2011 Performer Bio’s (2012 performers coming soon)

2011 Summerfest Musical Vision

This year we’ve had loads of Parkland discussions…“what would you like to hear at Summerfest?” Results were mixed, but two basic opinions emerged: get the most famous band you can OR push the limit with an acclaimed band (maybe not as famous YET), but musically amazing. It would have been easy to book that “famous” band, one you can see for $50 at a casino, but we didn’t feel this was the way to go this year. Instead we’ve searched for bands that headline major festivals, but they may not be household names...YET! We also feel very strongly about promoting local, emerging artists. During the day on Saturday and Sunday, you will hear fantastic local talent who are working hard to make it in the industry. Please come out & support them – the way only Summerfesters can - and you will be blown away!

Bedouin Soundclash

Kingston is truly the home of reggae, however Kingston, Ontario, not Kingston, Jamaica, is home to this fabulous upbeat indie/pop/rock, dub, reggae band. Bedouin Soundclash will remind you of The Clash and The Police but infuse their own very modern edge. Having won a Juno in 2006 for New Group of the Year, and being nominated for 4 awards since, they are not to be missed. This energized trio will get you moving and you will not want to stop. They thrilled, and exhausted, the Calgary Folk Festival audience in 2006 and 2008, so prepare to dance!

Frazey Ford

Frazey has been touring North America and the UK with her band, The Quiet Revolution, in support of her debut solo album. As 1/3 of the Be Good Tanyas, her harmonies haunted the attics of our minds and accessed the vintage places in our hearts. Her solo sound pushes a soul-filled, gospel, R&B spirit into the mix, creating mellow grooves that melt the soul. The Financial Times (UK) suggests that, “as a lead singer Frazey is poised halfway between folk and soul, paying simultaneous obeisance to Bob Dylan and to Otis Redding”. Nice place to be!

Urban Divide

You loved them last year and we couldn’t resist bringing them back! Urban Divide could be one of the best Funk/Soul bands you will ever see. This 7 piece “NewFunkSoul” band will knock your socks off. They bring a new feel to the old style that is both refreshing and exhilarating. Led by the powerful vocals of Amber Boucher, whose voice will send shivers down your spine, they bring a tight powerful groove to everything they play. Start your training now – you will dance the night away!!!

Jacquie Drew and the Crew

Jacquie Drew is a local country-roots singer whose most recent album has reached #4 on the Canadian charts. Some of you may have seen her perform as one of the “Men of Constant Sorrow” with Tom Phillips. Jacquie’s music is well-crafted witty and authentic. Her version of country is uncomplicated, fresh and breezy, like a summer day on the prairies.

Serotonin Crush

Serotonin Crush is a local trio who have been busy touring all over Western Canada promoting their self titled debut album. You will be struck by their fabulous and finely crafted mix of melody and music. A few listens to the cd and it gets even better! A Parkland emerging artist with a big ‘rock’ heart.

Luft Inc.

When Evan Luft, came & asked to play at Summerfest again - “We have great new material” - We were happy to break the rule of thumb that you usually don’t book an artist two years in a row. For months after last year’s Summerfest, the one band that continually came up as the “knock out” act was this trio from Parkland. You can only describe them as amazing!

Sarah Vann

Riveting – when you hear Sarah Vann you stop in your tracks. She has a unique voice, Mark Bell of the Herald called it “earthy, powerful and authentic”.  She takes you everywhere, from sultry cafes to jazz-filled bars to old-time fields of dreams, all with gentle command. We will be saying that we heard her first…we knew her when!

Jaimee Lee-Baggley

Singer, songwriter, actress, poet, dancer, composer...Jaimee has an enviable depth that comes through in her performance. She was a pillar in the Montreal Indy scene before returning to Calgary where she has been establishing herself as a much sought after musician. Her unique sense of musical story-telling and lyrical prowess is a treat to watch and listen to...oh and can she play the piano!!!

The Kirby Sewell Band

The Kirby Sewell Band is a unique combination of blues, rock, gospel & soul. This man can sing! Kirby Sewell (pronounced Soul) is one of those artists who flings his heart and soul out there, which is what the Blues is all about. His band back him with all the blues-busting energy you could ever want. You will be floored by this unique (and again local) talent.