2019 performers
The Jerry Cans create music inspired by their hometown of Iqaluit, Nunavut, and life in the Canadian Arctic. With a unique mix of traditional Inuit throat singing and roots-rock sung in the Indigenous language of Inuktitut, The Jerry Cans are a distinctly Northern sound. The band is passionate about helping to preserve the Inuktitut language and are committed to challenging common misconceptions about life in the North. Their high energy performances have thrilled audiences in countries all across the globe including Australia, Scotland, Greenland, Cuba and Norway
Never one to shy away from speaking her mind, Laura Mina Mitic will always be the last one to tell you about herself. Instead you’ll hear about music, band mates, politics, touring and a deep reverence for humanity and the earth. You’ll hear the same on Carmanah’s first national release ‘Speak In Rhythms’, a modern eleven-song album that overflows with emotion, afterhours cool, groove and tantalizing hints of gritty vintage flavours that influence it’s modern sound. Warehouse Studios producer Gus Van Go coined the band’s sound ‘West Coast Soul’ cositin of Laura’s soulful lead vocals with a complement of strong harmonies, rich acoustic layers, multiple lead instrumentation all powered by a deft and driving rhythm. The result is a soundtrack that shimmers, dark and brooding at times and shining boldly in others, with lyrics that rival many of the great songwriters of our generation. At home on Vancouver Island, Carmanah have built a large and enthused fanbase, selling out bigger venues and opening stages for international acts like Ziggy Marley, Clinton Fearon, K.D. Lang, Moby and Shakey Graves.
What do you get when you cross 3 amazing saxophonists dressed in wacky clothes, a crazy dancing drummer and a killer upright bass player and have them sing songs about Buses, Roaches and Hockey and spend 1/2 their time playing in the audience? The Shuffle Demons, that's what!!! They were a band that captured the imagination of a generation with their antics and amazing no holds barred playing and stopped traffic on a regular basis. And now they're back!! The Shuffle Demons are a high-energy Canadian band that blends virtuosic jazz and funk playing with eye-catching costumes and over the top stage antics to produce an incredible show. A hit at festivals all over the world, the Shuffle Demons are a crowd pleasing, full-on musical group that backs up wild stage antics with phenomenal playing by some of Canada's most talented musicians
For the past six years, Craig Cardiff has been passing around a Book of Truths during his shows and asking his fans to share something truthful in it — a story, a confession, a hope, a secret. The book gives fans a chance to write down something they might be too afraid to say out loud, and it gives Cardiff an opportunity to connect with the people who come to his shows. Those entries aren’t always easy to read. The stories can be heartbreaking, and they can leave Cardiff wanting to do something, to find the person who wrote in his book and tell them to hold on for tomorrow, that things will be OK.
Ridley Bent is a Canadian country singer-songwriter. His debut album, Blam!, was released on MapleMusic Recordings in 2005, and was marked by a style that incorporated country, rock and hip hop influences, in a manner similar to Buck 65. Described by Bent as "hick hop", the album was best known for the single "Suicidewinder".His subsequent albums, 2007's Buckles and Boots and 2010's Rabbit on My Wheel, pursued a more conventional country sound.In early 2009, Bent's song "Nine Inch Nails" won in the 8th Annual Independent Music Awards and Vox Pop vote for Best Country Song. Ridley Bent is back with his latest release Wildcard the anticipated follow up of Rabbit on My Wheel showcasing the Western Canada based Country artist's keen fascination for characters whose life on the straight and narrow rarely lasts past the nearest exit to a short, crooked road. Ridley Bent continues to weave tales of wisdom and intrigue with titles such as 'Fill Yer Boots' about a truck driving card player, and 'Crooked and Loaded' written about a shoot out with a posse of outlaws.
The Tequila Mockingbird Orchestra is 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.
TMO have spent years weaving 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.
http://www.thetequilamockingbirdorchestra.com
Singing vibrant duets, writing deadly songs, playing handmade banjos and loving old acoustic guitars, Pharis & Jason Romero have a classic story. When some scratchy old records and a custom banjo led to their meeting in 2007, they quickly knew they were in for the long haul. They've since released six records and toured across North America and the UK. They've won a Juno award, multiple Canadian Folk Music Awards, been featured on NPR Music, CBC, BBC, and Folk Alley, and have performed on A Prairie Home Companion and CBC's The Vinyl Cafe. They are passionate teachers and believers in many things folk, and their heartbreakingly harmonic live show is an ever-evolving and never-ending quest for good songs and beautiful sounds. Pharis is Artistic Director for Voice Works, a workshop for singers, as part of her work as a diverse singing teacher; Jason instructs all styles of banjo playing, especially old-time three finger playing.
