THE ZILIS

2014 "Give Me Liberty" Tour Poster

I was approached by Justin of the Zilis to do a poster for their upcoming tour. I was stoked that they wanted to go with the hand drawn style and even more stoked when they brought up the idea of a bald eagle. I love birds of prey. I also love American pop art, so I was excited to get going! I sketched out the eagle and the lettering for "the Zilis" (I used Rush's 2112 album cover as inspiration.) 

And then... major creative block. I just couldn't get myself to put the pen to paper. I hit a wall, and couldn't climb out of it. I would look at the sketch, and then look at the ink and I just couldn't produce. It was horrifying. 

Finally, I just decided not to think about it for a few days. I went out to see some shows, I got drunk, I danced, I laughed and completely put it out of my mind. I went back to it without any expectation. Even as I worked, I didn't think I liked it. I wasn't happy with it, but I kept going anyway. I finished it. I walked away and didn't look at it for two days. Then I came back to it and realized that it was just all in my head. It was a good drawing! The letters are cool, the position of the eagle is cool.... I scanned it, added the dates and the stars, tweaked some of the colours and then I loved it. 

So... lesson to be learned from this: When negative thoughts start eating away at your brain, just walk away. Go do something that inspires you, come back and don't try. Just do. There is no try. There is no spoon. Your work is probably better than you think! Just stop thinking. Draw (or paint, play, sing, dance) like you're a kid again. Do it for the love of it, and nothing else. Even if it's crap, you will get the feeling back and that's what it's all about. That's where good work comes from. Not from overanalyzing. 

Anyway! Enough of that rant. You want to hear about the Zilis, right? Well, if you think young folks these days don't know what good music is, the Zilis are here to prove you wrong!! These guys are tight, talented and their sound is classic. And if you want to support young musicians who are true to the roots of rock n roll, you should totally come out for the tour kick off show at This Ain't Hollywood on August 8th! I will be there, so come say hi and have a beer with me!! 

"Getting To Work"

EAGLE 

Ink on Paper

2014

I like the expression "Getting to work" because it means hunkering down and making progress with a particular goal in mind. But you can also look at it to mean you are receiving an opportunity. "I'm getting to perform live" or "I'm getting to meet my idol" ... I'm getting to work on this cool poster. Honestly, the next two days are going to be spent working outside of the home, so I won't be getting to work until Monday. But that's okay! Mondays seem to be a good day for drawing. And I recently transformed my studio into a space that is a lot more functional and organized. So!! By Tuesday June 17, I should be posting the finished piece. This is me, setting goals. Sometimes working at home is really tough. Being my own boss is not as easy as I thought. I guess this is what my teachers meant about applying myself! 

The HELLBENT ROCKERS

and The VAUDEVILLIAN

Friday May 30th

The Cadillac Lounge

If you're familiar with the my posters, or the Hamilton music scene, or if you are a fan of Ontario Rockabilly, you're probably familiar with the hard-working Hellbent Rockers! These boys sure know how to put on a party, and this show is sure to knock your socks off! So be sure to make your way down to The Cadillac Lounge on May 30!! Be there, or be square!!! 

CINQUO DE MAYO MARIACHI PUB CRAWL 

MEX-I-CAN RESTAURANT 

MARIACHI FUEGO

DJ MARK (Discography) 

This one is a quick turn around, happening THIS Monday!! But it's such a unique and exciting  event, I wanted to share!

Mex-I-Can is a well known, long-established Mexican restaurant on James St. North, right here in Hamilton. The owners are very friendly, and the food is amazing. I suggest the burrito supreme (but share it, cuz it's freakin' enormous!) But more than anything, they have the best damn Mojito's I've ever tasted! MMmmmmm So good!

I'm not familiar with Mariachi Fuego, but I think it should make this event feel very authentic and probably prompt a few shots of Tequila!! You know I love my Tequila! 

Along with this amazing food and music, there will be beer tasting with the now-trending import beer, Pistonhead Kustom Lager. 

The fun doesn't stop there! After eats and treats, the whole crew will spill out onto the streets for a good old-fashioned pub crawl to some of Hamilton's hottest hang outs. Finally arriving at the notorious This Ain't Hollywood for a full-on dj set by Discography's DJ Mark (Dr. Disc)!! 

How's that for a Monday night party??? 

JOHN OTWAY

w/Chris Houston

Friday May 23, 2014

This Ain't Hollywood

John Otway rose to cult status through his stage antics and self-depreciating sense of humour. 

Honestly, the best way I can put this.... If you're not familiar with the name (and most aren't), I suggest just taking a glimpse of this trailer for a movie about Otways ....interesting music career! 

