GEORGE THOROGOOD AND THE DESTROYERS
Thursday April 2nd
FirstOntario Concert Hall
Check out the legendary rocker who still can crank out the classics like Bad to The Bone, I Drink Alone and One Bourbon One Scotch One Beer. For over 5 decades they’ve cranked out some of the best rock tunes you can hear. As George says “We’ll always be focused on playing music that makes all kinds of people happy. Because when the house lights go down, the downbeat hits and the audience erupts, there is no greater feeling in the world.” I remember years ago when I was on crutches I dragged my younger friend Alex to the show and he quickly became a fan and was amazed how good George and The Destroyers were. And don’t let their age fool you because as George says “Don’t let anyone tell you this gig won’t keep you energized. I defy bands half our age to put on a show like we do night after night.”
GOO GOO DOLLS
Thursday April 2nd
TD Coliseum
This will be a big show at the coliseum. You can see them play in front of thousands of fans, unlike the time the played at the now defunct X-Club on King William for 10s of fans. They were just as good back then, but now they’re famous and playing coliseum-sized shows.
GREAT THURSDAY at the CAT
Thursday April 2nd
Cat & Fiddle
I might have been at Thorogood, if I wasn’t already playing that night myself. Thursday April 2nd is referred to as Great Thursday by my brother Don, because it falls on the day before Good Friday, when most people don’t have to work. Years ago we did this at the original Squires on Fennell, and we’re going to do it again at The Cat and Fiddle. Join me and an assortment of other musicians as we play some of your favourite tunes. Join myself, Shawn Tonello, Chris Kozlowski, Rod Moase, Sam DeRosa, Blaise Burke , Anthony Vaughn, Jon Ingalls and more. Not an open jam, but a curated jam with some solo performances as well and all to help benefit legendary party hosts Scott and Fran, where many of us met. There’ll be prizes, raffles, and drink specials thanks to The Hammer Monthly, Clifford Brewing, and the Cat. Music gets underway at 8pm and goes till after midnight.
DIANA KRALL
Wednesday April 8th
FirstOntario Concert Hall
A record-breaking musician, Diana Krall is the only jazz singer to have eight albums debut at the top of the Billboard Jazz Albums chart. Her albums have garnered two Grammy® Awards, ten Juno® Awards and have earned nine Gold, three Platinum, and seven multi-Platinum status albums.
"She is one of the finest jazz vocalists and pianists of her generation, creating a unique sound that combines sophisticated jazz sensibilities with a timeless elegance." — NPR
GOLDEN FEATHER
Friday April 10th
Westdale Theatre
A unique six piece band from Hamilton, Golden Feather was started by Bradley Germain (The Dinner Belles) and Steve Kiely (Monster Truck). The group draws inspiration from bands like The Grateful Dead, The Allman Brothers, Steely Dan, and others that like to jam and take their listeners on a journey. They’ve released 3 EPs, a self-titled studio album through Sonic Unyon, and 2 live albums. They are best known for their energetic live performances on festival stages across Ontario. Their show blends psychedelic visuals with a guitar, keyboard and saxophone heavy harmonic stew, creating an atmosphere for dancing, singing along, and catching good vibes. Come watch the Feather Fly!
RECORD STORE DAY
Saturday April 18th
Various Locations
Everybody knows that 420, or April 20th is the stoner day. It is also Futon Ron’s birthday. But many people don't know that just a few days before, April 18th, is Record Store Day (actually one of 2 semi-annual days). Record store day started in 2008 to help promote and celebrate independent record stores. This annual celebration also brings out new releases (often limited), special editions and other promotional deals. It has been credited with helping to promote the brick and mortar record stores and helping many of them survive.
