Powerhouse singer/percussionist Shannon Gaye joins forces with Britt & Carly McKillip, uber-talented siblings with an undeniable vocal blend & style. Together, they present R.E.S.P.E.C.T. - a concert celebrating women of Soul, Rhythm & Blues.
Paying homage to trailblazing female artists, the show features tunes by classic icons like Aretha Franklin, Patti LaBelle, Dusty Springfield and Etta James as well as contemporary artists such as Amy Winehouse, Alicia Keys, and Adele.
The stellar six-piece band is comprised of some of Vancouver’s finest musicians, led by gifted pianist/producer Kristian Alexandrov. Kristian is the longstanding music director for trumpet virtuoso Jens Lindemann’s “Brassfire” show, which was featured at Blue Frog in February 2017. On the studio front, Kristian has been a part of two juno-nominated CD's: Sweet Canadiana recorded by the Order of Canada Soloists (2017) and Legacy Live (2016) recorded by Jens Lindemann and Tommy Banks.
Kristian has co-written and produced four albums with Soul/R&B recording artist Shannon Gaye, described as “the slender singer with the big soulful voice”. Their most recent collaborations include: Shannon’s original CD Little Wonder - an acoustic gem with a modern spin, and Songs of Joy & Peace, Shannon’s new Christmas CD.
Britt and Carly McKillip were born and raised on the West coast - you may know them as the award-winning recording duo, One More Girl. Growing up in a musical family, Britt and Carly cut their teeth on all things entertainment: they’ve worked as actors since they were little, appearing in many prestigious film and television projects, and have shared the stage with artists such as Toby Keith, Darius Rucker and Keith Urban.
THE BAND:
Shannon Gaye - Lead Vocals / Percussion
Britt McKillip - Lead Vocals
Carly McKillip - Lead Vocals
Kristian Alexandrov - Piano
Darren Savard - Guitar
Ben Harries - Bass
Adam Cormier - Drums
Bill Runge - Tenor Sax
Tom McKillip - Alto Sax
Paying homage to trailblazing female artists, the show features tunes by classic icons like Aretha Franklin, Patti LaBelle, Dusty Springfield and Etta James as well as contemporary artists such as Amy Winehouse, Alicia Keys, and Adele.
The stellar six-piece band is comprised of some of Vancouver’s finest musicians, led by gifted pianist/producer Kristian Alexandrov. Kristian is the longstanding music director for trumpet virtuoso Jens Lindemann’s “Brassfire” show, which was featured at Blue Frog in February 2017. On the studio front, Kristian has been a part of two juno-nominated CD's: Sweet Canadiana recorded by the Order of Canada Soloists (2017) and Legacy Live (2016) recorded by Jens Lindemann and Tommy Banks.
Kristian has co-written and produced four albums with Soul/R&B recording artist Shannon Gaye, described as “the slender singer with the big soulful voice”. Their most recent collaborations include: Shannon’s original CD Little Wonder - an acoustic gem with a modern spin, and Songs of Joy & Peace, Shannon’s new Christmas CD.
Britt and Carly McKillip were born and raised on the West coast - you may know them as the award-winning recording duo, One More Girl. Growing up in a musical family, Britt and Carly cut their teeth on all things entertainment: they’ve worked as actors since they were little, appearing in many prestigious film and television projects, and have shared the stage with artists such as Toby Keith, Darius Rucker and Keith Urban.
THE BAND:
Shannon Gaye - Lead Vocals / Percussion
Britt McKillip - Lead Vocals
Carly McKillip - Lead Vocals
Kristian Alexandrov - Piano
Darren Savard - Guitar
Ben Harries - Bass
Adam Cormier - Drums
Bill Runge - Tenor Sax
Tom McKillip - Alto Sax
Washington state Entertainer of the Year Randy Oxford rolls back into Blue Frog for his 2nd annual International Blues Show. His all-star band has been honoured with over 25 prestigious music awards in their 15-year history. This year Randy is featuring 9 musicians from 4 different countries including:
Randy Oxford-Trombone (Chicago/Seattle,)
Miranda Kitchpanich-Vocals-Bass (Tacoma, WA.)
Rafael Tranquilino-Guitar-Vocals (Mexico City/Seattle)
Arsen Shomakhov-Guitar-Vocals (Russia/Vancouver)
Jim Widdifield-Keys (Surrey, BC)
Jon Gale-Guitar-Vocals (Surrey, BC)
Chip Hart- Drums (Seattle/Abbotsford,BC)
"Tambelena"- Percussion (Surrey, BC)
Bruce O'Neill- Bass-Vocals (Vancouver, BC)
Oxford is known for his unique approach to the Trombone and his ability to ignite an audience’s enthusiasm wherever he plays. He has also been a regular host and performer on the Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise for the past 13 years and he plays in the highly acclaimed Bender Brass Band at the Big Blues Bender in Las Vegas.He surrounds himself with some of the most talented vocalists and instrumentalists that the pacific NW region has to offer.
