Toronto Star).  www.facebook.com/worstpopbandever
The 2012 album:  www.wpbe.bandcamp.com
www.wpbe.ppfhouse.com

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Juno Week showcase: Sister Speak plus Andreas, Wed Mar 11

Sister-Speak-DUO-cropped-973x1024_680Wednesday, March 11, 2015, at 8 pm, $10. Artword Artbar presents a Juno Week showcase concert, featuring two dynamic and creative young bands, one on tour from San Diego (Sister Speak) and one local (Andreas).
Led by Canadian singer/songwriter and guitarist Sherri-Anne, Sister Speak combines captivating vocals and rootsy guitar stylings with fellow Canadian Lisa Viegas’ dynamic drum rhythms. Both core members grew up in British Columbia. Andreas_duo_cSister Speak performs over 100 concerts a year, with their tour breaks most often spent in B.C. or San Diego, CA, their adoptive hometown. http://www.sisterspeakmusic.com/
Brian Dahl (lead vocals/guitar)  and Jennifer Lockman (keyboards/vocals), members of Andreas alt rock band, are playing an acoustic set as a duo tonight (photo Angel Marchini).  http://andreasband.com/

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Jazz Cabaret with vocalist Colina Phillips and Stacie McGregor, Sat Mar 7

Colina_PhillipsSaturday March 7, 2015, at 8 pm, $15 (call 905-543-8512 to reserve). A special jazz cabaret with vocalist Colina Phillips: “East of the Sun and West of the Moon, Ultimate Jazz Standards“.
Stacie_McGregor_cJoining Colina is the renowned jazz pianist and composer Stacie McGregor. In addition to her own band, the Stacie McGregor Quintet, Stacie is a member of Brandi Disterheft’s Juno-award winning band and Archie Alleyne’s hard-bop band Kollage.   http://www.staciemcgregor.com/

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Jazz with Mike DeiCont, Mike Rajna, Chris Platt & friends, Fri Mar 6

Friday March 6, 2015, at 8 pm, $10 / $5 students. Bass player Mike DeiCont is back in town from New York. He’s set up an evening of jazz, mostly his own compositions, with Mike Rajna on drums, Chris Platt on guitar, Josh Smiley on piano, Bradley Eaton on trumpet.

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AGM Hamilton Fringe Festival, Mon Mar 2 from 7 pm

Monday March 2, 2015 from 7 to 9 pm. AGM for the Hamilton Fringe Theatre Festival.

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FOLK/BLUEGRASS: The Allen Family Reunion, Sat Feb 28

The_Allen_Family_ReunionSaturday February 28, 2015, at 8 pm, $10 (call 905-543-8512 to reserve). The Allen Family Reunion TheAllenFamilycoveris a five-piece bluegrass and folk band from London, Ontario. The original Allen Family Reunion, four members of the Allen family, brought their bluegrass music to many festivals in the early ’80s. Today, the band has reunited three of the original members, siblings John, Joe and Julie plus two of the next generation.
Band members are: John P. Allen on fiddle, mandolin, guitar, voc
als; his daughter Beverly Allen on autoharp and vocals; Joe Allen on banjo and trumpet; Julie Allen on string bass and vocals; and her son Paul Hickling on guitar and vocals.
John P. Allen is a country, rock and bluegrass fiddler, was a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame group P
rairie Oyster, winning six Juno awards. John has played with a long list of Canadian music icons over the past 40 years, including rock band Great Speckled Bird in the 1970s, bluegrass bands the Good Brothers, Big Redd Ford, the Dixie Flyers, and Tommy Hunter’s band. In 2005 Allen recorded a CD, “The Canadian Violin”, demonstrating various styles of fiddle playing in Canada

“I’ve heard the Allen Family Reunion both live and on CD and they are a joy to listen to.” Sylvia Tyson

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Jazz History & Film: David Lee on Ornette Coleman + Shirley Clarke film, Fri Feb 27

Print David_Lee_poster_ORNETTEfilm_680Friday February 27, 2015, at 8 pm, $10. Jazz history at Artword Artbar: David Lee, musician and author of The Battle of the Five Spot, talks about Ornette Coleman‘s historic 1959 debut at New York’s Five Spot Cafe. The talk is followed by a showing of the newly-remastered Shirley Clarke film from 1984,  Ornette: Made in America (running time 85 mins.)
http://wolsakandwynn.ca/books/138-the-battle-of-the-five-spot-ornette-coleman-and-the-new-york-jazz-field

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closed for Feb 26, Mar 4, Mar 5

We will be closed Thursday February 26, Wednesday March 4 and Thurs March 5, 2015

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Richard Garvey: “Folk, Roots, Stew” folk festival, Wed Feb 25

Richard_Garvey_FolkRootsStew_logoBack this year! Every Wednesday in February 2015 (4, 11, 18, 25) at 8 pm. $10 or by donation.  FOLK, ROOTS, STEW, a festival of incredible folk and grassroots music, cooked up and hosted by singer-songwriter Richard Garvey. Artword Artbar will serve up a special warming root veggie stew. Local musicians will brew up soul-nourishing original and traditional folk music. All ages. http://www.richardgarvey.ca/
Feb 25: Sun Harmonic, Nicki & Claire, Tom Dusome

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Latin Jazz with Carlos Rodriguez Quartet, Sat Feb 21

Carlos Rodriguez_0594_cSaturday February 21, 2015, cover $15 at the door or advance $12 (call 905-543-8512). Doors open 8 pm, two sets: 9 pm and 10:30 pm. A night of Latin Jazz with the Carlos Rodriguez Quartet featuring Randy Stirtzinger, piano; Mike Filice, flute and tenor sax; Fhanor Molina, bass; Carlos Rodriguez, drums. Photo left Fhanor, Carlos and Mike during the Steel City Jazz Festival at Artword Artbar October 2014.

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Special Concert: Country blues legend David Essig w. Mark McNeil, Fri Feb 20

David Essig, Islands Folk Festival 2009, Providence Farm, Duncan, British ColumbiaFriday, February 20, 2015, at 8 pm, $15 (Call 905-543-8512 to reserve.) Mark_McNeil_c
All the way from Protection Island B.C., roots music virtuoso David Essig brings his rollicking slide guitar to the Artword stage for a spellbinding night of country blues inspired songwriting. He’ll be joined by veteran singer-songwriter Mark McNeilwww.davidessig.com    www.shinythingspage.wordpress.com
David Essig, who lived in Hamilton for many years, is one of Canada’s finest interpreters of original, contemporary folk music that pays homage to bluegrass and country blues music. Mark McNeil wrote and performed the songs for Artword’s hit musical James Street. Mark is a long-time performer in the Hamilton area and his entertaining, roots-based songwriting is inspired from local history and his more than three decades as an award-winning journalist at The Hamilton Spectator.

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Singer-songwriters Sarah Burton, Dave Quanbury, Sophia Perlman, Thurs Feb 19

sarah-burton-piano1cSarah_Burton_hamilton1_c680Thursday February 19, 2015, at 8 pm, $10. Singer-songwriter Sarah Burton (guitar and piano) is touring with singer-songwriter Dave Quanbury, from Texas, visiting in Toronto. And they’ve invited our favourite jazz singer Sophia Perlman as their special guest.
Sarah Burton, born in Ottawa, now calls Toronto home. She has played NXNE, Canadian Music Week, Winterfolk, We Are Many Festival, Brandon Folk Festival, North Country Fair, and BC’s Music on the Mountain, and many live music venues across Canada and the US. Dave_Quanbury_8621243_cShe’s enjoyed radio play across North America, and rave reviews!
“..full of earthy and earnest sounds coming across at times like Lucinda Williams’ little sister,… with a voice that leans back against the bar and tells it like it is…” Americana UK
http://www.sarahburton.ca/    SarahBurtonMakeYourOwnBedEPK

Dave Quanbury is an Austin-based singer-songwriter, guitarist, and trumpet player. He is a member of the iconic Minor Mishap Marching Band, as well as rock outfit Texas Never Whispers, and Bluesqueezebox, and formerly of Twilight Hotel. He’s in Toronto for the month of February doing a residency at The Cameron House. http://www.davequanbury.com/

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Richard Garvey: “Folk, Roots, Stew” folk festival, Wed Feb 18

Richard_Garvey_FolkRootsStew_logoBack this year! Every Wednesday in February 2015 (4, 11, 18, 25) at 8 pm. $10 or by donation.  FOLK, ROOTS, STEW, a festival of incredible folk and grassroots music, cooked up and hosted by singer-songwriter Richard Garvey. Artword Artbar will serve up a special warming root veggie stew. Local musicians will brew up soul-nourishing original and traditional folk music. All ages. http://www.richardgarvey.ca/   Line-up for Feb 18: Megan Boni, Shawn Clarke, Kevin Fraser

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Jazz Valentine Special, the Scott Taplay Group, Sat Feb 14

Scott_Taplay_Jill_McKenna_cScott_Taplay_Group_c2aSaturday February 14, 2015, 8 pm, $5-$10. A jazz concert for Valentine’s Day by the Scott Taplay Group: Jill Mckenna on stand-up bass, Brandon Monroe on drums, Victor Agrippa on alto sax, and Scott Taplay on guitar. They’ll play predominately original jazz compositions by members in the band and some standards.

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ART CRAWL: Blues & Funk with Beg To Differ Trio, Fri Feb 13

Friday Feb 13, 2015, at 8 pm, tip jar. James North Art Crawl. Tim Ninehouse_ccAn Artword favourite, the lively high-energy Beg To Differ Trio playing blues / jazz / funk — Tim Ninehouse on keyboards, vocals; Doug Sikma on guitar; Steve Foster on drums. Unique renditions of blues, jazz and funk songs, drawing from a large musical repertoire from early blues roots to jazzified contemporary songs.

 

 

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Big Dance, Little Stage, Learie McNicolls, Thurs Feb 12

Megan_English_Dale_Morningstar_90937c900Thursday February 12, 2015, at 8 pm, $10. Choreographer and dancer Learie McNicolls curates and hosts “Big Dance, Little Stage”, an evening of contemporary dance works for a small stage. Line-up for Feb 12:
Megan English dance/improv choreography and Dale Morningstar will play his Theremin tonight (photos from Sept 17 2014)
Learie McNicolls dance, choreography and text,
Meryem Alaoui dancer/choreographer/founder of dance company Soft Matter, http://www.softmatter.co/meryem-alaoui/
Angela Del FrancoMegan_English_Dale_Morningstar_90960c680 dancer (choreography Learie McNicolls)
Live visuals by Judith Sandiford
Learie, who has had a lengthy career in Toronto, is now based in Hamilton. In 2014, he performed his one-man show Resurrection at The Pearl Company. He was choreographer on Artword Theatre’s production of their musical play “James Street” in May 2014. Coming up March 25-26, 2015, is a new work in development, “Transformation: A Journey of the Soul’s Healing”, an Artword Theatre Production, written, choreographed and performed by Learie McNicolls, directed by Ronald Weihs.

