Band: Chubby and the Chips Home: Chatham Ontario Formed: 1961 Disbanded: 1963
Members: Victor Tetreault – Vocals, Guitar John Chorba – Slap Bass Jerry Vandeven – Guitar Larry Lozon – Drums
Notes: A new group was assembled, known as “Chubby and the Chips”, with John “Chubby” Chorba, on slap bass, Vic on guitar and lead vocals, Jerry Vandeven of Chatham on guitar, and Larry Lozon on drums. The group played the halls of Kent and Essex Counties for two years quite successfully.
Band: The Country Playboys Home: Chatham Ontario Area Genre: Country Music Formed: 1959 Disbanded: 1961
Members: Victor Tetreault – Vocals, Guitar Albert Mays – Steel Guitar Adam Takacs – Accordion Glen Pickering – Slap Bass Sammy Marionchuk – Fiddle Bill Pawlak – Drums
Pre ‘Country Cowboys info: 1957 – 1958 A Singing Duo, consisting of Mr Maurice Cyr and Mr Victor Tetreault,
both singing guitarists, who would entertain at weddings and parties in the Dover and Chatham, Ontario area.
Info: Mr. Cyr moved back to Quebec, and Victor added a few more fellows to form
“The Country Playboys”. Mr. Albert Mays of Blenheim on steel guitar, Mr. Adam Takacs
of Chatham on accordion, Mr. Glen Pickering of Blenheim,Ontario on slap bass, and Mr. Sammy
Marionchuk of Ridgetown,Ontario on fiddle, Mr. Bill Pawlak of Chatham,Ontario on drums, along with Vic on guitar and vocals.
Band: Destiny Genre: Country Home: Chatham Year: 1977 Formed: Mar. 1976
Members: Charlie McDonald Len Lucier Norm Caron Vince Emery Jim Devo
Destiny was selected as the top band in Southwestern Ontario and travelled to Ottawa for the nationals. They were also one of the top local acts of the day.
Group: The Castaways Formed: Circa 1963 Home: Chatham Ontario Canada
The Original Trio: Al Burniston – Trumpet/vocals Roy Robinson – Drums Dick Butler – Organ.
The above Castaways picture is circa 1965.
In the beginning, they were known as the “Al Burniston Trio“. When Dick left, Cheryl Lancaster joined the band and soon after Fred Carney (trumpet/vocals) joined them. They changed the name to “The Castaways” around 1965.
Cheryl left in 1968 and Dick re-joined the band and they kept the name. The Castaways continued to play at various halls throughout Kent County.
Thanks again to Cheryl L. for providing the photo & info.
Chatham Connection: Drummer Nigel Barylewicz is from Chatham. He spent his high school years playing guitar in local death metal bands. Nigel later moved to Toronto after high school and released a bunch of solo experimental records through the 2000’s. He plays several instruments, but landed this gig as the drummer for the popular band Lye.
Notes: After solidifying their lineup, Lye took on new management, a new name, and a redeveloped website and worked for months to perfect their live show. Lye now consists of vocalist Brett Carruthers, guitarist James Toth, bassist Stephany Seki and drummer Nigel Barylewicz. Never afraid to jump from the stage and join their fans, the members of Lye have founded their reputation on an interactive and cathartic live show. Carruthers is a manic frontman whose range of emotion runs from one extreme to another. After announcing “this song is a love song” Carruthers bursts into a screaming rage amidst members of the audience.
In 2007, the band released a DVD ‘Live At The Opera House July 8 2006’.
Visit them online here or here.
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A few cover selections: Chicago, Stevie Wonder, Marvin G, and the Love Unlimited Orchestra.
House band for Wheels Red Barrell part of 1975, all of 1976, and part of 77.
Members: Bob Wilson – Bass Tom Starks – Organist Al Trudell – Lead guitar Randy Coyle – Drums
Friends is a very talented group who specialize in soft rock music and now perform full time as a night club act. The age of the members is 21-23.
The guys were all in a band together before with two additional members along side them. The band plays to a full house and a dancing crowd and seem to be getting that respected reputation that they deserve.
Bob Wilson (Bass player) went on to play with Troiano (1979) and later with Kim Mitchell (1984) . For a 2010 update, Bob now performs back home in ‘Bluetonium’ with other top notch local players. Raymond Violot was often called in to sub or add his talents to live performances.
