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Reunion 2010 Artist Profiles

Rich Aucoin
Halifax's Rich Aucoin writes music with emphasis on the feelings and happiness that it creates. His second album, Public Publication, is an anthemic pop record. The end result is sweat drenched party music full of singing, playing and dancing.
www.myspace.com/richaucoin

Jake Langley
The Jake Langley Trio featuring Dan Thouin (Organ) and John Fraboni (Drums) are touring Canada this summer to support their new CD "Here and Now" Jazz guitarist. Jake Langley has emerged as one his generation's great young talents on the instrument. The Ottawa-raised, New York-based musician held the guitar chair with the illustrious Joey Defrancesco Trio for five years, performing worldwide. His trio stays true to "Soul Jazz" roots while still exploring modern musical territory.
www.jakelangley.com

Tara Oram
In the trailer for Tara Oram's CMT television show The Tara Diaries she humbly tells viewers "I finished sixth on Canadian Idol and then… nothing happened." She may have to go back and change that soon because something very definitely is happening for the Hare Bay, Newfoundland native. Her debut album, Chasing The Sun earned her the 2009 ECMA for Country Recording of the Year and the 2009 CCMA Rising Star award.
www.taraoram.com/

Aaron Pritchett
British Columbia's Aaron Pritchett is one of the top country music stars in Canada with hits such as Hold My Beer, New Frontier, Big Wheel, Hellbent for Buffalo and his smash hit Let's Get Rowdy. His latest and fourth album Thankful was a 2009 Juno finalist for Country Recording of the Year.
http://aaron-pritchett.com/

Sylvio Pupo
Born in Cuba in 1971, Silvio Pupo studied classical piano for more than 12 years at the Profecional School of Music in Holguin, Cuba with Isir Almaguer, Cecilio Gomes, Armando Leyva and Ramon Valles.  Valles introduced him to jazz, which became one of his favorite styles. From Cuba, Pupo came to Canada where he has continued to be blessed with impressive stage mates, such as Jane Bunnett and Michael Kaeshammer, and with two jalbums of the year from the East Coast Music Association - "Havanafax" with Jeff Goodspeed and Chicoy and "Piano Trios" with Tom Roach and Jamie Gatty.
www.myspace.com/pianoazul

Radio Radio
With their killer songs and crazy videos, the Moncton-raised hip hop trio Radio Radio are making their mark on the Canadian music scene. Finalists for hip hop album of the year at the 2009 ADISQ Gala and proud winner of the Acadie/Rideau award in 2008, Radio Radio's latest album, Belmundo Regal, is filled with catchy melodies, original expressions and a truly unique sound.
www.laradioradio.com/

Stereos
If you have a TV, you know Stereos like "Summer Girls" and the summer girls like them in return. The Edmonton natives were the first group to break through on the MuchMusic reality show disBand, besting 700 rivals. They followed up that success by taking "Summer Girls" to #1 on iTunes and certified platinum. They were finalists for New Group of the Year at the 2009 Junos.
http://www.wearestereos.com/

Wintersleep
It took less than a year for Halifax quartet Wintersleep to morph from experimental side project into one of the Atlantic region's biggest draws, driven by the breakout single "Weighty Ghost", which earned the guys a 2008 MuchMusic Video Award and the 2008 Juno for New Group of the Year. The bands latest album, New Inheritors, was released in May 2010.
http://www.wintersleep.com/ 

Saint John Performers

Debbie Adshade
Saint John's Debbie Adshade has been described as an artist of imagery, compassion and beauty. Voice soaring, her stage is a dramatic and soulful setting. She has experienced an eclectic blend of genres and stylings as a songwriter, but most importantly as a vocalist. She has recently found creative freedom in the use of improvised melody lines and her latest compositions have developed interesting jazz/blues flavors.
www.debbieadshade.com

Kelly An
This Saint John teen is set to impress. Pianist Kelly An took home first prize in the intermediate competition at the 74th annual New Brunswick Competitive Festival of Music, held in April/May 2010, courtesy of a spirited version of the first movement of Mozart's Sonata in G Major. Kelly studies with Roger Lord of the Université de Moncton and can be heard and seen performing at venues around Saint John. Photo courtesy of The Telegraph Journal.

