Eire Born Irish DancersCome Fly with us!The Eire Born Irish Dancers are comprised of top dancers from the Nora Pickett Irish Dance Academy dynamically trained for local, national, and international performances. Many of their dancers have achieved the highest levels of competitive dance and range in age from seven to over 21. From traditional to more modern Irish dance pieces, they work together to produce an energetic and awe-inspiring show guaranteed to set the stage on fire! They have performed with such notable entertainers as internationally renowned Celtic fiddler Natalie MacMaster, Juno award-winning and former Lord of the Dance fiddler Shona LaMotte, the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra and many others. Their electrifying shows have been well received locally as well as internationally in Switzerland and New York.
http://www.eireborn.net/
|
|
Jennifer Hershman |
| An unmistakable voice that pierces the air with a sonic difference. |
| Jennifer started playing in her first rock band when she was 14 years old. But it wasn't until about 6 years ago that she felt the need to dive deeper into songwriting. That pivotal choice proved to be a good one, with two of her songs placed in "The Chris Isaak Show" and thereafter on "Higher Ground." Jennifer continued to experiment: picking up a guitar and adding that instrument to her arsenal during a trip to Los Angeles. In 2002, Hershman co-wrote and recorded the song called "Sweet Allure" for Balligomingo's debut RCA Victor album "Beneath The Surface." Chosen as the 2nd single from the album and rocketing to the top five of Billboard's dance club play chart, BMG loved the song wanted to make it a new single. Shortly after, Balligomingo with Jennifer in the forefront, went on a North American tour in front of sold-out audiences. Playing rooms such as the "El Ray" in Los Angeles, NYC's famed "Bowery Ballroom" and many more. Returning to Vancouver, she co-wrote "Kissy Kissy" with Davor Vulama (Hedley, Blackie and the Rodeo Kings), which was subsequently recorded by Sony BMG Taiwan starlets Michelle and Vickie. Hershman has kept herself busy playing with local bands, doing local co-writes and envisioning her next move, whether it be through a songwriter circle, coffee house or the stage. www.jenniferhershman.com |
|
Jimy Now's ReBeat Generation Trio
Old school roots of Classic Rock
A Live tribute band to some Rockin' 1950's & 60's Pop music like Bo Diddley, Chuck Berry mixed with Classic 50's Blues and Rockabilly.He has shared the stage of many Blues & Rock n Roll Legends Shoes at the Yale and Commodore Ballroom.
|
| Kaylee Johnston |
| Influenced by the likes of Avril Lavigne and Sarah McLaughlan |
| Kaylee Johnston is a passionate nineteen-year-old singer/songwriter. She wrote her first song at the age of nine, and since then has grown and developed numerous alternative pop songs. She began singing at age six and started playing guitar when she was fifteen. Influenced by singers like Avril Lavigne and Sarah McLaughlan, she began to learn their songs and styles. After only a few months of playing, she was composing on the guitar. One year ago she did a three-song demo with Bill Buckingham and is now looking forward to recording a second demo. Currently she is doing live shows with her new band. The passion Kaylee has for her music is rare. She is determined to gain success in the industry regardless of how many set backs take place. Her ultimate goal is to be a professional recording artist/songwriter and will take the necessary steps to attain it. She is willing and able to venture other avenues to further her knowledge of the music industry. With her new band and new songs, Kaylee Johnston anticipates great success! http://www.myspace.com/thekayleejohnstonproject |
|
|
Kyla Rawlins |
| Musical stylings have blended into a fury of emotions |
| Kyla Rawlins has combined her training in opera, musical theatre and folk producing an original and mesmerizing sound. Born in Medicine Hat, Alberta, and growing up in Nanaimo, BC, her musical stylings have blended into a fury of emotions. Kyla’s love for singing began when she was seven, singing the national anthem every morning in a class filled with 25 other students and trying to be the loudest. Seems like a common thread for Kyla, from hitting the high notes in high school, intensive operatic training, to graduating from one of the most demanding and challenging performing arts schools in Canada, "The Canadian College of Performing Arts." Finding her voice in Redcliff, a town of 700 people, wasn’t too difficult for Kyla as her school made it mandatory to join choir in first grade. Singing and performing in numerous productions throughout grade school, Kyla eventually taught herself guitar at age 18. After years of studying and singing other artist’s music, Kyla decided it was time to see what words, emotions and melodies she had inside herself to express to the world. With over 50 songs written and ready to be heard, Kyla is currently working with her new band (The Kyla Rawlins Band) and is focusing on recording a full CD featuring her three newest songs "Golden Skies and Apple Pies," Trying to Get Through" and "Wherever you Go." http://www.myspace.com/kylarawlinsband |
|
La La Boom Boom
Together these modern gypsies gather together in rainy Vancouver to form La La Boom Boom in its present incarnation, exploding with rollicking and joyful rock'n roll reminiscent of driving all night through the sunrise to reach a lover in some far off destination.
