2010 Performers

On the Mainstage

Back again by Popular demand - Kim Kuzma

Kim Kuzma is an award-winning, top ten Indie recording artist whose debut CD Contradictions received rave reviews from critics and fans alike and held the coveted No.1 spot on the HMV Vancouver Indie Sales Charts for seven and a half months.

Kim’s soaring vocal range and sassy stage presence laced with witty banter and comedic timing, has mesmerized audiences throughout Canada, Mexico, the US and Europe. She has shared the stage with such notables as Jennifer Holliday, Thelma Houston, Martha Wash, Harry Belafonte, Sandra Bernhard, Alan Cumming and Lea DeLaria. She’s graced such venues as The Palace of Fine Arts, Davies Symphony Hall (San Francisco), Pride stages throughout the US and Canada and was a featured performer at the opening ceremonies of 2006 Chicago Gay Games. The late Mister Marcus, respected reporter and critic from the Bay Area called Kim Kuzma, "An absolute hit with the audience", and encouraged his readers to, "Keep an eye on this name!" ." Dugg Simpson of the Vancouver Folk Festival says, "Kim is one of those rare people who seems to have been born for the stage. She brings to it a terrific energy, a great voice and a real respect and affection for the audience.”

Kim Kuzma has written music for film and co-penned a song for world reknown artist, Lara Fabian. Kim's latest studio album was released in the fall of 2005, titled Who You Are. She continues to build on her career collaborating with other artists and continuing to produce new music.
www.kimkuzma.com

Really Rod

Really Rod is a live, Rod Stewart, musical tribute act performed by Clay Owens and based in Vancouver British Columbia, Canada.

Profiling a musical genius the world has known and loved for over four (4) decades, Really Rod is a “rock your cotton socks off,” high energy fun based affair. Sing along with a wealth of Legendary Pop/Rock and Great American Songbook hits cranked out in fine Celtic fashion.

Vagabond Hearts adore and agree, Really Rod is the real deal. For complete Really Rod details visit the website at www.reallyrod.com

Shawn Hlookoff

Vancouver based Shawn Hlookoff is a rising star who strives to engage audiences each time he performs with a balance of powerful piano based songs and a charismatic stage presence. Shawn started singing at a young age and quickly began experimenting musically, becoming proficient on the guitar, piano, bass and trombone. His extensive catalogue of songs is sprinkled with
influences from some of the greats; Elton John, Coldplay, Marvin Gay, John Mayer and Radiohead to name a few.

For More Information Visit
Offical Website - http://www.hlookoff.com
Myspace - http://www.myspace.com/hlookoff
Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/shawnhlookoff
Twitter - http://twitter.com/hlookoff

Shawn Hlookoff Highlights:

• Opened for and performed with Sarah McLachlan, Feist, Jann Arden, Heart, Chilliwack, REO Speedwagon, Gin Blossoms, Wide Mouth Mason and April Wine.
• Written songs for several T.V. shows on ABC including, "She Could Be You" on Kyle XY, "Life in Faith" on Eli Stone, "Be Myself" on Greek and "Wonderful Surprise" on Samurai Girl.
• Performed in Times Square on ABC's Good Morning America Now.
• Featured as an "Artist to look out for in 2008" on respected industry A&R blogs, KOAR and Crazed Hits.
• Shawn’s song "Soldier" continues to be played each year at thousands of schools across Canada for Remembrance day ceremonies.
• Co-founded “Feed The Need”, an organization to help those in Need. It's first campaign was a food drive. Shawn performed at several high schools across British Columbia and collected food for the food banks at each stop.
• Worked with A-List producers Jeff Trott (Sheryl Crow, Beck, Liz Fair), Jeff Blue (Linkin Park, The last Goodnight, Macy Gray) and Ron Aniello (Lifehouse, Barenaked Ladies).
• 2006 PNE Star Discovery Winner (Grammy award winning artist Michael Buble is a past winner.)

Jessica Davidson

Jessica Davidson is a local artist, who has been performing in cafes and special events around the lower mainland for the past three years.

Jessica’s love of performing led her to the Olympic stage during the 2010 winter Olympics in Richmond. Jessica is presently working on her first CD.

She is 14 years old and a student of Point Grey high school.

Last year she won Kerrisdale Idol.

Kunaka Marimba

8 talented young artists ages 14 to 16, have been performing joyful marimba music at community events and celebrations from Britannia to Bowen Island, the WISE Hall to Whistler, and the Chan to the "Cultch". Their dynamic style and confident stage presence appeal to audiences of all ages and musical persuasions. Despite their youth, Kunaka play as though they "own" the music, a signature sound inspired by the Shona traditions of Zimbabwe and fused with contemporary rhythms. Mbira master Kurai Mubaiwa mentors Kunaka, sharing the beautiful marimba melodies of Southern Africa and encouraging the young musicians to contribute their own musical ideas to a repertoire that's sure to bring everyone's dancing shoes out of the closet! 
www.kunakamarimba.com
 

The Rogue Messengers

The Rogue Messengers offer a little bit of everything to appeal to a wide variety of audiences. With several years of diverse performing experience among them, these players offer an eclectic mix of pop, rock and folk grooves with an occasional ooze of blues and sprig of country just to keep things interesting.Guaranteed to deliver an entertaining set in any venue!

www.yaylaproductions.com

Laurel Murphy

Grab a cappuccino and ease into your afternoon with the smooth jazz stylings of Laurel Murphy and friends. Already established in Vancouver as an improvisational singer, looper and creator/producer of the SongRise Project, Laurel is also an accomplished interpreter of lovely, lyrical standards from the Great American Songbook.  With a sound that has been described as "warm and evocative" Laurel and her band of talented musicians bring a fresh perspective to jazz, latin and folk classics.

Featuring Daryl Jahnke, guitar, Jodi Proznick, bass and Elliot Polsky, drums. Laurel's new CD, FREEFALL, is due for release fall 2010. More info at www.laurelmurphy.com

~ and throughout the Festival site ...

In the Arts and Culture Zone, the sounds of Bob Liley throughout the day.

Since its formation in 2008, the Bob Liley Jazz Quintet (BLJQ) has been featured at various events in Vancouver, including a very well-received performance at Jazz Vespers, as well as a recent appearance on CBC's 'Hot Air' jazz program. Last summer we performed before 300 people at Mission's Fraser River Heritage Park. In addition, we performed at Davie Day, an outdoor festival, as well as at The Cellar, Vancouver's premier jazz club, where we will be performing once again on August 22nd. Following a successful performance during the Winter Olympic Torch relay on February 12, BLJQ will be performing during this year's Davie Day celebrations once again.

BLJQ features Jerry Cook on tenor sax, Norm Quinn on trumpet and flugelhorn, Roy Sluyter on piano, Mark Bender on bass, and Bob Liley on drums. The music the group plays reflects classic bebop music as performed by some of the leading musicians of the time. It is listenable, stimulating and groovy music that showcases the individual talents of the members of the Quintet while building on the inherent synergies across the group. Our obvious camaraderie, energy and enthusiasm are infectious, and help us to engage our audiences in the overall performance experience.