"Artword Artbar is a cosy little licensed listening room on Colbourne at James St. N., that always features interesting live music." Graham Rockingham, Hamilton Spectator 03/29/12
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Friday December 1 to Saturday December 15, 2018. Times: Wed to Sat at 8:00 pm, Sun matinées Dec 2 and Dec 9 at 3:00 pm. Tickets: Adults $25, Child 14 & under $10.
To reserve please call 905-543-8512), or Book online
Artword Theatre’s delightful Christmas comedy Scroogissimo returns for a fourth time to Artword Artbar. Hamilton’s North End meets Charles Dickens in a wacky script by Ryan Sero and Charly Chiarelli, directed by Ronald Weihs.
With the original cast!
Charly Chiarelli as Ebenezu Scroogie
Pamela Gardner as Christmas Past and ensemble
Paula Grove as Christmas Present and ensemble
Valeri Kay as Christmas Future, Mrs. Cratchit and ensemble
Jon-Gordon Odegaard as Bob Cratchit and ensemble
Jay Shand as Marley’s Ghost, nephew Fred and ensemble
Musical support by Alex Tomowich on piano.
A sell-out hit in 2013, 2014 and 2016, Scroogissimo features Charly Chiarelli as “Ebenezu Scroogie”, a Christmas-hating old Hamiltonian from Racalmuto, Sicily, who finds himself haunted by three ghosts of the Past, Present and Future.
Our favourite review, from the first production in 2013: “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 for View Magazine.
(The show is as much fun and even more, as we add new things in each remount.)
Saturday November 24, 2018, at 8 pm, $15. Call 905-543-8512 or
Friday November 23, 2018, 8 pm, $15. Call 905-543-8512 orThursday November 22, 2018, at 8 pm, $tba. Melodic Pixel Media presents The Human Race (Adam Carter) and The Full Pamela (Pamela Gardner and band). Details coming.
Event, Music, Music-pop-etc., Music-rock, Music-singer/songwriter
Wednesday November 21, 2018, at 8 pm. Admission by donation.
The Sad Boys Literary Society returns with a night of readings and musical performances from Meredith Park, Kira Moolman, Tim Selles, Tim Martin, Ben McCullough, Ben Robinson.
The evening is hosted by Ben Robinson.
Saturday, November 17, 2018, at 8 pm, $15 reg, $12 student/senior. Dwayne Morgan is a master storyteller. Known affectionately as the Godfather of Canadian Spoken Word, Morgan brings his 25th anniversary celebrations to Hamilton. Join us for An Intimate Evening With Dwayne Morgan. dwaynemorgan.ca/
Dwayne’s biography: Dwayne Morgan began his career as a spoken word artist in 1993. In 1994, while still in high school, he founded Up From The Roots entertainment, to promote the positive artistic contributions of African Canadian and urban influenced artists. A member of the Writers’ Union of Canada, Morgan has received both the African Canadian Achievement Award, and the Harry Jerome Award for Excellence in the Arts. Morgan is the winner of 3 Canadian Urban Music Awards (2001, 2003, 2005). In 1998, Morgan introduced regular poetry slams to Toronto, and has watched them blossom across the GTA and beyond ever since. In 2005 he was recognized as Poet of Honour at the Canadian Festival of Spoken Word in Vancouver. Read more…
Friday November 16, 2018, at 8 pm.
Tickets $15 adv, $20 door. Call 905-543-8512 or Book online
Acoustic Moments: the R&B and Soul Edition hosted by Mr. Jay Maca. presents three powerhouse R&B / Soul performers:
Shanika Maria: Shanika Maria is a singer-songwriter from Hamilton, currently living in Toronto. She explores themes of empowerment, societal expectation, identity and relationships through her music. She has been performing around Southern Ontario since 2014. In 2017, she released her debut EP Childish Games. Shanika is set to release her full length album Subtle Uncertainties in January 2019. 
