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Live from the Rock 2008: Folk Rendezvous

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Performer Bios

Billy Manzik 

Billy’s journey began on the backroads of Thunder Bay when his guitar-slingin’, country-singin’ mother exposed him to the wonderful world of music. During his twenties he lived all over the world, absorbing different cultures and their music.  Manzik  finally took the plunge into the world of songwriting and performing with a move to Calgary where he was encouraged by a score of talented writers: Tim Williams and Ronnie Hayward among others.  He hasn’t looked back since.  
http://profile.myspace.com/billymanzik
 

Blues Element

Smouldering at the heart of Blues Element is the songwriting team of Jamie Browning and Iain Green. The live show always starts with a fun, sexy and very danceable mix of original tunes and adds  mid 20th century R&B, funk, blues, and jazz borrowed from great artists like Dinah Washington, Ruth Brown, James Brown, Louis Jordan, B.B. King, Robert Johnson and more.  The songs keep pouring out in a jazzy blues combo that will keep you on the edge of your seat.  
http://www.blueselement.com/
 

The Carruthers Brothers Band

The boys in the band were born of the delta of the mighty Nipigon river, raised on Lake Superior's majestic and pristine north shore and nurtured on their father's record collection (read the Allman Brothers), a touch of John Lee Hooker's earthy boogie-woogie and a tad of contemporary excitement from blues-rockers like Joe Bonamassa. Who can really say what transpires when the bold genetic daring and collective intuition of three jamming blues brothers, Steve (guitar), Mike (bass and vocals) and Alex (drums) shatter stereotypes on stage. Refreshingly youthful and vibrantly new, they plan to carry their performance off with the cutting-edge panache of original songs. That kind of courage commands your attendance!       
http://profile.myspace.com/thecarruthersbrothersband
 

Daisy Chain

Daisy Chain is an exciting new band comprised of Chrissy Ewacha -Klaas (vocals), Peter Gleeson (keyboard), Rob Jardine (guitar), Greg McIntosh (Bass), and Jim Differ on drums.  With deep roots in the Northwestern Ontario music scene, close to a century’s worth of experience and several lifetimes of sharing the stage with such notables as Muddy Waters, The Commitments, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band,  MeatLoaf  scattered throughout the band, Daisy Chain will combine powerful original material written by Chrissy Ewacha Klaas and Peter Gleeson as well as fresh interpretations of their favourite blues selections!   

 

Cosmic Granola 

Cosmic Granola was a concept started in 2001 in a college laundry room. Over the years as many as 7 musicians comprised CG but in today three remain as The Cosmic Granola Elite. With great diversity in musical backgrounds, Cosmic Granola has come together to create a new form of rock and roll (yet to be named). Be prepared to groove to the granolas original blues, folk, funk, reggae, bluegrass, and of course rock and roll. The boys of funky town are working on releasing a new project
 

DALA       

From their high school music class all the way to Massey Hall, the girls of Dala have come a long way in a short time.  These two best friends have brought their signature style of acoustic pop music to audiences across Canada, touring with the likes of Jann Arden, Tom Cochrane, Matthew Good and most recently Stuart McLean of the CBC’s Vinyl Café. Their videos have been featured on Bravo, CMT and Much More Music. DALA’s talent, energy, and wit are sure to keep everyone in the audience entertained and wanting more!   http://www.dalagirls.com/
 

David Ross MacDonald  

MacDonald's vocals, lyrics, and intricate fingerstyle guitar playing bring to mind a collaboration between Nick Drake and a mid-1970s Bruce Cockburn. Like the latter, MacDonald's well constructed songs often use imagery drawn from  nature, oceans and forests, occasionally portraying  the natural world as an  unpredictable and potentially threatening realm.  Ross' lyrics are dark and thoughtful, and in combination with his hypnotic fingerstyle guitar work, they create evocative songs with a haunting, poignant quality.   
http://www.davidrossmacdonald.com/

 

