2017 Performers

Abbie Mota

Abbie Mota is an Edmonton based singer, songwriter and recording artist. She’s always had a passion for music and writing. Abbie is currently recording and posting new videos on her YouTube monthly. Abbie’s performances are based around her piano and has recently started to play the guitar.

2016 she continued to push herself by writing an original song which got her in to the Futures Fest finals. She also made it through to the finals in St Albert Idol. Her year continued as she became a semi-finalist in the Road to Main Stage at the Big Valley Jamboree.

Abbie has performed at different charity events including the CNIB concert in the dark in Calgary and Edmonton, community fund raisers with CIBC Run For The Cure, Flexxaire Walk and Step for Parkinson Alberta, The Kidney Foundation, and McKernan Community League, and continues to play in business venues across the Province. Abbie has headlined at The Needle Tavern and Arcadia pub.

You can catch Abbie on all her social media outlets through her website www.abbiemota.com

Absinthe From Society

Absinthe From Society is an emerging Progressive Metal/Hard Rock band from Edmonton. They are a 3-piece band, and have rocked out on several stages with their original music. Onstage they occasionally throw in covers of Nine Inch Nails and Marilyn Manson.
The band consists of; Ian Harper (lead vocals, guitar, bass, and keyboard), Dave Farhall (bass and backup vocals) and Adam Roberts (drums and percussion).They have a newly released 4 track EP, "The Angels Ignored Us' which is available on iTunes, Spotify, Bandcamp and other online stores. Upcoming shows include a show in Vancouver in early September and they will also be playing a Halloween show on October 31st in Edmonton at The Rendezvous Pub.

Ainsley Elisa

Ainsley Elisa, 16, is a singer/songwriter from Sylvan Lake, Alberta. Her originals have previously placed her as a regional finalist two years running in CBC Searchlight in both 2016 and 2017, a semi finalist in a Calgary Stampede Talent Search, and a 2nd Runner-Up in Big Valley Jamboree. She has performed at various charity events, has had the honour of opening for Jeffery Straker on his national tour, and recently has opened for Sunday Wilde and Reno Jack at Heritage Park. Ainsley wishes to one day inspire others with her music, and to help people relive emotions through her pieces.

Amanda Penner

Amanda Penner is a fifteen-year-old singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist from St. Albert, Alberta. Amanda is an emerging artist in the music industry, who has been described as an old soul. In the past year, she has advanced to the finals in St. Albert's Got Talent as well as the semifinals Talent Search at Big Valley Jamboree. She has performed in city arts festivals such as the Amplify Youth festival, and Kaleidoscope Family Arts Festival. She has recorded six original songs through her music school in the past year. She was a recipient of the Lieutenant-Governor Distinguished Young Arts Award and a top 5 finalist in the Canada 150 songwriters competition.

For Amanda, music is not just a hobby, it's a passion. Writing songs has been a big part of her life since the age of five. She has been playing guitar for three years, as well as piano for several years. Her soulful voice is influenced by a variety of genres including classic rock, indie folk, alternative, and singer/songwriter. Her musical ambitions are to inspire people and she hopes to make other people's lives better, so that they can escape from their hardships for a little while, even if it is just for a four-minute song.

Aurora Lenihan

Aurora Lenihan is an Edmonton based singer/songwriter, who has been performing locally, nationally and internationally for the last 15 years. She has released a solo album 'One Cold Foot', and toured across Canada, Europe, Japan, Korea and Australia performing, collaborating and promoting her music. A proud Canadian, she continues to record and perform on her own, and with other homegrown artists.

Backcurrents

Backcurrents is an atmospheric alt-rock band from Edmonton, Alberta that aims to be a warm blanket of delays and reverb while remaining melodic and heavy. With influences from alternative rock, indie, post-rock, and shoegaze they aim to bring a fresh sound to local listeners.

Blue Rhythm Stew

Bands name is Blue Rhythm Stew and we formed in 2012. We met at Church and realized we share a love for Gospel Blues. The highlight for the band has been opening up for Country Star George Canyon. We have played regularly at Hope Mission Downtown since 2012. Our Mission is to give back to our Community. We often play at local fundraisers like Habitat For Humanity , rebuilding a Church in Brazil etc.
Drums - Al ( Big Daddy ) Esser - Played in Various local bands over the years, "Dr Blue" & " The Human Race Overture" Often call him Phil Collins twin Bruthuh.
Keyboards- Ralph ( Swanky ) Schwanke -Played in local club bands for over 3 decades including "Damn It Jim"
Bass- Tim ( T-Bone) Hait - Multi-Instrumentalist
Guitar- Richard ( Showboat ) Brassard - Has played in Various bands locally including "Hudson Cruiser"
Guitar- Kevin ( KD ) Diener - Owns more guitars than some music stores
Vocals/ Harmonica - Gary ( Geejil) James - 37 Yrs hosting Morning radio shows across Canada- Power 92 , JoeFM & CruzFM. Has Jammed with the likes of The Headpins, Streetheart , Dan Aykroyd & Kim Mitchell. Once played in a Band with Global TV's Gord Steinke and opened for April Wine. Has been a Blue Quill member and BQ soccer coach over the last 20 years.

