Featured Performances
Canada Day at Canada Place 2011 event featured amazing performances. The crowds were grooving and waving their red & white flags all day long!
The Grapes of Wrath
The Grapes of Wrath were formed in Kelowna, BC in '83. In '84, they signed to Nettwerk records. Record "September Bowl of Green" was a major hit on university and college radio in Canada and the U.S. "Treehouse", produced by Tom Cochrane, took the band to a new level. "Now and Again" was the band's big breakthrough. "These Days", produced by John Leckie released in '91, found the band experimenting with a harder rock sound. http://grapesofwrath.ca
H'Sao
Drawing from gospel, traditional African music, as well as their Chadian roots, H’sao display clear soul, pop, and R&B influences. All the members of this Montréal afro-pop group are singersongwriters; elements of their various influences are smoothly blended with African rhythms to create fresh songs in a unique style. Masterful a capella singing sets them apart on the vast soundscape of world music. www.hsao.ca
The Irish Descendants
Since their formation in '90, The Irish Descendants have garnered a loyal fan base in their native Canada, and captured the attention of an ever-growing international audience. The band’s award winning recordings range from lilting ballads to toe-tapping reels, and their high-energy, humorous live performances have made them a popular attraction at home and abroad. www.irishdescendants.com
The Sojourners
In The Sojourners’ universe, echoes of doo wop, R&B, country and blues weave together to create a unique sound that has all but vanished from today’s world. This is gospel music that can take a punch and remain standing. To hear all three singers’ distinct vocals meet at the crossroads in this song is to experience the signature Sojourners sound as different gospel traditions come together and blend mellifluously as one. The Sojourners are a rock solid unit and proof positive that faith can move mountains. www.thesojourners.ca
The Arrogant Worms
Three quarters of a quarter of a century ago, something magnificent happened in Kingston, Ontario. Sensing a desperate public need for musical comedy, The Arrogant Worms was formed. The Arrogant Worms began as a comedy troupe performing songs and sketches on the campus radio station in 1991. As the live show developed, the songs delighted the audience. It began as a hobby, making fun of a big dumb world. The shows are fast, furious and family friendly. The wit is quick, the satire is biting and the musicianship is second to none. www.arrogantworms.com
Kuba Oms
As the long-time musical director of Velvet, Kuba he has taken a contemporary approach to his own project that could be likened to a cross between Jamiroquai, Paolo Nutini, Ben Harper and Al Green. www.kubaoms.com
Chic Gamine
Chic Gamine, the impishly charming Winnipeg/Montreal-based vocal quintet, has been serenading its audiences since '07. With a solo percussionist as their main musical support, Chic Gamine use their voices as instruments, effortlessly launching into intricate string arrangements, bass-heavy rhythm sections and lush harmonies. These multifariously talented songwriters create a sound that resonates with soul, passion and an unabashedly random and sometimes downright peculiar brand of humor that reels audiences in and leaves them begging for more. www.chicgamine.com
Dal Richards
As he approaches his 80th year in music, Dal isn't one to sit back and bask in the memory of magical days gone by - instead he's looking ahead to the next gig. He's still one of the busiest musicians in Vancouver - a must-have entertainer for weddings, birthdays, festivals, fund-raising concerts and corporate events. From classic big band numbers from 30's and 40's to rock & roll, dance numbers and pop tunes, the Dal Richards Orchestra plays music for all ages. www.dalrichards.com
Pacifika
The trio’s debut album, Asuncion, introduced their artful blend of indie rock, bossa nova, Afropop, and dub production. Pacifika’s global fusion works precisely because it is not a fusion. There is no sense of trying to blend one thing with another; this is the work of three musicians, coming from Peruvian, North American, and Barbadian families, for whom rock, Latin, Caribbean, hip hop, and jazz are all part of a single international musical language – a kind of musical Esperanto. www.pacifikaonline.com
Soulstream
Soulstream is one of Vancouver’s most popular and in demand groups, bringing 10 of the cities top musicians together (many of whom are nationally and internationally acclaimed) to create a lively, entertaining, unique, and very danceable experience. Soulstream’s versatility allows them to stretch beyond their deep repertoire of Funk, Soul, and Fusion, and into Latin, House, Drum and Bass, Reggae, Rock, Ambient, and whatever else as the mood strikes. www.soul-stream.ca
C.R. Avery
Whether performing to thousands at the Royal Albert Hall or the lucky few who made it inside the packed past capacity speakeasy, C.R. Avery is a unique, raw and dynamic performer. His genius lies in many genres - blues, hip-hop, spoken word and rock & roll. He is a one-man band, but one for this generation; with the rare ability to sing poetic verse while beatboxing simultaneously while pounding the piano and adding harmonica like a plot twist. www.cravery.com
Rich Hope and His Evil Doers
Rich Hope and his Evil Doers are a two-man quartet of trashy boogie blues. He's the hardest working man in the Vancouver music scene and reviewer Flora Freisantone wrote that Rich Hope is "one of the best blues explosions since Howlin' Wolf." He's preached the gospel alongside the Reverend Horton Heat and he's spilled out trashy soul in the Penthouse with Andre Williams. www.richhope.com
The Young Executives
The Young Executives are a young and classy band, perfect for crowds of all ages. This band is anything but your typical cover group. Every detail of The Young Executives has been carefully planned to execute an unprecedented experience. Having both male and female singers, The Young Executives cover a whole array of songs and genres. A typical set would include songs from classic singers such as Aretha Franklin and Tina Turner, to modern groups and artists like Kings of Leon, The Killers and Lady GaGa. http://www.facebook.com/pages/the-young-executives/143096553484?sk=info
