SEPTEMBER 25 & 26, 2020

Welcome to the Atlantic Presenter Association’s Showcase Artist Catalogue.

The following artists were chosen by the Contact East jury to showcase at the

conference set to take place in Moncton in September 2020. Unfortunately, we are not

able to host our conference in person, but we felt it was important to feature the artists

that were selected to showcase. We all know that without the artists, presenters would

not exist. We are all a part of the performing arts ecology and we feel it is important to

help all aspects of that ecology get through this pandemic. Hence, the Contact(less)

East Showcase Artist Catalogue. We invite you to scroll through the pages to dream

about and plan for the tours that someday will result!

WELCOME

AXIS THEATRE COMPANY BALLET KELOWNA BBOYIZM (CRAZY SMOOTH) CHAMPAGNE WEATHER DAVE SAMPSON DAYRAMIR GONZALEZ

DUANE ANDREWS & DONALD MACLENNAN DUO FORTIN-POIRIER ENSEMBLE ALKEMIA GENTIANE MG TRIO GIRLS NITE OUT HAULER

JAMES MULLINGER LE GROS ORTEIL LEELA GILDAY BAND LENNIE GALLANT FT. THE FRETLESS MICHAEL HARRISON OKAN

ROLAND GRANT RUBE & RAKE SAHARA JANESTEPHANIE MORIN-ROBERT

& ALASTAIR KNOWLES SWEET ALIBI TOM ALLEN AND FRIENDS

AXIS THEATRE COMPANYTh’owxiya: The Hungry Feast Dish

“When you take something from the earth,

you must give something back.” Immerse

yourself in the legend of the basket ogress,

Th’owxiya, an old hungry spirit that lives in

a feast dish full of bountiful delicious food.

This Kwantlen First Nations tale follows a

sly Mouse (Kw’at’el) who is caught stealing

cheese from this feast dish. To appease

an angry Th’owxiya, Kw’at’el embarks on a

journey to find two children for the ogress

to eat, or else! Come enjoy the traditional

Coast Salish and Sto:lo music, masks,

and imagery while learning how Raven

(Skwewqs), Bear (Spa:th), and Sasquatch

(Sasq’ets) trick a hungry spirit and save

Kw’at’el and their family from becoming

the feast!

COMPANY BIO

In the age of “looking down,” Axis draws young eyes up to engage them in interactive experiences that educate, inspire and transform. Audiences experience smart, entertaining interpretations of traditional and cutting-edge physical theatre incorporating combinations of red-nose clown, mime, movement, mask work, puppetry and improvisation, their work is deceptively simple, fresh and memorable.

OTHER OFFERINGS

Study guide with curriculum links, discussion topics, and activities for each grade found here: bit.ly/3hFc0mm

In conjunction with this production, Axis is offering workshops in drumming, improv and physical theatre.

axistheatre.com

40-50 minutes

April 2021 and open through 21/22 season

TOURING AVAILABILITY:

$3000 $3000 $2500 $2500

PERFORMANCE FEES:

1 Show:

2-3 Shows:

4-7 Shows:

8 Shows:

BC

All artists

BALLET KELOWNAThe MAMBO and Other Works program features a meticulous blend of contemporary and neo classical works from Ballet Kelowna’s signature repertoire. Bolero by Guillaume Côté and Cuatro Estaciones by Simone Orlando, may be paired with Alysa Pires’ MAMBO to customize a program for your needs. With a variety of refreshing works inspired by tango, swing, jazz, and classical ballet, the MAMBO and Other Works program promises to please a wide range of spectators.

National Ballet of Canada Choreographic Associate Guillaume Côté brings strength and fragility to a fascinating interpretation of the beloved Bolero by Maurice Ravel, one of music’s most famous and identifiable melodies. A “riveting tour de force” (Dance Magazine), Bolero (2012) features breath-taking lifts and virtuosic choreography.

Cuatro Estaciones (2019) is an evocative tango-inspired ensemble piece by Ballet Kelowna’s visionary Artistic Director Simone Orlando, set to virtuoso composer Astor Piazzolla’s Four Seasons of Buenos Aires. Orlando’s choreography infuses ballet’s contemporary lines with the intricate, expressive elements of Argentine Tango featuring the full company performing stunning group formations and seductive duets.

MAMBO (2018) gained worldwide acclaim after performances at Beijing’s China International Performing Arts Expo and Toronto’s Fall For Dance North Festival in 2018. Pires’ “crowd-pleasing MAMBO” (The Globe and Mail), is a colourful joie de vivre set to a vibrant soundtrack of Latin, swing, and jazz standards by musical legends Dean Martin, Perry Como, Rosemary Clooney, Sarah Vaughn, and more.

OTHER OFFERINGS

workshops, residencies, masterclasses, school programming, lectures/talks

balletkelowna.ca

November 8 to November 28, 2021

February 21 to March 13, 2022

May 9 to May 29, 2022

TOURING AVAILABILITY:

$7500 $7000 $6500 $5500

PERFORMANCE FEES:

1 Show:

2-3 Shows:

4-7 Shows:

8 Shows:

BC

75-95 minutes

Strike Time: Load-in 10hrs, ST 2h Minutes

Extended Performance - 40 Minutes

All artists

BBOYIZM (CRAZY SMOOTH)The Evolution of B-boying

Born in the 70’s, B-boying is a dance form with a significant international following and reputation. With its roots in funk music and African American culture (contemporary black history), the dynamic acrobatic aspects of B-boying (Breaking) make it one of the most unique dances in the world.