Hamilton has always been a great city for music. Many great performers have come from Hamilton and many continue to play here. And added to that mix, Hamilton is once again home to numerous quality Independent record stores. They include places like INTO THE ABYSS who recently moved but are still downtown on King street. They also often have live performances. DR DISC, run by Mark, aka The Dr, has been a mainstay for years. Located on Wilson Street they continue to sell music, turntables, DJ equipment and more. In Burlington, Paul runs LOONEY TUNES on Plains road, having moved from Brant Street street years ago, while now on Brant Street you have the cool ODD SPOT. Rich and the Odd Spot is Burlington's answer to James at WHERE HEADS MEET (Hamilton Records Store) another great spot to pick up used vinyl and they have thousands of albums. STARDUST RECORDS is a block away on Ottawa St, while a few doors from Cannon is REVOLUTION RECORDS
I talked to Scott Bell from Revolution Records about this. He used to work at the now defunct Cheapies in downtown Hamilton and afterward opened the store on Ottawa Street. Recently he opened a second store in Dundas (where Records on Wheels once stood). This illustrates that record stores are not only here to stay, but can thrive. It also shows there is a demand for vinyl once again. Scott is the one who told me that there was a noticeable increase during covid by people looking for better quality music, and that’s on vinyl. But they also help promote local musicians and at all these stores you can find posters for local shows and artists. They are not just stores but hubs for the musically creatives in Greater Hamilton. But if you’re going, make sure to go to Record Store Day early because due to limited supplies and demand, there can be a lineup.. Last year it started the night before for some die-hards. So get out and support your local record stores.
SOLO: 10TH ANNIVERSARY GALA CONCERT
Wednesday April 22nd
BPAC
The Southern Ontario Lyric Opera (SOLO) is turning 10. To celebrate come see this special closing concert of our 10th Anniversary Season. Returning from our recent production of Tosca are Soprano Maria Vetere, and Tenor Romulo Delgado, along with members of our Youth and Adult Chorus, and full orchestra. We will perform some of the greatest and most beloved moments in Opera! It promises to be a very memorable evening of the best that Opera has to offer. Hope to see you there!
RIVERBOAT REVISITED: TOM RUSH
Thursday April 23rd @ 7:30pm
Westdale Theatre
Part of The Riverboat Revisited series, highlighting iconic performers from the historic Riverboat Coffee House in Toronto. Celebrated folk and blues singer, songwriter, and guitarist Tom Rush is making his Westdale debut for an intimate performance, accompanied by pianist Brendan Cleary. A Harvard University English lit major, Rush began performing in 1961 at Boston’s Club 47 and became a key figure in the 1960s folk revival. Rush helped launch the careers of other artists, including Joni Mitchell, Jackson Browne, and James Taylor, by recording their songs early on. His composition “No Regrets” has become a widely covered standard. The Riverboat Coffee House opened in 1964 and became a legendary venue in Yorkville, hosting countless iconic artists. A hub for Canada’s music scene, it launched the careers of many artists and remains celebrated as a cultural landmark, immortalized with a Heritage Toronto plaque in 2009. Come See Tom and recapture some of that Toronto Folk scene magic.
LOSER PARTY
Friday April 24th
Ridiculous
Looking for a good time … no not that type. I meant a kick-ass glowing party band. Then this is for you.
TRIUMPH: THE ROCK & ROLL MACHINE RELOADED TOUR
with April Wine
Saturday April 25th
TD Coliseum
Triumph formed in Toronto, Ontario, in 1975 after a chance meeting led Emmett, Levine and Moore to embark on a marathon jam session. They immediately decided to form a band and the debut 'Triumph' was released in 1976 on Attic Records. The Canadian power trio stands out as a visionary, uniquely influential entity among their musical brethren. Virtuoso musicianship, soaring melodies and exceptional songs with a positive perspective and outstanding live shows propelled vocalist/guitarist Rik Emmett, bass guitarist/keyboardist Mike Levine and vocalist/drummer Gil Moore to stardom. In 1983 Triumph co-headlined the US Festival in California which attracted nearly 500,000 rock fans, rivalling Woodstock as the largest festival audience is US concert history. Kinda of tells you the type of show you’re in for. Throw in April Wine … I like to Rock!
