2011 |
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OKAIncorporating flavours of Dub, Electronica, Hip-hop, Jazz and many forms of world music, for years people have tried to define the OKA sound. Instead, perhaps look at the line-up - Three characters with varying influences, backgrounds and talents. Stu Boga Fergie (Didgeristu), the big man behind the electronic beats & keys brings raw didgeridoo & vocals inspired by his aboriginal heritage. Chris lane plays captivating melody on Slide Guitar, Harmonica & Woodwinds including Bamboo Flute and Sax. Making up the trio is Samoan-Australian Charlie Zappa – a rhythm specialist with beats of Polynesian fire and deep pocket. Together they blend many pieces that is the OKA puzzle - A sound & force that touches the heart & feeds the soul. |
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Digging RootsAfter three years of touring in Canada, the US and Europe, Digging Roots decided it was time to get back in the studio and record a select few of the 40 plus songs they had in the store house since their last recording in 2006. So, in spring 2008 they rented a little cabin on the water, gathered their friends and allies and held up a recording studio arranging, recording and putting final touches on the new studio album. |
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Kinnie StarrKinnie Starr is an enigma. Unwavering, yet delicate. Poignant and intuitive. Powerful, yielding, gentle and fierce. MC, singer, musician, producer, poet, actress, artist, seeker. She is a trusted guide and fearless explorer with a name respected in almost any cultural or artistic conversation. Her familiar and extraordinary voice continues to provoke new thought and an evolved understanding of art, love, sex, culture, humanity and more. |
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Bill DurstAlways an audience favourite, Bill Durst has long been compared to the best guitar player/singer/entertainers anywhere in the world. Bill has written and recorded over 100 songs on ten albums including seven charted Canadian radio hits. After the early success of his band Thundermug in North America and Europe, Bill was acclaimed as one of the top songwriters in Canada, signing with CBS (now Sony) Publishing, and releasing his first two solo albums in 1984 and 1989. In between these two albums, as a side gig, Bill played in “the biggest bar band in Canada” Tres Hombres, a ZZ Top clone band, and that’s how he got his beard started! |
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NAMGARTheir songs and dances date back to the glorious times of the Mongolian Empire, preserving many genres and songs that became extinct in the other parts of Mongolian world. Being separated from each other politically since XVII century, Buryats and Mongolians still share many common traditions, and in search of cultural identity often think about each other as "true keepers of the ancient heritage". She is a daughter of the steppe, born to a cattle herder whose line included the darkhasha craftsmen. She masters the mysteries of the great wide open, voices of spirits of mountains and forests. Love to the melodies sung by her granny and her father, the wish to maintain the tradition that is becoming extinct, brought her on festival stages around the world. |
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MamagurooveResisting the temptation to be pigeon holed into any one genre, Mamaguroove's music and live show is about Revolution! Masterfully executed chops, rich exotic vocals, an irresistable dance groove, and visually stunning costumes make for a one of a kind show! |
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Gordie TentreesYukon roots-music songwriter Gordie Tentrees has released three albums. The most recent, Mercy or Sin, was produced by Juno-award-winner Bob Hamilton and nominated for a 2010 Western Canadian Music Award for Roots Solo Album of the Year. The title track was also chosen from 15,000 entries as a finalist in the 2010 International Songwriting Competition. Judges included Tom Waits, Loretta Lynn and Jerry Lee Lewis. |
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Maria in the ShowerMaria in the Shower is Vancouver's legendary folk cabaret band - wandering minstrels, entertainers cut from old cloth, storytellers traveling often and gathering tales as they go. You will find them anywhere good people and good music gather - festivals, concert halls, parlours, community halls, house concerts, or simply in the street. |
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HeadwaterHearing Headwater is like listening to the West Coast of Canada in song. Freewheeling, fierce, sentimental and sexy, the Vancouver, B.C., quartet has earned its reputation as one of the finest acoustic roots groups around the old-fashioned way - they work their asses off. |
