Madeline Tasquin and Sarabande
madelinetasquin.com
Accompanying herself on piano, guitar or ukulele, often with an excellent band behind her, BC-born singer-songwriter-performer Madeline Tasquin delivers her intricately-crafted music with a radiant stage persona, with spontaneity, humour and vulnerability in all the right moments, guided by a voice that doesn’t seem it could possibly emerge from her small frame.
She was raised by the creeks, rivers and lakes of the Cariboo-Chilcotin region of BC in a home where there was always a song being sung from the kitchen, or a Joni Mitchell record being played at full volume, or tipsy party singalongs at the piano, her two younger sisters holding the melody while she practiced harmonizing.
Madeline’s sound is distinctly her own; each song having its own life, and the story that gave birth to it. Whether it be a Joni Mitchellesque jazz-folk song on piano about losing the log cabin home her Dad built to the bank at age 5, or a playful prog-pop tune “written at the best picnic ever,” or bilingual waltz on ukulele about a dangerous brush with a wind god, its all woven together with a nimble and powerful voice, her gentle harmonic and rhythmic twists and turns, and a palpable presence with her audience.
madelinetasquin.com
Accompanying herself on piano, guitar or ukulele, often with an excellent band behind her, BC-born singer-songwriter-performer Madeline Tasquin delivers her intricately-crafted music with a radiant stage persona, with spontaneity, humour and vulnerability in all the right moments, guided by a voice that doesn’t seem it could possibly emerge from her small frame.
She was raised by the creeks, rivers and lakes of the Cariboo-Chilcotin region of BC in a home where there was always a song being sung from the kitchen, or a Joni Mitchell record being played at full volume, or tipsy party singalongs at the piano, her two younger sisters holding the melody while she practiced harmonizing.
Madeline’s sound is distinctly her own; each song having its own life, and the story that gave birth to it. Whether it be a Joni Mitchellesque jazz-folk song on piano about losing the log cabin home her Dad built to the bank at age 5, or a playful prog-pop tune “written at the best picnic ever,” or bilingual waltz on ukulele about a dangerous brush with a wind god, its all woven together with a nimble and powerful voice, her gentle harmonic and rhythmic twists and turns, and a palpable presence with her audience.
Britt A.M.
Prince George thisisbrittam.com
“With her unique use of loop and effect pedals, Meierhofer is able to create symphonic sounds, as though you were listening to an entire orchestra while knowing it is only a one-woman act.” – Laura Mooney, Over the Edge Newspaper
Britt A.M. is a Canadian singer-songwriter hailing from Northern British Columbia. A one-woman band to be reckoned with, Britt delivers a gripping set, twisting and manipulating the signal of her guitar with loop and effect pedals, to create rhythmic, riff-based songs with barbed hooks and experiential messages.
After playing and touring with several bands from 2008 to 2012, Britt emerged as a solo artist in 2012, and has since gained fans from coast to coast as she criss-crosses Canada in support of her ever-growing catalogue of albums, the most recent being 2015’s Songs From the Spider Den, Volume One.
A road warrior by nature, Britt AM has played for audiences in all the major cities between Vancouver and St. John’s, as well as many small towns off the beaten path. No highway is too desolate for Britt, as she continues to win over devotees with her mesmerizing, hard-hitting sound and inclusive, warm presence.
Prince George thisisbrittam.com
“With her unique use of loop and effect pedals, Meierhofer is able to create symphonic sounds, as though you were listening to an entire orchestra while knowing it is only a one-woman act.” – Laura Mooney, Over the Edge Newspaper
Britt A.M. is a Canadian singer-songwriter hailing from Northern British Columbia. A one-woman band to be reckoned with, Britt delivers a gripping set, twisting and manipulating the signal of her guitar with loop and effect pedals, to create rhythmic, riff-based songs with barbed hooks and experiential messages.
After playing and touring with several bands from 2008 to 2012, Britt emerged as a solo artist in 2012, and has since gained fans from coast to coast as she criss-crosses Canada in support of her ever-growing catalogue of albums, the most recent being 2015’s Songs From the Spider Den, Volume One.
A road warrior by nature, Britt AM has played for audiences in all the major cities between Vancouver and St. John’s, as well as many small towns off the beaten path. No highway is too desolate for Britt, as she continues to win over devotees with her mesmerizing, hard-hitting sound and inclusive, warm presence.
Maxim "Banjo Man" Cossette
Bragg Creek
Multi-talented entertainer Maxim Cossette delights you with his fun and engaging glimpses of life. His music will get you snapping your fingers, tapping your toes and may well swing you out onto the dance floor. As a solo performer on banjo or guitar, whether you know him as Maxim, Banjo Man, or Salvador Dali Lama, you’ll find his live performances are upbeat and entertaining.
Inspired by more than ten years of touring and performing across North America and Europe, his lyrics include nods to his encounters with downhill longboard racing, a life altering Burning Man experience and his sideways looks at life.
Maxim is based in Bragg Creek, Alberta, where he teaches both Banjo and Guitar. As the front man and songwriter for his band The Sick Sick Sicks aka Maxim Cossette Combo, he created their signature “Djangobilly” style, a blend of surf, rockabilly, gypsy swing, Americana, bluegrass, punk and good old rock and roll sounds. His work as a commercial songwriter is in increasing demand.