This highly entertaining group has toured Canada, the U.S. and central America including appearances at major Blues festivals in Canada such as the Calgary International Blues festival and the Festival International du Blues de Tremblant in Mont-Tremblant.
In the U.S. they have appeared at major festivals including the San Diego Blues festival, the North Atlantic Blues festival, the Mt. Baker blues festival, the Winthrop Rhythm and Blues festival, the Sunbanks music festival, Jazz in the Valley, the Kalamazoo blues festival, the Omaha playing with fire festival and dozens more from Seattle to Memphis to Panama and beyond.
When the Randy Oxford BLUES-All-Star Slam comes to town you can also expect guest appearances from some of the top talent that British Columbia has to offer. Oxford always brings his regular 6-piece ensemble with him and then adds in local special guests from any area he is playing in. You will get a big bang for your buck with this international show that will feature at least 9 stellar musicians coming together for a show like non other.
Randy Oxford-Trombone (Chicago/Seattle,)
Miranda Kitchpanich-Vocals-Bass (Tacoma, WA.)
Rafael Tranquilino-Guitar-Vocals (Mexico City/Seattle)
Arsen Shomakhov-Guitar-Vocals (Russia/Vancouver)
Jim Widdifield-Keys (Surrey, BC)
Jon Gale-Guitar-Vocals (Surrey, BC)
Chip Hart- Drums (Seattle/Abbotsford,BC)
"Tambelena"- Percussion (Surrey, BC)
Bruce O'Neill- Bass-Vocals (Vancouver, BC)
Oxford is known for his unique approach to the Trombone and his ability to ignite an audience’s enthusiasm wherever he plays. He has also been a regular host and performer on the Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise for the past 13 years and he plays in the highly acclaimed Bender Brass Band at the Big Blues Bender in Las Vegas.He surrounds himself with some of the most talented vocalists and instrumentalists that the pacific NW region has to offer.
This highly entertaining group has toured Canada, the U.S. and central America including appearances at major Blues festivals in Canada such as the Calgary International Blues festival and the Festival International du Blues de Tremblant in Mont-Tremblant.
In the U.S. they have appeared at major festivals including the San Diego Blues festival, the North Atlantic Blues festival, the Mt. Baker blues festival, the Winthrop Rhythm and Blues festival, the Sunbanks music festival, Jazz in the Valley, the Kalamazoo blues festival, the Omaha playing with fire festival and dozens more from Seattle to Memphis to Panama and beyond.
When the Randy Oxford BLUES-All-Star Slam comes to town you can also expect guest appearances from some of the top talent that British Columbia has to offer. Oxford always brings his regular 6-piece ensemble with him and then adds in local special guests from any area he is playing in. You will get a big bang for your buck with this international show that will feature at least 9 stellar musicians coming together for a show like non other.
"Acid folk" was born in an old garage off Clinton Avenue in Toronto, concocted by Tom Wilson from Blackie & the Rodeo Kings, a few Cowboy Junkies, and some Skydiggers. Allowing bass, hypnotic rhythms and a lot of groove into their songwriting circle, the artist collective LeE HARVeY OsMOND created a sound that would creep out of the Northern woods and across the Great Lakes into the South, the same way The Band did forty years before them.
Blue Frog looks forward to a return appearance by the eminent and hirsute Steeltown reprobate, Lee Harvey Osmond, aka Tom Wilson aka One of Three Rodeo Kings, aka that large, melodic growling man from the former Junkhouse. Stylized as LeE HARVeY OsMOND, LHO is a Canadian psychedelic folk project of musician Tom Wilson. The act first took shape with Wilson in his LeE HARVeY OsMOND persona, backed by Michael Timmins of Cowboy Junkies and Josh Finlayson of Skydiggers.
When Tom Wilson created the moniker Lee Harvey Osmond he wasn’t entirely certain if this was a new stage name or merely a provocative handle for the musician/artist collective assembled by producer Michael Timmins to record a collection of Tom Wilson songs that would become “A Quiet Evil”. This was the first of four albums bearing the featured artist Lee Harvey Osmond. “The Folk Sinner” was next, followed by the break through “Beautiful Scars”. It was during this time between releasing “Beautiful Scars” and recording “Kings and Kings” with Blackie and The Rodeo Kings that Wilson went public with his recent discovery. He was not exactly the person he thought he was.
