PERFORMERS: SOUL SHAKE
Rae Armour
Rae has shared venues with the famous and not-so famous, from Jane Siberry, Keifer Sutherland, Shari Ulrich and Long John Baldry, to the "Circle of Friends" and "The Countrymen." She has performed internationally in Montreal, Orlando, Washington DC, San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego, Sydney and Paris. Her voice is sometimes raspy strong like Melissa Etheridge and at other times will melt you with sweetness and soul. A fine songwriter, vocalist and performer for over 30 years, Vancouver songbird Rae Armour has relied on music as the one constant in her life. Her voice and songs are a clear and confident expression of a life lived with sensitivity, guts, and integrity. www.raearmourmusic.com
Jim Byrnes
The Vancouver blues legend, Jim Byrnes, is a veritable national treasure. He played his first professional gig in 1964 and has since worked with a virtual who’s who of blues history: Furry Lewis, Henry Townsend, Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, Albert Collins, Taj Mahal, Robert Cray and many others. Also an in-demand TV actor, Jim’s most recent album is Everywhere West, which won the Juno Award for Blues Album of the Year making it his third win in the category. www.jamestbyrnes.com
Leora Cashe
Jazz and gospel vocalist Leora Cashe delivers an electrifying performance that audiences love. An accomplished graduate of Edmonton's Grant MacEwan jazz program, Leora is " …as musically solid as the hits she performs". In 2001, The West Coast Music Awards nominated her debut CD 'Tears of Joy' for Best Gospel Recording of the year. December 2004 marked the release of Leora's second gospel CD, 'Inspiration' which received critical acclaim by enthusiastic listeners at home and abroad. She released her debut jazz recording entitled, "My Heart Stood Still," on June 4th , 2005 at the historic Vancouver East Cultural Centre. Another Side Now – The Songs of Joni Mitchell, Leora's latest CD was released on December 1st, 2007.www.leoracashe.com
Oliver Conway
Band leader, vocalist, harmonica player, rhythm guitarist, producer and song writer, Oliver has been delivering his own brand of blue-eyed soul with Oliver and the Elements and Incognito for over 20 years in Western Canada. Known for his soulful voice, funkifized playing, and his connection with an audience, he is an exciting and experienced musician with 2000 performances in his career, including stage musicals, TV and radio appearances and club and cabaret work all over Canada. He is also the proprietor of Aero Music, a full service music recording and production company, based in the Commercial Drive area of Vancouver, Canada. www.aeromusic.ca
Warren Dean Flandez
With a sound as fresh as the present and a voice reminiscent of the past, Warren Dean Flandez’ artistic light is so bright it could illuminate even the darkest of rooms. Warren’s critically acclaimed debut album ‘Vintage Love’ was produced by longtime collaborator Mike Southworth and features contributions from R&B songstress Divine Brown, The Prague Filmharmonic Orchestra, Printz Board (Black Eyed Peas), Andrea Martin (Roc Nation), and legendary songwriter Diane Warren. Following a successful run on CBC’s Cover Me Canada, Warren has garnered national praise. Having been selected to open for the likes of Joss Stone and the late James Brown, Warren’s songs have also been featured on Galaxie Radio and in campaigns for Being Erica, Abercrombie and Fitch, and Gilly Hicks. A humanitarian, Warren is active in numerous charities. www.warrendeanflandez.com
Babe Gurr
Babe Gurr has been turning heads for years with her blend of roots/blues/world. Her warm and sultry voice, intelligent lyrics, memorable melodies and savvy personality add up to pretty much everything you want to see on a stage. Babe’s much anticipated album titled “SideDish” takes this artist in a new direction, exploring world music fused with her own unique roots style and writing. Italian, Spanish, Middle-Eastern, Brazilian and New Orleans influences are the backdrop of the musical landscape of her new release. Babe’s songwriting has recently received accolades; taking the win for the Sonic Bids Nashville Song Contest, garnering honourable mention for three self-penned tunes in the acclaimed Billboard World Song Contest, and being selected as a finalist for two tunes in the “12th Great American Song Contest.www.babegurr.com
Al Harlow
Born in Vancouver, Al Harlow, nee Hawirko, began leading local Brit Invasion style bands in 1966. A displaced Mod in the psychedelic Retinal Circus scene, he moved to London, England in the early ‘70s, seeking success. Recording his band “Harlow” in ‘77, Al teamed up with ex-Seeds of Time bandmates to help create PRiSM. Eight albums, two Junos and five years of US & Canadian tours later, Al began lecturing in the Capilano College Music Dept, while playing R&B and producing. Al now tours with PRiSM while writing, teaching & performing locally. www.prism.ca
Linda Kidder
From a long lineage of performers, Linda Kidder carries on the family tradition. Both a bass player and a performer, Linda has toured with kd lang, Gary Fjellgaard, Michelle Wright, and Norman Foote to name a few; plus an extensive list of studio work including Bon Jovi and Rita MacNeil. Linda has two CDs, 'Mom and Me,' singing jazz standards with her mom Betty on grand piano; and her recent 'Close to Bliss' featuring her originals. Linda has sung hundreds of jingles for television, radio and on countless album projects. Some of her highlights include "Letterman", "Leno" and the "Grammy Awards.” She is also a proud member of the musical group August. www.lindakidder.com