All members of the band have went on to several different groups over the coming years.
Band: The Cricketts Year: 1969 Formed: Circa 1966 Home: Chatham Style: South American Rhythm to country music.
Members: Skip Brook(28) – Dave Andrusak (28) – Vocals, rhythm guitar Bill Labadie (23) – Sax, bass guitar Tony Meriano (21) – Drums
Notes: Bill is from Tilbury and just joined the band about 6 months ago.
About Tony: This was Tony’s first real paying gig as he was just starting out. Tony would go on to play for countless bands over the years including Vic and the Conchords, Maple Shade, Homegrown, and Southwest Blues Review.
Tony was also a popular and important face for the music scene his entire life. Many knew him for his years at Musical Strings ‘N’ Things Ltd, followed by his own music shop ‘Tony’s One Stop Music Shoppe’. He was also on many entertainment boards helping the city with its festivals and events. Tony passed away in 2010, but will be remembered as a leading supporter of local music and its history. Almost every single individual listed within the ‘Chatham Music Archive’ knew Tony, or had met him.
Artist: Sal Piamonte Band Home: Ottawa Release Title: Free Money Genre: Rock Date: 2009
In 2000-2003, Sal moved to Chatham, bought a house, & brought his former band, “Daisy Ella Mojo Crew” to live with him. He was brought here through his day job that was based in Chatham at the time. He recorded at Eyrespace Studios while he was in town, and the local rock station was featuring one of their singles, “Friends Don’t Come Around,” at the time. As it stands now, Sal would love to make it back to Chatham and perform with his new band. Maybe the upcoming tour may see a stop in Chatham. The new album is a top notch release from this band and is worth a listen for sure.
Notes: Sal Piamonte’s music was featured in promos for Animal Planet (Discovery Channel)’s Tiger Week.
In fact, Sal also happens to be a successful psychological profiler for a provincial police force by day, and local rock star by night. Over the course of the last 10 years he has tested, interviewed and counseled everyone from prisoners, to autistic children, patients with brain damage and even paranoid schizophrenics.
But music is his first real, true love. This lifelong affair with music and the guitar began at age 5 on a trip with his mother to Australia. “I remember pretending to play the guitar on this plastic little guitar they had bought for me. When we returned to Canada, I asked my mom to buy me a real guitar and she wasted no time putting me in lessons.”
Tracks: 01. One Night In Paradise 02. The Rogue 03. Who’s That Knockin’ 04. 1000 Miles 05. Balance Of My Shame 06. Misery 07. Hard Luck Woman 08. Ain’t No Time 09. Free Money 10. Where Wild Horses Run 11. One Last Goodbye
Band: A Dying Fixation Year: 2006 Genre: Metal Home: Tilbury
Members: Cory Chauvin – Guitarist (ex-Lesser Known, D.N.A.) Darren James – Vocals (Dismata, PitBull Grin)
Notes from their page:
Rearing it’s ugly head in June 2005 “A Dying Fixation” was spawned from a simple concept…friends getting together to deliver a punishing dose of extreme groove-oriented hard-core / metal music. A new project where the main focus is to bring something a little fresh to the current scene while leaving a trail of musical destruction behind them.
They have released three tracks on ‘myspace.com’ that include Vultures, Home Town Grotesque, and Martyrs Wear Murder Weapons.
Name: Smit-Deuce (Chris Smith) Release: ‘CK DUBBZ – The Beginning Year: 2008 Genre: Rap, Hip Hop Home: Blenheim Reside: Chatham
Starting off young, Smit-Deuce developed a fondness for hip hop. He started off freestyling with his boyz in 1999, kickin it at parties. It was soon after this that the tragic passing of a long time friend inspired him to take it to the next level. Smit-Deuce released his first album titled ‘Lyrical Assasin‘ in 2007.
He partnered up with friends Jamie J and DJ K-DUBB and released their first group album Titled ‘CK DUBBZ – The Beginning’ in 2008.
Visit him online here or here.
Watch the videos online here.
Name: Linz Ross Home: Chatham Ontario Genre: Acoustic folk & popular cover songs. Performs: Solo and as a duo with Sarah Hiltz. She also performs at open mic night at ‘The Nest’ with her Mother Julie.