Blue Frog looks forward to a return appearance by the eminent and hirsute Steeltown reprobate, Lee Harvey Osmond, aka Tom Wilson aka One of Three Rodeo Kings, aka that large, melodic growling man from the former Junkhouse. Stylized as LeE HARVeY OsMOND, LHO is a Canadian psychedelic folk project of musician Tom Wilson. The act first took shape with Wilson in his LeE HARVeY OsMOND persona, backed by Michael Timmins of Cowboy Junkies and Josh Finlayson of Skydiggers.
When Tom Wilson created the moniker Lee Harvey Osmond he wasn’t entirely certain if this was a new stage name or merely a provocative handle for the musician/artist collective assembled by producer Michael Timmins to record a collection of Tom Wilson songs that would become “A Quiet Evil”. This was the first of four albums bearing the featured artist Lee Harvey Osmond. “The Folk Sinner” was next, followed by the break through “Beautiful Scars”. It was during this time between releasing “Beautiful Scars” and recording “Kings and Kings” with Blackie and The Rodeo Kings that Wilson went public with his recent discovery. He was not exactly the person he thought he was.
"Three powerful musicians playing and singing some powerful music" - Bluegrass Unlimited
The Lonesome Ace Stringband is an old-time band with bluegrass chops that play some righteous folk and country music. There's a depth of groove and sense of space not often heard in bluegrass today, a level of instrumental interplay and vocal blend uncommon in old-time, and an on-stage rapport that transcends all of this.
Three Canadians lost in the weird and wonderful traditional country music of the American South, the band members Chris Coole (banjo), John Showman (fiddle) and Max Heineman (bass) are each journeyman musicians and veterans of some of Canada's top roots music acts (New Country Rehab, The David Francey Band, The Foggy Hogtown Boys, Fiver).
Instrumentation alone instantly sets LAS's sound apart: consisting of just fiddle, clawhammer banjo, and upright bass, the band moves freely between having a sound so powerful that it doesn't seem like it should be coming from a trio, to a sparseness and fragility that draws the listener in and refreshes the ear. All three are compelling lead singers, each with his own character and range. This allows for the vocal texture to shift depending on how the song needs to feel - and what the song has to say. When those voices come together the power of the harmonies is unshakable. It's clear to anyone who's heard LAS that they just don't sound like any other band.
One must, however, look at the roots of LAS to understand where the sound comes from. Starting in 2007, the band took up residency in Toronto's legendary Dakota Tavern routinely playing 10 sets of music every weekend. LAS spent 7 years as a house band before ever taking the show on the road or recording a note. In these days when new records and buzz-bands come at us like a jacked-up news cycle, this workaday approach hearkens to another era. Those years were a gestation period that allowed for a type of looseness and intuition to develop, something that can only come from experienced musicians clocking hundreds of on-stage hours together.
As of 2019, the band has toured internationally, been engaged at some of the largest festivals in North America (Merlefest, Winnipeg Folk Festival, Rockygrass), and recorded 3 albums. On the first two albums, Old Time (2014), and Gone For Evermore (2016) the band leaned heavily on the traditional old-time cannon to express what it needed to say musically. In 2018, with the release of When the Sun Comes Up, the band showcased its songwriting and studio savvy, offering up a more progressive interpretation of old-time music, and taking it's sound to new places. All three albums have been embraced by both fans and critics alike.
2019 will see LAS at festivals and concerts throughout North America, as well as four European tours. Wherever they go, listeners will hear a compelling and original band fueled by the creative spirit that is the seed of all traditional music.
The Lonesome Ace Stringband is an old-time band with bluegrass chops that play some righteous folk and country music. There's a depth of groove and sense of space not often heard in bluegrass today, a level of instrumental interplay and vocal blend uncommon in old-time, and an on-stage rapport that transcends all of this.
Three Canadians lost in the weird and wonderful traditional country music of the American South, the band members Chris Coole (banjo), John Showman (fiddle) and Max Heineman (bass) are each journeyman musicians and veterans of some of Canada's top roots music acts (New Country Rehab, The David Francey Band, The Foggy Hogtown Boys, Fiver).
Instrumentation alone instantly sets LAS's sound apart: consisting of just fiddle, clawhammer banjo, and upright bass, the band moves freely between having a sound so powerful that it doesn't seem like it should be coming from a trio, to a sparseness and fragility that draws the listener in and refreshes the ear. All three are compelling lead singers, each with his own character and range. This allows for the vocal texture to shift depending on how the song needs to feel - and what the song has to say. When those voices come together the power of the harmonies is unshakable. It's clear to anyone who's heard LAS that they just don't sound like any other band.
