Artword Artbar

Sunday May 25 at 7 pm, $10. A special double bill featuring Toronto’s Graydon James and the Young Novelists, and Haligonians Gabrielle Papillon and her band The Mighty Oak, who are on a special tour previewing Gabrielle’s new album set for release later in 2014. Both bands were at Artword Artbar last fall — we are pleased to have them back!
In the span of three fast-paced years Graydon James & the Young Novelists have won a Galaxie Rising Star award, toured the east coast three times, played numerous festivals (including the Halifax Urban Folk Festival, OtherFolk, Niagara’s In The Soil festival, and the Burlington Sound of Music festival), and released three warmly received  albums. The band members include: Graydon James,  Shawn Jurek, Mike Paddags, Alex Dodd, Laura Spink, John Law. (http://www.theyoungnovelists.com/)
Canadian singer-songwriter Gabrielle Papillon sings stories real and imagined, strums chords both grand and delicate. Above all, Papillon loves the journey of a song and draws inspiration from guitar slinging troubadours such as Ani Difranco, Joni Mitchell and Paul Simon. Continue reading →

Saturday May 24, 2014, at 8 pm, cover $10 (call 905-543-8512 to reserve). WORLDS COLLIDE – Contemporary jazz pianist Aaron Zukewich and Hamilton singer/songwriter Marie Avery combine their talents for a collaborative performance of each other’s original music, as well as some well-known favourites. While Aaron blends his jazz conception with the soulful lyricism of Marie’s indie-pop songs, Marie lends both her voice and piano playing – adding multiple textures and colours- to Aaron’s compositions. It is bound to be a night night of unique, creative, and wonderful music! Other special guests TBA.

Friday May 23 at 8 pm, $10 (Call 905-543-8512 to reserve). Artword Artbar is pleased to welcome back the wonderful singer-songwriter Edgar Breau, with harmony vocals by Colina Phillips, and bass guitar by Kevin Christoff.
Edgar Breau is a singer/songwriter who performs a genre bending array of compositions dating back to the mid 1970’s. His musical career has been characterized by CBC journalist, Bob Mersereau as the most unusual in the country. Ranging from the proto punk art rock stylings of his critically acclaimed band, Simply Saucer, to the jazz pop, folk blues roots music of his latest recording, Patches of Blue, Breau has followed his muse wherever it has taken him. Literary icons like W.B. Yeats and Hillaire Belloc have lent lyrics to his songs and in his own write Edgar draws from a kind of Beat/poet naturalism storytelling east coast sensibility inherited from his ancestors. Continue reading →

Saturday April 26, 2014 at 8 pm, $15. Our favourite Americana songstress  Tia McGraff returns to Artword Artbar, with Tommy Parham. http://tiamcgraff.com/
Their special guest for the evening is David Starr, an Americana singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist living in Cedaredge, Colorado. His music has roots in Arkansas blues, country rock and classic rock. http://www.davidstarrmusic.com/

Friday April 25, 2014, at 8 pm, $10. A concert with two singer/songwriters returning to Artword, touring with new songs and new albums: Melissa Bel and Brydan Smith.
http://www.melissa-bel.com/
http://www.brydansmith.com/

Wednesday April 23, 2014, at 8 pm, $10, child under 12 $5.  Azalea — Benjamin and Mia Hackett, husband & wife duo from Hamilton. For their latest release, “Inside Out”, Azalea has streamlined their folk-tinged pop sound and crafted songs that tug on your heart’s strings with haunting melodic & harmonic lines. http://www.azaleamusic.net/. Opening set by Ash & Bloom (singer-songwriters Matt McKenna and James Bloemendal) www.AshAndBloom.com

Saturday April 12, 2014, at 8 pm, $10. Wayne Krawchuk & Carol Greene. New suite of songs by singer-songwriter Wayne Krawchuk, the first since the “Smile for the Camera” recordings. Then he’ll be joined by Carol Greene and other musical friends for a set of folk, blues and roots covers. Musical guests include Randal Hill on mandolin and Stephen Fuller on fiddle. Fun night guaranteed! To reserve, call 905-543-8512.

James North Art Crawl, Friday April 11, 2014, from 8 pm to 11 pm or so, tip jar (suggested $5). Blues with Big Johnny Blue and Strange Cargo. Big Johnny Blue is John M. Crawford, Hamilton guitarist, multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter and founding member of The Hamilton Blues Society. Big Johnny Blue has written hundreds of songs, and played with countless local musicians over the years. He is committed to supporting local music and musicians, especially by supporting efforts to tell the story of Hamilton’s blues history.  http://www.bigjohnnyblue.com/

Thursday April 10, 2014, at 7:30 pm, $10. The Hamilton Ceili Band plays Irish music at Artword Artbar. Tap your toes to jigs, reels, polkas and waltzes played on flute, fiddle, bodhran (drum), piano and accordion. Band members are: Catherine Gibbon flute, Sara Van Hamme flute, Mike Murphy fiddle, Barb Phoenix bodhran, Beth Beech piano and Greg Debkowski accordion. The band was established to play traditional Irish dance music for the Hamilton Irish Arts Dance Ceilis. On the first Sunday of each month the band holds a traditional tune session at the Winchester Arms, in Dundas. The band has played for the Whitehern summer tea series, the Haldiman County Museum and for the dance stage at the Goderich Folk Festival.

Saturday March 29, 2014, at 8:30 pm, $10. Tiny Bill Cody, singer-songwriter like no other, is back at Artword Artbar! “Tiny Bill Cody is not alone”. Guests include Mimi Shaw and Jeffery Griffiths and maybe more.

Friday March 28, 2014 at 8 pm, $15 door, $12 adv (call 905-543-8512 or book advance tickets online via PayPal). Singer-Songwriter Double Bill: Matthew de Zoete and Jeffery Straker.
Imagine Nick Drake cheering up a bit and living long enough to work with Beck. Mixing pop and folk styles, Matthew de Zoete writes songs built on strong melodies and honest lyrics about everything from washing dishes to grandparents and divorce. Matthew will play an intimate concert of new material and songs from his latest album Colour Film, accompanied by Jennifer Lockman on keys and brother Johan de Zoete on harmonies.  www.matthewdezoete.com
NEWS: And the Winner of the Vina del Mar (Chile) International Song Festival is….. Jeffery Straker!!!  http://us5.campaign-archive1.com/?u=eb9f1889e0fef57a72f4fde77&id=adebe26d8c&e=582ff3e7b0
Singer-songwriter-pianist Jeffery Michael Straker performs over 100 shows per year across Canada. He’s recorded for CBC radio’s ‘Canada Live’, and had a music video chart in the top 10 on Much More Music. His tour stops range from house concerts to club & theatre shows and include recent sold-out concerts with both the Regina & Saskatoon Symphony Orchestras. The review of his orchestral debut read: “Straker was simply spectacular”. His most recent album ‘Vagabond’ (produced by Danny Michel) was given 4 out of 4 stars by the Toronto star stating,”one of the most faultlessly conceived and meticulously executed albums in any genre to come out of Canada in a long time”. http://jeffstraker.com/

Thursday March 27, 2014, 7:30-9:30 pm, pwyc ($10 suggested)
Thursday April 24, 2014, 7:30-9:30 pm, pwyc ($10 suggested)
Thursday May 22, 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 →

