Artist: Bushman Release: My Old Guitar Year: 2021 Genre: Country Home: Chatham-Kent, Ontario Contact: bushboismier@yahoo.ca
Notes: Bushman is a staple of the local country music scene. Along with his two brothers and a close friend, he fronted the Koboys in the 90’s. Often performing solo these days, Bush has been pumping out many songs, most of them in line with witty humour, and posting them to youtube to share with friends.
*Recorded, Engineered, Mixed, Mastered, Produced and Arranged By Dave Fitz. South River, NL
Tracks:
Chugging Of A Choo Choo
Show A Little Mercy
Old Outlaw
The Best Mama
Yeah I Love You Too
My Old Guitar
Knees In The Breeze
Life’s Just A Fairytale My Friends
Who To Blame
Will It Be Upstairs Or Downstairs
Sawyer’s Song
Watch the video preview/sampler below, of the release.
Artist: Mitch Robinson Release: In The Shadows With Mr. Johnson Date: 2021 Home: Chatham Genre: Rock, R&B.
Tracks 01 Locked out 02 Time 03 Entice 04 You Know What I Mean 05 Mamas Blues 06 The Shadows 07 Social Climb 08 Thinking of you 09 TV Days 10 Little Girl Blues
Musicians: Guitars & Vocals – Mitch Robinson Drums: D. Foulon, S. Eyres, D. Major, G. Church. Bass – D. Davidson, M. Robinson, T. Willmore. Saxophone – B. Harrett Percussion – M. Drew Keyboards – N. Novosad, M. Calcott. Female Vocals – L. Weaver Backing Vocals – ‘The ‘Alley Kids’. M. Drew, D. Major, M. Robinson.
Notes: Mitch currently performs live in a few bands including Physical Graffiti (Rock) & Steve Oriet Band (Country) Mitch also fronted a Jimi Hendrix tribute show called ‘Electric Voodoo’. The trio was very popular and spent allot of time on the road.
Previous Releases
Mitch Robinson – Brother With A Record (2000)
Electric Voodoo – Synthetic Sin (1995)
Links: * Facebook link here. * Steve Oriet Music link here. * Phyzikal Graffiti link here. * In 2021, Mitch also performed the guitar solo in a fun local project called the Good Robots, covering ‘Hot Child In The City’, by fellow Canadian Nick Gilder’. Video link here.
Band: Koboys Year: 1995 Genre: Country Music Home: Chatham-Kent Ontario Music: Covers & originals
Band Members: Bush Bushman – Lead vocals & rhythm guitar Dwayne Boismier – Lead guitar Darryl Boismier – Bass & backing vocals (Diamond) Dave Foltz – Drums
Notes: The Koboys were a popular country cover band filling venues in the area.
Below video, was televised live from EightBall, in Chatham, Dec. 13th, 1995. (Bush,dwayne and darryl are the BOISMIER BROS, FOLTZ was like a bro to them.
Artist:Aaron Allen Release: Highway Mile (EP) Year: 2020 Genre: Country Music From: Chatham Ontario Resides: London Ontario
Tracks: 01. Where Music Comes from 02. Highway Mile 03. Can We Go Back 04. Mine All Mine 05. Superman 06. Good Tattoo
Notes:Aaron won the Ontario’s “Rising Star” in country music, from the Country Music Association of Ontario (CMAO). In 2020, Aaron has decided to pursue music full on.
Discography
2006 – Aaron Allen – Self Titled (11 songs)
2007 – Aaron Allen & The Small City Saints – Self-Titled (12 songs)
2009 – Aaron Allen – A place called hell (15 songs)
2011 – Aaron Allen – IV (6 songs)
2012 – Aaron Allen & The Small City Saints – Self-Titled (5 songs)
2015 – Aaron Allen & the Small City Saints – Better days (10 songs)
2020 – Aaron Allen – Highway Mile (EP, 6 songs)
Watch/Preview all songs below in the video.
Links: * Play on spotify here. * Play at Apple Music here. * Website here.