Tom Landa (The Paperboys)
Tom Landa
Tom Landa, the lead vocalist for The Paperboys, is hailed as a world talent and killer songwriter, excelling in creating beautiful melodies. The Paperboys received a Juno Award for Best Roots & Traditional Album of the Year (Molinos); and Juno Award nominations for the three of their albums; two West Coast Music Awards for Best Roots Recording (Molinos, Postcards) and three more nominations in that category. He is also the leader for a latin music project called Locarno. Surrounded by the finest of BC's Latin musicians, Locarno's debut percolates with warmth and groove. Deep, contemporary
production comes courtesy of a collaboration between Tom Landa
and Joby Baker." www.paperboys.com
Cecile Larochelle
Cecile has appeared on television and stage as both an actress and singer in Canada and the United States. She has worked with Jon Bon Jovi, John Denver, Sheena Easton, Long John Baldry and has penned and produced numerous albums including her own gospel and children's albums.Besides singing her way across the U.S., Cecile earned her degree in vocal music and became passionately committed to sharing vocal technique and stylistic interpretations with other singers. She is is the proprietor of "LaRochelle Vocal Studios" at The Beaumont Studio in Vancouver and the Director for the newly formed "AnysingGoes" Choir. www.cecilelarochelle.com
Lindsay May
Vancouver's Lindsay May was busy in 2010; she was a Shore FM 104.3 Sounds of Summer Songsearch Top 10 Finalist, a New Mountain Songwriting contest finalist and Vancouver 2010 Olympic performer. Her captivating vocals, songwriting and performance skills are showcased in her 2011 release, featuring fun tunes about friends, love and life along with the heart-gripping songs about love and hurt that have garnered her so much attention. Find out more about this guitar and mandolin wielding songbird by signing up for her mailing list at www.lindsaymay.com
Ali Milner
This 21 year-old Whistler-raised singer-songwriter-keyboardist blends pop, Motown and old-soul jazz, a mix that has had her touring steadily both in and outside of Canada. Her album, I Dare You, was a collaborative effort between Ali and some of Canada's top musicians like Shaun Verreault (Wide Mouth Mason) and Jim Vallance (Bryan Adams writing partner). She’s shared bills with Sarah McLachlan (at Lillith Fair), Michael Buble, Ron Sexsmith and Barenaked Ladies. She placed third on CBC’s Cover Me Canada, where she met her current band. www.alimilner.com
Claire Mortifee
Born and raised in Vancouver, 19-year-old Claire Mortifee has always had a great passion and talent for the stage. Since the age of 6, she has appeared in over 15 musicals and plays, not to mention countless solo performances of her original folk and R&B music. After recently signing a recording contract with local label Reliant Music, Claire indefinitely continues to pursue her career as a professional musician. Tonight she is delighted to once again be sharing the stage with her aunt, Jane Mortifee.
Jane Mortifee
Jane has been active in theatre, television and the studios for over thirty years. She has been nominated for countless awards and has enjoyed theatre roles in “When The Rains Come”, “Cabaret”, “Jacques Brel Is Alive and Well”, “Side by Side By Sondheim” and “A Closer Walk With Patsy Cline”. Her acting credits include the TV series “Neon Rider”, “21 Jump Street”, and “Danger Bay” and a starring role in the feature film “My American Cousin. Her first love is singing and Jane has performed as a guest soloist on numerous television productions and live musical specials as well as doing studio work as a jingle singer, voice-over and animated series talent.www.janemortifee.com
Lori Paul
Lori Paul began performing in choirs as a kid but couldn’t stand singing those damned monotonous alto parts so she became a lead-singing, ham-boning, show-boater who weasles her way onto stages with truly great performers every chance she gets. She likes lemon sorbet and but chews the mint leaf with ambivalence. Lori frequently tells people that she studied in Paris at the Sorbonne but this is pure shite. Clearly, you can’t believe a word she says. Even this bio is rife with inaccuracies but what are you gonna do? I suggest you enjoy the show and forget I said anything. www.loripaul.com
Rebecca Shoichet
Whether it’s for live performances or in the recording studio, Rebecca Shoichet is a highly sought-after vocalist on the Vancouver music scene. She has toured with artists Amanda Marshall and Tom Cochrane, and performs locally and internationally with the 10 piece, funk phenomenon, Soulstream. She croons in the French cabaret group, Mimosa, and also shares her powerhouse vocals with bands Side One, Famous Players, and Coco Love Alcorn. Bringing a life’s worth of musical theatre training and performance to her work, Rebecca’s versatility and skill has offered her roles in productions Joni Mitchell: River and La Cage aux Folles for the Vancouver Playhouse, and parts in such
TV animation series as My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Maya the Bee, and Kid vs Kat. And she’s thrilled to be a part of this fantastic fundraiser! www.mimosamusic.com
Kendra Sprinkling
