CORRECTED: Hamilton Concert Listings: Jan. 23-29
Just Announced: a Scott Pilgrim tribute concert, Cousin J of the Nelk Boys, Ché Aimee Dorval + Orchidae, Dead Root Revival. Plus: last call at The Casbah
#hamontlive is a free newsletter that delivers concert and music-adjacent event listings for Hamilton, Ontario straight to your inbox every Thursday. If you like what you see, please consider a monthly or annual donation.
CORRECTION!
So I fucked up. A previous edition of this newsletter that went out earlier today listed the line-ups for this year’s It’s Your Festival, happening June 28-July 1, 2025 at Gage Park… except all the bands I listed were from last year’s line-ups. (The festival website has the 2025 dates listed at the top, but the 2024 line-ups below it, and I neglected to read the fine print. Oops.) Please accept my apologies and this freshly scrubbed updated version of the newsletter.
JUST ANNOUNCED!
Click links for ticket info. Venue directory is located at the bottom of the page.
Cousin J (of Nelk Boys) DJ set @ Seventy Seven, Feb 1.
Sullen w/ Sorry Snowman, Weekend Goodbye, Strawberry Cough @ Vertagogo, Feb 6.
Sharp Words Winter Book Fair featuring music by The Approximators and performances by Eden Boudreau, Sue Carter, Steacy Easton, Terry Fallis, Alison Fishburn, Paige Maylott, Lishai Peel, Jessica Rose, Brent van Staalduinen, Teri Vlassopoulos, Liz Worth, Alissa York, and more @ Bridgeworks, Feb 15. Book Fair: 11am-5pm. Literary Cabaret: 7pm.
Domina w/ Pale Horse Ritual, Nasu @ Doors, Feb 21.
Stay Down w/ Terry Green, Dogwhistle, Dambe, Body Nest @ Vertagogo, Feb 21.
Not Another ‘90s Party w/ The Commandos playing ‘90s covers, DJ Party Jesus @ Stonewalls, Feb 21.
Whine Problem w/ Sam Hansell, Smit @ Vertagogo, Feb 23.
Reggadiction: Bob Marley 80th Birthday Tribute w/ DJ Boss Chops @ Mills Hardware, Feb 28.
Desiccate w/ UUGGHH, Big Pit, Darkdive @ Vertagogo, Feb 28.
Hundred Proof w/ Hang the Landlord, To the Bloody End, ASOP, 4HateU8 @ Vertagogo, Mar 2, 1pm.
Burning Out w/ The Crease Rule, Okayswimmer @ Vertagogo, Mar 6.
Motley Dudes w/ Twitch @ Stonewalls, Mar 8.
Scott Pilgrim vs. the World The Movie: The Soundtrack: The Tribute Concert @ Corktown, Mar 22.
Simon Haiduk Presents: Metta Grove Experience @ The Zoetic, Mar 27.
The Human Rights w/ Blind Mule @ Mills Hardware, Apr 25.
Ché Aimee Dorval + Orchidae @ Mills Hardware, Apr 30.
Dead Root Revival @ Mills Hardware, May 10.
In Spite of Ourselves: An Evening of John Prine featuring Blair Packham (The Jitters), Bill Craig (The Irish Rovers), Kirsten Jones and Johnny Max @ The Westdale, May 10.
Platinum Country Legends Donna Huber & Les Smith perform the hits of Shania Twain and Garth Brooks @ McIntyre Performing Arts Centre, Jun 13.
It’s Your Festival Lineup TBA. June 28-July 1 @ Gage Park.
Back in Black: AC/DC Tribute @ The Zoetic, Sep 13.
CONCERTS THIS WEEK
THURSDAY, JAN. 23
93.3 CMFU Presents: Lee Reed & !Kryme Won w/ Capitol, Peer Review @ The Casbah.
Sun Junkies w/ Public Health, White Rabbit, The Dart Trees, La Rent @ Doors.
