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2OOLMAN

Hip hop artist and producer Tim 2oolman Hill is a member of Aboriginal electronic DJ crew, A
Tribe Called Red, which emerged from Ottawas Electric Pow Pow dance scene. The groups
music is often called powwow-step, a style blending First Nations drumming and chanting with
instrumental hip hop, reggae and dubstep. The result is a highly-danceable mix that reflects on
the relationship between urban and rez life. 2oolman and his crew have played sold out gigs
across the world, received two nominations for the Polaris Prize in 2012 and 2013, and have
written a song for Idle No More, one of Canadas largest indigenous protest movements.

3PEAT
Winnipeg hip hop trifecta 3PEAT form a triangle offense of rap styles and influences. Drawing
from east coast legends Pete Rock and Nas, 3PEAT brings a bounce and energy typically found
in southern hip hop. Steve, E.GG, and Dill The Giants high energy set features sample-driven
beats with an updated sound. With Steves DJ background, E.GGs breakdancing roots, and Dill
The Giants work with Prestigious Deviants, the group naturally came together at
hip hop events.

What began as the occasional collaboration became so much moreopening for visiting rap
acts like Blackalicious and T.I, playing hardcore shows, and collaborating with jazz band Super
Duty Tough Work. After playing Vans 20th Anniversary, Rainbow Trout Festival, Canadian
Music Week, and Nuit Blanche, the group hit the studio using money saved from shows. Their
self-recorded, self-titled debut EP reached #4 on !earshots national hip hop/rap chart in early
2017.

AARON SHORR
Highly-accomplished bandleader, sideman, and solo guitarist Aaron Shorr has been an active
member of Winnipegs jazz community for nearly a decade. After studying at Humber College
and the University of Manitoba, Shorr worked privately with New York guitar icons Jonathan
Kreisberg, Peter Bernstein, and Miles Okazaki. His music is highly imaginative and fun, drawing
from traditional jazz, soul music, blues, and classical. Joined by Andrew Littleford on trumpet,
Julian Bradford on Bass, and Kevin Waters on drums, Shorr will be performing brand new music
that draws a direct line from the intellect to the heart.

ATTICA RIOTS
The members of Attica Riots have an almost cosmic musical connection. Formed in 2008 by
vocalist Bobby Desjarlais, Kyle Erickson on guitar, and Anders Erickson on drums, the band
comes alive on stage, commanding and charming the crowd with ease. With a name that
alludes to Kurt Vonneguts Hocus Pocus and the riots of New Yorks Attica Correctional Facility,
the bands lyrics are rich with clever, tongue-in-cheek social commentary. Their sweaty, soaring
compositions are wholly visceral, drawing a direct connection to the listener. Having performed
at Canadian Music Week, NXNE, Breakout West, and M for Montreal, Attica Riots are poised to
release their worldwide debut, produced by Mark Needham (Imagine Dragons, The Killers).
Attica Riots are armed with an arsenal of songs bolstered by elements of dance, punk, and
sticky pop, destined to find homes on the radio airwaves and playlists of discerning music fans
who are suckers for good, unshakable hooks.

BASIC NATURE
Winnipegs Basic Nature is an ethereal indie rock band comprised of Lizzy Burt on lead vocals
and electric guitar, and Claire Bones on backing vocals and percussion. The prairiegaze
songstresses have been compared to the messy-haired, 90s, lo-fi haze of Lush, The
Cranberries, and Sharon Van Etten. Their six-track 2015 debut EP, Circle and Lines, drew
inspiration from Slowdives Souvlaki. Ride The Tempo says the album is an impeccable set
with serene vocals and fuzzy, slowburn guitars and echoing, haunting tracks. The duo is
currently working on a new album to be released this year.

BIG DAVE McLEAN


At an age when most are contemplating retirement, Canadas legendary bluesman Big Dave
McLean is finally getting the recognition he deserves. A highly-acclaimed roots and blues artist
with a career spanning nearly four decades, the Juno Award-winning musician has become an
influence on many Canadian players. A masterful guitarist and top notch harpist, McLeans raw
and gravelly vocals recall a life lived to the fullest while wandering through countless small
towns dotting the Canadian prairies. When it comes to the blues, McLeans heart firmly beats to
the ghosts of the delta greatsparticularly the incomparable Muddy Waters, with whom he
toured over two decades ago. A stalwart in the Canadian blues scene, Big Dave McLean is one
of the great undiscovered bluesmen still keeping the tradition alive.

BOKANT
Newly-formed international music ensemble Bokant is connected on a foundation of eight
musicians spanning two decades and four continents. Rich in the sounds of delta and desert,
the unusual but evocative instrumentation blends musical worlds to convey an urgent message
of social awareness. Named for the Creole word for exchange, bokant was born from the
childhood language of vocalist Malika Tirolien, who grew up on the Caribbean island of
Guadeloupe. Tirolien is joined by two-time Grammy award-winning guitarists Michael League,
Chris McQueen and Bob Lanzetti (Snarky Puppy), percussion legend Jamey Haddad (Paul
Simon, Sting), pedal and lap steel virtuoso Roosevelt Collier (Lee Boys), and percussionists
Andr Ferrari (Vsen) and Keita Ogawa (Banda Magda, Yo-Yo Ma).

The band comes together to create a diverse ensemble rich in groove, melody, and soul. Their
debut album, Strange Circles, goes from Zeppelin-esque blues stomp to folkloric Caribbean
kaladja over the course of ten tracks. Singing in both Creole and French, Tiroliens words draw
nuanced pictures of racism, the refugee crisis, a dying planet, and apathy towards human
suffering. Through it all, Bokant is a vibrant image of what it wishes to see in the world:
connection, unity, and love through exchange.

CASATI
Casati began as The Grace Hrabi Trio, arranging jazz standards and dabbling in songwriting on
their 2014 release, Afraid of Heights. As the band prioritized original music, they created a
unique blend of folk and jazz with sincere, direct lyricism and musical inventiveness. Casatis
music is alive with lush, three-part harmonies and rich textures of ukulele, guitar, double bass,
and hurdy-gurdy. Casatis debut 2017 album, There Will Be Days, was recorded while the trio
was snowed in at the Roseisle studio of engineer Don Benedicton (Oh My Darling, Bros.
Landreth). Recorded live off the floor with few overdubs or edits, the ten-song album has the
feeling of listening to a live Casati performance.

COMBO LATINO
Combo Latino are Winnipegs salsa veterans. Playing reggaeton, son, merengue, cumbia, bolero,
samba and more, the 11-person band is inspired by Afro-Cuban All Stars, Buena Vista Social
Club, and the Spanish Harlem Orchestra. Originally formed in 1991, Combo Latino is one of
Winnipegs longest running and most successful salsa bands. Playing throughout the province,
the group has headlined festivals and filled the dance floor with their blend of Latin and North
American styles. With a few new faces and a renewed sense of energy, the group has been
featured at the Winnipeg Jazz Festival, Brandon Multicultural Summer Festival, and they were
the headlining act for the 2015 Folklorama Kick-Off Party. Come out and hear where Winnipeg
salsa is headed!