Bboyizm has a mandate to promote and preserve the foundation, authenticity and true essence of all street dances. The artistic philosophy of the company is based on the idea that a dancer’s self expression is paramount: their motto is “dance to express, not to impress”. Street dances are based on the premise that with the vocabulary of foundation, one can create honest poetry and if one truly expresses oneself the dance will inevitably be impressive. They bring this philosophy to all of their performances and outreach activities.

Bboyizm Dance Company’s interactive, full-length educational show The Evolution of B-boying takes the audience from the 70’s through the 80’s, 90’s and building up to the dance form as it is practiced today. Hosted by an MC the company dancers demonstrate the defining dance styles of the decades, with costume and decade specific soundtracks. Bboyizm brings together some of the best street dancers in North America to present an interactive show for young audiences and adults alike. This show can be performed with as few as 5 and up to 10 dancers and can be scaled to fit the venue size and presenter budget, including technical capacity (from gyms to theatres). It can be performed entirely in French or English or both official languages. For the finale, the company is divided into two groups for a battle and the audience judges the winner. At the end of the show battle, the MC asks for volunteers from the audience to come up onstage (in a school setting, the students put forward teachers and the teachers then choose students) and another battle ensues. The show can be performed in English, French or both languages combined.

OTHER OFFERINGS

residencies, workshops,

masterclasses, school

programming, French-language

programs and lectures.

School study guide found here:

bit.ly/35Do3hP

bboyizm.ca

60 minutes

general availability 2021-2022

TOURING AVAILABILITY:

$3500 $2000 $1750 $1500

PERFORMANCE FEES:

1 Show:

2-3 Shows:

4-7 Shows:

8 Shows:

QC

more video

All artists

CHAMPAGNE WEATHERChampagne Weather is bold, immersive new

music from Canadian Folk Music Award-

winners and JUNO nominees James Hill

and Anne Janelle. Both have one foot in

folk music and the other in contemporary

classical. Champagne Weather finds them

artfully bridging these two worlds with a

sound that evokes Philip Glass and Steve

Reich even as it harks back to Appalachian

fiddle and English folksong.

In each song, two motifs entwine and slowly

change, creating serendipitous harmony

that no-one can predict — not even the

musicians. Lyrics and melodies float atop

this shimmering backdrop, grounded by low-

fi synth. It’s music that sounds like a city:

chaotic up-close, beautiful and shiny from a

distance.

OTHER OFFERINGS

James and Anne both offer educational programs on their respective instruments, those being the ukulele and fiddle for James, and the cello for Anne.

champagneweather.com

60-90 minutes

general availability with exception that they are not available July 14-27, 2021.

TOURING AVAILABILITY:

$2000 $1750 $1500 $1250

PERFORMANCE FEES:

1 Show:

2-3 Shows:

4-7 Shows:

8 Shows:

NS

more video

All artists

DAVE SAMPSONDave Sampson writes heart on your

sleeve folk/pop song’s, delivered with

a captivating and authentic voice that

could blow down a brick house. His

knack for crafting simple ear-worms

and his high-energy shows have been

winning him fans from coast to coast.

Collaborating with some of Canada’s

top exports such as Classified, Alan

Doyle, Donovan Woods & Neon Dreams

as well as being chosen as one of five

in Canada’s Walk of Fame emerging

artist program, Dave has be working

hard to solidify his position as one of

Canada’s top emerging songwriters.

Dave tours with a 5-piece band.

davesampson.ca

75 minutes

general availability

TOURING AVAILABILITY:

$2500 $2250 $1500 $1250

PERFORMANCE FEES:

1 Show:

2-3 Shows:

4-7 Shows:

8 Shows:

NS

more video

All artists

DAYRAMIR GONZALEZDayramir Gonzalez says “Be inspired. Performing is all

about giving the audience the ultimate live experience,

interacting with them at all times. Making them feel

like there isn’t a better place to be in this moment. No

worries, stress or regrets. Just a heavenly place full of

joy, spirituality, and love where we share the musical

journey we discover together.”

Gonzalez began his professional career as a pianist

and composer with former Irakere member, Oscar

Valdes’ Afro-Cuban jazz ensemble Diákara at the age

of 16. Since winning Havana’s JoJazz festival in 2004

and 2005, Dayramir has been representing a young

generation of Afro-Cuban jazz by winning three

Cubadisco awards for his 2007 debut album “Dayramir

& Habana enTRANCé”, becoming Berklee College of

Music’s first Cuban national “Presidential Scholarship“

recipient, performing in 15,000-seat stadiums with

legends like Chucho and Bebo Valdes and headlining

Carnegie Hall.

The culmination of his journey as a young Havana-

native who continues to precipitate the legacy of Afro-

Cuban music is synthesized in his latest album The

Grand Concourse. A name inspired by the thoroughfare

that runs through the Bronx, The Grand Concourse

is a concept album that reflects a dynamic range of

pieces from pulsating West African bass motifs to a

contemporary take on classical Cuban traditions and

haunting orchestral jazz ballads. Dayramir is making his

mark as a leading international composer, orchestrator,

bandleader and pianist.

As a music educator and guest lecturer Dayramir has

lectured on Cuban music in both USA and Cuba, has

provided masterclasses and workshops internationally

for more than 18 years and has done 2 TEDxTalks.

