Archives

Performers from June 2004:

Brandy Zdan
http://www.brandyzdan.com
Born and raised in Winnipeg, it wasn't long until she discovered her intense passion for music. Out of 9 years of classical training and forays into jazz, rock, folk and other genres, Brandy has crafted a unique, folk based style all her own that has earned her a key role in the live music scene in Winnipeg. Brandy also spends her time playing and recording with various artists and bands throughout Winnipeg.

Easily Amuzed
http://www.sonicbids.com/easilyamused2
Easily Amused is Renée Lamoureux and Keith Macpherson. Graduates of the music hotbed
of Winnipeg, Canada. Easily Amused have been gradually stairstepping towards mainstream recognition since releasing their debut independent CD Novice in 2001. Their lethal combination of searing harmonies and sophisticated, infectious songwriting quickly vaulted them onto national television, with appearances on Canada A.M., Open Mike with Mike Bullard, and Vicki Gabereau.

Doug & Jess
http://www.dougandjess.com Doug and Jess Reimer have been playing and singing at home together for over fifteen years. They are the father/daughter frontmen of their Manitoba based bluegrass band, "Doug and Jess". This family bond, be it the genes or the years, has flavoured their songs with a familiarity and down home charm.Now joined by Jeremy Goertzen Hamm on guitars, violins, mandonlins etc. and Tim Osmond,Known as one of the hottest banjo pickers in Manitoba!

Jack Semple & Band
http://www.jacksemple.com
Headlining this year's festival is the JACK SEMPLE BAND from Regina, Sask. Guaranteed to KNOCK YOUR SOCKS OFF!

A renowned guitar master, Semple has the ability to astound, tearing it up with blistering fretwork while laying down a blues-flavored funky vibe that packs dance floors wherever he plays.

This is Jack's first visit to Southern Manitoba...and is sure to be the highlight of an amazing day of diverse and exciting music from across the country!

Jacob Moon
http://www.jacobmoon.com
Jacob Moon's sound could be described as eclectic and soulful folk music. Growing up listening to everything from Gordon Lightfoot to Ralph Vaughan Williams to Pat Metheny has leant his music a searching, restless quality, yet has its roots in North American folk music. He has performed all across Canada, appeared on CTV, CITY, CBC and CTS, and over 40 radio stations nationwide. His song "Lights Out" won an award at the prestigious Unisong International Song Contest in Hollywood, CA.

Jake Chenier
http://www.jakechenier.com
Jake's wide variety of musical and cultural experiences, from his French-Canadian heritage to his travels in Asia, the Caribbean and Latin America are evident in his lively performances making him recognizable as one of Manitoba's finest family performers. The John Lennon International Songwriting Contest recently honoured Jake with a Grand Prize for the song "Buzz Buzzity Buzz". Jake's adventures in Mexico, Guatemala, Belize and Thailand have blossomed into Walking in the Sun, a sunny collection of catchy new sing-a-long tunes for the whole family.

The Swiftys http://www.theswiftys.net

The Swiftys have been termed as both old school country and modern outlaws. Their original material has been influenced by country greats such as Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash and Steve Earle, as well as by rock'n'roll legends CCR and The Band. Coming together in the spring of 2002, The Swiftys have shared the stage with the likes of The Sadies, Fred Eaglesmith, Luther Wright and the Wrongs, Carolyn Mark, the Corb Lund Band and numerous other artists.

Bunch of Thyme was brought together, in spring 1998 when both couples lived in Steinbach, by a rather unlikely string of coincidences and a shared desire to enjoy some relaxed, musical evenings. They are most comfortable when referred to as a ‘kitchen band'.

The group has increasingly been appearing in public at coffeehouses and community events. Group highlights were their performances at the Forks during the Pan Am Games, in concert at the William Glesby Centre in Portage la Prairie, and at the opening banquet of the 2003 Scott Tournament of Hearts in Morden.

