Artword Artbar

Saturday March 19, 2016, at 8 pm. A candle-lit unplugged evening of song, story and dance performance, in honour of Earth Hour. Host is singer-songwriter Tom Dusome. Special guest Charly Chiarelli playing blues harmonica by candle-light. AND dancer/choreographer Learie Mc Nicolls takes up the challenge of dancing with candles, with Ron Weihs on fiddle. Charly will be joined for the second half of the evening by his Hamilton band The Sunamabeaches: Venesio DeSalvo (guitar),  Gary Santucci (guitarist), and Ron the Fiddler.
Image left (from NASA) is our Golden Horseshoe all lit up by electric lights, as seen from space. We will turn a couple of lights off.

Thursday March 17, 2016, cover $5 to $10. Blues night with the Beg To Differ Trio, and special guests. Featuring Tim Ninehouse on keyboard and vocals, Doug Sikma on guitar and Steve Foster on drums.

Saturday February 27, 2016, at 8 pm, $15. An evening of poetry and song with Leonard, Burns & Dell and poet Glenn Bowie.  
Leonard, Burns & Dell (Sue Leonard, Brennagh Burns, Cindy Dell) are a powerhouse harmony trio based out of Hamilton singing sultry blues and roots.  They will be singing songs from their new CD: Perfect Strangers, along with Glenn Bowie, a poet from Boston, who will be reading some of his works. Leonard, Burns & Dell have been collaborating with Bowie and writing songs from his poems. They will be performing these songs, along with others they have written.

Thursday February 25, 2016, at 8 pm, $5. Mohawk Music showcase jam, featuring vocalists Nicole Chambers (left) and Lauren Cumberbatch, with R&B classics, Reggae tunes and some original tunes by the vocalists. Guest vocalist Jessie Faiazza.
The band includes Olivia Brown bass, Jon Becker bass, Shelby Crego guitar, Ian Brown piano, Jonathan Pascoal drums, and Will Fachin drums.

Friday February 12, 2016, James North Art Crawl, from 8 pm, tip jar. Warm up at Artword Artbar! Award-winning soul and R&B vocalist André Bisson on guitar, vocals; Kevin Beeby bass; Glenn Paul drums; Loretta Hale trumpet; Kristen Prince tenor sax; Victoria Cox baritone sax.
Website: http://www.andrebisson.ca/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/andreandthejtones
Since 2005, André Bisson has been performing his unique blend of R&B and Soul throughout the US, Canada, England, Wales & Ireland. The success of his six award-winning albums has led to four international tours, radio airplay, and the chance to open for artists such as Colin James, Jimmie Vaughan, Robben Ford and Steven Page (Barenaked Ladies). Recently, André was honored as ‘Male Vocalist of the Year’ for the 2015 Hamilton Blues Awards as well as a nomination for ‘Overseas Artist of the Year’ from the British Blues Awards. With the help of a horn section, André combines the influence of Motown and Stax in his own original compositions.

Thursday December 10, 2015, at 8 pm, $10. Queens of Quirk, a concert celebrating charming (un)conventional coolness, hosted by Hanna Bech.
* Accordionist/storyteller-in-song Willow Rutherford
* Comedienne Michelle Zhitomirsky
* Silks Aerialist/vocalist Pamela Gardner
* Keyboardist/songsmith Hanna Bech

Sunday November 15, at 7 pm, $15/$12. The Something Else! Creative Music Series is hosted by Zula Presents and Cem Zafir. http://zulapresents.org/
LEE BARWIN 3 (Hamilton/Toronto): Gary Barwin alto saxophone, flute, vocals, electronics; Ryan Barwin pedal steel guitar; David Lee double bass. Both creative academics, musicians and writers, David Lee and Gary Barwin have been working together for quite a while as an incendiary duo. Ryan Barwin (Gary’s son), who plays in country and rock bands, adds lush pedal steel guitar.   http://www.garybarwin.com    http://davidneillee.com
+
SCHOORL & KRAKOWIAK (Toronto): Holger Schoorl  guitar and Tomasz Krakowiak percussion (photo left). Purveyors of quiet, minimalist music, at turns introspective, bold, fascinating and intense, this duo generates a highly moving improvised set. http://audiopollination.bandcamp.com/track/holger-schoorl-and-tomasz-krakowiak

Saturday, November 14, 2015, 8 pm, $10. Artword Artbar is pleased to welcome The Harmones back to the stage, in a solo show! This ukulele trio (Carol Greene,  Christine Roarke and Audrey Hensen) sing sweet three-part harmonies on folk and pop songs, old and new. Backed up by the very capable Wayne Krawchuk on guitar and Ed Roth on accordion, the night will launch their new CD, Live from Pine St. Carol Greene has performed with Wayne Krawchuk to standing-room only audiences twice before at the Artbar. Christine Roarke and Audrey Hensen joined them on a couple songs at both shows. Now, they are a bona fide trio, performing at numerous venues since their debut as The Harmones at Barnfest 2015. “Gosh, I do love hearing you gals sing!” – Carol’s mom.