Clerel @ Burlington Performing Arts Centre, Community Studio Theatre.
Mister Rabbit w/ Christian Turner, Amin, B. Finlay @ Collective Arts.
Music to Our Beers featuring @ Shawn & Ed Brewing Co.
FRIDAY, JAN. 24
Lighthouse @ Burlington Performing Arts Centre, Main Theatre.
The Last Disco featuring DJ Donna Lovejoy @ The Casbah.
Joshua Hyslop @ Mills Hardware.
Frank & Cos: Live in Your Neighbourhood @ The Zoetic. (Also performing Jan 25).
News on Mute w/ Camo Kiddo, Sugar Report, Tr3nt @ Vertagogo.
Gary White Trio @ Clifford Brewery.
Mucho Disaster w/ Les Ismore, Chris Demeanor @ Doors.
Haus of the Holy Spirit: Fashion Dance Party @ Farside.
Awesome Matthews (party-rock covers from the ‘80s, ‘90s, and ‘00s) @ Stonewalls.
Nosey Neighbour @ Shawn & Ed Brewing Co.
SATURDAY, JAN. 25
Science Man w/ Strange Attractor, Razorface, Wasted Age @ Ooey Gooeys, 7pm.
Gary Topp legendary Toronto punk promoter discusses his new memoir, He Hijacked My Brain @ The City & The City Books, 5-7pm.
The Final Night at the Casbah: Celebrating Mary McNutt An all-star salute to Hamilton’s most enthusiastic local-music booster w/ Bryce Clifford, Carrie Clark, Chris Altmann, Deeps & Dani, Gary White, Greg Brisco, Jon & Al, Justine Fischer, Mary Simon, Matty Simpson, Robin Pirson, Snowheel Slim, DJs Rachel Jones and Danny Miles @ The Casbah.
Song w/ Shelby Ray, Giraffe, Jump Coven, Ocean Wings @ Vertagogo, Jan 25.
The Righteous & The Wicked (Red Hot Chili Peppers tribute) @ Stonewalls.
NSG 6ix w/ Lul Kirk, Siin6ix, Big Swi$h @ Doors.
Disgust w/ Creme Flesh, Decimate @ Vertagogo.
The Poobs w/ The Give and Goes, Soo Casa, Playingwithfire @Mills Hardware.
Trout Lilly @ Clifford Brewing.
First Wives Comedy Show @ Shawn & Ed Brewing Co.
Custerdome w/ Junestone, Joshua Pascua @ Corktown.
Lobby: One-Year Anniversary Party featuring sounds by Cyrus @ Lobby.
SUNDAY, JAN. 26
La Rent w/ Mother Of x Ensh, Small Orbit, Revonay @ Vertagogo.
Just Java! Hamilton’s specialty-coffee market and expo @ Bridgeworks, 10am.
Toronto All-Star Big Band Concert @ Burlington Centre for Performing Arts, 2pm.
Mississippi Bends @ Clifford Brewing.
Sunday Blues hosted by Ian Andrews @ Stonewalls, 3pm.
Family Friendly Concert featuring Mr. Ben @ Shawn & Ed Brewing Co.
MONDAY, JAN. 27
Judy & The Noteworthies @ Shawn & Ed Brewing Co.
TUESDAY, JAN. 28
No rock on the calendar tonight. Maybe block off four hours and go see The Brutalist in 35mm at the Playhouse?
WEDNESDAY, JAN. 29
Another quiet night winter’s night in the Hammer. I already miss The Casbah.
UPCOMING CONCERTS
Live Animals w/ Hollow Core, Blosum, Zero Two Seven @ Doors, Jan 31.
Brent Butt @ Burlington Performing Arts Centre, Main Theatre, Jan 31.
Becoming the Beatles “live musical documentary” @ The Westdale, Jan 31.
The Defamed w/ Artificial Dissemination, Go Ogo Pogo, Mental Infliction @ Vertagogo, Jan 31.
