Brian Lee Griffith Guitar Bursary

The Brian Lee Griffith Guitar Bursary is intended to support a student of the guitar who currently plays and has a talent for improvisation.

In memory of Brian Griffith, the bursary is intended to foster Rock, Jazz, Funk and Blues inspired music.

The applicant must reside, play, and/or go to school in the Hamilton area.

If the applicant is one of three finalists, they must agree to audition, if necessary, in front of at least two judges by signing in the space provided on the application form.

The applicant must submit the completed application form, a letter of reference, and 1 CD containing a sample of their work between two and four minutes long and an audio link to the following street address and email address respectively.

The competition for 2024 will be open in December 2023.

Brian Lee Griffith

"The Hamilton music community is mourning the loss of Brian Griffith, a master guitarist who played and recorded with a wide range of artists including Willie Nelson, Emmylou Harris, Daniel Lanois, Lori Yates, Tom Wilson, Dave Rave and Harrison Kennedy."

Hamilton Spectator

By Graham Rockingham

Why - Sharon Musgrave

I appreciate your comments very much. Thank you for tuning in and liking "Why". I did this track in one take, no lyrics, just went in there and sang what I felt at that given moment, and we decided to keep it :-)...And then came Brian on his Guitar to drop his Essence. Brian passed on Nov. 14th 2014, I miss him so very much.

The Hamilton Tigers - CopperHead

This video was captured by Michael J. Birthelmer (producer) as we performed it live off the floor at Chatham Garden Studio. Copper Head is Joe Clark's great instrumental that we all got a chance to play on for the upcoming CBC documentary...which chronicles the search for the last known Hamilton Tigers NHL.

Still Believe In Love

Danny Lockwood ~Drums, Joel Banks ~ Bass, Brian Griffith ~ Guitar, Shari Dunn ~ Vocals and Jonny Kerr ~ Vocals and Guitar

Shari and Jonny - Groovin'

Featuring Brian Griffith - Guitar, Dan Lockwood - Drums, and Joel Banks - Bass. Recorded live at Two Doors Down in Brantford, ON

Brian Griffith. Cat 'N' Fiddle. 2013

Brian Griffith warming up the Cat 'N' Fiddle in Hamilton, Ontario. June 28th, 2013

Lori Yates and Friends - Walking Wounded

Michael Hickey (Trickbag), Lori Yates, Nick Burson, Brian Griffiths

Brick House with Sharon Musgrave

Sharon Musgrave Band performing Brick House, at the Cork Town

Angry Lion - Brian Griffith & I

Sharon Musgrave with Brian Griffith live at the Cork Town

What You Gonna Do (Brian & I)

Original song by Sharon Musgrave performing live at the Cork Town with Brian Griffith on guitar

Steve Strongman, Brian Griffith and the Blues Guitar Explosion

Woman Across the River

"If one could hear love...you could certainly hear it in every note Brian played."

Michael Hickey

"We lost one of the most amazing beautiful people and players any of us will ever know, I have your words on my skin brother. No matter where we go no matter what we do we will always be brothers of the wind."

Tomi Swick

"I am heartbroken deeply. He played anything and everything well on any guitar."

Harrison Kennedy

"Brian Griffith was a pillar in the Hamilton music scene. He was was the first act I saw when I moved to Hamilton just over a decade ago. I can remember seeing him play for the first time and thinking it was impossible to do what he did with a guitar, yet somehow those impossible notes were flowing mightily out of his fingers. You will be missed dearly in this Steel Town. Your town."

Justin Sawicki

"His phenomenal talent was surpassed by his beautiful soul. He was always an encouraging friend. A gentle man. And a gentleman. We loved sharing the latest boxing news when our paths crossed. I can't believe he's gone."

Paul Panchezak

"There is a dark cloud that is overwhelming my city tonight and forever!! Brian Griffith, you have been such a light in this Musically electric place and you have made your mark all over the world!"

Robin Benedict

"A kind gentle man with a wicked sense of humour, and one of the most talented musicians I have ever had the honour of working with."

Paul Langille

"Brian was a fine human being and will be missed by many. He would often greet me with a hug or a kiss on the forehead. He was a friend and a fan who admired and encouraged me with my music. I will miss him, but will endeavor to keep his presence alive and felt through my performances. I know there are many people that will miss him."

Shawn Brush