Band:Blutonium Home: Chatham-Kent Ontario Genre:Rhythm & Blues Style: Cover Band Year: 2020 Formed: 2009
Members Scott Campbell – Vocals Bob Wilson– Bass Rick Chrysler – Drums Jeff Mifflin – Guitar Mark Tremblay – keyboards
Brief Members Band History: *Bob Wilson has played bass for major acts such as Kim Mitchell, Troiano, & Black Market. He has played in popular local acts such as Tom Lockwood, Quadrant, Badge, & Friends.
*Scott Campbell – Beggers Operah, & Blueswraith, among others. * Scott Campbell took over lead vocal duties in Blutonium in 2013, with the departure of Phil Caron.
*Rick Chrysler – Hat Trick, Blues On The Rocks, Big House, The Why Nots, Stephanie McIlroy, True Blue Hoodoo, The New Love Family Band, Nexus, Quadrant , Rosco, Fifth Night, Red Herring, Chickoree, Rebel, Airtight, Route 66, Manpower, & Highwaze. Plus more I am sure.
*Jeff Mifflin – Stephanie McIlroy, A Step Further Into The Blues, & O’Hara Brothers Band. He also is a recording engineer on his own time and has done several recordings for many bands & projects. Among other things in music, Jeff is also a respected live sound engineer.
*Mark Tremblay – Currently also plays keyboards in SoulCat & Moondog Howlers. Played with Tom Lockwood, Ray Whaling, Fowler Lockwood Band, Ground Zero, Appliances Band, Nexus, Quadrant, Roscoe, Red Herring, Chickoree, Airtight, & more.
Recent performances: * Ups n Downs in Sarnia * Wortley Road House in London *The Kent, the Fortresss, & the Sons of Kent, in Chatham
Band: Traffic Jam Genre: Jazz & Funk (Covers) From:Chatham Ontario Year: 2020 Formed:2019
Members: Michael Rossi – Guitar Steve Eyres – Bass Pat Crone – Drums
Traffic Jam is a very talented band with leading veteran players in our community. Special guests often join them on stage to perform various songs. They can be seen performing at venues around town, and also performing at private events.
Genre: Country, 50’s, 60’s, 70’s, & more Stye:Cover Band
Home: Chatham-Kent
Year: 2020 Formed: 1998
Current Line-Up
Phil Caron
Marc Caron
Brian Benoot
Dave Fox Don Cook
Bio:
It all began in 1998 with Marc Caron, Brian Benoot, and John Couture when they first got together to provide music ministry for a wedding ceremony. The band has continued to evolve with many talented musicians throughout the past 2 decades!
Members have included Ruth Mazan, Brian Sloan, Rob Laurie, Phil Caron, Dean Robert, Kevin Clouthier, Tina Pumfrey, Ron Fleming, Paul Caron and Rosaire Emery. Recent guest musicians Don Cook and Dave Fox have also brought their talent to the group.
Band: Along Came A Spider Genre: Rock/Metal Year: 2019 Home: Cleveland, OH, U.S.A.
Chatham Connection: Jamie Miller (Lead Vocals), although from Chatham, has been making the trips to Cleveland Ohio for the past five years, to be the singer for the band. Jamie now lives in London Ontario.
Band Members: Jamie Miller – Lead Vocals Luke Fockler – Lead Guitar John Calo– Bass Tony Castillo – Drums Joel Sedlak – Keys/Programming
Notes: In 2019, the band made public three songs. 01. Galaxy Eyes 02. Remedy 03. I’m Not Okay (I Promise) (Cover Song)
Links: * Bands Youtube link here. * Band twitter link here. * Band facebook link here. “ “ “ “ “ “
Tracks: 01. Pursue 02. Turn My Eyes 03. The Darkness Doesn’t Scare Me 04. ‘Tis so Sweet to Trust in Jesus 05. You’re Near 06. Maps (Interlude) 07. Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus
Notes: * ‘Pursue’ received a Juno nomination for Contemporary Christian/Gospel Album of the Year.