Posted in Dance, Event | Comments Off on Big Dance, Little Stage, Learie McNicolls, Thurs Feb 12

Richard Garvey: “Folk, Roots, Stew” folk festival, Wed Feb 11

Richard_Garvey_FolkRootsStew_logoBack this year! Every Wednesday in February 2015 (4, 11, 18, 25) at 8 pm. $10 or by donation.  FOLK, ROOTS, STEW, a festival of incredible folk and grassroots music, cooked up and hosted by singer-songwriter Richard Garvey. Artword Artbar will serve up a special warming root veggie stew. Local musicians will brew up soul-nourishing original and traditional folk music. All ages. http://www.richardgarvey.ca/    Lineup Feb 11:
Brad Germain (of the Dinner Belles)
ever-lovin jug band
(Brad Levia arch-top, slide guitar, vocals, Julia Narveson gut-tub bass, bass, fiddle, banjolin, vocals)
R&J Stringband
singing labour / activist songs from early 1900’s to 1950’s

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Zula Presents Scandinavian Jazz with ATOMIC, Sat Feb 7, 2015

atomic_jazz_groupSaturday February 7, 2015, 8:30 pm, $18/$15 students, seniors, artists, un(der)employed. A winter special event:  Scandinavian jazz with ATOMIC, part of the Something Else! Creative Music Series hosted by  Zula Presents and Cem Zafir.
From Norway and Sweden: Fredrik Ljungkvist reeds, Magnus Broo trumpet, Håvard Wiik piano, Ingebrigt Håker Flaten bass, Hans Hulbœkmo drums. The band will also play earlier in the day as part of the 2015 Winterfest Kickoff at the Waterfront Park. www.atomicjazz.com

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Jazz with the CP3, the Chris Platt Trio, Fri Feb 6

Chris_Platt_680cFriday February 6, 2015, at 8 pm, $10 cover, $5 for students/artists. The Chris Platt Trio (CP3) will once again be playing a special performance in Hamilton. Performing a mixture of originals and standards spanning the jazz tradition, the CP3 will bringing their unique approach to improvisation and energy to the jazz tradition. The CP3 includes drummer Pat Armstrong, bassist Phill Albert, and guitarist Chris Platt, all of whom are currently studying at the University of Toronto. Chris played with Bob Shields during the Steel City Jazz Festival in October 2014 at Artword Artbar.

Posted in Event, Music-Jazz | Comments Off on Jazz with the CP3, the Chris Platt Trio, Fri Feb 6

Psychedelic jazz with Doug Murphy’s quartet, Thurs Feb 5

Doug Murphy_ItIsWhatItIs_5014c_900Thursday February 5, at 8 pm, cover tba. “It Is What It Is” fusion psychedelic jazz with Doug Murphy guitar, Tim Kulakowsky guitar, Brian Ropcean drums, Alanna Gunn bass.

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Richard Garvey: “Folk, Roots, Stew” folk festival Wed Feb 4

Richard_Garvey_FolkRootsStew_logoJuliana_LaChance_cBack this year! Every Wednesday in February 2015 (4, 11, 18, 25) at 8 pm. $10 or by donation.  FOLK, ROOTS, STEW, a festival of incredible folk and grassroots music, cooked up and hosted by singer-songwriter Richard Garvey. Artword Artbar will serve up a special warming root veggie stew. Local musicians will brew up soul-nourishing original and traditional folk music. All ages. http://www.richardgarvey.ca/
Lineup Feb 4:
Steven Twigg,
Juliana Lachance
, playing the bandura, a rare folk instrument from the Ukraine with a long history of telling stories of epic ballads of battles and the freedom of the Cossacks through song. http://julianalachance.bandcamp.com/
Yarrow Harvest, — gypsy folk/dream folk act created by Stephen Robert Yarrow (Disher),  guitar and vocals. http://yarrowharvest.bandcamp.com/

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Artword Artbar closed from Dec 13 2015 to Jan 27 2016

See posts below for events starting up from January 28 onwards.

Posted in Event, News | Comments Off on Artword Artbar closed from Dec 13 2015 to Jan 27 2016

CANCELLED DUE TO ILLNESS: Diana Braithwaite and Chris Whiteley, Sat Jan 31, 2015

Diana_Braithwaite_c680Diana has laryngitis so we are rescheduling the concert to Sat April 25, 2015.
We’ve also added a concert by Colina Phillips on Sat March 7.

Saturday, January 31, 2015, at 8 pm, $20 (call to reserve 905-543-8512). diana_braithwaite_chris_whiteley-06-400A special concert with Diana Braithwaite, vocalist (left), Chris Whiteley, guitarist, and their special guest vocalist Colina Phillips (right). Celebrate the launch of Black History month with an intimate evening of soulful music: roots and blues, early jazz and gospel.
Diana Braithwaite and Chris Whiteley, eight-time national blues award winners, have recorded five albums together with Electro-Fi Records and have toured all over North America, UK and Europe winning numerous awards for their songwriting and albums together. “It’s a rare and good thing when two talented performers join forces”. Downbeat Magazine. http://www.braithwaiteandwhiteley.com    Continue reading

Posted in Event, Music, Music-Blues | Comments Off on CANCELLED DUE TO ILLNESS: Diana Braithwaite and Chris Whiteley, Sat Jan 31, 2015

closed until Jan 30, 2015

No event programming at Artword Artbar until Jan-Feb 2015. However, we are easy to reach. To get in touch, please email us: artword@artword.net or phone 905-543-8512. Thanks, Judith and Ron.

Posted in Event, News | Comments Off on closed until Jan 30, 2015

Hamilton Dixieland All-Stars Christmas Special, Sat Dec 13

HDAS_Oct15-2014_800Saturday December 13, 2014, at 8 pm, $15. (Call 905-543-8512 to reserve.) The Hamilton Dixieland All-Stars, a highlight of the Steel City Jazz Festival, return to Artword Artbar. Take a break from your Christmas shopping and be entertained by a band that brings a most exciting and entertaining brand of southern-styled jazz. This performance features some of your favourite Christmas and seasonal music. Come and celebrate the season with the Hamilton Dixieland All-Stars. Bring all of your friends and make it a Christmas party with the HDAS. Frank Musico trumpet, Don Templeton trombone, Don Hall clarinet, Matt Kennedy piano, Jimmy Howard bass and Steve Wilson drums.

Posted in Event, Music-Jazz | Comments Off on Hamilton Dixieland All-Stars Christmas Special, Sat Dec 13

Tiny Bill Cody’s Cowboy Show, Fri Dec 12 at 9 pm

artwordnov2012Tiny Bill CodyFriday December 12, 2014, at 9 pm, $10. Nothing says Holidays like ‘old time country variety show’. Tiny Bill Cody presents an evening of western, roots, string band music with a star studded array of special guests including The Family Supper String Band (Neal, Max, Frank Evans), singer Dara Weiss, singer Mimi Shaw, drummer Jeffery Griffiths.
As Tiny Bill says, “I have pretty cool team of old-timey players to do some vintage country, some cowboy songs, maybe a little preachifying.”
www.tinybillcody.com

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Peter Tigchelaar “Better Things” launch, Thurs Dec 11

peter_tigchelaar_trainThursday December 11, 2014, at 8 pm, $15 cover includes CD. Peter_Tigchelaar_BettercoverSinger-songwriter Peter Tigchelaar is doing a series of “soft launches” of his new CD “Better Things”. At Artword Artbar he will be joined by John Lewis, guitar and Andrew Tigchelaar, bass. Peter plays a variety of instruments including guitar, keyboard and mandolin, and more recently has developed a true affinity for other smaller instruments such as ukulele and WhiteCloud, his made-in-Hamilton Hammertone. http://www.petertigchelaar.com/
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/petertigchelaar2      Continue reading

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Scroogissimo trailer 2014

Video by Adam Carter from his footage of our 2013 production, to the tune of “Eh Cumpari”. Performed by Charly Chiarelli, Pamela Gardner, Paula Grove, Valeri Kay, Gordon Odegaard, Jeremy Shand. An Artword Theatre Production directed by Ronald Weihs, script by Ryan Sero and Charly Chiarelli, design by Judith Sandiford.

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THEATRE: Scroogissimo! our festive comedy, is back Nov 25 to Dec 7

Artword_Scroogissimo_posterE_web680Artword Theatre’s delightful Christmas comedy Scroogissimo returns to Artword Artbar, November 25 to December 7, 2014. Hamilton’s North End meets Charles Dickens in a wacky script by Ryan Sero and Charly Chiarelli, directed by Ronald Weihs.
SOLD OUT: Saturday Dec 6 show. To reserve for Sunday Dec 7 at 3 pm, call 905-543-8512.
(Running time about 2 hours plus 20-min intermission.)
A sell-out hit last December, Scroogissimo features Charly as “Ebenezu Scrugi”, a Christmas-hating old Hamiltonian from Racalmuto, Sicily, who finds himself haunted by three ghosts of the Past, Present and Future.
Scroogissimo is performed by the Artword Ensemble, an acting company that has been working in Hamilton under Weihs’s direction since 2008. In addition to Chiarelli and Sero, the company includes Pamela Gardner, Paula Grove, Valeri Kay, Gordon Odegaard, and Jeremy Shand, all experienced practitioners of the Artword Ensemble style. Musical support for Scroogissimo is provided by Tim Ninehouse (keyboard), leader of the blues trio Beg to Differ.
Performances Tuesday to Saturday at 8 pm, matinées Sundays at 3 pm. Tickets Regular $25, Advance $20, child $12
Tuesday November 25 (preview), all tickets $10 at the door
Artword Artbar, 15 Colbourne St, is an intimate licensed cafe-bar with limited seating. Reservations are required (call 905-543-8512)    (Cast photo by Adam Carter.)

“Artword Theatre is cramming a whack of seasonal fun into their tiny package of a space. Mixing local Sicilian–Canadian storyteller Charly Chiarelli and “Charly” Dickens makes a Christmas-cracker exploding with musical and comedic goodies that will make an addition to your festive season you will never forget….” Robin Pittis, View Magazine (December 12-18, 2013):

“Great fun.” … Review by Tony Kilgannon in Ontario Arts Review, December 8, 2013:
“Charly Chiarelli and Ryan Sero have teamed up to devise Scroogissimo a send-up of the story in a uniquely Hamilton way, at Artword Artbar. … Continue reading

Posted in Event, Theatre | Comments Off on THEATRE: Scroogissimo! our festive comedy, is back Nov 25 to Dec 7

Wayne Janus and KAIZEN, Sat Nov 22

Saturday NovemKaizen2040caber 22, 2014, 8 pm $10. (Noche Bohemia had to cancel.) We are pleased to announce that brilliant guitarist Wayne Janus and his band KAIZEN:waynejanus drums (David Carrillo), bass (Shane Lannigan) and guitar/vocals (Wayne Janus) will be back at Artword Artbar. Their sound has a rich variety of influences ranging from Funk, Jazz, Blues, Fusion, Rock, and Latin, a mix of original and cover material. Kaizen’s debut release entitled First Impressions, received positive reviews from national and international sources. Currently, Kaizen has just finished their second CD and launched their new web page www.kaizen.xyz.
Review: “Kaizen’s second album entitled Closer To Earth is an epic modern ground-breaking instrumental masterpiece. This unique album has it all, from New York Funk, Jazz, Rock, Fusion and even features a Sanskrit Chant entitled Shivaya. A Must Have!
For more about Wayne Janus, visit http://www.waynejanus.com/

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Concert: Guitarist/singer Kyle Pacey and friends, Fri Nov 21

kyle_paceyFriday November 21, 8 pm, $10, call 905-543-8512 to reserve.  Back again! Grammy-nominated guitarist and singer Kyle Pacey presents an evening of original music that’s an eclectic mix of soul, roots, R & B and funk. Guests Kevin Christoff on bass and Michael Sloski on drums. Kyle draws on his varied musical influences and is inspired by the optimism and culture of the 1960s and 70s along with current events, personal upheavals, metaphysics… and more. A musical force, Kyle Pacey has been described as Canada’s answer to the Buena Vista Social Club. Pacey’s combination of rhythm and technique are exhilarating. He likes to push the boundaries with his unorthodox style and unique approach to the guitar. www.kylepacey.com
Joe Curtis, To-nite Magazine writes: “I was totally mesmerized by guitarist Kyle Pacey’s playing technique… Kyle is the fastest, most superb guitar virtuoso I’ve ever seen. I always daydreamed that if Superboy played guitar, his hand on the neck would be a blur. This feat of musical ability was achieved by Kyle… and no foolin’ his left hand on the neck became a blur.”

