Artists
celebrating canadian artists over 3 days from july 1-3, 2011
Fred Penner - Winnipeg, Canada - Family Entertainer
For 36 years, Fred Penner has been a television personality, singer, songwriter, family entertainer, motivational speaker, story-teller, volunteer and philanthropist. His journey so far has included raising four children alongside his wife, Oddette Heyn, hosting the internationally acclaimed television series "Fred Penner's Place", 2 Juno Awards, 4 Parents' Choice Awards, spokesperson for UNESCO, World Vision, UNICEF, Canadian Down Syndrome Society, 2 Honourary Doctorate Degrees, and, one of the highest honours a Canadian can receive; Fred Penner is a Member of the Order of Canada.
Fred Penner continues to perform over a hundred concerts a year in venues large and small. The joy and laughter experienced by the children and families at these concerts is contagious and keeps Fred looking forward to each and every live event. www.fredpenner.com
Current Swell - Victoria, Canada - Surf Rock
Current Swell, a band based in Victoria BC, is in the foreground of the "new roots" music front pushing out of Canada's west coast. The band has been around for a few years getting their early recognition around the world as a mainstay in the "surf rock" community. Their sound continues to develop into a blues and roots feel, gaining even more popularity with their fans while sharing stages with bands such as Xavier Rudd, The Beautiful Girls, Bedouin Soundclash, the Beach Boys and many others. www.currentswell.com
Vince Vaccaro - Victoria, Canada - Surf Rock & Reggae
Whether its plugged in, backed by a rock n' roll band - or solo on a stage with only an acoustic guitar, Vince Vaccaro's songs are honest and heartfelt. Landing somewhere in between many genres, Vince's sound has its own signature. www.vincevaccaro.com
Quoia – Victoria, Canada – BLUEGRASS, FOLK & SURF ROCK
Formed in the spring of 2008, Quoia {Kwoi - a} is a collective of musicians currently residing on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. The quintet quickly developed a loyal fan base by playing over 60 shows in their first year. Known for their high-energy live shows and uplifting grooves, this genre-hopping group is swiftly attracting new fans of all ages. Quoia is made up of multi-instrumentalists Alex Nicholls [Mandolin, Violin] and Mike Roma [Banjo, Lap Slide, and Guitar], Mike Hann [Guitar, Lead Vox,], Groovy Jeff Scotney [Bass Guitar] and Keith Gallant [Drums, Percussion]. If there's one thing for sure, it's that the good times are just getting rolling for these five friends. www.quoiaband.com/
Steph MacPherson – Victoria, Canada – Folk
Victoria native, Steph Macpherson's voice is hauntingly beautiful and her vocal melodies are deadly infectious. Steph released her Folk/Pop EP "To You" in Nov. '09 resulting in 2010 performances that included: Lilith Fair, Western Canadian Music Awards, Rifflandia Festival, Blue Sky Festival, 100.5FM Peak Performance Project Top 20, Canadian Music Week in Toronto and two Western Canada tours. She has opened for artists such as Sarah McLachlan, Sheryl Crow, Tom Cochrane, Colin James, Men Without Hats and Hannah Georgas. A reflection of her Western Canadian upbringing and Eastern Canadian musical influences, Steph's songs are dominated by acoustic guitars and rich harmonies. www.stephmacpherson.com
Shane Philip - Victoria, Canada – Folk/Reggae
Swelling in primordial pulses and wholloping whoops, the tacit tones of Shane Philip's didgeridoo hold the power to still listeners into silence or encourage audiences to rise up in a tribal swell of intoxicating spirit. Meanwhile his hands will be skillfully juggling between shaking up rhythms with his aslatua, driving the dance floor with his djembe and sliding out grooves on his Weissenborn-style guitar while his foot taps in earthshaking electronic kicks wherever they might fit.
Shane Philip is a full-time touring musician with four albums under his belt. He charts on national independent and campus radio stations and is a regular on CBC radio shows across Canada. www.shanephilip.com
Stephanie Greaves - VICTORIA, CANADA
Stephanie Greaves is no stranger to a stage – whether performing in an ocean-front piano bar, an arena for sporting events or at a large-scale theatre – her versatility in ALL genres comes alive – from jazz to classics, country to R&B and her favourite, musical comedy, she can do it all! Recently returning from a cross-Canada tour marking the 100th Anniversary of the Canadian Naval Service in a tribute called “Sailors and Songs”, reviews of her performances were glowing. She has had the thrill of performing for a large array of dignitaries, including Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth.