The album takes on a full sound with styles that range from pop electronic, beach rock, dark country and folk. http://www.shanikamaria.com/
Jamila B.: Jamila B. is a Canadian r&b/pop singer who was born to a Nigerian father and a British-Caribbean mother in Hamilton, Ontario. Always a lover of music, Jamila B. began singing and writing at the age of eleven. In a short time, she found herself performing locally and had the opportunity to open for headliners such as The Clipse, Choclair, Derrick Morgan, The Ink Spots, Tanya Stephens, Bobby Valentino, Black Sheep, and Redman. Jamila B. likes to focus on music that has a positive message and sings about matters of the heart. 
She has a small but mighty team of producers creating her sound for her debut album, Love & Confidence, an EP that chronicles the ups and downs in life and the sweetness of love. soundcloud.com/jamilaonline
Bonnie Hamilton.: Bonnie Hamilton is a singer, songwriter and keyboard player, the genres of soul, funk, jazz, ska, reggae. “I am on a journey to discovering true love, peace, identity, and my purpose. Time to make music.”
https://www.facebook.com/bonniehamilton78/
Thursday November 15, 2018 at 8 pm, $10 / $12. Songs and stories with folk/roots old-time musician Linda McRae, who plays guitar, clawhammer banjo and accordion.
Plus a guest sets by:
* Laura Pitkanen and Lisa Myers, the songwriters, guitarists and vocalists in the band Long Branch are now also playing as a duo.
* Osypa (Alexandra Babiak) “OSYPA’s debut EP Luna is a testament to the beauty of restraint- a thoughtful glimpse into Alexandra Babiak’s memories and desires” Canadian Music Week, 2018. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H9t7Tb8x-EY
Saturday, November 10, 2018, at 8 pm, $15. Call 905-543-8512 or
Book online
Back with some blazing hot bluegrass: The New Cumberland 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, and Darrin Schott fiddle. 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. http://newcumberlandband.com/
Friday, November 9, 2018, at 8 pm, $15. Call 905-543-8512 or
Book online
Stuart Laughton‘s Radio Dial fall 2018 edition! Radio Dial is currently celebrating 5 years together and their 75th show. The November 9 lineup will feature Rebecca Campbell (vocals), Jeff McLeod (keys), Steve Lucas (bass) and Martin Worthy (drums), led by multi-instrumentalist extraordinaire Stuart Laughton. And there will be new material! http://www.radiodial.ca/
Thursday November 8, 2018 at 8 pm, $10. Call 905-543-8512 or
Book online
Musician Jurij Fedynskyj presents The Lost Instruments of a Forgotten Ukraine, the original torban, kobza, and bandura, on his North America tour. This show at Artword Artbar is organized by Juliana Lachance, one of his bandura students, and a Hamilton musician.
For the past fifteen years, Jurij Fedynskyj has worked to resurrect these original and unique, Ukrainian instruments, by researching their construction from a handful of surviving instruments in Ukrainian museums, and mastering the techniques required to make and play new instruments. He is one of several makers who create exclusive and professional examples of these instruments presently, and the only player who regularly performs traditional repertoire on all three. He teaches making and playing in a small Ukrainian village in the Poltava region. http://www.kobzarskiytabir.bravesites.com/
Saturday November 3, 2018, at 8 pm. $15 ($10 seniors/students). Call 905-543-8512 or
Book online
“Micah Barnes At The Sands”: Former Nylons frontman Micah Barnes recreates a night in the legendary Las Vegas showroom! This concert evening will transport you back to the early 60s, when the hottest entertainers in the world made their home at the Sands Hotel! In this special solo performance, Micah will be paying tribute to the classic entertainer, with songs made famous by Sammy Davis Jr., Tony Bennett, Nat King Cole, Lena Horne, Mel Torme, Judy Garland and Frank Sinatra. Come feel the sizzling glamour of the classic Vegas era with one of Canada’s best loved vocalists!