Mike Biggar
Saint John's Mike Biggar presents a blend of heartfelt lyrics with powerful vocals and bigger than life stage presence, all to create a memorable, standout live performance experience. His Roots Rock melodies are flavored with hints of blues and R&B, all soulfully laced around honest lyrics about life, struggle, love, and faith. Thoughtful songwriting is punctuated with humor and unforgettable 'in the moment' on-stage antics.

Clinton Charlton and The Formers
Saint John singer-songwriter Clinton Charlton is an artist on the fast climb. His most recent release Parade not only topped the campus charts but also earned him several Saint John Music Awards. This success is what led Clinton to be approached with the honor of penning Saint John's 225-anniversary theme song, A Place To Play My Song. Live, Charlton along with band mates The Formers perform an engaging set of honest well-crafted songs with spirit and passion that is all their own.

Kevin Chase
For the past 10 years, Saint John native Kevin Chase has traveled Canada, performed at many prestigious festivals and clubs, made national TV appearances, released two critically acclaimed albums, received ECMA nominations and had 2 Top 40 hits. This July, Kevin is releasing the much-anticipated album "Round 3". The 14 tracks keep the listener on the edge of their seat, while no less than 4 singles have great international crossover potential.

December Fallout
The four lads of December Fallout are carving their place on the local scene with their own take on pop/rock with a little bit of punk and hardcore. Using melodic/catchy lyrics, crunchy guitar riffs, chest-pounding drums, knee bending breakdowns and an unforgettable energetic live performance, December Fallout has found a sound to call home. DFO puts this on display with their first release of their EP "We Make Promises We Can Keep".
http://www.myspace.com/decemberfalloutsj

Dann Downes
Dann Downes has been called "spooky cool". A sought-after accompanist, Downes has played guitar, banjo, and mandolin with Jay Semko, Matt Anderson, Babette Hayward, and Brent Mason as well as the Shaggy Dogs and duo Heckman Downes. He has also done extensive touring and has played such events as the Acoustic Music Festival, Salty Jam and the Harvest Jazz and Blues Festival. An evening with Dann Downes offers a potent stew of "moody, contemporary mountain music." 

Chris Fudge
Under moniker Edge On Spiral, Chris Fudge writes and records songs of great emotion with sweet little hooks. A resident of Hampton, NB, Chris is an active part of the Saint John independent music scene, having been a member of The Butterfly Effect and currently one of The Formers. Chris owns and operates his own recording studio.

Girls Would Kill
Girls Would Kill is crushing dance production, loud guitars and soaring vocals. The trio, made up of Mary Ferguson, Add Higga & Joe Hooley are hard at work on their upcoming full length, releasing tracks online, and filling dance floors. Stay up to date with the band on your favourite social network(s)!
www.myspace.com/girlswouldkill 

Babette Hayward
Saint John's Babette Hayward is making her mark on the East Coast music scene. She began writing music in the early months of 2008 and recorded and released her debut EP in December 2009. She often appears with local multi-talented duo 'Heckman and Downes' at venues around town.
www.myspace.com/babettehayward

Grant Heckman
Grant Heckman is a musician, composer, and writer. He has recorded eight CDs and has produced a number of recordings including the Juno-nominated Rites of Passage by Georgette Fry.  He is the co-author, with Jim Garrard, of the Dora-nominated musical Sir John, Eh. Grant  is currently performing with The Honeyboys blues band and Heckman Downes.