OTHER OFFERINGS

residencies, workshops, masterclasses and lectures focused on improvisation, composition, musicianship, performance skills, career development, and Jazz and Afro-Cuban fundamentals

dayramirgonzalez.com

60 - 120 minutes

general availability

TOURING AVAILABILITY:

$5000 $4000 $3500 $3000

PERFORMANCE FEES:

1 Show:

2-3 Shows:

4-7 Shows:

8 Shows:

ON

more video

All artists

DUANE ANDREWS AND DONALD MACLENNAN WITH THE HOT CLUB DE BELLE COTE

Established East Coast artists Duane Andrews (guitar) and Donald MacLennan (violin and vocals) have joined forces to create an intimate and explosive show featuring the hot jazz instrumentals and songs of the 1930s and 40s swing era with a modern twist. The program consists of compositions from jazz masters such as Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli and American songbook jazz standards along with original pieces inspired by these masters all presented in an insightful, entertaining and engaging delivery for a broad range of audiences.

Independently Duane and Donald have established themselves as seasoned performers both as solo artists and members of accomplished East Coast groups such as The Swinging Belles, the Modern Grass and Ben Kaplan and are thrilled to bring this relatively new collaboration to new audiences. Inspired by the Hot Club de France who backed up Django and Stephane in their heyday Duane and Donald are supported by the Hot Club de Belle Cote which features Michael Dalton (guitar), Jordan Stephens (bass) and Graham Scott (accordion). Their debut recording is set for release in the fall of 2020.

OTHER OFFERINGS

workshops, masterclasses offerings in jazz, bluegrass and celtic music for a variety of ages, school programming - the history of Jazz

duaneandrews.ca

general availability

TOURING AVAILABILITY:

$3500 $3000 $2500 $2000

PERFORMANCE FEES:

1 Show:

2-3 Shows:

4-7 Shows:

8 Shows:

NL

All artists

DUO FORTIN-POIRIERMade up of pianists Amélie Fortin and Marie-Christine Poirier, Duo Fortin-Poirier have distinguished themselves with fiery four-hand interpretations, remarkable for their vitality and wit. A close affinity between their playing styles along with a sharp, shared sensitivity fuel their extraordinary ensemble playing.

Since their inception in 2005, Duo Fortin-Poirier have made waves both in Canada and abroad, garnering scholarships, prizes, and other distinctions (1st prize the Canadian Music Competition; 2nd Prize at the 2013 Concorso Pianistico Internazionale Roma; finalists at the 2009 Concours international de piano à quatre mains de Valberg and the 2011 Liszt 200 Chicago International Duo Piano Competition; Special Jury Mention at the 2010 International Edvard Grieg Piano Competition; and scholarships from the arts councils of Québec and Canada).

Very active on the North American scene, their concerts Vingt doigts et un piano and Mémoires have been presented more than 150 times across Canada, USA and Mexico. Among others, they’ve been touring in collaboration with Loto-Québec’s Entrées en Scène, Debut Atlantic and Prairie Debut.

Their performance of the concert Mémoires at the chamber music Festival Concerts aux Iles du Bic earned them two nominations at the last gala of Prix Opus of the Conseil Québécois de la musique which took place in February 2018. The albums, Vingt doigts et un piano (2013) and Mémoires (2017) are broadcast regularly on Espace Musique, ICI Radio-Canada Première, and Radioclassique.

OTHER OFFERINGS

Offering residencies, workshops, masterclasses, school programming and French-language programs, Duo Fortin-Poirier believe that education is one of the most important aspects of their work.

duofortinpoirier.com

60 - 90 minutes

general availability

TOURING AVAILABILITY:

$2500 $2000 $2000 $1500

PERFORMANCE FEES:

1 Show:

2-3 Shows:

4-7 Shows:

8 Shows:

QC

more video

All artists

ENSEMBLE ALKEMIA Dorothéa Ventura, voice Ghislaine Deschambault, voice Jean-François Daignault, voice, woodwinds, vocal arrangements

Ensemble ALKEMIA is well known for its blend of voices, colours

and ideas that playful explore of a cappella vocal music from a

period spanning over 1000 years. Since the founding of Ensemble

ALKEMIA, creating a deep connection between audience and the

music they love to perform has been at the heart of their mission

and passion. Their concerts provide listeners with the tools to

better understand the historical and cultural context of the music.

They use humour, staging, spatial placement, and movement

to engage, uplift and entertain. The ALKEMIA Ensemble was

a finalist at the 2013-2014 Opus Award for concert of the year

– Montréal (all categories) with its creation Nord : chants et

légendes du froid (North: songs and legends of the cold), finalist

at the 2014-2015 Opus Award and the 2018-2019 Opus Award for

concert of the year – Medieval, renaissance, and baroque music,

with their creations Mystères | Geste polyphonique and Carpe

diem. The perfect escape, join Ensemble ALKEMIA on a musical

journey in that is sure to transport you to another place and time.

Titled “En revenant”, this bilingual program brings to the forefront

the many treasures in the canon of French-Canadian folksong.

“Quelle précision, quel raffinement! “

- François Dompierre Émission

radio Les détours de Dompierre,

Espace musique.

OTHER OFFERINGS

All Debut Atlantic Artists perform community and educational outreach

performances as part of their Debut Atlantic tour. Debut Atlantic is pleased to work

with presenters to explore unique engagement opportunities.

Since the founding of Ensemble ALKEMIA, creating a deep connection between the

audience and the music has been at the heart of the ensemble’s mission. Whether in

a performance hall or community venue, their interactive outreach concerts provide

listeners with the tools to better understand the historical and cultural context of

the music. They are also highly engaging, using humour, staging, spatial placement

and movement to engage, uplift and entertain.

For the past decade, ensemble ALKEMIA has collaborated with Société pour les arts

en milieu de santé (SAMS). SAMS’ mission is to bring professional-level concerts to

long-term care facilities, for people with reduced mobility and cognitive impairment

who could not attend such performances otherwise. At the other end of the

spectrum, they have partnered with Jeunesses Musicales Canada for the past six

years to present musical theater aimed at children between 3 and 12 years of age.