“Barnes plans to go from small New York clubs to to glitzy strip showrooms in an effort to capture the sound of vintage Las Vegas. Considering how successful he was at injecting the spirit of a city into his current collection (New York Stories) the next should have you feeling like you’ve just caught aces at The Sands!” Canadian Musician.
Saturday November 3, 2018, from 1 to 5 pm, at Artword Artbar. Master Class for Singers with Former Nylon Micah Barnes. Former Nylon Micah Barnes will be coaching a Master Class for singers at all levels of experience. This is the popular workshop Micah developed in Los Angels and New York and has taken across Canada helping singers In all styles of music take the leap into their most powerful onstage selves! We will be covering: * Proper Warm Up * Vocal Technique * Physical Tension 
Friday November 2, 2018, at 8 pm. FREE! No cover! Call 905-543-8512 to reserve seating. Back with a video shoot show: Jennis. Guelph-based Dennis Gaumond’s original blues and folk with the diverse musical experiences of Toronto multi-instrumentalist Jen Gillmor. The unique blend of cello and dobro is augmented by the unusual sounds of the didgeridoo, custom-tuned harmonicas, flute, wah-guitar, jaw harp and wazinator. www.jennis.ca
“Jennis electrified our audience with their music and their personalities. To say that Jen and Dennis are excellent musicians would be an understatement. Their versatility and energy is absolutely amazing.” ~George Auer of Auerhouse Concerts
Thursday November 1, 2018, at 8 pm, $10. Jazz pianist and composer Aaron David Zukewich returns to Artword Artbar, with some new compositions. Band includes Marito Marques on drums.
Monday October 29, 2018, 7:30 pm, $15.00, $10 students. Book online
Special event at Artword Artbar!
Acclaimed jazz / hip-hop trumpet player Brownman Ali will lead an all-star quartet through his popular annual Halloween Thriller concert.
Brownman Ali – electric trumpet (Jay-z, Guru, Missy Elliot)
Nick Maclean – synthesizer (Snaggle, Robert Ball, Ori Dagan)
Sean Dennis – 6-string electric bass (Brownman Electryc Trio)
Jacob Aylward – drums (KC Roberts & The Live Revolution)
The much lauded Brownman Electryc Trio + 1 will perform the entire Michael Jackson Thriller recording, interpreted and re-worked in the Miles Davis-esque fashion this multiple National Jazz Award winning improviser has become known for. In addition to the quartet performing Thriller top to bottom, other MJ classics will be featured through the night for this unique Halloween jazz party series. Costumes and Thriller video dance moves encouraged. http://www.thriller.brownman.com/
Steel City Jazz Festival, 2018, Sunday October 28, 7:30 pm. Thompson Egbo-Egbo Trio. Pianist Thompson Egbo-Egbo, drummer Jeff Halischuk, and bassist Randall Hall. https://egbomusic.com/
Artword Artbar. $15/$10 for students.
Steel City Jazz Festival, 2018. Saturday October 27, 8:00 pm. Brad Cheeseman Group: Brad Cheeseman – electric bass; Robert Chapman – guitar; Sam Kogen – piano; Marito Marques – drums; James Bayford – sax. bradcheeseman.com
bradcheeseman.bandcamp.com
Brad Cheeseman is a JUNO-nominated bassist and composer from Hamilton, Ontario. Cheeseman’s lyrical bass playing and melody-driven compositions have been featured on Canadian, American, and European stages, and captured on four original recordings. Cheeseman’s newest recording, The Tide Turns, chronicles a period of change, self-discovery and reinvention, and reinforces the cornerstones of his music: engaging melodies, playful rhythms, and an honest, emotional core. In 2016, his acclaimed Brad Cheeseman Group won the Montreal Jazz Festival’s coveted Grand Prix de Jazz.
Venue: Artword Artbar, $15/$10 for students.
**SCJF second event on Saturday October 27, 8:00 pm. The Jazz Connection Big Band. This concert is at The Music Hall at Main & McNab. $20/$15 for students.
