Artword Artbar

Thursday May 31, 2012, 7:30-9:30 pm, pwyc ($5-$10 suggested)
SINGALONG with Sam & Jane! is back. Sam Turton and Jane Lewis, singer-songwriters from Guelph, introduced their Singalong project to us in March. We thought you’d like it, and you do. Tell your friends, because — the more the merrier. Here’s how it works:
Come out and SING!  We’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  Continue reading →

Saturday April 28 at 8 pm, $5. A double solo concert by two fine singer-songwriters: Edgar Breau and Christopher Roberts.
Edgar Breau brings us his new folky-pop-roots CD Patches of Blue. Here is a review from Hamilton Blues Lover: “One thing you won’t find a lot of on Edgar Breau’s latest CD, patches of blue is repetition. The local singer/songwriter covers a whole lot of ground in just 12 songs. 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.” More about Edgar: http://auteurresearch.tumblr.com/edgarbreau  http://www.babysue.com/2012-March-LMNOP-Reviews.html#anchor471983

Christopher Roberts (of Modern Field Recordings) is the other half of the double bill, bringing us his original solo take on the world. http://music.cbc.ca/#/bands/modern-field-recordings

Thursday May 3, 2012, 8pm, pwyc, at Artword Artbar. Catherine North Studios’ 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.
On May 3 Scott Cooper, Ian Smith (Miniatures/Spirits/Animal Heart), Amber Edgar, and Kirk Starkey will perform. The evening has been put together by Michael Chambers of Catherine North. http://catherinenorth.com/lostandfound

Wednesday May 9, 2012 at 8 pm, $5. Singer-songwriter showcase hosted by Richard Garvey. Featuring: Molly Babin from Hamilton (right) Soundcloud.com/mollybabin
The Blackwood Two from Waterloo, Dan Belgue and Megan McCaffrey, 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
and Richard Garvey, a roots and folk musician from Kitchener    www.richardgarvey.ca

Thursday May 10, 8 pm, $5. A showcase hosted by Curtis Miranda of Tiger Suit, with guests Sean Chesney and The Tyler Wilson Band. Tiger Suit is a duo from from Guelph. Their music is an blend of world (Classical South Indian, Classical Japanese, Mongolian Overtone singing, etc…), jazz, lounge and electronica.  http://www.tigersuit.com

Wednesday May16 at 8 pm, $5. A special treat from Nova Scotia, duo Andy and Ariana, playing an original, acoustic fusion of roots, folk, jazz and world music. 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 →

Saturday May 19 at 8 pm, $10. The Woodshed Orchestra is back! Dave Clark and his zany band of merry musicians. Plus an opening set by Joe Lapinski, singer-songwriter from St. Catharines.
The Woodshed Orchestra will bring its soulful musical reflections on Love & Affection! You just bring yourself and a couple of friends. Come sing, dance and celebrate with the Woodshed. Your heart will thank you. http://www.thewoodshedorchestra.com
“Dave Clark and the Woodshed Orchestra have this amazing ability to make real life sound like the best musical in the world. I can’t name another group of people who sound so joyous together, get to some essential truths about living, and dance their pants off doing it. Love them. They’re my favourite parade.” – Vish Khanna – CBC Radio3 – Exclaim Magazine – Guelph.
For more on Joe Lapinski (left), who is also Music Director of Suitcase-in-Point Theatre Company, visit www.joelapinski.ca