DAVE QUANBURY
Dave Quanbury is a celebrated songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and the founding member of
Twilight Hotel. With his band, Quanbury has toured North America and Europe, receiving two
Juno nominations for his albums, Highway Prayer (2008) and When The Wolves Go Blind
(2010). Touched by the devastation in New Orleans in 2009, Quanbury volunteered to rebuild a
flood-ravaged house. There, he saw a street brass band that would inspire a new direction for
his music and life. Armed with fresh songs and a positive energy, Quanbury formed the five-
piece Dave Quanbury Band.

Featuring sousaphone, french horn, trumpet, drums, vocals, and electric guitar, the new group
fuses the swagger of New Orleans with Quanburys distinctive moody guitar and characteristic
songwriting. The band plays regularly in Austin and has a residency gig at The Eastside
Showroom. Recently, Quanbury has relocated back to Winnipeg due to US immigration issues.
Coping with the forced separation from his Austin-based wife, loneliness and longing serve as
the inspiration for Quanburys upcoming album, out via Head In The Sand in 2017.

THE DEEDS
Soul roots-rock outfit The Deeds embody the mindset of actions, not wordsservice, without
boasting. Lead singer and songwriter Dan Scram takes an honest approach to life, and its
reflected in his songwriting. With multi-instrumentalist Jeremy Rusu (Ron Paley Big Band,
Calvin Volrath), lead guitarist Pierre Freynet (The Lenny Chet Breau Band), drummer Brennan
Saul (Brasstronaut), and veteran bassist Jordan Gentle on his team, the band chemistry is
tangible and Dan's songs spring to life. Having just released their second album, Late O'clock,
The Deeds are about to embark on a tour of western Canada in fall 2017.

DJ BRACE
For the last 15 years, DJ Brace has been racking up awards as a DJ, turntablist, and producer.
His debut solo album, Nostomania, won a JUNO Award for Best Instrumental Album in 2009.
His second solo album, Synesthasia, was nominated for Electronic Album of the Year at
Qubecs Flix Awards in 2011. In 2016, he was named the DMC Online World Champion.
Brace has collaborated with Kabanjak, Dubmatix, Audible Doctor, Soul Khan, and Socalled.
Braces music has been featured on the Fox TV series Prison Break and CBC Television. His
much anticipated forthcoming album is set to be released in 2017 on Costume Records.

DUOTANG
Winnipeg mod-rock/post punk duo Duotang formed in the summer of 1995 to critical attention.
In 1996, they signed to famed Vancouver independent record label Mint Records, and released
three albums over the next five years: Smash the Ships and Raise the Beams, The Cons and
the Pros, and The Bright Side. All three topped the college radio charts and led Duotang to tour
extensively across Canada, the US, and Europe. In Canada, they shared the stage with The
English Beat, landed the cover of Exclaim! Magazine and won the Prairie Music Award for Best
Video in 2002. After taking a 12-year hiatus, the band reunited for a show in Vancouver at the
request of Mint Records. With renewed vigor and a crop of new songs, they went on to play the
Winnipeg Jazz Festival, Calgarys Sled Island Festival, and Edmontons UP+DT Festival.
Fifteen years after their last release comes their new album: New Occupation, out via Stomp
Records. Duotang are back and better than ever.

FAOUZIA
Born in Morocco and raised in the rural town of Carman, Manitoba, Faouzia is a talent to be
reckoned with. Combining catchy pop rhythms, heartfelt lyrics, and powerhouse vocals, this
young sensation could make Adele blush. Winner of the Grand Prize at La Chicane lectrique
2015 for her original song Mes Cicatrices, Faouzia switches seamlessly between composing
songs in French and English, following her well-tuned instinct. Its a good thing she doesher
hit, Knock On My Door, is already in regular rotation on Canadian radio. Pivoting from
performing at the Festival du Voyageur and the Winnipeg Folk Festival, to taking the stage at
Torontos Yonge & Dundas Square for Canadas Walk Of Fame Festival, Faouzia has wowed
audiences with her heart-wrenching ballads and magnetic stage presence. Influenced by hours
spent listening to traditional Arabic music in her parents minivan, the songbirds voice embodies
a unique range, taking on subtle trills and stylings that combine effortlessly with contemporary
pop hooks and Francophone lyrics. With a record in the works and performances booking daily,
Faouzias star keeps shining brighter. You wont be able to miss this up-and-coming artistic
force.

FINN
A band of brothers and friends, Winnipegs FINN is an indie smart-pop quintet that leaves
audiences with an eerie sense of human synchronicity through their ear-haunting melodies and
clever rhythms. When brothers Dan, John, and Matt Baron joined forces with Mike Dunn and
Katlin Mathison (Okay Mann), they began crafting a unique sound that draws inspiration from
the Tune-Yards, Tinariwen and the Knife. With performances at Canadian Music Week,
Dauphins Country Fest, Winnipegs Festival Du Voyager, and the Park Theatres Locals Only
series, FINN is quickly becoming one of the most prolific bands in Winnipeg's energetic
alternative rock scene.

FLAT LAND SOUL BAND


The Flat Land Soul Band are Manitoba's primary keeper of the groove, covering the very best
music of the 60s and 70sfrom James Brown to Aretha Franklin. This nine-piece of highly
skilled jazz performance majors are a force to be reckoned with, featuring a five-part horn
section, backed by an ultra-tight rhythm section, and fronted by one of the best young vocalists
in Winnipeg. FLSB serves up the smooth, sultry passion of soul and r&b with classic funk vibes
thatll make you get up offa that thing. Formed at the beginning of 2017, FLSB has already
become a rising star in Winnipeg's music scene, and with an ever-expanding list of wildly
popular throwbacks under their belt, theres no stopping this band.

GABRIEL PALATCHI
Featured as an emerging artist in Billboard Magazine, Gabriel has been called one of the new
young lions of latin jazz. Born in 1982 in Buenos Aires, Gabriel began piano lessons at age 8
and studied at the Berklee international School under many great maestrosAlvaro Torres,
Ricardo Nole, and Ernesto Jodos. His music is a fresh fusion of latin jazz, tango, funk, klezmer,
gypsy, reggae, samba, and electronic, and has been featured in Rolling Stone Magazine, Latin
Jazz Network, and Inside World Music. His first solo release, Diario de Viaje (2010) was called
one of the years best latin jazz albums by JAZZ FM Toronto. Gabriel and his band have played
numerous international jazz festivals, including the Vancouver International Jazz Festival,
Fiestaval Latin, and Quebec City International Jazz Festival. His latest release, Trivolution
(2015) won Gold Medal and Top Ten 2015 at the Global Music Awards. The album presents a
trio concept featuring Jose Chema Gonzalez on drums and Kerry Galloway on electric bass,
along with special guests.

