ABOUT THE BAND

XL The Band is a Western Canadian Music Award nominated hip-hop/ jazz/ alternative fusion band with a deep and rich history in the music industry. XL is a new artistic project launched by some of Canada’s leading musicians and the body of work they’ve created runs the gamut of musical genres.

Prevail and Rob The Viking, from the four-time JUNO award-winning hip hop group Swollen Members, have performed and toured internationally with household names like Avril Lavigne, Rihanna, and the Black Eyed Peas. Musically, they have collaborated with well-established artists such as Nelly Furtado, Everlast, and Wondagurl.

Liesa Norman holds a doctorate in music performance and composition and is also a part-time model and actress. She started her musical career as a flautist playing with major shows such as Beauty and The Beast, Miss Saigon and has played in several orchestras in Toronto and in BC with the Vancouver Symphony. Liesa has toured internationally with her chamber music group Forbidden Flutes and she’s been featured regularly on major North American radio and television networks. Liesa has also composed for film and TV internationally, including the world-renowned BBC.

David Spidel is an accomplished jazz and rock bassist and guitarist who has played and toured the world for decades with many of Canada’s top artists including Mother Mother and Bif Naked. His time in the industry has earned him well-deserved respect amongst fellow players.

Neph - from Western Canadian Music award nominated rap group Alpha Omega - has years of touring and performance under his belt. His debut solo EP The Blackbox garnered him attention in the Canadian rap scene, and his musical contribution to XL has helped sculpt the band's sound.

XL The Band also regularly features artists Miguelito Valdes, who performed with the Buena Vista Social Club for a decade, Aidan Miller, Nick La Rivière and Samuel Cartwright, all of whom are incredible musicians that lend their chops to the jazz fusion element of XL’s music. Also making appearances are Grammy Award-winning artists Daniel Adair and Ben Mink. This calibre of musicians has invoked creativity in its highest form.

XL The Band has had their songs and music videos streamed over 3,000,000 times, have been featured on key Spotify playlists including Hip Hop Central, Outliers, All New Jazz, Modern Jazz Mix, and Northern Bars, have been selected to perform at multiple prominent festivals, and have European and North American touring lined up to support their debut album Opus No. 1.

www.facebook.com/xltheband/ www.instagram.com/xltheband/ https://open.spotify.com/artist/5Dr4feymCwbAmK7bvXpSbl?si=Qlhgc9TISo-NHBAohkjtGA

ABOUT THE BAND

Brandon Steele - guitar, vocals

Jenn Davidson - vocals, sax

Nathan Turner - vocals, double bass

Max Ley - drums

Marley Iredale - vocals

Logan Thackrey - vocals

Beth Stupple - vocals

Drawing inspiration from jazz and soul but redesigning it with Indie-Pop songwriting and a heavy backbeat, Red Haven have been touring their raucous, spirited brand of music for the past five years. Featuring the work of songwriters Jen Charters, Nathan Turner, and Brendan Steele, Red Haven tells a story that is both entertaining and incisive.

www.facebook.com/redhavenmusic

www.redhavenmusic.com/home

ABOUT THE BAND

A triple threat. Spoken word poetry, music and acting are all embedded in the DNA of kyprios. After winning a slam in NYC’s sacred Nuyorican Poetry Cafe, kyp started his own poetry night in Vancouver and began to generate a buzz around his lyricism. Shortly thereafter, the music industry came calling. Pledging to push boundaries of sampled hip hop by utilizing live musicians, kyprios is identified by a fleshed out, full bodied musical style. The industry took notice through a variety of affirmations: 2 solo Juno nominations, 2 Juno nominations from his time with Sweatshop Union, a Gemini nomination, a WCMA nomination for 'The Lap Dog EP' plus a Jessie and a Betty win from writing music for the theatre in both BC and Calgary for Crank’d and Ash Rizin’.

Kyp has seen both sides of the industry. He was signed to Sony where he released 'Say Something' and has been independent since 2009 which saw his release '12:12.' His independent release propelled him into a radio competition for one hundred thousand dollars in Vancouver, called the Peak Performance Project. Against the odds, he eventually went on to claim the title and this prestigious honour. After winning the PPP, he has released an EP The Lap Dog and an LP titled The Midnight Sun.

