Thursday 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
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/
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/
Friday October 12, 2018, at 8 pm, $15. Book online 
Thursday October 11, 2018, at 8 pm, $10. Jennifer Foster + Paul Linklater: singer-songwriter double bill.
Jennifer Foster is a Toronto-based singer-songwriter and musician who has released three solo albums and collaborated with some of the country’s finest acts. Her last cd earned a JUNO nomination for Canadian producer Michael Phillip Wojewoda. Jennifer’s sophisticated songwriting draws on pop, prog and folk influences, and she’ll be showcasing brand new material on acoustic guitar, accompanied by Doug Friesen on standup bass.. http://jenniferfoster.net/
Paul Linklater returns to Artword Artbar, this time with Paul, Doug and Matias, Paul Linklater guitar, Doug Friesen bass, Matias Recharche drums. Paul Doug and Matias is a trio featuring Canadian guitarist Paul Linklater (Pinecones, Bidiniband) and his longtime buddy/collaborator bassist Doug Friesen (John K Samson). Matias Recharche is the featured percussionist and he brings major dynamics — weird worlds! “Linklater thrives on thwarting the sonic convention of the strumming troubadour.” www.paullinklater.com
Friday October 5, 2018, at 8:00 pm, $10. Singer-songwriter Will Gillespie returns with a solo show. You will recognize him as author/star of Swingin’ in St. Johns, and for his role in MacBush the Musical, both at Artword Artbar.
Born and raised in South Porcupine, Northern Ontario, now finding a home in Hamilton, Will Gillespie has developed an elegant and eccentric sound all his own. He is a dynamic performer with a diverse catalogue of original songs, combining elements of Folk, Rock & Roll and Cabaret. https://www.willgillespie.ca/
“From songwriter to crooner and cabaret man to power pop genius, Will Gillespie is always evolving his artistry.”
Event, Music, Music-cabaret, Music-country, Music-rock, Music-singer/songwriter
Thursday October 4, 2018 at 8 pm. $15 at door, OR $10 advance Book online
Guelph-based folk duo Tragedy Ann (Liv Cazzola vocals, accordion, ukulele, singing saw and Braden Phelan vocals, guitars) have a debut full-length album Matches, out in September. Artword Artbar is a stop on their Canadian tour (ON, QC, BC, NS, NB) in support of the new album.
Their special guest for the evening is our good friend and stunning jazz vocalist Sophia Perlman, with some new songs and old.
https://www.tragedyannmusic.com/home
Event, Music, Music-folk, Music-Jazz, Music-singer/songwriter
Wednesday September 12, 2018, at 8 pm, $10. Launching our Fall 2018 season:
Richard Garvey, a regular visitor from Kitchener, hosts an evening of singer-songwriters. Guests are Jack Garton, from Galiano, BC, and Sarah Beatty, a long-time friend from Hamilton.
Sarah Beatty (Hamilton, ON) www.sarahbeatty.ca
Richard Garvey (Kitchener, ON) www.richardgarvey.ca
Jack Garton and the Demon Squadron (Galiano Island, BC) www.jackgarton.com
Friday June 15, 2018, at 8 pm, $10. The Keelan Family Show. Singer-songwriter Richard Keelan of the legendary folk-rock band in the 60s/70s The Perth County Conspiracy, teams up with daughter singer-songwriter Raphael Smith Keelan.
Background: Richard Keelan‘s music career began in the late ’50s with his first teenage rock band, the Swinging Shepherds. He was a Greenwich Village folkie in the mid-60s, performing on the same circuit of clubs that spawned Bob Dylan. He recorded and released singles in the psychedelic era with the Spikedrivers and its spin-off duo, Misty Wizard. He has delved into the worlds of both traditional and fusion-jazz having worked with both the Washingtons and Brian Griffith respectively. He’s best known for his work with the folk group the Perth County Conspiracy (Does Not Exist) based in Stratford, Ontario. Back in 1998, he put out his solo CD “Chameleon”. (richard-keelan.blogspot.com/)
and an article at www.criticsatlarge.ca/2014/12/a-pining-spirit-perth-county.html
Raphael Smith Keelan: “Born amidst the creative fruits of the Perth County Conspiracy, this singer songwriter was infused in ‘utero’ with many artistic influences. Raphael began her journey towards musicianship at the age of six with the piano….continuing over the past twenty years with songwriting and self-taught guitar playing. Her lyrics inspire the listener to reflect on the spiritual as her rich vocals soothe the soul….” www.facebook.com/Raphael-Keelan-432264416849634/
Event, Music, Music-folk, Music-roots, Music-singer/songwriter
Saturday June 9, 2018, at 8 pm, $20 / pwyc. The next edition of Songwriters-in-the-Round, hosted by Duane Rutter. Guests for June 9 are: Cindy Dell, Dave Pomfret and Danny Medakovic. NOTE: Brennagh Burns sits in for Cindy Dell, who won’t be able to come.