Ensemble ALKEMIA welcomes any opportunity to share this wonderful music with

diverse audiences. In addition to outreach concerts, they also offer masterclasses,

workshops, and talks for community groups. Ensemble ALKEMIA believes the

repertoire of “En revenant” is part of our national cultural heritage and has the

power to unite communities and bridge the gap between generations. They are

excited to connect with audiences of all ages throughout Atlantic Canada.

ensemblealkemia.com

QC

PERFORMANCE FEES:

Debut Atlantic 2021/22 Artist Fees:

$2200

Debut Atlantic covers all

travel related costs.

All artists

GENTIANE MG TRIONamed “Révélation Jazz Radio-Canada 2018-2019”,

Gentiane Michaud-Gagnon studied for several years at

the Conservatoire de Musique du Québec in Chicoutimi

before pursuing graduate studies in jazz performance

in Montreal. A two-time McGill University scholarship

recipient, she studied there with Jan Yarczyk, Rémi

Bolduc, André White and internationally renowned

pianist Jean-Michel Pilc, who accompanied her during

her two-year master’s degree. Michaud-Gagnon has

been active on the Canadian jazz scene for several

years. She has performed with many acclaimed

musicians such as Jim Doxas, Adrian Vedady, Yannick

Rieu, André White, Dave Laing and John Hollenbeck.

CBC Music ranked Eternal Cycle, her first original music

album recorded with her main ensemble, the Gentiane

MG Trio, with bassist Levi Dover and drummer Louis-

Vincent Hamel, among the top 10 jazz recordings in

Canada in 2017. After the release of this CD, Gentiane

performed with her trio at the Festival international de

Jazz de Montréal, the OFF Festival de Jazz de Montréal,

where she won the François-Marcaurelle prize from the

Guilde des musiciens du Québec, the Festival de Jazz

de Rimouski and the Festival international de Jazz UV

(Mexico). She has also played in many jazz clubs such

as the Upstairs Jazz Bar & Grill (Montreal), Dièse Onze

(Montreal), Emmet Rey (Toronto), Zinco Jazz Club

(Mexico City), Casa Franca (Mexico City) and Saint-

Angèle (Quebec City). Her trio released their second

album, Wonderland, in May 2019 and went on tour

through Canada in the fall of 2019.

OTHER OFFERINGS

school programming, French programming, and workshops or masterclasses on trio playing and improvising

gentianemg.com

60 - 90 minutes

general availability

TOURING AVAILABILITY:

$2500 $2500 $2000 $2000

PERFORMANCE FEES:

1 Show:

2-3 Shows:

4-7 Shows:

8 Shows:

QC

All artists

GIRLS NITE OUTPerformers: Jennine Profeta, Elvira Kurt, Diana Frances & Karen Parker Musical Director: Kevin Baker

Girls Nite Out is an all funny, all female

troupe featuring some of Canada’s top

stand-ups and comedy improvisers.

Individually they have won Canadian

Comedy Awards, Canadian Screen

Awards, performed on Second City

stages around the world and been

featured on TV (NBC, CBC, The

Comedy Network, HBO) & radio

(CBC). Collectively they have been

performing for 10+ years, wowing ‘em

in Ontario everywhere from Toronto

to the Niagara Region to northern

communities. In 2018 they had the

pleasure of treading the floorboards

in Fredericton, Saint John, New

Brunswick and Annapolis Royal, N.S.

and now they want to do it AGAIN!!!

“Funny, smart and energetic. This show was everything I like in my comedy.” - Norm Foster

OTHER OFFERINGS

the troupe is happy to teach improv workshops to adults and young people while on tour

45 - 120 minutes

general availability after March 2021

TOURING AVAILABILITY:

$3500 $3000 $2500 $2500

PERFORMANCE FEES:

1 Show:

2-3 Shows:

4-7 Shows:

8 Shows:

ON

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All artists

HAULERColin Grant: Fiddle

Steven MacDougall: vocals, guitar

Mike Lelievre: Guitar

Seamlessly blending and bending roots, rock,

and traditional Cape Breton Celtic music

together into a hearty homemade soup that

can dynamically have you hanging off every

lyric - or knock you flat on your arse - Cape

Breton’s contemporary Celtic trio Hauler has

been simmering on the stove and are now

ready to serve themselves up with the release

of their upcoming debut album. Familiar faces

from saltwater funk trio Slowcoaster Steve

MacDougall and Mike Lelievre have been

sharing stages since long before they had

any to play on, bringing hard-hitting pop-

rock to the masses between Cheticamp and

China for almost 20 years, and this represents

a timely and natural return to their acoustic

roots. Teaming up with fiddler Colin Grant,

Instrumental Artist of the Year at the 2017

Canadian Folk Music Awards and a versatile

musician who bounces between genres

like a token fiddler should, the trio weaves

traditional Irish and Scottish ballads, indie folk

originals, and traditional and contemporary

tune instrumentals with a modern acoustic

approach that proves Cape Breton music can

reassuringly re-invent itself.

