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All the performers at the East Coulee Spring Festival donate their time & talents to help support the Museum.
Thanks!
16th East Coulee Spring Festival - April 10, 2010
Performer Bios
(Performers are listed in alphabetical order)
Alex Boisselle
Alex Boisselle is an Alberta based slide guitar/harmonica singer/songwriter who has recently been signed to the EAR DRUM VALLEY label in BC. He won his recording deal in a nationwide demo submission in the summer of 2009.
Alex was forced to completely relearn his craft in 2005, when a cycling accident destroyed his ability to play chord structure, forcing him to switch to slide guitar and play in tunings moving a slide bar across the strings.
In his view this was a Godsend as it has made him a very unique player with a whole new perspective on writing music. Alex now front's a group called Alex Boisselle's Ashbury Train.
The group is a roots/blues outfit with slide guitar, organ, bass, drums, harmonica. the music is rooted in the late sixties, hence the name "Ashbury" Train. The group also plays different styles of gospel, roots rock, dylan style, etc., a very interesting mix of music by a seasoned songwriter. Alex plays solo shows as well when asked.
You can find him at myspace.com/alexandreboisselle
and on a spring and summer CD release tour with his group.
Bandicoots
The Bandicoots are celebrating eight years together, and are pretty darn entertaining if you like to party to vintage songs of the 60’s to 80’s. The band plays blues, pop, R&B, country, and rock, and boasts some great local musical talent including Sue Sommerville, Becky Neuman, Hugh Sommerville, Mike Frolek, and Dave Eberth. Some new members may be present for the SpringFest gig. Regarding the band’s odd name, it started out as a joke that just stuck.
The Bandicoots aren’t exactly the youngest kids on the block, and let’s just say that some of marks on my drum kits were made when Trudeau was Prime Minister, says Mike Frolek. Band members lead pretty hectic lives, and music is a great way for all of them to maintain a regular social life and relieve stress. Dave is a scientist who travels worldwide to study dinosaurs and rocks; Hugh is Drumheller’s only Criminal Lawyer - no jokes please; Sue is a Seniors Counselor/Advocate; Becky participates widely in music-choir-theatre events throughout the area; and Mike is a farmer/philosopher from Three Hills. The band mostly plays special events and fund raisers that promote local communities, so the SpringFest is a perfect fit. Stay late and party with Bandicoots and bring your dancing shoes.
Dead Man’s Dog
The Dog is a purebred Alberta mongrel. With a diverse background in folk, R&B, blues and indie rock, The Dead Man’s Dog brings together an original and offbeat blend of homegrown Alberta roots music. The Dog walks the margins of traditional country sounds and stories, drawing inspiration from the past, the present, the highways, towns, cafes and byways of its own rural watering grounds. Between chicken feed and gas flares, boundless hope and the government hand, The Dead Man’s Dog gives voice to the anger, love, pain, and ecstasy of contemporary life in the Alberta countryside.
The Doer and the Doddler
The Doer and the Doddler dwell in the belly of a beached boat by the banks of Calgary’s Elbow River. Once the cooking and chores are all done the pair (in no particular order, Jennifer Crighton and Danny Vescarelli) can be found on the deck, weaving salty sea shanties and catchy country tunes.
www.myspace.com/thedoerandthedoddler
The Fire Coulee Bandits
Rumor has it round these parts that the Fire Coulee Bandits are hell bent for East Coulee. Hide the beer! Run for your lives! Never fear citizens; the only thing that these bandits are sure to steal is your attention.
Fools Tongue
Fools Tongue has been searching for the fine balance between commercial appeal and musical integrity since 2006 when they began their journey together. It is safe to say that they have gotten it figured out -at least for now.
Their music went through several stylistic phases before becoming firmly grounded in the Folk Rock tradition (however, elements of Funk, Jazz, and Latin music can not be denied). This band is looking for the average Joe who knows the difference between mass produced music and soulful, homegrown, intelligent tunes. Of course tapping your foot and singing along will not be a problem as their sense of melody, harmony, and crowd appeal are dead on! Fools Tongue takes this same passion for communication to their live performances. Each song has a story that the audience has to be let in on, and this is what Fools Tongue delivers.
Whether it's dueling percussion, intimate chats with the audience mid song, or simply getting everyone to sing along Fools Tongue turns a concert in to an emotional rush. The brains behind the monster are Luke Ertman and Jeff Ramsey. Both of these young performers are trained musicians who bring unique and invaluable qualities to the group. Luke's Chapman Stick and theatrical background form an unforgettable live show and Jeff's Smooth Voice will melt your heart.