Friday March 21, 2014 at 8 pm, pwyc. An intimate concert by guitarist-songwriter George Meanwell, a musician with a fascinating career. George spent the late 70’s as a member of the folk trio Short Turn, appearing throughout Ontario (including Festival of Friends) and on national television. After a couple of decades spent earning his living as a classical cellist (including touring internationally with Quartetto Gelato) he resumed songwriting in 2002, releasing three CDs of his own material. Most recently he has been working in theatre, including the Stratford Festival, The Festival Players of Prince Edward County, and various independent projects in Toronto. www.gmeanwell.ca
Joining George at Artword Artbar will be award-winning jazz guitarist Eric St- Laurent. http://www.ericst-laurent.com/
Video from George’s most recent CD/DVD: http://vimeo.com/65432275
Reviews of The Easy Straight CD: “A remarkable, diverse musician.” – Tom Allen, CBC Radio 2 Shift; “A lovely album.” – Andy Frank, Roots Music Canada
“(Meanwell) merges folk and chamber music seamlessly on this enchanting disc.” – Kerry Doole, New Canadian Music

Saturday March 15, 8 pm, $15 at door, $10 advance. Heavy Pedal #2, hosted by Marie Avery, in an evening highlighting songwriters playing our baby grand piano. Performers, who will each play a short solo set, include Annie Shaw, Sarah Whynott, Deanna Wells, Molly Babin, Aaron Zukewich and Marie Avery.  Gord Simmons is ringmaster and MC and, with Marie, will add some dramatic moments.

Thursday March 13, at 8 pm, $10 adv. Call 905-543-8512 or book advance tickets online via PayPal. Celtic fiddler Alana Cline, with Leigh Cline on guitar and bouzouki, are back for a pre-Paddy’s day show.  This father-daughter duo combine Irish, Cape Breton and Scottish styles to create their own sound. They also include occasional Balkan tunes in their sets. www.alanacline.com       www.leighcline.com
Alana Cline is a Toronto-based Celtic fiddler who combines Irish, Cape Breton and Scottish styles to create her own sound. Alana has studied with Cape Breton fiddler Sandy MacIntyre, among others, and with All-Ireland Fiddle Champion Maeve Donnelly. In 2008 Alana became the first Canadian to be accepted to the auditioned Meitheal School of Irish Traditional Music in Limerick, Ireland with Paul O’Shaughnessy of Altan as one of her instructors. Continue reading →

Friday March 7, 2014 at 8 pm, $10.00. call 905-543-8512 or book online via PayPal. 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. 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.” With special guest Kevin Christoff on bass.  www.kylepacey.com

Saturday, March 1, 2014 at 8 pm, $15. Call 905-543-8512 or book online via PayPal. The incredible Whiskey Jack bring their 30-year history of bluegrass and roots music to Artword Artbar.  http://www.whiskeyjackmusic.com/
Duncan 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.)

Thursday February 27, 2014, at 8 pm, $15. Call 905-543-8512 or book online via PayPal. Singer-songwriter Sue Leonard is back! She’ll be singing some new tunes she has written, featuring The Perfect Strangers Andrew Aldridge, Duane Rutter and Cindy Dell plus Michael Hickey on bass, Michael J. Birthelmer on guitar and Amy Di Nino on percussion.  www.sueleonard.ca
Sue Leonard has returned to Hamilton where she was born and raised. Sue is a singer songwriter who writes with and for other artists. She’s been on two world tours with kd lang and sang on kd’s hit “constant craving’ and Bon Jovi’s “lay your hands on me”. She’s worked with Bruce Willis & Johnny Neel (Allman brothers), recently won female vocalist of the year at the Twirlie Awards out of Sacramento. “Bye Baby” received a Twirlie Award for the most plays on Twirl Radio in 2012. Her songs are a mix of americana, adult contemporary, pop, jazz & blues & folk and jazz.

Saturday February 22, 2014, at 8 pm, $15. Call 905-543-8512. A spirited evening with Michael Vallely, Matt Coleman and Randal Hill. Michael will present 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 will be rounding out the group, playing his unique banjo stylings and providing harmony vocals.

Saturday February 15, 2014 at 8 pm, $20 door, adv $15. Call 905-543-8512. A special Valentine’s Day concert by the wonderful The Acoustics, a lively band from the Hamilton area, playing their own original folk/rock, world/roots, music. For the past ten years, they have been cultivating their own unique music for local fans and venues. During this period they have released three studio CD’s. Their third CD, “Erie Long” (Jan. 2013), was nominated for Folk/Traditional Recording of the Year at the 2013 Hamilton Music Awards. Alfonso Spoto accordion; Enzo Spoto lead and rhythm guitar; Richard Hone percussion; Bonnie Krenciglowa violin; Andrew Eckart bass; Ally Jed backup vocals.  http://www.theacoustics.ca

Friday Feb 14, 2014, from 8 pm, tip jar. Bill Lutes and the Art Crawlers. Bill Lutes guitar, vocals, Lilia Lutes better vocals, warm and fuzzy waves, Robert Fick guitar, vocals, Hank Paton guitar, vocals, Kenny Clark guitar, vocals Bob Rudy bass, vocals, Phil Dales (Skippy) drums.
“The Art Crawlers can play practically anything from any genre. A specialty of ours is love songs from a variety of perspectives and situations, and for Valentines Day, it will be “Love, Pain, Sex, and the Whole Damn Thing”, an exploration of the subject that could only come from a band with 350+ years of musical experience.”

Friday February 7, 2014, 8 pm, $10. The Bob and MJ show: a double bill of singer-songwriters Robert Reynolds and Friends and Mary-Jane Russell (with Jennifer Lockman on keys), plus an opening set by Hannah Veldeven.
Robert Reynolds and Friends is a Canadian folk group featuring original songs by Robert Reynolds, a folk-blues guitarist from Ottawa, in a duo with singer Carole Laprise. Robert is a folk singer-songwriter whose influences include Bob Dylan, Van Morrison, Gordon Lightfoot, Cat Stevens and Joan Baez. The music is classic folk and the lyrics are intelligent, personal and moving, with a politically meaningful bite. From 1992-2008, Robert was also lead singer for “The Crowd” a 12 piece R&B show band which played the Ottawa Bluesfest and the Limestone Blues Festival in Kingston.  In 2004 Robert began a new artistic direction with the acoustic act, Robert Reynolds & Friends. This has proven to be the perfect vehicle for Robert’s musical style, both writing and performing. Carole Laprise began her career in 2004 singing back-up vocals for Robert’s other band Fat Shadows. Her unique sound and natural feel for harmony makes her vocal style the perfect dynamic complement for Robert’s vocals.
Mary-Jane (MJ) Russell is a singer/songwriter who has been a professional musician/actor and performer for 5 decades, mostly as a vocal collaborator. MJ moved to the GHA in 2005 and was most recently involved in the The MJs (mixed vocal quartet), and before that in Hen Party (female vocal quartet). In Toronto MJ was part of a Folk Noire Ensemble called HAZE for several years. She has been a session backing vocal arranger/vocalist and vocal coach for the past 25 years. And now is the time to venture into solo performance. Earlier in her career MJ enjoyed creating Sister Sled, spent 8 years singing with Robert Reynolds in a rock band called Fat Shadows and another 8 years in The Toronto Mendelssohn Choir. Continue reading →