If video does not appear above, watch the Video/Preview of all songs here.
Links
* Brooke’s website here.
* Brooke on Facebook here.
* Brooke on YouTube here.
* Brooke on Spotify here. “ “ “ “ “
In 2019, Brooklyn released two songs. 01. Break It Again 02. What Goes Around
Notes: * On Sept 23rd 2012, Brooklyn won YTV’s Next Star Contest which had over three Million voters across Canada. She released her first single and video “The Way I See You”. The song & video for ‘Lemon & Lime was also released. * Her YTV win gave her more than just an edge on the country scene – Brooklyn has enjoyed being able to host multiple “Movie Nights” on YTV, as well as guest starring on the network’s popular series “Life with Boys.” She has hosted YTV’s The Zone, and even interviewed future “The Next Star 6” hopefuls in Toronto.
* 2013 – Brooklyn released a four song EP entitled Storyteller. In March 2013, she recorded her second single, “ONE OF THESE DAYS”, at Sony/ ATV studios in Toronto with producer Rob Wells.
* 2015: Releases her song ‘Good Day‘.
* 2016: Brooklyn also released one song entitled ‘Sweet On Me’. Written by Brooklyn Roebuck and Annette Barkley.
*2018: In 2018, Brooklyn released three songs. 01. Things That I Don’t Miss, 02. Bad Seed, 03. Barn Burner.
All three songs can be found at iTunes here.
Links:
*‘What Goes Around’ on spotify here. * ‘Break It Again’ on spotify here. * Youtube link here. * Facebook link here. * Twitter link here. “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “
Artist: Julie Ross Release: Treasures & Ghosts (5 song demo) Year: 2005 Genre: Adult Contemporary, folk. Home: Chatham Ontario.
Note:The demo includes one original track ‘Rearrange’ & four cover songs.
Update 2019: Julie has since put out a few full length releases, hosted open mic in town for many years off & on, and hosts a weekly song circle (Circa late 2010’s) that allows people to share their musical craft with other local like minded people.
* Live music venue with Top 40, Country, & Rock/Classic Rock acts.
* The Fortresss Tavern is the best sounding room in all of Chatham. They have live bands
every Friday and Saturday night. They also have solo acts every Thursday night.
*Fortresss Tavern is Wayne Caron’s dream come true. For a long time, he was fed up of the inconsistent availability of good live music and Chatham-Kent and he always said that one day he would open a bar to do something about it. Well, that day has finally come!
Some of the bands playing in 2018/2019.
80’s Gone Wild, Loveless, Mrs. Fox, Lucas Chaisson, Mark Chichkan, Continuum, John Atlee, Dusty D’Annunzio, Mouth Trap, J#Major, The Chasers, Retrospect, Those Guys, United Snakes, Moondog Howlers, SnakeBite, The Whaling Band, Guy Shields Trio, Dirt Road Jammers, Hurt N Merv, Soul Signatures, Paying Cash: The Johnny Cash Show, Blutonium, The Mixx, British Beat 66, Twang Bastards, Rob Kirkham and Neon Rain, Bombsquad, The Soulshakers, Contact Zero, Rendition, Superfly, United Snakes, The DAM Band, Jessika Rabbit, Whistler Creek, Johnson’s Creek, Practically Hip, Jeff Back,
Band: Mark My Word Year: 2019 Year Formed: 2018 Genre: Hard Rock Home: Chatham-Kent
Members: Andrew Bateman – Vocals, guitar Jason Andersen – Bass Ki Larsen – Drums
Notes: Mark My Word released two songs, ‘Jump the Shark‘ in 2018 & ‘Plastic #!&% Doll‘ in Jan 2019.
Jason & Ki have been playing together for years, previously with local metal band Nerve(1996-2009) & All Against(2011).
Links: * Facebook link here. * Bandcamp link here. “ “ “ “ “ “ “
Band:The D.A.M. Band Year: 2019 Year formed: 2016 Genre: Cover band (Country, Rock, Blues, Top 40 and more!) Home: Windsor, Chatham, Erieau
Notes:The D.A.M. Band is also known as The Debonairs & Mares.