GYPSOPHILIA
Halifaxs Gypsophilia is a six-person, high-energy jazz band that is, by turns, angular, sweet,
nostalgic, modern, and raucous. Becoming a formidable touring outfit in recent years, the band
has regularly crisscrossed the continent to play for sold out crowds in Canada and the US. Their
danceable, genre-bending sound has made them an audience favourite at major festivals and
small clubs, with members of Gypsophilia performing with diverse acts like Symphony Nova
Scotia and Kanye West. Time Out New York describes them as a suave, style mix of jazzy spirit
and Eastern European licks, with just enough roughness around the edges to make the music
sound authentically lived-in, rather than merely tried-on. With a combination of serious
musicianship, humour and showmanship, theyre capable of enchanting a seated crowd in one
moment and whipping them into a dancing, singing frenzy in the next. Gypsophilias fourth full-
length album, Night Swimming (2015), is a hauntingly beautiful 9-song masterpiece that
showcases a darker, cinematic side of their signature ebullient swinging sound. The record
garnered multiple nominations for the East Coast Music Awards and Music Nova Scotia
Awards, and took home Jazz Record and Group Recording of the year, further adding to their
long list of accolades.

THE HEIGHTS
Dance rock outfit The Heights are guitarist Scott Malcolmson, drummer Eli Matas, and bassist
Sam Littlehigh school friends and Winnipeg music scene veterans who have been performing
together for over a decade. After years of soul searching, trial-and-error, and fizzled-out
projects, these old friends have finally settled into a project that combines their shared love of
pop with a deep appreciation for sophisticated soul and R&B. In 2007, Malcolmson, Matas, and
Little began a four-year residency at the now-defunct Winnipeg watering hole Red Cactus,
playing a broad spectrum of covers to a packed house every Friday night. Brought together for a
few last minute gigs, the trio rekindled the chemistry from their early cover band days. With a
newly refined sound distilled from ten years spent in the jam spaces, clubs, theatres, The
Heights are poised to break new ground on the Canadian music landscape with a sound that is
uniquely their own. Their live show is primed to get people on the floor, dancing the night away
in a way that only they can.

JAIME E. CARRASCO
A native of Chile, Jaime has been performing as a freelance drummer and percussionist since
moving back to his hometown of Winnipeg in 2005. After graduating from Vancouver Island
University and York University, he participated in the International Jazz Workshop at the Banff
Centre for The Arts. Jaime has studied drums with Barry Elmes, Jim Blackley, Clarence Penn,
Eric McPherson, John Riley, and Quincy Davis. He is very excited to make his festival debut as
a leader, and will be joined by Victor Hugo Lopez on Guitar and Cristien Lyons on Bass.

INDESCRUCTIBLE
Indestructible is a 12-piece orchestra with a bulletproof lineup of seasoned musicians.
Influenced by the salsa dura legacies of Ray Barreto, El Gran Combo, and Fania, and with a
nod to modern Latin ensembles such as Spanish Harlem Orchestra and Los Hermanos Rosario,
this band is writing the golden pages in the young history of Latin Canadian music.
Indestructible has performed with top salsa ensembles, including Puerto Rican Power and
Sonora Carruseles, and have become well-known in dance clubs across the prairies. Formerly
known as the Son Latino Band, these musicians became Indestructible in 2016 out of a desire
to create solid, enduring dancing music. Indestructible is also the name of one of the worlds
most popular salsa tunes. Indestructible brings new blood and fresh ideas to a foundational
genre. Indestructible delivers amazing performances on stages of all sizesfrom festivals like
Folkorama, Calgary Fiestaval, Brandon Folk Festival, and Regina Latin Festivalto dance clubs
across Canada.

JAKOB BRO TRIO


Award-winning Danish guitarist and composer Jakob Bro is currently leading a trio of musical
soulmates with legendary drummer Joey Baron and double bassist Thomas Morgan. In 2016,
the trio released their highly-acclaimed, pioneering record, Streams for ECM Records,
applauded by critics for its spherical, beautiful, and melancholic soundscapes, and fascinating
reinvention of melodicism. Bros previous record, Gefion (2015) earned him a Danish Grammy
Award and the Carl Prize for Jazz Composer of the Year. In Streams, Bro continues to refine
the trio, emphasizing melody, sound, space, and interaction. Exploring musical moods and
layered textures in unexpected directions, the Jakob Bro Trio trusts their ears to go wherever
the music takes them. Bro is an accomplished bandleader, having released 13 records with
acclaimed musicians such as Lee Konitz, Bill Frisell, and Paul Motian over the years. The Jakob
Bro Trio share a mutual language of melodic, open, and floating composition that will enrich
audiences with their live experiences.

JEAN-MICHEL BLAIS
Composer Jean-Michel Blais grew up in a rural French Catholic town, absent of culture save for
a giant encyclopedia that he read feverishly as a child. At age 9, Blais began improvising on his
family's organ, and at 11, he began to write original compositions. By 17, he was invited to the
Trois-Rivieres Music Conservatory and started to train as a classical pianist. However, Blais
was in the throes of teenage rebellion, gravitating towards experimentation and fighting against
the rigid structures of formal training. Il, his debut album, was long listed for the 2016 Polaris
Prize, and is out now on Arts & Crafts.
JOEL MILLER WITH SIENNA DAHLEN
Juno Award-winning saxophonist Joel Miller has spent most of his life happily ignoring
convention. Fluidly crossing the boundaries of jazz, latin, classical, and pop, on his latest
recording, Dream Cassette, the saxophonists irreverent spirit is in full flight. At first glance, the
45-minute album is a tribute to the 80s pop music of his New Brunswick youth. But the album
reaches deeper, plucking from Millers memories of skateboard culture. The record reveals a
poignant loss in the musicians lifehis nephew Isaac was only 14 when he died. Indeed, a
photograph of the teen taking flight on a skateboard was the catalyst for the project, reflected in
the albums eclectic and infectious style, complete with a driving rock beat and acoustic
interlude. Singer Sienna Dahlen is the perfect foil for Millerher emotionally enthralling delivery
swirling together with Miller's tight arrangements in a confluence of oceanic current. Indeed,
Miller found himself singing in the studio, a departure for the jazz saxophonist. Dream Cassette
is a recording that begs to be played on repeat over a long car ride. Or, perhaps don your
cassette Walkman, and hop on a skateboardthat is, if you remember how.

JUPITRA
Jupitra is the re-mythologizing of the all-powerful Zeus as a womanharnessed into funky as
hell multi-dimensional music. Frenetic and buttery; stormy and graceful; chaotic and precise
Carlen Jupiters music dances through elements of funk, jazz fusion, electronica, and dub, often
flavored with a dark and gritty industrial tinge. Wily and enigmatic, there is a wild feline vibe to
her futurism. She is an apt multi-instrumentalist, conjuring exquisite grooves; whether delivering
with a full band, appearing solo with gadgets, or even DJing, Jupitra brings a playful genius to
her craft. After several years curating underground shows and tribute nights as Jupiter Storm,
and performing as a bassist in many local funk and soul outfits, she is now creating her debut
LP, set for release in 2018.

