Hamilton’s Music Mondays goes virtual for 2021
Published April 30, 2021 at 11:29 am
The City of Hamilton is launching a virtual version of Music Mondays, the noon-hour concert series that typically is staged outside of City Hall.
The City started hosting this free event back in 2018 in an effort to promote the local music scene and its many talents.
The pandemic, however, prevents such gatherings, even outdoors. This year, the series will feature pre-record performances by 15 local musicians.
“Each Monday in May, a new video will be released on Facebook and on the City of Hamilton’s YouTube channel,” a City press release issued earlier this week said.
“Each video will feature three Hamilton musicians, all of whom perform in a similar musical genre. All videos were pre-recorded by musicians at home following COVID-19 safety regulations.”
The series, which is hosted in partnership with the Hamilton Music Advisory Team (HMAT) kicks off at 12 p.m. on Monday (May 3).
Videos
According to the release, Hamilton is 7th in the world for independent musicians per capita which means the city is home to more independent musicians per capita than many top tier cities with large local music scenes including Toronto, Montreal and New York.
“The music industry has been one of the hardest-hit sectors during COVID-19 with venues closing and the ability to tour and perform live made impossible,” said Tricia LeClair, Chair of the Hamilton Music Advisory Team.
“These are paid gigs and what makes them more special is that they will be presented intimately from each musician’s home.”
In addition to the performing musicians, volunteers from the HMAT Team and local music industry representatives will introduce each video.
The 2021 lineup includes:
- May 3
R&B performances from Angela Nethersole, Granny Smith, and Whitness - May 10
Blues performances from Nicole Christian featuring Alfie Smith, J.Harvey & the Inner Demons, and Steve Strongman - May 17
Hip Hop performances from Jr Bebble, Elley Jeeze, and Paulo Leon feat. Malaz - May 24
Instrumental performances from All of Her Sound, Emilio Bonito and Azuline Duo - May 31
Rock performances from Boxcar Ben, Los Chukos, and The Barettas
“This new approach to Music Mondays is an innovative way to celebrate Hamilton’s music industry, encourage community members to discover new music genres and support local artists,” said Mayor Fred Eisenberger in the release.
“Our community benefits from a strong and vibrant music scene. With unprecedented challenges facing our musical artists due to the pandemic, I am pleased this program is returning in a new format to showcase our wonderful local talent.”
Music Mondays airs at noon every Monday in May on Facebook @HamOntMusic and the City of Hamilton’s YouTube channel.
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