"A performer that keeps the audience on their toes. The great thing about Maxim is that you don’t know what will happen from one song to the next. With his stage presence & between song-banter, he's is truly nothing short of a good old-fashioned entertainer. A throwback to another time, when a performer had to really BRING IT!” - Gena Ree, musicinkorporated.com
Bragg Creek
Multi-talented entertainer Maxim Cossette delights you with his fun and engaging glimpses of life. His music will get you snapping your fingers, tapping your toes and may well swing you out onto the dance floor. As a solo performer on banjo or guitar, whether you know him as Maxim, Banjo Man, or Salvador Dali Lama, you’ll find his live performances are upbeat and entertaining.
Inspired by more than ten years of touring and performing across North America and Europe, his lyrics include nods to his encounters with downhill longboard racing, a life altering Burning Man experience and his sideways looks at life.
Maxim is based in Bragg Creek, Alberta, where he teaches both Banjo and Guitar. As the front man and songwriter for his band The Sick Sick Sicks aka Maxim Cossette Combo, he created their signature “Djangobilly” style, a blend of surf, rockabilly, gypsy swing, Americana, bluegrass, punk and good old rock and roll sounds. His work as a commercial songwriter is in increasing demand.
"A performer that keeps the audience on their toes. The great thing about Maxim is that you don’t know what will happen from one song to the next. With his stage presence & between song-banter, he's is truly nothing short of a good old-fashioned entertainer. A throwback to another time, when a performer had to really BRING IT!” - Gena Ree, musicinkorporated.com
Harold Prince Fort St. James |
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Blimp Rock
Toronto blimprockenterprises.com
Blimp Rock is an innovative music cooperative with one simple goal: to purchase an airship and host the world’s first blimp-based music festival over Lake Ontario, through the sale of easy listening rock. On behalf of parent corporation Blimp Rock Enterprises, Blimp Rock frontman Peter Demakos writes simple tunes that hearken back to a simpler era – a time when hydrogen was loved and not feared for its combustible properties.
First market tested in 2013 with the release of self-titled album Blimp Rock, Blimp Rock’s comedic indie rock was a surprise success for Blimp Rock Enterprises, easily outpacing their previously top-performing investment in Rolodex futures. The band’s whimsical everyday subject matter and Demakos’ laconic delivery struck a cord with audiences worldwide, and the tour dates followed. Over a star-studded ensuing year the band toured the world, presenting the Blimp Rock message through music and PowerPoint in all the world’s finest cities: Paris, Peterborough, Berlin and Windsor.
Soap Opera, the third Blimp Rock album, was offered to the public on June 16th, 2017. A thematic tribute to coming clean, it's also the first album to be released in bars of soap. Showering light on subjects ranging from coping with micro-traumas to navigating a relationship with Satan Himself (played by Mathias Kom), Soap Opera is a wildly silly, sentimental and (quite literally) refreshing record.
Toronto blimprockenterprises.com
Blimp Rock is an innovative music cooperative with one simple goal: to purchase an airship and host the world’s first blimp-based music festival over Lake Ontario, through the sale of easy listening rock. On behalf of parent corporation Blimp Rock Enterprises, Blimp Rock frontman Peter Demakos writes simple tunes that hearken back to a simpler era – a time when hydrogen was loved and not feared for its combustible properties.
First market tested in 2013 with the release of self-titled album Blimp Rock, Blimp Rock’s comedic indie rock was a surprise success for Blimp Rock Enterprises, easily outpacing their previously top-performing investment in Rolodex futures. The band’s whimsical everyday subject matter and Demakos’ laconic delivery struck a cord with audiences worldwide, and the tour dates followed. Over a star-studded ensuing year the band toured the world, presenting the Blimp Rock message through music and PowerPoint in all the world’s finest cities: Paris, Peterborough, Berlin and Windsor.
Soap Opera, the third Blimp Rock album, was offered to the public on June 16th, 2017. A thematic tribute to coming clean, it's also the first album to be released in bars of soap. Showering light on subjects ranging from coping with micro-traumas to navigating a relationship with Satan Himself (played by Mathias Kom), Soap Opera is a wildly silly, sentimental and (quite literally) refreshing record.
The OM Sound
Montreal theomsound.com
Neo-soul, hip-hop, electro, jazz-fusion, funk, reggae . . . genres dissolve at the flood of groove that is The OM Sound. Founded in BC and based in Montreal, their mesmerizing music continually pushes instrumental and lyrical boundaries.Their music is inspired by a socially, environmentally, and spiritually conscious message, conveyed through soul stirring lyrics and rich soundscapes, wrapped up with in-the-pocket beats and blow-your-mind bass lines.
Redefining the term “power trio,” The OM Sound sounds more like a hip-hop orchestra than a three piece band. Technical drumming is paired with live electronic percussion, synthesizers, shredding keyboards, and crunchy guitar. Hip-hop verses empower the people and bold, sultry harmonies contrast with rolling didgeridoo rhythms and deep dubby bass lines. The creative use of loop pedals adds yet another layer to their sound.
After returning from 18,860 kms on tour across Canada, The OM Sound is back in the studio. A full length album is in the works, to be released by summer 2018. It will feature the full range of their musicianship and genre-defying grooves.Their first album, The Tipping Point, was recorded in Melbourne, Australia in 2014. It laid the foundation for their original sound as they brought the loop based studio creation to life, live.
The OM Sound is distinguishable in their completely unique sound. With their passion for creation and inspiration driving them forward, The OM Sound is quickly making a name for themselves in the music world as an unstoppable force.