KARL KOHUT
Karl Kohut is a New York-based bassist, composer, educator, and bandleader. A native of
Winnipeg, Karl has performed with many distinguished artists, including Wynton Marsalis, Ralph
Peterson Jr., and Jimmy Greene. He has performed at New Yorks top jazz clubs, including
Dizzys Club-Coca Cola, Blue Note, Smalls, and Zinc Bar. He has toured across the US and
Europe as a member of Joseph Doubleday and Felix Peiklis Showtime Band. Karl is the
recipient of several awards, including the $20,000 Juilliard Career Advancement Fellowship and
the Canadian Youth Talent Competition. He has a masters degree from The Juilliard School,
where he studied with bassist Ben Wolfe, and both a masters and bachelors degree from the
University of Manitoba, where he studied with bassist Steve Kirby. As an educator, he has
worked with high school students throughout the US with the Jazz at Lincoln Centers Youth
Programs. In addition to his work as a jazz bassist, Karl has performed and recorded with artists
in a variety of genres, including the Albany Symphony, Royal Winnipeg Ballet, and hip-hop artist
Mac Miller.

KARLY EPP
Karly Epp is a Canadian-born, New York-based jazz vocalist who draws listeners into a
mesmerizing world that reveals the power of nuance and the subtlety of music. Her rhythmic
confidence and improvisational prowess stem from a genuine love of straight-ahead jazz,
drawing inspiration from such artists as Sarah Vaughan and Shirley Horn. Equally important is
her sense of emotional vulnerability and unaffected deliveryan aesthetic movement led by her
teacher and mentor, Grammy-nominated vocalist Gretchen Parlato. Born into a family of
musicians and music educators, Karlys love of music has been lifelong. After graduating from
the University of Manitoba with a Bachelor of Music specializing in Jazz Vocal Performance,
Epp went on to become an accomplished choral director. After spending several years teaching,
directing musicals, guest conducting, and presenting clinics, she discovered a love for arranging
vocal music. In the spring of 2015, Epp was accepted into the prestigious Manhattan School of
Musics Graduate Jazz Studies Program, fulfilling her vision to devote herself wholeheartedly to
the study of her craft. Studying with all three Grammy-nominated vocal artists on faculty
Gretchen Parlato, Kate McGarry, and Theo Bleckmannshe performs monthly at the historic 55
Bar in New York City, and regularly throughout the city with her quartet.

KEISHA BOOKER
Despite her calm and collected demeanor, Keisha Booker has a captivating voice that demands
the attention of all those in her presence. Born and raised in Winnipeg by her late singer/pianist
mother, Keisha has been a constant in the local music scene, working with Winnipeg eight-
piece powerhouse, Super Duty Tough Work. Most notably, Keisha has been curating Soul
Supreme, a weekly R&B night in Winnipegs historic Exchange District. In the summer of 2016,
she continued to build her profile across eastern Canada, performing in Torontos annual all-
female, multi-genre, multicultural event, Honey Jam. With a vocal range as diverse as her fan
base, Keisha continues to improve upon her unique vocal quality and texture, as well as the
depth and ingenuity of her songwriting. Working diligently on her debut EP, due out in spring
2017, her career as an independent artist is expected to reach soaring heights.

KEITH PRICE
The Keith Price Double Quartet is an adventurous eight-piece that explores jazz improvisation
through the vehicles of groove and rhythm. The group debuted in 2013 with a spontaneous film
scoring of the classic western film, The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly for Jazz Winnipegs Nu
Sounds Series. In addition to drawing influence from Miles Daviss electric jazz period, the
group also incorporates elements of electronica and world music. Playing on his grandfathers
old guitar, Price was first influenced by pop music, punk rock, and heavy metal before
discovering jazz at age fifteen. He began his formal studies at The Conservatory of Amsterdam
before studying with local jazz guitar guru Larry Roy at The University of Manitoba. Price has
released five albums: Live at 101.5 UMFM (2015), Double Quartet (2015), Solo Guitar (2013),
Gaia/Goya (2011), and Breakfast of Champions (2009). For the 2017 festival, the Double
Quartet will perform material from their new album, released April 2017.

KELLY BADO
Kelly Bado is a bilingual singer-songwriter who grew up in the Ivory Coast and moved to
Canada in 2007. Inspired by love, hope, and social justice, and drawing on her African/French
upbringing, her sound is a seductive blend of soul, R&B, world, and pop. Kelly is an extremely
hardworking and dedicated artist who takes nothing for granted. In a very short time, she has
come to local prominence with her amazing voice and radiant talent. With her first single,
Encore, working with Chris Burke-Gaffney, the young artist transports us into an Afro-Jazz
World. Her new EP, Entre Deux, produced by Norman Dugas, Daniel Roy, and Chris Burke-
Gaffney, is a combination of folk and world music. After its release, Entre Deux received
numerous accolades, including a nomination for Best EP at the 2017 Gala de musique Trille Or.
With nearly 100 performances under her belt in four years, Kelly has won first place in several
contests, including the Festival international de la chanson de Granby, Chant'Ouest, and
Dcouvertes franco-manitobaines.

LAND OF TALK
Land Of Talks former-punk frontwoman Elizabeth Powell emerged from Guelphs anti-folk
scene to create one of the most buzzy, brashy indie-rock acts in Montreal. Despite multiple
lineup changes, post-tour fatigue, and a vocal polyp that crushed her ability to sing, the
enigmatic songwriter has collaborated with members of Arcade Fire, Stars, and the Besnard
Lakes and been long listed for the Polaris Prize. Her new EP, Life After Youth for Dine Alone
Records, is her homecoming to Montrealrecorded in Breakglass Studios with Besnard
Lakes Jace Lacek, who recorded the bands first album. Life After Youth is the bands first
release in 7 yearsa triumphant comeback that hurtles towards the great unknown with
pleading vocals, incessant synth pulses, and ominous intensity.

LENNY CHET BREAU BAND


Virtuoso guitarist Lenny Chet Breau is a veteran of Manitobas music scene. The son of the
legendary guitarist and music educator Lenny Breauonce described as the greatest guitar
player in the world by Chet AtkinsLenny Jr. began studying under his fathers guidance at the
tender age of seven. After graduating with honours from the Los Angeles Musicians Institute of
Technology, he founded the Lenny Breau School of Music at home in Winnipeg. Lenny has
performed with some of Canadas finest musicians, including Randy Bachman and Joe Pass. In
2006, he released his critically-acclaimed album, Lone Pine III, a tribute to his father that
illustrates Lenny Jrs masterful array of stylesjazz, flamenco, country, blues, and fingerstyle.
Lennys second album, Blues EP, was released in 2016, and is currently working on a follow-up
jazz EP.