The Give 'Em Hell Boys
Western Canada’s premier Hillbilly, Honky Tonk, Country & Western noise makers. Tearin’ up the countryside with Chart Toppin’ tunes ‘n Chart Toppin’ good looks. Comin’ atcha at rip snortin’ speeds. Less of a band wagon, more of a band freight train.
www.myspace.com/giveemhellboys
Ian Porteous Stringband
The Ian Porteous Stringband has been in the works for almost 15 years. Considered by many to be one of the most active stringbands in the Edmonton area, This Stringband has kept it’s act together playing on Saturday’s at the Old Strathcona Farmer’s Market.
After a pilgrimage to Nashville, meeting the legendary John Hartford, Ian Porteous decided to share this great spirit and tradition with those interested in the Edmonton area. Forming in 2005, The Stringband is proud to carry on the traditions and spirit of the music that represents the acoustic Old time music.
Fun Loving, and always ready for a tune, This Stringband focuses on much of the music recorded from Flatt and Scruggs, Jim and Jesse, Jerry Garcia and John Hartford. Not bound entirely by the past, The Stringband performs many of their own original tunes, as well as other popular music from the eighties. Driving instrumentals, strong harmonies, and high spirits combine to produce old-time music as it’s meant to sound...Raw and Acoustic.
Joe Nolan
While Most people his age spend the summer after high school working at a fast food joint or sweating it out in menial labor, Joe Nolan was busy advancing his career as a singer/songwriter. An appearance before thousands on a packed hillside at the 2008 Edmonton Folk Music Festival led to Nolan being named a Galaxy Rising Star, putting him in the esteemed company of Little Miss Higgins and Ridley Bent. By the end of the summer he was finishing off his introspective CD, (Pocket Dreams) produced by Jann Arden’s former bassist, Mike Lent. This winter he spent a month in Toronto, talking to well-known music publicist Richard Flohil about possible representation, and the kid from Fort Saskatchewan, AB, is currently pondering a move to the Big Smoke. At this rate he won’t be Joe Who any longer by the time he’s 19. “It’s kind of abnormal to move to Toronto for music when your 18, but you have to give it a shot while your young”, says Nolan.
With a voice a bit reminiscent of David Bowie's, enough fingerpicking skill to execute instrumentals, and lyrics that resonate with the angst and energy of youth, Nolan's career has received support from the likes of U22 den mother Rhea March and Holger Petersen, founder of Stony Plain Records. Nolan is also receiving regular radio airplay on stations including CKUA, CBC as well as several other Canadian campus stations. He hasn't thought of a career other than music for years. "I feel I don't have a choice - music is what I have to do"
John Rutherford
Just this year Alberta singer/songwriter John Rutherford ushered in his debut solo recording amidst a career spanning almost 25 years. Known throughout Alberta and western Canada dating back to the late eighties Calgary blues band The Hoodoo Sons (who became regular performers and eventually the house band at the legendary King Edward Hotel blues bar).
Rutherford has also been part of the acoustic duo No Guff and the Alberta all-star roots collective the Highwater Jug Band, toured and recorded with upright bassist / singer/songwriter Ronnie Hayward and is a regularly featured artist with the Edmonton based Front Porch Roots Revue.
The new work entitled Echo Broadcast brings together Rutherford’s wide range of musical influences from blues, rock, jazz, folk, roots and singer/songwriter traditions expressing a depth of feeling and experience. Stepping out from the role of sideman or from under the guise of a band moniker Rutherford finds renewed creative and artistic.
Ken Flaherty
Born in Ontario to a musical family Ken learned to play guitar as a boy and played his first gig at the age of 13. A stint on the night club circuit gave way to a 'real job' in Fort McMurray and a part time music career while raising a family. Most of the work was in cover bands opening for top names such as "Highway 101" and "Michael Martin Murphy". Along the way he spent nine years as co-host of McMurray Music on CJOK radio, a show that featured city musicians and allowed them to showcase their music. As a sideman he could be found playing guitar for local recording artists Susan Graham and Michelle Glover. He has appeared in songwriter circles with Cam Penner, Tim Hus, Mike Plume and Corb Lund. Ken is also known as the guitar teacher for Dave Klym formerly of the "Mike Plume Band" now fronting "The Populars", and considers any influence he may have had on Dave as one of his most successful endeavors.
His first CD "Panhead Nick's Last Ride" released in June, 2002, was so well received that he went back in the studio, with old friend Kevin Meek, to complete a second self titled project. In addition he was featured on the CMT documentary "Undiscovered Country". His segment "Local Heroes" aired in April 2003. Ken has just released his third CD, "Life in K-Flat" featuring co-writing with Kevin Meek, Dale Fortier, Dave Gunning and production by Jeff Bradshaw.
If you want to hear a good story told in simple fashion, lend an ear to Ken Flaherty. You won't be disappointed.