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Big Dance, Little Stage, Learie McNicolls, Thur Nov 20

Learie4c_680Thursday November 20, 2014, at 8 pm, $10. Choreographer and dancer Learie McNicolls (photo left) curates and hosts the next edition of “Big Dance, Little Stage”, an evening of contemporary dance works for a small stage. Line-up includes Tanis McArthur, Zoe, Megan English and Learie Mc Nicolls.
Learie, who has had a lengthy career in Toronto, is now based in Hamilton, where he has opened a dance studio. Most recently he performed his one-man show Resurrection at The Pearl Company, in May and August. He was choreographer on Artword Theatre’s production of their musical play “James Street” in May 2014.

 

Posted in Dance, Event | Comments Off on Big Dance, Little Stage, Learie McNicolls, Thur Nov 20

Koopa Troop, jazz arrangements of video game music, Wed Nov 19

KoopaTroop_TomAltobelliWednesday November 19, 2014, at 8 pm. Jazz bassist Tom Altobelli has a new project, Koopa Troop, a new group who play their own jazz arrangements of classic video game music. Songs from Mario, Tetris, Pokemon, Metroid, and Banjo Kazooie. The band members, all Humber alumni, are: Chelsea McBride flute/tenor sax, Wilson McLeish guitar, Chris Bruder keys, Tom Altobelli bass, Tyler Goertzen drums.
The Matthew Pullicino Tercet will open the evening.

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Concert: Euphonic reunion concert + The Plain Steel, Sat Nov 15

EuphonicSaturday November 15, 8 pm, $5/pwyc. An acoustic / folk show with The Plain Steel (folk set), and the return of Euphonic. Euphonic is an eclectic trio of instrumentalists, Bob Wegner guitar, Vince Waters drums, Geoff Ball cello, perform original songs influenced by classical, spanish, folk, ragtime, and jazz.  http://euphonic.ca/
The Plain Steel is a “Folk and Roll” band featuring Ross Lizotte guitar and vocal; Geoff Ball cello; Tim Friesen bass; Jason Sanislo banjo, Vince Waters drums.  http://www.youtube.com/user/theplainsteel

Posted in Event, Music | Comments Off on Concert: Euphonic reunion concert + The Plain Steel, Sat Nov 15

Art Crawl Fri Nov 14: Jazz in the bar: Jonas Pearson Paavola group.

Jonas_Pearson_Paavola_cFriday November 14, 2014, James North Art Crawl, from 8 pm., tip jar. Jazz with bassist Jonas Pearson Paavola and his group JPP4: Victoria Cox on sax, Dave Hollingshead on keys, Andrew Deacon on drums and Jonas Pearson Paavola on bass and composition. The JPP4 strive for spontaneity and exploration in music. Playing mostly original material, they mix jazz theory with more modern textures.

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In the Gallery on Art Crawl: Janice Peshke, Debbie Long, Fri Nov 14

Janice_Peshke_cJanicePeshke_IMG_0743_cFriday November 14, 2014, James North Art Crawl, from 7:30 to 10 pm.
In the installation gallery, on exhibit and for sale, hand made unique jewellery by Janice Peshke and Debbie Long.  Janice Peshke is a jewellery designer, who teaches classes in her Coachhouse, as well as at the Dundas Valley School of Art. Debbie Long is one of Janice’s students who does drop in classes each week and has done so for the past few years. She has developed her own unique designs.
The artists will be present between about 7:30 to 10 pm

Posted in Artword Gallery, Event, James North events | Comments Off on In the Gallery on Art Crawl: Janice Peshke, Debbie Long, Fri Nov 14

Jazz with the Scott McIntosh Trio, Thurs Nov 13

ScottMcIntosh_cThursday November 13, 2014, at 8 pm, cover tba. Jazz with the Scott McIntosh Trio, Tom Altobelli on bass, Jordan Snider on drums and Scott McIntosh on guitar. Featured guest for the evening is Andrew King on saxophone.

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Wordcrafters Meetup, Wed Nov 12 at 7:30 pm

Wednesday November 12, 2014, at 7:30-9:30 pm. Free admission. Wordcrafters Meetup. The event will be an opportunity for writers, editors and other publishing and communications professionals to meet, network, explore collaborations, socialize, and participate in what promises to be a lively panel discussion about electronic self-publishing. Special guest Mark Leslie, a Hamilton author and director of self-publishing and author relations for Kobo, will take part in the panel discussion. Co-hosted by the Hamilton-Halton Twig (HH Twig) of the Editors’ Association of Canada, the Canadian Authors Association, Crime Writers of Canada, Professional Writers Association of Canada, and The Writers and Editors Network.
http://www.editors.ca/content/hamiltonhalton-twig

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New Cumberland Bluegrass Band, Sat Nov 8

Saturday November 8, 2014, at 8 pm, $15. Back again (their shows sell out, so reserve early!) New Cumberland, a bluegrass band from London Ontario: Tom Burns – vocals and guitar,  Blair Heddle – vocals, mandolin and dobro, Paul Hurdle – vocals and banjo, Tom Rutledge – string bass. [To reserve, call Artword Artbar 905-543-8512].
Featuring inventive solo work, driving rhythms and three part vocal harmonies, New Cumberland’s musical integrity and joy in playing together resonates in every performance. www.newcumberlandband.com   Proficient in the straight ahead driving bluegrass of… Continue reading

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Party: Artword Artbar’s 5-year anniversary, host Dave Pomfret, Friday Nov 7

Dave_Pomfret_2014Klyde_Broox_adjFriday November 7, 2014, at 8 pm, no cover. We’re celebrating Artword Artbar’s 5-year anniversary with a party and some special friends. We’ve invited our favourite singer-songwriter Dave Pomfret to host the evening. Dave got us started back in Fall 2009 with a regular singer-songwriter evenings. Special guest is another friend who jumped on board with us in 2009: dub poet Klyde Broox who ran regular PoeMagic spoken word sessions once a month for 4 years. More details coming. There is a rumour that Ron the Fiddler might be making pizza!

Posted in Event, Literary, Spoken Word, Music, Special event | Comments Off on Party: Artword Artbar’s 5-year anniversary, host Dave Pomfret, Friday Nov 7

Singalong with Sam Turton & Jane Lewis, Thurs Nov 6, at 7:30 pm

SamTurton_JaneLewis_650Thursday November 6, 2014, 7:30-9:30 pm, pwyc ($10 suggested)
SINGALONG with Sam Turton and Jane Lewis, singer-songwriters from Guelph. Come out and SING! They’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
Tell your friends because — the more, the merrier. Hundreds of songs – songbooks provided: Over 100 great artists, including The Band, The Beatles, Chuck Berry, Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan, Elvis, Bob Marley, Continue reading

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closed, Wed Nov 5

Wednesday November 5, 2014, we will be closed.

Posted in Event, Music | Comments Off on closed, Wed Nov 5

Stuart Laughton’s Radio Dial, new edition, Sat Nov 1

Stuart_Laughton_June212014_0246_680Saturday November 1, 2014, at 8 pm, $15. Stuart Laughton is back with a new edition of his Radio Dial, with Stuart Laughton on vocals, guitar, harmonica, trumpet, piano. Guest musicians for November 1 are: Rebecca Campbell (vocals), Jim Clayton (piano), Steve Lucas (bass) and Martin Worthy (drums/vocals), with lots of new tunes! [To reserve, call Artword Artbar 905-543-8512.
Why RADIO DIAL? Because on long car trips, Stuart scours the radio waves for interesting music, and wanted to bring a similarly eclectic presentation to the stage (think Stuart McLean’s Vinyl Café, with the speaking and musical proportions reversed). http://www.radiodial.ca/ Continue reading

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Zula presents Epps/Charuest & Barwin/Lee, Fri Oct 31

ellwoodepps_yvescharuest_c680EllwoodEpps_YvesCharuest_GaryBarwin_DavidLee_DaveGouldFriday, October 31, 2014, at 8:30 pm, $10-$15. Something special coming our way, organized by Cem Zafir (part of his Something Else 2014-2015 Creative Music Series): 2×2 –>Epps/Charuest & Barwin/Lee. Montreal improvisers, perpetual explorers and searchers of the sound, trumpeter Ellwood Epps and saxophonist Yves Charuest are joined by two of Hamilton’s literary and musical greats, writer/poet/saxophonist Gary Barwin and writer/double-bassist David Lee for an evening of scary good music and text. Call 905-543-8512 for reservations.
Photo left from the performance, final jam with guest Dave Gould, live video mix by Judith Sandiford  http://zulapresents.org

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Beg To Differ Trio, Thurs Oct 30

Thursday October 30, 2014 at 8 pm, pwyc. Tim Ninehouse_ccAn Artword favourite, the lively high-energy Beg To Differ Trio playing blues / jazz / funk — Tim Ninehouse on keyboards, vocals; Doug Sikma on guitar; Steve Foster on drums. Unique renditions of blues, jazz and funk songs, drawing from a large musical repertoire from early blues roots to jazzified contemporary songs.

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Film screening: “Cowspiracy” plus discussion, Wed, Oct 29 at 7 pm

CowspiracyWednesday, October 29,  2014, at 7:00 pm. Green Cottage Industries presents a screening of the film Cowspiracy followed by a discussion facilitated by Michael Nabert and Peter Ormond. Cowspiracy describes some of the world’s challenges and how they relate to animal agriculture. Yet our meat-eating habits are rarely mentioned as an obstacle to a more sustainable planet. The film Cowspiracy turns this silence on it’s head. Veganism and healthy dietary choices are a major part of the solution to a greener planet. Screening at 7:00 pm, discussion following the film 8:30 pm.