LES FILLES DE ILLIGHADAD


Guitarist Fatou Seidi Ghali and vocalist Alamnou Akrouni lead a troupe of friends in the creation
of sublime music in their village of Illighadad in rural Niger. Their debut album Les Filles de
Illighadad, released in 2016 on Sahel Sounds, was recorded in the open air studio of the desert.
The girls explore two very different sides of Tuareg musicdreamy ishumar acoustic guitar
sessions and the hypnotic polyphonic tende that inspires it.

LETS GET LOST: A TRIBUTE TO CHET BAKER


After last years sold out show, trumpeter Emily Kidd and vocalist Steven Baker are back to pay
tribute to Chet Baker, one of the most versatile and compelling jazz musicians of all time.
Backed by University of Manitoba alumni Ben Kidd, Luc Guenette, and Anatol Rennie, Emilys
trumpet playing and Stevens crooning take audiences on a stroll through the best of Chets
dramatic, decades-long career. Emily and Steven will transport any jazz-lover, new or
seasoned, to the wistful evenings of the West Coast jazz scene.

MAL MAGOREL
Mal Magorels presence at the Winnipeg Jazz Festival is a dream come true, and one that she
has spent decades in the making. This born-and-bred Winnipeg songstress makes her festival
debut almost two years following the release of her first album, Malfunktion, a ten-track passion
project filled with jazz, funk, and soul-infused original songs. Her music has been featured on
CBC Radio, with her song Skyhigh Stilettos reaching the regional semi-finals of CBCs
Searchlight contest in 2015. Performing a mix of originals alongside jazz, soul, and funk
classics, Mal has solidified herself as a go-to singer in the local jazz/funk scene, working with
many of Winnipegs finest musiciansRon Paley, Danny Kramer, Jonathan Alexiuk, Ariel
Posen, and Helen White, to name a few. When not sharing her soulful side with caf, cabaret,
and club audiences, she showcases the lighter side of her music, performing as cover duo
Acoustic Soul and electronic dance outfit Vesely Couture. Mal is ecstatic to bring her
postmodern jukebox stylings to the festivala setting that has inspired her both personally and
musically for much of her 34 years.

MANITOBA HIGH SCHOOL HONOUR JAZZ BAND


The annual Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra Honour Jazz Band program (WHJB) provides students
from across the province with the opportunity to gather together for a shared, fast-paced
musical challenge and grow together within the context of a big band. Performers are divided
into three ensemblesjunior, intermediate, and seniorselected based on the strength of the
improvisation and performance. Students work closely with some of Manitobas finest jazz
educators and performers, with rehearsals taking place over the course of three fast-paced and
exciting days in preparation for a final concert as part of the TD Winnipeg International Jazz
Festival.

MARIACHI GHOST
Combining driving rhythms, soaring melodies, brooding synths, and dreamy vocal breaks,
Mariachi Ghost fuses traditional Mexican songwriting with progressive rockand a healthy flair
for the dramatic. Formed in 2009, the band takes inspiration from a graphic novel written by lead
singer Jorge Requena. The bands seven musicians interweave diverse genres to create a
dramatic soundscape both haunting and explosive. Contemporary dancer and band member
Alexandra Garrido acts as a physical conduit for the music, expertly assuming its auras of
sorrow, reflection, and ragea ballet for the dead. The band released their self-titled debut in
2013, which won "Best World Music Album" at the 2014 Western Canadian Music Awards.
Mariachi Ghost is currently working on their second album, inspired by the seminal work of
Mexican writer Pedro Paramo.

MARISOLLE NEGASH
Marisolle Negash is a vocalist, pianist and songwriter based in Winnipeg. A storyteller with a
distinctive sound, Marisolle combines her classical training with R&B influences. Inspired by
Andre 3000 and Amy Winehouse, combined with themes of new love, space travel, and artistic
introspection, hers is the sound of Winnipegs future soul. After releasing her first single,
Spaceship in March 2017, shes preparing to release her three-part mixtape in spring 2017. She
writes in order to heal her ailmentstell her yours and shell whip you something up.

THE MIDDLE COAST


The 70s-style yacht rock of Manitoban trio The Middle Coast is the soundtrack of dockside
daydreams and breezy evening drives. Drawing on influences ranging from The Guess Who to
The Eagles to Hall & Oates, with tinges of Motown soul and Nashville wang, Liam Duncan,
Dylan MacDonald, and Roman Clarke have cemented a signature sound and attracted
impressive industry attentionall before releasing their first record. The Middle Coasts
engaging live sets have already earned them heaps of accoladesincluding Favourite New
Band from The Uniter and the Rising Star award at the Winnipeg Folk festival. The band has
played at CMW and Cavendish Beach Music Festival, and have been tapped to open for The
Sheepdogs and Michael Bernard Fitzgerald. From patios to paddleboats, The Middle Coasts
summertime melodies are simultaneously vintage and vanguard; throwback and trailblazing.
Regardless of age, genre, or geography, this band will have listeners across the board feeling
right at home.
MIKE MANNY
Warrant Officer Mike Manny has been immersed in the world of music since the tender age of
four. A scholarship graduate of the prestigious Manhattan School of Music, Manny has played
throughout southern Ontario in various jazz settings and salsa bands. Working within the
Toronto Faculty of Music, he conducted and arranged for the Toronto All-Star Big Band for ten
years. After starting his military career in the Artillery Reserves, Manny joined his first band
within the Canadian Forces in 2002, and has since performed extensively with the Forces
worldwide. In his spare time, Manny is an avid amateur radio operator, accomplished marksman
and experienced pilot. Although not currently playing with the military band, Manny is a highly
in-demand, professional musician in Winnipeg. Although he prefers straight-ahead jazz, his
huge appreciation for other genres allows him to glide comfortably through other styles, giving
audiences a diverse musical experience.

MISE EN SCENE
Female-fronted Winnipeg indie rock outfit Mise en Scene was founded by Stefanie Blondal
Johnson (vocals and guitar) and Jodi Dunlop (drums), now joined by new friends Corey Hykawy
(bass) and Dave Gagnon (guitar). Mise en Scenes breakout album, Desires Despair (Pipe &
Hat, 2012), charted for 16 weeks on !earshots Top 50 national charts and received a 2014
SiriusXM Indies Award nomination. The band toured acriss Canada, SXSW, and the Primavera
Sound Festival. Gearing up to release their sophomore full length, Still Life On Fire for Light
Organ Records, the album is a burning hollara swelling rumble indicative of the talented
forces behind the monitors. Johnson began writing the album during a residency at the
renowned Banff Arts Centre in the winter of 2014. Launching from the opening bars of its
expansive first track, the record builds through layers of hard-hitting percussion, powerful vocals
and catchy riffs. Produced by Mike Nash (The Dears, Blue Rodeo, Ladies of the Canyon), the
album is a full, sonic delight capturing a full portrayal of the bands journey. With Still Life On
Fire due out this year, the bands energy is infectious, caged and ready.