|
La Candela
|
| Hang-on, La Candela will take you to the humid, bustling streets of Havana and back! |
| Vancouver’s concentrated Cuban music ensemble, La Candela, brings together six musicians from across the Americas to unite in the song, dance and rhythms of La Gran Isla de Cuba. Original arrangements of traditional Cuban "sons" come face to face with lesser-known Cuban genres like the classical danzon, folkloric rumba, and the sensual bolero. David Lopez (voz) soars with Malcolm Aiken (trompeta) atop the virtuosic playing of Cary Garcia (piano) and the exciting rhythms of Paul Bray (congas), Miguel Benevides (timbales), and Mark Beaty (baby bass). Hang-on, La Candela will take you to the humid, bustling streets of Havana and back with their confident, unapologetic rendering of la musica Cubana! www.myspace.com/lacandelacanada |
|
|
Leah Day
|
| An inspirational singer-songwriter |
| Leah Day hails from the wilds of the Yukon Territory and has a deep-rooted love for the West Coast. She has been performing and writing songs for over 15 years. Leah has performed/collaborated with Juno nominee Kim Barlow and can be found on a co-written CD entitled ‘The Engendered Species Project.’ Leah wishes to share her heart songs in hopes of reaching yours. She’d like to thank Chad Matthews for his amazingly honed base skills and the beauty of Mother Nature for it never seizes to give inspiration. Leah currently lives in Vancouver with a house full of cats and dogs. http://www.myspace.com/leahday1 |
|
|
Marlin Ramazzini and Salsa Beat |
Hot Salsa - Guaranteed to spice up your day!
|
| Marlin Ramazzini is one of the most versatile and accomplished Latin Singers on the West Coast, with a warm and sensuous voice that can tease out the essense of any song. Marlin Ramazzini and Salsa Beat delivers spicy flavors from the Caribbean and Latin America , from Son to Cha-cha-cha, from Salsa to the combination of Latin Jazz. Salsa Beat's first CD release "Gozala" brings a mixture of Rhythms and Songs, including Fito Garcia's "P'a que siga andando" and Marlin Ramazzini's "Gozala", all arranged by Fito Garcia. http://www.marlinramazzini.com
|
|
|
Mariachi Los Dorados
A Mexican musical journey |
| Mariachi Los Dorados, previously known as Mariachi Romantico, was founded in the spring of 2003 by its director Mexican singer/songwriter Alex Alergria with the purpose of bringing the most traditional music of Mexico best known as Mariachi music. Mariachi Los Dorados is a multicultural band that delivers the passion, love and respect they feel for Mexico. After hundreds of events performed since its formation, Los Dorados has been in various movies, TV appearances, festivals and the 1st International Mariachi Festival in Vancouver last December. The bnd has toured all BC and Alberta for the last three years. Recently, Mariachi Los Dorados was invited to take part in the International Mariachi festivalin in Guadalajara, Mexico, this coming September. A great blend of Mexican and Canadians musicians makes this group unique. http://www.alexalegria.com/ |
