Wednesday November 13, 2019, at 8 pm, $15. Call 905-543-8512. A return visit by Joe Crookston, songwriter, guitarist, painter, fiddler, slide player, eco-village member and believer in all things possible. His songs are universal, his rhythm infectious and in concert, he is funny as hell one moment and transcendent the next. Oklahoma towns, rattlesnake tails, turbary thieves, Galway heather, meter maids and drunk roosters. At the end of the night, you’ll leave inspired. http://www.joecrookston.com/
Whether he’s picking his 48 Gibson, weaving through lap slide songs or looping his fiddle, he will draw you in.
Watch a YouTube video. It’s good, but it’s not the same. You gotta come to a show. With unwavering courage to be himself, he is literate, poignant and funny as hell.
Comments Off on Stuart Laughton’s Radio Dial, Fri Oct 25
Friday October 25, 2019, at 8 pm $15. To reserve tickets (and seating), call 905-543-8512, or Book online
Stuart Laughton brings us another edition of Radio Dial for our 10th Anniversary season. Always wonderful, always full of surprises.
Special guest for Oct 25 is music veteran Denis Keldie on accordion (photo right), who calls the evening “a fantastic musical adventure.”
And the usual Radio Dial gang: Rebecca Campbell on vocals/guitar, Martin Worthy on drums/vocals, and Steve Lucas on bass, and of course multi-instrumentalist Stuart Laughton on everything else.
Comments Off on Mark McNeil’s Hamilton for Beginners + Les Smith, Thurs Oct 24
Thursday, October 24, 2019, at 8 pm. $15.
To reserve tickets (and seating), call 905-543-8512, or Book online
Hamilton for Beginners: a show of stories, songs and photos featuring singer-songwriter-journalistMark McNeil. Followed by a song-swap with Mark and harmonica wiz Les Smith. Hamilton for Beginners: Fresh from the Hamilton Fringe, singer-songwriter and long-time Spectator journalist Mark McNeil performs a special expanded version of his one-man show about the quirky city we live in. If you’re new to the terrain — maybe fleeing TO’s ridiculous housing prices — or whether you’re a longtime Hamiltonian looking for a refresher, Hamilton for Beginners is a must see. In words, songs and photos, Mark takes you on a tour of the strange history and odd practices of the “the biggest small town on the planet.”
The show will be followed by a song-swap session with Mark and singer-songwriter and harmonica wiz Les Smith. Les has performed around the area for decades with bands such as Crowbar and Trickbag and runs the Hamilton Regional Songwriters Group, an offshoot of the Songwriters Association of Canada.
Comments Off on FEATURED POST: Latin Peña: music and poetry with Marcelo Puente, Sat Oct 19
Saturday October 19, 2019, at 8 pm, $15. Join us for a Latin American Peña (coffee house), an evening of poetry and music, featuring Marcelo Puente and friends.
“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.” [Wally Brooker’s Music Notes Newsletter]
Comments Off on Double-bill: Tom Shea and Will Gillespie, Thurs Oct 17
Thursday October 17, 2019. at 8 pm, $10. Two singer-songwriters who go ‘way back with us at Artword Artbar.
Tom Shea is a Hamiltonian, a writer, a singer, a musical jack-of-all-trades. In his first and final solo gig at Artword Artbar, he’s pleased to premiere Post-Apocalyptic Bard: Love Songs from After, a new collection of darkly lyrical songs and transcendent narrative poems that struggle to put the little pieces back together after the great collapse. Kevin Wolfe accompanies on cello and mandolin.
Will Gillespie, songwriter. guitarist, entertainer, has a diverse and eclectic catalogue of original songs. He is an evocative guitar player and a dynamic performer, combining elements of folk, rock & roll and cabaret. He wrote and directed the musical play Diamond in the Rough (Audience Choice award at the 2019 Hamilton Fringe Festival), and Swinging’ in St. John’s (Best of Venueat the 2017 Hamilton Fringe and is now being remounted at the Burlington Performing Arts Centre. Will also had several roles in Artword Theatre/Gallery on the Bay production of MacBush the Musical.