Friday June 1, 2012, at 8 pm, $10. Two solo sets by two folk-roots musicians on the road! String Bone (also known as Barry James Payne) is a great songwriter and tells a great story in a song, folk/roots Americana style. A mix of folk, blues, country, bluegrass, hillbilly and even other contemporary and traditional elements harder to define. String Bone’s song, ‘Killing Town’, made it onto Neil Young’s ‘Living With War Today’ campaign. Payne has been playing and writing since the early ’80’s and released his debut CD ‘nadir’ in 2009. ‘nadir’ was labeled “truly a masterpiece” by Music Star in Germany where String Bone toured after its release. Payne introduces his intimate songs with often comical and touching stories. He paints portraits with his words. Payne changes the colour of his pallet from emotional folk and country ballads to uptempo alt.country and bluesy, smoky, jazzy grooves. www.stringbone.ca
Roots songstress Allison Brown, back our way again, likes her religion a little bit gritty, takes her country music with a side of syrup and keeps her folk as dusty as the ol’ cabin floor. Allison’s crafted originals matched with classic roots repertoire reflect the striking conviction she brings to her sweet and powerful singing. Allison Brown  www.allisonbrown.ca

Saturday June 2 at 8 pm, $10. In concert: Queen Cee, Unplugged and Intimate, an Acoustic Soul-filled Session. Artword Artbar is delighted to host the extraordinary Queen Cee, the queen of Soul and R&B in Hamilton, playing an intimate concert. With Jennifer Lockman piano, Adam Bowman percussion, and special guest harpist Rachel Nolan.  Queen Cee has received honours such as the award for best R&B/Soul Recording of the Year at 2008 Hamilton Music Awards and selected with her husband Eklipz, as Hamilton’s Most Inspiring and Influential People. She is very much involved in the community. Two years ago she started an initiative group called “When Sistahs Get Together”, a multicultural women’s group that focuses on the upliftment of women and a club for young girls called Be-You-tiful Girls Club that focuses on helping to nourish their self-esteem, their self-worth, their present & future goals, while building new friendships.  www.whensistahsgettogether.com    www.be-you-tifulgirlsclub.com
Queen Cee’s site as Soul/R&B recording artist. actress:  www.myspace.com/queenceemusic

Wednesday June 6 at 8 pm, $5. Hayley Roscoe performs songs from her new CD.

Thursday June 7, 2012, 8pm, pwyc, at Artword Artbar. Catherine North Studios’ 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.
On June 7 Kori Pop, Jay Macedo, Jonny Debt, and Darryl Webster will perform
The evening has been put together by Michael Chambers of Catherine North. http://catherinenorth.com/lostandfound

Thursday June 14 at 8 pm, $10. Concert featuring Fred Magie, with Darin Martin and Social Animals. Dundas singer songwriter Fred Magie’s latest release entitled “Window to the World” lead to a Hamilton Music Award Nomination for “Adult Alternative Recording of the Year”. Fred sounds a lot like Neil Young and Ron Sexsmith who are easily his greatest influences. http://fredmagie.com/home.cfm
Darin Martin is a singer-songwriter from Hamilton who writes songs and tells stories that are real and honest. With interesting melodies and passionate lyrics, he captures his audience and invites them to relate to his stories of brokenness, loss and hope.  http://darinmartinmusic.com/Darin_Martin_Music/home.html
Social Animals, rhythm and blues duo Chris and Christa Bradbury are presently recording their debut album ‘Innominate’, at Hamilton’s Studio J (with owner/producer Jordan Abraham). Social Animals, headed up by vocalist Christa Bradbury, offer a soulful vocal driven modern rock and blues sound as only Christa can deliver it!

Friday June 15, at 8:30 pm, pwyc.  Oh yes, we have a show for you! The full band Beg to Differ — Tim Ninehouse piano, keyboards, vocals; Doug Sikma guitar; Steve Foster drums. are on board for a lively concert of blues, jazz and funk songs, drawing from a large musical repertoire from early blues roots to jazzified contemporary songs.

Oh no! Tiny Bill Cody is laid low with laryngitis. He won’t be performing tonight. Tiny Bill Cody, singer songwriter guitarist like no other, will be back at Artword Artbar to do this show in the fall, we hope.