Thursday June 7, 2018 at 8 pm, $15. After an over 25-year hiatus, The Polka Dogs, Toronto’s beloved theatre based band returns with an Ontario tour and new CD June 2018. The revived, renascent, and reformed Toronto theatre-based band, THE POLKA DOGS, have returned after a 25-year hiatus. 
Starting as a theatre pit band in 1989, the band wowed the world in the 90s with an explosive, raucous, joyous sound of trombone, tuba, banjo, drums and that sultry, fantastic voice of theatre staple John Millard. The band returns with the same original sound, and features all five of its founding members including, Tom Walsh on trombone, Tiina Kiik on accordion, Colin Couch on tuba, John Millard on banjo and vocals, and Ambrose Pottie on drums.
Tour dates: June 2, 8pm at Burdock, Toronto; June 7, 8pm at Artword Artbar in Hamilton; June 8, 8pm at Silence in Guelph.
“The Polka Dogs are a boiling pan-cultural stew that bastes you, roasts you and serves you up well done. Please, Polka Dogs, can I have some more?” – Tom Allen, CBC
Event, Music-cabaret, Music-folk, Music-singer/songwriter, Music-World
Saturday June 2, 2018, at 8 pm, $15.
Call Artword Artbar 905-543-8512, or Book online
Stuart Laughton‘s wonderful show Radio Dial is back. Multi-instrumentalist Stuart Laughton and his merry band Rebecca Campbell (vocals), Martin Worthy (drums), Burke Carroll (pedal steel) and Steve Lucas (bass) share their astonishing versatility and sense of fun.
Event, Music, Music-Blues, Music-Jazz, Music-singer/songwriter
Thursday May 31, 2018, at 8 pm, $10. Call Artword Artbar 905-543-8512, or Book online
Special treat! Singer-songwriter from Newfoundland Sherry Ryan on tour with Darren Browne on mandolin.
“It’s not hard to understand why Sherry Ryan has devoted fans. Drifting between country, blues and folk and beautifully marrying these genres with her distinct Newfoundland roots, she’s been releasing heart-stealing originals across each album. Ryan’s rich vocal style has been described as “so good – so distinct – it’s absolutely unforgettable” (Exclaim!) sherryryan.com/
Wednesday May 30, 2018, at 8 pm, $10. Call Artword Artbar 905-543-8512, or Book online
Folk troubadour Ken Dunn returns to Hamilton, Ontario for an evening of original acoustic music, with vocal harmonies by partner Anna Green, The opening act will be local Hamilton singer-songwriter Piper Hayes with partner Carson Ritcey-Thorpe.
B.C. folk troubadour Ken Dunn combines finger style acoustic guitar and harmonica with “strong, distinctive vocals” (R2, Dublin). His engaging stories and songwriting “provide refreshing insight into human complexities” (The Late Bill Powell, Festival of Friends). Backed by “the tight vocal harmonies of Anna Green, the music is alternately haunting, uplifting and always deeply touching” (Morovino, Avila Beach, California).
Saturday May 26, 2018 at 8 pm, $15. Call Artword Artbar 905-543-8512, or Book online
Singer-songwriter Collette Savard and her band The Savants: Rebecca Campbell, Martin Worthy, Tim Posgate, Megan Worthy, John Zytaruk. 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.
Event, Music, Music-folk, Music-Jazz, Music-singer/songwriter
Thursday May 24, 2018, at 8 pm, $10. Call Artword Artbar 905-543-8512, or Book online
Dana Sipos, singer-songwriter, with her new album Trick of the Light, plus a guest set by Hamilton singer-songwriter Gillian Nicola.
Described as a “consummate singer and songwriter with a wholly unique sound,” by No Depression, Dana Sipos‘ hypnotic, tenderly skewed songs are filled with a wild wind. A haunting new album, Trick of the Light, recorded with experimental producer Sandro Perri, will be released on Toronto’s Roaring Girl Records in May 2018. www.danasipos.com/
The first thing that strikes listeners about Hamilton’s Gillian Nicola is the strength of her vocals. This rising singer/songwriter ranges from acoustic folk singer-songwriter to textured and electric Americana. “Nicola delivers warm, familiar, folksy Canadiana — but her powerhouse vocals make for a listening experience that’s entirely refreshing.” (Exclaim!, 2016) www.gilliannicola.com/
POSTPONED!