|
|
|
Maria in the Shower
|
| A show that is raw with intensity and polished |
Maria in the Shower brings together music and theatre in an inspiring romp through North American musical history and its roots in ancient ritual. Since conceiving the band in 2005, Martin Reisle and Jack Garton have dug deep into American roots music, making it their own with innovative arrangements that honour tradition yet look boldly into the future. Continuing the legacy of our greatest blues, jazz, folk and rock entertainers, the boys deliver a show that is both raw with intensity and polished with a strong sense of craft and purpose. While remaining the closest of collaborators, it is the difference in approach between Reisle and Garton that causes a creative tension that is exhilarating to behold. Jack, one of Vancouver’s most exciting young theatre artists, often acts as mise-en-scene for the group, creating dazzling theatrical backdrops that use and explore clown, mime, shadowplay, lighting effects and video interaction. Reisle’s work as a composer and arranger has found perfect musical expression within the talented and capable hands of Maria in the Shower. Both born showmen, Jack and Martin are guaranteed to have an audience rapt, dancing, or both throughout their performances. http://www.myspace.com/mariaintheshower |
|
|
The Marmaladies
|
| Not your average breakfast spread! |
Four of Vancouver's sassiest and finest melody makers who love funky costumes and anything fun. Most of all, they like to sing and frankly, they kick ass! Singing jazz, pop and world music and anything else that comes their way, the Marmaladies have been known to sing in languages they don't understand with great gusto and style. Don't miss them! http://www.myspace.com/marmaladies |
| BACK TO PERFORMER LIST | BUSKER MAIN | SCHEDULE & MAP
|
Miguelito Valdes y sus Amigos
|
| Straight from Cuba's Buena Vista Social Club! |
Miguelito began studying music in his native home of Cuba when he was 11 years old at the elementary school of music, “Paulita Concepcion,” and continued at the provincial
school of music, “Amadeo Roldan.” In 1992, he did his first professional work with the group “Jelengue.” Since then, he has played with many of Cuba’s top performers, including the Cabaret Tropicana Orquestra, Giraldo Piloto & Klimax, Pablo Milanes, Isaac Delgado, Haila Mompie, and Mayito Rivera (from los Van Van) and has participated in award-winning recordings such as “LaRumba Soy Yo,” which won a Latin Grammy in 2001. In 2000, he began playing with Omara Portuondo (The Diva of Buena Vista Social Club) with whom he traveled around the world for six years. He has also played with important musicians abroad, including Michael Brecker, Herbie Hancock, John Patitucci, Danilo Perez, Wayne Shorter, and many others. Since making Vancouver his home, he’s become very popular on the local music scene. Don’t miss him! http://www.miguelitovaldes.com |
|
|
Modest Euphoria
|
All original Vancouver trio playing soulful, acoustic pop.