Comments Off on Leonard, Burns & Dell, + Hogan, Sun Oct 6 at 8 pm
Sunday October 6, 2019, 8-10 pm. A special concert. $15 door, $10 adv. To reserve tickets (and seating) call 905-543-8512, or, Book online
Alison Hogan is a veteran west coast singer/songwriter who started out in Vancouver clubs and coffeehouses in the 1970s. As part of the gypsy-jazz quartet The Kitsilano Kat Kickers (aka Mystery Pacific), she played the first years of the Vancouver Folk Festival before going on to record her original material. Alison’s 2018 album Songs From the Third Act showcases the varied genres of Alison’s writing. Described by one reviewer as “a stunning, sad, funny, sexy and lovely collection of songs”. Her live performances showcase her love of classic country, blues and roots music, delivered with a wry sense of humour and some intricate acoustic guitar work. Leonard, Burns & Dell(Sue Leonard, Brennagh Burns, and Cindy Dell) are a powerhouse harmony trio based out of Hamilton singing sultry blues and roots.
Comments Off on Featured Post: James Gordon “Emergency Climate Musical” Fri Oct 4
Friday October 4, 2019, at 8 pm. $20. Singer, songwriter, storyteller James Gordon returns with his latest project Emergency Climate Musical. Here is his plot: Before the last federal election, songwriter/activist James Gordon barnstormed his way across the country with his hugely successful one-man show Stephen Harper: the Musical. It worked. You’re welcome. Now he’s back with his Emergency Climate Musical: a ninety-minute theatrical investigation of what surely is THE issue in these uncertain times. Filled with compelling songs, videos, images, stories, rants, laughter, tears, audience participation, a creepy puppet and some concrete ways to face this crisis, James promises to entertain, inform, and leave you with homework. Follow along as he outlines his premise that we need a total political, societal and economic make-over to face the incredible challenge ahead. This time he’s got the cred for the job: James moonlights as a Guelph City Councillor, where he’s introduced climate change motions, and he’s a member of the National Climate Leadership Caucus. To reserve tickets (and seating) call 905-543-8512, or, Book online
Comments Off on Rebekah Hawker w. Emma Elena Grace & Shealagh Rose, Thurs Sept 12
Thursday, September 12, 2019, at 8 pm, $10.
To reserve tickets and seating, call 905-543-8512
or Book online
Artword welcomes back singer-songwriter Rebekah Hawker with a concert celebrating the release of her new EP release Careful Women.
With guest sets by singer-songwriters Emma Elena Grace and Shealagh Rose.
Comments Off on Sarah Beatty and Dana Sipos, Fri Aug 16
August Special Concert #3. We will be open for only these special events:
Friday August 16, 2019, at 8 pm, $10. Two singer-songwriters on tour: Dana Sipos, plus Sarah Beatty with lead guitarist Peter Horvat. Dana Sipos is an acclaimed Canadian songwriter who tours internationally, extensively and often by alternative means; tall ship, train, canoe, bicycle. Nominated for numerous Canadian Folk Music Awards, Dana is touring in support of her 2018 release, Trick of the Light, described as a “luminous and compelling work (Exclaim!).” Her work is described as “beautifully crafted, slightly strange and completely mesmerising (Gold Flake Paint UK).” www.danasipos.com Quirky and captivating, songwriter and scientist Sarah Beatty is known for enchanting audiences with warmth, wit, and messages that make people think. She is touring with virtuoso lead guitarist Peter Horvat, from Austria. Her album, Bandit Queen, released in February 2017 peaked at #1 on Canada’s Roots charts, recognized by bloggers and industry insiders as one of those albums that people need to hear, is on international playlists from Nashville to The Netherlands. www.sarahbeatty.ca/
Comments Off on The Vagabond Duet, Thur July 11, EARLY 7:00 pm show
Thursday July 11, 2019, 7:00 pm. *ALL PROCEEDS TO SACHA; Sexual Assault Centre for Hamilton and Area. Pay What You Can!* The Vagabond Duet brings you cello, harp and two voices. Things are hard and there is beauty in music and that matters.