Members: Dean Robert – Lead guitar and vocals Korry Rowland– Bass guitar. Rosaire Emery – Percussion Mary Anne Patterson – Vocals, keys, ukelele, and strap on synthesizer.
Places recently played:
Chatham: The Elephants Nest, Jazzbah,
Merlin Legion, Bayside Brewing Co., Molly And OJ’s Restaurant, Talbot Trail Place (Blenheim)
Dockside On the Cove (Tilbury).
Band:PHYZIKAL GRAFFITI Year:2019 Home:Chatham-Kent Genre:Classic Rock Covers. Formed: Nov. 2016.
Band Members: Mitchell Robinson – Guitar Mitchell Doxtater – Bass, vocals. Kevin Slater – Lead Vocals / Keys Dwayne Foulon – Drums
Notes: * Bringing to you covers of Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Deep Purple, Aerosmith, Queen, Jimi Hendrix, Lynyrd Skynyrd and so much more…It’s a 60’s, 70’s and some 80’s Rock N Roll extravaganza!!! * Performed at USB, The Elephant’s Nest, Frendz, & the Jazzbah.
Band:Wolfe Jazz Band From:Chatham-Kent, Ontario Genre: Jazz (Covers) Year:2019 Formed: Circa 2017
Members: Mark Wolfe – Drums Robert Wilson – Bass Dan Lankhoff – Piano Doug Banwell – Wind instruments, flute & sax Julie Ross – Vocals, additional percussion/instruments/
Band: Lee Resistant & The Lost Release:Thirteen Years Gone By... Year:2019 (April) Genre: Punk Rock Band Formed: 2018 Home: Chatham-Kent Ontario, Canada
Band: Lee – Guitar / Vocals Jake – Guitar Brian– Bass / B.Vox Alex – Drums / B.Vox
Tracks: 01 Least Resistant 02 For The Few 03 Wishlist 04 Where Would You Run?
Notes:
“Playing a bunch of songs from my back catalog live with the new band is a blast, so we decided to re-record a few of them. A couple of them never got much of an airing back in the day, so it’s fun to put them out there for people to listen to again!” – LR
Watch the CD Preview Video Below.
* If video does not appear, click to watch it here.
Links: * Facebook here. * Instagram here. * Download/Preview this release at bandcamp here: * Youtube link here. “ “ “ “ “
Notes:Along with performing originals, the Sterling Blues Band is also known for playing venues, with a full night of covers to satisfy any blues fan, anywhere, under any situation.
Members:
Kimberly Sterling – vocals
Aug Polowick – guitar
Tom Trembley – drums John Gardiner – bass
Tracks:
01 Too Early To Drink
02 Me & Janice
03 Say What You Mean
04 My Daddy Sang the Blues
05 When It’s Over
06 Have A Drink With Me
07 Rainin’
08 Blues IN Texas
09 Fool’s Gold
10 I’m The Reason Why You Drink 11 Someday You’ll Have To Pay
Notes:It all starts with a life-long friendship, a love for music and the desire to create… that is what formed Truckstop Super Friends. In 2008 Joel Morningstar and Kenny Phelps decided to pick up their acoustic guitars and combine their musical interests, just to see where it might lead them. It wasn’t long before their new found song writing companionship had them to piecing together a makeshift home studio, now referred to as “The LiL’ White Room”. Their debut album titled; “Here’s To You”, is 100% produced and recorded by TSSF. Their music revolves around everyday life… the good, the bad and everything else in between. It’s Home Grown Canadian music that everyone can all relate to in their our own way.