ICE STORM CANCELLATION Saturday December 21, 2013 at 8 pm  $10.00 – $15.00 (sliding scale) Celebrating “Buzz” by the Woodshed Orchestra! with special guests Dani Nash and The Dinner is Ruined.
Legendary Toronto drummer Dave Clark (Rheostatics, Gord Downie, Charles Spearin) and his multi-headed celebration emancipation experience known as The Woodshed Orchestra pilots through the classic dance music styles of New Orleans Rock n’ Roll and R&B, Ska, Soul, Reggae, Rock, Blues, Country, New Wave, Cajun, Tex-Mex, Pop, Torch Odes and Calypso, in an extraordinary celebration on their new 2013 release “Buzz“. The Woodshed Orchestra is “a funky, uplifting, joyful ride every time.”
Dani Nash: www.daninashmusic.com
The Woodshed Orchestra!  http://www.thewoodshedorchestra.com
The Woodshed “Buzz” CD!  http://zunior.com/products/the-woodshed-orchestra-buzz Continue reading →

Thursday December 19, 2013 at 8 pm, pwyc. Lori Yates presents Creative Genius Songwriting Workshops Holiday Party! Performances by: Virginia Vader, Hannah Veldeven, Mary Jane Russell, Sharon Washington, and past workshop participants. Guest songwriter: Duane Rutter. http://www.duaneruttermusic.com/
Closing set: Lori Yates. http://www.loriyates.com/

Wednesday December 18, 2013, 8 pm, $10. Celtic Party evening with Alana Cline, a young and talented Celtic fiddler, in an instrumental duo with Leigh Cline on guitar and bouzouki. This father-daughter duo combine Irish, Cape Breton and Scottish styles to create their own sound. They also include occasional Balkan tunes in their sets. www.alanacline.com       www.leighcline.com
Alana Cline is a Toronto-based Celtic fiddler who combines Irish, Cape Breton and Scottish styles to create her own sound. Alana has studied with Cape Breton fiddler Sandy MacIntyre, among others, and with All-Ireland Fiddle Champion Maeve Donnelly. In 2008 Alana became the first Canadian to be accepted to the auditioned Meitheal School of Irish Traditional Music in Limerick, Ireland with Paul O’Shaughnessy of Altan as one of her instructors. She has also studied fiddle at the Gaelic College of Celtic Arts in St. Ann’s, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. Alana has a self titled CD EP. “Alana is an inventive, energetic and imaginative musician who has a particularly vibrant and distinctive style of fiddle playing.” Maeve Donnelly.
Leigh Cline is a guitarist, producer and sound engineer. The music he plays focuses on Black Sea, Greek and Turkish music with echoes of the Caucasus and Celtic music. Continue reading →

Saturday November 30, 2013, at 8 pm, $12. dE ZOETE UNCHAINED! New songs by Matthew de Zoete. With special guests Luke Michielsen and Sarah Beatty.
Imagine Nick Drake cheering up a bit and living long enough to work with Beck. That’s the vision Matthew de Zoete conjured on his latest album Colour Film and took on tour all over North America and Europe. Now free from the shackles of the last album, he’s back with a band for a performance of all new and unreleased songs. www.matthewdezoete.com
Luke Michielsen‘s brand of indie-folk recalls Neil Young guitar themes mixed with Counting Crows vocals. Resident musician at Kitchener hotspot Imbibe Food/Drink, this singer songwriter has two solo albums and a third on the way. If you like sincere and sometimes deadpan between song banter, then he’s your new favourite Canadian folk singer. Check out his new videos here http://lukemichielsen.com/music-videos/
Sarah Beatty writes contemplative folk songs with spacious arrangements. She deftly occupies the space between country, blues, jazz, and soulful roots – leaving nothing extraneous or cluttered. Her music shines with her dynamic vocals, expressive lyrics, and engaging melodies. The result is a sonic landscape that is cohesive, completely familiar, and yet all her own. www.sarahbeatty.ca

Saturday November 23, 2013, at 8 pm, $15. Back again (their spring show sold 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, with Darrin Schott on mandolin. [To reserve tickets, call Artword Artbar at 905-543-8512, or BUY TICKETS ON-LINE].
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.
Website www.newcumberlandband.com   Continue reading →

Friday November 22 at 8 pm,$15 suggested donation at the door. Backing each other up on an evening of original songs are four seasoned singer/songwriter southern Ontario artists: Cindy Dell of Port Dover (vocals, fiddle), Lester Smith of Hamilton (harmonica, vocals), Duane Rutter of Port Rowan (vocals, guitar), and Judi Rideout of Burlington (vocals, bass). Joining forces to bring the best of their songs together in one evening; Dell, Smith, Rutter, and Rideout sing the blues with half a smile, covering topics about x-husbands, fish that sing in a heavenly choir, small towns you love to hate, and other real-world and not-so-real-world topics. Come and be drawn into their stories and a night of music and imagining.
Les Smith and Cindy Dell www.reverbnation.com/lessmithandcindydell
Duane Rutter www.duaneruttermusic.com
Judi Rideout: www.reverbnation.com/judyrideout

Thursday November 21, 2013 at 8 pm, $10. Saskatoon born singer-songwriter Melanie Peterson returns to Artword Artbar with her band to deliver her personal brand of folk-pop from her album “Unbreakable.” BBC radio describes her self-penned songs as “beautiful stories weaved into delightful melodies.” Melanie sings of love found, love lost and love that never was to be. www.reverbnation.com/melaniepterson
http://melaniepeterson.bandcamp.com
Joining Melanie for their first ever Hamilton performance will be blueVenus. This acoustic unplugged duo delivers alternate originals that defy categorization. Guitarist/vocalist Luke Roberts is joined by vocalist/violinist Andrea De Boer, whose voice has been described as a cross between Beth Gibbons from Portishead and Billie Holiday. Blend this with her superb violin renderings that offer a hint of Stephan Grappelli, and sit back for a memorable evening. http://www.bluevenusmusic.com/

Saturday Nov 16 at 9:30 pm (after “Jim Lacroix”), $10. Toronto-based folk-rock band Graydon James & the Young Novelists  and Halifax singer-songwriter Gabrielle Papillon. In the span of three fast-paced years Graydon James & the Young Novelists have won a Galaxie Rising Star award, toured the east coast three times, played numerous festivals (including the Halifax Urban Folk Festival, OtherFolk, Niagara’s In The Soil festival, and the Burlington Sound of Music festival), and released three warmly received  albums. The band members include: Graydon James,  Shawn Jurek, Mike Paddags, Alex Dodd, Laura Spink, John Law. (http://www.theyoungnovelists.com/)
Canadian singer-songwriter Gabrielle Papillon sings stories real and imagined, strums chords both grand and delicate. Above all, Papillon loves the journey of a song and draws inspiration from guitar slinging troubadours such as Ani Difranco, Joni Mitchell and Paul Simon. (http://www.gabriellepapillon.com/)

Saturday Nov 9 at 9:30 pm (after “Jim Lacroix”), $10. Three creative young solo singer-songwriters, Marie Avery, Amber Edgar and Lara Martin showcasing their new pieces. Marie Avery has been described as ‘a voice that cuts through the night like a dangerous yet delicate switchblade’. Having just released her debut EP a few months ago in Hamilton, Marie continues to build a fan base on home turf. www.marieaverymusic.com
Amber Edgar is a multi-talented singer-songwriter, currently working on a new EP. http://amberedgar.com/
Lara Martin is a singer-songwriter from Toronto. http://laramartin.bandcamp.com/

Friday November 8, at 9:30 pm (after “Jim LaCroix”), tip jar, the James North Art Crawl. The fabulous Mimi Shaw and the Highnote Ramblers, with their a blend of rockabilly, 50’s R&B, old country, and original songs. Featuring Mimi Shaw (vocals and rhythm guitar), Jeff Rosnick (lead guitar), Brian Hay (keyboard), Jeff Griffiths (drums) and Orange McFarland (bass.)