Montreal theomsound.com
Neo-soul, hip-hop, electro, jazz-fusion, funk, reggae . . . genres dissolve at the flood of groove that is The OM Sound. Founded in BC and based in Montreal, their mesmerizing music continually pushes instrumental and lyrical boundaries.Their music is inspired by a socially, environmentally, and spiritually conscious message, conveyed through soul stirring lyrics and rich soundscapes, wrapped up with in-the-pocket beats and blow-your-mind bass lines.
Redefining the term “power trio,” The OM Sound sounds more like a hip-hop orchestra than a three piece band. Technical drumming is paired with live electronic percussion, synthesizers, shredding keyboards, and crunchy guitar. Hip-hop verses empower the people and bold, sultry harmonies contrast with rolling didgeridoo rhythms and deep dubby bass lines. The creative use of loop pedals adds yet another layer to their sound.
After returning from 18,860 kms on tour across Canada, The OM Sound is back in the studio. A full length album is in the works, to be released by summer 2018. It will feature the full range of their musicianship and genre-defying grooves.Their first album, The Tipping Point, was recorded in Melbourne, Australia in 2014. It laid the foundation for their original sound as they brought the loop based studio creation to life, live.
The OM Sound is distinguishable in their completely unique sound. With their passion for creation and inspiration driving them forward, The OM Sound is quickly making a name for themselves in the music world as an unstoppable force.
Jesaja Class
Quesnel jesajaclassillusionist.com
Jesaja Class is a young magician and illusionist from BC, Canada. He developed an early interest in magic and circus art at the age of seven. It all began with a little trick given to him by a friend. Since that day, he’s been fascinated with the world of magic and illusions. He began performing his magic in public, starting with friends and family members as his initial spectators. At age 14, he progressed on to perform at local schools and events, soon receiving his first inquiries for stage shows, birthday parties, festivals and corporate events.
Always eager to learn a new effect, master a difficult cardistry sequence or create a new illusion, he became determined to become a professional entertainer. Since then, he has touched and inspired thousands of people with his magic, not only on stage, but also online with another passion as an amateur filmmaker, producing magic-themed videos for his YouTube channel.
Today, Jesaja astonishes all audiences he encounters. He performs visually stunning manipulation acts using cards, balls, canes, fire and music. He presents classic stage tricks and combines them with modern day street magic performed with everyday objects. He invites audience members to join him on stage and participate, experiencing the magic with their very own hands. His stunning circus skills in juggling, diabolo tricks and fire spinning leave his audiences delighted.
Quesnel jesajaclassillusionist.com
Jesaja Class is a young magician and illusionist from BC, Canada. He developed an early interest in magic and circus art at the age of seven. It all began with a little trick given to him by a friend. Since that day, he’s been fascinated with the world of magic and illusions. He began performing his magic in public, starting with friends and family members as his initial spectators. At age 14, he progressed on to perform at local schools and events, soon receiving his first inquiries for stage shows, birthday parties, festivals and corporate events.
Always eager to learn a new effect, master a difficult cardistry sequence or create a new illusion, he became determined to become a professional entertainer. Since then, he has touched and inspired thousands of people with his magic, not only on stage, but also online with another passion as an amateur filmmaker, producing magic-themed videos for his YouTube channel.
Today, Jesaja astonishes all audiences he encounters. He performs visually stunning manipulation acts using cards, balls, canes, fire and music. He presents classic stage tricks and combines them with modern day street magic performed with everyday objects. He invites audience members to join him on stage and participate, experiencing the magic with their very own hands. His stunning circus skills in juggling, diabolo tricks and fire spinning leave his audiences delighted.
Luke Wallace
Vancouver lukewallacemusic.com
Hailing from the Coast Salish Territory known as Vancouver, BC, folk musician and activist Luke Wallace represents a global shift in environmental leadership. Whether performing at the Vancouver Folk Music Festival or fundraising for frontline communities, Luke Wallace builds bridges wherever he goes.
Luke spends his time using his music as a platform to amplify the voices of communities threatened by unjust resource extraction, and to contribute to the growing revolution spreading across the earth. Luke's "folktivism" has taken him far and wide; from France for COP21, Costa Rica where he represented his coast at a climate change conference, to roaming through Canada’s west coast and interior.
During his travels he strives to share as many stories as he can about the incredibly resilient and inspiring people fighting to protect the environments that sustain them and their communities. He believes that music and story are some of humanity’s most powerful tools and has seen firsthand their ability to inspire a shift in individuals’ and communities’ attitudes.
Luke is a part of "Come To Life Music,” an artist-led music collective that utilizes musicians' voices to inspire change for humanity and the planet.
“Luke Wallace very much loves and appreciates where he comes from: BC and the Coast Salish Territory, and he defends that territory in song with passionate style. Once you hear Luke Wallace, you can imagine how well his music goes over at the folk festivals he plays. As a coastal kid myself, Luke's music certainly stirs my emotions as well. He's a true West Coast gem.” - Grant Lawrence, CBC host, author, goalie
Vancouver lukewallacemusic.com
Hailing from the Coast Salish Territory known as Vancouver, BC, folk musician and activist Luke Wallace represents a global shift in environmental leadership. Whether performing at the Vancouver Folk Music Festival or fundraising for frontline communities, Luke Wallace builds bridges wherever he goes.
Luke spends his time using his music as a platform to amplify the voices of communities threatened by unjust resource extraction, and to contribute to the growing revolution spreading across the earth. Luke's "folktivism" has taken him far and wide; from France for COP21, Costa Rica where he represented his coast at a climate change conference, to roaming through Canada’s west coast and interior.
During his travels he strives to share as many stories as he can about the incredibly resilient and inspiring people fighting to protect the environments that sustain them and their communities. He believes that music and story are some of humanity’s most powerful tools and has seen firsthand their ability to inspire a shift in individuals’ and communities’ attitudes.