Wes Jagoe
Wes Jagoe is an acoustic finger style guitarist. His music ranges from heavy and driving to light and exquisite. His lyrics take you on a journey of emotion; the profound bounds of love and familiarity and the more humorous aspects of life. His music is also an outcry of rage against presumption and conformity and a tribute to the defenseless. Wes performs with a unique energy that is not soon forgotten.
www.myspace.com/wesjagoe

Jen Jewett
Jen Jewett is a singer/songwriter based in Saint John and brought up on nearby Darlings Island. Combining whimsical folk melodies and spare, honest vocals, Jen has played shows ranging from street jams to intimate concerts alongside Ontario blues-folk artist Tiiu. Her debut EP Run was released in 2009.
www.myspace.com/jenjewett

Phil Kennedy
Phil Kennedy writes and performs all of his own material and believes 'what comes from the heart, goes to the heart' - that's where music begins. Having the luxury of being a multi-instrumentalist allows Phil to arrange, play, record and produce his own music as well as others in his home studio. With his new CD 'What I am' now released and new single 'She's Only Happy When You're Crying' finding support on radio, 2010 is shaping up to be a great year in the musical world of Phil Kennedy.

Richard Kidd
Richard Kidd has composed extensively for choir, voice, chamber groups and orchestra.  His choral piece, "Wind Song," was selected in Japan in 2000 as one of the greatest 100 choral works of the Millenium.  Richard teaches music at Rothesay Netherwood School and is the director of music at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. He is currently completing work on his Marco Polo musical collaboration with playwright Mark Blagrave to be performed by the Saint John Theatre Company and the New Brunswick Youth Orchestra in October 2010 at Harbour Station. 

Kindred Brothers
The gifted creative team of Saint John brothers Dave and Peter Kindred present an eclectic repertoire in the true spirit of jazz. Dave wows audiences with technique and speed and complicated vocals, but mostly he pleases and never the same way twice. Peter is the upright member of the group - if you're talking bass. He plays jazz standards and writes and produces some original urban jazz music. Peter teaches electric bass, guitar, and upright bass and is president of Kindred Sound Productions Inc.

Manoli and the Sacred Hearts
For over two decades Manoli Koumbias has brought a fresh sound to the Saint John music scene from his first band Zoo through Mohair Sam, The Addiction Seeks and the Southend Philosophers. In 2007 he teamed up with Todd Veinotte to form Manoli and the Sacred Hearts, a band with a soulful R&B sound and a rockin' stage presence that won't let you sit still.
www.myspace.com/manolikoumbias

Benjamin Marmen
Benjamin Marmen just finished high school and he's already a star. The Saint John High School graduate and cellist was awarded the Founder's Trophy and named star of the 74th annual New Brunswick Competitive Festival of Music in May 2010 after performing his own composition, The Clearing, and interpreting the work of Spanish composer Pablo De Sarasate. Already an experienced performer, Ben is a member of Symphony New Brunswick and is also a regular performer with the Early Music Studio under the direction of Tim Blackmore. He will continue his studies at Dalhousie University this fall. Photo courtesy of The Telegraph Journal.

Brent Mason
Brent Mason has been a fixture on the NB music scene since 1992. He has produced seven albums of original music, been nominated for ECMA Roots Artist of the Year, been given the Stompin' Tom Award, toured the UK, Canada, the United States and continues to perform on tour, TV and in schools. Brent's music is a unique combination of lyricism, storytelling, social observation and humour.
www.myspace.com/brentmasonmusic

Owen McCausland
Music has always been a part of Owen McCausland's world. The Saint John native began violin and piano lessons at the age of five, took up the bassoon when he was 12 and earned a chair with the New Brunswick Youth Orchestra. But it is with his voice that Owen is pursuing a music career. A multi-year winner at the New Brunswick Competitive Festival of Music, Owen has been a member of numerous city choirs and is entering his third year of studies at Dalhousie University.

Shanklin Road
Shanklin Road is the all-female country trio of sisters Dawn Ellis and Joyce Miller and good friend Lisa Bennett. The girls have accumulated many accolades over the years and they've shared the stage with the Lynn Morris Band, The Nashville Bluegrass Band, Rhonda Vincent, Jason McCoy and Gordie Sampson, to name a few. These girls are firm believers that every stage should be treated as a kitchen and every show a party. It's a must-see performance and a must-hear sound...It's Shanklin Road.
www.myspace.com/shanklinroadcountry