Posted in Event, Film, Special event | Comments Off on Film screening: “Cowspiracy” plus discussion, Wed, Oct 29 at 7 pm

Legendary rocker Bob Bryden revisits ‘Yorkville Days’, Sat Oct 25

BobBryden_2014-8-yorkvilledays_680Saturday, October 25, 2014 at 8:00 pm, $10. Revisiting ‘Yorkville Days’ with Bob Bryden (formerly of Christmas and Reign Ghost), with The Suicidal Folk-Singers. Psychedelic lighting by Dan Zen. Ric Taylor wrote about Bryden’s launch of Yorkville Days last April at This Ain’t Hollywood: “His underground cult status alone makes him a Canadian music legend but Bob Bryden remains a current, topical, vibrant and important singer/songwriter today with a youthful idealism the world certainly could use.”
www.bobbryden.com

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CONCERT: Richard Laviolette & Baby Eagle, Fri Oct 24

Richard_Lavioletteposter_680  richardlavioletteFriday, October 24 at 8 pm, cover $10 suggested. Special fundraising concert by singer-songwriters Richard Laviolette and Baby Eagle, both members of the You’ve Changed Records group of artists.
RICHARD LAVIOLETTE: Richard Laviolette writes compassionate songs of romance, protest and political struggle. Songs full of life and mortality, sung in a clear brave voice. This show is also a fundraiser for Laviolette’s upcoming country record “A Day’s Worth of Dirt“. baby-eagleHe is excited to share some new material from that record. We encourage you to attend these shows and give extra funds if you are able.
www.youvechangedrecords.com
http://richardlaviolette.bandcamp.com/
BABY EAGLE: Steve Lambke writes songs as a staging ground for collaboration with other musicians. They are punk rock songs that don’t often sound like punk rock songs. A communion in an alienating world. www.youvechangedrecords.com
facebook event link: https://www.facebook.com/events/297037740500177/

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Jazz with Matthew Pullicino Tercet, Thurs Oct 23

MatthewPullicino_cThursday October 23, at 8 pm, $5/pwyc. Jazz with The Matthew Pullicino Tercet, a trio of past and present Mohawk Jazz/Contemporary music students from the Hamilton area. The Tercet likes taking standards and adding a modern twist. Matthew Pullicino is an up and coming second year drummer with a solid drive to learn and play in the Hamilton music scene. Studying under the wings of Kevin Dempsey, and Ted Warren, he has developed a bright, dynamic sound. Emmott McFadden is currently studying with guitar gurus Bob Shields, and Mark Ucci. Inspired by Canadian Jazz guitar icons Lenny Breau, Sonny Greenwich, and Ed Bickert, playing single note lines whilst accompanying himself with harmony. Jonas Pearson-Paavola on bass is a Mohawk music alumni emerging in the Hamilton music scene. Playing in a variety of styles such as Fusion, Rock, Hip-Hop and more, Jonas studied under Will Jarvis, Kevin Dempsey, and Pat Collins to name a few.

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Richard Garvey, Marina Marina, Karyn Ellis, Wed Oct 22 at 7:30 pm

KarynEllis_MarinaMarina_800Wednesday October 22, at 7:30 pm, $10. A wonderful evening of three indie singer-songwriters on tour: Karyn Ellis, Marina Marina and Richard Garvey, with new songs and new albums.
KarynEllis-MTAH-600pxKaryn Ellis is a singer-songwriter from Toronto. Last winter she released her fourth album “More Than A Hero”, written while she lived in BC north of Vancouver, in the foothills of the Cariboo mountains. She spent two years there nestled in a country house beside a river and two babbling creeks. Although she recently moved back to Toronto to reconnect with her musical roots, the influence of BC’s stunning mountainscape has had its impact on the new album. Karyn Ellis: http://karynellis.com
Marina_Marina_aMarina Marina, a singer/songwriter who plays fingerstyle acoustic guitar, is from Vancouver BC. A packed tour schedule over the last two years has seen her performing in venues across Canada, Europe, the UK and Australia. Marina’s ‘organic free range folk pop’ has been described as being “like golden mist caught in a strong wind twisting into patterns and sparkling in the gentle muted sun.” Her music is earthy and soothing and it all sounds so effortless, like her guitar is part of her body.Richard_Garvey_To_Create Marina Marinahttp://aboutmetoyou.com
Richard Garvey, a regular performer at Arword Artbar, is Kitchener’s hardest working folk/roots musician dedicated to building community through music. His down-to-earth and genuine voice echoes a generation of youth that longs for environmental justice and social change. Richard Garvey: http://richardgarvey.ca

Posted in Event, Music | Comments Off on Richard Garvey, Marina Marina, Karyn Ellis, Wed Oct 22 at 7:30 pm

Tongue Fu and their video “James Street North”

Video published August 28, 2014: This video is fantastic. Thanks Lou! The wonderful Lou Molinaro of This Ain’t Hollywood tips the hat to a lot of folks in the ‘hood, including us at Artword Artbar. Unfortunately we were out of town for the video shoot, so we missed our big chance to be in a rock video. Love our beat-cop Gary!

Here’s their intro from YouTube:Tongue Fu are a Rock N Roll 6-pack from Hamilton Ontario Canada. The band consists of Gord Lewis, Rob Sweeney, Dave Elley, Gene Champagne, Greg Brisco & Lou Molinaro. James Street North is dedicated to a neighbourhood that we love in our fine city of Hamilton Ontario. Melissa Marchese was our muse as we followed her along. The video also includes some of the terrific Hamilton folks who are making our neighbourhood a cool vibrant place! Ladies & Gentlemen, welcome to JAMES STREET NORTH!!” For the lyrics … Continue reading

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Artword Artbar Nominated for Readers’ Choice Awards

Hamilton Spectator's Readers' Awards Site

Hamilton Spectator’s Readers’ Awards Site

Artword Artbar has been nominated for two Hamilton Spectator Readers’ Choice Awards: Live Jazz Club and Live Music Bar/Lounge. If you think we are deserving, then vote. You can only vote once in each category.

To vote, go on the special Hamilton Spectator Readers’ Awards voting site.

To help you figure out how to vote, we’ve created a one-page Quick Guide.

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Steel City Jazz Festival, full schedule, all venues, Oct 15 to 26

SteelCityJazzFest_poster2014_680PRESS RELEASE: The 2014 Steel City Jazz Festival is almost here! The Steel City Jazz Festival is a Hamilton-based music festival celebrating the city’s talented and diverse jazz community. Now in its second year, the festival kicks off on October 15 and runs until October 26 at two of Hamilton’s premiere jazz venues, Artword Artbar (15 Colbourne Street) and The Pearl Company (16 Steven Street).
Performers: Sophia Perlman and Adrean Farrugia, the Brad Cheeseman Group, Quarter to Nine, the Hamilton Dixieland All-Stars, The Carlos Rodriguez Latin Jazz Group, the Jazz Connection Big Band, the Aaron Zukewich Trio, Spanjazz, Chris Platt and Bob Shields, the Blank Quintet, Colin Fisher and Mike Gennaro, the Sean Dowhaniuk Group, the Jason Jones Unit, the Messore-Palka Quintet and Eschaton.

Week One events:
Wednesday October 15, at 8 pm, $15. The Steel City Jazz Festival at Artword Artbar.
The Hamilton Dixieland All-Stars kick off the 2014 Steel City Jazz Festival with traditional New Orleans jazz: Frank Musico trumpet, Don Templeton trombone, Don Hall clarinet, Matt Kennedy piano, Jimmy Howard bass and Steve Wilson drums.

Thursday October 16, at 8 pm, $10, students $5. The Steel City Jazz Festival at Artword Artbar.
Jazz Guitar Styles: Chris Platt and Bob Shields guitar duo, playing jazz standards, plus the Jason Jones Unit, Jason Jones guitar and Scott Taplay guitar, with Jill McKenna bass, playing gypsy and swing jazz

Friday October 17, at 8 pm, $10, students $5. The Steel City Jazz Festival at Artword Artbar.
New Jazz Compositions: The Aaron Zukewich Trio, featuring Joel Banks bass, Joel Haynes drums and Aaron Zukewich piano/compositions, plus The Sean Dowhaniuk Group: Sean Dowhaniuk guitar/compositions, Riley Keller alto saxophone, Mike Rajna drums, Josh Smiley piano, Ethan Tilbury bass.

Saturday October 18, at 8 pm, $15. The Steel City Jazz Festival at Artword Artbar.
A Night of Latin Jazz: featuring Rob Fekete piano, Mike Filice flute and tenor sax, Carlos Rodriguez drums, Fhanor Molina bass, and special guest Ashley St. Pierre on vocals.

Sunday October 19, at 7:30 pm, $15, students $10, The Steel City Jazz Festival at Artword Artbar.
Special concert by jazz duo Adrean Farrugia piano and Sophia Perlman vocals, with an adventurous and playful approach to jazz standards, and an uncanny ability to read each other’s musical minds.

Week Two events: … Continue reading

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Steel City Jazz Festival, Perlman/Farrugia, Sun Oct 19 at 7:30

Farrugia_Perlman_800SteelCityJazzFest_poster2014_680Sunday October 19, at 7:30 pm, $15, students $10.
The Steel City Jazz Festival presents a special concert by the extraordinary jazz duo Adrean Farrugia piano and Sophia Perlman vocals.
[To reserve, call Artword Artbar 905-543-8512 or EMAIL artword@artword.net. YES, TICKETS ARE STILL AVAILABLE! There was a glitsch on the PayPal site giving the message “not available”.
At Artword Artbar, 15 Colbourne St.    http://steelcityjazzfest.com/

sophia_perlman-tracey-nolan“Perlman’s approach is all at once soulful, gut-wrenching, funky and provocative” Lesley Mitchell-Clarke, The WholeNote Magazine
Since completing her studies at Humber College in Toronto, Sophia Perlman has become a fixture of the Ontario jazz and blues scene. Her musicality, old-soul voice and skill as an improviser have made her a first-call featured singer with some of the top ensembles and musicians in the country. In addition to performing and touring with her own quartet, she is found performing regularly with numerous artists and ensembles, including Adrean Farrugia, The Toronto Jazz Orchestra, The Darcy Hepner Jazz Orchestra, The Toronto Rhythm Initiative, The Vipers, and Chuck Jackson’s Big Bad Blues Band. http://www.sophiaperlman.com/

Multi-award winning pianist and composer Adrean Farrugia is one of Canada’s most distinct voices on the piano. Continue reading

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Steel City Jazz Festival, Latin Jazz, Carlos Rodriguez group, Sat Oct 18

SteelCityJazzFest_poster2014_680Carlos_Rodriguez_group_cSaturday October 18, 2014, at 8 pm, $15
The Steel City Jazz Festival day four
presents A Night of Latin Jazz:
featuring Rob Fekete (piano), Mike Filice (flute and tenor sax), Carlos Rodriguez (drums), Fhanor Molina (bass), and special guest Ashley St. Pierre on vocals.
[To reserve, call Artword Artbar 905-543-8512.

At Artword Artbar, 15 Colbourne St.    http://steelcityjazzfest.com/

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Steel City Jazz Festival, new compositions, Dowhaniuk + Zukewich, Fri Oct 17

SteelCityJazzFest_poster2014_680Aaron_Z_Trio_image_enFriday October 17, at 8 pm, $10, students $5. (Call 905-543-8512 to reserve.) The Steel City Jazz Festival day three features
New Jazz Compositions:
The Aaron Zukewich Trio, featuring Joel Banks on bass, Joel Haynes on drums and Aaron Zukewich on piano, playing new compositions.
Sean_Dowhaniuk_en+
The Sean Dowhaniuk Group: Sean Dowhaniuk guitar/compositions, Riley Keller alto saxophone, Mike Rajna drums, Josh Smiley piano, Ethan Tilbury bass.