The Matinée
The roots-rock sounds of The Matinée evoke memories of family camping trips, men with guitars around the campfire belting out tunes of broken things & the open road…rising tempos bring the faithful to their feet, clapping & dancing until everything explodes. Their live performance has been described as ”dynamic, whimsical and enthusiastic with a rootsy do-it-yourself flavour” – a sharp contrast to their crisp professionalism and unflagging work ethic. http://thematineemusic.com
Maria in the Shower
Able to move gracefully through moods, or instigate infectious fits of dancing, Maria in the Shower is a place where all music comes to play. Bursting from the creative beating heart of East Vancouver, these lads deliver true folk songs, rooted in the rich soil and realized through hard work, joy, and love of storytelling. If Tim Burton could have his way with "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" you would taste something like the fabulous delights of Maria in the Shower. www.mariaintheshower.com
Zaac Pick
In the great tradition of Canadian folk musicians, singer-songwriter Zaac Pick wears his heart on his sleeve. This fall Fierce Wind will take him through the Rockies and into Alberta once again before he returns home to put his prize winnings to good use—writing and recording another near-perfect storm of songs. www.zaacpick.com
Undergound Circus & Aerial Art Installation
The Underground Circus was created by two former members of Cirque Du Soleil, and alumni of Montreal's L'Ecole National du Cirque. www.undergroundcircus.ca
Reid Jamieson
Reid Jamieson is a classic Canadian heartbreaker with an incredible voice and a magical way with melodies. Born and raised in Toronto, Reid moved west to Vancouver to write and record while performing with CBC’s Vinyl Cafe Orchestra. Although he rarely tours, on stage Reid has a way of connecting with an audience that is at once intimate and universal, whether solo or performing with talented friends. Along with his compelling vocal style and impressive guitar work are songs that draw you in with cautionary tales of love and lies, causing tears and laughter by turns. www.reidjamieson.com
Kokoma
Kokoma African Heritage Ensemble is a Vancouver based African dance and drum performance company. The main purpose of Kokoma is to renew and sustain ancient dances of Africa and share it through performances and educational presentations, promoting cultural awareness, greater understanding and appreciation for the sacred culture to a wide range of audiences. The choreography combines the traditional dance movements and drumming that interpret traditional themes and subject matter from the Efik and Ibibio tribes of the South Eastern region of Nigeria. www.maobongoku.com
Cowboys & Indians
Join one of Vancouver's folk rock bands as they showcase tightly crafted Americana-roots style tunes that will transport you to a simpler time in the dusty past, a time of Cowboys and Indians. www.cowboysandindiansmusic.com
Lorne Warr and The Streels
Born and bred in Newfoundland, Lorne Warr transposes the traditional music of his youth, along with his exploration of new genres, into velvet baritone vocals. His intricate guitar playing coupled with his songwriting gift of telling stories that travel from one side of Canada to the other is what modern folk is all about. Over the years he has explored many musical genres from rock bands, solo classical guitar & folk music, to obscure, esoteric jazz. www.lornewarr.com
Le-La-La Dancers
The Le-La-La Dancers are a traditional First Nations dance troupe whose members are from the Kwakwaka'wakw (Kwak Kwak kee wak) Nation of northern Vancouver Island. Le-La-La means, "traveling form here to there" in the Kwakwaka'wakw language. The troupe has been performing all over Canada and internationally since 1987 under the direction of George Taylor (potlatch name Me'las). George began singing and dancing at potlatches when he was just a young lad. The "Spirit of the Masks" dance presentation delivers strong messages of respect and honor for each other, as well as towards our environment and Mother Earth. www.lelaladancers.com
Alex Wells - Three time World Champion Hoop Dancer
Alex Wells is a three time World Champion Hoop Dancer and an outstanding teacher of traditional values. The stories combine the art of the drum and dance with the rich, colourful native culture shared in extraordinary performances. At the age of 13 he began travelling internationally performing and competing in native dancing. The Hoop Dance is a magical story of the creation of life and is one of the most difficult and advanced dance styles.
The Naden Band of Maritime Forces Pacific
Canada's Navy band on the West Coast, is a multifaceted ensemble of thirty-five professional musicians who, as ambassadors of national pride and goodwill, perform throughout Canada and abroad. www.nadenband.ca
ShowStoppers
ShowStoppers is a dynamic group of young performers who love to sing, dance and entertain, have appeared in concert, on TV and radio, and at numerous awards dinners, galas, and corporate and charitable events throughout BC. www.theimpresario.ca
Strathcona Chinese Dance Company
Bio and images coming soon.
CHMB Variety Show
CHMB AM1320 has been serving the needs of Vancouver’s Chinese and multicultural communities since 1973. The multicultural variety show from 1:15PM to 2:00PM on Canadian Heritage Stage will be brought to you by CHMB AM1320. The variety show includes Kung Fu, Chinese dance, Chinese orchestra and singing performances. Come see the best of Chinese Culture on Canada Day! www.am1320.com
Joey Hanlon
A lively mix of high energy, bouncing, sing-along music and laughs...great for the kids. Guaranteed that everybody will be singing, laughing. After several years singing in a local rock and roll band, this native North Vancouverite headed overseas where his infectious humour and energy transgressed cultures and languages to thrill crowds from Amsterdam to Budapest, from Paris to Dubrovnik. Joey’s refreshing approach to pop and children’s music, and his irreverent parodies of pop heroes, gets everyone into the act.
