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Thursday April 7, 2022 — James Cowan Theatre: Showcase 1 – 1:30 PM – 3:45 PM
The High Bar Gang
Since the band was formed in the summer of 2010, The High Bar Gang has been bringing its unique take on old time bluegrass to the people of Western Canada. Vocal harmony is key to the band’s sound, and the blend of Shari Ulrich, Wendy Bird and Kirby Barber along with guitarist Barney Bentall and banjo player Dave Barber is simply stunning. Supported by Rob Becker on bass, and Colin Nairne on guitar and mandolin, the band’s repertoire stays rooted in the golden age of bluegrass music with songs by the likes of Bill Monroe, The Stanley Brothers and Del McCoury.
Represented by:
The Feldman Agency
wright@feldman-agency.com
https://www.feldman-agency.com/
Home Base: British Columbia
PIQSIQ
With a style inspired by haunting northern beauty, sisters Inuksuk Mackay and Tiffany Ayalik are Inuit throat singers from Arctic Canada who blend their ancient traditional form with contemporary technology to create haunting soundscapes and improvisational compositions that change with every show.
Represented by:
Paquin Artists Agency
aaron@paquinartistsagency.com
https://www.paquinartistsagency.com/
Home Base: British Columbia
Kutapira
Kutapira is a marimba and percussion ensemble formed in 2005 in East Vancouver. The band is made up of five musicians, ages 25-30, who started playing this fusion of world music when they were kids over 15 years ago. At the core of this band is the marimba music of Zimbabwe, fused with West African djembe, Afro-Cuban conga’s and timbales and traditional drum kit, which provides a steady driving groove. All members switch seamlessly between marimba and percussion. There is magic created at the shows between the audience and band members.
From toddlers to young adults, from seniors to elementary school students, the energy and unique musical fusion has ignited something within people of all ages and from all walks of life.
Represented by:
Cubbyhole Artists
tom@cubbyholeartists.com
https://www.cubbyholeartists.com/
Home Base: British Columbia
Quinn Bachand’s Brishen
Brishen, Romany for ‘bringer of the storm’, is what Quinn Bachand, one of Canada’s most outstanding award-winning young musicians, and his band serve up with their original western and euro-gypsy swing homage. With a tight grasp on the music that embraces the swing tradition, Quinn Bachand’s Brishen takes audiences on an inventive quest which, through its technical virtuosity, brings together a spellbinding range of musical history to reinvent the categories of swing jazz, pop and country, celebrating the music of the ‘30s, up to and including the ‘60s. They create a space where virtuosity meets vibe, leaving audiences with a sense of jubilance and nostalgia.
Brendan McLeod and the Fugitives – Ridge
Often called the “battle that made Canada,” Vimy Ridge resulted in over 10,000 Canadian casualties. Through direct storytelling, verbatim theatre, and live music, Brendan McLeod examines misconceptions and varying perspectives around the battle, while drawing parallels to other formative events in our nation’s past. Featuring inventive musical interpretations of WWI soldier songs, Ridge probes difficult yet necessary questions about how and why we grieve. A vivid, kinetic ride through history, as well as an intimate, personal examination of our connection to the past, Ridge is a visceral work that passionately argues against the exploitation of young lives.
Represented by:
KBAM! Kevin Bruce Arts Management
kevin@kbamonline.com
https://www.kbamonline.com/
Home Base: Ontario
Dandelion: A Comedy about Fatherhood
Inspired by the imagination of his 4-year old son, Aaron Malkin brings to the stage a wildly fun and very relatable storytelling comedy. This award-winning show is great for anyone who has been a parent or had one.
Malkin’s “jaw-dropping physicality” and “spot-on comedic timing” (Winnipeg Free Press) are an absolute joy to behold, yet it is in his reflections on his own parenting mistakes that the show offers poignance and impact.
Malkin is a Canadian Comedy Award winner, Off-Broadway performer, and 22-time Best-of-Fest winner for his British Comedies in the popular comedy duo James & Jamesy.
Contact:
Aaron Malkin
aaron.malkin@gmail.com
https://www.jamesandjamesy.com/
Home Base: British Columbia
Show unavailable for touring 2023-2024
Note from Aaron: It has been a very difficult decision, but I have decided to retire Dandelion in favour of creating new work. The show was created 3.5 years ago, in the year before the pandemic. Then the show collected dust, while stages were empty. We are in a different space now, and I would rather give myself fully to new creative projects.
Diyet
Diyet is contemporary and traditional with catchy melodies and stories deeply rooted in her Indigenous worldview and northern life. Backed by Love Soldiers Robert van Lieshout and Bob Hamilton, this trio from the Yukon has a sound that can fill a big stage or capture an intimate room. From a family rooted in traditions but tempered with a sense of adventurous hippie attitudes, Diyet has created a musical presence as diverse as her Southern Tutchone, Tlingit, Japanese and Scottish heritage. She often says, “yesterday, fishing for our dinner on the ice, the next day, on the stage singing for you!”