Music will include original arrangements of 60s & 70s folk, contemporary alternative, and oh, some early 18th century and/or late 19th century genius most likely. And original songs, music for rage, hope and love. Geoff Ball: cello, guitar, voice; Rachel Nolan: pedal harp, lever harp, voice.
Special guests to be announced!
Comments Off on Singer-songwriter night, host George Douglas, Thur June 27
Thursday June 27, 2019, at 8 pm. $10/pwyc. George Douglas hosts a singer-songwriter night at Artword Artbar, with Marcus Starr, Gavin O’Sullivan and Jesse Macrae. They will be serving up some tasty handcrafted songs for your entertainment and enjoyment. Start your Canada Day weekend on Thursday night!
Comments Off on Edgar Breau and Jean Caffeine “From punk to present” Sat June 15
Saturday June 15, 2019, at 8 pm, $15 door, $10 advance. Call 905-543-8512 or Book online
From punk to present: Edgar Breau and Jean Caffeine bring songs and stories from their storied pasts. Edgar Breau is a local and national treasure steeped in folk and Canadiana. Playing a style of guitar he describes as ‘Canadian primitive’, Edgar’s songs run the gamut from folk to blues to country to pastoral with a lyricism rare in this age of instant communication. Joining him on stage will be jazz vocalist extraordinaire, Colina Phillips of the legendary girl group, The Tiaras and a charter member of Toronto’s super session singers, THE GIRLS. Jean Caffeine is an Austin-based genre-fluid artist who writes folk pop/folk punk and Americana hooky tunes that will burrow into your ear. In the mid aughts, Jean spent two years in Hamilton and a year in TO. During that time Jean collaborated musically with Mike Trebilcock. Mike T. will be backing Jean up at the show. Mike has played in the Killjoys, Simply Saucer and the low heels and composes music for ghoulish movies and musicals.
Comments Off on Martin Verrall and Raphael Smith Keelan, Fri June 14
Friday June 14, 2019, at 8 pm, $10. Local legend singer-songwriter Martin Verrall is doing a full evening at Artword Artbar, with a guest set by singer-songwriter Raphael Smith Keelan. Martin’s band: Michael Williams bass, Joseph Hansen percussion, Chris Wilson guitar, Martin Verrall is “… a prolific singer/songwriter, painter, and urban wanderer. [He is] a scribe who details the plights and triumphs of the human heart with dark romanticism, and captures the lonesome ambience of a rainy afternoon or a sleepless night.” https://martinverrall.bandcamp.com/
Comments Off on Paul Linklater and Dale Morningstar, Thurs June 13
Thursday June 13, 2019, at 8 pm, $10/$15. Singer-songwriter guitarist Paul Linklater (of the Pinecones ) and multi-instrumentalist Dale Morningstar (of Dinner is Ruined) team up for a musical picnic. Paul is joined by Doug Friesen on bass.
“Linklater thrives on thwarting the sonic convention of the strumming troubadour.” www.paullinklater.com
Comments Off on Marshall Veroni, w. Emma Elena Grace, Thurs June 6
Thursday June 6, 2019, at 8 pm, $10. Singer-songwriter Marshall Veroni, w. guest set by Emma Elena Grace. Marshall Veroni is a contemporary folk singer-songwriter from Owen Sound, Ontario. With the release of his first studio record In Fields, he intends to share his music with all of Canada. From October to December of 2018, he toured across Ontario. He is touring Ontario again in June before heading for western Canada this July.
Marshal has a sound that rings with a raw honesty about the human condition that turns his performances into something intimate and personal, regardless the size of the audience. https://marshallveroni.com/
Comments Off on James Gordon, new cd “The Heritage Hall Sessions”, Fri May 31
Friday May 31, 2019, at 8 pm, $15. Call 905-543-8512 or Book online
The wonderful singer-songwriter James Gordon returns to Artword to promote his new album The Heritage Hall Sessions, which has just been released to a really enthusiastic response. With a fresh-baked batch of new songs, some Hamilton favourites, and an electric car full of instruments, James will use his usual combination of historical, hysterical, politically charged and poignant material to engage with one of his favourite venues! https://borealisrecords.com/product/the-heritage-hall-sessions/?v=3e8d115eb4b3
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