Friday October 16, 2015, at 8 pm, $15.  Guitarist and singer Kyle Pacey presents an evening of original music that’s an eclectic mix of soul, roots, R & B and funk. With Kevin Christoff on bass, and Jay Burr on trombone and percussion. www.kylepacey.com
A musical force, Grammy-nominated Kyle Pacey has been described as Canada’s answer to the Buena Vista Social Club. Pacey’s combination of rhythm and technique are exhilarating. He likes to push the boundaries with his unorthodox style and unique approach to the guitar. Joe Curtis, To-nite Magazine writes: “I was totally mesmerized by guitarist Kyle Pacey’s playing technique… Kyle is the fastest, most superb guitar virtuoso I’ve ever seen. I always daydreamed that if Superboy played guitar, his hand on the neck would be a blur. This feat of musical ability was achieved by Kyle… and no foolin’ his left hand on the neck became a blur.”

Thursday October 15, 2015 at 8  pm, $10. Will Gillespie’s Old World Romance. Sometimes heartbreaking, sometimes bombastic, sometimes campy fun, Old World Romance is the charming, disarming, elegant and eccentric vision of Hamilton-based singer-songwriter, Will Gillespie.
Will has also invited the ever-charming accordion-clad troubadour Willow Rutherford https://www.facebook.com/WillowRutherfordMusic
and local Hamiltonian roots/Americana songwriter Deeps (Steve De Piante) who will also be playing piano and accordion with him, and Michel DeQuevedo on percussion.
With this show Will offers you a glimpse into his world of Magic and Starlight.  http://www.willgillespie.ca/

“Will Gillespie will entertain you with his romantic flourish and cabaret flair. Will always has songs and guitar tricks up his sleeves aplenty.” – (Sarah Greene, NOW Magazine)
“From songwriter to crooner and cabaret man to power-pop genius, Will Gillespie is always evolving his artistry” -(Paul Loewenberg, Artistic Director, Northern Lights Festival Boreal)

Saturday October 10, 2015 at 8 pm, $10. The Hamilton launch of Brass Bandit, the latest CD from percussionist/ songwriter Dave Clark and his wacky and wonderful Woodshed Orchestra.  http://thewoodshedorchestra.com/
Plus an opening set with Dinner is Ruined band reunion: Dave Clark, Dale Morningstar and Dr Pee.
“The Woodshed Orchestra exists to uplift people. Legendary Toronto drummer Dave Clark (Rheostatics, Gord Downie, The Woodchopper’s Association, Dinner is Ruined, Charles Spearin) and The Woodshed Orchestra mash up classic dance styles from all over the world into a soulful celebration. The Woodshed’s new “Brass Bandit” disc sees the group celebrating in brass band style. They kick the ball around the world from New Orleans 2nd line, to Greek Surf Rock, to Politicized Poetry Love Scatting, to Old Tyme UK Beer Hall Waltzing, to Football Funk, to Meditative Yearning. The disc clocks in at a Punk Rock 26:26 for 9 tunes and it’s jammed with goodness!
Dave Clark founded The Woodshed Orchestra in 2005 in order to celebrate life through music. The band plays Clark’s 200 strong original songbook as a full on electric band and as a brass band a la the New Orleans 2nd line band tradition depending on the occasion. They’ve created their own on stage language to navigate from song to song and to shift gears on a dime for awestruck audiences. “

Saturday October 3, 2015, 8 pm, $10. Hamilton’s own Michael J. Birthelmer, master guitarist, songwriter and story-teller performs selections from his infamous Songbook on themes of love, life, the American Civil War… and weasels in tuxedos. Join us for this not-to-be missed evening. Accompanied by Michael Hickey and friends.
Michael was born, raised and is still residing in Hamilton, Ontario where he has been writing and performing his music since 1976. His career has included four critically acclaimed albums; Zanzibar, Your Number, The Hat, and The Grand Review, featuring songs he composed about the American Civil War. Since 1997, Michael has recorded numerous CDs of other artists in his Recording Studio, most of which he arranged and produced. He also composed, arranged, and recorded the music to the television documentary The History of Hamilton. Currently, most of Michael’s time is spent operating his recording studio.