Tracks:
01. Yellow Lines
02. Ain’t Life Grand
03. My Guitar
04. Will Today Be the Day?
05. I Must Go
06. Summertime & Free
07. The Hangover Song
08. Breakin My Heart
09. Losing Sight
10. My Great Escape
11. Me Vs. Myself & I
12. Footsteps
13. Don’t Need It All
14. I’ll Drink To That
Links:
*Facebook link here. *Buy album here. *On Apple Muisc here. * Youtube link here. * Spotify link here. “ “ “ “ “ “ “
Band: Melody Ramblers Home:Chatham Kent Ontario Area. Year:1986 From: 1953-1994 (Different members through time) Style: Top 40 country
Members:
TOP RIGHT….Larry St. Pierre – drums
TOP LEFT…Eugene Beaulieu – bass
MID TOP…Wendy Jenkins – lead vocals
BOTTOM RIGHT…Mark Buckwheat – lead vocals
MID BOTTOM…Rene Brosseau – pedal steel, slide guitar, dobro
BOTTOM LEFT…Dan St. Pierre – lead guitar
Notes:
The bands history, under the name ‘The melody Ramblers’ begins in 1953 and ends in 1994.
To read about it, check out the first Melody Ramblers post link here.
Update: In 2015, The Melody Ramblers did a one off reunion show made up of their final band member line up from 1994. “
Artist: Chas Jr. Release:Canadian Cowboy Year:2014 Genre: Country Home: Chatham-Kent, Ontario
Tracks: 1. Cadillac Country Star 2. Nashville Bound 3. Cowboy from Ontario 4. In Waylons Eyes 5. Ode to Dad 6. Baddass Country Singer 7. Ode to Mamma (I Love You a Million Ways) 8. When I Say I Do 9. Mess Mess Around With Me (X-Rated)
Artist: Sterling Release:Sterling Year: 2019 Genre: Metal From:Chatham Ontario Resides: London Ontario
Notes:This is J-rad Sterling’s first solo release. He Stepped out from behind the drum kit and did everything himself. These home recordings were recorded in 2015.
Tracks: 1. As We Weather Away 2. Otis 3. To the Shadows 4. The End Is Here 5. I’ll Never Let You Go 6. Because of You 7. D.S.S. 8. Krampus 9. Broken Heart 10. Rearrange for the Worst
Links: * Facebook here. * Download at CDBaby here. * Spotify link here. * Play on Tidal here. “ “ “ “ “
Notes: Jen & Jordan, who make up ‘Two From Tuesday‘, are known as PolyJAMorous when they add the keyboard player, making them a threesome. Currently performing at Frendz & the Jazzbah in Chatham.
Nick is also a member of the local funk based cover band Superfly.
Jordan & Jennifer are also involved in Two For Tuesday, Bad Harvey, & original blues based band ‘Old Town Soul’.
Band: Full Frontal Genre: Rock/Hard Rock covers. Year: 2019 Year formed: 2009 (2007 before this line-up) Home:Chatham-Kent Ontario
Members: Myke Oz. Parent – Lead Vox, Rhythm Guitar Rob Cowan – Lead guitar, backing vox Don Brissette – Bass, backing vox J-Rad Sterling – Drums, samples, backing vox
Currently performed at: Bikefest CK 2018 (Chatham), Old East Bar (London), SkipFest (Tilbury), The CBD (Wallaceburg), Retrofest (Chatham), & The Elephant’s Nest in Chatham.
Links: * facebook link here. * Website link here. “ “ “ “ “ “
Duo: The Shake Band Year: 2019 Formed: 2004 Genre: Variety of covers. Home: Chatham Ontario
Members: Chuck FitzGerald– Guitar Christina – Vocals
Notes:The duo has recently performed at Lily’s (Windsor), Jazzbah (Chatham), Rivers Edge (Windsor), The Garage (Merlin), Central Tavern (Pain Court), Early Acres Estate Winery (Chatham) & Frendz in Chatham.
Links: *facebook link here. * Website link here. “ “ “ “
Duo: Toast & Jam Home: Chatham Ontario Canada Genre: Cover duo of popular music Formed:2003
Members: Michael Uher – Vocals, guitar Mark Slater – Percussion, vocals, guitar
Notes: Mike grew up in Blenheim and Mark grew up in Chatham, but was born in Leeds England.