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SaritahBorn in Seoul, South Korea, the country of her mother’s heritage, Saritah grew up by the Indian Ocean in the most isolated city in the world – Perth, Australia. A traveller from the time she was a few months old, however, she has always had a global perspective and has been exposed to and influenced by a diversity of music and culture from around the world. |
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Melissa BanduraMelissa Bandura is a Vancouver-based Independent Folk musician and multi-instrumentalist. Having discovered the violin at the age of four, becoming a student of both classical and folk traditions, and subsequently learning guitar, flute, viola, mandolin and banjo, Melissa’s songs are skillfully written and uniquely orchestral. |
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Miss Emily BrownMiss Emily Brown’s debut album, Part of You Pours Out of Me, named one of the top twelve albums of 2008 by CBC’s Alan Neal, marked a graceful entrance onto Canada’s independent music scene. On January 18, 2010 Emily released her sophomore album, In Technicolor, which features songs written as part of her Canada Council for the Arts sponsoredwinter-long songwriting project that explores her grandmother’s journal from World War II. In Technicolor was put forward for the 2010 Polaris Prize, a 2010 Canadian Folk Music Award for “Pushing the Boundaries,” and took Miss Brown to the top five nominees for CBC Radio 3’s Bucky Award for Best New Artist. |
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Dominique Fraissard"…just great, I think you'll be hearing more of him really soon. He just gave me his cd at the Woodford Folk Festival and I really liked it, it really inspired me.".. - John Butler "Getting the 'why the hell isn't he huge?' asterisk is Dominique Fraissard. Coming somewhere between the rock of Mick Hart and not as histrionic as iOta can be, Fraissard has voice, songs and a touch of the weird to be really compelling"...The Drum Media |
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Sasha LewisFrom the small village of Dunster, B.C Canada tucked away in the rocky mountains comes the rock folkstress Sasha Lewis.Honing in her craft all these years, Sasha is always trying new things. Over the last six years Sasha has performed with punk bands, recorded with a hip hop group as a featured singer/ songwriter, and has performed and written songs with a more alternative pop group. Known for working and collaborating with many different artists, this has helped broaden her range of genres and style. Now focusing on her solo career and staying true to herself, you can look forward to much more from this girl. |
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Caley WattsBorn in the remote coastal valley of Bella Coola, British Columbia, Caley Watts has been immersed in music her entire life. Having performed at various venues and music festivals over the years, Caley and her band bring a unique blend of folk, blues and rock. Caley's music reflects her appreciation for her rural roots, Indigenous heritage and the environment. Caley is joined by band mates Paul Grace-Campbell, Buddy Thatcher, and Niki Watts. |
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CumakoCumako explores different musical elements by blending rhythmical grooves into new compositions. Our style or music expands from many musical influences from Africa to the Americas. It has no limits but captures the heart and soul of each individual musician. |
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Troupe ZahiraTroupe Zahirah is a professional Middle Eastern Dance troupe based in Prince George, B.C. Canada, founded and directed by professional dancer and instructor Halawa(Sandra Tanemura). Troupe Zahriah started performing officially as a group in September of 2006. The word ' Zahirah' in Arabic means shiny ladies, and that we are! All the ladies are talented, beautiful, and soulful with unique styles and experiences. Each of the women have individual backgrounds in dance and music and bring to the troupe a range of body acceptance and sensuality that is portrayed in their dancing. |
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On The House |
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Hannah EppersonWith loop pedal, fiddle and voice, Hannah Epperson creates intricate and moving musical landscapes. As a talented collaborative artist, she’s been on the road and recorded with Miss Emily Brown, toured western Canada with Aidan Knight, and performed with electro-pop sensations Top Less Gay Love Tekno Party. In Vancouver, she is a regular at Café Montmartre, and frequently opens for popular local bands at St. James Hall, the Anza and other clubs. Hannah's collaborative history has included many politically and socially charged mixed-media explorations, including collaborations with theatrical, visual, and musical artists including Zachary Gray of The Zolas and the cutting edge Gen Why Media Project. |
