THE MUSIC CORNER
oWelcome to The Music Corner. The Music Corner highlights some of the shows that you might not want to miss...
Sadly, The Casbah has now closed. For over 20 years it was one of, if not THE, premiere live music venues in Greater Hamilton. Others have also gone over the years but music continues, and always will. Some of the regular shows will move to venues like the Corktown , Capitol Bar, Clifford Brewing, The Slye Fox and The Cat & Fiddle plus new places like Handsome Dave’s, where Rapscallion once was.
So let’s all support the venues that continue to support live music. Here are a couple of the shows that I’ve highlighted for February:
Brant Parker & the Boiler Blues BandBrant ParkerSundays 2-5:30pm starting February 16th - Boiler & Whistle
The Boiler and Whistle has new owners and also are bringing in some live music, including the return of Brant Parker. Art Boiago, former owner of the Bay City Music Hall, has lent his hand and helped to bring back Brant Parker, and the now named “Boiler Blues Band”, comprising of Brant Parker, Sean O’Grady on drums, Neil Nickafor on bass plus weekly guests. For those who loved the Sunday Blues at the Bay City, this is a welcome return to regular, great blues every Sunday afternoon.
HPO: The Music of James BondMusic of James BondSaturday February 8th - FirstOntario Concert Hall
In past issues I’ve written about the Brott Music Festival’s Jeans and Classic show, with the music of James Bond. What’s not to like.. great classical music AND James Bond. Now it’s the turn of the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra to bring us some awesome classical renditions of the iconic James Bond songs.
Retro Romance RewindRetro Romance RewindFriday February 14th - Michaelangelos
Looking for something to do for Valentine’s and love good retro music? Then this event is for you. 3 of Hamilton’s great retro bands are performing their renditions of classic 80’s (McFlys), 90’s (Dial up the 90s) and 2000’s (Stone The Radio). Taking placed at Michelangelo’s, the ticket price includes a 4 course meal and your chance to dance to 3 great bands. Not just for couples, but whether single or on a date, if you like to dance to retro music, this is for you.
Colin James
Saturday February 15th @ 8:00 pm - FirstOntario Concert Hall
Colin James Legendary Canadian rocker brings his brand of rock and roll to Hamilton on Valentine’s weekend. Supporting his new album Chasing the Sun Local favourite Terra Lightfoot opens the show for him. Always a good show, with our friends Jesse O’Brien and Chris Caddell playing for Colin, this show will also have a great local flavour. Well worth checking out.
ShakersShakersSaturday February 15th - Corktown
Hamilton favourites The Shakers are putting on another local show, this time at the legendary Corktown. The Shakers released their new album, “Left for Alive”, on vinyl and The Album release was at the cover story, the beautiful Westdale Theatre. This time, they’re performing at the Corktown and is sure to be another great show. Comprised of Tim Gibbons, Dave Rave, Rick Andrew and Claude Desroches, the Shakers will get you up and dancing, or at least swaying with a beer in your hand. With a large dancefloor in front of the stage, the Corktown will be shaking this Valetine’s Day weekend.
Quote the Raven -with Andy StochanskyQuote The RavenSunday February 16th - Mills Hardware
Also on Valentine’s Weekend is your chance to see this St John’s duo. Comprised of Jordan Coaker and Kirsten Rodden-Clarke, this duo have great harmonies and blend folk, Americana, and east coast music to bring a fresh sound that if you like folk, you can’t help but like. Winners of the ECMA for Roots Album and they’ve also been nominated for Canadian Folk Music Awards. And Mills is a great venue to see this duo
Northern Pikes and Grapes of WrathNorthern Pikes & Grapes of WrathFriday February 28th @ 8:00 pm - BPAC
If you like early indie music, then this is a show for you. I recently saw the Northern Pikes at the Sound of Music and they were great, playing lots of their classic hits. But it’s been years since I’ve had the chance to see the Grapes of Wrath, another stellar Canadian band. This is your chance to see them both in Burlington at the intimate confines of the BPAC.
Because BRRRBecause BRRRBridgeworks
Friday February 28th with Born In The Eighties
Saturday March 1st with My Son The Hurricane
What’s not to like. Two high energy party bands and a beer festival at the Bridgeworks. Put on by those who run Supercrawl, you might have seen both these bands at Supercrawl. Born in the Eighties used to play Gallaghers too, and if you’ve not seen the horn-driven, dance-crazy, eclectic My Son the Hurricane….then this is your chance. So grab some beer, and see some great music at the same time.
Music HallMusic HallFebruary 21st to March 16th - Drury Lane Theatre
Venture out to the most entertaining, comedic, and wildly outstanding annual variety comedy musical this side of the pond. Booing and cheering are positively encouraged! Enjoy the Medleys, feature songs, skits and a variety of specialty numbers that are the hallmark of this variety show. This year, the 44th Annual Music Hall helps DLTP celebrate 50 years of musical theatre. The entire content of the show will highlight favourite musical selections from many of the shows performed in the past 5 decades. It will be an amazing walk down memory lane, all the while appealing to audiences of all ages.