Saturday, September 19, 2015, 8 pm, $10. Back at Artword Artbar! Shake it up with soul, R&B and motown classics and new compositions by award-winning vocalist André Bisson on guitar, vocals. Band members: Loretta Hale trumpet, Andrew King tenor sax, Kevin Matthews baritone sax, Kevin Beeby bass, Glenn Paul drums. We’ll push back some tables for dancing!
Since 2005, André Bisson has been performing his unique blend of R&B and Soul throughout the US, Canada, England, Wales & Ireland. After graduating from the Applied Music Program at Mohawk College in Hamilton, André went on to record, compose, and arrange five studio albums. The success of these award-winning albums has led to four international tours, radio airplay, and the chance to open for artists such as Colin James, Jimmie Vaughan, Robben Ford and Steven Page (Barenaked Ladies). Recently, André was honored as ‘Male Vocalist of the Year’ for the 2015 Hamilton Blues Awards as well as a nomination for ‘Overseas Artist of the Year’ from the British Blues Awards. With the help of a horn section, André combines the influence of Motown and Stax in his own original compositions. Website: andrebisson.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/andreandthejtones

Friday September 18, 2015, at 8 pm, pwyc. An Artword favourite, the high-energy Beg To Differ Trio playing blues / jazz / funk — Tim Ninehouse on keyboards, vocals; Doug Sikma on guitar; Steve Foster on drums. Unique renditions of blues, jazz and funk songs, drawing from a large musical repertoire from early blues roots to jazzified contemporary songs. http://reverbnation.com/begtodiffertrio

Friday July 3, 2015, at 8 pm, $10. Artword Artbar’s good friend Mr. Jay hosts an evening of reggae roots music. Featured is Bajan-Canadian singer-songwriter jSun, who will call in some relaxing vibes with his reggae-folk infused acoustic sound. Special guest appearance by Riddim Riders Unplugged!
jSun will share some sunny new tunes from his upcoming release Mellow Moods, songs inspired by the rhythm of the natural world. A musical journey through both the light and the shadows,  jSun will also venture into a few Songs of Past, with more politically-oriented songs from the beginnings of his musical journey.  J will have on display some hand-crafted instruments and several paintings from the series Waves and Sunshine.  http://www.jmusic.ca/
Riddim Riders Unplugged, aka Acoustic Ride, are an extension of Hamilton’s premier reggae band Riddim Riders. Core members Franklin Joseph and Mike Rajczak are joined by vocalist Lauren Mikayla, lead guitar Keon Crosswell and Christopher Charles. The Riders break away from their usual reggae-rockers vibe with this configuration, featuring acoustic and classical guitars, djembe, conga and hand percussion, and a big focus on rich vocal harmonies. Although still touching on the reggae tip, the focus is on acoustic rock, r&b and soulful originals, showcasing the band’s diversity and unique sound potential. Audiences are loving the Acoustic Ride, set for a busy summer in 2015, so come check it out and be blessed.

Wednesday June 10, 2015, at 8 pm, $5. Sim Bansal, guitarist/vocalist, hosts an evening of songs, originals, jazz and more. Guests include jazz duo Amber-Leigh Palka on vocals and Thom Mason on guitar.  Sim Bansal‘s solo acoustic set of mostly original material, might remind you of… “early Sting, Steely Dan, Peter Gabriel, and David Bowie and may include some covers of songs from these artists.”
Rounding out the evening, singer songwriter Coco Murphy performs a set of originals on piano and guitar.

Friday June 5, 2015, at 8:30 pm, $15. Tiny Bill Cody presents
Wranglers and Weepers an evening of classic western and classic originals with his super talented friends. Featuring Mimi Shaw, Dan Medakovic, Jeff Griffiths, Michael Hickey and Chris Altmann!

Wednesday June 3, 2015 at 8 pm, $12. Imagine Artword Artbar as a  cabaret in Paris in the 40s or 50s — Ariana Nasr chante PIAF! To celebrate the 100th year anniversary of the birth of the famous chanteuse Édith Piaf, Ariana Nasr has developed a live performance including 18 songs from the repertoire of Piaf, one of France’s best loved performers (see image right). The songs are all sung en français and the show includes song synopsis and background info in English. She is accompanied by her long-time collaborator, the inimitable Andy Flinn (of Andy and Ariana, who regularly visit Artword Artbar from Nova Scotia) http://www.andyandariana.com/      http://www.ariananasr.com/

Thursday May 7, 2015, 8 pm, free. Campfire Stories. It’s time to fire up your creativity at Artword Artbar. Singer-songwriter Tom Dusome hosts an open stage for spoken word, poetry, song, music, dance, movement, visual art, or anything goes. Everyone has a story to tell. Come share your stories — by any means.