Linz Ross is a young and talented singer from Chatham Ontario who also plays the acoustic guitar & piano very well.
Over the years, Linz has lent her voice to several local recordings by Julie Ross, Mike Gorman, Sarah Hiltz and more. She remains highly active in the live music scene and continues to play in Chatham and other cities through out the year.
External video (working as of April 2010) of Linz and Sarah doing a cover of Arcade Fire.
Watch it here.
Name: Charlie Burgess(AKA L.C.) Year: 2010 Genre: Hip Hop/R&B Home: Chatham Ontario
Note from his website:
On Oct of 08 I put out a free mixtape for people just to get my music out there n I was quite happy on how the public liked it…
In early 2009 James and I got back together again. It’s been a few years since we recorded together because we were doing our own things. The both of us have a strong passion when it comes to music and Playasville.
So in June of 2009 we put out the first ever mixtape from Playasville ENT. The name of the mixtape was entitled “Now and Forever”. We searched all over North American for artist that we fell would make this mixtape sound great. 18 great artists from all over North America were featured on this mixtape.
As of right now I’m currently in the studio working hard on my solo mixtape.
* Visit him online here or here. Watch their videos here.
Venue:Big Shots Year: 2010 Location: 17 King Street W. Chatham, Ontario (Near Cinema Six & Clems Book Store.
Big Shots have gone out of their way to bring their customers everything they need for a good time. This also includes live bands. The bar has a great out door patio that often has live acoustic acts performing, including Ray Whaling, Julie Ross etc. With Jersey’s shut down right now,(early 2010) many people are discovering this new venue and are loving it.
Chatham’s Newest Hot Spot!
We’ve got lots of pool tables and T.V.’s…
A gorgeous VIP room for you to host your trendy private parties…
A superb bar menu and the best servers to make your stay more enjoyable!
Our bar is ALWAYS STOCKED with premium liquers and COLD BEER.
Update:April 29th 2016. The owners of Big Shots have moved locations in early 2016. They have have also changed their name to Champz. The venue will be located on St. Clair, with better opportunities with the heavier traffic flow. Link:Champz Sportz Grille on Facebook.
Band: Hero Home: Chatham Ontario Year: 1980 Style: Rock Jazz Band
Members: Bob Wilson – Bass Paul Delong – Drums Steve Fowler – Guitar (Note: Bob and Steve are from Chatham)
The band was just recently formed (1980) when Bob and Paul realized the band Troiano was about to come to an end due to musical differences.
The group chose the name ‘Hero’ based on Steve Fowlers old high school dance band from when he was 16. That band only lasted three months, but the spirit lived on.
At Age 26, Bob is a seasoned musician having played locally at age 18-19 with Friends and Quadrant.
In 1978, Bob joined Troiano, and later Kim Mitchell.
Steve (25) also played in Quadrant, and then went to Toronto to join up with ‘Warner Brothers’ recording artist Garnet Ford. Halfway through 1979, he also paired up with another great local guitarist (Tom Lockwood) to become Lockwood-Fowler Band.
The band is completely instrumental and has no intentions of hiring a front man. The skill level of the members could blow away any rock band out there today.
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Anyone with pics, please email us, or leave a comment at the bottom of the page with a return email address.
Band: Cold Sweat Year: 1968 Genre: R&B group Home: Chatham
Leroy Hurst (from Windsor formerly with Little Leroy And The Citations) on lead vocals Fred Stubbs – guitar Jim Cooke – Bass Al Nichols – drums Dan Bullard – Keyboards Gerry Nagle– saxophone George Wilson – trumpet Bob Sass – Flugel Horn, French Horn, Trombone, saxophone, etc.
Bruce Robertson took over on vocals for the last 3 or four months. In September of 1968 the groups van hit a steer on the highway near Lucan on the way home from a gig in Wingham. Bruce Robertson was killed and three other members of the band were hospitalized. The band never re-formed.
Chatham’s Fred Stubbs, was a local guitar teacher.
Band: The Ken Crone Trio Year: 2010 Genre: Jazz Home: Chatham-Kent
Members Ken Crone– piano Pat Crone – drums Ed Laporte – bass
The Ken Crone Trio will entertain you with some of the best jazz music on the planet. With a special guest each night, their concerts are always fresh … always exciting … and always sold out!