Kendra has been involved in music for 35 years, working with B.B. King, Martha Reeves, Taj Mahal, the Doobie Brothers and Slade, as well as singing in sessions, commercials and performing in musical theatre. In 1986, Kendra first performed in Starry Night, an AIDS fund–raising variety show, developed by the Art’s Club’s David Harrison (who succumbed to the disease in 1995). She has produced and directed the show since 1995 and year 2012 marked the “27th" Anniversary Performance. She is the Founding Executive Director of the Shooting Stars Foundation, a special events organization, which is dedicated to raising funds for direct service AIDS organizations. She is the creator of all the Shooting Stars events which also include producing, Fit For A Queen, (a fantastic “Drag” Extravaganza), Gambado! (Dinner and Auction), undercover (a unique wine tasting), Soul Shake (celebrating the sweet sounds of soul music) and co-producing Motown Meltdown - (40 guest artists "Do Motown). www.shootingstarsfoundation.org
Don Stewart
Don Stewart lays his seductive musical style onto jazz and pop standards from Nat King Cole to Michael Jackson, lighting up any room he plays in. Having conquered the live concert and laid down an impressive fan base, Don is now about to unveil a new side of his musical world … songwriting. Four fascinating original songs keep company with brilliant standards like “In The Midnight Hour” in a new CD coming out later this year. Don’s many fans will be blown away by these new tunes, showing a side of Don that goes deep, but stays romantic. www.donstewart.ca
Catherine St. Germain
Originally from Winnipeg Manitoba Catherine has performed all over the world including Cancun Mexico last month for Toyota. She has sung with Loverboy, Survivor, Starship, David Foster, Natalie Cole and the late great Ray Charles to name a few. Catherine is currently living in Vancouver and doing Studio Voice-overs, and singing with the all 70's 10 piece band "The Polyester Philharmonic" as well as her band "Hip Pocket".
www.myspace.com/catherinestgermain
Sibel Thrasher
Sibel Thrasher has performed in all 1,000-plus performances of the Arts Club theatre’s all-time longest running production, Ain’t Misbehavin’, both locally and nationally. She also had great success in the Arts Club productions of Black and Gold Revue I and II, Blues In The Night, The Club, When The Rains Come, Tapestry, and Little Shop Of Horrors. Her extensive credits include recording in New York with legendary recording artist Roy Ayers, and in Canada with Long John Baldry and Linton Garner. She toured with the renowned Platters in the US, Japan and the Philippines. Sibel has traveled extensively as a highly sought after jazz, gospel and R & B singer in the cruise industry on Alaskan and Caribbean tours. In 2004 she was in the movie “Fierce People”, starring Donald Sutherland and Diane Lane and enjoyed a 6 month engagement in Shanghai, China. She most recently returned from a tour of London, England and a concert in New York with a group she performed with many years ago (Ramp), which is enjoying an amazing resurgence which includes an impending album release. www.myspace.com/sibelthrasher
Shari Ulrich
Originally a California girl, Shari's career through the Pied Pumkin, The Hometown Band, and on as a solo artist continues to inspire audiences, and set the bar for two generations of female singer/songwriters. BC Entertainment Hall of Fame Inductee and Juno award winner Ulrich is now joined by her 21 year old daughter Julia on violin, piano, guitar, accordion, mandolin and vocals in her solo shows. She also continues to tour and record with the trios - The Pied Pumkin, Ulrich Henderson Forbes (UHF), Barney Bentall and Tom Taylor & Shari Ulrich (BTU) and with the Bluegrass Band “The High Bar Gang” with Barney Bentall. She also composes for film and television, produces the Vancouver Bluebird North concert series for the Songwriters Association of Canada, and just released a new solo album “Find Our Way”.www.shariulrich.com
David Wills
David Wills is best known as the lead singer of Stonebolt and currently performs as well with the high-energy dance band “The Dynamics”. In Canada Stonebolt became a popular radio act with a number of hit singles topping the Canadian charts and in 1978 became an international hit, recognized as world wide stars. The band had hits in the US, Europe and Japan and played concerts as far away as Osaka Japan. Stonebolt made regular appearances on national TV shows such as American Bandstand and Midnight Special and received a Grammy nomination. Stonebolt was a Canadian band that achieved international stardom and now the band and their lead singer, can now be discovered again by today's generation of music lovers. These days David is also actively involved with producing other projects.
AJ Woodworth
Vancouver’s AJ Woodworth is one of Canada’s hottest young Country/pop performers, with a distinctive voice, look, and songwriting style. Her sound blends classic influences with modern themes creating a style all her own. The reigning BCCMA Female Vocalist of the year has new music and videos for 604 Records now hitting the nation’s airwaves. AJ first caught attention of the music industry in 2009 by winning the Canadian Country Music Associations’ New Talent Showcase Award. She was the lead singer on the 100th Anniversary theme for the PNE, and was featured in the song and video “Standing Strong and True, honouring Canada’s military forces. wwwajcountry.com