Rock And Roll's Greatest Failure: Otway the Movie Trailer

And who else could possibly fit this bill better than Chris Houston?!! He's such a character and I think the world might wiggle a bit out of it's axis when these two are in the same room! 

Chris Houston on the Barbershop Podcast

MATT ANDERSEN

True North Records

Illustration and hand crafted font: Ink on paper. Digital background. 

Receiving a commission from Canada's oldest Indie label, True North Records, has definitely been the highlight of 2014. Not only was it an honour to be recognized by such an amazing company, they were very kind, encouraging and supportive. I can honestly say that it challenged and strengthened me, in all the best possible ways. I could blather on for hours about how thrilled I am that I had this opportunity, but instead I will do my job and promote the artist for whom the poster was created!!! And it's a good one! 

Matt Andersen is a blues guitarist and singer-songwriter from Perth-Andover, New Brunswick. Aside from several awards (such as several East Coast Music Awards, Maple Blues Award & Euro Blues Award) He is also the first Canadian winner of Memphis, Tennessee's Int'l Blues Challenge! Andersen's new album, "Weightless" is available on his website, where you can also check to see when he's playing near you! 

Feeling grateful! 

IAN ANDREWS & THE SMOKIN' SCOUNDRELS

The Hell Bent Trio

April 26th, 2014

The Corktown Tavern

Ian Andrews was born in Guelph, but moved to Hamilton in 2012 and started really getting into the Blues scene. "It's going great!" says Andrews. "My act is just over a year and a half old and I've already had the pleasure of playing with some incredible (talent)" Aside from his blues/rock act, Andrews has been collaborating with some other musicians to make a recording of some more abstract music. Andrews is influenced by all kinds of music and sounds, siting Johnny Winter, The Three Kings (Al, Freddie & B.B.) as well as many local acts. Fondly recalling the first time he heard King Biscuit Boy & Crowbar, Andrews says "...that gave me a fever!"

Also on this bill is The Hell Bent Trio. Sound familiar? Probably because you're thinking of The HellBent Rockers, which is the full version of this band. When Bill isn't available to sing, Nicoloff steps up to the mic, and the show goes on... but just as a trio! So you know you can expect a great show, just a bit stripped down! 

Ian Andrews photograph by: Alison Novak. You can check out Alisons work at:  alisonnovak.com

IT'S RECORD STORE DAY!!

In honour of Record Store Day, I'm posting this photo of the original pen and ink drawing I did for the Magic Christian-Gord Lewis 45 released by Schizophrenic Records  

Downtown Sound Recording Studio - First Year Anniversary

DOWNTOWN SOUND RECORDING STUDIO

FIRST ANNIVERSARY PARTY!! 

w/THE MOGS

THE MYSTICS

THE BLUE DEMONS

THE HIGH TIDES

MOLLY BABIN

PLUS!! DJ JOE ROCKHEAD

This event celebrates the first year anniversary of a great local recording studio in the James North/Barton area! Sure to be a blast from beginning to end. Bring your dancing shoes! Get ready for a party!!!! 

Downtown Sound Recording Studios was started by Mario Pietrangeli, a native of Hamilton who moved to Toronto in 1979 in pursuit of a "serious" day job. Mario has been recording music since he first acquired a 4-track cassette recorder in '96. Originally operating the studio in the basement of his Toronto home, Mario retired from his day job and moved back to Hamilton, where he opened Downtown Sound in May of 2013. Mario has since worked with a number of local recording artists, including: Molly Babin, Martin Verrall, Mystics, The Mogs & others! 

BOB BRYDEN & THE SUICIDAL FOLK SINGERS (FT. KORI POP) 

w/ Hollow Earth & Kensington Prairie 

Friday April 25/14 

THIS AIN'T HOLLYWOOD

Telling the story of Bob Bryden is a bit of a daunting task. The Ottawa born rocker has worn many hats in the field of music. Most notably was an psychedelic eccentric band called Christmas. The band was well received by music lovers, but was a little too creative for mainstream media. 

With an arsenal of experience and talent, Bob Bryden has released a new album: The Yorkville Days. "Yorkville Days" is an upbeat, hippie-centric homage to the trendy Yorkville area of Toronto in the 1960s. Joining Bob for this show, is a young, artistic. Hamilton singer named Kori Pop. I've seen her perform, and she's really just lovely. 

Hollow Earth and Kensington-Prairie also perform at this talent-packed event. 

Admission is $20, and that includes a "Yorkville Days" CD! 