Ken has worked with Bill Cosby, Phyllis Diller, the Mills Brothers, the McGuire Sisters and other legends. Pat is the son of Ken.
At age 80, Ken Crone has been making music for almost 70 years. For the past 3 years, the Ken Crone Trio has been performing to sold-out crowds at Studio One in Chatham.
You can catch them live in Studio One (Kiwanis Theatre).
In 2008, the Trio released a CD that includes covers from many of the jazz greats.
Band: The Ken Crone Trio Year: 1985 Genre: Jazz Home: Chatham-Kent
Members Ken Crone– piano Mike Crone – Bass Pat Crone – drums
The original Ken Crone Trio consisted of sons Mike on bass and Pat on drums.
Ken Crone and bassist Ed Laporte were in a rock band in Windsor in the late 50`s and have worked together for more than 40yrs. The Ken Crone Trio has had different members over the last 40yrs (as of 2010) , but it’s always been about playing the best in jazz standards and keeping this style of music alive.
About Ken Crone Instruments: piano and saxophone Home: born and raised in St. Thomas Resides: Crone moved to Chatham at around age 18, and has called it home ever since.
First professional music job at the age of 12.
Played most of his life in Windsor and London.
Played sax until he was 28 and then went back to piano.
Ken’s Performances.
Performed with the Guy Lombard Band.
Crone has taught piano over the years and has been the church organist at Chatham’s St. Ursula, Blessed Sacrament, and London’s Holy Cross.
Singers he has been involved with include Teresa Brewer, Jerry Vale, Julius Larosa, Julliette, Fat Bob Taylor, Val Brown, Dennise Pelley, Al Martino, Tommy Ambrose, Gisselle McKenzie, Ricky Nelson, the Everly Brothers, Bobby Vinton and Gene Barry.
Crone has performed with Bill Cosby, Steve Allen, George Carlin, Phyillis Diller, Jack E. Leonard, Henny Youngman, Soupy Sales, Marv Welch and Frank Gorshin
He’s also been on stage with the Four Aces, the Four Freshman, Four Saints, the Mills Brothers and Roy Clark, to name a few.
Ken’s son Pat also plays in the band Manpower.
2010 Update:
The group still performs to ‘sold out’ shows in 2010 at the Cultural Centre. The Trio continue to achieve their goal of playing the best in jazz standards and keeping this style of music alive.
Also, in 2010, (25 years later) Pat is still drumming in the great rock band ‘Manpower’. The band continues to play in clubs and outdoor festivals today.
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Singer: Stephanie McIlroy Release: Life Is Not An Act Year:2010 Genre: Pop Home Town: Merlin Ontario Resides: St. Thomas
Members: Stephanie McIlroy – Vocals, some acoustic guitar Jeff Mifflin – Harmonies and lead guitar Rick Chrysler – Drums Bob Wilson – Bass
Tracks: 01 forever
02 I believe in you
03 Finally gonna be myself
04 Please re-write my history
05 Meet me halfway
06 Life is not an act
07 You don’t know me
08 I need a break
09 You are loved
10 Forgiven
Notes from her bio.
However soon after her high school graduation, Stephanie followed the advice of well intending people and put her dream of becoming a singer/songwriter on the shelf for many years. During that time she got married and started her family as well as pursuing a career in the Social Services field. For her, it was like putting a square peg in the round hole—Stephanie couldn’t find the right job and make it stick. Along her journey, she discovered that when you are meant to do something, you will end up doing it no matter what. Finally Stephanie took the quantum leap to chase her dream of becoming a professional musician following examples like Shaina Twain.
She is a dedicated musician who continues to hone her skills by studying voice at the Royal Conservatory level, mastering the guitar, and learning more about the music industry. In addition to these things, a few years ago Stephanie took up song writing. Her songs can best be described as raw lyrics about real life. She has been compared to recording artists like Sheryl Crow with an easy listening folk rock sound.
Stephanie has just completed studio time with Brad Dugas of Revelation Sound out of Guelph. Her upcoming album of original material is available.
Enjoy this amazing new recording artist who’s music will touch your heart and soul _ * Listen/watch the preview below.
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External video link. Click on video below to play it.
Band: Dan Knight and the Rebelheart Band Year: 2010 Genre: Country/rock cover band.
