Brian McLeod
Audiences are both moved to tears and laughter at Brian McLeod's performances. With his intricate guitar work, and soulful voice and lyrics, listeners are inspired, to dance, to relax, to smile, sometimes to think, and always to be happier after hearing his music. It is particularly inspiring when he improvises songs on stage that are never to be heard again, or jams on the didgeridoo while playing other instruments.
Brian was surrounded by music during his upbringing in Edmonton, Alberta, absorbing his father's music from an early age. He started writing songs when he was young, and eventually taught himself to play guitar, bass, drums, didgeridoo, cedar flute, harmonium, and piano. Along with music, he has also studied and taught Yoga in Quebec and New Zealand.Brian has performed at the Edmonton Folk Music Festival, the Parihaka International Peace Festival in New Zealand, and other festivals in Alberta, Quebec, California, and New Zealand. He has performed at the Winspear Center, has performed and served as a mentor to young musicians with U22 Productions, is a member of the house band at the Center for Spiritual Living in Edmonton, has recorded 2 demos, and is currently working on his first full length album. Myspace.com/bpmcleod
Audiences are both moved to tears and laughter at Brian McLeod's performances. With his intricate guitar work, and soulful voice and lyrics, listeners are inspired, to dance, to relax, to smile, sometimes to think, and always to be happier after hearing his music. It is particularly inspiring when he improvises songs on stage that are never to be heard again, or jams on the didgeridoo while playing other instruments.
Brian was surrounded by music during his upbringing in Edmonton, Alberta, absorbing his father's music from an early age. He started writing songs when he was young, and eventually taught himself to play guitar, bass, drums, didgeridoo, cedar flute, harmonium, and piano. Along with music, he has also studied and taught Yoga in Quebec and New Zealand.Brian has performed at the Edmonton Folk Music Festival, the Parihaka International Peace Festival in New Zealand, and other festivals in Alberta, Quebec, California, and New Zealand. He has performed at the Winspear Center, has performed and served as a mentor to young musicians with U22 Productions, is a member of the house band at the Center for Spiritual Living in Edmonton, has recorded 2 demos, and is currently working on his first full length album. Myspace.com/bpmcleod
Martin Kerr
"If Jack Johnson were bitten by a radioactive Cat Stevens, the result would be a superhuman being named Martin Kerr", said a college newspaper reviewer on hearing Martin's latest award-winning album. Like both those artists, his lyrics are original, profound and instantly memorable. With his red-hair and crystal clear tone, he reminds many of John Denver too.
After last year's exploits on Canadian Idol, reaching the top 16, he is now starting a family in Edmonton, and determined not to be a distant, on-tour father, has made himself a wildly successful street performer. This summer he has made up to a thousand dollars a day selling CDs from his guitar case, and, The Edmonton Journal named him #2 in their '52 things to love about Edmonton' series.
Inspired by the teachings of the Baha'i Faith, such as the oneness of all races and religions, Kerr is also a regular and well-loved guest performer at spiritual centers and events around North America. His children's songs in English and Chinese are used by educators around the world to encourage the virtues of courage, patience and kindness.
For more information about Martin's performances and recordings, visit martinkerrmusic.com.
"If Jack Johnson were bitten by a radioactive Cat Stevens, the result would be a superhuman being named Martin Kerr", said a college newspaper reviewer on hearing Martin's latest award-winning album. Like both those artists, his lyrics are original, profound and instantly memorable. With his red-hair and crystal clear tone, he reminds many of John Denver too.
After last year's exploits on Canadian Idol, reaching the top 16, he is now starting a family in Edmonton, and determined not to be a distant, on-tour father, has made himself a wildly successful street performer. This summer he has made up to a thousand dollars a day selling CDs from his guitar case, and, The Edmonton Journal named him #2 in their '52 things to love about Edmonton' series.
Inspired by the teachings of the Baha'i Faith, such as the oneness of all races and religions, Kerr is also a regular and well-loved guest performer at spiritual centers and events around North America. His children's songs in English and Chinese are used by educators around the world to encourage the virtues of courage, patience and kindness.
