Jazz and Blues Bands
Sharon Musgrave
World class singer, Sharon Musgrave was born in England and raised in Canada after a detour to her parents homeland of Dominica. She returned to England to commence her music career, following a one year Broadcast Journalism course at Humber College, Toronto. Armed with confidence, her songs and a dream, she set out to find her niche in the British music industry. Through hard work, her determination eventually paid off. She toured Japan, Australia, Scandinavia, Africa, and Europe, promoting herself on stage, radio and television with various artists. She was asked by WEA in 1992 to record with jazz recording artist Julian Joseph. She sang the Curtis Mayfield track The Other Side of Town, as a single for his album, The Language of Truth. The video, often played on Bravo, opened doors for a TV commercial for Teacher's Whisky. Filmed in black and white, she played a blues singer in a 60s bar scene, singing "No Greater Love."
LMT Connection
Through the influences of R&.B, Rock, and Delta Blues, the LMT Connection have mastered the unique energy of Rock 'n Soul. Since 1989 they have established themselves as one of the hardest working bands in the country. Performing an average of 250 one-nighters a year, their popularity has been built on exciting showmanship and solid musical talents.
Jack de Keyzer
From concert halls to nightclubs, arenas to honky tonks, guitarist, singer & song writer, Jack de Keyzer has performed across America for the past 25 years. Equally adept at blues/rock/country and rock-a-billy styles the Canadian guitar icon, has released 3 CD’s to date. His latest, Juno Award nominated (Best Blues Album) and Maple Blues Award winning (Best Blues Recording) Down in the Groove is a rocking and bluesy collection of soulful originals.
Avalon String Trio
Avalon String Trio is a unique musical outfit that features violinist Jenn Tufgar, guitarist Stephen Parton and 'cellist Trina Nadeau. The three players are also available in different combinations as a duo, ie: guitar and 'cello, 'cello and violin, etc. A guitar and flute duo is also available.
Their repertoire includes works from the Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, Romantic and Contemporary eras. The performances also highlight various traditional and Celtic pieces, as well as some original compositions. In the absence of well-known classical pieces composed specifically for guitar, 'cello and violin (save for a few pieces by Paginini), their arrangements have stemmed from symphonies, string quartets, harpsichord and piano pieces, as well as 'cello
sonatas and solo guitar pieces.
Avalon String Ensemble is based out of Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
Vickie van Dyke
Vickie van Dyke (vocals) was singing before she was talking (according to her mother). These days some people like her talking better than her singing. Then again, some people like her cooking better than her talking and her singing. There are those who like her ... oh, nevermind. She has written and recorded many of her own compositions, which received airplay across Canada back when dinosaurs still roamed the earth, but her number one love is performing live. Vickie says "I sing whatever I want as long as I can put a jazzy spin on it. Except for when I'm in the mood for metal." She also maintains that making music has to be fun. "It's more important to me that my players are fun people who are cool to hang out with. The fact that they are all incredibly talented is a bonus. Of course, once they become big stars they leave me, but I'm okay with that. Really. No, honest. It's fine."
Since turning to a career in radio, Vickie has also hosted her own television show and found time to write for television, radio and newspaper. Currently the midday host at Smooth Jazz WAVE 94.7 (Hamilton), Vickie was named the first ever Broadcaster Of The Year at the 2005 Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards. Her nutty off-the-cuff wit, confident stage presence, versatile voice and eclectic repertoire combine to create an unforgettably entertaining evening.
Paul James Band
Paul James is a Canadian cultural icon. A veteran entertainer, this player has seen all that this crazy music business has to offer. His talents as a guitarist, vocalist, band leader, stage acrobatic, and songwriter have allowed James to produce the music he loves for over three decades.
Paul James is a Juno winner (Canadian music industry award) in the Best Roots and Traditional Music category... not surprizing! And Paul has recieved two Toronto Music awards for Best Club Band and Best Blues Artist.
Jonathan Russell
Jonathan Spent 3 years in Music Theatre at Sheridan College. Since then, with the overwhelming support of family and friends, Russell's career exploded locally and is spreading across the country. The London Free Press says, "Singer/harp player Russell recalls ageless blues star Long John Baldry in his ability to play areas other than the blues".
Mark LaForme
MARK LaFORME was born and raised on the Mississauga's of the New Credit Reserve on November 6, 1954. By the age of eleven he had his first guitar and set out to learn and master the music he heard around the house, such as the family's Hank Williams and Ray Charles records, or the latest hits coming over the airwaves to the kitchen radio. It was this healthy dose of country, soul, rhythm & blues and pop that became the foundation of Mark LaForme's diverse styles, for when he sings and plays country, he sounds country; and when he rocks, he rocks with the best of them.
James Anthony
James Anthony has a unique style and grace, along with a feel for a wide-range of music, stemming from Rhythm & Blues to Country, which gives him a leading edge. But the One feature that James is most renowned for, is his captivating slide work. James is looked upon as being a guitarist’s guitarist. Guitar playing is what James Anthony does best, and that on its own, is what leaves his audience with the feeling of complete musical satisfaction.
Chris Murphy
CHRIS MURPHY (Saxophone,Hammond Organ and Vocals) is a blues musician and entertainer based in London Ontario. From 1992-1997 he was the leader and frontman with the Old Chicago Blues Band the house band at the Old Chicago Speakeasy and Grill in London On. The band performed three shows a night, five nights a week for more than five years. During that time the band released two CD's and performed with more than 50 guest vocalists. They were also featured on their own TV Show "Speakeasy Blues" for Rogers Cable TV they produced 10 half hour shows and 9 one hour shows.
Mannheim Virtuosi
Mannheim Virtuosi is a unique string ensemble that performs a vast array of musical styles including: Baroque, Classical, Contemporary, Pop, Rock, Jazz, Blues, Latin, Celtic, New Age, Seasonal, Ethnic for weddings, cocktail parties, banquets and much more! From a duo to a 10-piece ensemble, Mannheim Virtuosi also performs with harp, guitar, piano, voice, flute, trumpet, drums, percussion, etc.