At Artword Artbar, 15 Colbourne St.    http://steelcityjazzfest.com/

 

 

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Steel City Jazz Festival, jazz guitar, Platt/Shields & Jason Jones Unit, Thurs Oct 16

SteelCityJazzFest_poster2014_680Thursday October 16, 2014, at 8 pm, $10, students $5. (Call 905-543-8512 to reserve.) The Steel City Jazz Festival day two with a concert highlighting two different approaches to Jazz Guitar.
Chris Platt and Bob Shields guitar duo, playing jazz standards,
+ the Jason Jones Unit, Jason Jones guitar and Scott Taplay guitar, with Jill McKenna bass, playing gypsy and swing jazz.
At Artword Artbar, 15 Colbourne St.    http://steelcityjazzfest.com/

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Steel City Jazz Festival: Hamilton Dixieland All-Stars, Wed Oct 15

DixielandAll-Stars_04743_680SteelCityJazzFest_poster2014_680Wednesday October 15, 2014, at 8 pm, $15. (Call 905-543-8512 to reserve.) The Steel City Jazz Festival opens with a concert of Dixieland Jazz by the Hamilton Dixieland All-Stars, one of the premier traditional jazz groups in Canada. Comprised of some of the best musicians in the GTA, they are an old fashioned “party band” performing New Orleans and Chicago style standards from jazz greats such as Louis Armstrong, Sidney Bechet, Dukes of Dixieland, Pete Fountain and many others. Frank Musico trumpet, Don Templeton trombone, Don Hall clarinet, Matt Kennedy piano, Jimmy Howard bass and Steve Wilson drums.
At Artword Artbar, 15 Colbourne St.    http://steelcityjazzfest.com/

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Bluegrass with the Hill Brothers Band, Sat Oct 11

Hill_Brothers_Oct11_2014_650Saturday, October 11, 2014, at 8 pm, $15. The Hill Brothers Bluegrass Band in a reunion concert! First time on Artword Artbar’s stage, and a rare appearance by the amazing Rocky Hill. Featuring Randal Hill on mandolin and vocals, Rocky Hill on guitar and vocals, Tim MacDonald on banjo and Owen Mahoney on bass. Photo left shows the band in 2009!

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Art Crawl “To the Bone” Dave Gould exhibit & performance Fri Oct 10

Dave_Gould_antlerposter1_cDave_Gould_Poster_680Friday October 10, 2014, James North Art Crawl, music and art and craft beer on tap. In the Gallery: special guest tonight is musician/sculptor/zany guy Dave Gould, with an installation mainly of his instruments made of bones. And in the bar, Dave will demonstrate and perform on the instruments. The show is called “TO THE BONE” – from Dave Gould’s Audiotorium Collection.
Dave explains: “I am inspired to re-purpose objects in unique ways whether it is with my electro-acoustic sculptures/instruments or visual art. It is my hope that people will be inspired to perceive their environments in new ways and find art in everyday life. I am also intrigued by the blurring of lines between what is visual and what is musical which prompts the question, “Is that a musical instrument or a sculpture?”
The installation will remain on view for the month of October.

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Singalong with Sam and Jane, plus CD release, Thur Oct 9, 7:30

SamTurton_JaneLewis_6504panel_ThumbTubePocket_CDdigipakThursday October 9, 2014, at 7:30 pm, $10. Artbar favourites Jane Lewis and Sam Turton return with a special event — combining their popular Singalong with Jane’s CD release! The evening will feature a mix of original music from Jane’s new album Stay With Me, and your favourite classic tunes to sing with. Special guest Eve Goldberg will share the stage, making this a night you don’t want to miss!  www.janelewis.ca
www.all-together-now.ca/singalong.html

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JAZZ: pianist John Imre hosts vocal jazz jam, Wed Oct 8

Wednesday October 8 at 8 pm, $5/pwyc. A Mohawk Music vocal jazz jam, hosted by John Imre on piano.

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Jam with friends after the play, Sat Oct 4 at 9:00 pm

Saturday October 4, 2014, at 9:00 pm, no cover. Sherman & Lee concert cancelled. We will be hangin’ out with the See Bob Run team and friends for an acoustic jam.

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Intimate evening of song, Shari Vandermolen, Fri Oct 3 at 9:00 pm

Shari Vandermolen_0112_enrcFriday October 3, 2014, at 9:00 pm (after the play See Bob Run), $15 regular, $10 for students/seniors/artists (call 905-543-8512 to reserve). Back again for an intimate evening of song: vocalist Shari Vandermolen, accompanied by Steve McCrae on piano and bass player James Gannett.
Shari sings with her own 6-piece jazz band Quarter To Nine and has been invited to collaborate on a number of other larger jazz and swing projects over the past couple years. It was the intimate vibe of our very own Artbar that inspired her to bring you an intimate evening of song accompanied by Steve McRae, an accomplished jazz pianist and member of Quarter To Nine, who has played with Shari for the past 5 years. They will leave the sound of the big band behind and bring you some of their favourite jazz, torch and blues standards. Come and get your jazz on!

Fans of musical theatre have been treated to Shari’s unique vocal stylings for the past 9 years. “She takes a song and gives it emotional depth and edge. She not only sings it magnificently she acts the heart and soul out of it.” Gary Smith, The Hamilton Spectator.

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Jazz: special concert by Brenda Earle Stokes, Thurs Oct 2 at 9:00 pm

4PAN1TThursday October 2, 2014, at 9:00 pm, $15, students $10. Pianist, vocalist, composer and educator Brenda Earle Stokes performs a special concert with Pat Collins on bass, at Artword Artbar (following the play See Bob Run). http://brendaearle.com/
Jazz pianist and singer Brenda Earle Stokes has fused a passion for the piano and a love of singing into a vibrant career that spans genres easily. With her new album, Right About Now, she’s found a balance between her two instruments and very personal place from which to tell stories. Right About Now features six of Brenda’s original compositions. Brenda’s expressive vocals are framed by virtuostic piano chops and explore a range of genre-bending grooves rooted in modern jazz.
A native of Sarnia, Ontario, Canada, Brenda’s career has taken her across Canada and US, and internationally performing at venues like the Kennedy Center, Continue reading

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Theatre: “See Bob Run”, starring Laura Ellis, Sept 30 to Oct 5

Laura_Ellis_30_c680THEATRE: Six performances (Sept 30 to Oct 5, 2014) of See Bob Run:
Preview Tues Sept 30, at 7:00 pm,  $5
Wed Oct 1 to Sat Oct 4 at 7:00 pm, $10, Sun Oct 5 matinee at 4:00 pm $10.
Performer Laura Ellis and director Tyler Brent (Hamilton’s As You Were Productions) present Canadian playwright Daniel MacIvor‘s breakthrough play See Bob Run, written in 1986 for a solo actress.
Bob is on the road. Bob is on the run. But from what, or whom, is she running? Follow Bob as she hops from car to car telling her story to unsuspecting drivers as she tries to put her life in the rear-view mirror. Will she make it to her destination, and what will she find when she gets there? …”the ironic name stands in sharp contrast to this perceptive and thoroughly engrossing one-woman show.” Toronto Star
Running time is 60 minutes. On Thurs, Fri and Sat, concerts at 9 pm (with separate admission) follow the play.

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Concert: Michael Vallely, Randal Hill, Matt Coleman, Sat Sept 27

Vallely_Hill_ColemanSaturday September 27, 2014, at 8 pm, $15. Back again for another wonderful evening: Michael Vallely, Matt Coleman and Randal Hill. Singer-songwriter Michael Vallely presents an array of heartfelt original songs and a few interesting covers. Violinist Matt Coleman brings a deft touch to each piece, injecting soulful phrasing or blazing fiddle when required. Multi-instrumentalist Randal Hill rounds out the group, playing his unique banjo stylings and providing harmony vocals.

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Concert: Mike Almas and Guilty Pleasure band, Fri Sept 26

Mike_Almas_Guilty_Pleasure_900Friday September 26, 2014, at 8 pm, $10. The great bluesman Mike Almas with a special new band Guilty Pleasure. The band members: Steve Hilbert (bass), Joanne Augustyn ( vocals, percussion), Jack Pedler (drums, vocals), Mike Almas (guitar, vocals). Collectively from bands such as Groove Corporation, Teenage Head, Rhythm Works, and The Mike Almas Band, together they bring influences and experience to this original band, primarily drawing on 70s rock , with the focus on musicianship and fun. Selected cuts from the discography of cousins Jack Pedler and Mike Almas will also be featured, giving the listener an earful to go home with.

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The Muted Note: Songs Based on Poems by P.K. Page, Susanna Hood & Scott Thomson, Thurs Sept 25

MutedNote_SusannaHood_c680Thursday September 25 at 8 pm, $10. The Muted Note: Songs Based on Poems by P.K. Page, created and performed by Susanna Hood (voice & dance) and Scott Thomson (trombone). Artword Artbar is one stop on Susanna and Scott’s tour performing The Muted Note as a duo in small venues across Canada. http://www.scottthomson.ca/muted-note/
The Muted Note is a suite of songs composed by Scott Thomson, settings of poems by P.K. Page, for Susanna Hood’s singing voice. As a duo, Susanna, in addition to singing the lyrics, improvises on the songs both vocally and in dance, a synthesis for which she is singularly acclaimed in Canada. Scott, on trombone, both underpins Susanna and solos on the songs in a wide-ranging style that reflects his broad experience as an improviser. Throughout, P.K. Page’s stellar poems are at the core of the work and, in both dance and music, Scott and Susanna seek to animate and activate the verse as they play. Their extensive Canadian tour this autumn will help to promote their new duo disc on &records.
Susanna Hood is a compelling and virtuosic performer in dance and music. Continue reading

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Green Drinks & Conserver Society get-together, Tues Sept 23 from 5:30 pm

Tuesday, September 23, 2014, from 5:30 pm. This month’s Green Drinks is hosted by The Conserver Society, at Artword Artbar. Tonight’s mini-presentation is on personal Stormwater Management. A relaxed get-together for anyone interested in environmental issues and socializing with like-minded people.

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Sky Gilbert’s Naked Hamilton: The Movie Premiere, Sat Sept 20

naked-hamiltonNakedHamilton_c680Saturday September 20, 2014, two screenings at 8 and 10 pm, $10. Sky Gilbert’s Naked Hamilton: The Movie Premiere, starring Elley-Ray Hennessy and Scott McCord.  “A Hamilton hardcore couple try to take over their favourite bar.”
The full original play ran at Artword Artbar in November 2012, starring Elley-Ray Hennessy (Hamilton Bus Stop) and Scott McCord (Scott McCord and the BonaFide Truth). The production was written specifically for the intimate cafe-bar environment at Artword Artbar. One portion of the play has been made into a film, and is being premiered in its home bar! It is a film about working class people – everywhere — and about cities – everywhere — cities that put massive corporate profits above quality of human life. Tickets on-line at http://www.hammertheatre.org/naked-hamilton/

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Concert: Social Animals (Chris & Christa) + Trevor Howard, Fri Sept 19

socialanimals001002_cFriday, September 19, 2014, at 8 pm, $8. A concert by songwriters Chris and Christa Bradbury (Social Animals) and special guest Trevor Howard.
“The band evolved from the song writing of Chris and Christa Bradbury, a couple from opposite sides of the globe, who met by chance, fell in love and were immediately drawn into sharing their passion for music by creating their own. Chris’ memorable guitar riffs create the perfect setting for Christa’s searing vocals and mood driven piano. The listener may be reminded of Janis Joplin or Led Zeppelin, but is immediately aware that they are witnessing something completely new. Brothers and sisters, you are about to be Socialized!” http://www.socialanimals.ca/Trevor Howard_ghosts-of-memphis-19c
“Solidly recorded and impeccably performed, his guitar prowess deftly compliments the power and cadence of her voice” Ric Taylor (View magazine-CFMU 93.3FM)
“I was awe-struck by the jaw dropping vocals of Christa Bradbury and the power of Chris’ guitar; they held me in a trance”. Angelo Noto Campanella (The Hamiltonian)

Special guest for the evening is singer-songwriter Trevor Howard. “It all began for Trevor Howard with an eight-track of Alice Cooper and a 12-inch vinyl of Donny Osmond. “Didn’t We Meet in the Night in My Sleep” and “Go Away Little Girl” were his anthems of choice for guests at his big sister’s pool parties. It was at the mere age of five he decided this was his destiny (as if he had a choice) – a songwriter and musician was born.” http://www.ghostsofmemphis.com

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Big Dance, Little Stage, Learie McNicolls, Wed & Thur, Sept 17 & 18

Learie4c_680Wednesday September 17 and Thursday September 18, 2014, at 8 pm, $10. Ronald TaylorChoreographer and dancer Learie McNicolls (photo left) curates and hosts the next edition of “Big Dance, Little Stage”, an evening of contemporary dance works for a small stage. Line-up:
Ronald Taylor, Toronto (dance) (photo right)
Pearl Lall, Hamilton (dance/Bollywood)
Tanis Macarthur, Hamilton (movement, dance)
Megan English, Hamilton (dance)
Learie Mc Nicolls, Hamilton (spoken word, dance) .
plus real-time visuals by Judith Sandiford.
Learie, who has had a lengthy career in Toronto, is now based in Hamilton. Most recently he performed his one-man show Resurrection at The Pearl Company, in May and August. He was choreographer on Artword Theatre’s production of their musical play “James Street” in May 2014.