GREG ASHLEY (of The Gris Gris) 

w/ John Brothers Piano Company 

& Molly Babin

Greg Ashley of The Gris Gris fame plays This Ain't Hollywood on Tuesday April 15th. Be sure to get there early, as these weekday shows usually get under way at a reasonable hour. 

Opening for Greg is John Brothers Piano Company and Molly Babin.

This could be one of the most interesting shows of the season. See you there! 

GINGER ST. JAMES & The GRINDERS

for the Light Of Day Hamilton Fundraiser

with Tongue Fu & DJ Sammy Squid

Ginger St. James needs no introduction, and although The Grinders and Ginger have been playing gigs for years, seeing them at This Ain't Hollywood is a special treat. This amazing lineup will get you on your feet! Carrie Ashworth on bass, Tom Lamontagne on drums, Snowheel Slim on guitar and Greg Brisco on the straight eights lend a powerful backdrop to Gingers powerfully seductive voice!  Get ready to boogie & grind! 

And if you haven't heard Tongue Fu,  you've probably heard OF them... this is a great opportunity to see these guys rock! Gord Lewis, Lou Molinaro, Dave Elly, Gene Champagne and Greg Brisco form a powerhouse of sound that is reminiscent of  1970s New York rock n roll!  

There are some special secret guest appearances that will blow your mind! Make sure you get your ticket from Light Of Day Canada, the charitable organization that will benefit from this amazing event. Thanks to Andrea Rehill for all her hard work and dedication to this yearly event. 

The Do Good Assassins 

(Ron Hawkins of Lowest of the Low) 

with By Divine Right & Lindy

Thursday March 27, 2014

This Ain't Hollywood

Ron Hawkins (Not Ronnie Hawkins) is a Toronto Musician, formerly of Lowest of the Low. Check out his new band The Do Good Assassins with opening acts, By Divine Right and Lindy. 

Doors are at 9pm, and this is sure to be a night of incredible music!! 

SYLVAIN SYLVAIN

SYLVAIN SYLVAIN & GLEN MATLOCK (SEX DOLLS) 

These monsters of rock have helped mould the punk/rock scene for decades. It is not unusual for This Ain't Hollywood to book legendary acts like this. But when two legends team up, it's a show that you really shouldn't miss. Sylvain Sylvain from the legendary  New York Dolls, teaming up with Glen Matlock of the UK's infamous Sex Pistols in an intimate setting like This Ain't Hollywood is guaranteed to be one of those magical nights. And if you are familiar with one of Hamilton's most well known fashion designers, Buckshot Bebee you will know that she is over the moon to be featured on this bill. Buckshot is co-owner of James St. North fashion boutique Blackbird Studio!

Get tickets at This Ain't Hollywood

345 James St. North, Hamilton~ 

THE GREAT MACHINE

w/ City & the Sea, Navy Skies and Redanda

Friday March 28th @ThisAint Hollywood

Formerly known as "Greg Preston & The Great Machine", this band has been around for a while. Check out this bass-heavy, sweet garage-y sounding song: "Leave The Light On". So fun! 

Check this show out at This Ain't Hollywood on March 28th

Meanwhile, check out these links!!

The Great Machine

City And The Sea

Navy Skies

Redanda

JOHNNY WINTER

w/ Terry Edmunds & Tim Gibbons

Johnny Winter needs no introduction, the man is a living legend. In the world of blues, he's done it all. It's amazing that he is still touring and that you can see this guitar giant at a club like This Ain't Hollywood in Hamilton, ON. 

Winter produced three Grammy-winning albums for Muddy Waters and was nominated several times himself. He was on the first cover of "Guitar World" magazine, in 1988. 

Johnny Winter takes the stage with local blues hero Tim Gibbons and Cape Bretons own Terry Edmunds. 

Tickets are available here while they last! Or you can check in and see if there's any left at Dr. Disc on Wilson Street. 

MAKING HEADLINES.....

Sometimes I'm amazed that there are others who love poster art as much as I do.... And sometimes those people put my work into the same category as my idols. After I'm done chuckling at the thought, I think to myself: "Damn, I better get to work." I really want to be worthy of this article.... 

"The Art of the Concert Poster" by Graham Rockingham

WIN TICKETS TO SEE SYLVAIN SYLVAIN OF THE NEW YORK DOLLS @ THIS AIN'T HOLLYWOOD!!! 

Download this image and then post it onto my facebook page. Get your friends to like it. The person with the most likes and shares by March 10 at 5pm will win two guest list spots for the show! 