Saturday May 19, 2018, 8 pm, $15. Call Artword Artbar 905-543-8512.
Corin Raymond‘s “coming home” show, with Hamilton-based keyboardist and songbird Treasa Levasseur. (He is returning from a long tour in Australia.)
Wednesday May 16, 2018, at 8 pm, $10. Sympoesis is a collaboration between singer/songwriter and cartographer Glenn Macdonald, and poet and cabinetmaker/carpenter John Terpstra.
An evening of songs and poems and other writing, some new, some old. They first collaborated in the 1980’s, when John was invited onstage to read during multimedia performances by Glenn’s band, Martin Fields and the Academy. Since that time, Glenn has produced a number of tapes and CDs, including the ever-evolving song-cycle Iceland, while John has published books of poetry and non-fiction, including Falling into Place, a love song to Hamilton’s landscape. In Sympoesis, they’ll bring their music and words to bear on community and technology, built and natural geographies, and life in the ambiguous city. www.johnterpstra.com
Glenn MacDonald on Soundcloud: soundcloud.com/user-819876309
Event, Literary, Spoken Word, Music, Music-singer/songwriter
Sunday May 6, 2018, at 7:30 pm, $15. Call Artword Artbar 905-543-8512, or Book online
A special Sunday evening of songs and stories with folk/roots old-time musician Linda McRae, who plays guitar, clawhammer banjo and accordion. Plus a guest set by singer-songwriter Deni Gauthier.
Linda McRae is a Canadian-US based songwriter/multi-instrumentalist and 2016 BC Entertainment Hall of Fame Pioneer Inductee. Her unforgettable melodies and thought-provoking lyrics, make her a captivating and sought-after artist. Linda has performed in venues as diverse as Vancouver’s Orpheum Theatre with the VSO and New Folsom Prison, where she facilitates writing workshops for the inmates. No Depression Magazine, John Apice, “Linda carries on a priceless tradition of folklore through her music even though her songs are originals. She is firmly footed in the mud and moss of country-folk-blues.” Linda McRae website
Joining Linda is Ontario’s own favourite Deni Gauthier. “This prolific storyteller demonstrates his mastering of song creation by entwining heartfelt, emotional lyrics blanketed with appealing soundscapes. His textured approach to music precipitates unabridged songs that leave the listener feeling satisfied. It doesn’t hurt that his voice is a beautiful fusion of a softer version of John Legend and the soulfulness of Dallas Green.” Canadian Beats. Deni Gauthier website
Event, Music, Music-country, Music-folk, Music-roots, Music-singer/songwriter
Friday May 4, 2018, at 8 pm, $15/$10 students. Call Artword Artbar 905-543-8512, or Book online
Americana-country songstress Tia McGraff, and singer-guitarist Tommy Parham return to Artword Artbar. They will perform their classic hits, as well as some new 
songs from their upcoming album-in-the-works.
www.tiamcgraff.com/
Tia McGraff is an award-winning Americana/Country singer-songwriter from Port Dover, ON. Tia’s talent has been described as “haunting and soul-gripping.” Tia’s 2015 release Crazy Beautiful, produced by Colorado native, husband and longtime collaborator Tommy Parham, immediately impressed radio programmers in the USA, Canada and Europe. Tommy, who moved to Nashville in 1998 with a staff songwriter deal in hand, soon became one of Music Row’s sought-after hit-writers, and is credited with cuts by major label artists and film placements.
In recent years the duo have supported and shared stages with artists including Steve Earle, Joan Baez, Randy Bachman (BTO, Guess Who), Jose Carreras and Steve Balsamo, among others.
Wednesday May 2, 2018 at 8 pm, $10/$5 students. Call 905-543-8512 to reserve. An evening of musical fun and invention with John Millard and Sophia Perlman. Artword welcomes two delightful long-time friends who have recently teamed up for a cabaret-style show.