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GoGo BonkersThe GoGo Bonkers performance is a wild musical ride full of Ogres, fairies, ravens, bears and trees. Several of these characters try to make the world a better place everyday. Like Treevor, the tree spirit, who sings about the importance of trees and all the things that are made from trees, or The Canadian Potato, who is a zany farmer who loves to plant, grow, eat and sing about fresh, locally grown potatoes, or Molly Mushroom, a dancing fairy that sings beautiful songs about the virtues of spending time outside in nature. And then there is Olagg the Ogre, a friendly Ogre that uses his big muscles and fists to crush rocks to make homes and bridges. |
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The Ta Daa LadyTa Daa is a gentle, fun-loving, Charlie Chaplin - like character who sings, dances, clowns and pantomimes her way through all sorts of crazy anti.cs .There is lots of interaction for everyone...including dads! Ta Daa's songs are call & response; songs like "Wash it Away" where the children are like raindrops, they have names like "Drippy Drop Drizzle" and "Dizzy Damp. Ta Daa performs at festivals, special events, theatres and birthday parties and has a wide variety of puppets for roving and interacting. |
| Foam Mesh Press, Blue Syntax, The Valley Has Talent Showcase, The Bressettes, Raghu Lokanathan, On The House, Scott Cook, Sam Heine, Drun and Bell Tower, Seth & Shara, Jos & Joan Hughes, Doug Koyama, FreeSoul, Aaron Scott, Mykhal Water, Karyn Ellis, Steve Brockley | |
2010 |
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Linda Mcrae When all the trends fade and become dated, and all the music from the cutting edge becomes dull, Linda McRae will continue to stand tall, singing and playing music with honest soul and humility, cutting through the fog with her timeless clarity. Linda is one of the true, soulful pioneers of honest roots music. Her singing and playing brings honour to her heroes and to her friends and fans. www.lindamcrae.com |
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PAPAGROOVE A 13-piece from Montreal blasting out a healthy dose of funky R&B and Afrobeat. Papagroove takes you on a rich aural journey that stretches from West Africa to Oakland, USA. The members - all outstanding players - run a tight ship! They're an original band with the right political message. www.myspace.com/papagrooveband |
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Mamaguroove Resisting the temptation to be pigeon holed into any one genre, Mamaguroove's music and live show is about Revolution! Masterfully executed chops, rich exotic vocals, an irresistable dance groove, and visually stunning costumes make for a one of a kind show! www.myspace.com/mamaguroove |
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Aurora Jane & Massive Change On the road 24/7, Australian artist Aurora Jane has a story like no other. Her music reflects the vast distances she travels, spanning diverse genres, but residing most comfortably in a funky, rootsy groove. www.aurorajane.com |
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Brian Macmillan Brian is one of Canada's finest young musicians. An extremely talented singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer, Brian's uplifting music is a blend of all of his favourite styles; Folk, Reggae, World and Pop music. Equally at ease and captivating as a solo performer or with his trio, Brian aims to connect and convey his genuine love of making and sharing music. www.myspace.com/brianmacmillan |
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Fish & Bird Fish & Bird's relationship with folk music is a little complicated. Their love for old-time music and various other folk traditions comes from deep in their hearts, but that profound respect doesn't stop them from showing the genre a little abuse. At the core is a partnership in music-making between virtuosic multi-instrumentalist Adam Iredale-Gray and singer/songwriter Taylor Ashton. Their musical education came from as diverse places as irish sessions, jazz school, garage rock, musical theatre, and old-time jams. www.fishandbird.ca |
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Blackberry Wood Blackberry Wood is a wonderful, secret and Magic combination of original oldstyle country/ragtime/Circus/Gypsy music, up to date party grooves such as exotic Worldbeats/hipnotic HipHop/upjumpin' Ska, and other irresistible body shakin'/foot shuffling stuff. www.blackberrywood.ca/ |
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Faye Blais Faye Blais is a Canadian singer-songerwriter with haunting vocals and unique electric and acoustic guitar and piano styles. She is described as indie/folk with hints of jazz, quoted as "young, edgy, and powerfully present, continuing the thread started by Joni, picked up by Ani and fashioned by Feist." www.fayeblais.com |