Friday May 1, 2015, at 8 pm, $10 / pwyc. Canadian author and former Sunriser frontman Darryl Webster (aka OLD KID) performs a special acoustic show to celebrate the release of his new EP This Echo on Hamilton indie record label Maisonneuve Music. (http://maisonneuvemusic.com/artists/old-kid/)
A departure from the sparse acoustic tone of his last release (OLD KID, 2010), This Echo resurrects the singer/songwriter’s indie rock roots. Electronic undercurrents run beneath hypnotic, lilting guitars in “Yorkshire Lady.” The restless, expectant energy of “OK, Okay” dissolves into a wash of resonating guitars and synths. “[This Echo] is more than just okay — it’s deep, soulful and moody…” David Mooney, 104.9 Imagine FM (Manchester, UK). The release of This Echo follows Darryl’s recent 70,000-km trip around the globe, and the book he wrote to chronicle his journey. Released by Pitch Publishing in November 2014, Pride in Travel: A Title-Winning Season Exploring the World of Manchester City is a captivating exploration of local culture and sport, set against the author’s journey towards self-discovery. This Echo is a musical snapshot of one Canadian musician’s evolution from indie rocker to incisive storyteller.

Featuring opening sets by singer/songwriter Paul Federici (http://www.paulfederici.ca/) and instrumental guitarist Emilio Bonito (http://emiliobonito.com/).

Saturday April 11, 2015, at 8 pm, $10. Book online  or call 905-543-8512. Mark McNeil is an acclaimed singer-songwriter and award-winning Hamilton Spectator journalist with a new CD called Flashbacks that celebrates the character and characters of Hamilton. Join him on a musical romp of heroes and hoodlums; victors and vamps; time-travelling soldiers, trolley-car lovers, mad scientists and a homicidal monkey named Jacko. The show will feature Mark on vocals, guitar and ukulele, with bass player Mike Hickey, drummer Paul Panchezak and multi-instrumentalist Mark Volkov along with some surprise guest appearances. For more information about Mark, his new CD, and his four other recordings, check out: shinythingspage.wordpress.com
Many of the songs on the CD were created for and/or formed part of Artword Theatre’s hit musical play “James Street” (to be remounted in May 2015 at The Players Guild Theatre).

Friday March 27, 2015, at 8 pm, $10. (To buy tickets in advance, contact opheliasyndrome@gmail.com.) Local alternative rock band Ophelia Syndrome is back at Artword Artbar with their new crowd-funded CD “North Sea“.  Josh Kohler bass, Trina Nadeau cello, Deanna Wells keys, vocals, Andrew Barbisan drums. With special guests Justin Sawicki and the Basement Choir.
“They try to blend various keyed instruments, cello, bass, drums, guitar, vocals, and whatever else they can find to hit, pluck, strum or occasionally blow. The result is their own unique blend of “indie” music, a term they are fairly certain has become ambiguous enough to encompass their indistinguishable classical, jazz, folk, roots, funk, soul, r&b, classic and contemporary rock influences.”
http://opheliasyndrome.com/

Saturday March 21 at 8 pm, $15. An evening of traditional bluegrass with Randal Hill and friends: Richard Dugal, Glenn George and Larry Johnston. Virtuoso mandolin player Randal Hill (and vocals) is joined by Richard Dugal guitar and vocals, Glenn George bass,  Larry Johnston  banjo. Richard, Glenn and Larry are all members of the Clean Sweep Bluegrass Band. Glenn and Richard are also in the Commercial bluegrass band. Glenn also plays with Barn Katz and is President of the Waterloo Wellington bluegrass club.

Saturday March 7, 2015, at 8 pm, $15 (call 905-543-8512 to reserve). A special jazz cabaret with vocalist Colina Phillips: “East of the Sun and West of the Moon, Ultimate Jazz Standards“.
Joining Colina is the renowned jazz pianist and composer Stacie McGregor. In addition to her own band, the Stacie McGregor Quintet, Stacie is a member of Brandi Disterheft’s Juno-award winning band and Archie Alleyne’s hard-bop band Kollage.   http://www.staciemcgregor.com/