Represented by:
Maverick Cooperative
debbie@magnumom.ca
https://maverickcooperative.com
Home Base: Yukon Territory
Friday April 8, 2022 — Studio Theatre: Showcase 2 – 1:45 PM – 3:45 PM
Ballet Victoria
Celebrating 20 years, Ballet Victoria is an established boutique professional ballet company with four yearly productions, and that can all easily tour and adapt to various size stages. The company has toured internationally (USA, Japan, Mexico) to rave reviews and offers profound, dramatic, and technically demanding ballets rooted in classical technique. Accessible and relevant to a wide range of audiences, our productions are highly entertaining. Presenters can simply select works from our seasonal repertoire: Nutcracker or other full-length ballet or mixed programs showcasing Canadian Choreographers. Contact us for our performance menu!
Contact:
Paul Destrooper
destrooper@balletvictoria.ca
https://www.www.balletvictoria.ca
Home Base: British Columbia
Michelle Creber
Michelle Creber is a 22 year-old award-winning singer, songwriter, actor and multi-instrumentalist with a powerful voice, inspiring messages and a fantastic show! Expertly accompanied by a band of top Vancouver musicians, Michelle’s sound is rooted in AC with pop and rock influence. She is a dynamic and versatile performer with eight albums (the latest two, “Storm” and “On Display” both made it onto Top 100 Billboard charts), outstanding stage presence, and a strong social media following. Michelle has performed around the world, owning the stage and captivating her audiences with honest and universally relatable themes.
Represented by:
Jeff Turner Entertainment Group
ryan@turnerentertainmentgroup.com
http://www.turnerentertainmentgroup.com/
Home Base: British Columbia
Jackson Hollow
Put four of the industry’s finest together, and you create something special. That something is Jackson Hollow with a sound that is “simple, powerful, and instantly magnetic”.
The blend of heart-wrenching vocals and dead-on harmonies is backed by prodigious instrumental talent that “strikes a chord with people of all ages, backgrounds and musical tastes.”
Mountain Fever Recording Artists Jackson Hollow is a Canadian bluegrass band from Vancouver, BC and three-time winner of the BC Country Music Association Gaylord Wood Traditional Country Award.
Represented by:
Maverick Cooperative
margot@caline.com
https://maverickcooperative.com/
Home Base: British Columbia
Buzz Brass – Famous Inspirations
Thanks to outstanding original transcriptions, rediscover famous compositions from the turn of the 20th century by giants such as Debussy, Ravel, Dvořák, Liszt and others, including Khachaturian’s celebrated Sabre Dance. The programme, as inspired as it is inspiring, consists of veritable timeless masterpieces that all audiences will be able to appreciate. Come and hear these works under the new incomparable light that Buzz Brass casts upon them!
“The Scherzo of Ravel’s F major Quartet is jaw-droppingly brilliant – a testament to the ensemble’s sensational embouchure – and almost convinces that the music was conceived for brass.” — Gramophone Magazine (London, UK)
Musicians: Sylvain Lapointe (founder|trumpet), Frederic Gagnon (solo trumpet), Pascal Lafreniere (horn), Jason de Carufel (trombone), Sylvain Arseneau (bass trombone).
Represented By:
Agence Station Bleue
m.fortier@stationbleue.com
https://stationbleue.com/
Home Base: Quebec
Andrew Allen
Andrew Allen has scored five Top 10 hits in Canada, including “I Wanna Be Your Christmas”, “Loving You Tonight”, which was lodged in the upper reaches of the charts for more than 22 weeks. “I Want You”, “What You Wanted” and “Favourite Christmas Song”!
His benchmark single “Loving You Tonight”, a lilting, sunny tune about an ideal romance, got Andrew signed to EPIC Records and put him on tour with acts like Bruno Mars, One Republic, Andy Grammer, The Script, Train, Joshua Radin, and The Barenaked Ladies.
Audiences love Andrew’s exceptional voice, catchy songs, fun live looping chops, and witty storytelling.
Represented by:
You Will Love It Live
genny@youwillloveitlive.com
https://youwillloveitlive.com/
Home Base: British Columbia
Cloudsway Dance Theatre – Sansei: The Storyteller
On December 7, 1941, an attack on Pearl Harbor triggered one of the darkest periods in Canada’s history – the internment and dispossession of tens of thousands of Japanese Canadians. Sansei: The Storyteller is a powerful one-man show by Kunji Ikeda that weaves layers of dance, narrative, historical audio, and family recollections in a moving exploration of the Japanese internment and the experiences of the artist’s own family. Ikeda compassionately shares his discovery of where he came from and how the rampant racism of past generations has affected the Japanese community today, making space for important civic conversations.