One must, however, look at the roots of LAS to understand where the sound comes from. Starting in 2007, the band took up residency in Toronto's legendary Dakota Tavern routinely playing 10 sets of music every weekend. LAS spent 7 years as a house band before ever taking the show on the road or recording a note. In these days when new records and buzz-bands come at us like a jacked-up news cycle, this workaday approach hearkens to another era. Those years were a gestation period that allowed for a type of looseness and intuition to develop, something that can only come from experienced musicians clocking hundreds of on-stage hours together.
As of 2019, the band has toured internationally, been engaged at some of the largest festivals in North America (Merlefest, Winnipeg Folk Festival, Rockygrass), and recorded 3 albums. On the first two albums, Old Time (2014), and Gone For Evermore (2016) the band leaned heavily on the traditional old-time cannon to express what it needed to say musically. In 2018, with the release of When the Sun Comes Up, the band showcased its songwriting and studio savvy, offering up a more progressive interpretation of old-time music, and taking it's sound to new places. All three albums have been embraced by both fans and critics alike.
2019 will see LAS at festivals and concerts throughout North America, as well as four European tours. Wherever they go, listeners will hear a compelling and original band fueled by the creative spirit that is the seed of all traditional music.
Lisa is coming back to Blue Frog, but this time she’ll be including her favourite country Christmas songs! This is the first time in Lisa’s 25 yrs + of touring that she’ll be doing a show primarily of Holiday music! ‘Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas’, ‘I Heard The Bells’, ‘Shake Me I Rattle’ and 'What A Wonderful Beginning' are just a few of the classics you’ll enjoy and you can expect to be a part of some sing along, audience participation as well!
There is nothing like the simple joy, peace and warmth that comes from a night of Christmas music and everyone is sure to leave fully filled with the spirit of the season!
There is nothing like the simple joy, peace and warmth that comes from a night of Christmas music and everyone is sure to leave fully filled with the spirit of the season!
Full band featuring songs from his new album “Beach Music”
Vancouver beach rocker DANIEL WESLEY’s music has always been a call to live life to the fullest; to embrace the past, present and future enthusiastically. On his EP “Beach Music”, Wesley’s ninth release, that call rings out more clearly than ever before.
Recorded with producer John Raham at Afterlife Studios, the album finds Wesley reaffirming his roots, but also stretching out as a songwriter, vocalist and guitarist.
On the lead single, “Fire”, Wesley revisits something his 2007 hit, “Ooo Ohh”, seemed to be about, but actually wasn’t. “Everyone thought that was a pot song, but it was more sexual,” Wesley says. “And ‘Fire’ didn’t start out that way either, but with legalization happening I was like, ‘okay, this’ll be my anthem for pot smokers.”
Most of “Beach Music”, however, is firmly focused on getting high on life, and underpinned by Wesley’s belief that welcoming change without reservation is integral to lasting happiness.
“Fire” is available on all streaming and download platforms. For more about DANIEL WESLEY please visit: www.danielwesley.com
Vancouver beach rocker DANIEL WESLEY’s music has always been a call to live life to the fullest; to embrace the past, present and future enthusiastically. On his EP “Beach Music”, Wesley’s ninth release, that call rings out more clearly than ever before.
Recorded with producer John Raham at Afterlife Studios, the album finds Wesley reaffirming his roots, but also stretching out as a songwriter, vocalist and guitarist.
On the lead single, “Fire”, Wesley revisits something his 2007 hit, “Ooo Ohh”, seemed to be about, but actually wasn’t. “Everyone thought that was a pot song, but it was more sexual,” Wesley says. “And ‘Fire’ didn’t start out that way either, but with legalization happening I was like, ‘okay, this’ll be my anthem for pot smokers.”
Most of “Beach Music”, however, is firmly focused on getting high on life, and underpinned by Wesley’s belief that welcoming change without reservation is integral to lasting happiness.
“Fire” is available on all streaming and download platforms. For more about DANIEL WESLEY please visit: www.danielwesley.com
The perfect answer to winter chill, come share some hot and swinging Christmas cheer with musical group VanDjango and vocalist L.J. Mounteney!
Van Django, Vancouver's hottest swing string quartet, bring their sizzling hot Gypsy Jazz Christmas show to the Blue Frog this December! Joining Van Django's violinist Cameron Wilson, guitarist Budge Schachte, guitarist/cellist Finn Manniche and bassist Brent Gubbels is stellar vocalist L.J. Mounteney.
