Meet the National Academy Orchestra: Ellis Yuen-Rapati, Viola

June 14, 2022

Ellis Yuen-Rapati is a Montreal-based violist. He began his musical education on violin at age four under the guidance of Yvonne DeRoller. Through his studies at McGill University, The Glenn Gould School, and various summer programs, including six years as a member of the National Youth Orchestra of Canada, he has had the privilege of working with prominent musicians including Professor André Roy, Professor Steven Dann, Maestro Michael Francis, The Gryphon Trio, and Cho-Liang Lin.

Music has taken Yuen-Rapati all across Canada, from his hometown in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, to up north in Iqaluit, Nunavut. He has also had the opportunity to play at the Konzerthaus in Berlin, Usher Hall in Edinburgh, and Ruínas do Carmo in Lisbon. Yuen-Rapati is currently living in Montreal where he is completing his GDP at McGill University.

You can follow Brott Music Festival on Instagram.

For more web resources on the Brott Music Festival, click here.

Eclectic Local: A Summer of Love for Hamilton’s Diverse Music Scene

June 3, 2022

Presented by the Hamilton Music Collective, this free outdoor series is curated by prominent cross-genre musicians and local industry professionals who aim to bring vibrant, accessible musical performances to the downtown community. Concerts take place at 141 Park Street North at The Gasworks outdoor stage, just steps from James Street. Time: 5pm.

Something Else! Festival 2022

June 3, 2022

Emerging with renewed life after the COVID-19 pandemic—Zula Presents’ Something Else! Festival has steadily been evolving into a crucial node within the North American experimental music circuit.

“Zula Presents” is a not-for-profit community arts organization comprised of a group of arts professionals with a desire to help enrich Hamilton’s cultural fabric by presenting, since 2014, world-renowned visiting musicians and artists, revered local, regional, national and international artists, focusing on —but not limited to— creative music, newer traditions in jazz, improvised music, the avant-garde, experimental sounds and adventurous art forms from all disciplines.

This year’s celebrations kick off with a jam-packed four days of activity from June 16th to June 19th and then continues with weekend programming up until July 16th.

As always, Something Else! boasts powerful, energetic performances by acclaimed international ensembles in unique settings including Cotton Factory, Bayfront Park, Hamilton Public Library, and Bridgeworks. In addition to showcasing established projects, the festival continues its longstanding tradition of curating one-of-a-kind improvised encounters that produce conversations between artists from various generations, geographical locations, musical backgrounds, and levels of visibility.

Passes to the four-day core festival weekend are on sale for $130 via Eventbrite.

Advanced tickets are now available. Use the same link to get all the artist bios and venues.

For more details, visit the event promotor’s page here.

Sew Hungry Restaurant and Food Truck (and Local Music) Rally on Ottawa Street

May 13, 2022

Saturday May 14, 2022 11 AM to 8 PM

The Music Stage is at Edinburgh and Ottawa Street (by Limoncello Restaurant)

Junestone Releases ‘About Time’ Video

May 3, 2022

Live-off the floor in the basement, Hamilton Ont 10.6.2019

⚡ bandcamp: https://junestone.bandcamp.com/
⚡ soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/junestone
⚡ website: http://junestone.tk/
⚡ tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@junestoneolivia
⚡ facebook: https://facebook.com/junestoneofficial
⚡ instagram: https://instagram.com/junestoneofficial
⚡ twitter: https://twitter.com/junestoneolivia

Junestone is:

BORYS FRANICZEK – guitar, parking
JUSTIN MCHUGH – drums, canoeing
IAN AISLING – keyboards, sunglasses, mixing
OLIVIA BROWN – bass, vocals, song, video

borys⚔️ https://www.instagram.com/funkyborys/
justin⚔️ https://www.instagram.com/justin.mcq/
justin⚔️ https://justinmchugh.bandcamp.com/alb…
ian⚔️ https://www.instagram.com/ianaisling/
ian⚔️ https://ianaisling.bandcamp.com/
ian⚔️ https://ianaisling.com/
olivia⚔️ https://www.instagram.com/junestoneol…
olivia⚔️ https://uncleliftoff.blogspot.com/