For more information about Martin's performances and recordings, visit martinkerrmusic.com.
Jenie Thai
Born in Chiang Mai Thailand, and raised outside of Edmonton, Jenie Thai is building a musical presence in the community with her energetic quirks and engaging presence on stage.
Raised in a musical household of six, silence was rare. Growing up, Jenie would fall asleep to the sounds of blues and melodies of folk that her parents played while entertaining guests downstairs. Her training on the piano began at age five; she steadily took private lessons for fifteen years. Consistent opportunities to perform arose through her classical training in which she spent her early school years performing difficult repertoire at various workshops, camps, and yearly round festivals. An outstanding mark on a Conservatory Canada exam gave her recognition from Ottawa and an Alberta award for receiving one of the highest grades in the country. Graduating at seventeen, she continued her musical development through studying classical piano at Augustana University. In 2008 she auditioned for the Grant MacEwan Jazz and Contemporary Music Program. Upon graduation in the Performance Program, Jenie found herself teaching at Grant MacEwan as well as gaining acceptance into Paul McCartney’s international music school based in Liverpool.
Jenie finds her time being spent writing songs and jamming the blues. Currently working on an original album, she is performing these tunes with a passion so fierce that listeners claim she unearths an organic vibrancy and youth with her spirit. Performing both with a band and solo she has opened for the likes of Amos Garrett, Michael Bernard Fitzgerald, and can be found performing at venues such as Edmonton’s famous Blues on Whyte and the Edmonton Folk Festival 2011. A performer, writer, instrumentalist, vocalist, and teacher: Jenie Thai combines classical technique, jazz harmonics, and a life-long appreciation for the blues to produce a unique charm as an upcoming singer-songwriter.
Born in Chiang Mai Thailand, and raised outside of Edmonton, Jenie Thai is building a musical presence in the community with her energetic quirks and engaging presence on stage.
Raised in a musical household of six, silence was rare. Growing up, Jenie would fall asleep to the sounds of blues and melodies of folk that her parents played while entertaining guests downstairs. Her training on the piano began at age five; she steadily took private lessons for fifteen years. Consistent opportunities to perform arose through her classical training in which she spent her early school years performing difficult repertoire at various workshops, camps, and yearly round festivals. An outstanding mark on a Conservatory Canada exam gave her recognition from Ottawa and an Alberta award for receiving one of the highest grades in the country. Graduating at seventeen, she continued her musical development through studying classical piano at Augustana University. In 2008 she auditioned for the Grant MacEwan Jazz and Contemporary Music Program. Upon graduation in the Performance Program, Jenie found herself teaching at Grant MacEwan as well as gaining acceptance into Paul McCartney’s international music school based in Liverpool.
Jenie finds her time being spent writing songs and jamming the blues. Currently working on an original album, she is performing these tunes with a passion so fierce that listeners claim she unearths an organic vibrancy and youth with her spirit. Performing both with a band and solo she has opened for the likes of Amos Garrett, Michael Bernard Fitzgerald, and can be found performing at venues such as Edmonton’s famous Blues on Whyte and the Edmonton Folk Festival 2011. A performer, writer, instrumentalist, vocalist, and teacher: Jenie Thai combines classical technique, jazz harmonics, and a life-long appreciation for the blues to produce a unique charm as an upcoming singer-songwriter.
Homesun
Is a breath of fresh air. They are an Edmonton-based band formed of best friends and brothers, who make exciting music that is a fusion of hip-hop, jazz, folk, rock, and soul. Homesun is Kevin Christopher (vocals), Gord Oaks (drums/vocals), Andrew Perri (bass/vocals), and Brian McLeod (guitar/vocals).
Is a breath of fresh air. They are an Edmonton-based band formed of best friends and brothers, who make exciting music that is a fusion of hip-hop, jazz, folk, rock, and soul. Homesun is Kevin Christopher (vocals), Gord Oaks (drums/vocals), Andrew Perri (bass/vocals), and Brian McLeod (guitar/vocals).