Saturday, November 2, 2013, 8:00 pm, $10. An evening of music by Carol Greene and Wayne Krawchuk, with Ron Cole and Joe Gravina, celebrating their Crazy Love Recordings CD Release. The evening includes original music and covers. Carol Greene vocals, acoustic guitar and ukulele, Wayne Krawchuk vocals, acoustic and electric guitar, Ron Cole vocals, keyboard, accordion,  Joe Gravina drums. [To reserve tickets, call Artword Artbar at 905-543-8512, or BUY TICKETS ON-LINE].

NEW EVENT! Wednesday October 30 at 8 pm, pwyc. An intimate and heartfelt evening of music by Marc Pettigrew and friends. Marc says “I’m a rocker tempered by time. I’ll be performing mostly my own material.” Marc’s new CD “Second Wind” is due for release soon. http://www.marcpettigrew.com/

Saturday, October 26, 2013, at 8 pm, tickets $15/$20 (call 905-543-8512). Artword Artbar, 15 Colbourne St. Hamilton, is delighted to announce an evening with Brazilian singer-songwriter Luanda Jones and her band. Born in Rio de Janeiro and now based in Toronto, Luanda brings us an evening of bossa nova, funk, jazz and samba. BUY ADVANCE TICKETS ON-LINE
“Brazilian singer/songwriter Luanda Jones has been captivating audiences for over a decade with her unique blend of suave, jazz inflected vocals and stylized guitar harmonies, passionately interpreting some of the South American nation’s most cherished popular musical traditions.” Now in Toronto, she performs regularly at Lula Lounge, as well as in a variety of music festivals and on CBC.   http://www.luandajones.com/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hjiCKB_fyIE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SThUc18-biU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JIVIg-r5FRg

Saturday October 19 at 8 pm, $10. A special treat at Artword Artbar:  “Another side of Trickbag” emphasizing the intimate blues and roots side of the band. This is a rare evening of Trickbag delving into their acoustic blues bag, combining Delta Blues with jugband stylings, among others. Trickbag is Donna Panchezak on vocals and percussion, Les Smith on harmonica and guitar, Mike Hickey on bass , Paul Panchezak on drums and Larry Feudo on slide guitar, mandolin and fingerstyle guitar. The band will draw from 25 years of playing together to present their unique roots and blues history. Trickbag has played everywhere from roadhouses to festivals and all points in between. They’ve got three albums to their credit and are currently working on their fourth. Trickbag’s music has graced the soundtracks of several U.S. television network shows such as Hart of Dixie, The New Girl, One Tree Hill and Chicago Fire. Trickbag has opened for groups like Downchild Blues Band, Colin James, Big Sugar and Jeff Healey to name a few. http://www.trickbag.ca/

Thursday October 10, 2013, 8 pm, $20 (CD and concert), $10 (concert only). Andrew Downing’s ANAHTAR project, with Andrew Downing – cello, Güç Basar Gülle – ud, Peter Lutek – clarinet, Debashis Sinha – percussion. Anahtar is the Turkish word for ‘key’ and this project is like an unlocked doorway between East and West.
Award winning Canadian musician and composer Andrew Downing has, for the last few years, been spending time in Istanbul, Turkey – a city at the crossroads of Eastern and Western culture. In the Spring of 2013 he was there studying centuries-old Ottoman/Turkish ‘Makam’ music and collaborating with ud (Turkish lute) player Güç Basar Gülle (with assistance from the Canada Council for the Arts). During his stay he happened to witness the ‘Gezi Park’ protests and events that will change Turkey forever. This life-altering event inspired a series of compositions about the great city of Istanbul and its great mosaic of cultures, beliefs and people. The music combines East, West, old and new, and is styled after Makam music but with some Western performance sensibilities and forms. Interspersed in the repertoire for the concert will be some traditional Turkish-Ottoman music. http://www.andrewdowning.com/
Andrew writes: “During the first week of the protests it was a tough time to be in Istanbul, and the intensity inspired me to write 7 new pieces over the course of a week, based on the Turkish-Ottoman structure, and all inspired by the city of Istanbul and places that I loved there, including a lot of the places embroiled in the protests. Guc and I decided to make a recording of the music with some other musicians in Istanbul. Included in the recording are two of Guc’s compositions as well.”

Saturday Oct 5, 8 pm, $15 (reserve 905-543-8512). We are delighted to announce that Randal Hill & Friends are coming back with some Red-Hot Bluegrass! Virtuoso mandolin player Randal Hill sets the pace on mandolin and vocals, Charlie Street heats it up on banjo, John McNaughton on stand-up bass and some high lonesome vocals, with special guest Rocky Hill with some blazing bluegrass guitar picking.

Friday October 4 at 8 pm, $10.00. Grammy-nominated guitarist and singer Kyle Pacey presents an evening of original music, an eclectic mix of soul, roots, funk and R & B. 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 Kyle’s songwriting influences are varied. “I am inspired by the optimism and culture of the 1960s and 70s along with current events, personal upheavals, metaphysics… and more.” 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.”

NEWS! Thursday October 3, 2013, at 8 pm, $10 (suggested donation). The great singer-songwriter Richard Laviolette has also joined the evening! Singer-songwriter Richard Garvey has taken over the evening and invited some fine friends Sarah Beatty and Anthony Damiao to join him. As Richard says, “This show guarantees: -folk music -creative songs -engaging performers -sing-a-longs -fun stories. You might experience -pre-show skipping and frolicking on James Street
-meeting new friends -hearing your newest favourite song -tasty local beverages served up by Ron and Judith -the urge to dance, high-five or hold hands with friendly people. We bring the music.
you make the magic.”
“The acoustic mine shaft! Anthony, Richard and Sarah are putting together a little showcase at this year’s Folk Music Ontario Conference (OCFF). Continue reading →

Wednesday Oct 2, CANCELLED  Jazz with the Justin Golan Trio.

Saturday September 28 at 8 pm, $15 door, $10 advance (905-543-8512 or BUY ADVANCE TICKETS ON-LINE):
Tia McGraff, with Tommy Parham, Canadian Country songstress, back from Texas and Nashville, and here at Artword Artbar with her CD release concert. Come share in an evening of story/song/laughter/tears with Tia McGraff and Tommy Parham as they celebrate the new release of Break These Chains! www.TiaMcGraff.com
In 2010 Roots Artist Tia McGraff won Best Country CD of the Year at the Hamilton Music Awards. “Every songwriter’s dream is to make it in Nashville, and Tia soon found herself moving there to further her passion and craft. It was in Music City, USA, that this Canadian songstress met Colorado native, Tommy Parham (Lee Greenwood’s “Rocks You Can’t Move”. They have a passion for songwriting “outside the box”. Performing on main stage festivals, concert halls, song writing venues, and even house concerts, Tia captures her audience and holds them spell bound until her last haunting note has faded. Today, Tia and Tommy base their international music career out of Tia’s home town of Port Dover, ON, Canada.