Kyp continues to tour and was back in the USA prior to Covid, headlining with his group ‘The Chaperones’. His live show is unparalleled and is often heralded asone of the greats to catch for his energetic stage presence. He has made numerous appearances in television and film and has done voice work for Michael Jordan's website jumpman23.com, Tempurpedic, Vancouver Canucks, Southern Comfort, Miller, and Capital One. Recently, he has been working as a DJ/host for his own radio show entitled ‘The Push’ which has featured K-os, Esthero, Kevin Durand and more.

Kyprios is a renowned Canadian artist from Vancouver. His album, Say Something, was nominated for the Juno Award for Rap Recording of the Year and his song "Ignorance is Beautiful" was nominated for the Genie Award for Best Achievement in Music – Original Song. Formerly associated with the musical collective, Sweatshop Union, he now records and performs exclusively as a solo artist. Kyprios has also acted in feature films and has toured all across the world.

He is one of the premier spoken word artists in Canada mixing elements of rap, hip hop, and storytelling in his performances.

www.facebook.com/KypriosBayDay/

ABOUT THE BAND

Jim Byrnes- vocals and guitar

Rob Becker - guitar

Simon Kendal - piano

Candus Churchill - vocals

Geoff Hicks - drums

St. Louis bred, Byrnes moved to Vancouver, BC in the mid-70s after years of drifting, working odd jobs and playing music. He’s been a mainstay on both the music and screen scenes ever since. His fame as an actor equals his legendary music status. From his numerous TV and movie roles, highlights include the Wiseguy and Highlander series, and his national variety show, The Jim Byrnes Show. With many award winning albums to his credit (Maple Blues Awards, WCMAs, Junos, Canadian Folk Music Awards), Jim Byrnes is that artist who will light up the stage with songs and stories, tried and true.

www.jimbyrnes.ca/www.facebook.com/james.byrneswww.instagram.com/canduschurchill/www.bcentertainmenthalloffame.com/churchill-candus/

Candus Churchill was born into a musical family in Louisville, Kentucky. Her family played instruments and Candus was the singer. While in high school, she joined a band called The Passion Flowers and performed at local clubs. After graduating from high school, she attended Montgomery College in Maryland where she joined another band aptly called Destiny. It was then she realized her true calling as a professional vocalist. Soon Candus was hired by Candi Staton, a popular R&B singer and recording artist to tour the United States and Canada.

After being on the road for some time with Candi Staton, Candus moved to Los Angeles where she worked for Motown Records and Paramount Recording Studios. She soon joined the rock/funk group DragonFly and toured extensively, ending up in Canada in 1983. In 1986, Candus resigned from DragonFly to pursue a solo career in Vancouver.

Candus branched out into acting in theatre, television, and film. She has 100 acting and soundtrack credits for television/film since 1988 including The Good Doctor, Supergirl, The X Files, numerous Hallmark Movies and more. Some of her theatre credits include To Kill A Mockingbird, Little Shop Of Horrors, Wang Dang Doodle, The Black and Gold Revue, Santa’s Got Soul, and The Colored Museum.

In 1991 Candus, along with Hall of Fame recipient, Marcus Mosely, created Vancouver’s contemporary gospel music scene. They were joined by Hall of Fame recipients, Sibel Thrasher and Lovie Eli to form The Circle of Voices, Vancouver’s first contemporary black gospel group. Under Candus’ administration, they became The Gospel Experience, a seminal force in Vancouver gospel music for over two decades. Candus supports an extensive list of BC and global charities, a history of service stretching many years.

ABOUT THE BAND

KENNY ‘BLUES BOSS’ WAYNE TRIO – Piano/Vocals

Wayne was born in Spokane, Washington and has been performing for over 50 years. Over the years he has shared the stage with a great many of the world’s most influential blues pioneers, including Jimmy Reed, Pinetop Perkins, Johnnie Johnson, Big Joe Duskin, Joe Louis Walker and Floyd Dixon, and as a guest performer with well-known rock and soul artists that have included Ike Turner, Sly and the Family Stone, Delaney and Bonnie and members of Santana and the Doobie Brothers. As a touring performer, he has played to knowledgeable and appreciative blues audiences on four continents and has been profiled by music journalists in Europe and North America.