OTHER OFFERINGS

workshops, masterclasses, French programming

haulermusic.com

45 - 90 minutes

$1500 $1250 $1250 $1000

PERFORMANCE FEES:

1 Show:

2-3 Shows:

4-7 Shows:

8 Shows:

NB

more video

All artists

JAMES MULLINGERJames Mullinger was one of the UK’s top comedians

and Comedy Editor for GQ magazine when he moved

to Canada six years ago in February 2014. Since his

arrival, he has taken the country by storm. Sold out

shows across the country, appearances on CBC’s The

Debaters, movies, TV shows, festivals, awards, stand-

up specials he’s done it all. An award-winning writer,

comedian and filmmaker, he spent 15 years in a senior

position at British GQ, interviewing everyone from

Jerry Seinfeld and Paul Rudd to Rachel Weisz and

Scarlett Johansson and launching the magazine’s

digital division. In April 2016 and 2018, James sold

out Harbour Station Arena in New Brunswick with

his uniquely hilarious stand-up show, outselling Jerry

Seinfeld, Jeff Dunham and Guns N’ Roses when they

played the same venue.

An award-winning CBC documentary about the

show titled City On Fire was aired nationally to rave

reviews. His latest stand-up special, Almost Canadian,

shot straight to #1 on the iTunes charts and was

nominated for a Canadian Comedy Award for Best

Taped Live Performance. It is available to watch

internationally on Amazon Prime Video. In June 2017

he launched Atlantic Canada’s first-ever international

magazine, [EDIT] — an award-winning premium

media brand devoted to celebrating business leaders

and creatives doing the unexpected while expanding

Canada’s global reach. James has also raised more

than half a million dollars for charities internationally.

He is a much sought-after, corporate clean comedian

and keynote speaker internationally on the subjects

of marketing, media and uplifting positivity

celebrating life, work and play in Canada.

OTHER OFFERINGS

Christmas shows, lectures

jamesmullinger.com

60 – 100 minutes

Generally James performs up to 250 shows/year.

TOURING AVAILABILITY:

$3000 $2500 $2000 $1500

PERFORMANCE FEES:

1 Show:

2-3 Shows:

4-7 Shows:

8 Shows:

NB

more video

All artists

LE GROS ORTEILHippolyte: performer; Acrobatic theater,

clown, beat box and circus-requires a 12

feet Chinese pole (autonomous structure)

Paul-Emile Dumoulin has been working at

his town’s library for 25 years. He’s serious

and nervous, also proud and sometimes so

clumsy. Bookshelves must be impeccable,

each book in its place. But pay attention,

because when Paul-Emile Dumoulin begins

to read, he enters completely in the story

and a taste for adventure shows him in

another light. He embodies the book’s

characters for them to become suddenly

very alive and expressing themselves with

acrobatics, acrobalance, juggling, break

dance and beat box. A HILARIOUS SHOW

THAT WILL MAKE YOU READ!

ARTIST BIO

Advocating improvisation as a starting point to bring a show to life, Le Gros Orteil create high quality

shows for young people, combining clowning, theatre and circus. With a focus on truthful emotions and

audience interaction, the artists embark on a journey made out of stories, emotions and personal thoughts

giving space for the imagination to flourish, with themes related to travelling and dreaming. Though

not necessarily the main objective, a pedagogical focus is always present in their productions and the

educational message gets incorporated subtly into the art, without taking away its essence.

OTHER OFFERINGS

workshops, school programming. Study guide for schools to prepare children and inspire them with some creative activities based on what they will see in the show found here: bit.ly/3mzUGTJ

legrosorteil.com

20 - 50 minutes

TBD

TOURING AVAILABILITY:

$1750 $1500 $1500 $1500

PERFORMANCE FEES:

1 Show:

2-3 Shows:

4-7 Shows:

8 Shows:

QC

more video

All artists

LEELA GILDAY BANDLeela Gilday: voice, acoustic guitar, bandleader Billie Zizi: electric guitar, support vocals MJ Dandeneau: Bass, support vocals Tony Raybould: drums, support vocals

A passionate singer/songwriter and soulful performer, Leela Gilday has a voice that comes straight from the heart. Confessing her stories to her audiences with a gutsy voice and open stage presence, Gilday weaves her experiences as a northerner, a member of the Dene nation, and a traveler into a beautiful world that transports the listener. If you are from the North, Leela’s music is home. If you’ve never been, it will take you there. Born and raised in the Northwest Territories, she writes about the people and the land that created her. The power in her voice conveys the depth of her feelings of love and life in a rugged environment and vibrant culture, as if it comes straight from that earth.

Leela’s family is from Dél ne on the shore of Great Bear Lake and her rich vocals dance across the rhythmic beats of traditional Dene drumming as smoothly as a bass line onstage the largest venues in the country. And she has played them all; touring festivals and concert halls with her four-piece band through every province and territory in Canada as well as in cities throughout the U.S., Greenland, Australia, New Zealand and Europe. Her live shows are where she connects with fans new and old. Leela believes music has an inexplicable effect on people. It is a place where she can share light and dark and the most vulnerable moments, with a clarity and genuine purpose that reassures her listeners through every word. She is a storyteller, and through this, reflects the world onto itself.

OTHER OFFERINGS

Leela is happy to present songwriting/vocal empowerment workshops of between 1-2 hours for youth, and with a particular focus on First Nations youth.

leelagilday.com

90-120 minutes

TBD

TOURING AVAILABILITY:

$7500 $3500 $1750 $1750

PERFORMANCE FEES:

1 Show:

2-3 Shows:

4-7 Shows:

8 Shows:

NWT

more video

All artists

LENNIE GALLANT FT. THE FRETLESSThough both Lennie Gallant and The Fretless have

performed countless venues, festivals and events

throughout their careers, this would mark the first

time they present a curated show together, featuring

both Lennie’s revered stories & songs, and The

Fretless’ beautifully haunting melodies. They recently

collaborated in the production and recording of tracks

for Lennie’s latest album and have been excited as the

prospect of performing together on stage ever since.