Thursday Sept 26, 2013, 7:30-9:30 pm, pwyc ($5-$10 suggested)
Thursday Oct 24, 2013, 7:30-9:30 pm, pwyc ($5-$10 suggested)
Thursday Nov 28, 2013, 7:30-9:30 pm, pwyc ($5-$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, Van Morrison, Continue reading →

Saturday September 21 at 8 pm: The Acoustics, an instrumental world/roots musical ensemble from Hamilton. For the past ten years, they have been cultivating their own unique world/roots music, with a lively upbeat Mediterranean sound. Alfonso Spoto accordion; Enzo Spoto, lead and rhythm guitar; Richard Hone, percussion; Bonnie Krenciglowa, violin; Andrew Eckart, bass. http://www.theacoustics.ca

Cover: $15 advance, $20 at door.

Friday September 20 at 8 pm, cover tba: Folk-country band Paug Lake Road: Sharon Coward (lead vocals, guitar, fiddle); Katie Hurdon (backing vocals, ukulele, various rattles); Ingrid Lucy-Weinhold (banjo, backing vocals); Matt Aston (drums), and Max Ferderber (bass and swaggar). Paug Lake Road is a road that runs north of Barry’s Bay, an area dotted with lakes and full of winding roads, hills, and frogs who for some reason hop wildly across the dirt roads at night. http://www.pauglakeroad.com/home.cfm
Opening set by Dan Belgue, a folk musician from the KW/Guelph area. He plays clawhammer banjo, acoustic guitar, and writes songs. Driven by solid, rythmic instrumentation and thoughtful lyrics, Dan has developed his own unique brand of acoustic ‘Canadiana’ that blends elements from a wide array of influences including folk, bluegrass, old time, and blues music. Dan plays and travels throughout Canada extensively and is a frequent collaborator with a number of musicians. He is the other half of The Blackwood Two, with fiddler and vocalist Megan McCaffrey.      http://danbelgue.ca/

Thursday September 19, 8 pm, pwyc/$5. Betty Supple, Tanacetum Vulgare, and Tom Dusome. Tom writes “After my cup of coffee in Guelph, I had to come back in style. This night of amazing singer/songwriters is just what I need for a soft landing back home. And oh ya I’m playing too…”
www.reverbnation.com/artist/bettysupple
www,tanacetumvulgare.bandcamp.com/
www.music.cbc.ca/#/artists/Tom-Dusome

Thursday August 15 at 8 pm, $5. Folk-rock band from Waterloo  The Royal Streets, on tour: Algernon Friolet (vocals & guitar), Mike Demsey (guitar), Jillian Dowding (vocals), Eric Stirtzinger (guitar). Formed in November 2012, they have taken their energetic folk based tunes across Eastern Canada, performing  from Waterloo to Halifax, sharing the stage with many talented Canadian artists, including Vancouver based indie-rockers Said The Whale.  www.facebook.com/theroyalstreets    www.soundcloud.com/the-royal-streets
Touring with The Royal Streets is Lora Bidner, is a talented folk artist who resides in Ottawa, and now plays with The Musettes. Along with vocals, Lora plays a variety of instruments including the hang drum, ukelele, guitar and piano. She has shared the stage with Craig Cardiff, Justin Nozuka, Jill Barber, Danny Michel, and many more. http://www.lorabidner.com/
And rounding out the bill is Justin Toito, of Hamilton. From age nine onwards, he has thrown his heart and soul into making and playing music. Throughout his musical career he has played guitar, piano, drums, bass and lead vocals for many bands, but has now focused on his own solo career, performing at various venues around Southern Ontario with his own original music. He has currently been working hard in the studio in Hamilton recording his first single “Memory” with producer Dan Hosh.

Saturday July 13 at 8 pm, cover$10 (ca; 905-543-8512 to reserve). An intimate evening of song with vocalist Shari Vandermolen, and Steve McCrae on piano. We are long-time fans of Shari, and we are delighted she will be here.
Shari writes: “It was the intimate vibe of our very own Artbar that inspired me to bring you this very intimate evening of song accompanied by Steve McRae, an accomplished jazz pianist and member of Quarter To Nine, who has played with me for the past 4 years. Tonight we will leave the sound of the big band behind and bring you some of our favourite jazz/torch and blues standards, and try out some new pieces.”
Shari sings with her own 5-piece jazz band Quarter To Nine and has been invited to collaborate on a number of other larger jazz and swing projects during this past year. Fans of musical theatre have been treated to Shari’s unique vocal stylings in productions in and around Hamilton for the past 8 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.

Friday July 5, 8 pm. $5. An evening of music with Venn: Hayley Roscoe on vocals and piano, Sean Dowhaniuk guitars, Mike Rajna drums, Ethan Tilbury bass.

A little description by Hayley:  “We’re playing some contemporary songs from pop and hip hop to rock tunes, all with our own twist. It’s a chance for us to do something that isn’t jazz, but that still allows us to apply all the knowledge we’ve been collecting from the jazz idiom. We’re very excited about it! People are bound to hear something they recognize, as our repertoire for this gig was chosen by Ethan, Sean, and myself. We have wildly different tastes in music, but there’s some definite overlap which makes the whole thing come together in a really unique way.”  #VENNatARTWORD
Hayley Roscoe: @hayley_roscoe  www.hayleyroscoe.com
www.seandowhaniuk.bandcamp.com

Thursday June 27, 2013, 7:30-9:30 pm, pwyc ($5-$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, Continue reading →

Saturday June 22 at 8:30 pm, cover $10. Fry Truck, our favourite alt-country star-studded band, is back at Artword Artbar. Band members playing tonight are:  Dave Pomfret (guitar/vocals), Dan Medakovic (banjitar/vocals), Linda Duemo (drums/vocals/guitar), Carrie Ashworth (bass), playing original music by band members.

Friday June 21 at 8 pm, $15 door $10 advance (reserve 905-543-8512). Singer-songwriter Sue Leonard performs songs from her new EP “Leonardville“. Sue’s band The Perfect Strangers” includes Carl Horton on piano, Neil Nickafor on bass, D&A (Doug & April-Mitchell Boudreau), Mary-Jane Russell on vocals, Brandon General on guitar, Brennagh Burns & special guests. www.sueleonard.ca   Continue reading →

Thursday June 20 at 8 pm, cover $10. Saskatoon born singer-songwriter Melanie Peterson performs songs from her new album “Unbreakable”. Melanie’s band includes Peter Collins on bass, Mitch Girio on banjitar/electric guitar and Pete Lambert on drums. Melanie creates a blend of music which she describes as “a deep love affair between pop melodies and folk ideals”. www.reverbnation.com/melaniepterson
http://melaniepeterson.bandcamp.com

Plus an opening set by Mimi Shaw (vocalist of Hamilton rockabilly band The Highnote Ramblers), with Orange McFarland (bass).

Saturday June 15 at 8 pm, pwyc. Double bill: The Sweet Nothings, and Say Goodnight, Gracie!
The Sweet Nothings are Tom Shea (guitar and vocals), Jennifer Lockman (piano and vocals), and Angela Maccaroni (flute and vocals), playing a high-octane and engaging mix of original songs, swinging jazz standards and ballads, and classics from the pop songbook.
The opening set by Say Goodnight, Gracie! features Brandon General (guitar/vocals), Brennagh Burns (guitar/vocals), Roxanne Rendle (vocals). Say Goodnight, Gracie! is a creative collaboration of this instrument-swapping, energetic and dynamic trio. They are currently working towards the completion of their debut EP (Fall 2013). Their individual influences, from song arrangement to presentation, include flavors of Rockabilly, early Ragtime, Rhythm and Blues and modern Folk.

