PERFORMERS: STARRY NIGHT
Argentine Tango - Santiago and Deborah
Santiago and Deborah met in 2006 at Villa Malcolm in Buenos Aires. Together they bring a rich background in dance and movement studies. Their love of tango and their enthusiasm for transmitting it’s poetry and passion to others make them excellent teachers and performers. Both Santiago and Deborah have trained with traditional milongueros and contemporary tango masters. They believe both the leader and follower should be active in the dance and understand how to play within the interdependence. Their goal is always to transmit a connectedness and dynamics created through natural movements using the bodies organically with minimal force. They have been teaching together in Vancouver British Colombia since 2008. www.santiagodeborah.com www.nuevotangovancouver.com
Cole Armour
He's only twelve years old but his vocal ability shatters all age barriers. Cole was only nine years old when he discovered the power of music and with that he realized the enjoyment he gave other people when they heard him sing. In 2008 and 2009 he gave performances at the Merritt Mountain Music Festival which brought the audience to their feet and so began a journey into the world of music for an extraordinary young man. Other performances followed, the Kiwanis Fraser Valley International Music Festival where he took home gold in every category he entered. He won the B.C. Junior Talent Search held at the Cloverdale Rodeo and, incredibly, Cole became the first child ever to win PNE’s Red Robinson Talent Showdown which began in 1961. www.colearmour.com
Nick Apivor
Nick received his Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Victoria in 1986, studying with Sal Ferreras. In the classical/new music world he has played with the Victoria Symphony, Vancouver Island Symphony, The Drosera Ensemble, and recorded with Grammy nominated composer, Paul Dolden. As a jazz vibraphonist, he has performed with the N.O.W. Orchestra, Out of the Woods, Mimosa and many other groups. Nick has played in over 35 music theatre productions, including The Vancouver Playhouse’s 2008 production of The Drowsy Chaperone and their successful 2009 Canadian tour of this show. For the past 15 years, Nick has immersed himself in a variety of Latin musical styles, performing and recording with Juno-nominated Rumba Calzada, Ache Brazil, The World Jive Big Band, John Gilliat Group, and many others. He has also performed with the noted Paris-based Brazilian recording artist, Bia, with the legendary Petula Clark, as well as with the great Persian singer Dariush.
Rae Armour
The charismatic Rae Armour began her music career with a popular rock band in her hometown of Edmonton, Alberta. After moving to Vancouver, she released an independent contemporary pop album, which garnered her double winner status of the Pacific Songwriters Association Write-On Awards. Throughout her career Rae Armour has performed solo concerts on many international stages, including being an opening act for Faith Hill in Whistler, B.C. Rae's latest CD 'Next Move' can be purchased online. www.raearmourmusic.com
August
Three vivacious life-experienced female singer/songwriters joined by one skookum male guitarist, make up AUGUST. Their three voices blend in the most pristine harmonies and their songs reflect true life experience through a combination of pop, roots, and jazz styles. Song topics could include self-loathing, woes of stolen cars, joys of Facebook reunions, unrequited love, credit card challenges, and inspirational songs that are not gooey; all threaded with personal anecdotes and confessions. Intimate, funny, insightful, energetic and uplifting, AUGUST will involve the audience with their warm delightful approach. Equally at home on stage or on the back porch, when AUGUST comes around, it's time to kick back and enjoy! www.augustmusic.net
Jim Byrnes
The Vancouver blues legend hails from St. Louis, Missouri, moving to BC in the mid-'70s. 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. The Juno Award winning musician is also an in-demand TV actor. His most recent album is Everywhere West, on Black Hen Records. www.jimbyrnes.org
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
Michael Creber
Michael Creber is one of the West Coast’s most sought-after musicians, both onstage and in the recording studio. He pursues a wide-ranging career as a keyboardist, composer and producer. After recording and touring internationally with the Irish Rovers from 1981 to 1986, Michael went on to become one of k.d.lang's “Reclines.” During the next four years he toured extensively and appeared with k.d. on the Johnny Carson Show, Arsenio Hall, Saturday Night Live, the Grammy Awards, Vicki Gabereau, Super Dave, The Smothers Brothers and Austin City Limits. From 1992 to 1995 Michael toured, recorded and produced with world-renowned family entertainer Raffi. Highlights included a performance for US President Bill Clinton's first inauguration, a week of sold-out concerts at the Gershwin Theater in New York City and a special performance at a Washington luncheon for Mikhail Gorbachev. www.crebermusic.com
Alita Dupray
Alita Dupray lays down a song with finesse and a totally creative approach. Her smooth, swinging style, improvisational talents and impeccable delivery get to the very heart of the lyric. A beautiful young chanteuse possessed of an uncanny ability to bring another time spirit, mood, and place and conjure them present, Alita pours bluesy woe, spinning a web of purring delight, illuminating both lyric and melody with a sound and feel obviously her own.