Thursday February 19, 2015, at 8 pm, $10. Singer-songwriter Sarah Burton (guitar and piano) is touring with singer-songwriter Dave Quanbury, from Texas, visiting in Toronto. And they’ve invited our favourite jazz singer Sophia Perlman as their special guest.
Sarah Burton, born in Ottawa, now calls Toronto home. She has played NXNE, Canadian Music Week, Winterfolk, We Are Many Festival, Brandon Folk Festival, North Country Fair, and BC’s Music on the Mountain, and many live music venues across Canada and the US. She’s enjoyed radio play across North America, and rave reviews!
“..full of earthy and earnest sounds coming across at times like Lucinda Williams’ little sister,… with a voice that leans back against the bar and tells it like it is…” Americana UK
http://www.sarahburton.ca/    SarahBurtonMakeYourOwnBedEPK

Dave Quanbury is an Austin-based singer-songwriter, guitarist, and trumpet player. He is a member of the iconic Minor Mishap Marching Band, as well as rock outfit Texas Never Whispers, and Bluesqueezebox, and formerly of Twilight Hotel. He’s in Toronto for the month of February doing a residency at The Cameron House. http://www.davequanbury.com/

Back this year! Every Wednesday in February 2015 (4, 11, 18, 25) at 8 pm. $10 or by donation.  FOLK, ROOTS, STEW, a festival of incredible folk and grassroots music, cooked up and hosted by singer-songwriter Richard Garvey. Artword Artbar will serve up a special warming root veggie stew. Local musicians will brew up soul-nourishing original and traditional folk music. All ages. http://www.richardgarvey.ca/   Line-up for Feb 18: Megan Boni, Shawn Clarke, Kevin Fraser

Friday Feb 13, 2015, at 8 pm, tip jar. James North Art Crawl. An Artword favourite, the lively high-energy Beg To Differ Trio playing blues / jazz / funk — Tim Ninehouse on keyboards, vocals; Doug Sikma on guitar; Steve Foster on drums. Unique renditions of blues, jazz and funk songs, drawing from a large musical repertoire from early blues roots to jazzified contemporary songs.

Back this year! Every Wednesday in February 2015 (4, 11, 18, 25) at 8 pm. $10 or by donation.  FOLK, ROOTS, STEW, a festival of incredible folk and grassroots music, cooked up and hosted by singer-songwriter Richard Garvey. Artword Artbar will serve up a special warming root veggie stew. Local musicians will brew up soul-nourishing original and traditional folk music. All ages. http://www.richardgarvey.ca/    Lineup Feb 11:
Brad Germain (of the Dinner Belles)
ever-lovin jug band (Brad Levia arch-top, slide guitar, vocals, Julia Narveson gut-tub bass, bass, fiddle, banjolin, vocals)
R&J Stringband singing labour / activist songs from early 1900’s to 1950’s

Back this year! Every Wednesday in February 2015 (4, 11, 18, 25) at 8 pm. $10 or by donation.  FOLK, ROOTS, STEW, a festival of incredible folk and grassroots music, cooked up and hosted by singer-songwriter Richard Garvey. Artword Artbar will serve up a special warming root veggie stew. Local musicians will brew up soul-nourishing original and traditional folk music. All ages. http://www.richardgarvey.ca/
Lineup Feb 4:
Steven Twigg,
Juliana Lachance, playing the bandura, a rare folk instrument from the Ukraine with a long history of telling stories of epic ballads of battles and the freedom of the Cossacks through song. http://julianalachance.bandcamp.com/
Yarrow Harvest, — gypsy folk/dream folk act created by Stephen Robert Yarrow (Disher),  guitar and vocals. http://yarrowharvest.bandcamp.com/

Friday December 12, 2014, at 9 pm, $10. Nothing says Holidays like ‘old time country variety show’. Tiny Bill Cody presents an evening of western, roots, string band music with a star studded array of special guests including The Family Supper String Band (Neal, Max, Frank Evans), singer Dara Weiss, singer Mimi Shaw, drummer Jeffery Griffiths.
As Tiny Bill says, “I have pretty cool team of old-timey players to do some vintage country, some cowboy songs, maybe a little preachifying.”
www.tinybillcody.com

Thursday December 11, 2014, at 8 pm, $15 cover includes CD. Singer-songwriter Peter Tigchelaar is doing a series of “soft launches” of his new CD “Better Things”. At Artword Artbar he will be joined by John Lewis, guitar and Andrew Tigchelaar, bass. Peter plays a variety of instruments including guitar, keyboard and mandolin, and more recently has developed a true affinity for other smaller instruments such as ukulele and WhiteCloud, his made-in-Hamilton Hammertone. http://www.petertigchelaar.com/
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/petertigchelaar2      Continue reading →