Lennie Gallant weaves stories and tells them with

finesse and strong emotion. He has been awarded an

Order of Canada designation, as well as an induction

into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame. His most

recent release ‘Time Travel’ was named one of the Top

10 albums of 2018 by Penguin Eggs Magazine.

The Fretless is a new approach to folk music that is

quickly gaining high acclaim around the world. Taking

string music to fascinating places, they transform tunes

and folk melodies into intricate, beautiful arrangements.

Together, their sound is beautifully haunting, and a

unique and memorable experience for audiences.

Lennie Gallant - Lead Artist (Singer \ Guitar)

Eric Wright - Strings (The Fretless)

Trent Freeman - Strings (The Fretless)

Ben Plotnick - Strings (The Fretless)

Karrnnel Sawitsky - Strings (The Fretless)

Patricia Richard - Backup Vocals & Instrumentation

Jeremy Gallant - Backup Vocals & Piano

Chris Knox - Technical Director & Stage Manager

OTHER OFFERINGS

GALLANT: songwriting

workshops \ collaborative

songwriting, high school

performances

FRETLESS: dance, movement and

rhythm school workshops, fiddle

& string masterclasses

lenniegallant.com

60-120 minutes

General availability 2021-2022

TOURING AVAILABILITY:

$6500 $6000 $5500 $5500

PERFORMANCE FEES:

1 Show:

2-3 Shows:

4-7 Shows:

8 Shows:

PEI & ON

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thefretless.com

MICHAEL HARRISON Michael Harrison is an extraordinarily talented

ventriloquist, comedian and master showman

who has combined his many talents to create

his new show; Ventastic – Reimagining the Art

of Ventriloquism, a laugh out loud, one man (and

many puppets) tour de force.

Michael continues the tradition of professional

ventriloquism that began in his family over 75 years

ago by his great grandfather, Frank Merryfield.

Michael was inspired to carry on and transform

the unique art of ventriloquism into something

fresh and new, with routines and characters

that introduce ventriloquism to a whole new

generation. “Ventastic - Reimagining the Art of

Ventriloquism” is the culmination of 30 years

as a professional touring artist in the field of

ventriloquism. Audiences will see ventriloquism

turned upside down with original routines and a

cast of characters which can only be described as

one of kind.

Side splitting comedy for

all ages. It’s vaudeville

ventriloquism for a new

millennium.

OTHER OFFERINGS

workshops

funnyguy.ca

60 minutes

General availability 2021-2022

TOURING AVAILABILITY:

$7500 $6000 $5000 $4500

PERFORMANCE FEES:

1 Show:

2-3 Shows:

4-7 Shows:

8 Shows:

BC

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OKANElizabeth Rodrigue (co-leader) – violin, vocals Magdelys Savigne (co-leader) – percussion, vocals Roberto Riveron – electric bass Miguel de Armas – piano Frank Martinez - drums

Taking its name from the word for heart or soul in the Afro-Cuban

religion of Santeria, OKAN fuses Afro-Cuban and other global

rhythms with jazz, folk and classical forms. Embracing genres and

roles that have historically been dominated by men, co-leaders,

composers and multi-instrumentalists Elizabeth Rodriguez and

Magdelys Savigne bring a fresh perspective to Latin and world jazz

fusion through their powerful vocals, incredible musicianship and

potent lyrical content.

Born in Havana, Cuba, Elizabeth Rodriguez is a classically trained

violinist who served as concertmaster for Havana’s Youth Orchestra.

Magdelys Savigne hails from Santiago de Cuba and graduated with

honours in orchestral percussion from Havana’s University of the

Arts. They have won Independent Music Awards in the Jazz & World

Music Categories and the Rising Star Stingray Award. Both are also

JUNO-nominees for their work with Battle of Santiago and Grammy-

nominees and JUNO winners for their contributions to Jane Bunnett

and Maqueque of which they are former members.

Living and collaborating in the intensely multicultural city of Toronto

has enriched OKAN’s compositions with influences from Brazil, Spain

and New Orleans. Having performed at the Beaches, Toronto and

Markham Jazz Festivals as well as Harbourfront, Lulaworld Kultrun

and the National Arts Centre, OKAN will tour Canada and the U.S. in

2019/20.

Backed by some of Canada’s finest jazz and Latin players such as

Miguel de Armas, Roberto Riveron, Frank Martinez, Bill King, Danae

Olano, Jeremy Ledbetter and with ample experience on both large

and intimate stages, OKAN usually performs as a Quintet.

OTHER OFFERINGS

residencies, workshops, masterclasses, school programming, Spanish-language programs, lectures

OKAN is very interested in performing for young people and seeks to inspire younger girls specifically who

may not think being a professional musician, composer and band leader is an option for them. OKAN has

developed a workshop that examines traditional forms of Cuban percussion through the exploration of

rhythms found in the band’s original compositions. Participants learn the basic rhythms through clapping,

drumming & movement.

okanmusica.com

60-120 minutes

General availability 2021-2022

TOURING AVAILABILITY:

$4500 $3500 $3000 $3000

PERFORMANCE FEES:

1 Show:

2-3 Shows:

4-7 Shows:

8 Shows:

ON

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ROLAND GRANTHailing from Hants County, NS, Roland’s music reflects

his passion for genre-bending latin-infused melodies

tinged with rock and classical influences. His shows

feature a mix of instrumentals and guest vocals that

rock the house - “think Santana only faster”.