Roy Forbes
Roy and his trusty Gurian guitar have toured extensively in Canada and the US over these past three decades. From the early days of small coffee houses and opening act slots with artists like John Lee Hooker, Supertramp, The Earl Scruggs Revue and Santana to eventually selling out his own shows and headlining most of the major Folk Music festivals in Canada, Roy has developed into one of Canada’s best loved acoustic performers. Through the years Roy has made a bunch of solo albums (including one for US giant Elektra) plus two with UHF (the ‘once-in-a-while’ group he shares with Shari Ulrich and Bill Henderson), as well as a Christmas album with Connie Kaldor. The first, 'Kid Full Of Dreams', received a Juno nomination in 1976 while 1998’s 'Crazy Old Moon', received a 1999 Juno nomination and a 1999 West Coast Music Award, one of several WCMAs Roy has received over the years. www.royforbes.ca
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
Alison Jenkins
Alison is a singer, composer, performer and multi-instrumentalist. Most recently, she completed a 5-month season as a performer and musician at Barkerville's historic Theatre Royal in northern B.C. Last winter, she and her accordion, appeared in the Vancouver Playhouse production of Noel Coward's Brief Encounter, and her original music has been featured in Axis Theatre's The Emperor's New Threads, Studio 58's The Winter's Tale, and the Arts Club Theatre's The Back Kitchen Release Party, among others. Alison currently plays and sings with Slavic soul band Zeellia, as well as the Turkish cabaret band, Something About Reptiles, and The Redboot Quartet. She has toured and performed all over Canada with these and other bands.
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. and Canada. 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
Tom Landa, the lead vocalist for The Paperboys, is hailed as a world talent and killer songwriter, excelling in creating beautiful melodies. He delivers ballads about lost love, longing, hope, and nostalgia with depth and tremendous sensitivity. 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. Add to this list, an American Indie nomination; a Genie Award nomination for Best Musical Score for the film 'Lunch With Charles' and appearances in both that film and the movie 'Marine Life.' The latest release 'The Road To Ellenside' (2006) was wholly recorded at a country manor in rural England. www.tomlanda.com
Alison MacDonald
Alison is a Jessie Award Winning performer currently based out of Toronto, Ontario. She has lived and worked all over Canada as an actor, singer, teacher, and producer. A quirky, vibrant artist, she brings a warmth & sincerity to her work, to the stage and to life. While on the West Coast , Alison worked for companies such as The Arts Club, Carousel Theatre, Chemainus Theatre Festival, The Gateway, The Belfry, and Musical Theatreworks. This Christmas Alison will be playing Maria in The Sound Of Music at Gateway Theatre. www.alisonmacdonald.ca
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
Garth Mosbaugh
Garth's professional career began when he joined forces with his brother and sister to form a vocal jazz trio called GENES. The music of Genes broke the barriers of style to include pop, jazz, baroque and everything in between. "GENES was my real training ground in music." Garth claims. "Our explorations into the realms of music were so broad and unconventional. We developed a unique vocal style that increasingly ventured into a cappella. "After six years of Genes the group disbanded to seek other musical directions. Garth played and sang in children's groups, club bands and recording sessions for jingles and corporate projects. In 1990 he became a regular host on the long running TV Ontario children’s show, THE POLKA DOT DOOR. In 1994 he joined the Nylons and has been performing worldwide with the group ever since . Garth now resides in beautiful Squamish, BC where he fulfills his childhood dreams of climbing all the trees he wants.