RUSSELL JACKSON – Bass/Vocals

Russel was born in Memphis, Tennessee. He started his career as a bass player with Otis Clay in Chicago and then landed a job with BB King. He toured internationally with King and his orchestra for six and a half years. During the course of his career Russell played with many bands, including percussion project Silent Partners, and musicians Buddy Guy, Matt "Guitar" Murphy, Willie Nelson, Marshall Lawrence and Sunny Fournier. For several years, Russell fronted the Russell Jackson Band, based in Vancouver, British Columbia. He now resides in Vernon, BC and was awarded the Blues Hall of Fame from the Calgary Blues Society. He has reformed the late great BB King band with some of the original band members to help continue the legacy of that band.

JOEY ‘Pocket’ DiMARCO – Drums/vocals

Joey was born in Italy and migrated to Canada as a young boy. His love for drums came when he heard and saw Gene Krupa and that was his inspiration to become a well-respected drummer. He has played most of life and had the opportunity to perform with many great musicians and bands such as Rita Chiarelli, The Raes, The Belairs, Jack de Keyzer, Bruce Conti, Studebaker John and many others. He was given the handle of ‘Pocket’ because he is known by many established bands that his drumming is superb. https://kennybluesboss.com/

ABOUT THE BAND

Brandon Isaak - guitar, vocals

Pat Darcus - upright bass

Chip Hart - drums

Jerry Cook - saxophone

Darryl Havers - piano

Brandon Isaak & his Saints Of Swing are one of the most accomplished blues bands in the Vancouver area. The group is made up of all star musicians who are all veterans on the music scene. The band is high energy blues with elements of swing, funk and gospel with exceptional guitar, piano, upright bass, drums and vocals. The Saints Of Swing bring a high level of professionalism, originality and talent to the Canadian blues scene. www.brandonisaak.ca www.facebook.com/thebrandonisaac

ABOUT THE BAND

Woodwinds: Chris Startup, Mike Braverman, Ben Henriques, Tom Keenlyside, Chad Makela, Steve Kaldestad

Trumpets: Michael Kim, Brad Turner, Derry Byrne, Jocelyn Waugh

Trombones: Rod Murray, Jim Hopson, Brian Harding, Sharman King

Piano: David Vestivo

Bass: James Meger

Drums: Bernie Arai

The Daniel Hersog Jazz Orchestra has performed throughout North America featuring a host of the world's leading improvisors. This past summer Daniel led his band in Toronto, Montreal, Boston and New York. This tour featured renowned soloists Frank Carlberg and Noah Preminger. David Restivo and Steve Kaldestad are featured instead of Frank Carlsberg and Noah Preminger due to travel restrictions. Featuring a who’s who of Vancouver’s top musicians, the DHJO deftly navigates Daniel’s modern and exciting compositions. With brilliant ensemble playing, fiery improvisation, and a swinging sensibility, this band is not to be missed.

www.danielhersog.com

www.facebook.com/danielhersogjazz

www.daverestivomusic.com

www.facebook.com/stevekaldestadmusic

ABOUT THE BAND

David Restivo - piano

Russ Botten - bass

Joe Poole - drums

David Restivo is one of Canada's most respected and influential jazz artists. He is a three-time winner of the National Jazz Awards' Pianist of the Year Award, and is listed in the current edition of Canadian Who's Who. Born in Lansing, Michigan, molded by the mountains and coasts of New England, and based primarily in Toronto since 1982, he has been a sought-after and influential figure in Canada’s jazz community since the late 1980s. David is well known for his work with Rob McConnell's Boss Brass and Tentet, the Mike Murley Quintet, and legendary songwriter Marc Jordan. He was voted Toronto's Best Keyboardist in NOW Magazine's "Best of T.O." readers' poll in 1998 and received a JUNO Award for his work on the 2001 recording The Rob McConnell Tentet (Justin Time). He has also performed and recorded with Dave Holland, Jon Hendricks, Kenny Wheeler, John Abercrombie, Jerry Bergonzi, Mel Tormé, John Pizarelli, the Woody Herman Orchestra, Pat LaBarbera, Carla Bley, Steve Swallow, George Garzone, Howard Johnson, Ingrid Jensen, Christine Jensen, Kevin Mahogany, Randy Bachman (BTO/Guess Who), David Clayton Thomas, Molly Johnson, and many other outstanding artists.