The Kirby Sewell Band
Sewell is one of Canada’s finest kings of blue-eyed soul. A 'best-kept-secret' type of artist, Sewell released an excellent six song album, "A Southern Country Fried Blues Serenade” to media and fan acclaim. His main stage performance at Calgary International Blues Festival garnered him the “Calgary's Top Blues Vocalist” award.
Weaving blues, roots, gospel, jazz and soul into his musical collage, Sewell has an eye for the nuances of the human condition and an ear for putting it all to music. His original material roams through realms dark and uplifting, brooding and playful. His interpretations of blues classics escort you on a musical journey that is moving and surprising.
The new Kirby Sewell Band is a six-piece musical extravaganza that can be heard in the additional four new live songs added to the Blues Serenade. They will release a full-length album of original material in 2010, with plans to tour across Canada and Europe. However, wherever the blues takes him, Sewell remains committed to the connection- with and between- the music and the people.
Lothar The Magician
Born in New Guinea at an early age LOTHAR began his performing career at the age of 9 and has since gone on to sharpen, hone and improve his style over the years.
LOTHAR’S career has taken him to Jamaica, Edward’s Air Force Base, and all across Western Canada. In fact, his name is even a household word in Germany –-- he has relatives there.
He is married with 3 children and lives in Rosebud, AB, where he prepares and delivers his programs to audiences everywhere. An international performer from Canada, LOTHAR has been amusing and amazing audiences since 1975!
His magic and illusions always guarantee to mystify audiences of all ages. Whether he’s eating fire in a medieval show, reading your mind at the Banquet or making folks Laugh with his after-dinner entertainment, LOTHAR will reveal himself as an inescapable part of your program.
Madison Daly
Madison Daly is a local musician who has performed at various venues in the valley. She continues to pursue music by expanding her horizons by sharing her voice and piano talents for her first time here at East Coulee.
Marshall Lawrence "Doctor of the Blues"
Marshall Lawrence "Doctor of the Blues" has the distinction of being a Maple Blues Award Nominee and Canadian Independent Music Award Nominee and is a true "Prairie Bluesman".
Marshall performs acoustic slide and finger-style blues that’s steeped in roots music and has a true, genuine blues feel. His music has been described as delta-style country blues with a raw edge and an acid twist.
Marshall has released 2 CDs "Where's the Party" and "The Morning After". His third CD, "Blues Intervention" is scheduled to be released in Spring 2010.
Marshall Lawrence “The Doctor of the Blues” is sure to fill your Blues prescription to cure whatever ails you.
For more information visit Marshall’s website.
www.doctorblues.com
www.sonicbids.com/marshalllawrence
Nathan M. Godfrey
Nathan M. Godfrey picks the guitar with the awareness of history and time passing. His listeners appreciate the integrity of his traditional musicianship and respect for America's music from the 1920's and on. Nathan Godfrey recounts the tales and the hardships of our history with a unique voice through songs that have been sung by peoples for decades. The songs are scarcely heard today therefore Nathan's authentic presentation is a rare and timeless spectacle.
www.myspace.com/nathanmgodfrey
Neil "Hardwire" Speers
Once described as "Blue Rodeo meets The Eagles crossed with Bruce
Cockburn" - Neil "Hardwire" Speers has been performing for the last five
years as a singer/songwriter writing Canadiana Roots and Blues and have
played off and on in bands for over 30 years.
A few years ago Neil won an
award for best original soundtrack for a video entered in a competition.
In
2008, he released his full-length CD "Vol 1 - Breakfast at Epiphany's" about
which one reviewer commented; "Picture your favourite uncle, arriving in the
night from a long trip and sitting down in the kitchen with his guitar, a
glass of rye and ginger at his elbow, telling you stories by singing his
songs."
Netty Mac
Throw Terri Clark, Elvis Presley, The Judd's and Buddy Holly into a blender and you get NETTY MAC COUNTRY INFUSED WITH 50's ROCK'n'ROLL.
Netty Mac delivers dynamic live performances that are powered by a genuine soul that will make your heart ache and then rock your socks off. Born in Medicine Hat and now residing in Calgary, Netty is a self-taught singer, songwriter, entertainer that writes about the grand and not-so-pleasant realities of life. Her gutsy tone and passion for all genres of music has molded Netty Mac's trademark style.
Netty is currently in the studio working on her CD project and released the "To Feel This Feel' Demo in October 2009 for the Fans. In December of 2009" To Feel this Feel" (Demo) was honored with the title of FINALIST in the ISSA 2009 Songwriting Contest (International Singer Songwriters Association) .