Karin Plato
Karin recorded her first album of jazz standards and originals in 1996 on a recording called Pastiche. In 1998 she recorded There's Beauty in the Rain for which she was nominated for a Juno award (2000 Juno Awards). In the winter of 2000 Karin released two new recordings: Blue Again; a collection of duets; and Snowflake Season; a jazz/Christmas recording. In 2003 she released her fifth album, The State of Bliss, which features a guest appearance by Canadian vocalist Denzal Sinclaire and was nominated for a West Coats Music Award. In 2003 and 2004 she was nominated Canadian Jazz Vocalist of the Year at The National Jazz Awards. www.karinplato.com
Rebecca Schoichet
Bio Coming Soon
Shiamak’s Vancouver Dance Team
Shiamak Davar is an Indian contemporary dance choreographer known for his trendsetting work in Bollywood blockbusters and for changing the the way the world looks at Bollywood dance. Shiamak's mission is to spread the joy of dance and his schools are now a worldwide phenomenon, across India, the UK, Australia, and the U.A.E., as well as three schools in Canada. Vancouver is Shiamak's second home, and headquarters of his international operations.S hiamak’s Bollywood Jazz Dance team in Vancouver has met with grand success and appreciation. www.shiamak.com
Veena Sood
Veena Sood is an award-winning actress, having performed in numerous theatre, television and film productions across Canada, and the U.K. She is of East Indian descent, and is internationally recognized – for her versatility in both comedy and drama. She studied Drama at The University of Calgary with Improv master Keith Johnstone, and went on to co-found & develop The Loose Moose Theatre Company, known the world over for their improvisational theatre. She’s been a TV-series regular on numerous television shows, hosted TV specials, galas, awards events, and corporate functions throughout Canada & the U.K. www.veenasood.com
Andreas Schuld
Andreas Schuld is one of the most-recorded guitarists in Canada. He has performed on hundreds of albums by artists ranging from Grammy winners Raffi and Long John Baldry to Juno winners/nominees Susan Crowe, Bill Bourne, Kenny Wayne, Hans Stamer, Farmer's Daughter, One Horse Blue, and many others. In addition, he can be heard on many TV/movie soundtracks, "Anna & Christina's Grocery Bags", "Being Ian, "Dragon Boys", “Zeke’s Pad”, “Ice Pilots”, "Firewall” and countless commercials (Future Shop, London Drugs, Kawasaki, Best Buy, Yamaha, Safeway). Andreas is also an award –winning producer and songwriter. www.bruha.com
Kendra Sprinkling
Kendra has been involved in music for 40 years, working with B.B. King, Martha Reeves, Taj Mahal, the Doobie Brothers and Slade, as well as countless recording sessions, commercials and musical theatre performances. 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). Kendra has produced and directed the show since 1995 and year 2011 marks the “26th" 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 producer of all 6 annual Shooting Stars events. www.shootingstarfoundation.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.
Randall Stoll
Randall Stoll is a drummer with over 150 CD recordings to his credit (including platinum and Grammy award winners with k.d.lang and Kevin Parent, and 4 Juno award winning albums). He performed with Tom Cochrane, Red Rider and Shania Twain at the Juno Awards, and has toured with Tom Cochrane and k.d.lang. He was twice nominated West Coast musician of the year. He is also leader of three bands, including the Vancouver 10 piece funk, soul group, Soulstream. www.soul-stream.ca
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 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 album release. www.sibelthrasher.net
Garfield Wilson
UK-born and Edmonton-raised, Garfield Wilson has had an extensive and diverse career in music for the past 15 years, which has seen him successfully lead a funk/soul cover band in Edmonton, a rock band which was a winner on Vancouver’s local CFOX Seeds contest in 2000, plus have his own solo career in R&B. Garfield also contributed his back-up vocals to Colin James’ 2001 Warner release Fuse, 2003’s Traveler and on Colin’s subsequent tours. He has worked in musical theatre with a leading role as Judas in Jesus Christ Superstar, plus had a supporting role in Hair. Garfield has also acquired a lengthy list of acting credits, including work on Dark Angel, The Twilight Zone, The Outer Limits, Andromeda, The Dead Zone as well as a role in the feature film Edison Force starring fellow musicians Justin Timberlake and LL Cool J, along with Kevin Spacey and Morgan Freeman. www.forwardfitness.ca
Rene Worst
Rene Worst, an internationally known and very well respected jazz bass player, has established himself as a leading bassist in North America for several decades. He was voted Bassist of the Year by the BC CARAS Tribute to West Coast Music for the 4 years that the awards were given. Rene has performed at many North American jazz festivals, primarily with a Jazz Fusion band called Skywalk, in Montreux-Detroit, Monterey and the Montreal International Festival of Jazz, to name a few. He has toured Canada with jazz legends Chet Baker, Gene Bertoncini and Joe Pass and on the international scene, toured the former Soviet Union with Paul Horn. He is also the bassist with a Brazilian band called Novo Tempo, which has been touring throughout the US; he is a virtuoso with string bass, electric bass, fretless bass and piccolo bass. Rene recently released a duo album with pianist Miles Black called “Two” to much critical acclaim. www.reneworst.com