Saturday November 22, 2014, 8 pm $10. (Noche Bohemia had to cancel.) We are pleased to announce that brilliant guitarist Wayne Janus and his band KAIZEN: drums (David Carrillo), bass (Shane Lannigan) and guitar/vocals (Wayne Janus) will be back at Artword Artbar. Their sound has a rich variety of influences ranging from Funk, Jazz, Blues, Fusion, Rock, and Latin, a mix of original and cover material. Kaizen’s debut release entitled First Impressions, received positive reviews from national and international sources. Currently, Kaizen has just finished their second CD and launched their new web page www.kaizen.xyz.
Review: “Kaizen’s second album entitled Closer To Earth is an epic modern ground-breaking instrumental masterpiece. This unique album has it all, from New York Funk, Jazz, Rock, Fusion and even features a Sanskrit Chant entitled Shivaya. A Must Have!”
For more about Wayne Janus, visit http://www.waynejanus.com/

Friday November 21, 8 pm, $10, call 905-543-8512 to reserve.  Back again! Grammy-nominated guitarist and singer Kyle Pacey presents an evening of original music that’s an eclectic mix of soul, roots, R & B and funk. Guests Kevin Christoff on bass and Michael Sloski on drums. Kyle draws on his varied musical influences and is inspired by the optimism and culture of the 1960s and 70s along with current events, personal upheavals, metaphysics… and more. A musical force, Kyle Pacey has been described as Canada’s answer to the Buena Vista Social Club. Pacey’s combination of rhythm and technique are exhilarating. He likes to push the boundaries with his unorthodox style and unique approach to the guitar. www.kylepacey.com
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.”

Wednesday November 19, 2014, at 8 pm. Jazz bassist Tom Altobelli has a new project, Koopa Troop, a new group who play their own jazz arrangements of classic video game music. Songs from Mario, Tetris, Pokemon, Metroid, and Banjo Kazooie. The band members, all Humber alumni, are: Chelsea McBride flute/tenor sax, Wilson McLeish guitar, Chris Bruder keys, Tom Altobelli bass, Tyler Goertzen drums.
The Matthew Pullicino Tercet will open the evening.

Saturday November 15, 8 pm, $5/pwyc. An acoustic / folk show with The Plain Steel (folk set), and the return of Euphonic. Euphonic is an eclectic trio of instrumentalists, Bob Wegner guitar, Vince Waters drums, Geoff Ball cello, perform original songs influenced by classical, spanish, folk, ragtime, and jazz.  http://euphonic.ca/
The Plain Steel is a “Folk and Roll” band featuring Ross Lizotte guitar and vocal; Geoff Ball cello; Tim Friesen bass; Jason Sanislo banjo, Vince Waters drums.  http://www.youtube.com/user/theplainsteel

Saturday November 8, 2014, at 8 pm, $15. Back again (their shows sell out, so reserve early!) New Cumberland, a bluegrass band from London Ontario: Tom Burns – vocals and guitar,  Blair Heddle – vocals, mandolin and dobro, Paul Hurdle – vocals and banjo, Tom Rutledge – string bass. [To reserve, call Artword Artbar 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. www.newcumberlandband.com   Proficient in the straight ahead driving bluegrass of… Continue reading →

Thursday November 6, 2014, 7:30-9:30 pm, pwyc ($10 suggested)
SINGALONG with Sam Turton and Jane Lewis, singer-songwriters from Guelph. Come out and SING! They’ve got songbooks full of classic favourites — YOU request the songs, and we all sing them together. Led by Jane Lewis and Sam Turton.
http://www.all-together-now.ca
Tell your friends because — the more, the merrier. Hundreds of songs – songbooks provided: Over 100 great artists, including The Band, The Beatles, Chuck Berry, Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan, Elvis, Bob Marley, Continue reading →

Wednesday November 5, 2014, we will be closed.

Saturday November 1, 2014, at 8 pm, $15. Stuart Laughton is back with a new edition of his Radio Dial, with Stuart Laughton on vocals, guitar, harmonica, trumpet, piano. Guest musicians for November 1 are: Rebecca Campbell (vocals), Jim Clayton (piano), Steve Lucas (bass) and Martin Worthy (drums/vocals), with lots of new tunes! [To reserve, call Artword Artbar 905-543-8512.
Why RADIO DIAL? Because on long car trips, Stuart scours the radio waves for interesting music, and wanted to bring a similarly eclectic presentation to the stage (think Stuart McLean’s Vinyl Café, with the speaking and musical proportions reversed). http://www.radiodial.ca/ Continue reading →