Rob Smith
Rob shares his life experiences through story and song ..... captivating audiences and taking them on a magical journey with his warm powerful vocals, strong acoustic guitar style, and smoldering harmonica tones.Some call him a poet ..... some call his performances magic!
The Ruminants
The Ruminants sound has deep roots in the rural past, but with a bloodshot eye to the future.
We call it Western twang, or pop-a-billy.With a guitar, bass, mandolin and drum foundation, The Ruminants can fade to a sweet whisper, or leave your nerves on edge with freight-train tempos.
It's a sound still under construction and it probably always will be. As FFWD magazine put it, "The Ruminants only use country music as a jumping point to whichever genre suits their fancy at that particular moment."
Amen to that.
www.myspace.com/ruminantsmusic
Sadlier-Brown Band
This band is a group of good friends and family of Mark Sadlier-Brown. Mark has been playing is own kind of rootsy, rockabilly, folk and proto- jazz music for years. He played with the Alien Rebels for ten years. He also wrote "spur of the moment" songs for the local CBC station in Calgary. He is also presently a member of "The Highwater Jug Band".
Dylan has been performing with the "Screamin Jimmys". He will be slapping his big aluminum bass with Bev and Mark. Bev will be keeping the rhythm with her trusty rusty slingerland snare drum. This year we expect to play as a three piece band with Mark, Dylan and Bev. However we might invite a special guest or two from the available talent to throw into the mix.
http://www.myspace.com/sadlierbrownband
Shadoplay
Shadoplay is named after a Joni Mitchell painting called Shadoplay on the LA Express album of the same name. Shadoplay is an original Jazz Groove Band with R&B, Samba and Funk. Alex Hutchison - Bass, Veronica Carter - Vocals, Patrice Bance - Guitar and James Donald - Drums. Hop on the school bus and travel around the world with the melodies of Shadoplay.
Those Handsome Boys from CKUA
Those Handsome Boys From CKUA are Andy Donnelly, Lionel Rault, David Ward and Don Marcotte with Brad Bowie on Mandola and Guitars together the offer a cool mix of Celtic, Blues and contemporary folk music combined with some great stories and a lot of laughs.
Tim Hus & the Rocky Mountain Two
Tim Hus has a voice sweeter than a Husqvarna chainsaw, a wit that is sharper than rusty barbed wire, and a list of songs longer than a Saskatchewan fence line! Hus is hot off the concert trail from a six week tour with Canadian icon Stompin’ Tom Connors where he was heralded as “The best opening act Tom has had in his 45+ year career!”
He just finished recording his highly anticipated fifth CD (his second for Stony Plain Records) joining Corb Lund and the legendary Ian Tyson on the label. Hus comes at his audience like a runaway rig, while firing off image-laden lyrics with the intensity of a western gunslinger.
"Tim Hus is well on his way to becoming an Albertan and Canadian institution.” Barry Hammond - Penguin Eggs Magazine
”He may well be the ultimate in Canadiana songwriters” Allison Brock - Canadian Cowboy Country Magazine
"Tim's awesome. He's one of my favorite Canadian songwriters. Nobody captures the rough-and-ready frontier imagery better than him." Corb Lund - CCMA and Juno award winning singer/songwriter.
"I’m passing the torch to Tim Hus!" Stompin Tom Connors - Legendary Canadian singer/songwriter.
"Tim Hus is a Canadian treasure." John P. McLaughlin - Vancouver Province.
Visit: www.timhus.ca
The Wayfaring Fiddlers
The Wayfaring Fiddlers are Ingrid Thornton, David Daly, Don Brinkman and Ray Telford, all from the Drumheller area. With an eclectic set of fiddle tunes ranging from Celtic to Gypsy, the Warfaring Fiddlers explore the harmonic possibilities of this quintessential folk music.
Yelping Coyote
GARY COX: Born in Ontario, Gary is now a resident of Drumheller. He is a well known local artist (painting and sculpture). He writes most of the group’s songs and sings lead vocals. He is an avid outdoorsman, a feature that is recurrent in his lyrics.
PAUL COX: Paul is Gary’s brother. Together they are the Coces. He has recently relocated to the Drumheller area. He is a multi-instrumentalist who asked to be labeled as a wannabe pianist. As is often the case with siblings, Paul’s singing is a perfect counterpoint harmony to Gary’s vocals.
GILLES DANIS: Gilles hails from Hull Quebec. He arrived in Drumheller nearly 30 years ago as one of the founders of the Tyrrell Museum. He got his first guitar the same year the Edsel came out. He now plays mainly bass and some guitar with the group. He also makes most of his own guitars.
East Coulee School Museum
PO Box 539, East Coulee, Alberta, Canada T0J 1B0
403-822-3970 phone 403-822-2111 fax
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