Luke is a part of "Come To Life Music,” an artist-led music collective that utilizes musicians' voices to inspire change for humanity and the planet.
“Luke Wallace very much loves and appreciates where he comes from: BC and the Coast Salish Territory, and he defends that territory in song with passionate style. Once you hear Luke Wallace, you can imagine how well his music goes over at the folk festivals he plays. As a coastal kid myself, Luke's music certainly stirs my emotions as well. He's a true West Coast gem.” - Grant Lawrence, CBC host, author, goalie
Tequila Mockingbird Orchestra
Victoria thetequilamockingbirdorchestra.com
The Tequila Mockingbird Orchestra are a collection of musicians, linked by common sonic journeys and familial ties. It doesn’t matter much how they got here, but rather that they are traveling with each other. Now they are here in the room with you, the way music in the folk tradition always is, to bring people together; to share real flesh, blood and feeling. They’ll weave their stories with guitars and violins, with accordions and bass, with melodies and music makers gleaned from their wanderings. Here are the troubadours to remind you that this music (no matter what kind of device it ends up on) could not exist without warm bodies in search of harmony.
Victoria thetequilamockingbirdorchestra.com
The Tequila Mockingbird Orchestra are a collection of musicians, linked by common sonic journeys and familial ties. It doesn’t matter much how they got here, but rather that they are traveling with each other. Now they are here in the room with you, the way music in the folk tradition always is, to bring people together; to share real flesh, blood and feeling. They’ll weave their stories with guitars and violins, with accordions and bass, with melodies and music makers gleaned from their wanderings. Here are the troubadours to remind you that this music (no matter what kind of device it ends up on) could not exist without warm bodies in search of harmony.
High Quadra Ramblers
Victoria thehighquadraramblers.bandcamp.com
Featuring Mack Shields (Tequila Mockingbird Orchestra) on fiddle and vocals, Kaitlin Chamberlin on banjo and vocals, and occasionally Keith Roger (Tequila Mockingbird Orchestra) on bass. We play a wide range of trad music and original compositions - Appalachian, oldtime, Celtic, bluegrass, Cajun, etc. We play high energy dance sets and also warm harmonic listening sets. We just recorded our second album in December.
We've been playing a number of shows and festivals around the island since we formed, including Quadrapalooza, Woodstove Festival, Victoria Bluegrass Association, etc.
Victoria thehighquadraramblers.bandcamp.com
Featuring Mack Shields (Tequila Mockingbird Orchestra) on fiddle and vocals, Kaitlin Chamberlin on banjo and vocals, and occasionally Keith Roger (Tequila Mockingbird Orchestra) on bass. We play a wide range of trad music and original compositions - Appalachian, oldtime, Celtic, bluegrass, Cajun, etc. We play high energy dance sets and also warm harmonic listening sets. We just recorded our second album in December.
We've been playing a number of shows and festivals around the island since we formed, including Quadrapalooza, Woodstove Festival, Victoria Bluegrass Association, etc.
Wax Mannequin
Hamilton waxmannequin.com
Strange-folk phenomenon Wax Mannequin is well-travelled. He has crossed a wide range of terrain — both sonic and physical — this decade past. Through his catalogue of secretly renowned recordings and his riotous live performances at countless venues and festivals, Wax continues to bring his essential voice and vision to both sides of the Atlantic. His legend grows through word-of-mouth as his music is passed from hand-to-hand — his influence trickles down from the minds of wayward kindred souls, insidiously seeping into the poetic heart of this country.
Chris Adeney adopted the moniker Wax Mannequin in 2001 when he released a strange, circuit bent bedroom recording and began a series intense, confrontational shows around his province. In 2003, with the release of his second album ‘and Gun’, Wax hit the trans-Canadian road where his performances took on a decidedly harder edge — absurd yet earnest lyrics were delivered emphatically over distorted electric guitar and bombastic electronic accompaniment. In the struggle of travel and survival, Wax’s cerebral performance-art urges were torn asunder, like bloody roses ripped from the flesh and thrown to the multitude. Between 2004 and 2008 he released two band-backed rock records — ‘The Price’ (2004) and ‘Orchard and Ire’ (2007) — that captured the vein-busting fervour and strange charisma of his live show.
Hamilton waxmannequin.com
Strange-folk phenomenon Wax Mannequin is well-travelled. He has crossed a wide range of terrain — both sonic and physical — this decade past. Through his catalogue of secretly renowned recordings and his riotous live performances at countless venues and festivals, Wax continues to bring his essential voice and vision to both sides of the Atlantic. His legend grows through word-of-mouth as his music is passed from hand-to-hand — his influence trickles down from the minds of wayward kindred souls, insidiously seeping into the poetic heart of this country.
Chris Adeney adopted the moniker Wax Mannequin in 2001 when he released a strange, circuit bent bedroom recording and began a series intense, confrontational shows around his province. In 2003, with the release of his second album ‘and Gun’, Wax hit the trans-Canadian road where his performances took on a decidedly harder edge — absurd yet earnest lyrics were delivered emphatically over distorted electric guitar and bombastic electronic accompaniment. In the struggle of travel and survival, Wax’s cerebral performance-art urges were torn asunder, like bloody roses ripped from the flesh and thrown to the multitude. Between 2004 and 2008 he released two band-backed rock records — ‘The Price’ (2004) and ‘Orchard and Ire’ (2007) — that captured the vein-busting fervour and strange charisma of his live show.