Friday, October 31, 2014, at 8:30 pm, $10-$15. Something special coming our way, organized by Cem Zafir (part of his Something Else 2014-2015 Creative Music Series): 2×2 –>Epps/Charuest & Barwin/Lee. Montreal improvisers, perpetual explorers and searchers of the sound, trumpeter Ellwood Epps and saxophonist Yves Charuest are joined by two of Hamilton’s literary and musical greats, writer/poet/saxophonist Gary Barwin and writer/double-bassist David Lee for an evening of scary good music and text. Call 905-543-8512 for reservations.
Photo left from the performance, final jam with guest Dave Gould, live video mix by Judith Sandiford  http://zulapresents.org

Thursday October 30, 2014 at 8 pm, pwyc. An Artword favourite, the lively high-energy Beg To Differ Trio playing blues / jazz / funk — Tim Ninehouse on keyboards, vocals; Doug Sikma on guitar; Steve Foster on drums. Unique renditions of blues, jazz and funk songs, drawing from a large musical repertoire from early blues roots to jazzified contemporary songs.

Saturday, October 25, 2014 at 8:00 pm, $10. Revisiting ‘Yorkville Days’ with Bob Bryden (formerly of Christmas and Reign Ghost), with The Suicidal Folk-Singers. Psychedelic lighting by Dan Zen. Ric Taylor wrote about Bryden’s launch of Yorkville Days last April at This Ain’t Hollywood: “His underground cult status alone makes him a Canadian music legend but Bob Bryden remains a current, topical, vibrant and important singer/songwriter today with a youthful idealism the world certainly could use.”
www.bobbryden.com

  Friday, October 24 at 8 pm, cover $10 suggested. Special fundraising concert by singer-songwriters Richard Laviolette and Baby Eagle, both members of the You’ve Changed Records group of artists.
RICHARD LAVIOLETTE: Richard Laviolette writes compassionate songs of romance, protest and political struggle. Songs full of life and mortality, sung in a clear brave voice. This show is also a fundraiser for Laviolette’s upcoming country record “A Day’s Worth of Dirt“. He is excited to share some new material from that record. We encourage you to attend these shows and give extra funds if you are able.
www.youvechangedrecords.com
http://richardlaviolette.bandcamp.com/
BABY EAGLE: Steve Lambke writes songs as a staging ground for collaboration with other musicians. They are punk rock songs that don’t often sound like punk rock songs. A communion in an alienating world. www.youvechangedrecords.com
facebook event link: https://www.facebook.com/events/297037740500177/

Thursday October 23, at 8 pm, $5/pwyc. Jazz with The Matthew Pullicino Tercet, a trio of past and present Mohawk Jazz/Contemporary music students from the Hamilton area. The Tercet likes taking standards and adding a modern twist. Matthew Pullicino is an up and coming second year drummer with a solid drive to learn and play in the Hamilton music scene. Studying under the wings of Kevin Dempsey, and Ted Warren, he has developed a bright, dynamic sound. Emmott McFadden is currently studying with guitar gurus Bob Shields, and Mark Ucci. Inspired by Canadian Jazz guitar icons Lenny Breau, Sonny Greenwich, and Ed Bickert, playing single note lines whilst accompanying himself with harmony. Jonas Pearson-Paavola on bass is a Mohawk music alumni emerging in the Hamilton music scene. Playing in a variety of styles such as Fusion, Rock, Hip-Hop and more, Jonas studied under Will Jarvis, Kevin Dempsey, and Pat Collins to name a few.

Wednesday October 22, at 7:30 pm, $10. A wonderful evening of three indie singer-songwriters on tour: Karyn Ellis, Marina Marina and Richard Garvey, with new songs and new albums.
Karyn Ellis is a singer-songwriter from Toronto. Last winter she released her fourth album “More Than A Hero”, written while she lived in BC north of Vancouver, in the foothills of the Cariboo mountains. She spent two years there nestled in a country house beside a river and two babbling creeks. Although she recently moved back to Toronto to reconnect with her musical roots, the influence of BC’s stunning mountainscape has had its impact on the new album. Karyn Ellis: http://karynellis.com
Marina Marina, a singer/songwriter who plays fingerstyle acoustic guitar, is from Vancouver BC. A packed tour schedule over the last two years has seen her performing in venues across Canada, Europe, the UK and Australia. Marina’s ‘organic free range folk pop’ has been described as being “like golden mist caught in a strong wind twisting into patterns and sparkling in the gentle muted sun.” Her music is earthy and soothing and it all sounds so effortless, like her guitar is part of her body. Marina Marina:  http://aboutmetoyou.com
Richard Garvey, a regular performer at Arword Artbar, is Kitchener’s hardest working folk/roots musician dedicated to building community through music. His down-to-earth and genuine voice echoes a generation of youth that longs for environmental justice and social change. Richard Garvey: http://richardgarvey.ca