The band includes members from Chatham-Kent
Members: Dan Knight– Vocals, Guitar Ken Mungar – Bass, Vocals Tony Bandoni – Guitar Shawn Tasker – Drums, Vocals
Rebel Heart is a high energy, variety band with deep roots in R&B, rock, and country. The band has toured across Canada and the United States for more than 12 years and has played at some of both countries hottest clubs, including Laughlin, Nevada at the Riverside Casino, Miss Marquette Casino in Iowa, and several other casinos throughout the U.S.
Rebel Heart has opened for Ricky Van Shelton, Sweet Hearts of the Rodeo, Restless Heart, Jo El Sonnier, Exile and many other headliners throughout Canada and the U.S.A
Dan Knight is a rockin’ guitarist providing lead vocals to the band. Dan has been running a family business which has given him the time to write and produce the quality material that he is used to creating. In 1987 he had a release with the song “She Lives In a Big House”. Although most of Dan’s accomplishments have been on his own, he spent nearly three years with music artist Joe Firth where he performed at some of Canada’s finest rodeos (Ponoka Stampede, Calgary Stampede, and Klondike Days) and has opened for the Canadian Music Hall of Fame.
Tony Bandoni is fret board rippin’ lead guitarist. Being one of Canada’s hottest lead players, Tony has been nominated as Canada’s instrumentalist of the year on three separate occasions. His portfolio includes Michelle Wright and Ronnie Fray.
Shawn Tasker is the youngest member of the band whose abilities shine as an enthusiastic drummer and vocalist. He has previously played with blues artist: Robin Banks, and country artists: Lorie Scott and Marshall Law as well as The Terry Ashley Band.
Ken Mungar is a groovin’ bass player with strong lead vocals. Ken has played with bands like the Rodriguez Twins, Charlie Clements, Dusty Wayne, The Concrete Cowboys and now Rebel Heart.
Along with their good humor and enthusiasm, both on and off stage, Rebel Heart performs up-tempo, toe-tapping music along with emotionally charged ballads, leaving audiences feeling fully entertained.
Visit them online here.
Dan Knight, the early years here.
Artist: Ralph Murphy Release: Self Titled Year: 2008 Genre: Folk / Country Raised: Wallaceburg Ontario Resides: Nashville
Tracks: 01. Half the Way 02. Seeds 03. Passing Through 04. Star Born Every Minute 05. Wild Rose 06. Occasional Tear 07. Nobody’s Baby 08. That’s the Way a Good Time Goes 09. Old Brown Shoes 10. All Night Rain 11. Lonely Like the Rose 12. Dependable Love Song 13. The World’s Gone Flat 14. And I Miss You
Additional Credits for 2008: * 2008– Ralph vocal harmony credits. Performer: Crystal Gayle. Album: Cage the Songbird/Nobody Wants to Be Alone.
Duo: Guardsmen Year: 1965 Genre: Folk Raised: Wallaceburg Ontario
Members: Ralph Murphy(Raised in Wallaceburg) Jack Klaeysen
The duo began in 1964 as folk singers who also play the acoustic guitar & banjo. Murphy, who was raised in Wallaceburg, left the community in 1965 to pursue a career in the music business and quite a career it’s been. He has earned a number of gold records for songwriting and producing and become one of the best-known people on the inside of the music industry.
Notes: 1965 – Ralph Murphy had his first UK Number One with ‘Call My Name’ recorded by James Royal. Back then Ralph was in a bunch of bands. He put out five albums as an artist. The last deal he had was just as Ralph Murphy solo, and that was 1974.
* At the start of the sixties, Murphy went to L.A., staying in Manhattan Beach and playing the coffeehouses down by the lighthouse.
* Murphy and his musical partner, Jack Klaeysen (a good guitarist from another school-days band) bought one-way tickets from New York and arrived in Liverpool on February 14, 1965. While on ship, they began playing in steerage. Word spread, and they were invited to first class. An agent named Collins heard them and gave them a referral to his brother, Joe Collins – an agent who initially managed the career of his daughter, Joan Collins – with a big agency in London. Murphy didn’t quite believe him – “I said, ‘Yeah, sure, pal,’ and stuck the card in my sock and kept playing for free drinks and carrying on with the actresses on board.”
