ALBERTA

Music: Celtic Rock, Contemporary Folk

www.derinaharvey.com

The award-winning Derina Harvey Band is a Celtic-rock group from Canada’s East Coast, known for their energetic performances that blend engaging storytelling, humour, and powerful vocals with rich harmonies and skilled instrumentals. Their concerts suit all ages and venues, from intimate performing arts centres to lively community halls. Having toured across Canada and the USA, they’ve garnered a dedicated following with over 70 million streams, adding 2 million more each month. With three albums, including 2023’s “Waves of Home,” they offer fresh takes on traditional tunes alongside their original songs. The band won a 2024 East Coast Music Award for Fans’ Choice Entertainer of the Year.

MANITOBA

Music: Country

http://www.quintonblair.com

Honest as a day spent on a tractor and driven like the drifting Prairie snow. This 8-time Manitoba Country Music Association award winner, Quinton Blair is a road-running, tale-spinning singer/songwriterm playing his brand of 90s-infused country from the Shield to the Rockies. Sharing the stage with countless Canadian and American country acts, Blair has performed his brand of a troubadour, storytelling country that carries heavy undertones both of 70’s outlaw country and 90’s dancehall country flavor with fans all over North America.

MANITOBA

Music: Folk/Bluegrass/Americana

​​http://www.leafrapids.org

Leaf Rapids is a 4-piece Winnipeg band combining angelic harmonies, a groovy rhythm section, gritty guitar, and the eerie sound of the theremin to create a Canadiana soundscape.  Critics can’t decide if their sound is Cinematic, Manitoba Motown, or Spacey Spaghetti-Western.  The lead singer/songwriter/JUNO recipient, Keri Latimer, has always had her primary focus on the songs. They take on a life of their own, and she tries not to steer them too much. It can be disconcerting to hear a sweet voice croon about vultures, creepy velvet paintings, barbershop stabbings and morally suspect billionaires, but it packs a punch, is often hilarious, and everyone loves a good story. The band’s latest recording is perhaps their best album to date. Velvet Paintings is slated for release in April 2024 and is a testament to the band’s hard work and talent. The bulk of the album was recorded live off the floor, with only a few extra guests, not too many bells and whistles, and a whole lot of heart.

NEW JERSEY

Music: Rock

http://www.terrybarber.com

Re-live the hit songs that made Freddie Mercury famous and get to know the legend through his actual words and stories from his life. More than just a concert, this is about a man who taught a generation how to rock! A true entertainer, Terry’s extreme vocal range & delicate nuance are enhanced by his witty rapport with the audience. He has been featured on the world’s most storied stages from Carnegie Hall to Moscow’s Svetlanov Hall. Scale-able based on budget, this program has been performed in venues of every size. Former member of Grammy-winning Chanticleer, Terry’s voice is heard on every major record label, with artists from Madonna to Cyndi Lauper, Jewel, and the London Philharmonic. “Barber has Star Quality” Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

ONTARIO

Theatre

http://waytogoproductions.ca/

Award winning Canadian songstress Leisa Way has created & produced 13 hugely successful concerts with her Wayward Wind Band, a group of hand-picked musicians among the finest in the country.  These concerts have performed to sold-out audiences at over 200 theatres and concert series across North America.

In 2023, Leisa created Early Morning Rain: The Legend of Gordon Lightfoot.  This concert premiered the week we lost Lightfoot, on the stage named after him, in his hometown of Orillia.  Leisa’s concerts stand-out for their storytelling, and the warm personalities of her musicians.

Leisa’s concerts have audiences on their feet cheering at the end of each and every performance. Presenters agree that Leisa’s concerts are a cut above the rest, telling fascinating stories, with warmth and humour, while celebrating the music of legendary artists… in this case – a Canadian legend!

If you are looking for sold-out concerts – look no further than to Leisa and her band.

ONTARIO

Music: Country

https://www.theabramsmusic.com/ 

The Abrams will be touring their forthcoming album after their recent signing with GPS/GrassRoots Management in Nashville. Having started their career playing iconic venues like The Grand Ole Opry, and headlining festivals with their family band, John and James Abrams are fourth-generation touring musicians who bring an explosive live performance energy honed from their years performing in Country and Bluegrass music. After 20 years on tour internationally, and their more recent Country radio charting and streaming success signed with Warner Music Canada, The Abrams are ready to showcase a whole array of new material that fuses together their roots with a brand new mountain country music sound.