Belle Hodge and a Post Modern Harem
Originally known as Sue Hodge, Belle began her music career forming the popular musical group ‘Nickelfinger’. She shared stages with such notables as Sylvia Tyson, Cheryl Fisher, Cindy Church and Quartette, and performed at a wide variety of clubs and festivals including the Edmonton Folk Music Festival. Belle's powerful bluesy voice demands a new kind of music. She is appearing now as 'Memphis Belle and a Post Modern Harem'.Since early 2005 she has been a formal part of the Music Ministry at the Centre for Spiritual Living in Edmonton.
Belle believes using sound and music in a positive and directed way is really important to help heal the planet; her passion lies in private practice as well as writing, recording and performing. Says Dr. Dennis Merritt Jones of her recent recording ‘Take Me Home’, "Belle's music will open your heart and penetrate your soul. Not only is her voice an extraordinary powerful instrument of the Divine, but the essence of her music, her words and the manner in which she delivers the goods will move through you and lift you, and, if you are open, will heal you. As a professional musician myself I know when a musician is "Being on Purpose". This lady is doing what she was born to; write and sing. Susan's CD is one you will want to listen to over and over again -- I do." One of the cuts from that recording was also nominated for a Positive Music Award in 2009.
Belle is the founder of an online community called ‘The Voice Tuning Station’ dedicated to helping women find their personal and collective voice, continues to perform and record, operates Soundtouch Services, gives private classes, vocal training, workshops and accepts public speaking engagements to promote awareness of the importance of intentional sound. For more info and to hear her recordings go to www.soundtouch.ca
Originally known as Sue Hodge, Belle began her music career forming the popular musical group ‘Nickelfinger’. She shared stages with such notables as Sylvia Tyson, Cheryl Fisher, Cindy Church and Quartette, and performed at a wide variety of clubs and festivals including the Edmonton Folk Music Festival. Belle's powerful bluesy voice demands a new kind of music. She is appearing now as 'Memphis Belle and a Post Modern Harem'.Since early 2005 she has been a formal part of the Music Ministry at the Centre for Spiritual Living in Edmonton.
Belle believes using sound and music in a positive and directed way is really important to help heal the planet; her passion lies in private practice as well as writing, recording and performing. Says Dr. Dennis Merritt Jones of her recent recording ‘Take Me Home’, "Belle's music will open your heart and penetrate your soul. Not only is her voice an extraordinary powerful instrument of the Divine, but the essence of her music, her words and the manner in which she delivers the goods will move through you and lift you, and, if you are open, will heal you. As a professional musician myself I know when a musician is "Being on Purpose". This lady is doing what she was born to; write and sing. Susan's CD is one you will want to listen to over and over again -- I do." One of the cuts from that recording was also nominated for a Positive Music Award in 2009.
Belle is the founder of an online community called ‘The Voice Tuning Station’ dedicated to helping women find their personal and collective voice, continues to perform and record, operates Soundtouch Services, gives private classes, vocal training, workshops and accepts public speaking engagements to promote awareness of the importance of intentional sound. For more info and to hear her recordings go to www.soundtouch.ca
Karla Anderson
Karla Anderson did not grow up in a musical family, she didn’t have any musical training, in fact, she describes herself as a geeky daydreaming kid who mostly felt at odds with the world. The music that infused her life was through a cornucopia of records in her parent’s record collection. From Billie Holiday to Uriah Heep, the music that they played became the foundation for something that would bloom much later for this daydreamer. Although she would sing along to Janis Joplin’s Turtle Blues at 2 years old, and pick up a guitar in her teenage years, Karla chose the path of marriage and motherhood at an early age, raising three boys and immersing herself in family life.