Represented by:
Magpie Exchange Arts Management
christy@magpieexchange.com
https://www.magpieexchange.com/
Home Base: Alberta
Friday April 8, 2022 — James Cowan Theatre: Showcase 3 – 8:15 PM – 10:00 PM
Wesli
Born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Wesli has grown into his role as a prolific songwriter, guitarist, and producer. His musical journey has gone from stringing up an oil can with nylon fishing string to winning a JUNO for World Music Album of the Year. Uniting a large cross-section of Montreal talent, his music links Haitian voudou and rara with roots, Afrobeat and hip-hop. Wesli has numerous awards, albums, and tours under his belt, all around the world. With his music, he wishes to spread a universal message of goodwill bearing hope, solidarity, and justice, bringing deeper knowledge of Haitian traditions and sensibilities.
Andrea Superstein
Oh Mother is a music based multimedia performance celebrating the experiences we share as mothers, yet don’t always talk about.
It’s meticulously arranged, featuring layers of rich textures in some compositions, contrasted with stripped-down, raw vocals in others. Each song beautifully and poignantly evokes a mother’s deep and divergent emotional experience with a truth and sincerity that’s often lacking in today’s music.
Inspired by real life stories and accompanied by candid testimonials and breathtaking videos, this isn’t just a concert; it’s an all encompassing live experience featuring some of Canada’s most innovative musicians–many of whom are also mothers.
Nikita Afonso
Rarely can one find artists who continue to generate organic music and artistry despite our increasingly superficial world. While many artists may be content to depend their career entirely on mainstream trends that are sure to garner views and traction, Nikita Afonso has made it her mission to create songs that provoke human emotion.
Her words and voice have enchanted audiences worldwide; the mesmerizing blend of pop and rock has allowed her opportunities to open for country star Paul Brandt, share the stage with the iconic Keith Urban, and awarded her countless accolades.
Nikita’s music is available on all major streaming platforms.
Represented by:
Jeff Turner Entertainment Group
ryan@turnerentertainmentgroup.com
http://www.turnerentertainmentgroup.com/
Home Base: British Columbia
Royal Wood
Multi-Juno nominated singer-songwriter Royal Wood has established himself as a true musical talent. He has headlined all over the world including iconic venues like Massey Hall in Toronto, performed his music with major symphonies, and has opened national tours for legendary artists like Bonnie Raitt and David Gray.
Royal Wood continues to evolve and hone his musical craft – maintaining an unmistakable identity while uncovering and reinventing his sound. Be prepared to observe an incredible show that highlights Royal’s rich and lush vocals mixed with storytelling that equally tugs at the heart as much as it does the funny bone.
Represented by:
The Feldman Agency
wright@feldman-agency.com
https://www.feldman-agency.com/
Home Base: Ontario
Curtis Clear Sky and the Constellationz
Vancouver based Curtis Clear Sky & the Constellationz provide an exhilarating funky experience. Indigifunk is the music and culture consisting of Hip-hop with Latin-Funk, Soul, Ska, Reggae & Blues from an Indigenous voice. The live instrumental deep pocket funky rhythms cannot be resisted. The lyrics empower and unite all our “relations” as one. In June 2006 at the World Urban Forum in Vancouver Curtis was given the title of Messenger of Truth by the United Nations. In 2021 Curtis participated in the Indigenous Music ASKIY Export program creating new international opportunities. In 2022, 3-new singles will be released.
Contact:
Curtis ClearSky
info@dignifiedrecords.com
https://www.constellationz.com/
Home Base: British Columbia
Saturday April 9, 2022 — Studio Theatre: Showcase 4 – 1:15 PM – 4:00 PM
Body Parts – Tara Cheyenne Performance
Body Parts is a solo performance by veteran artist Tara Cheyenne Friedenberg in which she tries to perform her show but gets comically side-tracked by her own body issues and the absurdity of performing. Something has gone terribly wrong! Part stand-up comedy, part Greek tragedy, part performance art, part contemporary dance, this solo is the result of the ever-changing nature of creating art during a global pandemic and our inability to talk about our bodies.
Represented by:
Dance West Network
debora@dancewest.net
https://dancewest.net/
Home Base: British Columbia
Crow’s Nest – O. Dela Arts
Crow’s Nest and Other Places She’s Gone, a collaboration between Olivia C. Davies’ (Anishinaabe) with Rosemary Georgeson (Sahtu-Dene), honors multitudes of Indigenous women who find their way Home.
Represented by:
Dance West Network
debora@dancewest.net
https://dancewest.net/
Home Base: British Columbia
WANTED – CAMP
“WANTED” explores concepts of humanity, the balance between wants and fears, and interpersonal trust. We explore intangible evil that is systematic, rather than personal; we each experience and exhibit it by virtue of the societal structure in which we were raised, rather than malicious personal motivations. The transference from societal to personal is born of panic, blame, and self-preservation. We embody characters that display hysterical emotions, cycling through versions of happiness, sadness, and anger. To elevate these characters, our focus has been on dramatics by way of extreme physicality, where athleticism unravels our humanity.