|
Modest Euphoria is an electro-acoustic Vancouver based band bringing together talent from various genres of music to create what they call Soulful Acoustic Pop. Since its inception in 2006, this three piece has recorded original material and performed at various venues in and around Vancouver. With good things in store for this must-see newcomer, along with the support of their dedicated fans, a bright future lies ahead filled with more great music and live shows from Modest Euphoria. http://www.myspace.com/modesteuphoria
|
|
Now or Never Crew
|
| Award-winning breaking & Hip Hop dancers! |
Found in 1997, the Now or Never Crew (a.k.a. N.O.N) specialize in Breaking & Hip Hop dance performing and training. Through the years of operating and developing themselves through commercial and non-commercial events (underground dance scene), N.O.N. has built up a great reputation and portfolio by winning multiple dance awards in a wide range of Hip Hop/Breaking dance competitions. Since the member recruitments and internal restructure in 2001, the dance team has been repeatedly invited to be dance directors and guest performers for numerous local theatre events, TV shows, dance competitions and charity concerts. In 2005, the entire dance crew was invited to choreograph and perform for one of the biggest annual charity concert, “S.U.C.C.E.S.S Gala” held at GM Place.With many years of stage experience joined with in-born talent and hard work, the choreographers and dancers guarantee each performance to be an innovative and exhilarating experience. http://www.nowornevercrew.com/
| BACK TO PERFORMER LIST | BUSKER MAIN | SCHEDULE & MAP
|
|
 
Pancho & Sal
|
| A blend of folk with country, blues, reggae, Peruvian, Spanish and Mexican influences |
| Born in Argentina, Pancho has been writing poems all his life. When he moved to Europe, he began touring in many countries and became a troubadour style musician in the 80's. With the gypsies in the South of France, he created a new dimension of flamenco guitar and rhythms. After many years of musical exchange with other musicians, his folk music has country, blues, reggae, Peruvian, Spanish and Mexican influences. Sal, who was born in England and raised in Canada, started playing accordion and clarinet at an early age. She met Pancho in Peru and compliments the music with accordion, shakers, chachas, bombo and guitar. www.panchoandsal.com |
|
Pearl Jig
|
| High energy Celtic fusion band! |
| Pearl Jig is a compilation of Celtic, Latin, rock and jazz fused together. Playing traditional and original instrumental Celtic music mixed it with beebop, Latin, gypsy and swing style improvisation. A high-energy Celtic fusion that is sure to please all audiences - young and old. The music, purely instrumental, is the newest to hit the Celtic scene. They'll want to make you dance! http://www.myspace.com/pearljig |
|
|
Raw Talent
|
| A Powerful combo of urban contemporary and multicultural dancers, martial artists and musicians |
The underlying philosophy driving Raw Talent is the belief that dance and music provides a common ground between cultures, disciplines and generations. All nations have some form of cultural expression –- dance, martial arts, music. Upon studying the physicality of dance across a myriad of disciplines, from bhangra, powwow, kung fu, capoeira (brazilian fight-dance), African dance to breakdancing, the band recognizes that specific movements share points of intersection that are identical in form and execution. While different cultures may have different names for movements, Raw Talent believes that there is a clear link based on the arts and disciplines of movement. Raw has worked with distinguished performers including Kia Kadiri, A-Slam Music Productions and Hybrahma. They have been featured on Urban Rush, The Express, Multicultural Youth Television and in 24 hours magazine. They have performed for the Governor General Of Canada, Rishi Rich, the Vancouver Whitecaps, and for events and festivals across the Lower Mainland. Raw Talent is made of urban contemporary and multicultural dancers, martial artists and musicians. http://rawtalent.wordpress.com/2008/03/05/raw-talent-photo-shoot/
|
The Rising Tide
|
| A surf influenced band with powerful vocals |
| The Rising Tide is a surf influenced three piece band. Their style goes from happy go lucky to songs about serious issues, all with the underlying sound that makes them unique. With a djembe and acoustic instruments, these three performers have created a dynamic live show, with powerful vocals. The band has played numerous venues, and is currently recording a full length debut album. www.myspace.com/rockwhistler |
Shaman's Revival
| Everything from folk to reggae to punk |
| Shaman's Revival draws from the warm tones of influences spanning both eras and genres, resulting in a rooted ambience that can only be achieved through the rawness of acoustic guitars and passion of the voice. The duo, and sometimes trio, spans new territory with every song, splicing the musical stylings of everything from folk to reggae to punk. The immediacy of the songs is in large part due to the collision of melodic guitars against a backdrop of driving rhythms that are sure to entice listeners of all styles. www.myspace.com/shamansrevival |