The duo is highly active and in demand for many high profile events.
Notes: Concept for the band has existed in one form of the other since the late 80’s. Home studio has made it possible. 80’s metal lives on forever!
The Earth Screams is the debut studio album by Canadian heavy metal band Out of the Void, released on 18 April 2018 on Screaming Earth Studios in Canada.
The band worked with Jake Nicholson to come up with the art showcased throughout the album. Each song has its own unique artwork inside.
Band:The Maple City Release:Brief Golden Age Year:2018 Home:Chatham-Kent, Ontario, Canada. Genre: Indie Rock/Folk
Members: J. McFadden Steve Wiseman Kerry Lashbrook Easy Reissner Ashely Earthchild, etc…
Tracks: 01. Come With Me 02:38 02. Love Means… 04:19 03. No Predator / No Prey 03:35 04. Friend Of Mine 03:19 05. Home 05:18 06. Western Stars 03:53 07. Lost In The Moonlight 02:29 08. The Light Of Day 06:36 09. Brief Golden Age 03:34 10. Long Lost Friends 01:59 11. One More Time 03:29 12. Solid Ground 02:56
Notes: Produced by: Bob Hiltz and The Maple City Mastered by:KRAMER
Jason writes songs, but don’t ask him why. They just come to him. Songs arrive at the most unusual times. And, when they show up, Jason has to jot them down in a notepad, or find the nearest guitar, before they disappear. Jason lives in an old, former church rectory, in Chatham-Kent, ON., with a cat named Venus. His friends often visit and play music with him. There are worse fates…
Links: * Download/Preview their music here. * Facebook link here.
Band: The Blurry Pickers Release: Songs of the Billyneck Redhills Year: 2011 Home:Southern Ontario Genre:Roots/Bluegrass
Chatham Connection:The Blurry Pickers include Chatham natives Blair Babcock, James Davies, Jeff English and Christy Muddle.
Band Members(Circa 2017) Blair Babcock(bass/vocals) James Davies (washboard) Sara Edge(vocals) Jeff English(guitar/vocals) Todd Gillies(guitar/vocals) D’Arcy Good(fiddle/vocals) Christy Muddle (vocals) Jeff Rothwell (mandolin/vocals) (Members list collected from circa 2017. It may or may not reflect who was on these recordings, or in the band at the time of this recording)
Tracks: 01. Trouble Ahead, Trouble Behind 02.Honeysuckle Baby 03.Fairlee Well 04.In the Hills of Ol’ Kentucky 05.Hobo’s Romance 06.A Long Way from Home 07.Lonesome Maggie 08.On a Bended Knee 09.18 Wheels on the Highway 10.When I Lay these Burdens Down 11.Blurry-Eyed John 12.Jamland
Band:Serious Festival Release:Always Ok Year: 2017 Genre: Rock Resides:Windsor area From: Chatham-Kent.
Writer: Colin Luby
Recording/player info: N/A
Tracks: 01. Stranger on my mind. 02. Always ok 03. The Norm 04. Fourohone 05. Feeling Lucky 06. Death will come on so sweetly 07. Prolific or threatening 08. A learned thing 09. Thin air 10. Great things 11. Science fiction
Notes: SeriousFestival is the musical project of Colin Luby, started in his basement in 2010/11. He has been writing and performing these songs, and others, since.
Venue: Aberdeen Hotel Year: 1915 City: Chatham Ontario Canada Closed:Circa 1996. Address: 1 Grand Ave.
Info based on the article: Aberdeen Hotel has a long history of serving liquid hospitality Posted by Chatham This Week 2016/07/11. By: John Rhodes.
*Before becoming known as the Aberdeen Hotel, it had spent 40 plus years known as the McNaughton Tavern. *It can be traced back to the late 1840s – early 1850s. Known most for selling Whiskey than renting rooms.
During the 1970’s, Country music was huge, and the Aberdeen was a popular venue featuring live music most days of the week. During the 80’s, it became a hot spot for live hard Rock & Roll. Through it’s final years (1990-1996), it had began to show its age.