Fruit Salad Presents: Winter Snow Ball w/ DJ Mean Time @ Bridgeworks, Jan 31.
Freeloader w/ Carl & Matt @ Stonewalls, Jan 31.
Cease Demo Duh release show w/ Botfly, Body Minus Head, Wrought @ Ooey Gooeys (formerly Moody’s), Feb 1.
Risky Business w/ DJs Mark and Murk @ The Corktown, Feb 1.
Da Bomb Hamilton’s All-’90s Party featuring DJ Todd G @ Mills Hardware, Feb 1.
Soulquarium part of Winterfest’s POP: NOVA after-dark series @ Jackson Square, Feb 1, 9pm.
Edgar Breau record release show for Acadian Drifter w/ Martin Verrall @ The Capitol, Feb 1, 2pm.
Darrelle London: Family Music Matinee @ Burlington Performing Arts Centre, Community Studio Theatre, Feb 1, 2pm.
Darkdive w/ Brian Ruryk, Fossils, CIA Lightshow @ Farside, Feb 1.
Providence the Poet @ Mainstage Rehearsal Studios, Feb 1.
Candlelight: A Tribute to Adele @ The Westdale, Feb 1, 8:45pm.
Rebel Sounds reggae/ska night w/ DJ Lambert @ Vertagogo, Feb 2.
Call the Army w/ Balm Squad, Guillotine, The Dominion, Barbed Wire Braces @ Vertagogo, Feb 2, 1pm.
Kind of Blue Revisted Miles Davis tribute featuring Pat LaBarbera’s sextet @ Gasworks, Feb 6.
The Empties w/ Wiener Kebab, The Ninety Seven Band @ The Corktown, Feb 7.
Baddies featuring Rollie @ Zen Lounge, Feb 7.
Barton Prisoner Solidarity Project Fundraiser w/ bUdi, Jesse James, Scooter Jay, Kastrado, DJ Nomad Nala @ Vertagogo, Feb 7.
Owen Pallett w/ Merival @ Mills Hardware, Feb 7.
The Divine Ms. D w/ The Renaissance Ensemble @ Burlington Performance Art Centre, Community Studio Theatre, Feb 7.
The Great Canadian Comedy Caravan Tour featuring Mike Paterson, Rob Pue, Matt Watson, Todd Reid @ The Studio, Feb 7.
Kenny “Blues Boss” Wayne @ Shawn and Ed Brewing Co., Feb 7.
Moonlight Co. w/ Mitch Szitas @ Stonewalls, Feb 7.
Danny Avila @ Seventy Seven, Feb 8.
Abigail Austin: A Mostly Fond Farewell To Austin Lucas w/ Skye Wallace, Chuck Coles, LeBarons @ Vertagogo, Feb 8.
The Fuzztones vs The World documentary screening @ The Hub, Feb 8, 2pm.
HPO Performs the Music of James Bond @ FirstOntario Concert Hall, Feb 8.
Candlelight: A Tribute to Taylor Swift @ The Westdale, Feb 8, 6:30pm.
Ones: Beatles #1 Hits @ Burlington Performing Arts Centre, Main Theatre, Feb 8.
Leash (Pearl Jam tribute) @ The Zoetic, Feb 8.
Zulu Presents: Something Else! featuring Sam Newsome, Dan Fortin and Michael Davidson performing Thelonious Monk material. This program also includes a screening of the Monk documentary Straight, No Chaser @ Hamilton Public Library, Feb 8, noon-4pm.
Zulu Presents: Something Else! featuring Sam Newsome w/ Kayla Milmine @ You Me Gallery, Feb 8, 8pm.
The Secret Portal dance party hosted by Vitaman D-ance, part of Winterfest’s POP: NOVA after-dark series @ Jackson Square, Feb 8, 9pm.
Lost in Japan @ Mills Hardware, Feb 8.
Aiofe-Louise Doyle @ Winterfest Hub, Jackson Square Rootop Plaza, Feb 9, 8pm. FREE!