https://www.facebook.com/DaveRestivoMusic/ https://www.daverestivomusic.com/

ABOUT THE BAND

Vince Mai - trumpet

Daryl Jahnke - guitar

Miles Black - piano and keyboard

Laurence Mollerup - bass

Joel Fountain - drums

As trumpeter, Vince has appeared on hundreds of recordings for TV, feature films. commercials, and albums. Versatility is one of his major assets and artists he’s shared the stage or studio with include - Sarah McLughlin, Michael Buble, Powder Blues Band, Natalie Cole, Eddie Daniels and many others.

www.mai-music.com/music/ www.facebook.com/vincemaimusic/

ABOUT THE BAND

Terry Raible - lead vocals

Joani Bye - lead vocals

Michael Toth - guitar

Dan Bechard - keys

Johan Worst - bass

Steve Webb - drums

Kevin Lee - trumpet

Terry Linburg - tenor sax

Ken Able - baritone sax

Ain't no party like a Big City Party! Music is the soul of the city, and Big City Soul brings it every time! This 9-piece band with hot vocals and super-tight musicians brings their high-energy show to this year’s festival.

https://www.bigcitysoul.ca/ https://www.facebook.com/BigCitySoul/

ABOUT THE BAND

Tilden Webb - piano

Bill Coon - guitar

Miles Hill - bass

Joel Fountain - drums

Saffron Henderson - vocals

Alisia Hantke - vocals

Dee Daniels is a crowd pleaser and a musician’s musician. Whether accompanying herself at the piano, fronting a trio, big band or symphony, she is a unique talent who transcends musical borders when she brings her jazz styling, infused with gospel and blues flavouring, to the stage. The stepdaughter of a Baptist minister, Dee was born and raised in Oakland, CA. Though she graduated from university with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Art Education, music was always a big part of her life. However, she didn’t discover her true calling to it until after teaching art in a Seattle high school for a year. She then joined a band, resigned her teaching position, and the rest is history! She has since traveled the world with her music. She has shared the stage and/or recorded with numerous legends of jazz including Houston Person, Monty Alexander, John Clayton, Russell Malone, Cyrus Chestnut, Ken Peplowski, and Lewis Nash to mention a few. Her diverse career has seen her in clubs, on festivals, prestigious music halls around the world, theater stages, television and radio, performances for royalty and international dignitaries, and on many recordings as leader or guest. Dee has also established herself as a jazz vocalist in demand by the classical world, performing her five symphonic Pops programs with orchestras in the US, Canada, and Europe. Many organizations and institutions in and out of the music industry have recognized Dee with awards for her contributions in music, education, and community service.

www.deedaniels.com www.facebook.com/DeeDanielsMusic www.instagram.com/deedanielsmusic/

ABOUT THE BAND

Dawn Pemberton - vocals

Jonny Tobin - Keyboards

Derek DiFilippo - bass

Gavin Youngash - guitar

Johnny Andrews - drums

Vancouver soul dynamo Dawn Pemberton has a deep musical foundation rooted in tradition. Dawn spent her formative years surrounded by a family of multi–instrumentalists and developed a true love of music as a young girl. In addition to regularly collaborating on the projects of her peers and having an educated background in jazz voice and piano, Dawn is a talented and passionate songwriter in her own right. A staple of the West Coast music scene, Dawn can be found tearing it up as a vocalist, arranger, and go-to for live performances and studio sessions.

https://dawnpemberton.ca/

https://www.facebook.com/dawnpemberton/

ABOUT THE BAND

Purveyors of revelry and sonic pleasure since 2018: a mobile party band for all occasions and predicaments, serving the lower mainland and its environs. While still a relatively newish ensemble, this young group has already released two E.P.s (available at bandcamp.com). Made up of current and former students of New Westminster Secondary School, and directed by Mr. Steve Clements, this New-Orleans-meets Klezmer-Balkan Brass band is a mobile unit that can entertain at the drop of a hat. Expect the unexpected!