Jeremy Walsh - Victoria, Canada (Master of Ceremonies)
JEREMY WALSH is a talented entertainer and songwriter in the tradition of Paxton and Guthrie, who draws from many different traditions of folk music including Celtic, Appalacian, French Canadian, Bluegrass, Irish, Maritime and Newfoundland. Following a stint as a key performer, vocalist and writer in the Canadian band "Scruj MacDuhk." (later The Duhks) Jeremy continues to write high impact numbers from lilting celtic to furious folk rock, all delivered with passion and a highly infectious energy. His latest record ‘33’ features the production talents of Mick Glossop (Van Morrison, The Water Buoys, Frank Zappa). It's no wonder he has shared stages with Eileen Ivers, Lunasa, James Keelaghan, Dervish, The Paperboys and Great Big Sea.
BATUQUE AXÉ CAPOIERA – VICTORIA, CANADA – BRAZILIAN MARTIAL ARTS DANCE
Axé Capoeira’s local troupe, Batuque Axé, has lit up the stages of Folkfest and the Latin-Caribbean Festival over the years with driving rhythms, beautiful melodies and captivating performances of traditional Brazilian dances and the Afro-Brazilian martial-art, Capoeira. Performances offer Victorians a glimpse into the rich cultural world of Brazil with the participation of the group’s most renowned international stars.
artists at a flavour of canada (july 1 to 3, 2011 • ship point, inner harbour)
KRYSTLE DOS SANTOS
Winner of the 2009 WCMA for Urban Recording of the Year, Krystle Dos Santos' self-titled debut album opened the doors for her music to be heard all over Canada and beyond. Inspired by the jazz greats, Ella, Etta, Billie and Nina Simone, Dos Santos' style aims to encompass the soul of the past and combine it with the freshness of modern sounds. Having been compared to Jill Scott, Erykah Badu and Sade, her live performances are diverse, and unforgettably full of soul. Currently, Dos Santos has released her sophomore concept album entitled Fame Fatale on Feb 1, 2011. Dos Santos' new project combines classic & neo-soul, electro pop, jazz, funk and a live band sound that leave you wanting to indulge in the entire epic story.
JESSICA BENINI
Jessica Benini is a BC grown singer songwriter, guitarist and harmonica player. She is a graduate of Rosebud School of the Arts in Rosebud, Alberta with a degree in acting. She moved to Tofino in 2007 to pursue her passion of music by the sea. In this past year Jessica performed twice on Long Beach Radio CHMZFM 90.1 and Victoria’s Campus and Community Station CFUV 101.9 FM. She also entered the Vancouver Island Songwriting Contest for the Islands Folk Festival and came in 3rd. Jessica currently lives in Victoria and recently recorded her debut album, “Express Yourself”. She spends most of her time composing music as well as teaching guitar lessons and the art of songwriting. Being a musician on Vancouver Island, Jessica feels understood, free, playful and inspired. Her main goal and practice in life is to play publicly without apology.
WATERING DEAD FLOWERS
Watering Dead Flowers is a three-piece Aggressive Alternative Rock band formed out of Victoria, British Columbia. Watering Dead Flowers consists of Keith Campbell on guitar and vocals, Matt Noble on bass and vocals, and Murray Spaidal on drums. Watering Dead Flowers originated in Victoria in November 2009 with guitarist/vocalist Keith Campbell, and drummer Murray Spaidal. Though things have not gone entirely smoothly for this band, having lost much equipment to a flood in late 2010, they came back in 2011 full force to lay claim to second place in 2011’s Victoria Got Talent, showing that they will rise above any ordeal that will stand in the way of the band and their passion. It’s a step back into the essence of 90’s grunge rock, with the merging of today’s modern rock while keeping it purely unadulterated. With Murray’s pulsing rhythm, Matt’s dynamic bass, and Keith’s wailing guitar and makes Watering Dead Flowers a powerhouse band of epic proportions.