Blackberry Wood
Vancouver blackberrywoodmusic.com/
From the playing the biggest festivals in the world to hangin' in your back yard Blackberry Wood whisks you away to a wild crazy barn dance in the back of the carnival, with carnies and magical circus folk!!! A reputation for high-energy and unbelievably exciting dance floor shakin' shows follows Blackberry Wood every stage they're on. When you spot them they'll be coming down the road looking like a travelling minstrel show, all dressed up to make ya smile inside!!!
Vancouver blackberrywoodmusic.com/
From the playing the biggest festivals in the world to hangin' in your back yard Blackberry Wood whisks you away to a wild crazy barn dance in the back of the carnival, with carnies and magical circus folk!!! A reputation for high-energy and unbelievably exciting dance floor shakin' shows follows Blackberry Wood every stage they're on. When you spot them they'll be coming down the road looking like a travelling minstrel show, all dressed up to make ya smile inside!!!
Barefoot Caravan
Vernon barefootcaravan.ca
Hosting and facilitating the Integris Freedom Arts Youth Program at MoM, including four days of free youth workshops, the Caravan are returning!
Barefoot Caravan is a group based in BC’s Okanagan Valley who perform indigenous music in various languages. They represent the people of the world with unique, upbeat arrangements along with original compositions. They combine root rhythms; Soca, Afro-Cuban, Gypsy and Reggae with melodic harmonies.
Continually touring with their debut EP Echoes, released in May 2015, the Caravan travels across western Canada offering diverse and highly interactive performances. Oka, Shane Philip, Adham Shaikh, Tasman Jude, Blackberry Wood and Five Alarm Funk are among some of the many artists Barefoot Caravan have had the pleasure of sharing a stage with. From lively dance sets to intimate acoustic shows for various venues including, festivals, house concerts, galleries and school cultural assemblies. Barefoot Caravan have been performing for over two years and have played several hundred shows.
This project is constantly evolving, bridging community, art and people of all ages. The members offer various experiences including rhythm, dance, song-writing, music business workshops and drum making programs. They are a group who truly share the greater goal of re-connecting us all to the world we live in together.
Vernon barefootcaravan.ca
Hosting and facilitating the Integris Freedom Arts Youth Program at MoM, including four days of free youth workshops, the Caravan are returning!
Barefoot Caravan is a group based in BC’s Okanagan Valley who perform indigenous music in various languages. They represent the people of the world with unique, upbeat arrangements along with original compositions. They combine root rhythms; Soca, Afro-Cuban, Gypsy and Reggae with melodic harmonies.
Continually touring with their debut EP Echoes, released in May 2015, the Caravan travels across western Canada offering diverse and highly interactive performances. Oka, Shane Philip, Adham Shaikh, Tasman Jude, Blackberry Wood and Five Alarm Funk are among some of the many artists Barefoot Caravan have had the pleasure of sharing a stage with. From lively dance sets to intimate acoustic shows for various venues including, festivals, house concerts, galleries and school cultural assemblies. Barefoot Caravan have been performing for over two years and have played several hundred shows.
This project is constantly evolving, bridging community, art and people of all ages. The members offer various experiences including rhythm, dance, song-writing, music business workshops and drum making programs. They are a group who truly share the greater goal of re-connecting us all to the world we live in together.
Amy Blanding
Prince George amyblanding.com
I am a singer/songwriter living on the traditional, unceded territory of the Lheidli T’enneh in Prince George, BC. After breaking out with my BC/Canadiana band Black Spruce Bog five years ago, I have continued to build my musical career here in Prince George and across Northern British Columbia, as a collaborator, back-up vocalist and mandolin player with other artists, as well as with my own solo project.
Prior to moving to Prince George, I was a hobbyist musician. However, over the past six years music has become one of my main priorities. I recorded two full-length albums, toured extensively in British Columbia, performed on National Television for the Canada Winter Games Opening Ceremonies, and opened for Alan Doyle at the Winter Games with my band Black Spruce Bog. I am a member of BC’s premiere chamber music choir Nove Voce and regularly participate in theatre and musical theatre productions. I have collaborated with and provided back-up vocals and mandolin for a number of artists in BC, including Saltwater Hank, The Racket, Rachelle van Zanten, Kym Gouchie, Sam Tudor, Crowmarsh, Britt AM, and Naomi Kavka. This past summer I was honoured to be asked to be a mentor at the first Girls Rock Camp of the North, a camp program aimed at providing mentorship and support for self-identified girls and gender creative youth through music creation and performance.I am currently cultivating my solo project, regularly performing throughout Prince George and Northern British Columbia, and collaborating with other artists. My plan is to have enough original material to record a full-length album in the winter of 2019.
Prince George amyblanding.com
I am a singer/songwriter living on the traditional, unceded territory of the Lheidli T’enneh in Prince George, BC. After breaking out with my BC/Canadiana band Black Spruce Bog five years ago, I have continued to build my musical career here in Prince George and across Northern British Columbia, as a collaborator, back-up vocalist and mandolin player with other artists, as well as with my own solo project.