Wednesday June 12, at 8 pm, cover tba. Indie/post-rock musician Molitor (Liam Morrison and band, guitar, bass & drums). He has just released his debut EP and is touring with indie singer/songwriter Monica Pascoe.
“Molitor is the brainchild of Toronto musician Liam Morrison. Growing up in Niagara Falls stuffed him full of suicide, addiction, capitalism, poverty, and flashing lights at an early age. Guitar being his main instrument, the ambient riffs and pedalboard concoctions are magnets for nostalgia. His haunting vocals will plant themselves inside your brain.”
“Monica Pascoe is a 18 year old singer/songwriter who is a up and coming artist in the music industry. Her music and voice has been compared to such artists as Feist and Christina Perri. She is currently working on her first solo album.”

Molitor: https://soundcloud.com/the-bell-room/sets/molit or-or-maybe-yesterday Monica Pascoe: https://soundcloud.com/monicapascoe

Saturday June 8 at 8 pm, $15 at door, $10 advance (call 905-543-8512 to reserve). 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.

Thursday June 6 at 8 pm, $10.00. Grammy-nominated guitarist and singer Kyle Pacey presents an evening of original music, an eclectic mix of soul, roots, funk and R & B. Ever since we were blown away by Kyle’s playing with Edgar Breau in February we’ve been working on getting him back at Artword Artbar. 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 Continue reading →

Tuesday, June 4 at 7:30 pm, cover $10. A special concert by songwriter Andrew Laviolette, on tour with his new self-titled album, and his trademark road-weary songwriting, tight finger picking and engaging storytelling. It has been 3 years (and hundreds of live performances) since Laviolette released his breakthrough album This Far From Home an album that he’s tirelessly toured from Halifax N.S to Dawson City Y.T since. Continue reading →

Thursday May 30, 2013, 7:30-9:30 pm, pwyc ($5-$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. Continue reading →

Wednesday May 29, 2013 at 8 pm, $5. Back again from Nova Scotia, duo Andy and Ariana, playing an original, acoustic fusion of roots, folk, jazz and world music. They’ve got a new CD! While Ariana weaves words and melodies interspersing fiddle and saxophone riffs, Andy vocalizes percussion, plays guitar, and operates parts of a drum kit with his heels. The result is a lively one, guaranteed to entertain.  http://www.AndyandAriana.com Continue reading →

Sunday May 26 at 7:30 pm, cover $5. The wonderful “What The Folk?” are back, a multi-talented group of seven singers / instrumentalists. They play a range of folk-based and classical music, ranging from instrumental celtic pieces to a capella songs with full-blown four-or-more-part harmonies. They play traditional tunes, songs of war, and covers of more recent artists like Stan Rogers and Great Big Sea. Who are “What The Folk?”: Geoff Ball guitar, cello, vocals; Graeme Ball vocals, violin; Len Ball vocals, violin; Terry Ball vocals, violin, guitar, viola; Caroline Olsen vocals, violin, viola; Carolyn Reid vocals, flute.

Friday May 24 at 8 pm, $15 advance, $20 door (reserve 905-543-8512). Artword Artbar is delighted to announce a special concert by the Juno award winning West Coast singer-songwriter Shari Ulrich with daughter Julia Graff and Ted Littlemore. Shari, an amazing multi-instrumentalist (fiddle, mandolin, guitar, piano, dulcimer and vocals), is most known for her incomparable voice. She is touring with her trio which consists of her daughter Julia Graff (currently engineering and producing Shari’s new album) on violin, mandolin, guitar, piano, accordion and vocals, and her McGill classmate Ted Littlemore on piano, accordion and vocals. Though Julia has been performing with Shari for over a decade, the trio has been touring primarily in the summers while Julia and Ted are out of school. The trio is a wonderful blend of two generations and has been delighting audiences wherever they go. Click here to download the Shari Ulrich poster pdf.
www.shariulrich.com     http://profiles.sonicbids.com/artists/ShariUlrich
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BYu-BEafFj0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hr3pSVWZEe4     Continue reading →

Thursday May 23 at 8 pm, $7. Singer-songwriter Marie Avery hosts an evening of music with guests The Benefit of The Free Man and Peace and Love Heidi.
Marie Avery has been described as ‘a voice that cuts through the night like a dangerous yet delicate switchblade’. Having just released her debut EP a few months ago in Hamilton, Marie continues to build a fan base on home turf. www.marieaverymusic.com
Peace and Love Heidi, a songstress from Brantford, will open up the night with her naturalistic ballads and love songs. Her soaring voice will leave you entranced.
The Benefit of The Free Man, Anna Jarvis (cello); Greg O’Toole (guitar, vox); Lee Piazza (vox); Mike Legere (percussion), hail from Toronto and have been infiltrating the Hamilton scene with their unique take on chamber folk.  Continue reading →

Thursday May 16 at 8 pm, $5. The Gunter Ott Blues Band, part of our celebration of The Blues this month, featuring Gunter Ott on guitar and vocals, with bassist Ian Linton and harmonica ace Eric Rooker, and special guest Jim Chambers on keyboards. Based in Hamilton, the Gunter Ott Band plays a laid back mix of blues and roots rock ‘n’ roll that blends the muddy waters of the Mississippi delta country with the hardscrabble grit of our former steeltown turned artistic hub to create an evocative sound that extends the beauty, poetry and joy of the blues to a new generation. Continue reading →

Saturday May 11 at 8 pm, $10. Folk and Beyond Double Bill:  Matthew de Zoete and his Band, plus Ophelia Syndrome.
Matthew de Zoete and his Band – www.matthewdezoete.com Imagine Nick Drake cheering up a bit and living long enough to work with Beck. Matthew combines pop, rock, and folk music to write songs built on strong melodies and honest lyrics. His latest album Colour Film features 11 such songs with the focus and imagery of a short film surrounded by a gorgeous soundscape courtesy of producer Les Cooper (Jill Barber, Good Lovelies). With the title track inspired by old family Super 8s, Matthew blows the dust off sincerity and sings about everything from grandparents and divorce to washing dishes. Two previous albums and extensive touring throughout North America and Europe have garnered critical acclaim, far-flung fans, and a reputation for smart songwriting and wry humour.
Ophelia Syndrome – www.opheliasyndrome.com
Ophelia Syndrome is an experimental five piece that layers cello, lap steel, vintage keyboards, and male and female vocal harmonies over a foundation of guitar, bass and drums. The result is Ophelia Syndrome’s own unique brand of rock, folk, and jazz. Continue reading →

Thursday May 9, 2013, at 8 pm, cover $10/pwyc. “A lovely lively folk concert” with The Blackwood Two and Richard Garvey on tour. Singer-songwriter Richard Garvey, from Kitchener is back with his delightful and thought-provoking roots and folk-based songs  www.richardgarvey.ca
The Blackwood Two from Waterloo, Dan Belgue and Megan McCaffrey, are one of the countries most fun folk acts — with sunny fiddles and banjos, the duo blends elements of straight up old time music with their original, foot stompin’ feel good compositions to create an irresistible and infectious new sound they dub “old time street folk!” www.theblackwoodtwo.com.
Joining in on their Artword Artbar stop is Hamilton-based singer-songwriter Sarah Beatty with her dynamic vocals, expressive lyrics, and engaging melodies. http://sarahbeatty.ca