Currently Kim and Blair live in Neepawa, and Robyn and Ernie have recently relocated to Morden.

Coffieman
Originally from Ghana, now living in Winnipeg, Coffie performs a rocking African music and rhythm show followed by a full-on dance workshop. Coffieman's repertoire encompasses calypso, reggae and African hi-life music, particularly from Ghana where he participated with the National Dance Company for a number of years. A wonderful childs entertainer, Evans enjoys his music as much as the children do. He demostrates his collection of African or (talking drums), playing rhythms of Djembe, Congo, Woyo, Talamandi, Kinasona, Nagala, Highlife and more educating the people of the history behind them.

Tom & Lori
http://www.tomandlori.com
With an array of instruments at their beck and call, this multi-instrumental duo changes styles and instruments, playing guitar, fiddle, mandolin, saxophone, or flute to accompany their sweet vocal harmonies. They have been featured at many venues & festivals and their versatility and professionalism have earned them many supportive fans. They also perform as the multiple award winning children's/family group, LuLu and the TomCat. Whether re-interpreting familiar songs, or performing their own memorable songs, Tom and Lori always play music in an enjoyable musical blend of songs, styles, instruments and humour.

Greg Wood
http://www.comedyillusions.com
Greg Wood is an award winning magician, speaker, and comedian who has performed his own brand of Comedy Magic across Canada, Mexico, several states and even in Hong Kong, England, and India. Over the last several years he has entertained thousands with his comedy and illusions at schools, corporate events, fairs and festivals, including the Winnipeg International Children's Festival and the Pan Am Games.

Righteous Ike (Band)

Righteous Ike, a native of Winkler, Manitoba has emerged over the last
decade as one of Winnipeg's most respected songwriters and musicians.

The 44-year-old singer/guitarist is perhaps best known for his spine-tingling versions of songs by Hank Williams and Johnny Cash but of late has achieved an impressive cult following for his hard-driving yet sensitive original songs.

He has recently released 2 CDs...1 studio recording and 1 live recording from Times Change(d) High and Lonesome Club. Righteous Ike is currently preparing to record a third album.

Emerging Voices:

• Joel Nickel
• Karl Redding
• Jessie Howatt
• Paul Bergman

Paul Bergman
-As a singer-songwriter, Paul Bergman roots himself in the musical
traditions of his Mennonite grandfather: Western for Saturday night and
Gospel for Sunday morning. In Bergman's writing, these styles merge
into songs that provoke thought, but could be also be heard in a country bar on a Saturday night.

Jesse Howatt
-Self-taught on guitar, Jesse Howatt has been playing music from a very
young age. Jesse can be seen regularly at local Manitou coffeehouses
during the winters. In recent years, Jesse has begun to write his own songs and last year, he particpated in the Winnipeg Folk Festival's Young
Performers program.

Karl Redding
-Best-known as the frontman for the Morden rock band, 'Dear Screaming,'
Redding is a passionate performer that fully inhabits the various moods
of his songs...he has the ability to rock out one minute and rivet you the
next with acoustic folksy charm. And he does a wicked Neil Young impression!

Joel Nickel
-Joel was one of 5 Manitoba contestants to make it to the top 48 finalists at Canadian Idol 2003. He is a two time winner of an international songwriters' contest, his songs entitled "She might be an Angel" and "I'll Love You" were featured on the compilation CD along with 9 other finalists. Joel completed his first year at University of Winnipeg and then took time off to work on more songwriting and recording. Joel's interests include theatre and writing. He wrote, produced, and acted in an indie film "Paranoia" which was recently released on DVD.

Jordan Nickel

-Jordan is a local student in grade 11. He recently began studying his craft in classical guitar with Mr. Ben Kehler. His love for all kinds of music is expressed thru his interest in the many instruments he has ambitions to master. He plays piano, mandolin, accordian and guitar. After graduation next year he hopes to attend U of M School of Music majoring in performance and composing.