Established in 2007, The Fugitives are a folk collective headed by songwriters Adrian Glynn and Brendan McLeod. The band has toured extensively through Canada, Western Europe, and the UK, often joined by renowned instrumentalists Chris Suen (banjo) and Carly Frey (violinist). Over the past ten years, they’ve earned a reputation for unforgettable live shows, brimming with complex harmonies, infectious storytelling and top-notch musicianship. The Fugitives have released four records, which have been nominated for multiple Canadian Folk Music and Western Canadian Music Awards, including Best Songwriter, Best Roots Group, and Vocal Group of the Year. Their previous album, Everything Will Happen, spent ten weeks on the top ten Canadian folk charts, and earned them a support slot across Western Canada with Buffy Sainte-Marie and an appearance at UK’s Glastonbury Festival. Their latest album, “The Promise of Strangers”, released in 2018 on Borealis Records, garnered the Folk Album of the Year award from the German Music Critic's Association as well as a Western Canadian Music nomination for Songwriter of the Year for the band's elegy to Leonard Cohen, "No Words".
As the CBC has it: “This show is simply brilliant”.
The music of HuDost weaves a seamless tapestry of Folk, World, and Rock that renders tears and laughter in listeners, cultivating the nameless longing that abides somewhere in all our hearts and invoking total celebration. HuDost’s core musicians are Moksha Sommer, from Montréal, and Jemal Wade Hines from Kentucky. Moksha and Jemal Wade have grown as artists, as seekers, as a couple and as a family. Since 2015 they have also been highly engaged activists, doing advocacy work as KY Congressional District Representatives for ONE (a non-profit organization working to end extreme poverty and, specifically, the sexism of poverty). HuDost has just released a new album (April, 2019), 'of Water + Mercy', that is already receiving incredible reviews. HuDost functions as a duo or as a band, including guest musicians of varying sensibilities and backgrounds, and often including dance in their shows. As a duo their instrumentation includes vocals, harmonium (Indian Pump-Organ), NORD Keys, guitars, Dulcinet, percussion, and a slew of sonic ambient effects. Their music is a rich, eclectic blending of pop and rock with traditional Sufi music, Bulgarian, Croatian, Macedonian and Balkan folk music, Farsi, Turkish, Arabic, and folk. Their sound crosses all borders and barriers, taking the listener on a journey they will never forget.
Born on Canada’s West Coast, with its signature embrace of experimentation and improvisation, Qristina & Quinn have developed their own ‘voice’, exploring various musical traditions, fusing styles such as Old-Time, Celtic, Folk and Jazz to create their own distinctive sound. Their music features a hint of grunge, a dash of noir, a healthy sprinkling of Celtic and a dollop of rootsy goodness, engaging contemporary listeners with jaw-dropping effect. While their performances speak to the heart of traditional roots music, they successfully introduce their own fresh new approach. They artfully meld heart-swelling, stomp and clap Celtic Roots with progressive Indie Folk, with results that are arresting, provocative, stimulating and thoroughly intoxicating.
Undoubtedly two of the most outstanding young musicians to emerge from Canada's West Coast, Qristina and Quinn Bachand have a musical bond that only siblings can share. With a musical connection reminiscent of other Canadian family groups such as Leahy, The Barra MacNeils and The Rankins, audiences everywhere are quickly falling in love with Qristina & Quinn.
Khari Wendell McClelland is a diversely talented and ever-evolving artist. Originally from Detroit, Khari has become a darling on the Canadian music scene with reviewers lauding his performances as a clever mix of soul and gospel. Khari’s songwriting crosses genres and generations, joyfully invoking the spirit of his ancestors who straddled the US-Canadian border in efforts to escape slavery and discrimination. His music draws from this rich history, integrating the rhythms and folklore of early African-Americans with contemporary sounds and stories of struggle. Recently, Khari received critical acclaim for his Freedom Singer project, recreating the music fugitive slaves carried on their journey north into Canada. Khari also performs with the Roots Gospel group The Sojourners. Whether on stage or in the studio, Khari's passion for community, equality and justice is palpable, as is his belief in the redemptive power of music.
http://khariwendellmcclelland.com
Ben Sures is a Singer Songwriter based in Edmonton, Canada. He is great guitar player, singer and songwriter. Ben’s live shows are some of the best you will see , funny stories verging on comedy, awesome playing and interplay between his mostly acoustic musicians and they will be carried on the best kind of emotional rollercoaster, you laugh going up, cry coming down , you go slow and deep and then things speed back up, you get to laugh again and leave the concert feeling really really good. The songs are melody driven, catchy and full of ideas, from the fan favourite ‘Boring People’ to Used to Have a Raygun and the John Lennon Songwriting contest winner, ‘Any Precious Girl.’ The music is interesting, fun to listen to and easy to remember.