Special thank you to ERIC & ANDREW for camping with us, GLEN for the helicopter footage, IWONA for videos of us playing at the Hideout, and ELINOR for classic advice⚡

Brad Hill, A passionate member of the Hamilton Music Community

April 20, 2022

https://blueshamilton.blogspot.com/2022/04/hamilton-musician-brad-hill-was-always.html

Bradley George Edward Hill, 28 FEBRUARY, 1957 – 15 APRIL, 2022 Passed away at home on April 15, 2022 after a heroic battle with cancer. Brad is now reunited with his father George, mother Gwen and brother Barry. He will be greatly missed by his children Matthew, Shannon and Amber (Matt), grandchildren Hazel and Scarlett, partner Mary Ann and her daughter Heather (Liam). Brad was truly a kind and generous man, loved by all who have met him. He was a passionate member of the Hamilton music community since the 60’s, playing in countless bands over the years. Brad was also a past master of the Hugh Murray Masonic Lodge and found great joy in the charity work that his lodge performed over the years. Brad has touched the hearts of so many, and the world will miss his shining light. Cremation has taken place. Family will receive friends at CRESMOUNT FUNERAL HOME, 322 Fennell Ave. E., on Thursday, April 21st from 2-4 and 7-9pm. A service to celebrate Brad’s life will be held on Friday, April 22nd at 1pm in the chapel. Interment to follow at Hamilton Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Canadian Cancer Society or Canadian Mental Health Association are appreciated. Due to COVID, there will be no reception at this time.

Photo: Mary McNutt, published to Facebook

Music and Wellness Collaboration

April 15, 2022

The Hamilton Music Collective announced this review of its AIFEC program to support children and youth with professional music therapy.

We recently teamed up @wellwood_ca, a community-based, non-profit organization which provides information, supportive care programs, and peer support to people who have received a diagnosis of cancer. Thank you for this inspiring collaboration 💛 #HamOnt pic.twitter.com/LHURz9tGa0
— Hamilton Music Collective (@HamMusicCollect) April 14, 2022

New CBC Documentary Film ‘The Last Guide’ scored by Hamilton’s Ian Aisling

April 2, 2022

Frank Kuiack in The Last Guide

[Editors update: Now with over a million views on CBC Docs, The Last Guide has pushed its way up the list steadily since its release on the platform in March 2022. There is nobody like Frank Kuiack. He was a man created and sculpted by the Canadian bush, with an intense love for fishing and respect for nature.]

*The Last Guide* was released on CBC Docs YouTube and on CBC Gem March 29, 2022. It tells the inspiring story of a unique nature/fishing guide named Frank Kuiack who worked for decades in Algonquin Park. Thousands of visitors were instructed in fishing and canoeing and experienced the Ontario wilderness for the first time under Kuiack’s care.

Hamilton composer Ian Aisling’s musical score is well-matched to the timeless and beautiful natural setting. The score captures the sensitive mood with subtle use of strings and muted piano textures. The gentle tones do not disturb the poignant, slow undercurrent of the story as we realize that Kuiack’s days are numbered; cancer is now ravaging the octogenarian’s body. But there is a stronger current of hope and inspiration as we see a man who is at peace with the world; the music and imagery lift our mood. Then we learn from the Guide as he rests in his love of the forest, loves his family, and as he participates generously and expertly as a bridge between the world of humans and the natural environment.

The 44 minute film ends with Kuiack’s own gravelly voice: “There’s nothin’ more relaxing than sittin’ out there in the boat… I don’t care if I get a bite or not. It’s just… I’m out there enjoying life.”

The Last Guide is a work of wonder and is a must-watch for every Canadian nature lover. I was reminded of my own experiences as a canoeist and camper in Algonquin. It has been good for my soul.

Last sound in the film? The twilight call of the loon. Perfect.

The soundtrack is available to purchase on Bandcamp.

Credits:

Director: Cristian Gomes
Executive Producers: Aidan Cheeatow, Cristian Gomes, Kerim Banka
Editor: Kerim Banka
Director of Cinematography: Aidan Cheeatow, Andy Youn
Additional Photography: Kyle MacDougall, Cristian Gomes
Original Music: Ian Aisling
Sound Design: Justin Aucoin, Craft Cave Sound

Blues Studio Presents in Hamilton Canada