Prior to moving to Prince George, I was a hobbyist musician. However, over the past six years music has become one of my main priorities. I recorded two full-length albums, toured extensively in British Columbia, performed on National Television for the Canada Winter Games Opening Ceremonies, and opened for Alan Doyle at the Winter Games with my band Black Spruce Bog. I am a member of BC’s premiere chamber music choir Nove Voce and regularly participate in theatre and musical theatre productions. I have collaborated with and provided back-up vocals and mandolin for a number of artists in BC, including Saltwater Hank, The Racket, Rachelle van Zanten, Kym Gouchie, Sam Tudor, Crowmarsh, Britt AM, and Naomi Kavka. This past summer I was honoured to be asked to be a mentor at the first Girls Rock Camp of the North, a camp program aimed at providing mentorship and support for self-identified girls and gender creative youth through music creation and performance.I am currently cultivating my solo project, regularly performing throughout Prince George and Northern British Columbia, and collaborating with other artists. My plan is to have enough original material to record a full-length album in the winter of 2019.
Folky Strum Strum
Rolla folkystrumstrum.com
Folky strum strum was a musical concept started in 2004 by Reno Fitch, Graham Kerr, and Iyan Bruvold. Since then the band hasn't been a stranger to venues and festivals across the western part of Canada. The band is now comprised of Amy Gothard (bass), Brianne Hudson (sax, fiddle), Danny Bell (percussion), Iyan Bruvold (banjo, guitar, vocal) along with growing family and friends.
The songs are thoughtful stories of the dance of life, work, loss, family, etc., which you are invited to join in. The main mission is to push the inanimate in motion and the unresponsive to emotion.
"We were glad to have you as part of the festival. FSS was a great addition to our 2014 line-up. Smooth tunes and a great stage presence made them an act not to be missed." - Dave McTavish, Smithers Midsummer Music Festival
Rolla folkystrumstrum.com
Folky strum strum was a musical concept started in 2004 by Reno Fitch, Graham Kerr, and Iyan Bruvold. Since then the band hasn't been a stranger to venues and festivals across the western part of Canada. The band is now comprised of Amy Gothard (bass), Brianne Hudson (sax, fiddle), Danny Bell (percussion), Iyan Bruvold (banjo, guitar, vocal) along with growing family and friends.
The songs are thoughtful stories of the dance of life, work, loss, family, etc., which you are invited to join in. The main mission is to push the inanimate in motion and the unresponsive to emotion.
"We were glad to have you as part of the festival. FSS was a great addition to our 2014 line-up. Smooth tunes and a great stage presence made them an act not to be missed." - Dave McTavish, Smithers Midsummer Music Festival
Melawmen Collective
facebook.com/Melawmen
The Melawmen Collective was formed in 2009, with a mandate to create connections between Aboriginal People and others through stories, history and culture ~ contemporary and traditional~ by way of various forms of art and music. It endeavors to create connections between contemporary and traditional forms of aboriginal art and artists (as well as between aboriginal artists, Indigenous and non-aboriginal), to bring perspectives together to create collaborations with one another, through art, music, and workshops.
The collective offers musical performances of their collaborative work from its main musical artists that have working together since 2007 {Meeka Morgan (Secwepemc/Nuu-Chah-Nulth), Rob Hall (Canadian), George Ignace ~ Geo (Secwepemc/Cree)}, and others. They work on themes together, create and record in the moment, then learn the tunes they enjoy the most for live performances with other musically talented friends and comrades.
facebook.com/Melawmen
The Melawmen Collective was formed in 2009, with a mandate to create connections between Aboriginal People and others through stories, history and culture ~ contemporary and traditional~ by way of various forms of art and music. It endeavors to create connections between contemporary and traditional forms of aboriginal art and artists (as well as between aboriginal artists, Indigenous and non-aboriginal), to bring perspectives together to create collaborations with one another, through art, music, and workshops.
The collective offers musical performances of their collaborative work from its main musical artists that have working together since 2007 {Meeka Morgan (Secwepemc/Nuu-Chah-Nulth), Rob Hall (Canadian), George Ignace ~ Geo (Secwepemc/Cree)}, and others. They work on themes together, create and record in the moment, then learn the tunes they enjoy the most for live performances with other musically talented friends and comrades.
Zonnis
Victoria zonnismusic.com
Inspired by roots, blues, rock, funk, musical comedy and country to name a few, the music of Zonnis is an eclectic collection of musical stories highlighting the trials, thrills, humour and tribulations of life on and off the road. Entertaining at music festivals, house concerts, pubs and celebrations, Zonnis has performed in Canada, US, Mexico, Nicaragua and Costa Rica. Look out for their latest album “Rise of the Sheep.”
"We could make beautiful music together.” Those were the first words that came to mind as they stared at each other through the dimly-lit venue. From love-at-first-sight to becoming the incredible power duo that you see today, the music of Zonnis is a story of good ol' fashioned rock & roll sprinkled with a light dusting of comedy and drama. Playing from the heart, these star-stricken balladeers criss-cross the land, spreading their messages of peace, love, utopia and friendship. They fearlessly explore both the light and dark sides of life, forever bound together in an eternal flash of divine inspiration.
Victoria zonnismusic.com
Inspired by roots, blues, rock, funk, musical comedy and country to name a few, the music of Zonnis is an eclectic collection of musical stories highlighting the trials, thrills, humour and tribulations of life on and off the road. Entertaining at music festivals, house concerts, pubs and celebrations, Zonnis has performed in Canada, US, Mexico, Nicaragua and Costa Rica. Look out for their latest album “Rise of the Sheep.”
"We could make beautiful music together.” Those were the first words that came to mind as they stared at each other through the dimly-lit venue. From love-at-first-sight to becoming the incredible power duo that you see today, the music of Zonnis is a story of good ol' fashioned rock & roll sprinkled with a light dusting of comedy and drama. Playing from the heart, these star-stricken balladeers criss-cross the land, spreading their messages of peace, love, utopia and friendship. They fearlessly explore both the light and dark sides of life, forever bound together in an eternal flash of divine inspiration.