He is the kind of songwriter that reaches the audience in a refreshing way.
Call it prairie noir, or Canadiana desert rock: Abigail Lapell sings haunting, gorgeous modern folk songs, mapping epic natural landscapes and deeply intimate, personal territory. The Toronto vocalist, guitarist and multi-instrumentalist has released three acclaimed solo albums. Hide Nor Hair, her Chris Stringer-produced sophomore LP, won a Canadian Folk Music Award for Contemporary Album of the Year in 2017. Since then, Lapell has been on the road, touring across Canada, the U.S. and Europe, and playing at festivals like Pop Montreal, Mariposa, In The Dead Of Winter, Tiny Lights and Folk On The Rocks. Getaway, Lapell’s ambitious third release, is out February 1st 2019 on Coax Records/Outside.
Blue Moon Marquee is a Gypsy Blues band born of the wild rose foothills of Alberta. They currently make their home in an island shack on the coast of the Salish Sea ,British Columbia. A.W. Cardinal (vocals/guitar) and Jasmine Colette a.k.a. Badlands Jass (vocals/bass/drums) write and perform original compositions influenced by anything that swings, jumps or grooves. Artists such as Lonnie Johnson, Louis Armstrong, Blind Willie Jonson, Charley Patton, Howlin' Wolf, Screaming Jay Hawkins, Tom Waits, Memphis Minnie, and Django Reinhardt are deeply infused in the soul of their music. Blue Moon Marquee is primarily a live duo with the energy and sound of a full band. Colette, the rhythm section, not only commands the upright bass but also brings the swing with her feet on the kick drum, snare and high hat, all while singing harmonies. Cardinal is of the screaming and hollering blues ilk with distinctive thick and smoky vocals that barrel out like a raging bull. His guitar crackles with the swinging energy of jazz tinged blues.
https://www.bluemoonmarquee.com
The Dimpker Brothers didn’t choose music, music chose them. Since childhood days it is all they’ve known, but the only way to share their passion was to see them playing one of their acclaimed live shows. Until today. Their debut single, ‘Days Of Wonder’, is as much a force of nature as the brothers themselves. Recorded with their musical hero, Joshua James, in American Fork, Utah, the song blends bittersweet Scandinavian harmonies with the soul of Americana. “If you’re allowed to have favourites among your own offspring, this is ours.” This folk rock duo from Sweden is much more than a band, the Dimpker Brothers actually are brothers! It’s almost like they’ve got sixth sense tightness in their dynamics and beautiful vocal arrangements. Reviews of the Dimpker Brothers’ live shows read unique” and this is medicine for the soul” which gives testimony to the warm and powerful performance of this talented young duo!
The honesty in Luca’s voice is impossible to ignore, elevating songs rooted in the folk tradition to soulful hymns about the human condition. With influences from Joni Mitchell to Bob Dylan, Luca's reflective and sometimes melancholic songwriting pulls the listener into a deeply hypnotic meditation on redemption and transcendence.
Based in western Canada, Luca has opened for Dermot Kennedy, Serena Ryder, Hayden, and Frazey Ford, and he has toured in Canada, the US, Australia and Japan. Luca's music has been featured on Grey’s Anatomy, NCIS: Los Angeles, and Station 19, and his catalogue has over 13 million streams between Spotify and Apple Music. 2019 will see the arrival of Luca’s much anticipated second full-length album, beginning with first single “Half-Saved.”
“Like her music, T. Nile is a radiant and multi-layered complexity; inspiring and inspired; accessible yet luminous; leaving you wanting more.” Quite a ways from her early days in a Galiano Island cabin on the wild coast of British Columbia, Canada, T. Nile has blurred musical boundaries, fusing the traditionally conflicting styles of Electro-pop and folk-roots. “Working with both acoustic and electronic instruments gives me a sense of unlimited musical possibility” she says, comparing the capabilities to a field of wildflowers versus a vase of flowers. On her upcoming release “Beachfires” it’s a sentiment you’ll hear come alive throughout the album. Nile was groomed for an unconventional life. Her father performed as “Dan The Man, The One Man Band”, following in the footsteps of his inspiration and mentor Jesse Fuller, a street performer turned influential blues musician who famously penned “San Francisco Bay Blues” and inspired Bob Dylan to pick up the harmonica. Nile accompanied her father as they toured the West Coast and Australia in an RV.T. Nile has won awards, including “Best New/Emerging Artist” at the Canadian Folk Music Awards, played major festivals, in 2018 she spent a good part of the year writing and recording “Beachfires” which comes out in April 2019.