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The F-Holes Don't let their tongue-in-cheek name fool you, rather let their raucous live performance be a testament to their unique blend of country, dixieland, and Manitoba roots music. Since forming in Winnipeg in 2004, The F-Holes have shared the stage with the likes of Juno nominated artists Elliot Brood, Twilight Hotel, Nathan and The Perpetrators, as well as The Weber Brothers and Dan Frechette. They have entertained a wide variety of audiences ranging from the Children's Fringe Festival and the Festival du Voyageur, to the Manitoba Stampede and the Fire and Water Music Festival. Their unmistakable vintage inspired sound and zeal for live performance has garnered them acclaim from an array of critics and audiences alike. www.thefholes.ca |
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Jean Paul De Roover With an innovative approach to music, Jean-Paul De Roover is much more than a solo artist. Accompanied by live looping, guitars and a voice used as an instrument, this 'sonic architect' builds his songs from foundation to facade before your very eyes. Beginning with dead silence, his performance could lead anywhere: full a capella harmonies, rhythmic tribal beats, noise-layered worlds of ambient rock, campfire-folk, electro-ballads and anything in between. With lyrical content that can be brutally honest, or lovingly truthful, one thing is certain: the originality and creativity of his timeless performances shines through to every listener. www.myspace.com/jeanpaulderoover |
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Joanna Chapman-Smith Joanna Chapman-Smith is a powerful young woman who has been making waves on the folk scene since 2002. Alone on stage, sitting atop a percussion rig made out of a suitcase and outnumbered by instruments, she charms unassuming crowds into singing along and letting themselves be carried away into her world that questions right and wrong, mind and body, permanence and impermanence. At 25 years old she has already been many times across the country, over to the US, Europe and New Zealand as well. www.joannacs.com |
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Jesse Dee & Jacquie B A brew of many genres namely Jazz and Folk; Edmonton, AB based duo Jesse Dee and Jacquie B are creating a sound that is distinctly vintage yet unmistakably contemporary. Their music is laden with tender laments, clever hooks, and unique harmonies; their live show will leave you smiling and hooked! www.jessedeemusic.com |
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Earthbound Filling dance floors and laying down good vibes ... The 6 members of Earthbound come from a variety musical backgrounds and together they create a dynamic and energetic World/Jazz/funk sound. The soul mistress Kira Gosselin has a wicked blend of genres and sultry vocals that compliment the groove and keep the energy upbeat. Kira's intelligent lyrics and powerful song writing has a raw and real positive global vibe. On keyboard, guitar, saxophone, and vocals is Evan Wilds, a Kamloops born singer/songwriter of soul, funk, and dance. Embedded deep in the Earthbound rhythm section are Peter Mehrfert unique experienand percussion. www.reverbnation.com/earthboundmusic |
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The Shaman * Manuel and Mauricio fused together as the Shaman spawns a Latin sound aggressive and upbeat, spiced with a smooth infectious groove. www.myspace.com/theshamanmusica |
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Go Go Bonkers! BONKERS! is the brainchild of two very talented and gifted musicians, Iain McLaren and Trevor Mason. This dynamic and creative musical duo perform interactive songs for children at festivals, elementary schools, community centres and day cares. Their highly imaginative songs and co-operative interplay with children makes a BONKERS! concert an event to remember. www.gogobonkers.com |
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Roxy the Clown Renovating souls, one laugh and song at a time. Facepainting, Balloon Sculptures, Live Music, Interactive Shows, Living Statues and more! www.roxyfx.com |
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Nylon Zoo The Story inside the Salmon is based on a Native Legend about the birth of the Salmon. An arrogant Price is transformed by the Sprit of the River, into a Salmon, the wisest of fish! Angela has two salmon, whale, dragon, castle, beaver and a dinosaur inflatable. The children enter the inflatables through a zipper at the side or at the tale of the inflatable and go inside for interactive storytelling. The stories are followed by a costume parade and group dance. www.angelabrown.ca |