As of today (April 2017), The building still stands, being used a storage space for Western Equipment.
Aberdeen 2016, now used as storage space
Picture Source:Bechard family. (Calixte Bechard owned it for many decades). The picture is from a postcard produced for the hotel, which I estimate to have been created between 1910 and 1920. John Rhodes. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __
Venue: Aberdeen Hotel Year: 1971 City: Chatham Ontario Canada Closed: Circa 1996. Address: 1 Grand ave.
Notes:
1970’s –Chatham was home to a strong music scene with bands performing at least six nights a week at the Aberdeen. Musicians from all over Ontario join the strong Union in this city. Times are good. Country music rules the day & the Aberdeen is a bar highly respected in the music community. Touring acts from around the world played here when they crossed Ontario.
1980’s –Glam rock takes over. The bar grows rough edges but continues to thrive and becomes a legendary party venue on the touring scene. It can be safely said that no bar may hold more good rock & roll stories than our little watering hole here in Chatham.
1990’s – Live entertainment dwindles down to just three nights a week. By the late 1990’s, the live music bar scene fades & Al & George decide to sell the venue & move. The Aberdeen becomes a storage warehouse for a local business. It still stands today (2011) in all its run down glory. The glory days are over, but the stories will never be forgotten. It was simply Chatham’s most legendary bar.
* The Aberdeens final “weekend” of live bands included Nerve, Never, Square Root Of Margaret & The Janet Theory/Foster Child.
Event: Cornstalk Date: August 9th, 1997 Location:Blenheim Ontario
Cornstalk ran for a few years and was the biggest outdoor bash in the area during those years. Cornstalk drew 5000-8000 people.
Bands performing: * Destroyer (Kiss tribute) * Hells Bells (AC/DC Tribute) * Exodus (Bob Marley Tribute) * Electric Voodoo (Jimmi Hendrix Tribute) * Hip Mission (Tragically Hip Tribute) * Whaling (Neill Young Tribute) *Chic Tunes * Tangled Puppet (picture) * Beggars Opera * Foster Child (Picture) * Rumblefish * This End Up * Social Slander * Luxury Christ * Square Root of Margaret (Picture) * Evil Empire (R.A.T.M Tribute) (Picture) * Gates of Rage (Picture) Notes:
Outdoor parties of this nature were the norm in the 1990’s, put on by a private group or person, on private property. A typical party was 200-800 people, featuring live cover bands, a pig roast and a small $5 cover.
These events came to an end, an end of an era. Society had changed and law enforcement was cracking down. Add the liability, risks, insurance, bylaws, rising costs, permits, food & safety regulations, new staging laws, and the hassle of putting on such an event was no longer worth it unless the government was stepping in to make a profit off it.
* Thanks to Steven O’rourke for the pics. *If you have pictures, email them to us at:
chatham_music_archive@hotmail.com
Below, is the only know video footage from Cornstalk 1997. Evil Empire (Rage Against The machine Tribute band) submitted by Ryan (Houlio) O. from Tilbury.
Open Mic night (Floorz Yourz) Where: Elephant’s Nest When: 10-2am, Every Thursday night. City: Chatham Ontario. Hosted by:frank e fitz
Started in Oct. 2016.
Come jam at open mic. Bring your voice, guitar, keyboard, whatever you need to get up and perform a few tunes.
History: Open mic night had been held at the Nest on Tuesday nights for many many years, hosted by Julie Ross. For most of 2016, the weekly event was on pause, but is now back with a new host known as Frank E. Fitz. _
Tickets on sale now. At The Cultural Centre Box office or online. Info below.
Aberdeen Reunion Date: Saturday July 29th 2017. Where: Bar Out Back 160 Keil Drive South, Chatham. Gates open: 6:00pm, show starts at 6:30pm sharp, till 11pm.