ABOUT THE BAND

Dave Quinn - clarinet

Glen Tremblay - trumpet

Brad Shigata - trombone

Josh Roberts - banjo

Brad Muirhead - sousaphone

Loren Etkin - drums

The RazzMaJazz Brigade is a popular and entertaining band that performs traditional jazz, creole, New Orleans style jazz and dixieland. Comprised of top professional jazz musicians, the six-piece New Orleans style band features multiple horns and a swinging rhythm section. This highly entertaining and energetic band will lead a Mardi Gras parade or perform and start off the Free Live in-person concerts in front of the historical Fort Langley Community Hall.

www.razzmajazz.ca

https://www.facebook.com/RazzMaJazzFriends/

ABOUT THE BAND

William Chernoff - leader, composer, bassist

Thad Bailey-Mai - trumpet

Dean Thiessen - keyboard

Carson Tworow -drums

William is a prolific jazz composer and bassist under 30 years old. He has earned Canadian airplay on CBC’s Saturday Night Jazz, CKUA's A Time For Jazz, and Jazz Boulevard. In 2020, he received a FACTOR Artist Development grant and released his first album, Aim to Stay.

https://williamchernoff.com https://williamchernoff.com/blog/

ABOUT THE BAND

Amber Tsang - Voice

Alvin Brendan - Guitar/Arranger

Michael Wagler - Bass

Amber Tsang (she/her) is a young, up-and-coming jazz musician based in Vancouver, B.C. She grew up playing classical piano, then branched out to playing trumpet in jazz ensembles, and eventually, began singing in choirs and as a soloist. As a young vocalist emerging into the Vancouver jazz scene, Amber combines her classic inspirations such as Ella Fitzgerald and Chet Baker with her contemporary influences to deliver her fresh take on time-honored standards. Amber aspires to encourage representation and equality with her music for young women of colour in the Vancouver jazz scene.

www.ambertsangmusic.wixsite.com/website

ABOUT THE BAND

Jack Duncan - leader percussion

Louis Mastroianni - piano

Andre Lachancé - bass

Mike Braverman - saxophone

Chris Davis - trumpet

Phil Belanger - drums

From the roots of Afro Cuban music to Clavé infused jazz this Vancouver based group, led by percussionist extraordinaire Jack Duncan, illuminates and illustrates the historical and evolving intersection of jazz and traditional Afro Latin music.

www.jackduncanpercussion.com/ www.facebook.com/jack.duncan.7796

ABOUT THE BAND

Tom Hammel - steel guitar & vocals

Paul Pigat - guitar

Pat Darcus - upright bass

Simon Kendall - accordion

Chris Nordquist - drums

Steelin' Crazy Rhythm create an exciting blend of instrumental and vocal western swing and jazz routed in the sounds of the early western swing bands of the 1940s. Made up of some of Western Canada's finest swing, country and jazz artists, the band will get you skipping. It features the pedal steel guitar playing of Tom Hammel, band leader, who recorded the group's first album in 2020 and legendary guitarist Paul Pigat.

www.tomhammelmusic.com/steelin-crazy-rhythm1/index

www.facebook.com/TomHammelMusic

ABOUT THE BAND

The notorious Mike Van Eyes is a Vancouver legend. A master of boogie woogie rockin’ rhythm n’ soul with a healthy splash of mischief. Over the past four decades Mr. Van Eyes has lent his talents to a broad range of artists from local heroes Herald Nix and Colin James, GI Blues and The Yodells — to wild rockers like The Trespassers and Copyright. Along the way he’s played with everyone from PeeWee Clayton to Hubert Sumlin with shows across North America and Europe. Most recently Mike has recorded an ambitious debut solo album at Afterlife Studios (formerly Mushroom). Two LP’s chock full of tunes with a smoking 18 piece band!