MIKE HANN
"Mike Hann is best known as the lead singer/songwriter for the popular Vancouver Island band QUOIA. Know for his high-energy live shows and uplifting grooves, Hann has been steadily making a name for himself over the past five years as a talented performer, songwriter and all round entertainer. He has been fortunate enough to share the stage with names like Taj Mahal, Nazerath, Tommy Guerrero, The Edmonton Symphony Orchestra, Tom Cochrane, Colin James and many more. He has also performed for crowds as large as 20,000 people at the Calgary Stampede, Rexall Place in Edmonton, Alberta, the prestigious Royal Theatre and many well known festivals. Furthermore, Mike plays a major role in producing the very popular Tall Tree Music Festival in Port Renfrew, B.C. The popular event has featured many acts from the thriving music scene on Vancouver Island.
Stacy Farkas
I am 6 years old. I am currently living in Honeymoon Bay, B.C. in a big family with my parents, my 3 brothers and my sister. We also have a chihuahua, named Peanut. English is my second language because my parents are from Hungary, we speak hungarian at home. I attend Palsson Elementary School in Lake Cowichan.
Salsa Caliente!
SALSA CALIENTE! was originally formed in 1999 and performs yearly at the New York and Puerto Rico Salsa Congresses. The team has also performed all over the Pacific Northwest as well as in Italy, Chicago, Atlanta, Toronto and on the All- Star Salsa Cruise. ¡SALSA CALIENTE!’s dancers have competed for Canada in the World Salsa Open Championships and been BC’s representatives on Salsa Team Canada. The team has also had the honour of dancing on stage with many top bands including Grammy nominated Spanish Harlem Orchestra, and has appeared in several music videos.
Soul 62
The mission of this talented group of young musicians from Belmont Secondary on Victoria’s Westshore is to spread their high-energy R&B grooves across the city and afar. Led by teacher, Glenn Whitney, the 15 members of Soul 62 kick up a storm of funk and R&B when they crowd onto the bandstand. They can be seen playing around town at a variety community and corporate events and fundraisers including New Years Eve at Panorama Rec Centre, the Alzheimer’s Walk for Memories, Metchosin Day and the Luxton Fair. From Aretha Franklin and Etta James to Chicago and the Powder Blues, Soul 62 blast fresh energy and life into soul and classic grooves.
archers
Recently being crowned "BC's Best Teen Band" and on the threshold of releasing their home recorded EP "Much More Than Merry Men", The Archers are busy, yet still constantly playing fundraisers around their home of Victoria BC.
The five friends creating this unique Indie-Folk sound include Ethan Caleb, Sandy Hughes, Liam McLaren, Liam Moes and Robert McMullen. Their music impresses all audiences and The Archers pride themselves in their ability to be multi-talented musicians, songwriters and performers. The Archers share the roles of guitar, piano, bass, drums, mandolin, banjo and multiple other percussion instruments, creating, through this trade off of instruments, an impressive and versatile sound. Audiences enjoy their fresh Folk resonance, compelling harmony, and fantastic energy.
culturedef
cultureDef sounds "like a cross between Zeppelin/Bowie/NiN" says Maple Music, but really, its more like Zeppelin @ Shambhala, James Bond car-chase soundscores. Born out of the bands love for 70's riff-rock and after-hours dirty breaks, cultureDef's sound has a broad appeal after the likes of Radiohead meets Depeche Mode with a Manson-ish production style. "This is modern-rock radio.." Maple Music
Following up their 2010 6-song EP *Chrysalis, the band is about to release of their first full length album Tin Tabernacles on June 15 2011. They recently created a music video in partnership with Kodak for album track, Broken. Other achievements include winning track of the day on Garageband.com for Really Feeling Something, placed 2nd in pop videos on Ourstage.com for music video Chrysalis, and toured with Swollen Members through BC. The band are savvy bloggers/social networkers and have 16,000+ fans on ReverbNation, 2200+ Facebook friends, and over 400,000 profile views on MySpace.