Represented by:
Dance West Network
debora@dancewest.net
https://dancewest.net/
Home Base: British Columbia
Oktopus
Oktopus is a major presence on the Canadian world music scene, with over 250 performances to its credit at home and abroad. The group is primarily devoted to klezmer distinguished by a novel approach that incorporates various components of the classical and Quebecois repertoire, with some jazz and Balkan accents. The eight virtuoso musicians offer festive, high-energy performances, at once melancholic and profound, sprinkled with humour and spiced with narrative, in which original compositions and finely crafted arrangements combine with improvisation. Its members’ complicity, shared passion, and hard work are what makes each of their performances so memorable—whether on stage, in the street, on a ship, in a hot air balloon or in your living room, Oktopus is simply… spectentacular!
Represented by:
Danielle Lefebvre Artist & Concert Agency
danielle@agencedlefebvre.com
https://www.agencedlefebvre.com/
Home Base: Quebec
Marina Thibeault & Janelle Fung / ELLES
ELLES is a celebration of the warmth, vivacity, and intimacy of the viola, and the strong and expressive voices of women composers throughout the centuries. From the impetuous, romantic sonata of Rebecca Clarke to transcriptions by pioneers such as Clara Schumann, Fanny Hensel, and Nadia Boulanger, to the arrestingly beautiful modernity of Anna Pidgorna’s A Child Bringer of Light and Alexina Louie’s I leap through the Sky with Stars, ELLES is a voyage through soundscapes. Violist Marina Thibeault and pianist Janelle Fung, engaging and virtuosic performers, immerse the audience in this fascinating and moving universe of sound and emotion.
Represented by:
Latitude 45 Arts Promotion Inc.
eoin@latitude45arts.com
https://www.latitude45arts.com/
Home Base: Quebec
Charles Ross – One Man Pride and Prejudice
Charles Ross, (One Man Star Wars, LoTR, Batman) and Lisa Hebden tackle the greatest romantic comedy ever: the intrigue, dancing, proposals, lace (did we mention the lace?) are given the one-man once-over. We hope to see you rolling in the aisles (not Jane Austen rolling in her grave).
Represented by:
PKF Productions
kelly@pkfproductions.com
http://www.pkfproductions.com/
Home Base: British Columbia
Rachel Beck
Rachel Beck is a PEI-based indie pop artist whose dreamy vocals wash over you, wave after wave. Her most recent release, “Stronger Than You Know,” was celebrated as Music PEI’s 2021 Album of the Year and nominated for three ECMAs: Album of the Year, Song of the Year, and Pop Recording of the Year.
Represented by:
You Will Love It Live
genny@youwillloveitlive.com
https://youwillloveitlive.com
Home Base: Prince Edward Island
Chris Funk – The Wonderist Magician
Chris Funk’s talents have gained him appearances on NBC’s America’s Got Talent, FOX’s Hell’s Kitchen, CW’s Penn & Teller: Fool Us and Masters of Illusion as well as Syfy’s Wizard Wars. REDEFINING WONDER is an engaging and visceral multimedia experience that has audiences talking and scratching their heads for years to come. Finally, A MAGIC SHOW WITH LIVE MUSIC! Presenting a violin concerto and a guitar loop recorded live on stage has put this show into a league of its own. The live-feed camera and interactive videos bring audiences up onstage and into the action.
Ladom Ensemble
Ladom Ensemble combines piano, cello, accordion, and percussion in a unique blend of acoustic chamber and world music that is passionate, sophisticated, and wild. Their all-original repertoire incorporates inspirations from Argentinean tango, Serbian folk and dance traditions, Persian classical repertoire, as well as music from the Classical (Bach, Prokofiev), and progressive rock worlds (Radiohead). Ladom doesn’t pretend to represent any one tradition, but rather expresses an authentically Canadian fusion. Ladom’s musical identity is combined from many sources and reflects a beautiful new world with a Western classical toolset. “Elegant and contemplative… rocking and fiery!” – Errol Nazareth, CBC
Represented by:
Andrew Kwan Artists Management Inc.
andrew@andrewkwanartists.com
https://www.andrewkwanartists.com/
Home Base: Ontario
RAGMOP Theatre – Hotel Vortruba
From the creators of the award-winning international sensation Falling Awake, comes a surrealist physical comedy where finding shelter is not so simple.
“It’s the perfect mix of magic, physical comedy and charm.”
★★★★★
-Edmonton Journal
Contact:
Nayana Filkow
ragmoptheatre@gmail.com
https://www.ragmoptheatre.com/