Dean McTaggart   

Famous in the Canadian music community as the songwriter who penned some of the greatest pop/country/blues songs in recent memory,  Dean's music fits most comfortably in that sweet space where blues meets country with just that extra touch of soul. He’s been compared to a rockin' Lyle Lovett, and has the ability to reach inside your chest and steal your heart. Dean’s songwriting is crisp and intelligent and the lyrics are housed in interesting melodies and an astonishing array of grooves. There’s something for everyone here!   http://www.deanmctaggart.com/
 

Doug McArthur

In a career spanning over thirty years Doug has sung of the vagaries of life and love. Now approaching his 60th birthday, his songs explore the complexities of the journey in a   mature and heartfelt way.  Articulate, thoughtful, and beautiful, his latest recording, Thunder Into Heaven, was co-produced by Ian Tamblyn: resulting in a simple, sparse yet surprisingly full sound. Humour, experience, intelligence, and a voice that would melt the hardest heart… make sure you catch Doug this weekend!  
http://www.dougmcarthur.ca/
 

Donny Parenteau 

From a record breaking 10 nominations at the 2007 Saskatchewan Country Music Association Award nominations for What It Takes, Donny was awarded 5 of those 10 nominations,  including:  Aboriginal Artist of the Year; All-Star Band (Fiddle); All-Star Band (Specialty); Back Up Band and Record Producer of the Year with Steve Fox. An overnight sensation 16 years in the making, Donny is a ”full circle story” that film makers crave while his fans applaud for more. Born and raised in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, Donny raised a bow to the fiddle in 1981.  Having mastered the intricate technique of this instrument, his musical versatility expanded to the mandolin, acoustic and electric guitar, as well as the unique double neck mando-caster/electric guitar.  With his superior vocal ability added to the mix, and easy transition from Country Classics to Blues to Easy Rock, is a sure bet!  http://www.donnyparenteau.net/ 

Duo-Twang

Tania Gosselin and Christopher Dunn are two soulful lyricists who share a passion for writing songs about love, loss, hard lessons and redemption. Influenced by country, blues, folk and Latin styles, their sound is hard to pin down, but Gosselin’s clear,  honest vocal style and Dunn’s intricate guitar work are hard to forget.  Instrumentally, Gosselin’s steady acoustic rhythm guitar provides a strong backbone for the at times playful, at times dark, at times seductive, always impeccable and sweetly melodic dance of Dunn’s lead guitar.          http://www.duotwang.com/
 

Flamenco Caravan

While being true to flamenco forms, the Caravan also blends the band members’ favourite musical influences of Latin, jazz, rock, sacred and blues, capturing the imagination of the soul through guitar, rhythm and song. Between lightning-speed guitar flourishes, melting vocals, and the entire band’s driving and grooving rhythms and electric chemistry, audience members of every age have been won over. The music has been described as "beautiful and magical", "moving", "amazing in its variety" and "alternately soothing and stirring to the soul".            http://www.flamencocaravan.ca/home.cfm
 

Heather Blush

Coming back to the Rock for her sophomore show, Heather brings on the band! Her sound can be described as somewhere between the newly-named  "Adult Alternative" genre and old "Ella/Louis-style" vocal jazz/blues. With energetic,  audience-engaging shows, she is quickly becoming known for lyrics that cover all bases between witty sarcasm and gut-wrenching honesty.   http://heatherblush.com/
 

Heather Dale   

Heather Dale is a Canadian recording artist with Celtic roots, writing folk songs for the 21st century.    Known for her interpretations of ancient legends, Heather's rich voice and evocative recordings have earned her fans around the world. She combines elements from Celtic folk, blues, jazz and world music... and she excels at finding modern themes  within old material. Her innovative live shows with fellow multi-instrumentalist Ben Deschamps feature over a dozen folk  instruments, from bodhran drum to mountain dulcimer.    http://www.heatherdale.com/
 
 