QUEBEC

Music: Popular

http://www.twinflamesmusic.com

Four-time Canadian Folk Music Award winners, 2022 Vocal Group of the Year, Twin Flames, offers a memorable experience with the perfect blend of music, comedy and thought-provoking stories. Twin Flames are a husband-and-wife duo that combine genres, languages and instrumental range to deliver a powerful sound that is both contemplative Folk and unapologetic Rock ‘n’ Roll. Twin Flames have chosen to let their music speak for itself. Their substantial body of work and widespread recognition make it clear that they have something special going on. In just eight years of recording and performing as Twin Flames, the duo has accumulated over 44 music awards and nominations. Jaaji (Inuk from Nunavik and Mohawk from Kahnawake) and Chelsey June; Settler with (Algonquin, Métis, and Cree Heritage) deliver songs through a mix of English, French and Inuktitut.

Alberta

Music: Jazz/Blues

http://www.miserymountainboys.com

The Misery Mountain Boys write and perform fun, upbeat music, taking influence from the 1930’s & 40’s era of swing and jump-blues. The songs are bred to inspire audience engagement, whether it be toe tapping, dancing, singing along during call-backs, cheering after a solo, or getting a chuckle. Humour and storytelling are a big part of every show, creating a sense of ease and lightness in the room, while allowing for a deeper connection with the audience. Songs are often introduced with the anecdotal story that inspired them to be written; stories filled with irony, tongue-in-cheek humour, and nostalgia. These narratives outline some of the experiences and lessons learned while growing up in Northern Alberta, and also of life on the road as a touring musician. Clever lyrics and a playful stage presence, combine with the band’s mature musicianship to keep the performance engaging and exciting throughout the show.

MANITOBA

Music: Classical

https://www.caitlinbromsjacobs.com/duomhcbj

The name Fierbois resonates deeply with Caitlin Broms-Jacobs (oboe) and Madeline Hildebrand (piano). Meaning “proud wood,” it references the core material of their instruments, the legendary sword and spirit of Joan of Arc, and the dignified majesty of the forests so central to the Canadian landscape. Through their music, Caitlin and Madeline reinforce these powerful connections, blending history and nature with their artistry.

At the heart of their concert program is Oscar Peterson’s jazz-infused “Canadiana Suite,” a musical exploration of the True North. The selections portray the rolling pine-covered Laurentians of Quebec, the sway of wheat fields in the Prairie provinces, and the imposing Rockies, land of the misty giants.

Maddy and Caitlin are passionate performers who believe in the power that music has in connecting with a wide range of audiences. In addition to masterful performance, they communicate through stories, anecdotes, and detailed introductions to the pieces they perform. Fierbois presents a remarkable tribute to the Canadian landscape and all of those who inhabit it.

ALBERTA

Music: Folk/Bluegrass/Americana

https://vonbieker.com

Von Bieker plays indie folk that haunts your heart with small stories and big questions. His recent singles have brought explosive growth, with “We Don’t Even Fight Anymore” gaining 10,000 Spotify streams in its first month. “Asheville” was featured on the Exclaim Eh? national playlist and charted in Ontario’s Radio Western Top Ten. Von Bieker’s debut album Long For This World reached #3 on the CKUA Top 30. His full-length follow-up, DUMB HOPE, released in June 2024.

Von Bieker was selected for Canada’s Music Incubator at the National Music Centre in 2022. He’s received radio airplay across Canada and has been featured in several music publications. A Von Bieker song wrestles between hope and despair; love and fear; faith and doubt. Gentle folk crooning meets a raw and honest howl in Von Bieker’s cinematic soundscape. His songwriting awarded him a 2022 Songwriting Scholarship from Seattle-based Image Journal. 

