THE GOOD LOVELIES (Ontario): This Juno-award winning trio provides "lovely" harmonies in their swing-timey music. Great crowd rapport highlights shows that are funny and upbeat, with just a pinch of sass. The Good Lovelies' textbook three-part harmonies, instrument swapping and witty stage banter have enlivened the folk music landscape since they joined forces in 2006, and they are a great way to start our 23rd season.
CHARLIE A' COURT (Nova Scotia): If you go down to the crossroads of roots and soul, you'll find singer, songwriter and guitarist Charlie A' Court, whose honest purpose in life is to connect people, one emotion at a time. Fearlessly bridging genres and challenging stylistic conventions, Charlie's music and passionate voice are sure to stir up emotions.
TWINBILL: RIDLEY BENT DUO (Manitoba): For Ridley Bent, there's always been a strong underpinning of alt-Folk and Country to his music. Whether he's singing about shady characters, jack-knifing tractor-trailers or whiskey-fuelled bar fights,
Ridley brings a level of commitment to his performances so complete the audience can't help going where he takes them.
ANGELA HARRIS (B.C.): Born to music, her love for Alt-Country, Folk/Roots and Bluegrass began early when Angela started singing harmonies for her mother. In 1992 she left for Nashville and 10 years of performing. Since returning in the early 2000's, Harris has released several albums/CDs to much acclaim and numerous awards. "Angela Harris is blessed with a strong and honest voice and a way of stringing words into compelling personal vignettes that illuminate the corners of an interesting life." (Toronto Star -Greg Quill)
JOHN WORT HANNAM (Alberta): In 10 years of being a working musician, John has released 5 albums, capturing a Juno nomination for Best Traditional/ Roots album and a Canadian Folk Music Award for Album of the Year. He is one of the new torch-bearers of a vast song-writing tradition in the styles of John Prine and Steve Earle, but proudly Canadian.
"People are starting to sit up and notice this performer, in his appearances from Montreal to Australia.". (Edmonton Folk Festival)
Opening Act T. BUCKLEY BAND As "Alberta" as they come, T. Buckley uses song-writing to explore the people and places that define his home. Live shows are presented with an infectious vigour as Buckley evokes roadhouse blues, 60s rock, or introspective folk. T. Buckley and his band deliver soulful laments and gritty truths, wrapped in roots, rock and a cowboy blanket to create a distinctive western Canadian flavour.
THE JOE DEFENDANTS: The Joe Defendants are one of Calgary's top roots/rock bands, featuring songwriters Steve Pineo, Tim Leacock, and Kit Johnson, with drummer Ross Watson. Since three members of the band had previously played with the Co-Dependents and Beautiful Joe, the name "Joe Defendants" was assigned as homage to both bands.
RALPH BOYD JOHNSON: Ralph has been compared to Steve Earle, Bruce Springsteen and John Prine and is cut from the same cloth as icons Tom Waits, Lou Reed and the like. His debut CD, "Dyin to Go" was nominated for a Prairie Music Award.
"Ralph Boyd Johnson is the real deal. You know it when you hear the commitment in his voice. You know he's lived his songs, been down a few dark alleys and come out the other end.", CBC Saturday Night Blues
DAVID MYLES TRIO ( Nova Scotia):Somewhere on the spectrum between James Taylor and Justin Timberlake, David Myles has forged his own path, embracing modern and vintage pop, folk and soul music. His accomplishments have not gone unnoticed, as evidenced by his multiple East Coast Music Award wins, including Songwriter of the Year in 2012. With extensive touring across Canada and internationally, Myles has earned a reputation as a great showman.
TWIN BILL: DAVE GUNNING (Nova Scotia): The Pictou County, Nova Scotia born and bred singer-songwriter and working class hero returns to our stage with four freshly-won East Coast Music awards added to his resume. Dave has built his reputation up from humble beginnings to a point where his name is regularly included in conversation with artists such as David Francey, James Keelaghan, Ron Hynes, Bruce Cockburn and Gordon Lightfoot. Listen once and you'll know why.
PHARIS & JASON ROMERO (B.C.): Pharis and Jason are a duo who takes the audience back to a simpler time with their early country-old timey-folk-blues and bluegrass song mix. With multiple music nominations and awards in hand, they bring powerful close-harmony singing, bright solo vocals and precision-picking to their shows, presented with a laid-back and welcoming vibe.
TEXAS TWINBILL: BRUCE ROBISON & KELLY WILLIS (Texas) As a song-writer, Bruce Robison tunes have been hits for the likes of the Dixie Chicks, Tim McGraw and Faith Hill and George Strait, but he is a performer. He and partner Kelly Willis have been among the best-known and most successful performers and songwriters on the Austin, Texas music scene for years. 2014 Austin Music award Winners, they deliver catchy country and thoughtful roots music with harmony and affection.
AUSTIN LOUNGE LIZARDS (Texas): The Austin Lounge Lizards are arguably the perfect pairing of their hometown's moniker, "Music Capital of the World," and its motto: "Keep Austin Weird.". With pointed lyrics, 4 part precise harmonies and instrumental expertise, the band has become legendary for its satirical skewering through song.
GUY DAVIS (New York): The routes, and roots, of Guy Davis's blues are as diverse as the music form itself....soulful and gritty or playful and bouncy. Davis is diverse himself, being both a musician and an actor. He has won accolades and awards for both. "Davis reminds you that the blues started as dance music. This is blues made for humming along, stomping your foot, feeling righteous in the face of oppression and expressing gratitude to your baby for greasing your skillet." (Charles M. Young)
BOWSER & BLUE (Quebec): Skillfully blending comedy and music, (George) Bowser & (Rick) Blue have been keeping people across Canada (and around the globe) in stitches for decades. From absurdist humour to pointed political and cultural satire, Bowser & Blue always know the right buttons to push and how to push them. Are they funny musicians or comedians who play?