MONIKA WALL
Award-winning, internationally-recognized singer Monika Wall has spent a decade establishing
herself in cathedrals, thunderous concert stages, and theatrical productions around the world.
Whether singing spirituals, blues, jazz, opera, or musical theatreher singing voice has been
said to have the capacity to change lives, according to Micah Barnes of The Nylons.
Combining forces with Juno Award-winning producer Murray Pulver, Wall released her
sophomore album, Let It Flow, in 2012. With a classic bluesy sound that references her Afro-
American gospel choir past, Walls songwriting combines the warmth of roots, smooth groove of
R&B, and the power of gritty blues. Wall has shared the stage with Kathy Sledge (Sister
Sledge), Brad Turner, and Mike Janzen (Steve Bell). She has performed with the Manitoba
Opera, Rainbow Stage, and the Nu Sounds Series. In 2016, she performed her new single, Big
Blue Waves with the Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra to thunderous applause.

MYRIAD3
Coming together almost by accident, Myriad3s Chris, Dan and Ernesto united in a twist of fate
in 2010. Since then, the trio has completed several tours of Canada, the US, and Europe,
including performances at Ronnie Scotts International Jazz Piano Trio Festival, the Tokyo Jazz
Festival, and Jazzahead! in Bremen, Germany. A true collective, each member acts
simultaneously as leader and sideman, playing original music with elements of jazz
improvisation, ensemble performance, and contemporary composition. Myriad3 has released
four albums on Alma RecordsTell, The Where, Tell((Chirp)), and Moons. The Where was
nominated for a Juno Award and a SiriusXM Indie Music Award in 2015.
NADIA DOUGLAS
With her rich alto voice, Winnipeg jazz singer Nadia Douglas creates a dynamic musical treat of
upbeat jazz tinged with swing and latin. Performing classics from the 20s through to the 50s,
Nadia covers brilliant artists including Billie Holiday, Julie London, and Ella Fitzgerald.
Incorporating beloved work from songwriters Louis Jordan, Irving Berlin, and George Gershwin,
Nadia is backed by some of the best musicians in North America. Nadia performs regularly at
favourite jazz venues in Winnipeg, and has had repeat performances at McPhillips Street
Station Casino, Club Regent Casino, the Metropolitan Entertainment Centre, the Cube, and Leo
Mol Sculpture Gardens. She has performed for the Winnipeg International Jazz Festival for the
past four years. Nadia has also performed on CTV Morning Live, the Rady JCCs Music N
Mavens series, and with the Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra.

NATHAN ZAHN
Nathan Zahn is a long time veteran of the Canadian electronic music scene. Helping to
establish Winnipeg's Symptom Technologies in 1996, Nathan hasnt stopped throwing wild
parties since the mid-nineties warehouse rave sceneall while continuing to perfect and evolve
his now legendary DJ skills. Nathan has been invited to play gigs in such far-flung locations as
Buenos Aires, Montevideo, Montreal, Chicago, Glastonbury, and Turkey. Whether spinning
forward-thinking techno house or an eclectic mix of deep dub, Nathan keeps the vibe intelligent
and hypnotic. Nathan is also the director of MEME (Manitoba Electronic Music Exhibition), a
free 4-day electronic music festival in downtown Winnipeg. In 2009, Nathan founded MEMETIC,
a collective of Manitoba musicians and artists creating workshops, clinics, and smaller year-
round concerts. No other organization in Manitoba presents electronic music regularly in this
format.

NOBLE THIEFS
Stemming from the unlikeliest of areas in the Canadian prairies, The Noble Thiefs are leading
the soul rock revolution and theres no point in resisting. Vocalist Myron Dean, guitarist Riley
Hastings, bassist Johannes Lodewyks, and drummer Joel Armstrong are resurrecting the soul-
centric sounds of the past with fresh new flair, converting crowds at every turn. Onstage, The
Noble Thiefs are explosive, embodying the energy of early punk and leaving dazed and dizzy
crowds in their wake. Their newest release, Its Tough To Be The Bad Guy, is a pounding,
funked-out take on rock for the real world. With infectiously foot-stomping, hand-clapping
singles, retro sensibilities, and blindingly catchy beats, the record sends the message loud and
clearget ready to let loose. This album is one that will inevitably get stuck in your headand
more importantly, your ears.

ORBIT
Orbit: A Tribute to Thelonius Monk features Jared Beckstead on bass, Kevin Waters on drums,
Artur Kivilaht on guitar, and Reginald Lewis on saxophone. Formed in early 2017, the band met
while studying at the University of Manitobas jazz performance program, and came together
with the common goal of rethinking Monks compositions while embodying the true spirit of
Monk. Orbit interprets his original compositions the same rhythmic drive and playful spontaneity
that made the music so unique and timeless, while allowing the bands individual musical styles
to shine through.
QUINCY DAVIS + Q5
Jazz drummer Quincy Davis is a true performer at heart. Born into a musical family, Davis
began drumming at age 6, playing with his pianist brother Xavier in the basement. Studying
under drum master Billy Hart at Western Michigan University, he made a splash on the
collegiate jazz festival circuit before moving to New York City in the summer of 2000. He quickly
became one of the sought after young cats on the New York jazz scene, playing with many
great musicians such as Wynton Marsalis, Frank Wess, and Russell Malone. He can be heard
on over 30 albums from many notable jazz artists. Davis is currently teaching at the University
of Manitoba, where he is the Assistant Professor of Jazz Drum-Set studies. In 2014, Davis
released his debut recording, Songs In the Key of Q, which charted in the Top 5 of Jazz Weeks
New Jazz Recordings the second week after its release.

RETRO RHYTHM REVIEW


After 5 years and a diaspora into the far corners of the global music scene, the RETRO
RHYTHM REVIEW is back with an all-star Winnipeg cast to bring the formative family band
back together. Remember all those years of sweaty Fridays and New Years Eve parties?
Remember when you danced so hard, the floor started to flex and the glasses in the downstairs
bar broke? Wanna do it again? Band leader Jonny Moonbeam (aka Daniel Jordan of Red Moon
Road) brings together the soul-singing Satellite sisters (Heitha Forsyth, Rayannah Kroeker,
Jacqueline Harding) with beat machine Michael Mungo Moon Jordan (Royal Canoe, The
Liptonians), Alex Campbell on keys (Sweet Alibi, JD Edwards Band), Ariel Posen on guitar
(Bros. Landreth, The New Lightweights), and the tightest horn section on this side of the Tower
of PowerSimon Christie on trumpet (Dirty Catfish Brass Band), saxophonist Niall-Bakkestad
(Faux Pas Funk) and trombonist Jared Castles. The RETRO RHYTHM REVIEW reunites you
with the music of the 60s and 70splayed by kids from the 80s. They dare you not to dance.

