On the Road Ahead Learning Labs Speaker Profiles
There are world musicians, and there are musicians of the world. In the case of Alberta-born Doug Cox, this talented six-stringer happens to be both. As a young bluesman, this devotee of all-things-with-frets-and-strings had a life-transforming moment over 30 years ago when he first picked up the Dobro. Either as solo performer or as guest artist, or when touring with longtime friends and colleagues, Doug embodies inventiveness and breathtaking musicality.
More than just a performer, Doug is deeply embedded in the entire world of music. Aside from regularly teaching at music camps in Alaska, Texas, and England, he ran his own Malahat Mountain Music label for years and still produces records. He is also the producer and artistic director of Vancouver Island MusicFest, which has long been one of Canada’s most popular and respected music events.
https://www.dougcox.org
http://www.islandmusicfest.com
British Columbia born folk singer/songwriter John McLachlan’s original folk songs are hand-woven from his own roots, and the history and salty air of Canada’s west coast.
He began performing in folk clubs in Vancouver in 1979 and for 20 years he presented his original songs in hundreds of theatres, festivals, clubs and schools. After a hiatus from touring while he worked as a graphic designer and arts administrator he returned to music in 2014. Since then he’s recorded five albums and is touring again. John calls Hornby Island (traditional territory of the Comox First Nation), home.
https://www.johnmclachlan.ca
Kym Gouchie is a multi-talented artist who wears many hats. She proudly represents her Carrier, Cree and Shuswap ancestors and likes to acknowledge her European blood too. An independent strong woman, she is a mother and a grandmother, a playwright, visual artist and a professional musician who spends the majority of her time on the road. She is a consultant and festival coordinator with over 25 years of experience in creating space for Indigenous artists and musicians. Kym is currently residing in her ancestral territory, the Lheidli T’enneh, also known as Prince George. She is an advocate for Murdered & Missing Indigenous Women and Girls and is an intergenerational residential school survivor. Inspired by her eclectic background, Kym draws on the sometimes harsh realities of searching for her own identity as an Indigenous woman who was no stranger to adversity.
https://kymgouchie.com
Margot Holmes has owned and operated Caline Artists International for 30+ years. In addition to managing and touring Canadian artists around the globe, she has also worked as a presenter with the Vancouver Island Symphony and Festival Nanaimo. Margot understands life on the road – touring around the world for 25 years with the British Columbia Boys Choir. During Covid Summer of 2020, she produced 42 Pop Up Concerts in 10 locations on Vancouver Island for audiences of 50. Wearing two hats – Agent/Manager and Presenter – she has worked both sides of the deal.
In 2015, she was awarded Agent of the Year by CAPACOA and in 2017, she was awarded the BC Touring Council’s Agent of the Year Award for her work in creating the Maverick Cooperative.
https://caline.com
https://maverickcooperative.com
Mark is a well-known face on the BC music and event scene, and has a personal network with key organizations and individuals garnered over 30 years. The work is connecting communities, artists, audiences and opportunities. Networked with like-minded organizations throughout the province Marks company, Misty Mountain Productions works towards creating opportunity for artists, engaging events and serves the wider BC arts industry. He also operates his studio Misty Mountain Sound, in Penticton, BC.
https://mistymountainsound.ca
Paul Hinrichs has always been a live music fan and spent his formative years touring Canada and the USA. Paul started presenting live music concerts in Nelson, BC in 2010 and founded On The Road Management and Productions to provide artist management to BC based acts Shred Kelly, Shane Philip and The Tequila Mockingbird Orchestra. In 2015, Paul became Artistic Director of the infamous Kaslo Jazz Etc. Summer Music Festival, and the following year took over operations of the festival as the Executive Director. Paul graduated from the Contemporary Music and Technology program at Selkirk College, is a juror for FACTOR, and judge for the JUNOS.
https://kaslojazzfest.com
For almost 30 years, Tom has been forging a career in the music industry with passion, creativity and a DIY attitude. In that time, he has been a JUNO award winner, a two-time West Coast Music Award recipient, Genie Award winner, agent, manager, festival AD, presenter, panelist, band leader, musical director, label owner, producer and educator.
He has always been a music maverick, working outside the confines of the preverbal box. When opportunities weren’t offered to him, he created them. When agents and labels weren’t interested, he formed his own agency, booked his own tours and formed his own record company. With dedication and hard work, eventually labels came calling as did tours and opportunities. His songs have become his calling card, and have reached thousands of people worldwide opening even more doors and opportunities.
Tom’s career has been a combination of talent, dedication and luck. Never one to rest on his laurels, he is always looking ahead to the next exciting project, the next catchy chorus hook, or the next skill to learn. After almost 3 decades in the music industry, Tom still tries to strike the perfect balance between the business of music and the artistry and soul of music.