The Party on High Street
Victoria thepartyonhighstreet.com
Since finding each other in Nelson, B.C., The Party On High Street has worked tirelessly to bring it's signature feel-good funk jams to the people! We are a lively dance-inducing mix of funk, folk and jazz-fuelled rock’n' roll, joyfully delivered and presented like a funbomb waiting to make you jive. Our band sings of peculiar youthful enchantments, weird love, and some of the odder aspects of life. Touring and playing live shows has fed our spirits and stroked our souls since the beginning. Every summer we travel further into the Canadian festival scene, playing the campfires and stages, bars and backyards. This past summer we performed at over 6 music festivals including The North Country Fair, ArtsWells and Music On The Mountain. At these festivals we've developed a family of friends and fellow musicians, who we've joined on stage and off for plenty of collaborations and all around good time funky music makin'!
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Crowmarsh
Prince George crowmarsh.bandcamp.com Crowmarsh is a high energy explosion of Blues/Funk and Alternative. Formed in 2016, Crowmarsh has developed a reputation in Prince George by frequently playing the Legion, Artspace and Nancy O’s to name a few. Predominantly playing originals with a few covers mixed in, Crowmarsh is ready to funkify MoM Fest! |
Naomi Kavka
Prince George naomikavka.com
Naomi Kavka is a songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and performer from Prince George, British Columbia. She performs as a solo artist, fronting her own band, and also as a member of Kym Gouchie's backing band, Northern Sky.
A visceral entertainer and songwriter, Naomi has performed extensively in BC and St. John's NL. Recent releases include The Hay Fever EP (March 2016) recorded in Koriyama, Fukushima Prefecture, Japan, and Power Duo's self titled album (November 2015), both lead ups to Slammed Doors & Severance, Naomi's debut solo album, released on September 17th 2017.
“Kavka’s sound brings you into the depths of British Columbia, digging into what it means to live here. Whether that’s contemplating the land, family, big trucks, love, northern weather, or movement, Kavka uses her hearty voice to echo her words deep into your soul. Kavka shows us, with her first full length solo album, that she is not afraid to delve into deeply personal topics, and that is what makes this album so relatable. As a mainstay of the Prince George music scene, Kavka has shown her maturity and growth as an artist, creating a well- rounded debut album. Kavka will have you singing along before you even know the words.” - Sam Wall - Editor in Chief, Over the Edge Newspaper
Prince George naomikavka.com
Naomi Kavka is a songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and performer from Prince George, British Columbia. She performs as a solo artist, fronting her own band, and also as a member of Kym Gouchie's backing band, Northern Sky.
A visceral entertainer and songwriter, Naomi has performed extensively in BC and St. John's NL. Recent releases include The Hay Fever EP (March 2016) recorded in Koriyama, Fukushima Prefecture, Japan, and Power Duo's self titled album (November 2015), both lead ups to Slammed Doors & Severance, Naomi's debut solo album, released on September 17th 2017.
“Kavka’s sound brings you into the depths of British Columbia, digging into what it means to live here. Whether that’s contemplating the land, family, big trucks, love, northern weather, or movement, Kavka uses her hearty voice to echo her words deep into your soul. Kavka shows us, with her first full length solo album, that she is not afraid to delve into deeply personal topics, and that is what makes this album so relatable. As a mainstay of the Prince George music scene, Kavka has shown her maturity and growth as an artist, creating a well- rounded debut album. Kavka will have you singing along before you even know the words.” - Sam Wall - Editor in Chief, Over the Edge Newspaper
Saltwater Hank
saltwaterhank.com
Born in Prince Rupert, BC and a member of the Gitga’at community, Tsimshian folk artist Saltwater Hank resurrects stories of the land, loss and absurd circumstance and shines them through a sepia lens, witnessing ageless characters with hearts and lives on the line.
"Saltwater Hank’s album Stories from the Northwest provide a refuge from city life and transport me to a place where you can hear a river running, smell the land’s rich soil, and where the stars are so bright that you think you can reach out and touch them." - Laura Stanley, Grayowl Point
"Saltwater Hank brings the history and culture of Northern BC to life through an artistic medium that musicians can only ever dream of achieving." Jade Syzmanski, Over the Edge Newspaper
saltwaterhank.com
Born in Prince Rupert, BC and a member of the Gitga’at community, Tsimshian folk artist Saltwater Hank resurrects stories of the land, loss and absurd circumstance and shines them through a sepia lens, witnessing ageless characters with hearts and lives on the line.
"Saltwater Hank’s album Stories from the Northwest provide a refuge from city life and transport me to a place where you can hear a river running, smell the land’s rich soil, and where the stars are so bright that you think you can reach out and touch them." - Laura Stanley, Grayowl Point
"Saltwater Hank brings the history and culture of Northern BC to life through an artistic medium that musicians can only ever dream of achieving." Jade Syzmanski, Over the Edge Newspaper
The Upper Tunist
Vancouver thenewold.wixsite.com/theuppertunist
Canadian recording artist, vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Jason Hunter, is a prolific songsmith whose captivating original piano-based compositions from early in his career define his unique, philosophical and at times quirky flavour. His definitively original sound, occasionally teases listeners with subtle moments that emanate unintentional nuances of classic Billy Joel and vintage Supertramp.
Influenced by the contrast between his family's rural evangelical roots, his youthful penchant for thrill-seeking, adventure and rebellion, this complex web has weaved an amazing storyteller. Being blessed in one moment and wandering to the wrong side of the tracks the next, tend to define this musical gem. Industry insiders associated with Julian Lennon and Blue Rodeo call his skills "a brilliant natural gift."