*When they arrived in Liverpool, they looked for places to play and ended up at a club called the Birdcage. One night, Gerry and the Pacemakers were present and one of the band members began to talk to them. “They said, ‘Hey, man, you guys are really good! What are you doing in Liverpool?’ We said, ‘Hey, this is where it’s at!’ ‘No, it’s not! There’s nothing here! You need to go to London!’”
*Within four months of arriving in London, they had a record deal. Their deal was with Tony Hatch, the already legendary producer and writer for Petula Clark, under his label Pye Records. While they were auditioning for Tony Hatch, “Roger Cook stumbled in and heard us playing and said, ‘You’re gonna sign them, right?’” That encounter was the start of a long and productive relationship between Murphy and Cook.
* Their first album, a folk effort, was as the Guardsmen. Their second album was pop, and they were renamed the Slade Brothers. They cut a couple of their own songs,and also cut a Roger Greenway/Roger Cook song called “What a Crazy Life” that became a hit in early 1966, when they first heard themselves on the radio on Radio Luxembourg.
* In the fall of 1965, they signed a publishing deal with Mills Music, later Belwin Mills Publishing. Later that year, a song penned by Murphy and Klaeysen – “Call My Name” – was recorded by James Royal and became a hit. “It was earth-shaking, it was everything I wanted it to be. I was addicted,” recalls Murphy. “All I ever wanted to be was a stand-alone writer. I wanted to have everyone record my songs and I could sit and listen to them on the radio. I was
ready – bring it on!” The recording of that song also became the introduction for Murphy to another musical career – record producer.
*At that point, Murphy began getting work as a producer throughout town, including CBS, Decca, and Phillips.
Tracks: 01. Sink 02. Faster’s Better 03. Basic Earl 04. Sleep In 05. So Hard to Believe 06. Comical Release 07. Mush 08. All Over Again 09. Hide 10. Orange Plug
Venue: Elephants Nest (A.K.A. The Nest) Location: Chatham Ontario Address: 149 King Street West
The Elephant’s Nest is a cool little music bar located right down town on King Street. Tuesday night is the highlight for musicians and music lovers as Julie Ross hosts ‘Open Mic Night’. Instruments are supplied and many performers play throughout the evening acoustically.
The Nest also has live duos/ bands on the weekends. The key to this club is that you never know what to expect. The club has a cool underground vibe to it on occasions, yet it also plays to the mainstream expectations of your favourite cover songs ringing out into the pub style atmosphere.
The Nest is another choice stop downtown for club crawling. The Nest, Spankys , The River Rock, The JAZZBAH, and the Smoke House are all located on the same block. Add a 5 minute stroll and you will also make it to ‘Big Shots’.
Band: Greater Than Gatsby Genre: Rock Style: Original music Home: Chatham-Kent Formed: Oct. 2009
Members: Cody Woods – Guitar Mathew Dewael – Guitar Matthew Veenstra – Vocals Josh Scott – Drums Matt Schepens – Bass
Note: The group is very young and still developing. They have written a pretty catchy track with “This song is for you (I Hate You)”.
Band Bio from their webpage Greater Than Gatsby was formed in Chatham Ontario Canada, October of 2009, from the remaining members of Last Fallen King (Matthew Veenstra – Vocals, Mathew Dewael – Guitar and Matt Schepens – Bass) who later added the additional members Cody Woods on guitar and Matt St. Pierre on drums. This band, merges high energy pop punk riffs and melodic melodies with technical metal styles and solos. After three months as a band, Matt St. Pierre decided that the band was not for him and parted ways. Shortly after this decision Josh Scott was added on drums.
Band: In A Cloud Of Awesome Year: 2010 Formed: 2008 Location: Kingston Ontario Chatham Connection: Drummer Chris Jackson is from Chatham.
Chris moved away in his 20’s, but he was a well respected drummer and personality playing in bands while he was in Chatham. Does the Aberdeen ring a bell?
They are currently recording as we speak.
Members: Brian Taguchi– Guitar, vocals Steve Sottile – Bass, vocals Chris Jackson – Drums, vocals
Night Club: Encore Bar & Night Spot City: Chatham Ontario Where: 90 Richmond St. What: Live concerts, comedy, dancing, top 40, indie shows, pool
The place to be. Where you can dance the night away to the top 40 hits, rock out to your favorite live local bands, see great concerts and unique appearances by comedians, recording artists, and famous celebrities, play pool, watch sporting events on Chatham’s biggest screen and 10 tvs, and most of all, enjoy an evening with good friends, food, drinks and great entertainment.