Thursday April 25, 2013, 7:30-9:30 pm, pwyc ($5-$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, Continue reading →

Thursday April 18, 7:30 pm, admission by donation (suggested $10). Alt-country band Azalea (Benjamin Hackett and Mia Cioffi) have put together an evening of music inspired by hope and love. Three distinctly different artists, thematically tied, coming together for a memorable live show at Artword Artbar.  The founder of CompassionandPeace.org, Hamilton’s Blake Bliss will share his unique and award-winning blend of folk and electronic music.  Hamilton’s Azalea duo bring “Alt-Country” power-house vocals in perfect harmony accompanied by live looping.  The night will close with the sensuous and soulful sounds of Oshawa’s Gibbran & Tamsynn-Lee.
www.blakebliss.com   www.AzaleaMusic.net   www.GibbranAndTamsynn-Lee.com
Biographies:  Continue reading →

SOLD OUT! Saturday April 6, at 8 pm. $15. 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 a table, call 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. Proficient in the straight ahead driving bluegrass of Bill Monroe and Jimmy Martin, New Cumberland also stretches the genre in directions taken by The Seldom Scene, John Hartford and Jerry Garcia’s Old and in the Way. Songs from non-bluegrass artists such as the Grateful Dead, Neil Young, The Rolling Stones and Willie P. Bennett are also liable to appear on a New Cumberland set list.
“Refreshingly tuneful, New Cumberland has everything I love about roots music; seamless harmonies, timeless tunes, and a whole lot of things with strings!” Allison Brown former host of CHRW’s “For The Folk” 94.9 FM London. “Bluegrass masters…” James Reaney, London Free Press.
Website www.newcumberlandband.com

Friday April 5 at 8 pm, $5. The Justin Sawicki Band, featuring songwriter Justin Sawicki on vocals and guitar, with a modern take on traditional folk, country, and blues music. His recent CD Nothing for No One (2010) has been described as “eerily romantic and playful” as well as “a portrait of an artist who loves to explore”.  www.justinsawicki.com
With an opening solo set by the wonderful singer-songwriter Deanna Wells, of Ophelia Syndrome, on vocals and keyboards.

Saturday March 23, at 8:30 pm, $10. Tiny Bill Cody, performs an “incredibly fraudulant show” at Artword Artbar,  as part of his  “charlatan in residence” series at Artword Artbar and James North Gallery. www.tinybillcody.com
Tiny Bill Cody is the stage name of visual artist and writer Tor Lukasik-Foss, who was born and raised and is still living in Hamilton, Ontario. Tiny Bill Cody yodels, preaches, and sings earnestly on topics including electricity, small animals, nautical issues, and the human heart. Continue reading →

NEW! Sunday March 17, at 7:30, $10 ($5). What the Folk, our favourite a capella singers are back for a rousing evening of songs that may have something to do with St. Patrick’s Day. A multi-talented group of seven singers/instrumentalists playing a range of folk-based and classical music, ranging from instrumental celtic pieces to a capella songs with full-blown multi-part harmonies. They play traditional tunes, songs of war, and covers of more recent artists like Stan Rogers and Great Big Sea.  Geoff Ball guitar, cello, vocals; Graeme Ball vocals, violin; Len Ball vocals, violin; Terry Ball vocals, violin, guitar, viola; Caroline Olsen vocals, violin, viola; Carolyn Reid vocals, flute.

Friday March 15 at 8 pm, $8, at Artword Artbar. Buckshot describes the evening:  “Close to the Truth” is an unlikely clash of show business and modern day lyricism. Singer/songwriter and performer Buckshot Bebee and Edgar Breau have come together to share their stories thru song and story telling. Some of it is true….some stories are just “close to the truth” .
Performing songs from her soon to be released album “Merchants of Youth”, Buckshot is backed by the Secret Boyfriends, Andrew Aldridge (Wild Strawberries, Sarah Sleen) and Greg Brisco (Dinner Bells, Tongue Fu).
Sharing the stage with Edgar has been an inspiration for Buckshot. Edgar’s recent release “Patches of Blue” is full of smooth grooves, latin jazz influences and colourful imagery. Just gorgeous!! Buckshot was drawn to Edgar’s raw and quirky voice and asked him to perform “Head Over Heels” in the studio. This song will be one of the tracks on “Merchants of Youth”
www.buckshotbebee.com    www.edgarbreau.com

Thursday March 7 at 8 pm, tip jar. Folk band Miniver Sail: Simon Fallon – acoustic guitar and vocals; Chrisy Hurn – mandolin, banjo and vocals; Justin Hiebert – electric guitar and vocals; Nimal Agalawatte – upright bass; Chris Poirier– drums. Also on the bill is folk band Jungle Jym & The Monkey Bards featuring Ben – acoustic guitar/vocals; Trevor – piano; Mark – trombone; David – drums; Miranda – vocals

Saturday March 2 at 8 pm, $10. Rock at Artword Artbar! Join us for an acoustic set by Andreas, a five-piece rock band. “We intend to leave a mark.” Opening set by singer-songwriter Brennagh Burns.
Andreas band members are Brian Dahl (lead vocals/guitar), Jay Brandow (guitar/vocals), Adam Payne (bass), Mike Medhurst (drums), and Jennifer Lockman (keyboards/vocals). “Somewhere between those two seemingly disparate artists [Elvis and Alice Cooper], is Andreas – existing in some sonic landscape that no one had thought to look for.” http://andreasband.com/aboutus.htm
http://www.brennaghburns.ca/

Saturday February 16, 9 pm doors, 9:30 show. $10. A Valentines Day Celebration with Solstice: Come out of the cold and let Solstice warm you up with their special blend of Latin music. Musicians Lil America and Javier Martinez, both with Cuban heritage, join percussionist Dave Aldham (bongos, congas). Groove to the contagious Afro-Cuban rhythms of the songs made famous by Cuba’s Buenavista Club, Celia Cruz. Benny Moore and others. Along with their smooth harmonies and superb musicianship. Solstice fully captures the true essence of this Caribbean music.

Friday February 15 at 8 pm, $5-10 donation. Acoustic folk trio Run for the Hills – Cindy Dell (vocals, guitar, fiddle, uke), Brennagh Burns (guitar, vocals), and Les Smith (guitar, harmonica, vocals), with guests Brandon General guitar and Amy Di Nino percussion. Hailing from South-Western Ontario, ‘Run for the Hills’ are becoming known for their sweet harmonies and intelligent folk and blues. Having spent the last several years traveling throughout Southern Ontario, exploring solo musical careers as well as playing/writing for various musical groups and projects, Cindy, Brennagh and Les come together not only as friends and colleagues, but also as passionate collaborators, singer-songwriters, and lovers of song. All three have released CDs and they perform a variety of original songs as well as unique arrangements of covers against a backdrop of two and three-part harmonies, harmonica, fiddle, and charged acoustic ambiance.  Influences:  Joni Mitchell, Patty Griffin, Gillian Welch and David Rawlings,Shane Nicholson and Kasey Chambers, Bonnie Raitt, Rose Cousins, Steve Earle, among others.
http://music.cbc.ca/#/play/artist/CINDY-DELL/
http://www.brennaghburns.ca/