Wednesday June 20 at 8:30 pm (after Science Cafe), a foot-stomping night of jug band music with the Griffintown Jug Addicts, that is, three of them: Dan Livingstone (fingerstyle blues guitarist), Brad Levia (washboard) and Julia Narveson (washtub). http://danlivingstone.com/jug.html  “Drawing inspiration from ‘jug’ bands of the 1930s and 40s (a blues style mixing ragtime, swing and folk music), the group re-creates the ambiance of that lost era in music when simplicity and fun were paramount to the making of music.”
Brad and Julia, now based in Waterloo, are also a duo The Ever-Lovin’ Jug Band: http://www.everlovinjugband.ca/
PLUS ‘Uncle’ Dan Henshall, old-timey mandolin picker, with vocalist Addie Em.

Thursday June 28, 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, Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan, Continue reading →

Friday June 29 at 8 pm, $10, at Artword Artbar. Two solo acts Jeffery Straker and Paisley Jura, both singing their songs and playing our piano.
Jeffery Straker is a singer-pianist in the vein of Sarah Slean, Harry Chapin, early Elton. Jeffery tours extensively (about 120 shows a year – coast to coast). His shows range from solo to full band. He debuted at the National Arts Centre last year (Ottawa), recently came back from a tour in Africa (Ghana), and had his debut with a symphony in Oct 2011 (Regina SK).  His last album was released in June 2011 and he has a new one launching Sept 2012. http://jeffstraker.com/
Paisley Jura was nominated for a Juno this year and is also a singer-pianist. She also performs on double bass and guitar in her sets. She has an album out with a song that is getting extensive radio play in Canada right now including CBC.  http://www.paisleyjura.com/

Thursday July 5, 2012, 8pm, pwyc, at Artword Artbar. Catherine North Studios’ 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.
Thursday July 5 lineup: Alex Frank, Negar, Adam Bentley, Danny Gorman
The evening has been put together by Michael Chambers of Catherine North. http://catherinenorth.com/lostandfound

Friday July 6 at 8 pm, pwyc. Singer-songwriter Paul Federici (who appeared at Artword Artbar in the first Catherine North Studio showcase) is back for a full evening, with special guest Beth Moore. Paul is on tour with a new album: “Paul Federici’s Relative Importance is nice. Really nice. Tender, even: there’s tender guitar strumming, tender strings, with a tender chorus of Federici’s angelic harmonies. Especially heartstring tugging are ‘True’ and ‘Without You,’ a spare little ditty fingerpicked for some estranged love.” (Exclaim Magazine)
www.paulfederici.ca      www.paulfedericimusic.bandcamp.com

Beth Moore has been writing and performing her beautiful interpretation of modern folk since 2006. With her roots in Niagara Falls, Canada she quickly gained hometown recognition and has since built a name for herself in Toronto and Southern Ontario. She has played over 200 live shows including festivals like Scene Fest, In the Soil, and Toronto’s Indie Week. Her song writing has been praised as honest, to the point and from the heart. Listeners quickly draw into its intimacy. “I write about what I know, and I do it as honestly as I know how,” says Beth. www.bethmooremusic.com

Wednesday July 11 at 8 pm, cover $5. The Onion Honey duo from Waterloo play banjos and other things.  Esther Wheaton and David Pike started playing music together around the same time they started cooking together and watching dozens of astronomy documentaries together; the result is a deliciously stellar blend of old-time and jug-band music that will tug at heartstrings and set feet a-tappin’. Both Esther and Dave are also part of Banjos and Bellows, and Dave is also in A Yellow Field. http://soundcloud.com/onion-honey
Also on the bill are two folk singer-songwriters Brendan J Stephens and Sarah Beatty.  https://www.facebook.com/BrendanJStephensMusic and http://brendanjstephens.bandcamp.com/album/my-name-is-brendan-j-stephens
Sarah Beatty occupies the space between country, blues, jazz, and roots music, with dynamic vocals, expressive lyrics, and engaging melodies.