HANNE KAH. This band is quite surprising in many ways. The four-member formation from Mainz not only offers a thematic and cultural ambition, but also knows how to unite musical genre and generations . They bravely and confidently establish the genre "Outlaw Music" in their own timbre, which was not heard from a German band before. At international festivals in Canada and overseas, HANNE KAH has already earned a permanent place . "Y" is the second studio album by HANNE KAH. The young band surprises once again with very adult and also with political topics, according to their commitment. The stories of the songs outline the diversity of this album. HANNE KAH is undoubtedly one of the leaders in a new zeitgeist. And across generations!
Influenced by musical inspirations as diverse as Norah Jones, Rachmaninov, and John Denver, she began writing her own songs on the piano as a creative outlet. After being introduced to the banjo in college Hunt began to develop her own improvised style of playing, combining old-time picking styles with the percussive origins of the instrument. “I’m self-taught, I just started letting the songs dictate what needed to be there,” she says. After moving to Kansas City and discovering her mysterious Depression-era tenor banjo, Hunt began recording Even The Sparrow in Kansas City alongside collaborator Stas’ Heaney and engineer Kelly Werts. “It took almost two years to record,” the album displays Hunt’s penchant for masterful storytelling and intriguing arrangement, as researched and complex as they are memorable, punctuated by her articulate melodies and a well-enunciated and creative command of lyrical delivery infused with deft emotional communication. While reminiscent of modern traditionalists such as Gillian Welch–a number of her songs even borrow titles and phrasing from traditional American music.
https://www.kellyhuntmusic.com
Balkan Babes are excited to release their brand new album this summer, showcasing it first at Islands Folk Fest...we introduce…Zajedno! Operating as a collective, without a director, the Victoria-based Balkan Babes showcase a capella music of Eastern Europe and beyond, including Bulgaria, Croatia, Macedonia, Georgia, Israel, Greece and Serbia. In doing so, they enchant audiences with the penetrating harmonies, asymmetrical rhythms, unusual ornamentations and powerful emotions that characterize the rich and timeless folk music of Eastern Europe. While the Balkan Babes strive for an authentic sound in vocal production and pronunciation, they also open up many songs to their own contemporary interpretations and arrangements. Prepare yourselves for songs of love, revelry, seduction, passion, and, oh yes, did we mention love?
Raised on a farm in the Ottawa Valley, now based between Toronto and France, extraordinarily acclaimed Canadian songwriter Selina Martin pushes the boundaries of pop, rock, singer/songwriter, punk and experimental music while writing incredibly hooky pop songs.
According to Rokline Magazine, Martin can be “...compared to groundbreaking female songstresses whose art has transcended the usual Rock-Star / Pop-Diva template of popular music, icons such as England’s Kate Bush, Lene Lovitch, and Iceland’s Björk”.
On her new album she has morphed into a post-pop pioneer. Filled with raw energy and emotion,
“…caruso’s brain…” strikes a perfect balance between sparseness and fullness, acoustics and electronics, and between control and abandonment.
Richard Garvey is guitar-strumming, banjo-plucking, and sing-along-starting performer and community organizer from Kitchener. His award winning songs explore the highs and lows of love, injustice, and the marbled mess of the human condition. Whether he’s playing to a living room or an amphitheatre, Richard brings clever songs and a sly sense of humour to inspire solidarity, hope, and change. If you’re looking for the latest incarnation of world-changing, foot-stomping, and heart-filling folk music, see Richard Garvey.