HPO Presents: Mozart, Strauss & Evangelista @ FirstOntario Concert Hall. Part of Winterfest. Feb 10, 3pm.
Wax Mannequin @ Winterfest Hub, Jackson Square Rootop Plaza, Feb 10, 8pm. FREE!
A1A: The Official Jimmy Buffet Tribute Band @ The Studio, Feb 11.
The Strongman Blues Studio Acoustic Sessions featuring Steve Strongman, Colin Lapsey, Sandra Bouza @ Coach & Lantern, Feb 11.
Jason Allen comedy show w/ Mike Hutchings, Hannah Bech, Jamie Shea @ Vertagogo, Feb 12.
This Round’s on Me Country Writers Round hosted by Dave Woods @ Stonewalls, Feb 13.
Jeremy Hotz: Très Misérables @ The Music Hall, Feb 13.
Busty and the Bass @ Bridgeworks, Feb 13.
Classic Albums Live: Queen’s News of the World @ Burlington Performing Arts Centre, Main Theatre, Feb 14.
The Westdale’s 90th Anniversary Gala Fundraiser featuring Suzie McNeil, Jacob Moon @ The Westdale, Feb 14.
Allegories part of Winterfest’s POP: NOVA after-dark series @ Jackson Square, Feb 14, 9pm.
Tom Petty Tribute Show @ Shawn and Ed Brewing Co., Feb 14.
Rizzfest 2025 @ Vertagogo, Feb 14.
Maïa Davies + Havelin @ Mills Hardware, Feb 15.
The Shakers @ The Corktown, Feb 15.
Colin James w/ Terra Lightfoot @ FirstOntario Concert Hall, Feb 15.
Factory & Blue Silver (New Order and Duran Duran tributes) @ Stonewalls, Feb 15.
Frost Queens family-friendly winter drag show featuring Priyanka @ Winterfest Hub, Jackson Square Rootop Plaza, Feb 15, 8pm. FREE!
Eternal Sol EP release party @ Corktown, Feb 15.
Quote the Raven w/ Andy Stochansky @ Mills Hardware, Feb 16.
Joel Plaskett @ The Westdale, Feb 19.
‘80s Video Dance Party w/ DJ Brian St. Clair @ Bridgeworks, Feb 21.
Maestro Fresh Wes @ Burlington Performing Arts Centre, Main Theatre, Feb 21.
The Zep Show: Canada’s Premier Led Zeppelin Tribute @ The Westdale, Feb 22, 7:30pm.
Durty Little Secrets @ Stonewalls, Feb 22.
Jukebox Saturday Night: Music of Mancini @ Burlington Performing Arts Centre, Main Theatre, Feb 22.
Cameron Whitcomb w/ Jimi, Ben Cottrill @ Bridgeworks, Feb 23.
Flamy Grant & Heather Mae @ Mills Hardware, Feb 25.
Choir! Choir! Choir! presents We Will Choir! You: An Epic Queen Singalong @ McIntyre Perfoming Arts Centre, Feb 26.
Heather Bambrick @ Gasworks, Feb 27.
Emma Elena Grace Whole Years album release show @ Mule Spinner, Feb 28.
Born in the Eighties part of Because Brrr Craft Beer Session Night 1 @ Bridgeworks, Feb 28.
The Northern Pikes & Grapes of Wrath @ Burlington Performing Arts Centre, Main Theatre, Feb 28.
Donovan Woods @ The Westdale, Feb 28.
Splash N’ Boots Presents: Wine at 9 Live @ Gasworks, Feb 28.
John Ellison @ McMaster LIVELab, Mar 1.
My Son the Hurricane part of Because Brrr Craft Beer Session Night 2 @ Bridgeworks, Mar 1.
Family Style featuring Marc Anthony Sinagoga @ The Zoetic, Mar 1.
Alex Mackenzie’s Happy Camper Comedy Tour @ The Studio, Mar 7.