Van Django's music is punchy, driving and rhythmically inventive, combining a wealth of musical influences while maintaining strong roots in the gypsy jazz made famous by Django Reinhardt and the 1930's Quintet of the Hot Club of France. On stage, "they effortlessly whip the audience into a joyful frenzy". Renowned both for the quality of their musicianship and as great entertainers, Van Django's Cool Yule is a merry Christmas mix of nostalgic favourites, jazz standards, sing- alongs,pop tunes, some classical touches, and a few surprises - all delivered in their swinging gypsy jazz style. You'll hear everything from the evocative I'll Be Home for Christmas to Let it Snow, Silent Night and Silver Bells to Christmas Time is Here, a bit of Beethoven, and of course all with a touch of Django Reinhardt's style - something every ear, heart, and tapping foot will enjoy.
“Van Django tosses off jaw-dropping technical licks with effortless ease, but above all, they entertain hugely, with every bar of every tune - tried and true or keenly original.”
Jurgen Goethe, Hose, CBC Disc Drive Canada
"In an increasingly crowded niche, Van Django is a standout act. With a clever mix of contemporary standards, classical ditties, rock homages and solid originals they effortlessly whip the audience into a joyful frenzy. Attending a Van Django concert is the most fun you can have sitting down with your clothes on."
Nick Lehr, Djangofest Director - US
Such a superb concert! What a pile of fun! M. Goulding
By all accounts, this show is so much fun. Take an evening out of the busy Christmas season and enjoy music at it's best.
Van Django, Vancouver's hottest swing string quartet, bring their sizzling hot Gypsy Jazz Christmas show to the Blue Frog this December! Joining Van Django's violinist Cameron Wilson, guitarist Budge Schachte, guitarist/cellist Finn Manniche and bassist Brent Gubbels is stellar vocalist L.J. Mounteney.
Van Django's music is punchy, driving and rhythmically inventive, combining a wealth of musical influences while maintaining strong roots in the gypsy jazz made famous by Django Reinhardt and the 1930's Quintet of the Hot Club of France. On stage, "they effortlessly whip the audience into a joyful frenzy". Renowned both for the quality of their musicianship and as great entertainers, Van Django's Cool Yule is a merry Christmas mix of nostalgic favourites, jazz standards, sing- alongs,pop tunes, some classical touches, and a few surprises - all delivered in their swinging gypsy jazz style. You'll hear everything from the evocative I'll Be Home for Christmas to Let it Snow, Silent Night and Silver Bells to Christmas Time is Here, a bit of Beethoven, and of course all with a touch of Django Reinhardt's style - something every ear, heart, and tapping foot will enjoy.
“Van Django tosses off jaw-dropping technical licks with effortless ease, but above all, they entertain hugely, with every bar of every tune - tried and true or keenly original.”
Jurgen Goethe, Hose, CBC Disc Drive Canada
"In an increasingly crowded niche, Van Django is a standout act. With a clever mix of contemporary standards, classical ditties, rock homages and solid originals they effortlessly whip the audience into a joyful frenzy. Attending a Van Django concert is the most fun you can have sitting down with your clothes on."
Nick Lehr, Djangofest Director - US
Such a superb concert! What a pile of fun! M. Goulding
By all accounts, this show is so much fun. Take an evening out of the busy Christmas season and enjoy music at it's best.
One of Canada's most influential singer-songwriters with 22 albums, 22 singles and 4 Gold Records, Valdy will be performing his music along with some of his special Christmas favourites.
Valdy, born Valdemar Horsdal in Ottawa, has been part of the fabric of Canadian pop and folk music for years. A man with a thousand friends, from Newfoundland to Vancouver Island to Texas to New Zealand, he's a songwriter who catches the small but telling moments that make up life.
Remembered for “Play Me a Rock and Roll Song”, his bitter-sweet memory of finding himself, a relaxed and amiable story-teller, facing a rambunctious audience at the Aldergrove Rock Festival circa 1968, Valdy has sold almost half a million copies of his 16 CDs, albums and 8-tracks, and has received two Juno Awards (from a total of seven Juno nominations), and four Gold albums to his credit.
Along the way, he's taken his music to a dozen different countries, from Denmark to Australia, been an invited performer for five years in a row at the prestigious Kerrville Festival in Texas, and even played a lead role in an episode of The Beachcombers.
Blue Frog Studios is delighted to welcome back Valdy for a fascinating evening of music and storytelling.