Steel City Jazz Festival, 2018. Friday October 26, 8:00 pm. Smordin Law Artist-in-Residence Series – Heather Bambrick.
Broadsway: vocalists Heather Bambrick and Julie Michels, pianist Diane Leah. https://thebroadswayshow.com/
Artword Artbar. $15/$10 for students.
https://steelcityjazzfest.com/
Steel City Jazz Festival, 2018. Thursday October 25, 8:00 pm. Diana Braithwaite & Chris Whiteley. Classic & vintage jazz & blues. Diana Braithwaite vocals, Chris Whitely trumpet & cornet, John Sheard piano, Ron Johnston bass, Vince Macaroni on drums. http://hotblues.ca/
Artword Artbar $15/$10 for students.
https://steelcityjazzfest.com/
Steel City Jazz Festival, 2018. Wednesday October 24, 8:00 pm. Smordin Law Artist-in-Residence Series – Heather Bambrick Quartet. Join vocalist Heather Bambrick (JUNO / ECMA Nominee) and her all-star quartet (Adrean Farrugia, Ross MacIntyre, and Colleen Allen) for this show that will be musical, funny, and highly entertaining. https://www.heatherbambrick.ca/
Artword Artbar, $15/$10 for students.
https://steelcityjazzfest.com/
Steel City Jazz Festival, 2018. Tuesday October 23, 8:00 pm. Allison Au Quartet:
Allison Au alto saxophone, Todd Pentney piano, Jon Maharaj bass, Fabio Ragnelli drums. Allison Au earned her first Juno nomination for her debut album The Sky Was Pale Blue, then Grey in 2013, and in 2016 seized the Juno for Best Jazz Album of The Year: Group for Forest Grove.
https://www.allisonau.com/
Artword Artbar, $15/$10 for students.
https://steelcityjazzfest.com/
Saturday October 20, 2018, at 8:00 pm, $15. Call 905-543-8512 to reserve. Book online
A return visit from the renowned Hill Brothers Bluegrass Band. The band: Randal Hill mandolin and vocals; Rocky Hill guitar and vocals; Tim McDonald banjo and vocals; Owen Mahoney bass and vocals.
Friday October 19, 2018 at 8 pm, $15.
Book online
A return visit from the delightful singer-songwriter Collette Savard and her band The Savants: Rebecca Campbell back vocals and rhythm, Megan Worthy keys and back vocals, Tim Posgate electric guitar, Martin Worthy drums, John Switzer bass. And Collette Savard brings the songs, the one-liners, and more instruments than she has sense.
With her palette of acoustic folk instruments, Collette whittles out of her imagination beautiful song gems. She brings them to you wrapped in the exciting package of her band of seasoned masters. www.collettesavard.com/
Thursday October 18, 2018, at 8 pm, $10. Jazz musicians Jonas Pearson Paavola (bass), Scott Taplay (guitar), Dave Hollingshead (piano) and Justin McHugh (drums) have a new project they would like to showcase at Artword Artbar. They are calling this the Collective of Bad Decisions. “Each composition has a different concept in it … Essentially we’re borrowing existing concepts from avant garde classical music and adding as much improvisation as possible and any other crazy ideas we can imagine.” Artword has known these musicians for a long time, so we are up for whatever adventures you fellas are up to.
CANCELLED/ Unfortunately we are not able to proceed with this planned reading. We will try again in 2019….
[Tuesday October 16 and Wednesday October 17, 2018, at 8 pm. $10/pwyc. Artword Theatre presents a reading of Whoever You Are, a play by Ronald Weihs, based on a short story by science fiction writer Judith Merril. Read more…
Artword Artbar, 15 Colbourne St, off James St North, one block south of Barton. Click to enlarge.
ArtwordBlog
Wed May 17, 2017. We just received notification of this honour! Artword Artbar selected as one of the 35 best jazz venues in Canada.