Today’s Mike Van Eyes Band is an all-star troupe of veteran rockers that includes Rockin’ Ronnie Scott on guitar, Gordie Bertram on sax, Lee Oliphant on bass, Marko Iberra on drums and featuring the sweet vocal 'stylings' of Jennifer Styles.They're anxious to let loose on a few jazz standards in addition to their hearty stew of boogie woogie rhythm n' blues.

ABOUT THE BAND

Angela Verbrugge - vocals

Dr. Tony Genge - piano

John Lee - bass

Joel Fountain - drums

Angela Verbrugge received the 2020 JazzTimes Readers’ poll award for female jazz vocalist. JazzWeekly describes the former actress as “fun and quirky, hip and a hoot, wispy and romantic; she slithers and oozes, and cleverly swings.” Tony Genge is from Victoria also maintains an active career as one of Canada’s leading jazz organists and jazz pianists and has performed with many leading Canadian and international jazz artists.

www.angelasjazz.com www.facebook.com/AngelasJazz www.instagram.com/AngelaVerbrugge

ABOUT THE BAND

Konrad Breuers - guitar

Stu Young - keyboard

Ian Putz - saxophone, flute, clarinet

Shawn Stuart - bass guitar

Ron Wells - drums

Blues Hoodoo takes you on an instrumental musical journey of the jazz/funk fusion eras of the 70's & 80's to the present day. Along with tasteful selections of cover tunes from the masters, Chick Corea, Jeff Beck, Jaco Pastorius, Herbie Hancock and The Brecker Brothers to name a few, the band also features original material that showcases their tightness, musical expressions and harmonic adventure. A lower mainland festival favorite, cool grooves, a fun atmosphere, with consistently sold-out venues wherever they perform.

www.blueshoodoo.com

ABOUT THE BAND

Mike Rud - guitar and vocals

Tilden Web - piano

Jodi Proznick - bass

Mike Rud is a Juno award-winning jazz guitarist and songwriter. He is also a music instructor at Selkirk College in Nelson, BC. As an instrumentalist, Mike has played along side some of the greatest musicians of the era like Peter Bernstine, Kenny Wheeler, Herb Ellis and Joey DeFrancesco. As a songwriter and arranger, Mike won the 2014 uni award for his album “Notes on Montreal, a critically acclaimed musical portrait of the city.

http://mikerud.com/ https://www.facebook.com/mike.rud.7

ABOUT Stomi:x shweli (Warrior Spirit)

Kwantlen First Nations is pleased to take part in a collaborative music performance with Stomi:x Shweli, meaning Warrior Spirit, together with the jazz trio Triology. It means a great deal to our Nation to be part of such a collaborative work of art, work of reconciliation, work of acceptance. This is history in the making. It is a teaching moment on each side. It is a learning moment. Each person in Stomi:x Shweli brings their own story and their own talents as artists. This is a time of shared hopes and visions coming to life. The value that each artist can bring to this performance is going to be one of a kind. This project will showcase our rich culture and provide an opportunity to share our music, our teachings and stories with people from all over the world in a new and innovative way.

ABOUT Triology

Formed in 2008, Triology is a jazz trio featuring three of Canada’s most sought-after jazz musicians. This group was fashioned after the great early jazz trios of Nat King Cole and Oscar Peterson and features wonderful arrangements of classic standards, as well as original tunes by the trio members.

Bill Coon: an amazing and fluid guitarist, originally from Montreal, Bill has over 25 years of professional experience. He has worked with many jazz greats, including Jimmy Heath, Eddie Daniels and Dr. Lonnie Smith.

Jodi Proznick – An award-winning bassist, Jodi has become one of Canada’s “top call” artists. Jodi leads her own quartet and is a member of many other amazing jazz ensembles, such as the Tilden Webb Trio, the Joel Haynes Trio, and the Oliver Gannon Quartet. Some of the legendary talents she has accompanied: Lewis Nash, George Coleman, David Fathead Newman, Ed Thigpen, Charles McPherson, Mark Murphy and Sheila Jordan.

Miles Black – with over 30 years of experience, Miles is a highly accomplished pianist and composer who has performed worldwide and recorded extensively. Miles has worked with many jazz greats, including Max Roach, Lew Tabackin, Houston Person and Harry “Sweets” Edison.

https://triologymusic.com/