Formed in 2008, Triology is a Jazz Trio featuring three of Canada’s most sought after jazz musicians. This group was fashioned after the great early jazz trios of Nat King Cole and Oscar Peterson, and features wonderful arrangements of classic standards, as well as original tunes by the trio members.
Bill Coon: an amazing and fluid guitarist, originally from Montreal, Bill has over 25 years professional experience. He has worked with many jazz greats, including Jimmy Heath, Eddie Daniels and Dr. Lonnie Smith.
Jodi Proznick – Having just received the WCMA Jazz Artist of the Year award, Jodi has become one of Canada’s “top call” artists. Jodi leads her own quartet, and is a member of many other amazing jazz ensembles, such as the Tilden Webb Trio, the Joel Haynes Trio, and the Oliver Gannon Quartet. Some of the legendary talents she has accompanied: Lewis Nash, George Coleman, David Fathead Newman, Ed Thigpen, Charles McPherson, Mark Murphy and Sheila Jordan.
Miles Black – with over 30 years experience, Black is a highly accomplished pianist and composer who has performed worldwide and recorded extensively. Miles has worked with many jazz greats, including Max Roach, Lew Tabackin, Houston Person and Harry “Sweets” Edison.
Be part of this seasonal occasion to hear one of the best jazz groups around in a pristine acoustic environment.
The highlight concert of the 2019 White Rock’s Concerts for the Pier series, KALIMBA had 3500 people dancing in the streets to their favourite Earth, Wind and Fire songs.
The nationally touring show Kalimba, The Spirit of Earth Wind and Fire provides an Earth Wind & Fire experience so satisfying it transports audiences back to the excitement of the first time they heard these unforgettable songs. Lead vocalist, Thomas “Chazz” Smith, created Kalimba, The Spirit of Earth Wind and Fire in 2011 with the vision of honoring the beloved Earth Wind & Fire hits he and millions of others listened to while growing up. The 10-piece organization includes a full horn and rhythm section to reproduce the infectious grooves created by EWF’s Verdine White and Ralph Johnson. In February the loss of EWF’s founder and musical genius, Maurice White, left the world mourning, but Kalimba, The Spirit of Earth Wind and Fire faithfully honors his work by featuring lush treatments of the soaring vocal harmonies that are the hallmark of Earth Wind & Fire’s music and EWF’s late founder, musical genius, Maurice White. Performances authentically replicate the signature high notes of Maurice White’s sidekick, Philip Bailey.
Playing across the country at some of the nations most prestigious and historic theaters, music festivals, state fairs, corporate events and functions, casino’s, and larger clubs as well as upscale private parties and weddings, Kalimba, The Spirit of Earth Wind and Fire includes all of the hits: September, Shining Star, Boogie Wonderland, After the Love Has Gone, Let's Groove, That's the Way of the World, Devotion, Reasons, Sing a Song, Can't Hide Love, Getaway, Fantasy, PLUS for this show, KALIMBA will perform an EW&F take on some Christmas favourites.
Recorded in 1985, The Spirit of Christmas album finds Ray Charles performing a variety of holiday favorites including "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town," "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer," and the ballad "That Spirit of Christmas," which was featured in the hit movie National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation starring Chevy Chase.
Get in to the seasonal spirit of Ray Charles Christmas music, plus hear timeless hits like “Georgia”, “Let the Good Times Roll”, “Hit the Road Jack”, and “I Can’t Stop Loving You”, all amazingly performed by Mike Henry and his sizzling band.
Mike Henry's tribute to Ray Charles was created out of the tremendous respect he has for the artist. If you close your eyes you will imagine Ray is there performing all his great hits. Mikes' band consists of all star musicians: Steve Hilliam on sax, Derry Byrne on trumpet, Jen Lewin on keyboards, Russ Klyne on guitar & vocal, Lisa Simons on bass, Nino Depasquali on drums, and featuring Krystal Dos Santos on lead and background vocals. What a cast !
Mike Henry began his professional musical career in Las Vegas in the 1980s where he performed in the local hotels clubs & lounges. He rediscovered his gospel roots while performing with the vocal group The Gospel Ambassadors. He has performed at the Atlantic City Park Place, the Trump Castle, Tahoe Biltmore, Tahoe Hyatt, MGM Grand. as well as in Bangkok Thailand, at Club Fibus (the largest club in Asia), Taiwan China, Dubai UAE, and Oslo Norway.