Upload your coloured verstion to MY FACEBOOK PAGE

PROFESSOR PIANO FUNDRAISER

February 5/14 - The Pearl Company

I was asked by a friend to make a poster for a fundraiser and when I asked him to send me details he sent me the following info.... 

"Scott Cushnie is a 75 year old pianist who is currently living in Toronto. He is in need of more support personally and professionally. He is relocating to Hamilton. Having grown up in the Bronte area, he taught Kelly Jay from Crowbar his first piano lesson when they were in high school together. The good fellas of Crowbar are contemporaries of Scott. In the 70's, Cushnie toured with Aerosmith and played on two of their albums: "Toys In The Attic" and "Rocks" for which he has received two gold albums. He has recorded with Ronnie Hawkins at Muscle Shoals Studio in Alabama, and album which featured local harmonica legend Richard "King Biscuit Boy" Newell and Duane Allman of the Allman Brothers. 

Cushnie is still playing today, but because he is blind he has great difficulty keeping up with his fans, friends and maintaining a performance schedule that is conducive to his considerable talents. 

He has recorded several albums of instrumental piano duets with some of Canada's finest musicians in the past decade, and is interested in continuing down this path. 

Let's give Mr. Cushnie a great welcoming to this excellent city we call "The Hammer" 

Get your tickets at thepearlcompany.ca/

Sonnie-Bernardi

Roly Greenway

Lori Yates

Duane Rutter

Omar Tunnoch

Trickbag

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STRUMMING FOR HOPE

Breakfast show in support of Interval House 

January 24/14 - This Ain't Hollywood

This is the second annual "Strumming for Hope" show at This Ain't Hollywood, in support of Interval House Hamilton. This is an organization that helps women and children in our community to escape abusive situations and become independent. Organizations like these are so important, and it's a beautiful thing when the community comes together to support them. On January 24th, you can start your day off with a delicious breakfast, some coffee and amazing talent! Check out this amazing line up!! 

harrisonkennedy.ca

Max Kerman of the Arkells

loriyates.com

buckshotbebee.com

daniellebeaudin.com

sarahbeatty.ca

Luke Bentham of the Dirty Nil

Brad Germain

Melissa Marchese of Weekend Riot Club

Dave Pomfret

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JEREMY FISHER

w/Mississippi Bends

February 28/14 - This Ain't Hollywood

Jeremy was born in Hamilton and is now based in Ottawa. He has played extensively across Canada, as well as in Seattle, Washington. His music can be described as folk-based blues. Check out the digital downloads available on his website

Mississippi Bends is a new Hamilton band, including Mary Simon and Andrew Aldridge

Jeremy Fisher "Cigarette" - YouTube

ROCKIN' IN THE DEEP FREEZE

ROCKIN' IN THE DEEP FREEZE

w/Ginger St. James, Hellbent Rockers & Diamond Drapes

Jan. 25/14 - Stonewalls

This winter has been a beast!!! With record lows and blistering winds, it's hard to contemplate what it's like to go without the basic necessities. So many kids go without, and often it's after Christmas that people forget to give to food banks and other charitable organizations. But not our pals! With a line up like this, you know it's gonna get hot! And with proceeds going to such a great organization, you can feel good knowing that you've made a difference! 

Corus Feeds Kids

Ginger St. James sings with the Vanishers "Christmas Wish"

Hellbent Rockers - Steeltown (video)

The Diamond Drapes (Honey Don't) video

Nelson Mandela Tribute Show

A TRIBUTE TO THE LIFE OF NELSON MANDELA

FEBRUARY 9, 2014

THIS AIN'T HOLLYWOOD

It's amazing what Hamilton musicians accomplish when they come together. In this case it is in the memory of Nelson Mandela that Frank Koren has brought together a melding pot of talent (with the proceeds going to local food banks). Tickets are available at This Ain't Hollywood

Harrison Kennedy "Music To My Ears"

tomiswickmusic.com

fredmagie.com

Kim Koren - CBC

Christopher Clause - "Strawberry Fields"

HARRISON KENNEDY

w/Sean LeSage

February 14, 2014

This Ain't Hollywood

"...B.B. King has hailed him as Canada's premier blues performer. Singing and playing the mandolin, the banjo, the guitar and the harmonica in a mostly acoustic setting, his strong poetic writing and full sense of irony largely contribute to the growing success of this very special blues troubadour. His latest album, and his finest to date, Soulscape, displays formidable creativity as he delves into the many musical influences passed on to him. The release of this album is not only a giant step for Harrison, it is one for the blues." -bluesweb.com

harrisonkennedy.ca

Harrison Kennedy - live

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