|
|
She Stands |
| A homage to all things delicate, green and joyous |
| In 2007, Anndreyah and Naomi jumped at the chance to collaborate on an installation for Public Dream’s Illuminares and She Stands was born. She Stands is an homage to all things delicate, green and joyous. The duo is taking a stand so that more light and colour may shine through the occasional greyness of our days. It is imperative to pull the veil of dullness and illusion from our eyes and awaken the active artist, lover and dreamer within. Naomi Steinberg - Naomi has told stories in places as varied as the 16th Annual International Storytelling Festival in Vancouver, Canada, to the ‘Science Meets Dharma’ project in India. She is an Artist-in-Residence with the Vancouver School Board, has developed workshops for schools in Morocco, Switzerland, and Vancouver, as well as for the Cortona conference in Italy. Anndreyah Vargas - One of the most exciting new voices in Vancouver’s music scene, Anndreyah is a multiple award-winning graduate of the acclaimed Capilano College Jazz Studies Program. She lives and studies music, dance, visual and literary art not only for herself but also in order to facilitate the artistic expression and empowerment of those around her. Openness to growth has allowed her to train and perform in places such as New York, Spain and China. www.naomi-eliana.ca |
| BACK TO PERFORMER LIST | BUSKER MAIN | SCHEDULE & MAP
|
|
SWARM
|
| Vancouver's original hyper-kinetic percussion troupe |
| SWARM captivates audiences of all ages with invented instruments, original music and intense physical choreography. Performers play handcrafted drums while jumping, leaping and dancing around them. Humorous skits with instruments being corralled with bungee cords and a water segment featuring rubber duckies and stainless steel bowls create an explosive performance! http://www.swarmweb.com/ |
|
|
Toot-a-Lute
|
| An eclectic, theatrical costumed music troupe |
| Entering into their fifth season, the eclectic, theatrical, and always costumed music and dance troupe Toot-a-Lute has evolved from playing mainly traditional dance music from Europe to include a wide range of unusual songs and parade tunes, novelty and cabaret pieces, and some things that just cannot be classified in any genre. Ranging from six to twelve members, the lineup includes trumpet, bari and alto sax (the "Toot"), mandolin and Croatian brach (the "Lute"), as well as button accordion, fiddle, euphonium, musical saw, and various percussion. And vocals... all members also sing, taking turns in leading vocals or sharing in harmonies. Frequent guest players include clarinet, sousaphone, flute, tin whistle, and additional percussion. Often accompanied by costumed dancers and guest musicians, Toot-a-Lute can be found in as varied settings as performing stage shows at dance parties, leading parades, acoustic standing sets at community festivals, weddings and private parties, and cozy coffee house shows, with a wide and varied repertoire to accommodate these vastly differing venues. http://tootalute.org/ |
|
|
|
|
| Cloned from the DNA of the Andrews Sisters! |
| The Victory Girls sing timeless songs so sweet that listeners have been known to cry sugar-frosted tears. Cloned from the DNA of the Andrews Sisters, these harmonic babes are inspired by a cappella, 40s rhythms and ambidextrous finger snaps. The members are: Belinda Bruce (BB), an award-winning singer-songwriter who pulls you into her gravitational field with poppy guitar hooks and enchanting melodies. She has released two captivating CDs -- The Good Life (2007) and Dream Yourself Awake (2005). Connie Kostiuk (Coko), a former Ukrainian-style dancer who still loves to dance, but now focuses on swizzle stick percussion and the lowest of the low parts in her three-part harmonic world. She kicks out "Victory Girls this!" and "Victory Girls that!" every minute of the ding-dong day. Kim Goodliffe (Mildred) has to thank that skinny canary BB and her starry-eyed sidekick Coko, for getting her bone box addicted to Andrews Sisters juice. Writer of the popular Victory Girls anniversary song, “My Ten-Year Hangover,” Goodliffe continues to spout off songs and stories. http://virb.com/victorygirls |
|
|
Werewolves of Creston
|
| Ska-mashed, deep-funk-fried arrangements of pop and rock hits. |
| Inspired by the random madness of late-night karaoke, Werewolves of Creston perform a broad repertoire of rock and pop gems, each battered, deep-fried and brought to new life in a thick coating of Ska/Funk. Super hits, greased up, and mashed so far beyond cover band conventions, you'll be swaying on the dance floor, singing along with bleary abandon to these indelible pop melodies, deep in disguise. Totally shameless fun. |