“His songwriting is world-class, and his live performance engages the audience immediately.” – Kennedy Jensen, Executive director, Arts Touring Alliance of Alberta

BRITISH COLUMBIA

Cabaret

https://mollyscomedycabaret.com/

Molly’s Comedy Cabaret is a musical variety show featuring the powerhouse vocals of singer & actress, Molly Wilson. Molly has performed the show since 2016 and has showcased at ATAA, OAPN small venue pitches, and MPAC as well as presented pitches at ANW and Pacific Contact. With a splash of sketch comedy, a shot of camp, and a large pour of your favourite songs, including hits by Celine Dion, Barbra Streisand, Queen, and Whitney Houston, the show mixes up a cocktail of deliciously funny entertainment. From the sinking of a cardboard Titanic in “My Heart Will Go On” to a guest appearance by puppet “Bear”bra Streisand, Molly delivers a delightfully unique comedic twist . Molly’s “delightful personality, endearing stories and comedic timing” will enchant your audiences and her amazing voice will “take their breath away.” The show is “clever and entertaining” as Molly “travels seamlessly from hysterically funny moments to tearfully poignant musical offerings.”

MANITOBA

Music: Afrobeat, Hip-Hop and Pop

https://www.facebook.com/share/bVqCYpwRzW9uVEFE/?mibextid=LQQJ4d

Arddie is an incredibly talented and diverse artist, blending influences from a wide range of musical genres and artists. His ability to both sing and play instruments like the saxophone and percussion adds a unique dimension to his artistry. Moving from Lagos to Canada at a young age must have influenced his musical style and perspective, creating a fusion of cultural influences in his work. It seems like Arddie is poised to make a significant impact in the world of Afrobeats and Hip-Pop with such a rich tapestry of inspirations.

MANITOBA

Music: Funk-Pop

https://maripadeanu.my.canva.site

Mari Padeanu, from Treaty 1 Territory in Winnipeg, Manitoba, is known for their passion for intricate harmony and melody. Raised in an environment that fostered musical curiosity, Mari’s journey from classical piano to a Bachelor’s Degree in Vocal Jazz Performance reflects their evolving dedication to the craft. Drawing inspiration from jazz, funk, R&B, and pop, Mari’s music intertwines dynamic lines, bluesy chord progressions, and clever lyrics, delivering a soulful fusion complimented by their deep contralto range and intimate storytelling.

MANITOBA

Music: Alt-Pop, Singer-Songwriter

https://www.shaywolf.com/

You can find Shay Wolf’s music everywhere you get your music.

Shay Wolf is a prairie-born classical pianist turned singer-songwriter whose haunting, dreamy voice captivates audiences. With roots in classical music, Shay transitioned to songwriting to explore the raw, honest facets of human experience through her alt-pop sound. Inspired by nature and life’s complexities, Shay’s vocals and melodies are dreamy yet haunting, while her lyrics are scornful yet optimistic.

Compared to Sarah McLachlan, Ellie Goulding, and Birdy, Shay Wolf has carved a unique niche with her ethereal alt-pop style. Her debut EP, ‘Stay’, released in March 2023, showcases her ability to weave stories of loss and longing with hope for a brighter tomorrow. Collaborating with renowned Winnipeg musicians and producers like John Paul Peters, Shay created an expansive acoustic soundscape that invites listeners into her world of vulnerability and resilience.

MANITOBA

Music: Hip Hop

www.facebook.com/204mc.sly

Afro Indigenous Music Artist Sly is a seasoned MC who has performed around the world and is known as an Incredible Entertainer! He brings the Hype Energy along with a Message in his Rhymes that resonated with Everyone he meets!

MANITOBA

Music: Hip Hop

www.facebook.com/theresiliencemusic

The Resilience is a dynamic duo featuring Hellnback and Lisa Muswagon, each bringing their unique talents to the group. Hellnback, a seasoned Hip Hop artist known for his work with Warparty and Team Rezofficial, has earned numerous accolades, including a Juno Nomination. Lisa Muswagon, a contemporary hand drum singer, draws inspiration from her family’s teachings and began her musical journey with the drum at a young age. Together, they blend their styles to create an indigenized Hip Hop storytelling experience. Their latest track, “Penimitawe Ota,” not only helped launch the new Tourism Winnipeg logo but is also featured on the comedy show “Acting Good”.

MANITOBA

Music: Country, Rock

www.facebook.com/tayller.peltier.3

Tayller Mckinney is from Swan Lake First Nation, currently based in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Music runs deep in her family: her mom was a singer, her dad plays guitar, and her grandfather was both a singer and guitarist. She has a profound love for all genres, from traditional powwow and country classics to pop, rock, metal, rap, hip hop, and R&B. I’m proud to be a member of the band GURLZ GURLZ GURLZ.