Sultans of String present Walking Through Fire: Visual Album @ Burlington Performing Arts Centre, Community Studio Theatre, Mar 7, 7pm.
Fleetwood Mac Mania @ McIntyre Perfoming Arts Centre, Mar 8.
5 Against 1 (Pearl Jam tribute) @ Stonewalls, Mar 8.
iMPROVISITAS! w/ The Portuguese Kids, Mike Rita @ Zoetic. Two shows: Mar 8, 8pm & Mar 9, 2pm.
ABBA Revisted @ The Studio, Mar 11-12.
Back Out of Hell (Meatloaf tribute) @ The Studio, Mar 13.
Theory of a Deadman & Jeff Martin (Tea Party) @ FirstOntario Concert Hall, Mar 13.
Fleetwood Mac Mania @ Burlington Performing Arts Centre, Main Theatre, Mar 13.
Ariel Posen @ Bridgeworks, Mar 13.
Classic Albums Live: The Who’s Who’s Next @ Burlington Performing Arts Centre, Main Theatre, Mar 14.
The Wild High (featuring ex-Monster Truck singer Jon Harvey) w/ The Commune, Alfie Smith @ The Corktown, Mar 14.
Team East: Rise Of The East @ Zen Lounge, Mar 15.
Nikki Glaser @ FirstOntario Concert Hall, Mar 15. Two shows: 7pm & 9:30pm.
Rod Clarke’s Sons of Sabbath (Black Sabbath tribute) @ The Studio, Mar 15.
Burnt Knives w/ Hex Offender, Truth of All Death, Golf Corpse @ Vertagogo, Mar 15.
Dan Hill @ The Westdale, Mar 15, 7:30pm.
Live & Local: Eric Brandon and Hannah & Emma hosted by Brent Kinnaird @ Burlington Performing Arts Centre, Community Studio Theatre, Mar 16, 4pm.
Greg Fitzsimmons @ Levity Comedy Club & Lounge, Mar 26. Two shows: 7pm & 9:30pm.
Dom Louis @ Mills Hardware, Mar 27.
Tom Wilson @ Ancaster Faigrounds, Mar 20.
Lucha Block Party w/ Lince Dorado @ Bridgeworks, Mar 20.
Trevor Copp: Pictures at an Exhibition @ McMaster LIVELab, Mar 20.
Martha Wainwright: 20th Anniversary Tour @ Bridgeworks, Mar 21.
Midnight Rider: In Honour of Dylan Matthews @ The Corktown, Mar 22.
Aeroforce (Aerosmith tribute) @ The Studio, Mar 22.
Blu & Exile w/ Spark Houston @ The Corktown, Mar 22.
Cancer Bats w/ Escuela Grind, Mile End @ Bridgeworks, Mar 22.
Pictures at an Exhibition performed by the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra @ FirstOntario Concert Hall, Mar 22, 3pm.
Shaylyn: Kickin’ It Classic Country @ The Studio, May 24.
Champions of Magic @ Hamilton Arena, Mar 25.
Alan Frew @ Burlington Performing Arts Centre, Main Theatre, Mar 26.
Wide Mouth Mason @ Burlington Performing Arts Centre, Main Theatre, Mar 27.
Forever Simon & Garfunkel @ Burlington Performing Arts Centre, Main Theatre, Mar 28.
Bedouin Soundclash w/ The Northern Soul Horns, Vernon Maytone @ Bridgeworks. NEW DATE: Mar 28 (rescheduled from Dec 14; original tickets will be honoured).
Keep the Faith (Bon Jovi tribute) @ The Zoetic, Mar 29.
Grievous Angels @ Clifford Brewery, Mar 29, 2:30pm.
Cash: At Folsom Prison Revisted (Johnny Cash tribute) @ The Studio, Mar 29.
The Flatliners w/ The Creepshow, The Anti-Queens @ Bridgeworks, Mar 29.