With his best work always on the horizon, future chapters of his creativity are destined to continue to intrigue and engulf the thoughts of his ever-growing loyal following
Vancouver thenewold.wixsite.com/theuppertunist
Canadian recording artist, vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Jason Hunter, is a prolific songsmith whose captivating original piano-based compositions from early in his career define his unique, philosophical and at times quirky flavour. His definitively original sound, occasionally teases listeners with subtle moments that emanate unintentional nuances of classic Billy Joel and vintage Supertramp.
Influenced by the contrast between his family's rural evangelical roots, his youthful penchant for thrill-seeking, adventure and rebellion, this complex web has weaved an amazing storyteller. Being blessed in one moment and wandering to the wrong side of the tracks the next, tend to define this musical gem. Industry insiders associated with Julian Lennon and Blue Rodeo call his skills "a brilliant natural gift."
With his best work always on the horizon, future chapters of his creativity are destined to continue to intrigue and engulf the thoughts of his ever-growing loyal following
Sabina Dennis Nadleh Whut'en |
The Raspy Devils Dawson Creek facebook.com/raspydevils/ The Raspy Devils is a rockin' outlaw country blues band based in the Dawson Creek area. Guaranteed to fill the dance floor of ANY size venue, and entertain all night. |
The Honey Tongues
honeytongues.ca
“The Music of the Honey Tongues is as smooth as the nectar they’re named after.” - CHEK News
A new distinct genre – ‘Swamp Opera‘ – that combines Americana, roots, grit and indie swing with soulful harmonies and beat-boxing. Crafting delicate folk arrangements and stomping dance numbers, the band embraces a wide palette – from accordion to saxophone to mandolin to mouth percussion – to express the ancient soul of the modern era. Whether it’s songs about shadows, earth magic, grimy handshakes or lovers old and new, this band of many faces will show you them all.
2017 saw the release of their debut album, “Live At Monarch Studios,” as well as a string of festival dates that included Koksilah, Robson Valley Music Fest and the infamous Vancouver Island Music Festival, which drew a sold out audience of 10,000 people through the gates. 2018 promises to be an even bigger year as the band records its second release and focuses on an intensive summer tour schedule including dates in Ontario, the Prairies as well as their home province of British Columbia.
With 8 hearts bent towards celebration and 16 eyes on the open road, these Honeys hope to share the love with you soon!
honeytongues.ca
“The Music of the Honey Tongues is as smooth as the nectar they’re named after.” - CHEK News
A new distinct genre – ‘Swamp Opera‘ – that combines Americana, roots, grit and indie swing with soulful harmonies and beat-boxing. Crafting delicate folk arrangements and stomping dance numbers, the band embraces a wide palette – from accordion to saxophone to mandolin to mouth percussion – to express the ancient soul of the modern era. Whether it’s songs about shadows, earth magic, grimy handshakes or lovers old and new, this band of many faces will show you them all.
2017 saw the release of their debut album, “Live At Monarch Studios,” as well as a string of festival dates that included Koksilah, Robson Valley Music Fest and the infamous Vancouver Island Music Festival, which drew a sold out audience of 10,000 people through the gates. 2018 promises to be an even bigger year as the band records its second release and focuses on an intensive summer tour schedule including dates in Ontario, the Prairies as well as their home province of British Columbia.
With 8 hearts bent towards celebration and 16 eyes on the open road, these Honeys hope to share the love with you soon!
Sarah Beatty
Hamilton sarahbeatty.ca
Quirky and captivating, songwriter and scientist Sarah Beatty sounds a bit like Dusty Springfield coming off a science bender. With a voice as sharp as a silver-spur and dangerous as a diamond-backed sidewinder (Raw Ramp), she's a curious observer and constant inquirer of life's offerings. Her new album, Bandit Queen, released in February of 2017 peaked at #1 on Canada's Roots charts, became a staple in Top 30 charts across the country, appeared in the Earshot Top 20, and keeps on being recognized by bloggers and industry insiders as one of those albums that people need to hear. Far beyond the mainstream, it has landed on international playlists all the way from Nashville to The Netherlands and as a live performer, she's known for enchanting audiences with warmth, wit, and messages that make people think.
Hamilton sarahbeatty.ca
Quirky and captivating, songwriter and scientist Sarah Beatty sounds a bit like Dusty Springfield coming off a science bender. With a voice as sharp as a silver-spur and dangerous as a diamond-backed sidewinder (Raw Ramp), she's a curious observer and constant inquirer of life's offerings. Her new album, Bandit Queen, released in February of 2017 peaked at #1 on Canada's Roots charts, became a staple in Top 30 charts across the country, appeared in the Earshot Top 20, and keeps on being recognized by bloggers and industry insiders as one of those albums that people need to hear. Far beyond the mainstream, it has landed on international playlists all the way from Nashville to The Netherlands and as a live performer, she's known for enchanting audiences with warmth, wit, and messages that make people think.
Burlesque Anonymous
These salacious thespians will leave you wanting more with their flirty moves and glittery parlour tricks! Our wayward divas are no stage virgins; they’ve performed in festivals and showcases throughout the Cariboo. Come taste our own flavour of entertainment! |
The Cuthberts
Grand Forks facebook.com/thecuthbertsmusic A married team of songwriters and music teachers, our mission as performers is to inspire and entertain others through an honest and impassioned sharing of life's loves, losses and revelations. |