Thursday September 6, 2012, 8:00 pm, pwyc. Catherine North Studio’s monthly series, “Lost and Found,” is back at Artword Artbar for the fall 2012, featuring 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 Michael Chambers of Catherine North Studio.  Line-up for Sept 6:
Nabi Loney @ 8:00pm
Hachey The MouthPEACE @ 8:45pm
Stone Orchard @ 9:30pm
Kenny Phelps @ 10:15pm
http://catherinenorth.com/lostandfound

Friday September 7 at 8 pm, $10. A double bill, Heather Hill and LilyC, two fine singer-songwriters on tour with new albums.
About Heather: Rooted in piano rock, singer songwriter Heather Hill is touring her newly released second album “Leuty Station”. The new collection of songs speak to how women make it through life’s trials with strength and grace. Her music has the percussive quality of Fiona Apple and the vocal phrasing sensibilities of Kate Bush. www.heatherhill.ca
About LilyC: Spreading happy vibes with a fresh pop sound, Lily C’s sophomore album “Reaching for Sunlight” captures the heart and story of anyone courageously pursuing their dreams. Her voice has the delicate authenticity of Jewel and the passion of Nelly Furtado. She will give you the courage to launch your own dream adventure. www.lilyc.com

Saturday September 8, open from 6 pm to 11:30 or so. Ron and Judith are back from the wide world and are tuning up the fiddles and guitars. Drop in and say hello, hear about our travels, tell us about yours, join in a tune or two. Beers taps are back on.
Unfortunately, plans for a Tribal Gallery concert on this date did not work out, and there was no time to set up something else. So we are just hanging out.

Thursday September 13 at 8 pm, sliding scale $2-$10. Singer-songwriter showcase hosted by Richard Garvey, a roots and folk musician from Kitchener    www.richardgarvey.ca
Guests include Amy Carson Hunter, a folk singer-songwriter currently in Waterloo. http://www.myspace.com/amycarsonhunter
and Tom Dusome, singer-songwriter and Alt Music Night host now & then at Artword (see Sept 19). And special guest Uncle Dan Henshall on mandolin, guitar, etc.

Wednesday September 19 at 8 pm, pwyc. An evening of Alt Music hosted by singer-songwriter Tom Dusome. Guests: Tancetum Vulgare, and Design. Tom Dusome is back to host this new music spotlight. Tancetum vulgare and Design. Two new acts will be joining him for this incredible evening.  Tansy will be promoting their recent release. tanacetumvulgare.bandcamp.com
Design will be previewing pieces from their upcoming album. (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Design/182050301906953)
Tom Dusome will be previewing new songs and showing off some old so come out and sing your heart out! www.myspace.com/tomdusomeband

Saturday September 22 at 8 pm, $10. Hit the Road, Matt: Pre-Tour Send Off Concert: Matthew de Zoete (full band) – www.matthewdezoete.com (click left for poster) with special guests: The Woodshed Orchestra – www.thewoodshedorchestra.com
Before heading out on a solo cross-Canada tour this fall, Matthew will be playing one last “send off” show with his band: Andrew Barbisan (drums and harmonies), Jennifer Lockman (keys and harmonies), and Eric Thachuk (bass). Matthew’s latest album Colour Film was produced by Les Cooper (Jill Barber, Good Lovelies) and houses the songwriter’s trademark strong melodies and honest lyrics in a gorgeous atmospheric soundscape. Imagine Nick Drake cheering up a bit and living long enough to work with Beck.
The Woodshed Orchestra is an ecstatic soul/funk/pop big-band whose virtuoso musicians and theatrical performances make for pretty much the most fun you can have, either alone or with others.

Thursday September 27, 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 →

CANCELLED due to filming on Colbourne Street Sat Sept 29 and Sun Sept 30. “RoboCop” night scene in the Faema lane and right in front of Artword Artbar, with rain machines, gunshots and the works. We won’t be able to get near the place.