Joe first stood on stage in front of 200 people when he was 5 years old at a Huntsville, Ontario festtval . He remembers being scared to death but the thrill never left him. When Joe was a kid he used to sit beside the big old floor model radio with the rotary dial and listen and sing along to his parents' music... the crooners (Crosby, Clooney, Kaye), the Rat Pack, maybe some Hank Williams. Then, late one night through some freak of nature in the atmoshere he heard, "movin' and a groovin with Cousin Bruce". It was a show on WABC New York and a wild man going by the moniker of "Cousin Brucie" was playing the Beatles. The British Invasion was on. Joe was never the same after that. Joe started writing poetry when he was a teenager. While he was at York university in Toronto he started going to the Riverboat club. He got fascinated with the singer/songwriter thing and started putting his words to music. Joe has always been a bookworm and the use of language to paint pictures is his passion. To him the challenge in songwriting has always been to tell a short story in three and a half minutes. Tom Waits' comment; "Vocabulary is my instrument" has continued to be a signpost.
https://www.joecharronmusic.com
FMA and WCMA nominated The Oot n’ Oots make kids music that is, to quote Jerry Garcia, not for kids only. Drawing on diverse influences from the history of rock n’ roll, this is a band with chops, soul, and swagger. Their original songs are wildly imaginative, brimming with humour and inspiration. The band includes 12-year-old Ruth Cipes (voice, uke), described as “…a force of nature.” by Spare the Rock, Spoil the Child host Bill Childs, with her dad Ezra (voice, guitar) and uncles Ari (voice, guitar), Gabe (voice, bass), and Matthew (voice, drums). Ruth trades lead vocal duties with Ari and his melodic tenor. In performance the group casts a spell of freedom, lightheartedness, and laughter. Their second album “Electric Jellyfish Boogaloo” has been nominated for a Canadian Folk Music Award, and the band for “Children’s Artist of the Year” at the 2019 Western Canadian Music Awards. Other milestones include nominations for Children’s Artist of the Year at the 2017 Western Canadian Music Awards and a 2017 Okanagan Arts Award based on the strength of their debut album “Songs and Tales from the Great Blue Whale” This is truly entertainment for the whole family, enlivening community, joy, and understanding through free-spirited musical performance.
The Ramblers were formed during a cold long winter over a need for mournful appalachian mountain tunes and a love of traditional music. Mack has played fiddle since he was 8, winning Canadian fiddle competitions and playing all around the continent developing his wild, syncopated style. Mack has played in many bands over the years including the Tequila Mockingbird Orchestra, OQO, Ain't Dead Yet, The Wicks and Kodou. Kaitlin picked up the banjo after playing guitar and piano all her life and found a rhythmic, melodic bliss. Her playing is influenced by the African gourd banjo, Flamenco guitar stylings and her Nova Scotian/Irish heritage. She plays in the roma-ragtime-klezmer duo Button & String. Banjo and fiddle are a timeless partnership of instruments. With beautiful oldtime vocal harmonies and skilled instrumentation, they weave intricate notes over the droning backdrop of clawhammer banjo. They play a wide range of traditional music, from metis to celtic, appalachian, bluegrass, cajun and roots. Expect high-energy hillbilly hoedowns to droney, middle-eastern inspired instrumentals. Set to release their second album, the Ramblers are on fire to share their gritty, heartfelt energy with the world.
https://www.highquadraramblers.com
Heartwood is the brand new and perfect pairing of award-winning singer-songwriters Jack Connolly and Genevieve Charbonneau from Vancouver Island’s Cowichan Valley. Jack and Genevieve are outstanding performers in their own right, but when their songwriting talents, charisma and musical chops are combined, the result is roots and folk magic. Soulful harmonies and the interplay of skillful guitar enrich original songs that are clever, intimate and highly accessible. Heartwood, which made its concert debut in November 2018 to rave reviews, casts a spell on live audiences that lasts long after the music is over.
The Burying Ground is an upbeat blues string band that brings the fire of punk to the technical prowess and distinct sound of such early blues, country and jazz masters as Blind Blake, Bessie Smith, Gary Davis, Memphis Minnie, Big Bill Broonzy, and Jimmie Rodgers. The core duo of Devora Laye (washboard, vocals and saw) and Woody Forster (guitar and vocals) are known for songwriting that illuminates the human experience, and reflects the modern day by touching on mental health, the trauma of war, social justice and good old-fashioned lost and found love. It is today’s commentary on a framework of vintage music. The Burying Ground has been charming diverse crowds, across all ages and musical tastes, in large and small venues throughout Western Canada, the United States and most recently flew overseas on tour through Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and Ireland. To date, they have released three albums that have all hit radio charts - Big City Blues (2015); Country Blues & Rags (2017); and The Burying Ground (2017). A rotating cast of masterful backing musicians accompanies Woody and Devora.