(Outdoor event, Bar Out Back parking lot)
Bands: Town Krier Lyra Electric Voodoo Beggars Opera Def Bombs
Event Mc’s
* Jason Allan (Comedian from London)
* Mat Drew(Frontman for Face4Radio, and previously Foster Child & The Janet Theory).
Prizes: ‘Ab Tab Draw’. Three $100 cash give-a-ways to cover your tab for the night.
Ticket Info: Tickets: $18 + Handling fee. Available at: * The Cultural Centre Box Office, 75 William St. N., Chatham. 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM – Monday To Friday. * Or order online at cktickets.com * Tickets go on sale Monday Feb. 13th.
Set Times * 06:30 – 7:05pm Town Krier (Stage 1) * 07:10 – 8:10pm Lyra (Stage 2) * 08:15 – 8:50pm Electric Voodoo (Stage 1) * 08:55 – 9:55pm Beggars Opera (Stage 2) *10:00 – 11:00pm Def Bombs (Stage 1)
Town Krier: Performed at the Aberdeen between 1983-1986. They still get together once or twice a year. Members include Billy Wolsing (Drums), Chris ‘Hymie’ Zelina (Bass & Vocals), & Herby Classens (Guitar).
Lyra: Performed at the Aberdeen in the late 1980’s. A great local rock band who’s members later went on to perform in Sweet Fa, Rockus, Blu Bones, Thunder Circus, Killer Dwarfs, Fear Disorder, Tangled Puppet, Manpower, & Teethin’ Freaks.
Electric Voodoo: Rocked the Aberdeen through the 90’s, mostly as a Jimmi Hendrix tribute. A popular true party staple band, and the soul of rock & roll for Chatham. Dave Major & Mitch Robinson will return. Bass player is unknown at this time, they had some great players & they will let us know who is available to attend.
Beggars Opera: Another great band from the Aberdeen 90’s era. Members also continue to be a part of many great bands out there today.
Def Bombs: Currently London’s most popular rock cover band, including members from Syre, Helix, Sven Gali, Leather Snake, & Before The Damned). Excited to have them perform.
Material posted online 2012-2016. * DDG * Soap *10 Inches *FireCracker * Where you at ? * Drinkers Anthem * Dirty Girls * Dance Floor * Feel The Beat * Back It Up * Feel The Beat * Booty Call * Chocolate White * Beat Em Up *Hallucinate * Cry Babies * Shlim Baby * Red Rover
Links: * Facebook link here. * Soundcloud link here. * youtube link here. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Venue: Rankin House/Hotel City:Chatham Ontario Canada. Address:182 King Street West. Existed: 1852-1999
Rankin History Notes: * It was one of the oldest buildings in Chatham. * Most of the Social, political & business life in the 19th century revolved around the Rankin Hotel & It’s bar. * The Rankin Hotel was built in 1852 by Colonel Arthur Rankin (Born in Montreal, 1816). * The Colonel was the first private owner of Bob-Lo Island, having in 1874 used his connections and bought the whole island from the Government for $40. * 1861 – Colonel Rankin sold the building to the Bank of Upper Canada for $10,000. The Bank then sold it. * It was turned into a hotel in 1862, retaining the name Rankin. *The Rankin Hotel was known as the finest hotel in Western Canada (As our area was called then). * Juring this early era, it was strictly a male preserve. *The Rankin was the first stop for travellers, for decades. * In 1875, iron balconies on the second floor were built, and on festive occasions bands would play. * In 1903, John Pleasance bought the rankin from William Peck for $14, 500. (Note, previously, the Rankin has passed ownership through many many hands.) The family ran it for more than 60 years. *In 1906, there were 13 licensed hotels in Chatham, but prohibition was in the near future. *Circa 1970/80’s, it was common for bands to perform while strippers did their act. This no longer happens due to cost. Dj’s are hired to simply hit play on pre-recorded music. * Became Spanky’s in the late 1990’s. The building had burnt to the ground in 1999. A new building was built, and it carried on as Spanky’s, an adult entertainment venue.
(Note: it is still going as of 2016, the time of this entry)
Chatham Music Archive 