Thursday April 26, 2018, at 8 pm. $10. Call 905-543-8512 to reserve. Join us for a Latin American Peña Trova y Poesia, 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]
Event, Music, Music-Latin, Music-singer/songwriter, Music-World
Sunday, April 22, 2018, at 4 pm, $10. A Sunday afternoon special concert by pianist and singer-songwriter Alex Whorms. Inspired by Carole King, Sara Bareilles and Regina Spektor, Alex Whorms is an emerging piano pop songwriter. Her 2017 EP, Our Lives, has been played internationally on community radio shows and she has toured across Ontario and in New York City. She is a 2018 recipient of FACTOR’s Artist Development Grant and is currently recording her second release. Alex is joined by Ailish Corbett (violin), Michael Panza-Beltrandi (guitar), Konrad Swierczek (bass) and Nigel Stewart (drums). http://www.alexwhorms.com/
Opening set by Jordan Hallin, frontman for alt-rock band Day Drunk. Jordan is an actor, comedian, storyteller, singer and puppeteer that will make you laugh, chant and cry in record time. From life’s trials come the stories of a young man, both happy and sad, woven in such a way that you can’t help but be mesmerized by his charm. https://daydrunk.bandcamp.com/
Saturday April 21, 2018, at 8 pm, $15. Call Artword Artbar 905-543-8512, or Book onlineEvent, Music, Music-cabaret, Music-folk, Music-singer/songwriter
Saturday, March 17, at 8 pm, $15. A return visit from McCurlie, Doidge and Wiles are an Ancaster-based trio who perform original folk rock music and great story songs, many based on Ancaster’s history. These seasoned musicians are award winning songwriters/artists who sing fabulous three part harmonies. Mike McCurlie and Bob Doidge have been making music together since their early teens. Then along came Caroline Wiles, a songwriter from Montreal. They all start playing together, harmonizing, creating a groove with guitar, mandolin and bass. They like the blend. And by now, they have a lot of songs about their hometown, and all around: the Dundas Valley, the Bruce Trail, The Hammer…
www.mccurliedoidgeandwiles.com or www.carolinewiles.com.
Friday March 2, 2018, 8 pm, $10. Book online
Singer-songwriter Edgar Breau celebrates his new CD on Flying Inn Recordings with a release concert at Artword Artbar. Band members include two Simply Saucer veterans: Mike Trebilcock on guitar, Kevin Christoff on bass. Also featured is jazz singer Colina Phillips with original vocal harmonies and percussion.
From his Facebook write-up: “Edgar Breau may be best known as the founder of Hamilton, Ontario’s cult ‘70s psych/proto-punk band Simply Saucer, but he has forged a parallel path as a solo musician. … Breau’s self-titled tour-de-force was painstakingly completed over three years by producers Adam Bentley and Jordan Mitchell (The Dirty Nil, Single Mothers, Greys). … [The album] includes contributions from Blue Rodeo drummer Glenn Milchem, Hawks guitarist Mike Eastman, plus Simply Saucer members Kevin Christoff, Colina Phillips, Ed Roth, and Mike Trebilcock (The Killjoys). Finally, Gaven Dianda (The Flashing Lights) added the ethno-musicological flourishes of Afghan rabab, sitar, and other medieval instruments on “A Penny Fare To Babylon.” Read more…
Event, Music, Music-folk, Music-rock, Music-singer/songwriter
Friday Dec. 1, 2017 at 8 pm, tip jar. Mark McNeil with Tales from Hamilton. Celebrated singer-songwriter and longtime Spectator reporter Mark McNeil will give you the inside scoop about the city we love. After 35 years of chronicling Hamilton, Mark knows where the bodies are buried and how to write a great song about them. Come hear about Jacko the Killer Monkey, Evelyn Dick, Rocco Perri, Einstein’s Brain, and many other twisted tales from the “biggest small town on the planet.” Joining him will be harmonica virtuoso Les Smith and tuba wizard Jay Burr. Les, who is also an incredible songwriter and heads the Hamilton Regional Songwriters Group, will do an opening set.
Thursday November 23, 2017 at 8 pm, $10/$5. Singer-songwriter Pip writes distinctive and melodic art-pop songs with jazz and world elements. He will be joined by seasoned, award-winning Brad Cheeseman on bass and young up-and-comer-to-watch Jadon Haughton on drums. Together they will fashion interpretations of new songs from the 2017 album Twenty-Four Obscurity Mills and other songs composed by Pip.
metrophilmusic.bandcamp.com/album/twenty-four-obscurity-mills
http://bradcheeseman.com/
Wednesday November 8, 2017, tip jar. Our friend Tom Dusome is back with a new project — Water Bear is Tom Dusome and Alex T writing original songs that are honest, dealing with themes of autonomy, survival, and home. Some guests are on board for the evening: Babbage Industries and singer-songwriter Marie Avery.
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.