REVEREND RAMBLER & THE CHAIN SMOKIN ALTAR BOYS


Bringing crowds to their feet at the hardest-to-please and most sophisticated nightclubs in the
Midwest, Reverend Raven and the Chain Smokin Altar Boys play straight-up traditional blues
with a big dose of passion. With smoking grooves served up with hot harmonica and smooth,
stinging guitar, they play original songs peppered with nods to Slim Harpo, Little Walter, and the
Three Kings. Born and raised on south side of Chicago, the Reverend has been playing the
blues since 1971 when he first saw Freddy King play at the Kinetic Theatre in Chicago. After 15-
year hitch in the Navy, he moved to Milwaukee where he began a long friendship and
collaboration with Madison Slim, the long-time harmonica player for Jimmy Rogers. Since 1990,
the Reverend has opened for B.B King, Gatemouth Brown, and Pinetop Perkins and many
others at various festivals. For the last 16 years, hes been on rotation as a headliner at Buddy
Guys Legends.

RIVER EAST COLLEGIATE JAZZ ORCHESTRA


The River East Collegiate Jazz Orchestra is an ensemble comprised of eighteen high school
students performing a repertoire spanning many styles and eras of jazz history. The ensemble
has performed at local, national, and international events, receiving awards and accolades for
their achievements. They have been named as five-time-finalists for Jazz at Lincoln Centers
Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band Competitionthe only Canadian ensemble to
achieve this accolade. The ensemble has been commissioned to perform new works and
arrangements for their local jazz community, and its members maintain busy lives outside of
their jazz studies. Past and present alumni have established careers as professional musicians,
composers, arrangers, and educators in a variety of genres. Most importantly, the group is
bound together by a love of music and the joy it brings from sharing it with others.

RODRIGOS QUINTET
Guitarist, percussionist, and bassist Rodrigo Muoz is well known in Winnipeg as the band
leader for popular latin jazz ensemble Papa Mambo, which he formed in the late 80s. As a
percussionist, he has backed latin legends Tito Puente and Luis Changuito Quintana, and
more recently, Canadian jazz stars Jane Bunnett and Hilario Duran. In addition to
accompanying soloists Alma Petchersky, Camerata Nova, and Claire Marchand, he has also
performed with large ensembles including the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, Thunder Bay
Symphony Orchestra, and the Winnipeg Philharmonic. He has served on juries for the Manitoba
Arts Council, Canada Arts Council, and Juno Awards, and taught at universities, high schools,
and clinics throughout Manitoba. Muoz has been a member of the Manitoba Chamber
Orchestras outreach sextet for ten years. He is a composer, arranger, and producer, and his
three-movement piece, Marejada, recently premiered at Eckhardt-Gramatt Hall for the
Groundswell Concert series. With Trio Bemb, he has won a Western Canadian Music Award
for Best World Music Recording.

ROGER ROGER
Roger Roger is a sibling folk/roots duo from Winnipeg. Twin singer-songwriters Lucas and
Madeleine Roger have joined forces, each playing guitar and shamelessly harmonizing all over
each others' songs. Despite their easy musical chemistry, the Roger twins havent always
performed togethertheir earlier years saw Lucas fronting rock outfit Modern Man. The two did
not collaborate until one fateful night when Lucas overheard Madeleine quietly playing her
songs in the living room. The offspring of producer/musician Lloyd Peterson (The Weakerthans),
the twins grew up in the recording studio, giving them an instinctive knack for songwriting. At
times melodic and quirky; lusty and rambunctious; soft and honestRoger Roger is easily
remembered for their blended vocals, genuine vibe, and compelling storytelling. Their debut
album, Fairweather (2016), reached the number one spot on the National Folk/Roots/Blues
charts. The twins have spent the past two years zig-zagging across Canada, performing at
festivals, house shows, and folk clubs, while continuing to write new songs from their home in
Winnipeg.

ROSEMARIE TODASCHUK
Winnipegs smooth and sultry jazz vocalist Rosemarie Todaschuk has been making a mark for
herself alongside an impressive cast of local, national, and international jazz musicians.
Accompanied by Zen Zadravec on the piano, Nenad Zdjelar on contrabass, Sasha Boychouk on
saxophones, and Owen Clark on drums, Rosemaries unique style and dynamic stage presence
have captured noteworthy applause. After receiving her Bachelor of Fine Arts at York
University, Rosemarie captiated North American and Ukrainian audiences with her sister
Charlene, performing as the Todaschuk Sisters. Now, Rosemarie Todaschuk and her band play
an infectious blend of classic standards and original music inspired by the greatsCole Porter,
Billie Holiday, Richard Rogers, Sammy Cahn, and Van Morrison. The Rosemarie Todaschuk
Trio has become a recognized signature in celebrating jazz, playing such diverse venues as the
Pan Am Games, Crystal Casino, International Wine Festival, and Mardi Jazz. Throw in some
Latin jazz, a bit of funk, swing it up, feel some romance, and fall in love with Rosemaries sultry
voice and dynamic stage presence.

SARAH JO KIRSCH
Soprano Sarah Jo Kirsch is a dynamic musician motivated by conceptual diversity, fully
dedicated to the collaborative practice of communication through music. An interpreter of new
and old musics, and a pusher of polychromatic euphony, Kirsch continues to make waves with
local ensembles, large and small. She maintains a continuing presence at the WSO New Music
Festival, Cluster New Music + Integrated Arts Festival, and Groundswell, Winnipegs new music
concert series. When she is not performing, Kirsch is a host on Winnipegs Classic 107 and
fosters a small private voice studio. Her music traverses the spectrum of musical evolution,
seeking the most harmonious alloys forged from text and music. More than anything, she seeks
to be a worthy muse and an evocative interpreter.

SCENIC ROAD TO ALASKA


Substance and accessibility are often considered opposing forces when it comes to pop music,
making it exceptionally impressive when a band like Scenic Route to Alaska so effortlessly
delivers ample doses of both. The easygoing Edmonton-based trio effortlessly weaves catchy
vocals and memorable melodies through rich arrangements instantly engaging but begging to
be heard again and again. Its a coveted combination within the crowded sphere of indie rock
and one thats rarely the product of anything but time, talent, and heaps of hard work. Of course,
Scenic Route to Alaska are no strangers to any of those.

SHEENA SINGS BOWIE


From Space Oddity to Lazarus, Winnipeg songstress Sheena Rattai and her killer quintet
reimagine the music of the man of many faces. Lets Dance!

SIR LUKE AND THE DUKES


Sir Luc and the Dukes are a six piece funk, soul, and R&B project heavily influenced by the 70s,
but with a modern, jazz twist. The band formed while studying at the University of Manitoba and
connected over their shared love of musicfrom classical piano to hard-bop. Their biggest
influences are Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, and Steely Dan, and Sir Luc and the Dukes can be
found playing at local Winnipeg venues, social events, and weddings.