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Supercrawl at Artword Artbar: Open Mic, 2 to 5 pm Sun Sept 14

Sunday, September 14, Sunday afternoon’s Supercrawl. We’ll open about 1:00 pm, then a relaxed Open Mic for the afternoon 2 pm until about 5 pm. Drop in.

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Supercrawl at Artword Artbar: Wayne Janus & Kaizen, Sat Sept 13

Saturday September 13, 2014, Supercrawl Showcase #3. from 8 pm, tip jar. Kaizen2040caArtword Artbar showcases guitarist Wayne Janus and his band KAIZEN:waynejanus drums (David Carrillo), bass (Shane Lannigan) and guitar/vocals (Wayne Janus). They played Artword Artbar in July, and we wanted them back! Their sound has a rich variety of influences ranging from Funk, Jazz, Blues, Fusion, Rock, and Latin, a mix of original and cover material. Kaizen’s debut release entitled First Impressions, received positive reviews from national and international sources. Currently, Kaizen has just finished their second CD and launched their new web page www.kaizen.xyz.
Review: “Kaizen’s second album entitled Closer To Earth is an epic modern ground-breaking instrumental masterpiece. This unique album has it all, from New York Funk, Jazz, Rock, Fusion and even features a Sanskrit Chant entitled Shivaya. A Must Have!
For more about Wayne Janus, visit http://www.waynejanus.com/

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Supercrawl at Artword Artbar: Dan Walsh 7 pm, Beg To Differ Trio 9 pm, Fri Sept 12

DANwalshBEARD_cFriday September 12, 2014, 7:00 pm and 9:00 pm, Supercrawl Showcase #2 and James North Art Crawl, tip jar. Two shows tonight!
7:00 pm, tip jar: Artword Artbar showcases multi-instrumentalist Dan Walsh, well known for his collaborations with a number of talented musicians. For many years Walsh was a key member of Fred Eaglesmith’s band, The Flying Squirrels, where he played more than a couple of hundred gigs a year and shared the stage with the likes of Willie Nelson, Willie P. Bennett and the Del McCoury Band. Outta The Jam is the third release from Walsh, but it’s the first one the bearded one sings on. While Walsh’s Tim Ninehouse_ccflawless guitar work is still the star on this one, his songwriting and vocals are a welcome addition. http://www.bentbeard.com
9:00 pm, tip jar: An Artword favourite, the lively high-energy Beg To Differ Trio playing blues / jazz / funk — Tim Ninehouse on keyboards, vocals; Doug Sikma on guitar; Steve Foster on drums. Unique renditions of blues, jazz and funk songs, drawing from a large musical repertoire from early blues roots to jazzified contemporary songs.

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Supercrawl kickoff at Artword Artbar: Skirt Check, w. 5-piece horn section, Thurs Sept 11

Skirt_Check_logoChris_Skrzek_FBThursday September 11, 2014, at 9:00 pm, no cover, tip jar. Artword Artbar’s season launch and Supercrawl Showcase #1, a kick-off special: Chris Skrzek, trombone player extraordinaire, has put together a nine-piece band called Skirt Check, with a five-piece horn section! Seating limited, call 905-543-8512 to reserve.
Skirt Check is a new, dynamic 9 piece band in the Hamilton, Ontario area. Consisting of local professionals, the band plays many challenging funk, swing and rock cover tunes (influences Chicago, Blood Sweat & Tears, Tower of Power). Band members: Troy Dowding, Nelson Santos, Sal Roselli, Matt Weil, Kyle Pacey, Fab del Monaco, James Gannett, Anthony D’Angela and Chris Skrzek.

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Closed for August

CLOSED for the month of August, 2014, back for Supercrawl starting Thursday September 11.

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Reviews: Artword Theatre production Stuart Laughton’s Trumpet Romance

Fringe_photo_bySuzanne Steenquist_800TRUMPET ROMANCE: A WILD JOURNEY IN SEARCH OF MUSIC
Review by Channah Cohen in View http://www.viewmag.com/42847-Hamilton+Fringe+Festival+2014+Reviews.htm
In Trumpet Romance, currently playing at Artword Theatre, Stuart Laughton, trumpet player and musician extraordinaire, takes his audience on what he affectionately calls “a wild journey in search of music.” Using narration, musical instruments (trumpets, guitar, harmonica), and a series of projected images, Laughton does, in fact, take us on a journey that is not only entertaining and filled with gentle self–irony and humour. It is also profoundly moving and ultimately challenges us to look beyond the obvious in music and to experience its very essence. The journey itself is well crafted (by Laughton and Weihs), starting with what becomes ultimately a question: “Bon Vivant.” What, indeed, is a “bon vivant”?
In Laughton’s case, he falls in love with the trumpet as a child, exploring the possibilities of the sound he—and the instrument––can make. Playing music becomes his life, leading to a distinguished career on the concert stage, but the world of concert halls, where the beauty of music can triumph (we witness a gorgeous moment in La Scala), that beauty can also become undermined by human pride, self–interest. Besides, music is not simply an ornament for the life of the “bon vivant,” not a cultural indulgence. Instead, as Louis Armstrong said about jazz: “You can even live by it.” Classical, blues, jazz, rock, experimental—music is not simply to be consumed but to enter into. And so we accompany Laughton to Murray Schafer’s Patria Project in the Haliburton wilds and we listen and watch as music finds its echo among the trees, in the air, in the life force that transcends everything. For that is what “Bon Vivant” means.
Trumpet Romance is an extraordinary experience: beautifully put together, performed, and not to be missed.(CC

Gary Smith in The Hamilton Spectator
http://www.thespec.com/whatson-story/4640125-a-star-walk-a-trumpet-s-blare-castro-s-cuba-and-armenian-genocide/

“The man has stories to tell, and he tells them in his hour-long Trumpet Romance: a wild journey in search of music…. The stories are told with affection and candour, punctuated by some glorious trumpet sounds…. Ron Weihs’ direction never gets in the way of Laughton’s honesty.”
Gary Smith of The Hamilton Spectator reviews Artword Theatre’s Trumpet Romance, at BYOV Artword Artbar.
Also reviewed is Rise of the the Prickly Pear (also at Artword Artbar), and two of the mini gallery shows around the corner on James Street. Paula Grove, a long-standing member of the Artword Theatre Ensemble who appeared recently in “James Street” and “Scroogissimo”, get a warm accolade from Gary for her show There Was and There Was Not.

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THEATRE: Artword Theatre, Stuart Laughton’s Trumpet Romance, July 17 to 27

Hamilton_Fringe_BLK Logo_smArtwordTheatre_Trumpet_Romance_flyerwebB600July 17 to 27, 2014. Artword Theatre presents Stuart Laughton’s “Trumpet Romance: a wild journey in search of music, Hamilton Fringe Theatre Festival, at our Bring-Your-Own-Venue: Artword Artbar, 15 Colbourne St
Trumpet Romance: a wild journey in search of music is written and performed byStuart_Laughton_0270_c680 Stuart Laughton with an array of musical instruments including trumpet, guitar, harmonica, piano. The show is directed by Ronald Weihs, who also did the script development, and produced by Artword Theatre.  Stuart Laughton picked up a trumpet when he was nine, and it was love at first breath. He began a stellar classical career: Canadian Brass at age 19 and La Scala orchestra at 23. But the siren call of B.B. King’s guitar took him on a wild musical journey, playing roots music in Porkbelly Futures, until it all came together by a lake in Haliburton in R. Murray Schafer’s And Wolf Shall Inherit the Moon.  For more about Stuart Laughton: http://www.radiodial.ca/
TICKETS: $10   http://hamiltonfringe.ca/tickets/
The show runs 60 minutes and is suitable for an all-ages general audience.
SHOW TIMES:
Thu July 17 8:00 pm (Opening), Sat July 19 7:00 pm, Sun July 20 4:00 pm, Tues July 22 8:00 pm,
Wed July 23 7:00 pm, Fri July 25 7:00 pm, Sat July 26 9:00 pm, Sun July 27 6:00 pm (final show)

Click here to download the Trumpet Romance press release:

Stuart Laughton, “Trumpet Romance”, photo gallery: Continue reading

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THEATRE: Red Betty Theatre, Rise of the Prickly Pear, July 18 to 27

Hamilton_Fringe_BLK Logo_smRise_Of_The_Prickly_PearJuly 18 to 27, 2014. RED BETTY THEATRE and Hamilton Fringe Festival present Rise Of The Prickly Pear, a new play by Radha S Menon, directed by Tony Sciara, featuring Nathan Bigec, Carla Garcia, Tamara Kamermans.
“Beauty’s a fickle mistress who tolerates nothing from her lover Old Man Time”
From the same team as last summer’s fringe hit show Ghost Train Riders and winner of View Magazine’s Best Of Theatre 2013, Radha S Menon’s steamy new play Rise Of The Prickly Pear will have you on the edge of your seat. Set in 1958 Santiago De Cuba, Che Guevara and his ‘bearded ones’ are holed up in the Sierra Maestra fighting bitterly as revolution grips the nation in a dire struggle against imperialism. Rise Of The Prickly Pear is a story of forbidden love–? lost and found. Two women, three men and a prickly pear… in a comical wrangle for love and lust. Who can avoid slivers as they bite their way to the top? Who will be consumed?
VENUE: Artword Artbar, 15 Colbourne Street, Hamilton
TICKETS: $10  http://hamiltonfringe.ca/tickets/
SHOW TIMES:
Running time: 60 minutes. Fri July 18 7:00 pm (Opening), Sat July Sat 19 9:00 pm, Sun July 20 6:00 pm, Wed July 23 9:00 pm, Thurs July 24 7:00 pm, Fri July 25 9:00 pm, Sat July 26 7:00 pm, Sun July Sun 27 4:00 pm (final show)

Contact: Leo Sciara, email: Production.redbettytheatre@gmail.com
www.redbettytheatre.com       @redbettytheatre
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Red-Betty-Theatre/286534401361269

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Late music weekends during Fringe Festival, Jul 18, 25, 26

Special late night music Fri Jul 18, Fri Jul 25, Sat July 26, after the plays at Artword Artbar in the Hamilton Fringe Theatre Festival!

Friday July 18 at 9:30 pm, tip jar, jazz with the Chris Bruder Quartet, featuring Mike Malone on trumpet/flugelhorn, Jon Stemmler on bass, Mark Ballyk on drums and Chris Bruder on piano.