At the age of 33, in 2001, she discovered a life changing workbook “The Artist’s Way” by Julia Cameron. This became the turning point in her life where she made room for the expression brewing in her. She allocated the family’s chicken coop as her music room and began the terrifying process of writing and “listening”. The book encouraged her to honor and trust the creative journey, to take risks, and dream little dreams. She started by going to open stages, and getting involved in her music community. By 2003, she had made enough of an impression in that community to be invited by Artistic Director, Terry Wickham, to play at the Edmonton Folk Festival, and to catch the attention of Neil MacGonigill (Jann Arden’s long time manager and mentor) Karla’s music has since gone on to be featured in a National Television series (Joan of Arcadia), won her a 2005 Best Emerging Artist award at the Canadian Folk Music Awards, garnered her a nomination to the WCMA in 2006, and has been featured on CBC National Television. Her recordings have been described as “…achingly beautiful and as emotionally honest as can be”. (Embassy Sessions 2005/Brand New Day 2009)
Karla’s live performance exudes a genuinely passionate delivery, and holds a powerful connection with her audience. She plays music festivals, soft seat theaters, coffee houses and house gigs all with the same passion. She is a truly gifted performer who came to her craft later than most, but brings with her a lifetime of experience.
Karla Anderson did not grow up in a musical family, she didn’t have any musical training, in fact, she describes herself as a geeky daydreaming kid who mostly felt at odds with the world. The music that infused her life was through a cornucopia of records in her parent’s record collection. From Billie Holiday to Uriah Heep, the music that they played became the foundation for something that would bloom much later for this daydreamer. Although she would sing along to Janis Joplin’s Turtle Blues at 2 years old, and pick up a guitar in her teenage years, Karla chose the path of marriage and motherhood at an early age, raising three boys and immersing herself in family life.
At the age of 33, in 2001, she discovered a life changing workbook “The Artist’s Way” by Julia Cameron. This became the turning point in her life where she made room for the expression brewing in her. She allocated the family’s chicken coop as her music room and began the terrifying process of writing and “listening”. The book encouraged her to honor and trust the creative journey, to take risks, and dream little dreams. She started by going to open stages, and getting involved in her music community. By 2003, she had made enough of an impression in that community to be invited by Artistic Director, Terry Wickham, to play at the Edmonton Folk Festival, and to catch the attention of Neil MacGonigill (Jann Arden’s long time manager and mentor) Karla’s music has since gone on to be featured in a National Television series (Joan of Arcadia), won her a 2005 Best Emerging Artist award at the Canadian Folk Music Awards, garnered her a nomination to the WCMA in 2006, and has been featured on CBC National Television. Her recordings have been described as “…achingly beautiful and as emotionally honest as can be”. (Embassy Sessions 2005/Brand New Day 2009)
Karla’s live performance exudes a genuinely passionate delivery, and holds a powerful connection with her audience. She plays music festivals, soft seat theaters, coffee houses and house gigs all with the same passion. She is a truly gifted performer who came to her craft later than most, but brings with her a lifetime of experience.
Jordan Grant Kaminski
Hot on the heels of a stellar summer at Berklee School of Music in Boston, 18 year old Jordan Grant (Kaminski) is poised to launch into the music scene in a big way. This gifted songwriter has a smooth stylistic voice that wraps around his lyrics like caramel on an apple.
Jordan’s music is built on a foundation of pop, colored by influences of soul, blues, folk and rock. His passion and sincerity leave him firmly embedded in the hearts of every audience who hears him. The quality of his music and dedication to his craft is represented beautifully in his stage presence.
Hot on the heels of a stellar summer at Berklee School of Music in Boston, 18 year old Jordan Grant (Kaminski) is poised to launch into the music scene in a big way. This gifted songwriter has a smooth stylistic voice that wraps around his lyrics like caramel on an apple.
Jordan’s music is built on a foundation of pop, colored by influences of soul, blues, folk and rock. His passion and sincerity leave him firmly embedded in the hearts of every audience who hears him. The quality of his music and dedication to his craft is represented beautifully in his stage presence.