Saturday, October 11, 2014, at 8 pm, $15. The Hill Brothers Bluegrass Band in a reunion concert! First time on Artword Artbar’s stage, and a rare appearance by the amazing Rocky Hill. Featuring Randal Hill on mandolin and vocals, Rocky Hill on guitar and vocals, Tim MacDonald on banjo and Owen Mahoney on bass. Photo left shows the band in 2009!

Thursday October 9, 2014, at 7:30 pm, $10. Artbar favourites Jane Lewis and Sam Turton return with a special event — combining their popular Singalong with Jane’s CD release! The evening will feature a mix of original music from Jane’s new album Stay With Me, and your favourite classic tunes to sing with. Special guest Eve Goldberg will share the stage, making this a night you don’t want to miss!  www.janelewis.ca
www.all-together-now.ca/singalong.html

Saturday October 4, 2014, at 9:00 pm, no cover. Sherman & Lee concert cancelled. We will be hangin’ out with the See Bob Run team and friends for an acoustic jam.

Saturday September 27, 2014, at 8 pm, $15. Back again for another wonderful evening: Michael Vallely, Matt Coleman and Randal Hill. Singer-songwriter Michael Vallely presents an array of heartfelt original songs and a few interesting covers. Violinist Matt Coleman brings a deft touch to each piece, injecting soulful phrasing or blazing fiddle when required. Multi-instrumentalist Randal Hill rounds out the group, playing his unique banjo stylings and providing harmony vocals.

Thursday September 11, 2014, at 9:00 pm, no cover, tip jar. Artword Artbar’s season launch and Supercrawl Showcase #1, a kick-off special: Chris Skrzek, trombone player extraordinaire, has put together a nine-piece band called Skirt Check, with a five-piece horn section! Seating limited, call 905-543-8512 to reserve.
Skirt Check is a new, dynamic 9 piece band in the Hamilton, Ontario area. Consisting of local professionals, the band plays many challenging funk, swing and rock cover tunes (influences Chicago, Blood Sweat & Tears, Tower of Power). Band members: Troy Dowding, Nelson Santos, Sal Roselli, Matt Weil, Kyle Pacey, Fab del Monaco, James Gannett, Anthony D’Angela and Chris Skrzek.

Saturday July 12, 2014, at 8 pm, $5. KAIZEN is a three-piece band: drums (David Carrillo), bass (Shane Lannigan) and guitar/vocals (Wayne Janus). Their sound has a rich variety of influences ranging from Funk, Jazz, Blues, Fusion, Rock, and Latin. At Artword Artbar, Kaizen performs a mix of original and cover material. Kaizen‘s live performance is very captivating and their connect with the audience is outstanding.

Kaizen’s debut release entitled First Impressions, received positive reviews from various national and international sources.  Currently, Kaizen has just finished their second CD. This second disk features a vocalist performing Sanskrit chanting. Their producer Christopher T. Wilson makes a cameo appearance playing some haunting synth as a backing ambient track.

Kaizen is building a strong fan base locally, nationally and internationally. Things are going to soar for Kaizen with the release of their second CD and the launch of their new web page www.kaizen.xyz. Kaizen is in the early stages of their musical journey and they are already being compared to other well known Jazz/Rock greats in the music industry. For more about Wayne Janus, visit http://www.waynejanus.com/

Watch a Cable 14 live performance of Kaizen’s new material http://youtu.be/lAOkVeTomlk

Saturday July 5, 2014, at 8 pm, $10.  Jacob’s Cattle, featuring Roy Patterson guitar, Burke Carroll pedal steel, Paul Donat bass, Mike Billard drums, will bring their richly evocative interpretation of Roots/Americana music to Artword Artbar. http://jacobscattle.com/
The band  performs material from their new CD, Songs From My Father’s House, a collection of mostly original tunes composed by Roy Patterson based on memories of the music he listened to on a daily basis while growing up in rural Nova Scotia; a mixture of country, blues and the gamut of popular music that defined the 1960s and early 70s.  CDs will be available at the gig. $10 at the door includes a free Roy Patterson CD from earlier releases.
“Roy Patterson is undoubtedly one of Canada’s leading guitarists… glorious clarity of tone, sophisticated voicings and featherlight fingerwork.” Toronto Star