CANCELLED Saturday July 19 at 10:30 pm, tip jar, jazz with the ‘Sargent Reckless’ trio: Mike DeiCont bass (back from NY), Sean Dowhaniuk guitar, Mike Rajna drums.

Friday July 25 at 10:30 pm, tip jar, funk,/blues/jazz with Scott McIntosh guitar, Tom Altobelli and Jordan Snider drums.

Saturday July 26 at 10:30 pm, tip jar, Charlie Parker jazz tribute by the Abigail Neale Quintet (Abigail Neale alto and soprano sax, Chris Bruder piano, Tom Altobelli acoustic bass, Luke Paron drums  and a trombone player).

Posted in Event, Hamilton Fringe Theatre Fest, Music, Music-Jazz | Comments Off on Late music weekends during Fringe Festival, Jul 18, 25, 26

CBC article on Bicycle Opera at Artword Artbar on July 15 2014

the-bicycle-opera-project CBC article on Bicycle Opera at Artword Artbar on July 15, 2014:

http://www.cbc.ca/news/arts/bicycle-opera-project-gears-up-with-expanded-tour-1.2711414

 

Posted in News | Comments Off on CBC article on Bicycle Opera at Artword Artbar on July 15 2014

Opera: new works performed by Bicycle Opera, Tues July 15 at 7:30

Tuesday July 15, at 7:30 pm, a special concert, $20. Book tickets: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/the-bicycle-opera-project-hamilton-on-tickets-11887887993
Back again at Artword Artbar on this year’s tour, the fabulous Bicycle Opera! This exciting season brings together a cast of young emerging opera stars, instrumentalists, and a program of fantastic Canadian opera works:BOP trail_c900
Bianchi: A Five Minute Bicycle Opera – Libretto and music by Tobin Stokes
(What rhymes with) Azimuth? – Libretto by Liza Balkan, music by Ivan Barbotin
A little rain must fall – Libretto by David Yee, music by Chris Thornborrow
L’homme et le ciel (excerpt) – Libretto by Ian Koiter, music by Adam Scime
Airline Icarus (excerpt) – Libretto by Anton Piatigorsky, music by Brian Current
Rosa – Libretto by Camyar Chai, music by James Rolfe
The Brothers Grimm (excerpt) – Libretto and music by Dean Burry

The performers on the 2014 tour are: Larissa Koniuk – soprano and Artistic Director; Stephanie Tritchew – mezzo; Christopher Enns – tenor; Geoffrey Sirett – baritone; Wesley Shen – music director/piano; Chelsea Shanoff – saxophone; Tristan Durie – flute. The stage director is Liza Balkan. http://bicycleopera.com/

The Bicycle Opera Project brings Canadian contemporary opera to communities across Ontario by bicycle! Continue reading

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“Open Mic for Open Streets”, hosted by Ron the Fiddler, Sun July 13, 11:00 to 4 pm

OpenStreets_JULY-13_680Sunday July 13, 2014, from 11 am to 4 pm. It’s the Open Streets Festival again (walk, ride, roll all day from 10 am to 5 pm up and down James Street North. http://openstreetshamilton.ca/). Artword Artbar presents “Open Mic for Open Streets“, our traditional presence on the street, as we haul our sound gear out to the corner of Colbourne & James Street North, to join in the fun. Roll on by with your guitar or harmonica or kazoo and take over a mic. Hosted by Ron the Fiddler. To sign up for a time slot, email us artword@artword.net.

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Concert: Wayne Janus and his band Kaizen, Sat July 12

Kaizen2040caSaturday July 12, 2014, at 8 pm, $5. KAIZEN is a three-piece band: drums (David Carrillo), bass (Shane Lannigan) and guitar/vocals (Wayne Janus). Their sound has a rich variety of influences ranging from Funk, Jazz, Blues, Fusion, Rock, and Latin. At Artword Artbar, Kaizen performs a mix of original and cover material. Kaizen‘s live performance is very captivating and their connect with the audience is outstanding.

Kaizen’s debut release entitled First Impressions, received positive reviews from various national and international sources.  Currently, Kaizen has just finished their second CD. This second disk features a vocalist performing Sanskrit chanting. Their producer Christopher T. Wilson makes a cameo appearance playing some haunting synth as a backing ambient track.

Kaizen is building a strong fan base locally, nationally and internationally. Things are going to soar for Kaizen with the release of their second CD and the launch of their new web page www.kaizen.xyz. Kaizen is in the early stages of their musical journey and they are already being compared to other well known Jazz/Rock greats in the music industry. For more about Wayne Janus, visit http://www.waynejanus.com/

Watch a Cable 14 live performance of Kaizen’s new material http://youtu.be/lAOkVeTomlk

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ART CRAWL: PerlHaze: Sophia Perlman & Terra Hazelton, Fri July 11 8:15 pm

PERLHAZEOFFICIAL_680cFriday July 11, 2014, from 8:15 pm, tip jar. An Art Crawl special treat: PerlHaze, a new project by two well-known jazz singers Sophia Perlman and Terra Hazelton. Join us at Artword Artbar, as they preview their new material and their new approach to harmonising. They want to perform at Art Crawl to show as many people as possible the wonderful things they are up to.
“Toronto-based singers Terra Hazelton and Sophia Perlman have discovered a mutual love for music, harmonies and songwriting that goes far beyond the borders of their respective jazz careers. They are taking their first steps as aspiring songwriters, and learning to play (at press time) six instruments between them, and fine-tuning their uncanny vocal blend. As bootcamp before they record their own first full-length album in the fall, they are trekking across Western Canada, armed with their new-found harmony super-powers, and little collection of early recordings of the music that inspires them most.”  http://www.perlhaze.com/

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ART CRAWL: special opener Damon Hankoff, accordionist, Fri July 11, 7 pm

Damon_Hankoff_cFriday July 11, from 7 to 8 pm, tip jar, a special Art Crawl opener. Accordionist and NY subway busker Damon Hankoff with a sample of his project Out of Sight of Land (brought to you at Artword Artbar by Annie Shaw).
Out of Sight of Land is the musical project of Damon Hankoff, a multifarious sideman and fledgling songwriter. Mr. Hankoff is a New Yorker by birth and by youth and is currently based out of Quebec City and Montreal. But actually most of the songs in question were written during a long sojourn in the Near East and subsequently honed in the cacophonic corridors of the NYC subway system. Among the topics Out of Sight of Land addresses are longing, the end of the world, and the salt, salt, sea. Musical influences include ancient masters (Palestrina, Gesualdo) and the New Weird America. Out of Sight of Land is on tour this October, after releasing a first album in June.  http://outofsightofland.bandcamp.com/

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Jazz with Devin Patten’s band Triptych, plus Scott Taplay Trio, Thurs July 10

Devin_Patten_2014_cThursday July 10, 2014, at 8 pm, pwyv/ $5. Jazz with Devin Patten’s new band Triptych: Sim Bansal on guitar, Devin Patten on bass, Brandon Munro on drums. Also on the bill: the Scott Taplay Trio, featuring Scott Taplay on guitar, Jonas Pearson Paavola on bass, Calvin Barnard drums

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Jazz with the Dimitrios Mavridis Quartet, Wed July 9

Dimitrios_Mavridis_cWednesday July 9, 2014, at 8 pm, pwyc. The Dimitrios Mavridis Quartet plays some jazz. The quartet: Christopher Stephens on woodwinds, Justin Golan on piano, Keagan Early on drums, Dimitrios Mavridis on bass

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Concert: Jacob’s Cattle, w. Roy Patterson, Sat July 5

Jacob's_Cattle_live#2_900Saturday July 5, 2014, at 8 pm, $10.  Jacob’s Cattle, featuring Roy Patterson guitar, Burke Carroll pedal steel, Paul Donat bass, Mike Billard drums, will bring their richly evocative interpretation of Roots/Americana music to Artword Artbar. http://jacobscattle.com/
Jacob'sCattle_original680
The band  performs material from their new CD, Songs From My Father’s House, a collection of mostly original tunes composed by Roy Patterson based on memories of the music he listened to on a daily basis while growing up in rural Nova Scotia; a mixture of country, blues and the gamut of popular music that defined the 1960s and early 70s.  CDs will be available at the gig. $10 at the door includes a free Roy Patterson CD from earlier releases.
“Roy Patterson is undoubtedly one of Canada’s leading guitarists… glorious clarity of tone, sophisticated voicings and featherlight fingerwork.” Toronto Star

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Latin Jazz with Eli’s Quartet “From Havana to Hamilton”, Fri July 4

Elizabeth_Herrera_Rodriguez_7146_cFriday July 4 at 8 pm, $5. Eli’s Quartet presents “From Havana to Hamilton”, an evening of Cuban and Brazilian jazz and American standards. Featuring Elizabeth Herrera Rodriguez on vocals and violin, with Jill McKenna on bass, Jonathan Pascoal on drums, John Imre on piano.
Elizabeth Herrera Rodriguez was educated as a concert violinist in Havana. Currently based in Hamilton, she has recently been pursuing her true passion as a jazz singer, singing the American classic standards, Gershwin, Porter and Kahn, and Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan and Billie Holiday. Her repertoire includes the great Brazilian and Cuban composers, Jobim and de Moraes.

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Jazz: The Abigail Neale Quintet, Thurs July 3

Abigail_Neale_8639_c900Thursday July 3, 2014, at 8 pm, $5. Saxophonist Abigail Neale brings her quintet play her own new jazz compositions. Abigail Neale alto and soprano sax, clarinet and flute, Chris Bruder piano, Tom Altobelli acoustic bass, Luke Paron drums, and one more musician TBA.

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closed Sat June 28 and Wed July 2

no events scheduled for Saturday June 28 and Wednesday July 2, 2014

Posted in Event, News | Comments Off on closed Sat June 28 and Wed July 2

Concert: The Aubrey Wilson Quartet, Fri June 27

AubreyWilson_quartetFriday June 27 at 8 pm, $10/$5 students. Jazz with the Aubrey Wilson Quartet: Aubrey Wilson vocals, Chris Bruder piano, Sean Bruce Parker drums, and Tom Altobelli bass, playing a variety of jazz standards.

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Singalong with Sam Turton & Jane Lewis, Thurs June 26

SamTurton_JaneLewis_650Thursday June 26, 2014, 7:30-9:30 pm, pwyc ($10 suggested)
SINGALONG with Sam Turton and Jane Lewis, singer-songwriters from Guelph. Come out and SING! They’ve got songbooks full of classic favourites — YOU request the songs, and we all sing them together. Led by Jane Lewis and Sam Turton. (This is the final one this season. Check back for dates in fall 2014.)
http://www.all-together-now.ca
Tell your friends because — the more, the merrier. Hundreds of songs – songbooks provided: Over 100 great artists, including The Band, The Beatles, Chuck Berry, Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan, Elvis, Bob Marley, Continue reading

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The Jason Jones Unit play gypsy swing, bluegrass… Wed June 25

Jason Jones Unit_cWednesday June 25, 2014, at 8 pm, $5/pwyc. A night of modern acoustic music played by the Jason Jones Unit. Their music incorporates the characteristics of Bluegrass, Jazz, Gypsy Swing and R&B music. Featuring Jason Jones guitar, Jill McKenna bass and Scott Taplay guitar, playing the music of Tony Rice, David Grisman, Bela Fleck and others.