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Sasha Lewis From the small village of Dunster, B.C Canada tucked away in the rocky mountains comes the rock folkstress Sasha Lewis.Honing in her craft all these years, Sasha is always trying new things. Over the last six years Sasha has performed with punk bands, recorded with a hip hop group as a featured singer/ songwriter, and has performed and written songs with a more alternative pop group. Known for working and collaborating with many different artists, this has helped broaden her range of genres and style. Now focusing on her solo career and staying true to herself, you can look forward to much more from this girl. www.sashalewis.com |
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Scott Dunbar Scott is a singer, songwriter and one man band extraordinaire from Prince George, BC who is now living in Montreal. Like anyone he's trying to figure out what it's all about. When he finds out he'll let you know by stomping out songs about it with as much fire as he can muster. www.myspace.com/edmunddunbar |
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Scott Cook Edmonton's own prairie balladeer Scott Cook sings thoughtful acoustic roots music so honest it hurts. He brings a wealth of experience, years of roads, and a deep love of humanity to his songcraft & storytelling. Here are existential ramblings, hobo travelogue, and musings on love and loss marked by characteristicly mellow fingerpicked guitar arrangements, disarming honesty, and the sheer joy of being alive.. www.scottcook.net |
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Moving Mosaic Samba Band The Moving Mosaic Samba Band plays traditional Brazilian rhythms with a focus on entertainment and community outreach without regard for the age, ability and background of its members. Music and dance are the context within which we foster cooperation, collaboration and synchronization of the intentions of our members. Through our performances the individual contributions of our members combine to inspire audiences and ourselves to fully participate in their own commu www.myspace.com/movingmosaicsambaband |
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Free Soul Born and raised in Prince George, BC Free Soul's music is a mix of folk, funky, hip hop and rocking out to the beat! www.myspace.com/akafreesoul |
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Andrea Ramolo Andrea Ramolo has a voice like Lucinda Williams, like Emmy Lou Harris, like Martha Wainwright...a voice that sounds like it knows the answers to life's mysteries...the kind of voice Roy Orbison would have written songs about...her songs...are so powerful they'll break your heart. Thank You For The Ride is one of those songs, like Octoberman's Run From Safety or Jason Collett's Hangover Days or Elliott Broods' The Bridge..." (Ro www.myspace.com/andrearamolomusic |
2009 |
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RASTRILLOS |
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LA COMUNA La Comuna has been one of the leading reggae bands in Mexico since the late nineties, and has built a history of almost a decade making of this musical genre their favorite medium of expression. The band has master along the years, the perfect fusion of a wide mosaic of rhythms and musical influences including jazz, funk, soul, and naturally reggae roots, turning into the finest and most versatile eclectic reggae ensemble in Mexico and central America. www.myspace.com/lacomuna |
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Mel Watson & Jen Todd Together they are beautifully dynamic, soulful, and heartfelt. Harmony, layered songs that inspire and ignite. arrangements, brimming with creatively classic sounds. think of artists like U2, The Indigo Girls or Bob Dylan, add an eclectic edge with even a little eccentric flavor. www.melwatson.com |
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RACHELLE VAN ZANTEN Rachelle van Zanten's live show is more than just convincing- "as both a songwriter and a slide guitar player van Zanten is turning the heads of music industry folk the world over" (Nextfest 2005). Van Zanten's charismatic stage presence is infectious and charming, leaving her audience feeling inspired. www.rachellevanzanten.com |
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TAMBURA RASA brings you a musical journey; From the richness of India and sensual rhythms and dance of the Middle East, to upbeat sounds of West Africa, joyous dance music of the Balkans and fiery Flamenco of Spain. www.tamburarasa.com |
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COCO LOVE ALCORN Part soul diva, part folk troubadour, part jazz improviser, part revolutionary, part visual artist, Coco Love Alcorn is a multifaceted gem reflecting back the world as she experiences it. The Vancouver Province calls her voice extraordinary. The Star Phoenix calls it stunning. As a songwriter and vocalist, she effortlessly embraces her diverse musical influences—jazz, pop, r&b and folk—melding them seamlessly into her own distinctive and compelling sound. Her expansive stylistic, dynamic and emotional range, along with her vocal prowess, have made her a sought-after performer, respected by her peers and cherished by her fans. More than anything however, it's her love of improvising and her willingness to engage fearlessly with the audience that have made Coco Love Alcorn a singular and powerful force on the Canadian music scene for over a decade. www.cocolovealcorn.com |