Roland’s powerful guitar skills, confident stage presence,

engaging audience appeal and his ability to present a

captivating evening of fast-paced rhythms allow him

to connect easily with a broad demographic. Roland

writes and performs his own music but also interprets

covers with his own, unique style. His show is well-

suited for theatre venues and festivals. This past fall,

he had the audience transfixed, drawing a standing

ovation at his headlining show at O’Regan Hall, Halifax,

surprising attendees with the level of professionalism

and showmanship.

Roland’s debut album Equilibrium (2018) is best

described as Latin/nuevo flamenco meets rock and

classical crossover. As an orchestral composer, Roland’s

Concerto for Guitar and Orchestra premiered in 2019

with the composer as soloist. Other premieres include

works for symphony orchestra, chamber music, and

accompaniments to ballet and film. Roland was

awarded the prize for Best Tonal Music at the 2017

International Antonín Dvořák Composition Competition

held in Prague, Czech Republic, of which he has been a

two-time finalist.

Roland officially endorses Godin Guitars.

OTHER OFFERINGS

residencies, workshops, masterclasses, school programming, lectures

rolandgrant.com

45 - 90 minutes

General availability 2021-2022

TOURING AVAILABILITY:

$3000 $2500 $2500 $2000

PERFORMANCE FEES:

1 Show:

2-3 Shows:

4-7 Shows:

8 Shows:

NS

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RUBE & RAKEAndrew Laite - Vocals, guitar

Joshua Sandu - Vocals, guitar, banjo

Following Rube & Rake’s award-winning 2017 debut Back and Forth, the St. John’s- based duo of Joshua Sandu and Andrew Laite wanted to keep the core of that album’s artistic successes—musical and collaborative harmony, folk storytelling—while recognizing audience expectations have intensified.

For their sophomore album Leaving With Nothing, Sandu and Laite enlisted producer Adam Hogan, best known for his anthemic guitar work as a member of Newfoundland’s most beloved indie-rock outfit, Hey Rosetta!. Recording in bits in houses around St. John’s, Rube & Rake (& Adam) worked to expand the band’s sound to include more instrumentation, pleasingly surprising time changes, and an overall expansion of intention.

“We knew that this grouping of songs deserved a different treatment and wanted to introduce somebody with different instincts and tendencies,” says Laite. “We were confident that Adam would shed the right light on these songs while also maintaining our methodology.” “He’s a very engaged person,” adds Sandu, “who had a lot of thoughts on every aspect of the recording process.”

Sandu and Laite have always maximized the duo configuration—even singing together at a single condenser microphone, allowing for space and patience within the songs—but this is the first time they’ve consciously pushed outside it, to fill in that air with new tones and textures in the form of a full band. The resulting record evokes Blue Rodeo at its most rollicking, Great Lake Swimmers at their most thoughtful, and The Tallest Man On Earth at their most gently contemplative.

The best distillation of all these themes, music and expectation and place, comes at the album’s midpoint, in the five-minute “10-33”—CB radio code for “mayday”—where Rube & Rake reveal themselves to be ready for anything. “This ain’t a common road, but you already know,” sings Sandu, “I will be leaving with nothing, a-dead-head I will go.”

rubeandrake.com

60 - 90 minutes

General availability 2021-2022

TOURING AVAILABILITY:

$2000 $1750 $1500 $1000

PERFORMANCE FEES:

1 Show:

2-3 Shows:

4-7 Shows:

8 Shows:

NL

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SAHARA JANESahara Jane – performer, songwriter, leader (voice, guitar, sarangi) Ken Shorley – performer, manager (percussion, tabla, electronics)

Sahara Jane is a versatile musician who has graced stages from Beijing to Bombay, from the Fundy shore to the south of France. She is a songwriter and performer from Nova Scotia with an onstage presence which audiences find both disarming and spellbinding. Learning in India for over a decade, Sahara has returned to Canadian stages with her long-time musical collaborator (and now husband!), Ken Shorley, and the new album, Between Worlds.

Along with guitar, she plays the sarangi, a haunting string instrument that was once popular in South Asia, but is now played by few. Sahara and Ken have played in festivals across Canada, including Deep Roots Music Festival, Sunfest, Mosaiq Multicultural Festival, Halifax Jazz Festival, St John’s Folk Festival, and Lunenburg Folk Harbour Festival.

Sahara describes their sound, and the intention behind it, as genre fluid. Indian and Persian influences sit comfortably alongside downtempo beats, jazz and folk.

OTHER OFFERINGS

workshops in world percussion, and both Eastern and Western vocal techniques.

saharajane.com

45 - 90 minutes

General availability 2021-2022

TOURING AVAILABILITY:

$1250 $1250 $1000 $1000

PERFORMANCE FEES:

1 Show:

2-3 Shows:

4-7 Shows:

8 Shows:

NS

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STEPHANIE MORIN-ROBERT & ALASTAIR KNOWLES

Co-creators/Performers - Theatre, Physical Comedy, Dance / Community Outreach & Workshop Facilitators

Canadian Comedy Award-Winner Knowles and multi-award winning choreographer/comedian Morin-Robert combine their performance prowess in this sensational interdisciplinary roller-coaster.

Knowles’ clown practice, rooted in techniques developed by Canadian Clown pioneer Richard Pochinko, emphasizes the audience performer relationship. Morin-Robert’s work is informed by her academic training and professional work in contemporary dance and storytelling. Aesthetically stunning, and rich with meticulous physicality, Bushel and Peck is a tongue-in-cheek retrospective on love and the process of creating collaborative art. It emphasizes the importance of encouraging one another to step to the edge of one’s comfort zone in order to grow.