Jim Hamilton

“A gifted songwriter, Jim has the ability to make the mundane profound …” , says our very own Liz Harvey-Foulds. Hamilton began playing the piano by ear at the age of 6.  In the 70s and 80s, he toured across Canada with local rock groups.  As a solo artist, Jim has graced many stages over the years: from house concerts to festivals, benefits to concert series.  Hamilton has also co-written over 100 songs with students in Thunder Bay classrooms.  Recently Jim signed a recording contract with The EarthKings Production LTD, based out of Chilliwak B.C., founded by Red Rock’s Phillip Krawczuk and Kevin Sands.    His emotional, soulful vocal style and evocative lyrics will draw you in for sure.  His first C.D. “I’ll Go Walking” with EarthKings, is completed and can be purchased on site, or on their website:  http://www.theearthkings.com
 

Kevin Sands & the Earth Kings                                                                                                                          
Kevin Sands was born in Jasper, Alberta and is an accomplished singer/songwriter who began his recording career in the 70’s.  A gifted harmonica player, Kevin has appeared on numerous recordings as well as producing for others.  Every member of The Earth Kings is a song writer in his own right, as well as a seasoned session musician so you can expect virtuosity that is unique and very exciting.  The Earth Kings consists of Kevin Sands on lead vocals, harmonica and acoustic guitar: Phil Krawczuk: a  world class drummer and  percussionist; Glen Rowley - keyboard wizard—on the synthesizer.  The band is presently working on the first “The Earth Kings” release which should be released by late 2008.     www.theearthkings.com
 

Manitoba Hal 

Manitoba Hal Brolund tempers his finger picking style with a sharp sense of gritty humour, and lyrics punctuated by the smooth slide of a veteran blues master.   Like anyone whose name is a place, Hal wears his love for his roots on his sleeve. But those roots aren't just in the prairie soil. Hal's got a songwriter’s roots in eerie folk - murder ballads and killer floods - and a player's roots in the deep, dark, fixin' to die blues. This is a man who can sing the word "lonesome" like he means it, and no mistake!    www.manitobahal.com

Norm Sponchia

Norm has been called one of Thunder Bay's treasures. Both a visual artist and a musician, Norm sings from the heart with a frankness that speaks directly to his audience.  A talented singer-songwriter, his steady rhythms and strong vocals are a perfect match for his tunes. 
 

Oh Susanna

She grew up a Canadian with an American passport, staring at the ocean, mountains and railroad tracks through sheets of rain. She sought refuge with song under burnt-out warehouses and in darkened clubs with the promise of guitar twang and a lonesome cry. Along the way she found inspiration in the music of the likes of Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen, as well as peers too numerous to mention.    http://www.ohsusannamusic.com/ 

Pat Robitaille 

Born and raised in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, the 21 year old was raised on the musical energy that still thrives in bordering Motown Detroit, Michigan’s music scene. By age 16, with just months to go to graduate, Pat dropped out of high school, bought a van and took off across North America to pursue music full time.  During these years of touring, he’s shared stages with The Beach Boys, Ziggy Marley, The Tragically Hip, The Payolas, Matthew Good, Our Lady Peace, Sam Roberts Band, Bad Company, 54 40, Bedouin Soundclash, The Doobie Brothers and Many More.  http://www.patrobitaille.com/ 
 

Poor Angus

Poor Angus is an award-winning band, formed by best friends Brian LeBlanc and Andrew Bryan. Irish session enthusiasts, they met at a local pub . Upon meeting piper Ross Griffiths, and noted local folk singer Scott Cameron Smith, they decided that they had to get together and bring this music to a wider audience.  The synthesis of these talented individuals creates a show which preserves the essence of traditional Scottish, Irish and East Coast music, but interprets it in a more modern style without giving in too much to the current wave of "celtic-rock".   http://www.poorangus.com/
 

Rodney Larson 

Rodney Larson has been making music in northwestern Ontario for more than three decades. Rod grew up in Nipigon, and is a graduate of Nip-Rock High School, but now makes his home in Thunder Bay.  Blending the musical traditions of blues, reggae and rock into his own original songs, Rod brings you a unique collection of tunes reflecting his roots and style of playing.  Look for Rod (accompanied by brother, Jay Larson and Jimmy Krawczuk) in concert on the Creekside stage at 1 pm on Friday as well as in workshops all weekend. 
 

