All London, all the time on music hall of fame’s new internet radio station

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There are no more excuses for not listening to London’s wealth of musical talent.

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The Forest City London Music Hall of Fame has launched its own internet radio station, FCLMA Radio, featuring London’s music talent around the clock, in celebration of its 20th anniversary.

“It’s important for what we do,” said Mario Circelli, chair and cofounder of the Hall of Fame, which is holding its annual London Music Week, concluding Sunday with the awards gala at London Music Hall.

“Here’s an opportunity to listen to our artists all the time. We’ve got thousands of songs online. More importantly, it’s a method for us to archive our own talent. We’re digitizing cassettes, albums and CDs of our artists and we’ll be adding new tracks every month. This will be an archive to preserve the original music made by Londoners for future generations to listen to.”

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Royalties will also be paid to the artists for their music played on the new radio station, said Circelli.

Also unveiled Monday was Anderson Craft Ales’ annual release of a Helles beer featuring the images of Hall of Fame inductees. This year the beer series includes Kittie (for the second time after huge demand last year), drummer Graham Lear, Johnny and The Canadians, folk legend and music producer Paul Mills on a can with John Smales, who owned and operated Smales Pace folk club, fiddler J.P. Allen and The Demics.

The cans were designed by Darla Stratton, a London graphic artist and vocalist for the cover band Swagger.

“People love this, especially the artists,” said Hall of Fame curator Rena O’Halloran. “They’re all just thrilled when they see it. Many of them can’t believe it and they’ll order cans for their families and friends. The music fans seem to love it, too.”

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There’s a limited supply of the specialty cans, which Anderson also produces for a few other music events, including Sunfest.

“Beer and music go together so well,” said Gavin Anderson, president of Anderson Craft Ales. “We like to work with the local events. It’s fun and just a great pairing.”

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London Music Week continues until Sunday
with a number of major events including:

• Made In London cover and tribute band showcase, Monday through Saturday, Eastside Bar and Grill, 750 Hamilton Rd., featuring The Defbombs and Full Petty Fever (Tuesday, 8 p.m.), Pepper Jones and The Rockits and Zed (Wednesday, 8 p.m.), Sweetwood Mac (Thursday, 10 p.m.), Geoff Masse Band and Battery Inc. (Friday, 9 p.m.), and Loveless and Rocket Queen (Saturday, 9 p.m.). Admission $10
• Rosewood jazz session, Tuesday, 7 p.m., Rosewood Room of the Forest City London Music Hall of Fame, 182 Dundas St., featuring the Paul Aitken Trio. Free admission.
• London Live showcase, Wednesday, featuring 22 musical acts at 14 live venues, no cover charge. See fclma.ca for schedule.
• Battle of the High School Bands, London Music Hall, Friday, 7 p.m. Tickets $5.
• SoundCheck for Success professional development for newcomers and professionals, Saturday, Digital Creative Arts Centre at the Boys and Girls Club of London, 184 Horton St. Visit fclma.ca for more information on workshops, seminars and speakers
• Hall of Fame reception, Saturday, 7 p.m., London Music Hall, to welcome new inductees, featuring music by the Graham Lear Trio, Paul Mills and inductee Cherrill Rae
• Pop/rock/country awards gala, Sunday, 7 p.m. London Music Hall, featuring performances by Bella Rosa, The Pairs, Freddy Almarza, Typo, Aaron and Aimee Allan, Cherrill Rae and the winner of the High School Battle of the Bands. Free