Performers

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 2 basic opinions emerged.  Get the most famous band you can OR push the limit with an acclaimed band (not as famous YET), but musically amazing. It would have been easy to book a band that you pay $50 to see 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 spent the past few months touring North American and the UK with her band, The Quiet Revolution, in support of her critically-acclaimed debut solo album Obadiah. Her live shows have been met with rave reviews. The Financial Times (UK) recently said, “Frazey Ford came to fame as a third of the Be Good Tanyas, a Vancouver folk trio with the lyrical precision of a scalpel. But her concert at the Purcell Room confirmed what her practically perfect solo album Obadiah had suggested: that as a lead singer she is poised halfway between folk and soul, paying simultaneous obeisance to Bob Dylan and to Otis Redding.” We couldn’t say it any better!

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 recently reached #4 on the Canadian charts. Her music is well crafted, witty and authentic. You’ll swing your gal and cry in your hankie.

Serotonin Crush

Serotonin Crush is a local trio who have been busy touring all over Western Canada promoting their self titled debut album. The first thing that struck me when I saw them was the fabulous melody and music mix they’ve crafted. 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” - I was very cautious. It’s a rule of thumb that you usually don’t book an artist 2 years in a row. An exception has to made in this case. 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 with the command of the greatest singers.  We will be saying that we heard her first…we knew her when!

Jaimie Lee-Baggley

Singer, songwriter, actress, poet, dancer, composer...Jaimie does it all. 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.