Savelene w/ News on Mute, Collider @ Ooey Gooeys, Mar 29.
A.J. Croce Presents: Croce Sings Croce Jim Croce classics performed by his son @ FirstOntario Concert Hall, Mar 31.
Nate Smith @ FirstOntario Concert Hall, Apr 1.
Zed (Led Zeppelin tribute) @ The Zoetic, Apr 5.
Desire: International U2 Tribute @ The Studio, Apr 5.
Loretta Hale Big Band @ Gasworks, Apr 5.
Dirty Dancing: In Concert @ FirstOntario Concert Hall, Apr 9.
Adam Kolker @ Gasworks, Apr 10.
SOS: The Abba Experience @ McIntyre Performing Arts Centre, Apr 11.
A Tragically Hip Celebration @ The Corktown, Apr 12.
Dr. Feelgood + Street Survivors (Mötley Crüe and Lynyrd Skynyrd tributes) @ Bridgeworks, Apr 12.
Elton Sean (early Elton John tribue) @ The Zoetic, Apr 12.
Nosky Performs Handel, Haydn & Bach w/ Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra @ FirstOntario Concert Hall, Apr 12.
Rose Cousins @ The Westdale, Apr 12.
Shen Yun @ FirstOntario Concert Hall, Apr 15 & 16.
Brit Floyd Wish You Were Here 50th Anniversary Tour @ FirstOntario Concert Hall, Apr 18.
CannaCrawl 420 Festival @ Location TBA, Apr 19.
Lucy Darling @ Burlington Performing Arts Centre, Community Studio Theatre, Apr 23.
Tony Monaco @ Gasworks, Apr 24.
Lunch at Allen’s: The Farewell Tour featuring Ian Thomas, Murray McLauchlan, Cindy Church, Marc Jordan @ Burlington Performing Arts Centre, Main Theatre, Apr 29.
Terra Spencer w/ Rory Taillon @ Mills Hardware, Apr 29.
Queen: It’s a Kinda Magic (Queen tribute) @ FirstOntario Concert Hall, Apr 30.
The Caverners Beatles tribute @ Carmens, Apr 30.
Giuseppe the MC: Dec'Anni di Fanni Comedy Tour w/ Eric Johnston @ The Zoetic, May 2.
ABBA Fever (ABBA tribute) @ The Zoetic, May 3.
James Ehnes Plays Tchaikovsky w/ Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra @ FirstOntario Concert Hall, May 3.
Mini Pops Kids Live! @ FirstOntario Concert Hall, May 4, 3pm.
The Liverpool 4 (Canada’s Tribute to The Beatles) @ The Studio, May 4.
Dreamer: The Supertramp Experience @ McIntyre Performing Arts Centre, May 21.
Frog Eyes w/ Fortunato Durutti Marinetti @ Mills Hardware, May 23.
Forbidden Nights UK (male strippers seen on Britain’s Got Talent!) @ The Studio, May 29.
Video Games Live @ FirstOntario Concert Hall, May 30.
Neema Naz: My Estupid Life @ The Studio, May 30 & 31.
Pearl: A Janis Joplin Experience @ The Westdale, May 31.
The Uncle Louis Variety Show @ The Zoetic, June 14.
Pump5 w/ The Deadly Romantics, Steve Creep & The Wildcards @ The Corktown, June 20.
ZZ Top & The Wallflowers @ First Ontario Concert Hall, June 22.
Rhüne Mountain Fest Vol. 2 featuring Dopethrone and more TBA @ Rhune Mountain, Stoney Creek, June 26-28.
The Wiggles @ FirstOntario Concert Hall, July 4-6.
Sarah Millican @ FirstOntario Concert Hall, Sep 25.
Rumours: The Ultimate Fleetwood Mac Tribute Show @ The Studio, Nov 21.
One Man, Three Legends (Elvis, Roy Orbison, Johnny Cash tribute) @ The Westdale, Dec 14.