Saturday February 9 at 8 pm, $10. “Men in Black”, a dynamite concert with two brilliant singer-songwriters JP (Paul) Riemens and Edgar Breau.
JP Riemens is one of our favourite singer-songwriters, as well as our collaborator on the upcoming May 2013 remount of our play Tobacco Troubadour, based on JP ‘s songs about growing up in tobacco country. http://www.jpriemens.com/ “J.P. Riemens is a songwriter’s songwriter. His rootsy, honest approach speaks in volumes through his songs. He is at home in an intimate acoustic environment as well as the Concert Hall and has played in venues across the country with a host of noteable acts.”
Edgar Breau will be joined by vocalist Colina Phillips and stand-up bass player Kevin Christoff (who won the HMA’s bass player of the year for 2012). Edgar brings us his new folky-pop-roots CD Patches of Blue. “… While mainly known as a member of the proto-punk/psych band, Simply Saucer, his solo endeavors are more on the rootsier side. Edgar explores all aspects of the genre: folk, country, blues, celtic, and much more. Every single song has a unique spirit. Highlights include the trippy title track, the funky One Kind of Love, the wonderfully folky Dreams of Jack Kerouac, and the island sounds of Maria the Sea and the Sun.” Hamilton Blues Lover.   http://auteurresearch.tumblr.com/edgarbreau

Thursday February 7 at 8 pm, free. Acoustic Open Mic and Jam.

Thursday January 24, and Thursday February 28, 2013, 7:30-9:30 pm, pwyc ($5-$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, Continue reading →

Friday January 18, 2013, 8 pm. Janice Lee and the Free Radicals. They wowed us on a late night during our Fringe Clubhouse, and we are delighted to have them back. Watch out! A groovy new jazz, funk, folk pop trio from Kitchener. Recent Waterloo Region Arts Award winner Janice Lee (of the Tra-La-Las) fronts on guitar and soulful vocals. Justin James brings rich Nat King Cole-like piano and vocals. Adam F. Lewis entertains with his upstage antics and grandiose drum styles. They bring a mix of catchy new original songs to sing along to, jazz standards to revel in, and a healthy dose of radical political analysis to talk about. Their motto is: Bring the Funk to the People. The People Need More Funk.  www.janicejolee.ca
Also on the bill: Lorimer Longhaul – spoken word, Jon the Bassist – soulful loops, Livestalk – acoustic post-punk folk.

Wednesday January 16, 2013 at 8 pm, $5 / pwyc. Uncle Dan Henshall, mandolin and more, hosts an evening of folk-singer-songwriter-oldtimey music, with guests Brendan James Stephens and Tom Dusome.   https://www.facebook.com/BrendanJStephensMusic and http://brendanjstephens.bandcamp.com/album/my-name-is-brendan-j-stephens

www.myspace.com/tomdusomeband

Saturday January 12, 2013 at 8 pm, $10. Ophelia Syndrome, an experimental five piece band from Hamilton, in their first Hamilton appearance after their European tour launching their new album ‘all things forgotten‘. Deanna Wells (vocals, keyboards),  Trina Nadeau (cello), Adrian McFarlane (drums), Josh Kohler (bass, backing vocals), Andrew Barbisan (guitar, lap steel, backing vocals) — layers cello, lap steel, vintage keyboards, and male and female vocal harmonies over a foundation of guitar, bass and drums. The result is Ophelia Syndrome’s own unique brand of rock, folk, and jazz. Building on the success of their 2009 ‘Shades of Grey’ EP, Ophelia Syndrome successfully fan-funded their debut full length album ‘all things forgotten’. http://opheliasyndrome.com/
The evening starts with an opening set by the ever-wonderful and always surprising songstress Kori Pop.  http://koripop.bandcamp.com/

Saturday November 17, late show at 9:30, $15 ($10 for students, seniors, Naked Hamilton ticket holders). Call 905-543-8512 to reserve. Noted singer-songwriter David Sereda is performing an intimate concert, playing our baby grand piano. A late concert after the performance of Sky Gilbert’s “Naked Hamilton”.
“A pure, passionate and powerful voice singing of love, loss and hope. David Sereda’s range as a singer-songwriter is breathtaking.” (The Chronicle-Herald, Halifax, NS)
www.myspace.com/davidseredamusic     www.cdbaby.com/cd/davidsereda

Thursday Nov 8 at 8 pm, cover tip jar. In concert: Social Animals (Chris and Christa Bradbury), with guests Weekend Riot Club. Christa Bradbury and Melissa Marchese on the same bill — two of Hamilton’s most dynamic female vocalists performing songs from their albums, with their acoustic bands.
Social Animals evolved in the recording studio in 2011 from the song writing of Chris and Christa Bradbury. The band is a collective of talent with the duo front and centre supported by David Michael Allan Guild-Jones (drums) and Orange McFarland (bass). The Electro-acoustic instrumentation is perfectly balanced by the powerful and dynamic rasp of Christa’s bluesy vocals.  “Larger than life”, “Gave me goose bumps”, and “Mind-blowing!” Brothers and sisters, you are about to be Socialized! Like them on facebook; https://www.facebook.com/SocialAnimals

Weekend Riot Club (http://www.weekendriotclub.com/) is a band born out of passion. This passion manifested in song before cascading into reality. When Melissa Marchese was introduced to Mike Chetcuti, they were both in the middle of souring marriages; relationships that mirrored their own unfulfilled dreams. The chemistry between Mike and Melissa was instantaneous, sparking an intense working relationship that inspired Mike to write songs about Melissa. At first, the songs acted as secret love letters, Continue reading →

Friday November 2 at 8:30 pm, $5. “Tiny Bill Cody is a Charlatan”. Tiny Bill Cody brings a new selection of songs and spoken word pieces chronicling his life as a cheat, a fraud, a fake, a buffoon.  But in a good way.

Thursday November 1, at 8 pm, pwyc. Catherine North Studio’s monthly series, “Lost and Found,” features old friends and newly discovered talent. From pop rock to contemporary classical, the Catherine North folks would like to show Hamilton the amazing diversity of great music that gets recorded in this city.  The showcase evenings are put together by Dan Hosh and Michael Chambers of Catherine North Studio.  http://catherinenorth.com
Line-up for Thurs Nov 1: Pilot Light (Toronto), Steve Rivers (Nashivlle), Mandippal (Cambridge)

Sunday October 28 at 7 pm (note early start), $15 at door, $10 advance call 905-543-8512 to reserve. Special Sunday concert. 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.

Saturday, October 27, 2012, at 8 pm, $5. The Highnote Ramblers are back at the Artword Artbar to bring you a blend of rockabilly, 50’s R&B, old country, and original songs.
Featuring Mimi Shaw (vocals and rhythm guitar), Jeff Rosnick (lead guitar), Brian Hay (keyboard) and Jeff Griffiths (drums).
Listen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MYIk13lVZ98

Thursday October 25, and Thursday November 29, 2012, 7:30-9:30 pm, pwyc ($5-$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, Continue reading →

Thursday October 11 at 8 pm, $5.  Marie Avery, Amber Edgar and Katie Bulley team up to bring you a night of songwriting magic!  Amber Edgar kicks off the night with some old favourites, and some stellar new tunes. Katie Bulley will show us how the whole ‘girl-with-guitar’ thing is really done, in her own undeniable style of course.
In celebration of Marie Avery‘s debut single release, she’ll give us with a few solo piano numbers. Then, to give us a taste of her upcoming EP’s fuller sound, she’ll be joined by multi-intrumentalist Bill Majoros, cello genius Anna Jarvis, and the many-hat-wearing Amber Edgar — the band Marie always wished she had!