Stephanie Morin-Robert is a critically acclaimed Canadian multidisciplinary artist whose work has been celebrated by a wide range of audiences, critics and producers with sold out runs, raving 5-star reviews, and multiple awards for her introspective piece Blindside. She is known throughout the Canadian arts community for her vibrant spirit and talent to inspire. She establishes a trusting and safe environment with audiences by sharing her own experiences with bullying and how she worked through her own insecurities to come to terms with her disability.

Alastair Knowles is Co-Artistic Director of James & Jamesy the multi-award winning theatre company that merges elements of physical comedy, clown, and dance. Since 2012, James & Jamesy shows have sold over 60,000 tickets and been performed over 500 times across Canada, the US and the UK, having firmly claimed a place in the ranks of contemporary Canadian theatre. The through-line in Alastair’s work is his dedication to the creation and presentation of performance that emphasizes impulse, introspection, and performance honesty that strengthens the connections between performer, audience and community.

OTHER OFFERINGS

residencies, masterclasses, school programming, Christmas shows, French-language programs, lectures

and theatrical workshops focused on clown, physical comedy, and improvisation. Their workshops are

focused on helping participants overcome fears associated with performing by exploring the ridiculous in

themselves and learning new strategies to foster connection with an audience.

stephaniemorinrobert.com

70 minutes

General availability 2021-2022

TOURING AVAILABILITY:

$4000 $3500 $3000 $2500

PERFORMANCE FEES:

1 Show:

2-3 Shows:

4-7 Shows:

8 Shows:

BC

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SWEET ALIBIKnown for their soulful three-part harmonies, Western

Canadian Music Award Winners Sweet Alibi, have shared

their folk roots-pop infused music with listeners across

North America and Europe since 2009. They are the

distinct and complementary voices of Jess Rae Ayre,

Amber Nielsen and Michelle Anderson, joined by Alasdair

Dunlop on bass and Jon Smith on drums. Their music

has garnered national accolades and awards, has been

featured on MTV U.S., CMT, and received major radio play

on college/community and satellite radio, with several

songs in the top 20 of CBC Radio 2’s national charts.

Their most recent single, “Confetti”, released in the fall

of 2019, charted on CBC Radio 2 Top twenty for 8 weeks.

The band is currently working on completing their fourth

studio album with producers Matt Peters and Matt

Schellenberg of Royal Canoe (Begonia). The album is set

to be a melodic experience focused on hooky guitar lines

and layered beats, inspired by the likes of Alabama Shakes

and Bahamas. Sweet Alibi’s sound has been evolving

and refining through their past album releases, extensive

Canada wide and international touring, as well as a focused

effort to draw on the creative efforts of their favourite

influencers. Not yet titled, their next album is slated for

release in fall 2020.

Jess Rae Ayre: lead vocals, guitar and harmonica Amber Nielsen: acoustic guitar, percussion and lead vocals Michelle Anderson: electric guitar and banjo Alasdair Dunlop: bass Jon Smith: drums

The band generally tours as a 5 piece and is accompanied by their team, Allan Wells and Sarah Erickson.

OTHER OFFERINGS

residencies, workshops, masterclasses, school programming, care home concerts

Sweet Alibi is very comfortable working in a workshop environment, whether it be about songwriting techniques, or vocal workshops (harmonizing).

sweetalibi.com

45-90 minutes

General availability 2021-2022

TOURING AVAILABILITY:

$3500 $3000 $2500 $2000

PERFORMANCE FEES:

1 Show:

2-3 Shows:

4-7 Shows:

8 Shows:

MB

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TOM ALLEN AND FRIENDSTom Allen started playing trombone in high school, spent

six years at three universities, got two degrees and moved

to New York City. He played a couple of gigs he still brags

about, but back home his brass quintet was playing in

places where the snow was clean and the concert hall was

downstairs from the bowling alley, so he moved to Toronto

and eventually found work at the CBC. Now he’s an author,

storyteller, trombonist, host of Shift on CBC Music and

the creator, with Lori Gemmell, of a series of shows that

combine storytelling, classical music, history, mythology

and popular song. These shows include Bohemians in Brooklyn, From Weimar to Vaudeville, The Judgment of Paris, Exosphere, Being Lost and The Missing Pages – The Story of the Canadian who met Beethoven.

Lori Gemmell started as a street-corner busker in Montreal.

She is now Principal Harpist with the Kitchener-Waterloo

Symphony, has toured Europe and Japan with the Nouvelle

Ensemble Moderne, and teaches at Wilfred Laurier

University. She plays regularly with the Toronto Symphony,

Canadian Opera Company and National Ballet orchestras.

She is a member of the Four Seasons Harp Quartette. Her

most recent recording is Canadian Music for Harp. She has

also recorded as a soloist on Prelude, with Jennifer Swartz

on their harp duo recording The Garden of Peacocks, with

Trumpeter Larry Larson

on Divertissement and

with songwriters Kevin Fox

and Feist.

Lori Gemmell – harp, guitar, vocals

Patricia O’Callaghan – voice, percussion

Bryce Kulak – voice, piano, composer

Tom Allen – narration, trombone, writer, leader

OTHER OFFERINGS

The combined skills & experience of these four artists could be described as a travelling academy. On offer are: residencies, workshops and masterclasses in the combined areas of piano, voice, harp, trumpet, trombone and guitar as well as music history, songwriting, musical theatre, broadcasting, acting and book publishing. Also, school and care home concerts, and French-language programs.

tomtomallen.com

90 minutes

General availability 2021-2022

TOURING AVAILABILITY:

$4500 $3500 $3000 $3000

PERFORMANCE FEES:

1 Show:

2-3 Shows:

4-7 Shows:

8 Shows:

ON

All artists

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