“He’s just brilliant. He’s completely brilliant.”— Rolling Stone
Randy Hansen is a consummate performer with incredible depth who has always captured the imagination of his audience, drawing the masses into his experience, sending-off fans spell bound by his explosive showmanship and mastery of the electric guitar. Years of hard work and relentless perfection of his craft, he has earned the distinction of being a world-class guitar hero.
He has followed a “lets just do it” attitude all his life performing for millions through out his career. Born in Seattle, Washington on December 8, 1954, he began playing guitar when he was ten and later introduced to the work of the other Seattle guitarist, Jimi Hendrix, when he was thirteen years old. By sixteen he had his first band, Popsicle and by the age of eighteen he was a professional musician. He joined Kid Chrysler and The Cruisers in 1974 and spent four years with the group. It was with the Cruisers that he began developing what would become his world-renowned tribute to Jimi Hendrix.
By 1978 Hansen had named his act Machine Gun and went on the road, amazing audiences and other musicians with his prowess and panache. Hansen was hired by acclaimed film director Francis Ford Coppola to contribute to the sound track of the 1980 Academy Award Winner for Best Sound, “Apocalypse Now”. Hansen’s guitar pyrotechnics replaced parts originally performed by an eighty-piece orchestra and eighty-voice choir with his own orchestration on guitar and bass. The film led to a recording contract with Capitol Records and ever since has released numerous CD’s in Europe.
Today Hansen’s’ audience is worldwide, through persistent demand by the fans in America and Europe, whether with The Randy Hansen Band or working with other entertainer’s. Steve Miller, Paul Rodgers (Free, Bad Company, The Firm, Queen), Buddy Miles, Don Wilson (The Ventures), Alan White (YES, John Lennon), Sammy Hagar, Herbie Hancock, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Robert Cray, Roger Fisher (Heart), Bob Segar and Hendrix alumni Noel Redding and Mitch Mitchell, are just a few of the many musicians he’s performed with.
Randy Hansen is a consummate performer with incredible depth who has always captured the imagination of his audience, drawing the masses into his experience, sending-off fans spell bound by his explosive showmanship and mastery of the electric guitar. Years of hard work and relentless perfection of his craft, he has earned the distinction of being a world-class guitar hero.
He has followed a “lets just do it” attitude all his life performing for millions through out his career. Born in Seattle, Washington on December 8, 1954, he began playing guitar when he was ten and later introduced to the work of the other Seattle guitarist, Jimi Hendrix, when he was thirteen years old. By sixteen he had his first band, Popsicle and by the age of eighteen he was a professional musician. He joined Kid Chrysler and The Cruisers in 1974 and spent four years with the group. It was with the Cruisers that he began developing what would become his world-renowned tribute to Jimi Hendrix.
By 1978 Hansen had named his act Machine Gun and went on the road, amazing audiences and other musicians with his prowess and panache. Hansen was hired by acclaimed film director Francis Ford Coppola to contribute to the sound track of the 1980 Academy Award Winner for Best Sound, “Apocalypse Now”. Hansen’s guitar pyrotechnics replaced parts originally performed by an eighty-piece orchestra and eighty-voice choir with his own orchestration on guitar and bass. The film led to a recording contract with Capitol Records and ever since has released numerous CD’s in Europe.
Today Hansen’s’ audience is worldwide, through persistent demand by the fans in America and Europe, whether with The Randy Hansen Band or working with other entertainer’s. Steve Miller, Paul Rodgers (Free, Bad Company, The Firm, Queen), Buddy Miles, Don Wilson (The Ventures), Alan White (YES, John Lennon), Sammy Hagar, Herbie Hancock, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Robert Cray, Roger Fisher (Heart), Bob Segar and Hendrix alumni Noel Redding and Mitch Mitchell, are just a few of the many musicians he’s performed with.
It’s not every guitar player that would get into a guitar duel with Joe Bonamassa, but Johnny A. played it to a draw. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DN2qZ34faFg . Blue Frog Studios is pleased to welcome for the first time, this featured artist on Joe Bonamassa’s Blues Cruise (see Guitar Player Mag article below).
Never content with complacency, and always up for a challenge, Johnny A again takes an adventurous left turn to present his distinct instrumental guitar approach for the very first time in a completely “solo” intimate atmosphere. Special emphasis on melody and arrangements from the British songbook of the 60s.
Boston Hall of Fame inductee Johnny A. is a Gibson and now Epiphone signature guitarist (the Johnny A. Gibson is one of their most popular selling signature models) is a spectacular performer guaranteed to mesmerize an audience with the 1st riff! Johnny has shared the stage with artists from BB King to Steve Vai and everybody in between and has performed at such prestigious festivals as Eric Clapton’s Crossroads, the Montreal Jazz Festival, and Tokyo’s Fuji Rock Festival. Coming back to his roots, Johnny has developed an intimate solo performance celebrating some of the greatest, and most influential, guitar work in history.