With over 6000 sq. feet, ENCORE is Chatham’s largest bar and boasts an upscale atmosphere with a fresh attitude and feel. It’s the place where friends congregate and celebrate. From our innovative cocktails to our impressive lineup of live DJ’s, great bands, international performing artists, and hilarious comic relief, we serve fun every night of the week.
We are the only place in town bringing big name acts to Chatham’s most equipped sound stage. Having featured live shows from notable performers such as Crash Karma, Bif Naked, Thornley, Helix, Karl Wolf, Faberdrive, Default, D12, Jason Mewes, YUK YUKS Comedy, and the Trailer Park Boys, to name a few, ENCORE creates nights you won’t forget.
Band: True Blue Hoodoo Genre: Blues What: Blues Harp Extraordinaire Home: Walpole Island / Chatham Year: 2010
Members: Darren Wrightman – vocals, blues harp Bill Morrow– guitar John Gardiner – bass guitar Rick Chrysler – drums
Notes: True Blue Hoodoo is a mix of Native American Endurance, Irish Canadian ashes of old and the pathways of Southern culture. The bands music is steeped in blues tradition and standards. Heart pounding gritty harmonica and rock solid guitar, are what defines this bands sound. The rhythm section lays down the kind of grooves that crushes the stereo types that has plagued the blues for too long. If you love that old Chicago blues sound, we feel you’ll love True Blue Hoodoo.
The band had a recent line up change with drummers. They have posted a batch on new songs online that include: This is me, Away again, I think I like it, and Eventually.
Twisted Alliance was formed over the summer of ’07 by former guitar player/vocalist Trevor and Drummer/vocalist Austin. After adding a few members (and losing them) they finally came up with a solid line up.
Twisted Alliance has shared the stage with great bands such as Gob, The Johnstones, Ashes of Soma and many more. They continue to write new songs and prepare for shows in the Chatham Kent / Windsor music scene.
Band: Her Life Story Home: Chatham-Kent Genre: Metal Formed: 2009
Members: Jamie Miller – Vocals Lyle Papps – Keyboards, vocals Jordan Horrell – Guitar Ryan Mullins – Guitar Tyler Davis Brown – Bass Brian Wilcox – Drums, vocals
Notes: Matt Hughes was the original bass player. The band released an EP online in 2010. Tracks include Heaven Fades To Hell, Just For Kicks, Funeral Home, My Lamia, Consequences, 2012, Aftermath. ‘ Her Life Story’ is still young and developing.
‘Her Life Story’ band photo credit: Michael Scott-Francis Chalcraft
Venue: JAZZBAH Year: 2010 City: Chatham-Kent Location: 270 King St. W. (Downtown) Phone: 519.380.9119 Style: Soulful music and food. Live bands Friday and Saturday nights
The Jazzbah is a pretty new venue. It adds nicely to the night life downtown.
Click on video below to view inside the Jazzbah
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If video does not appear, watch it here. This is an external link, As of April 2010, it is working.
Venue: The Royal Tavern City: Chatham-Kent Ontario Location: 119 King Street East Established: Late 1800’s Website:Royaltavern.ca
The Royal Tavern has made major improvements since new owners took over a few years ago.
The venue often has live entertainment on the weekends.
Notes: The famous Royal Exchange Hotel was erected in 1840 at the southwest corner of King and Fifth Streets. The original owner of the hotel was Mr. Joe Northwood who later sold to William and Walter Eberts. For many years this was Chatham‘s finest and most popular hotel. It survived until the turn of the century when it was swept by fire. The Royal was later relocated down the street to its’ current location where it has stood proudly ever since.
Band: FORCLOSURE Genre: Rock Year: 2010 Home: Wallaceburg (Chatham-Kent) Formed: Summer of 2009
Members: Craig Laur – L. vocals, rhythm guitar Travis Laur – B. vocals, lead guitar Travis Bernard – Drums Shane Bernard – Bass guitar Adam Routley – Keyboards
Chatham Music Archive 