dan kosub
Canadian indie rock singer/songwriter Dan Kosub has distinguished himself by channeling a baroque folk narrative through evocative melodies and extraordinary vocals. Dividing his time between Toronto and Victoria, Kosub’s relentless touring behind his debut record Reservoir earned him a place in the hearts of Canadian fans across Canada, and set the stage for the spring 2011 release of his follow up record Jacob’s Island. Currently touring behind the six song EP as well as his nationally charted single and video ‘Aurelia,’ Kosub is delighted to return to the stage in a city which shaped his character and so richly influenced his music. Grab Jacob’s Island on iTunes. www.dankosub.com
mike edel
With his debut The Last Of Our Mountains, Edel has learned that home, love and youthfulness are neither innocent nor simple. Born in rural Alberta, his youth was spent between rocky mountains and vast wheat fields. These landscapes shaped the album; a sharp and urgent collection of 8 songs that give way to the adventurous, compassionate and delicate.
Produced by Vancouver’s Winston Hauschild (Hannah Georgas, Hey Ocean), the making of The Last Of Our Mountains saw, a new human being birthed, the last use of Mushroom Studio’s vintage gear, an emergency trip to the hospital and many passages across the Strait of Georgia. The collection is bookended by Bottom Floor Apartment, in which smiles reassure and The Country Where I Came From where the longing for the idea of home and infinite possibilities of youth and love grow narrow. Mike Edel has since relocated from his family’s wheat farm to the seaside city of Victoria BC, where he has quickly formed a personal and musical home.
KARLY SUMMERS
Canadian Musician/Actor Tom Jackson was so impressed with Karly, he chose her to open for him, Christmas 2007. Since then Karly has been requested to play at countless Festivals and Fairs. At the Vancouver Island Music Festival (Comox) where she was the youngest performer and captivated an audience of a few thousand with her mature sound. Karly is proud to have played for a BC Days ST. Ann's Academy 2010 Downtown Victoria B.C sharing the same stage as Greg Sczebel. Karly is looking forward to playing for BC Day St.Ann's Academy 2011. Karly competed in Sarah McLachlan's Lilith Fair, out of 230 BC Female artists, Karly was voted in the TOP 20. A huge accomplishment for this BC emerging artist. She has shared the same bill with Shari Ulrich, Vince Vacarro, Steven Page, Valdy, and opening for David Gogo.
sydney york
From the opera stage and the ranks of a military band into indie music, Sidney York is proof that band geeks are cool. York was a highly accomplished musician and teacher in the classical realm (She has a Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Toronto and a Master of Music from the University of Melbourne) before entering into the throws of indie-pop. After storming the scene with the independent success her debut self-titled album, she has become a valued presence in the world of Canadian music, with performances at The Vancouver Olympics, Calgary Folk Fest, Mountain View Music Festival, and many more.
A DIY multi-instrumentalist incorporating layered vocals, French horn loops, and a malformed woodwind quintet, York releases Apocalyptic Radio Cynic in 2011. Collaborating with producers Ryan Guldemond (Mother Mother, Hannah Georgas), Josh Rob Gwilliam (Michael Bernard Fitzgerald), and Russell Broom (Jann Arden, The Dudes), the outcome is an a melee of orchestral avant-pop morsels that will fill the tummies of music listeners everywhere.
Asmira Belly Dancers
Asmira's School of Oriental Bellydance was founded in Victoria by Artistic Director and Choreographer Asmira and is comprised of students of all ages performing a variety of dance styles from the Middle East. Asmira has performed all over the world sometimes taking her advanced dancers with her to such places as Turkey, Costa Rica, and Egypt. Their repertoire includes sword, veil, cane, zils, Tribal Fusion, Classical and Folkloric. Be sure to catch their mesmerizing show enriched with a rainbow of colourful authentic costumes.
Passion For Tango
Passion for Tango presents the traditional and Nuevo music and dance of Buenos Aires. Elegant and intimate dancers perform the traditional tango of close embrace and salon tango with music from the golden era of tango. Nuevo tango, seeded in Buenos Aries, sprouted in Paris, tango’s second home, was propelled by youth and electronic tango music. Dancers perform open embrace in this energetic, high-powered, sexy dance. Dr D. accordion virtuoso and vocalist Hector Flores, the soul of tango, perform solo and accompany dancers.