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Sarah Noni Metzner The sounds and words of Sarah Noni Metzner create an unlikely musical concoction. Equal parts grit and glamour, soul and silk, tattoos and mandolins, her work is a magical-realist mix of cabaret, folk, rock and pop. A multi-instrumentalist with a dynamic voice, Metzner performs music that contains acoustic, electric, and sometimes subtle electronic elements. An artist in the truest sense of the word, her ever-evolving dimensions exist in multitudes. www.sarahnonimetzner.com |
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RANDOM ORDER Random Order has drawn comparisons to bands such as the Au Pairs, The Slits,and The Clash. They have received airplay on radio stations as far away as Galway Ireland [Radio Pirate Woman], Berlin, Germany, Amsterdam Holland and has reached ..2 on CLKN 88.1 fm's charts twice and number one on CKMS (Waterloo). They have been described as: "Canada's premiere reggae-ska-punk-rawk-world underground supergroup packs floors quickly with politics you can dance to". However they have been described, Random Order's sound is unique. www.myspace.com/randomorder |
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MELISSA ENDEAN Born and raised in BC's Okanagan Valley, coming from a musical family with a grandfather who played with Johnny Cash, and having been encouraged to write music from a very young age, Melissa's lyrics and melodies have inspired listeners from the Calgary Stampede to the Merritt Mountain Music Festival. At 23, Melissa remains Vancouver's newest musical sensation and continues to attract the attention of the media and audiences throughout British Columbia. www.myspace.com/melissarendean |
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LOS GRINGOS SALVAJES Los Gringos Salvajes call home a small village (Smithers) in remote northern British Columbia, Canada; however their sultry urban sound more closely resembles the modern day tango bar basements of Buenos Aires -- that's where lead songwriter, vocalist and guitarist Facundo Gastiazoro cut his teeth before emigrating five years ago. Traditional music forms such as milonga and bolero frequently mix it up with jazz, swing and punk for an electric fusion that is uniquely their own. Sung mostly in Spanish, lyrics are at once gritty and poetic, often melancholy, teasing or darkly humorous. www.myspace.com/gringossalvajes |
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Jarimba The music of Jarimba is rooted in tradition but looks towards the future. By combining the music of West Africa with jazz and Afro-Cuban influences our goal is to take the listener on a musical journey across continents www.myspace.com/jarimba |
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Scott Cook "This Edmonton story teller can transform a few picked notes on the guitar, uke or banjo into a personal experience. He turns phrases and tells stories that seem to have been passed on from friend to friend since the dawn of time." -Hero Hill, Halifax www.scottcook.net |
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The McGowan Family Band The McGowan Family Band is an Edmonton based musical ensemble dedicated to producing innovative music and high energy shows that are accessible to a wide audience of all musical tastes and ages. With musical influences that include rock, folk, reggae and blues, www.myspace.com/themcgowanfamilyband |
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Back Porch Swing What don't they do? It's Folk, Bluegrass, Gypsy, Western Swing, "Cowjazz" and "Backgrass" music. It's harmony singing, hot licks, great song writing, and entertaining as all get out! You'll wanna hang around their porch! www.backporchswing.ca |
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Jen Paches Leaping right into our human emotions, Jen Paches writes wonderfully captivating songs. When she performs she stands on stage playing piano, drums, harmonica etc. Her music is a unique mix of folk, punk and kabaret-rock. In fact, all three facets are happening most of the time, along with a whirl-wind story in which you find yourself enveloped, everything else evaporating, until the slap in the face wakes you. |
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Mamaguroove Resisting the temptation to be pigeon holed into any one genre, Mamaguroove's music and live show is about Revolution! Masterfully executed chops, rich exotic vocals, an irresistable dance groove, and visually stunning costumes make for a one of a kind show! www.myspace.com/mamaguroove |
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