CANCELLED Saturday September 29, 2012 at 8 pm, $10. Rockin’ Elana Harte is back, with her favourite guests AndrewVictoria, in a celebration of song.
A gifted guitarist and vocalist, Elana maintains a “New Country / Rock” flavour and mass appeal. Elana is a founding member of Vinnick, Sheppard, Harte, with whom she has released two recordings. Among many other projects, Elana is a busy host of several regular showcase evenings in the GTA for both local and touring musicians. http://www.elanaharte.com    http://itsmyurls.com/elanaharte
Australian Native Andrew Rudd and Canadian-born Australian Victoria Boland met in Hong Kong in late-2005. Continue reading →

Thursday October 4, 2012, 8:00 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 Oct 4:
Lauren Campbell 8:45pm
Darren Eedens 9:30pm
Still Life 10:15pm

Friday October 5 at 8 pm, $15. Scott Cooper, and his band on a CD Release Tour, plus a set by Paul Federici. Penetanguishene-based singer/songwriter Scott Cooper is in town to celebrate the release of his 4th full-length LP “Quiet Company”. Cooper will be backed by an ace backing band of  Dean Drouillard (Sarah Harmer), Adam Warner (Royal Wood), and Steve Zsirai (Jill Barber) . www.scottcoopermusic.com
Niagara-region singer/songwriter Paul Federici will be kicking off the night with a solo set. www.paulfederici.ca      www.paulfedericimusic.bandcamp.com
In September 2012, Cooper releases his fourth full-length album “Quiet Company”, produced by collaborator and friend Rob Szabo (Peter Katz, Ian Sherwood). Recorded in a rustic cabin over the winter months of 2011 and 2012, the low-key performances clearly demonstrate how environment and headspace can influence a sound. Cooper explains, “The cabin belongs to my in-laws and it’s one of my favourite places to hang out, so we would just set up the gear, crank up the wood stove and work for days. Outside of using an outhouse in February, it was the most comfortable recording experience I’ve ever had.”

Saturday October 6 at 8 pm, $5. Singer-songwriter Dan Medakovic (of Fry Truck) returns to Artword Artbar for his first Hamilton solo performance since 2011! Dan will be performing 2 sets of original music spanning his 30 years of song writing, including several songs written during his recent 6 month adventure in Costa Rica. An acclaimed writer, singer and multi-instrumentalist, Dan will accompany himself on acoustic and electric guitars, mandolin and ukulele. Joining Dan for a set of songs will be The Small Fries: Linda Duemo on drums and Carrie Ashworth on bass guitar – both fellow members of Hamilton super group Fry Truck. Dan’s “Honeybucket” CD received excellent reviews and was compared to the works of Bob Dylan, Van Morrison and (local) Ray Materick. It is available as a free download here:   http://www.reverbnation.com/danmedakovic

Opening for Dan will be Toronto singer-songwriter Tim Magwood with Dan Roth. Tim Magwood’s music is country/roots/folk. His songwriting is engaging and energizing. His tenor voice and range has a similar quality to Jim Cuddy of Blue Rodeo. The writing and genre is varied and influenced by Ryan Adams, Martin Sexton, Mark Knopfler and James Taylor. It is soulful, highly melodic and easy to listen to. His first album, Zig Zag Bridge, was produced in 2010 and is available on Itunes. He is completing his second album, Endless Sky, which will be launched in January 2013. At Artword Artbar he will be joined by one of his writing collaborators, Dan Roth.  http://timmagwood.com/

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!

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 →

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

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.

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)

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 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 →

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

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/

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

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.

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 →

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

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

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 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.

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/

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

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

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.

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 →

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.

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

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 →

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 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

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 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 →

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 →

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 →

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.

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 →

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 →

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 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 →

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.

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 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.

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).

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 →

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.

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 →

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

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.

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.

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

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/

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.

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 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.

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

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 →

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.”

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.

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 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/