SON OF DAVE
Son of Dave is an international cult bluesman with an army of devoted fans from all walks of life.
Playing everything from the everymans blues bar to private parties of industry tycoons,
Benjamin Darvill is a one-man harmonica and beat-box genius. Half a century after getting his
start in the biker bars of Winnipeg, Darvill is known for his outstanding live shows, provocative
audience banter, and contributions to notable television and film soundtracks, including AMCs
Breaking Bad, Preacher, and a Robin Williams film. From his origins in Canadas Arctic
Chicago, playing as a member of Crash Test Dummies, Darvill has released seven solo albums
and performed over a thousand concerts on five continents. Supporting artists as diverse as
Iggy and The Stooges, Grace Jones, Heavy Trash, UB40, Supergrass, and the Yardbirds,
Darvill shows no signs of slowing down. His current album, Explosive Hits, is a collection of
covers ranging from Daft Punk to Lead Belly, all put through his funky sausage machine.

SON SABROSAN BAND


Son Sabroson Band is a new and emerging ensemble playing a variety of Latin American
styles. Their music reflects the colour and flavour of salsa, merengue, Colombian cumbia,
contemporary Latin jazz, and fusion. Performing at venues such as La Scala Cafe, X-Cues
Billiards, and The Hub Social Club, they encourage audience participation and will keep the
crowd moving. Sabroson will make you dance to hot Latin sounds, open your eyes to the
amazing diversity of Latin American music, and compel you to travel to new lands of magic and
colour.

SUPER DUTY TOUGH WORK


Since forming in early 2015, Super Duty Tough Work has quickly established itself as the
regions premier live hiphop outfit. Fronted by Brendan Grey (aka Giant #3 of Sleeping Giants),
SDTW is a six-piece powerhouse backed by highly skilled local and international musicians.
Greys witty lyricism and get loose style, flexes between rocking the party and dropping
jewels. Rooted in the traditions of hip hops golden era, SDTW remains fresh and informed by
todays sounds. Heavily influenced by the jazz-inspired vibe of early 90s east coast hip hop,
SDTW mixes live instrumentation with samples and an array of vocal styles to give a high-
energy, satisfaction-guaranteed performance for hip hop heads and music lovers alike.

SWEET ALIBI
WCMA Award-winners Sweet Alibi have been captivating audiences since 2009 with their
charming and personal performances. With three releases, over 360 shows, and 33 festival
performances under their belt, Sweet Alibi is fast becoming a well-known roots/pop group. Their
third release, Walking in the Dark has been featured on CBC, MTV Canada, CMT, and satellite
and college radio. Sweet Alibi combines the vocal harmony of dual lead vocalists Jess Rae Ayre
and Amber Rose, with the banjo and guitar talents of Michelle Anderson and a backing band of
some of Manitobas finest musicians. With an unmistakeable sound hinging on their ability to
mix elements of folk, roots, and country, Sweet Alibi has spent the last few years touring North
America, presenting audiences with tightly-structured pop songs.

THE VINYL SALON


The Vinyl Salon is an all-female vinyl collective based out of Winnipegan evolving space for
women to enjoy music together. Whether playing records in a West Broadway living room or at
the West End Cultural Centre, the mandate is the samewomen occupying a particular space,
curating love of music as a shared experience.

VOX POPULI
Since their inception in 2015, Vox Populi have enjoyed a growing fan base for their soulful
dance music infused with classic soul and R&B. Led by Carter Graham with jazz guitarist Aaron
Shorr, bassist Julian Bradford, and drummer Kevin Waters, the members of Vox Populi are
some of Winnipegs most in-demand musicians. Although they got their start by performing
covers by Stevie Wonder, Jamiroquai, and George Duke, the band has since developed an
original repertoire that saw them opening for Tanika Charles. Vox Populi strives to create an
exciting and euphoric stage presence, wrapping the audience up in their energy. Vox Populi
hopes to see many people break out their dancing shoes when they take to the Cube stage at
this years festival.

WINNIPEG JAZZ COLLECTIVE


The Winnipeg Jazz Collective features ten of Winnipegs best emerging young jazz musicians
dedicated to performing music that is contemporary, creative, and Canadian. A mix of jazz
program graduates from Brandon University and the University of Manitoba, the ensemble
features Kyle Wedlake, Derek Frykas, and Sean Irvine on saxophones; Andrew Littleford and
Matt Walden on trumpet; Joel Green and Bill Green on trombone; Jeff Presslaff on piano; Julian
Bradford on bass; and Graydon Cramer on drums. The Winnipeg Jazz Collective has the
presence of a big band with the flexibility of a small group, featuring contemporary, swinging
arrangements along with impressive soloing. Whether playing original pieces composed and
arranged by members of the group, or covering Canadians composers such as Rob McConnell,
Daniel Jamieson, and Andy Ballentyne, the Winnipeg Jazz Collective is known for their top
notch improvisation and music you wont hear anywhere else.

WOODY HOLLER & HIS ORCHESTRA


Woody Holler and His Orchestra are purveyors of western swing musicjazz from the saddle
with clever arrangements, rich in virtuosity and style. From a childhood spent listening to
cowboy songs, Woody later trained in opera, but kept a sense of nostalgia that held him close to
the early western genre. Consisting of some of Canadas finest folk-jazz musicians, his
Orchestra features Greg Lowe on guitar, Richard Moody on violin, and Danny Koulack on bass.
The repertoire is eclectic, fun, and fascinating, featuring finger-snapping swing beats, honey-
slowed love croons, and showstopping extreme yodeling. Their first album, Western Skies was
nominated for a Canadian Folk Music Award in 2010. Since then, the band has successfully
toured all across Canada and Woodys yodel has been heard on the Pacific coast, Northwest
Territories, Atlantic provinces, and even north of the Arctic Circle. Woody Holler and His
Orchestra bring back the 1940s radio show with a sound that is nostalgic, yet thrilling. Saddle
up.

YOSLAI DE LA ROSA
Yoslai De La Rosa is a Cuban singer, songwriter, entertainer, and Zumba fitness instructor.
With his unique style, De La Rosa creates a fusion of Cuban & Caribbean rhythms, playing
everything from salsa, merengue, bachata, reggaeton, and dance. After getting his start singing
with Onda Esclusiva, Clon Latino, and El Clon, he began releasing solo workhis hit single A
Caballo became a national and international hit in 2004. Performing on Cubas most popular tv
shows, including Quedate Conmigo, Tele Cristal, and Super 12, he received airplay on Cubas
top radio stations, remaining on Cubas Top 40 chart for over six months. After touring
extensively across Cuba and playing for festival audiences of over 20,000, De La Rosa settled
in Canada. De La Rosas music is described as rico pa bailargreat to dance to. With a
growing fan base, De La Rosa is now working in a new album to be released in summer of
2018.

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