https://www.theburyingground.com
Cara McCandless is a singer, song writer and guitar player who doesn’t like to linger too long in one genre but her live show is a blend of blues, folk, rock, and country. Cara started out with an ear for music. When she got her first guitar it was a life changing moment that became a passion and a journey of self discovery and reflection through song writing. From that moment, Cara has written over 160 songs. She has a unique voice and writes songs with truthful lyrics, masterful technique and precision craftsmanship. Based out of the Cowichan Valley in British Columbia, Canada, she has made a name for herself amongst her peers within a talented pool of musicians and she is building momentum.
https://www.reverbnation.com/caramccandlessinfo
Stella Swanson and the Rosie Joyfuls
Stella is a ten-year-old singer/songwriter who launched her debut album, “I’m Not a Bunny,” in December of 2014. The album exceeded everyone’s expectations, selling more than 900 copies, and garnering nominations from Breakout West and The Canadian Folk Music Awards. Stella was also a finalist in the John Lennon International Songwriting Competition for, ‘I’m Not a Bunny.’ Stella’s second album, ‘Pants on Backwards,’ includes the band: ‘The Rosie Joyfuls,’ to reflect the increased musical contributions of Stella’s sister, (Sophie Swanson,) and mom, (Karen Pantuso-Swanson.) Stella was fortunate enough to have Juno winner, Helen Austin, mentor her throughout the creation of both albums. Helen gave advice on songwriting, then recorded and produced the albums. Stella and The Rosie Joyfuls collaborated on all of the original songs on the second album. Typically, Stella and eight-year-old Sophie create catchy little tunes when they’re playing together, and then Karen records the song ideas so that they’re not forgotten! Later, they all listen to the snippets of songs and turn some of the catchy hooks into full songs! Stella and Sophie are both home-schooled, and they are able to build a lot of music into their days.
Laura Deviato and the Lelolai
Singer-songwriter Laura Deviato and percussionist Olimpo Ortega return to Folkfest with a musical adventure celebrating Folkloric rhythms of Latin America and the Caribbean! Guided by Laura who has been described as singing with a 'deep passion direct from the soul which transforms into musical creation'. Her eclectic vocal style is as pure and raw as it is rich and sweet, honing her distinct sound by transcending genres and flowing seamlessly from Folk-Funk-Soul-Latin in English, Spanish and Italian. Together with her long time musical partner Olimpo, she toured and travelled throughout Central America, Italy, Spain and Cuba which greatly influenced and inspired her worldly musical perspective and love for Latin music, percussion and improvisation. Olimpo's musical trajectory has been empirical due to his childhood between Cuba and Panama. It has been said that 'his inherent love for music and bringing people together is infectious!'. This year they will be accompanied by the stellar 'Lelolai', comprised of world class musicians; including the sublimely talented Cuban Pablo Cardenas on piano, the incredibly versatile Peter Dowse on base and the rock steady Cuban conga player Leon Torres. Their interactive and high energy performance will be a refreshing sound and sight to behold! Expect to dance and sing to Reggae, Cumbia, Merengue, Rumba, Son Cubano, Samba and more!
Off-stage over a pint, or on-stage in songs, Auto Jansz speaks and sings in soft, kind tones perhaps a product of a London-born, Sri Lankan/Irish heritage. Or maybe it's the old souls of the historical women she sings about, emerging from a subtle yet precise every everywoman voice, and penchant for turning the clever and playful yet poignant phrase.From Winnipeg punk to Victoria roots/ragtime, Auto has earned her musical stripes. Having toured nationally and internationally sharing the stage with great artists like Michelle Wright, Spirit of the West, Fred Eaglesmith, Jane Siberry, Doc MacLean and David Gogo, Auto has come into her own with solo recordings and performances that are making the Canadian roots music fans sit up and listen. Irish green eyes and a leftover London accent round out an identity that comes across to audiences as both mysterious and approachable.
Latenight and the Enchanter
Lennon a local rapper and musician, inspired by the belief that the duty of an rapper,
poet or any artist is to critique and say what others feel they can’t say themselves, to
give voice to the voiceless, originally performing with his band Subterranean, Lennon
has transition over the years into a solo artist opening for the likes of Kyprios,
Sweatshop union, Sirreal and Illvis Freshly. Playing at the Islands Folk Fest for the first
time with The Enchanter, he looks forward to delivering a party infused lyrically poignant
performance.
One guitar and 3 mics. (I may possibly have a acoutic bass and bongo join me.)
Philo Russ is a multi-instrumentalist from the Cowichan Valley who has been playing for 17 years. He is in two bands, Vying For Glory and Taboo Parlour, as well as being a solo artist. Expect much more to come in the future.