“Devotion to melodies, tight dynamics and succulent tones perfectly temper Johnny’s balance of fire and ice.” - Guitar World
“Johnny A let’s his guitar speak for him with eloquence and spirit.” - Washington Post
Never content with complacency, and always up for a challenge, Johnny A again takes an adventurous left turn to present his distinct instrumental guitar approach for the very first time in a completely “solo” intimate atmosphere. Special emphasis on melody and arrangements from the British songbook of the 60s.
Boston Hall of Fame inductee Johnny A. is a Gibson and now Epiphone signature guitarist (the Johnny A. Gibson is one of their most popular selling signature models) is a spectacular performer guaranteed to mesmerize an audience with the 1st riff! Johnny has shared the stage with artists from BB King to Steve Vai and everybody in between and has performed at such prestigious festivals as Eric Clapton’s Crossroads, the Montreal Jazz Festival, and Tokyo’s Fuji Rock Festival. Coming back to his roots, Johnny has developed an intimate solo performance celebrating some of the greatest, and most influential, guitar work in history.
“Devotion to melodies, tight dynamics and succulent tones perfectly temper Johnny’s balance of fire and ice.” - Guitar World
“Johnny A let’s his guitar speak for him with eloquence and spirit.” - Washington Post
Formed in 1967, Chicago Transit Authority recorded their first album in 1968 before shortening their name to Chicago. Their famous self-description as simply “a rock and roll band with horns” simplified what was actually a remarkable fusion of classical, jazz, R & B and pop music.
The only musical act to name each album with a successive number starting with Chicago 3, (Chicago Transit Authority was #1, Chicago was #2). Chicago has sold over 100 million of them, and remains to this day within the Top Ten of all artists of all time in terms of album sales. In 1971 Chicago became the first contemporary musical act to sell-out Carnegie Hall for an entire week. In the US alone, Chicago has been honoured with 23 gold, 18 platinum and 8 multi-platinum albums.
The band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2016. Among their 21 Top-Ten singles are Questions 67 & 68, Beginnings, Make Me Smile, 25 or 6 to 4, Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?, I’m a Man, Saturday in the Park, Dialogue, Feelin’ Stronger Everyday, If You Leave Me Now, Hard to Say I'm Sorry to name a few.
WEST COAST CHICAGO West Coast Chicago is a group of musicians who share a mutual admiration of Chicago. The band was formed under the leadership of Paul Clarke inspired by Greg Farrugia. Paul’s in-depth knowledge of virtually every last detail of Chicago is encyclopedic. He knows who wrote what, who produced what, who replaced who, and every musical detail. Each player is dedicated to recreating the sound, energy and intensity of each and every song, and between song groupings, Paul enthusiastically recounts interesting facts and trivia that make West Coast Chicago interesting and informative as well as hugely entertaining.
THE BAND:
Paul Clarke: keyboards, vocals, narration
Mon Gonzales: lead guitar vocals
Scott Driscoll: vocals, guitar, percussion
Greg Farrugia: trombone, percussion, horn arranger
Garth Balint: trumpet, flugelhorn, percussion
Bryan Vance: saxophone, flute, percussion
Mike Crean: drums
Joe Cochlin: bass
DREAMS - the Ultimate tribute to Fleetwood Mac, is an authentic sounding, seven piece tribute to Fleetwood Mac. They perform in full costumes, similar to the actual styles worn by the original Fleetwood Mac. You will be taken back with all their favourite songs including Don’t Stop, Go Your Own Way, Landslide, Say You Love Me, The Chain and of course Dreams.
The band of professional musicians from Vancouver BC, Canada, has played many shows over the last few years in casinos, theatres and corporate events, all around the world. Some of those places include Las Vegas, the Dominican Republic, Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton and Regina, to name a few.
You will be amazed at how close Dreams - Canada's tribute to Fleetwood Mac, looks and sounds like the original Fleetwood Mac. They take you back in time, so you can experience this amazing music all over again.
The band of professional musicians from Vancouver BC, Canada, has played many shows over the last few years in casinos, theatres and corporate events, all around the world. Some of those places include Las Vegas, the Dominican Republic, Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton and Regina, to name a few.
You will be amazed at how close Dreams - Canada's tribute to Fleetwood Mac, looks and sounds like the original Fleetwood Mac. They take you back in time, so you can experience this amazing music all over again.