Stephen Fearing                                                                           

Born in Vancouver, he spent most of his boyhood and teenage years in Dublin. There, he picked up the guitar and traces of the Irish and English musical traditions that have informed his music ever since. After a short stint in the U.S. Midwest, he returned to Canada, and is now long-established as a regular and popular fixture on the folk club and festival circuit in North America and the U.K. Successful appearances at the prestigious WOMAD and Reading Festivals in the U.K. confirmed Fearing’s ability to engage large audiences with his onstage charm. Like most contemporary songwriter/performers, Stephen is not bound by any particular musical genre or category and the release of Yellowjacket continues this exploration of various musical forms, as does his continued participation in the highly successful Canadian roots rock super trio, Blackie & The Rodeo Kings. http://www.stephenfearing.com/
 

The Gruff                                                                                                                        

This inspired and talented young band out of Victoria, BC challenges you to pin a label on their music. The Gruff filter numerous folk traditions through the sieve of modern experience to create a truly unique sound. From old-time to country; from bluegrass to good old rock ‘n’ roll; these young songwriters harmonize, sing and shout songs of joy, sorrow, and everything in between; with astounding energy and passion. With their easy, comfortable stage presence and their obvious delight in performance, The Gruff bring a smile to every audience. Their extensive experience shines through songs of love, heartache, travel, and hard work, interspersed with traditional tunes picked up over their various journeys.               http://www.thegruff.com/home.htm

                                                                                                                               The Knackers

This North Shore Celtic band takes Irish/Scottish and Canadian Traditional influences and combines them with strong original songs and stories from the top of the Big Lake. A vibrant combination of  Brian Campbell- Vocals, Guitar; Jim Dacey- Guitar, Mandolin, Uilleann Pipes, Vocals; Ken Thacker- Vocals, Percussion and Cheryl Thacker- Wind Instruments, Vocals.  Sparse, honest arrangements showcase original songs and storytelling is woven into the cloth with hard driven celtic instrumentals and East Coast traditional songs.
 

Tim Williams  

Tim Williams is a 40 year veteran of the Roots music scene in North America; roots which stretch back to the coffeehouse scene of his native California in the mid 60's. Settling in Canada in 1970, Tim is a studio musician, producer and performer in constant demand.  Inspired by the hillbilly and western swing  music he heard as a child, Tim absorbed the late fifties rhythm and blues and rock and roll, Hawaiian and Mexican music, early sixties folk and bluegrass like a sponge before discovering a passion for traditional blues fueled by hearing first generation blues musicians live during the blues boom of the mid and late 60's.  So, put yourself on Tim’s front porch where Robert Johnson, Hank  Williams, Hula Hattie, Flaco Jimenez and Bob Marley meet often and discover just how much they have in common.
 

Vance Gilbert

Boston based, Philadelphia raised guitarist Vance Gilbert is among the quintessential musical poets of the 1990’s. His lyrics are highly personal, his tenor vocals fluid and enthralling...... musical risks punctuated by passionate vocal delivery, brilliantly intuitive guitar playing, and immeasurable courage.....gives you a feeling of utter joy With the voice of an angel, the wit of a devil, and the guitar playing of a god.   Whether with classic original songwriting or ageless interpretations of covers, his is a presentation steeped in deep humanism and bravery, stunning artistry and soul, and unbridled joy - inarguably the blue ribbons that tie and seal the seemingly impossible package that is . . . . . . Vance Gilbert. http://www.vancegilbert.com/

Wild Turkeys   

The Wild Turkeys' entertaining stage presence and energetic sound has been recently coined as "Hayseed Country". They blend a musical hybrid of folk country, western plains ballads, four part harmony bluegrass style church hymns, and original tunes that take influence from the Mississippi Delta Blues, Texas Swing, field hollers, rag time, and hard driving outlaw country.   The Jaaskelainen tribe, (Sheldon, Byron, and Marshall), along with the two Alexanders, (Vaughn and Devin) enjoy their work and it shows!      http://www.thewildturkeyoutfit.com/homePage.html