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Stuart Laughton’s Radio Dial, new edition, Sat June 21

Stuart_Laughton_cSaturday June 21, 2014, at 8 pm, $15. (Call 905-543-8512 or book tickets online). Stuart Laughton is back with a new edition of his Radio Dial, with Stuart Laughton on vocals, guitar, harmonica, trumpet, piano.
Guest musicians for June 21 are: Nichol Robertson, guitar; Burke Carroll, pedal steel guitar; Steve Lucas, bass; Martin Worthy, banjo/drums.
Stuart is pleased to be working with Nichol: “Nichol (http://nicholrobertson.com) is a rising star on guitar. He’s a solo artist and plays in the Devin Cuddy band (JUNO nomination this year) which opened for Blue Rodeo on a cross-Canada tour earlier this year.”
Why RADIO DIAL? Because on long car trips, Stuart scours the radio waves for interesting music, and wanted to bring a similarly eclectic presentation to the stage (think Stuart McLean’s Vinyl Café, with the speaking and musical proportions reversed). http://www.radiodial.ca/ Continue reading

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Concert: Guitarist/singer Kyle Pacey and Friends, Friday June 20

kyle_paceyFriday June 20, 2014, at 8 pm, $10, call 905-543-8512 to reserve.  Back again! Grammy-nominated guitarist and singer Kyle Pacey presents an evening of original music that’s an eclectic mix of soul, roots, R & B and funk. Kyle draws on his varied musical influences and is inspired by the optimism and culture of the 1960s and 70s along with current events, personal upheavals, metaphysics… and more. A musical force, Kyle Pacey has been described as Canada’s answer to the Buena Vista Social Club. Pacey’s combination of rhythm and technique are exhilarating. He likes to push the boundaries with his unorthodox style and unique approach to the guitar. www.kylepacey.com
With Kevin Christoff (bass). Chris Skrzek (trombone) and special guest Michael Sloski (percussion). Michael Sloski is one of Canada’s pre-eminent roots drummers  and a master of the groove. He has recorded and toured extensively with  Bruce Cockburn and worked with Etta James, Ben E. King, John Baldry, Holly Cole, Marc Jordan… Continue reading

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Concert: Dan Walsh with guitar and songs, Thurs June 19

DANwalshBEARD_cDan_Walsh_OutatheJamThursday June 19 at 8 pm, $10. Canadian multi-instrumentalist, Dan Walsh is already well known for his collaborations with a number of talented musicians. He’s added his bluesy-bluegrass signature style to two dozen albums and toured across North America, Europe and Australia. For many years Walsh was a key member of Fred Eaglesmith’s band, The Flying Squirrels, where he played more than a couple of hundred gigs a year and shared the stage with the likes of Willie Nelson, Willie P. Bennett and the Del McCoury Band. Outta The Jam is technically the third release from sideman extraordinaire, Walsh, but it’s the first one the bearded one sings on. While the instrumentation, specifically Walsh’s flawless guitar work, is still the star on this one, his songwriting and vocals are a welcome addition. http://www.bentbeard.com

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Ian Foster, plus Graydon James & The Young Novelists, Wed June 18

Ian_Foster_cYoung Novelists_cWednesday June 18, 2014, at 8 pm, $10. Singer-songwriter-storyteller Ian Foster is on tour from Newfoundland with his new album. His special guests are Graydon James and The Young Novelists, from Toronto, rapidly becoming Artword Artbar regulars!

Ian Foster, an East Coast solo songwriter with a heavy bent on storytelling between songs. “The Great Wave is an album with a warm delicate precision and attention to detail that could only be created by a master craftsman and artist as talented as Ian Foster” Craig Mills, The Eastern Passage
“A tuneful contemporary singer/songwriter with a poet’s keen sense and a searcher’s infinite explorative mind…his best collection of songs to date.”  Tony Ploughman, Fred’s Records

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Bluegrass with Whiskey Jack! Sat June 14

Whiskey_JackSaturday, June 14, 2014 at 8 pm, $15. (Call 905-543-8512 or book tickets online). The incredible Whiskey Jack bring their 30-year history of bluegrass and roots music to Artword Artbar.  http://www.whiskeyjackmusic.com/
WhiskeyJack_Artword-6-14-14_680Duncan Fremlin, one of Canada’s premier banjo players, met co-founding member of Whiskey Jack, mandolin/fiddle player John Hoffman in 1977. They liked playing together so much that they promptly quit their day jobs and began a seemingly endless tour of Canadian musical venues as Whiskey Jack. Untold numbers of musicians have been lured into the Whiskey Jack web, and now after 30 years this band is still going strong and performing some of the finest music in its history. (Tommy Hunter Show, touring with Stompin’ Tom Connors)
Band members include: Bob McNiven guitar, Eric Jackson double bass, Howard Willett vocals and harmonica, Michelle Josef drums/percussion, Randy Morrison fiddle (winner of the prestigious Canadian Bluegrass Award for fiddle-player-of-the-year three years running.)
Guest musician: Dr. Denis Lepage, champion banjo wizard and long time member of the local bluegrass scene. “Denis was the most important professional banjo player in Canada in the ’70’s and ’80’s. In those years, he toured the country with the best Canadian bluegrass bands, Dixie Flyers and Station Road. He also found time to release three solo albums on Boot Records featuring mostly original songs. If you look at the credits on the albums recorded in that era, you’ll likely see Denis as the featured banjo player. He continues to play and teach in the St. Catharines area.”

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Art Crawl: Beg To Differ Trio, Fri June 13

Tim Ninehouse_ccFriday June 13, 2014, James North Art Crawl. In the bar from 8 pm, tip jar. An Artword favourite, the lively high-energy Beg To Differ Trio playing blues / jazz / funk — Tim Ninehouse on keyboards, vocals; Doug Sikma on guitar; Steve Foster on drums. Unique renditions of blues, jazz and funk songs, drawing from a large musical repertoire from early blues roots to jazzified contemporary songs.

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Big Dance, Little Stage, Learie McNicolls, Wed & Thur, June 11-12

Learie4c_680Wednesday June 11 and Thursday June 12, 2014, at 8 pm, $10. Choreographer and dancer Learie McNicolls curates and hosts “Big Dance, Little Stage”, an evening of contemporary dance works for a small stage. Line-up includes Learie McNicolls with Gary Santucci (spoken word),  Learie with pianist Aaron Zukewich, Hope Terry with Dave Copeland on guitar, Meagan English with Dale Morningstar on guitar, Tanis Macarthur on low silks, Judith Sandiford live-video mix visuals.
Learie, who has had a lengthy career in Toronto, is now based in Hamilton. Most recently he performed his one-man show Resurrection at The Pearl Company May 22 to 24. He was also the choreographer on Artword Theatre’s production of their musical play “James Street” performed at Artword Artbar in April 27 to May 11, 2014.

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An intimate evening of song with Shari Vandermolen, Sat June 7

Shari Vandermolen_0112_enrcSaturday June 7, 2014, at 8 pm, $15 regular, $10 for students/seniors/artists (call 905-543-8512 to reserve). An intimate evening of song with vocalist Shari Vandermolen, accompanied by Steve McCrae on piano and Clark Johnston on bass.
Shari sings with her own 6-piece jazz band Quarter To Nine and has been invited to collaborate on a number of other larger jazz and swing projects over the past couple years. It was the intimate vibe of our very own Artbar that inspired her to bring you an intimate evening of song accompanied by Steve McRae, an accomplished jazz pianist and member of Quarter To Nine, who has played with Shari for the past 5 years. Joined by special guest bassist Clark Johnston, a regular fixture on the jazz scene in and around Hamilton, they will leave the sound of the big band behind and bring you some of their favourite jazz, torch and blues standards. Come and get your jazz on!

Fans of musical theatre have been treated to Shari’s unique vocal stylings for the past 9 years. “She takes a song and gives it emotional depth and edge. She not only sings it magnificently she acts the heart and soul out of it.” Gary Smith, The Hamilton Spectator.

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Mini Jazz Festival in one evening! Kite Trio + Sean Dowhaniuk Group, Fri June 6

Kite_Trio3_c800Friday June 6, 2014, 8 pm, $10, a stellar jazz double-bill: Kite Trio from Montreal, guitarist Eric Couture, drummer Eric Dew, and upright bassist Paul Van Dyk,
Sean_Dowhaniuk_enplus an Artword Artbar favourite  The Sean Dowhaniuk Group: Sean Dowhaniuk guitar/compositions, Riley Keller alto saxophone, Mike Rajna drums, Josh Smiley piano, Ethan Tilbury bass.
Both groups are playing innovative new compositions.  http://kitetrio.com/

Strange Beast de Kite Trio: “Maîtres de leurs instruments et repoussant leurs limites, ils nous offrent un jazz métissé aux couleurs progressives avec une touche post-moderne, parsemé de classique et de rock.  Masters of their instruments and pushing their limits, they offer a jazz mixed with progressive colours and a post-modern touch, dotted with classical and rock.” Continue reading

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Karnay Gypsy Trio, Thursday June 5, at 7:30 pm

KarnayBand_200210_cThursday June 5, 2014, 7:30 pm, $5. The Karnay Gypsy Trio, with Steve Karnay on piano, Charlie Bodo on violin and Gene Ruzsa on violin, playing authentic folk melodies from old world Hungary.

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Jazz with the Abigail Neale Quartet, Wed June 4

Abigail_Neale_cadjWednesday, June 4, 2014, at 8 pm, $5/pwyc. A night of jazz standards arranged by Abigail Neale for her quartet: Abigail Neale alto sax, Chris Bruder piano, Tom Altobelli acoustic bass, Luke Paron drums.

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“My Roots are Showing”: Jude Johnson, with Carl Horton, Sat May 31

Jude_Johnson_23cJude_Johnson_poster_May312014Saturday May 31, 2014 at 8 pm, $15 (call 905-543-8512 to reserve ). “My Roots are Showing”. The one-and-only Jude Johnson on vocals, with Carl Horton on piano, in an evening of song. Jude will be joined by friends including Gord Lowe and Michael J. Birthelmer.
Jude Johnson has nine recordings released and will be performing music from her folky, jazzy and songwriting roots. Great music, great fun, great night. www.judejohnson.ca

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Red-hot Bluegrass with Randal Hill and Friends, Fri May 30

RandalHill_3237_cropFriday May 30, 2014 at 8 pm, $15 (call 905-543-8512 to reserve). We love our Bluegrass! Another hot evening of dynamite bluegrass music with virtuoso mandolin player Randal Hill (mandolin and vocals).  On guitar and vocals, the rock-steady Johnny Frame. On stand-up bass and vocals,  John McNaughton. On banjo, one of the finest blue grass banjoists on the planet, Charlie Street.

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Jazz: Birth of the Cool tribute, Thurs May 29

Birth_of_the_CoolThursday May 29, 2014, at 8 pm,$5. Bassist Devin Patten has organized a tribute evening to the great Miles Davis record Birth of the Cool. Birth of the Cool, the classic compilation album by Miles Davis and his nonet  was recorded in 1949-1950 and released in 1957.
Players include Esther Matthew trumpet,  Jason Louge  flugelhorn, Kristen Prince alto sax, Victoria Cox baritone sax, Aidan Sibley trombone, Munro Thadius tuba, David Hollingshead piano, Dan Pitt guitar, Devin Patten bass, Zach Thompson drums.
Devin’s note: “Featuring unusual instrumentation, the music consisted of innovative arrangements influenced by classical music techniques such as polyphony, and marked a major development in post-bebop jazz. As the title implies, these recordings are considered seminal in the history of cool jazz.”

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