Bridge Motel

Each member of Bridge Motel brings a unique perspective to the band. With an accumulation of quality performing experience, the pool of talent delivers back-to-back modern and classic rock.

Formed with experienced musicians, Bridge Motel starting out as a project to recreate the soul of each song and quickly grew to be a group of musicians and friends with a passion to play and share the fun of music!

www.bridgemotel.ca

Clinically Impressed

Clinically Impressed is a three-piece alternative rock band based in St. Albert. Their recent performances include Strathcona County Canada Day 150, Make Music Edmonton, Rotary Concerts in the Park. They are excited to be part of Blue Quill Party in the Park 2017 and also look forward to playing at the Autism Speaks Canada Walk - Edmonton in September.

Common Ground

What do you get when you mix a teacher, bureaucrat, administrator, and IT professional all with strong personalities and diverse musical taste? For the most part it isn't pretty (at least some of it isn't) but we share a love of playing music; our "Common Ground" Currently with one foot in the basement and one foot on the stage, we are pleased again to be playing at this event.
Pat Campbell- Lead Guitar
Luanne Flaumitsch- Rhythm and Bass Guitar
Susan Mallandaine-Vocals
Brian MacKinnon- Drums

Costa Livin’

We are Costa Livin’, a 4-piece band from Edmonton. Alberta. Our music is a blend of folk/roots, country, blues, and rock with a reggae influence. We play all original music composed by Allen Moir and a few collaborator's. The band consists of Allen Moir (rhythm guitar and lead vocals), Dion Moir (lead guitar and some backup vocals), Paul Kozak (bass) and Ken Mamczasz (drums).

We have recorded our first CD called Rising and are looking to expand our audience by playing festivals throughout Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia. We appreciate any interest that you might give our band.

Dempsey Bolton

Born and raised in Edmonton, Alberta, Dempsey Bolton is an indie singer songwriter in the Edmonton music scene. Armed only with an acoustic guitar and influenced by the likes of Stevie Wonder, John Mayer and Allen Stone, Dempsey fuses vocal inspiration from his Soul / R&B roots with ambient instrumentals to carve out a niche in the singer songwriter genre. Paired with honest lyrics and an eagerness to play everywhere and anywhere, each performance is a unique and captivating experience. At the beginning of the summer of 2017 Dempsey Bolton won Season 2 of Yeg Music's Compete With The Beat. Currently, Dempsey is in the studio recording his first EP which will be released in late 2017

Denis Blier

Denis Blier started to play the guitar in high school because he just loved the sound of it. He went on to study some music courses at university - electives that most fellow students at the faculty of engineering found a little unusual. Upon graduation, Denis worked a few good jobs until he had cash enough to consider turning to music professionally. This is exactly what he did in 1976. The next 7 years saw him 'on the circuit' mixing with such notables as Sylvia Tyson, Willy P. Benett and Daniel Lanois.

"The guys from Prairie Oyster and The Dixie Flyers were good friends of mine at an earlier time when none of us enjoyed much notoriety; but we played together quite often down there in Southern Ontario's 'corn belt'." Many summer festivals like the 'Home County' (London), 'Blue Water' (Sarnia), 'Shelbourne' and 'Ottawa' kept us all in playing form.

In the eighties, live music became a tough sell so Denis fell back on his engineering degree and found work in the mining industry. Later on, he went back to university once again and got a teaching degree; but he continued to stay active as a musician appearing in the many venues and radio shows produced locally in the Thunder Bay area and beyond.

In 2009, Denis came to Saskatchewan as a teacher but the richness and the quality of the many musicians he met here in 'The West' soon drew him into the fray once again. He now lives in Edmonton as a semi-retired teacher and a 'full-tilt' activated musician. He recalls: “The music business has never been an easy one, even back when the demand was strong but one never worries about that... a true musician simply goes with his/her passion for making good music!

Denny Von-Braun

Conceived in 2016 Denny Von-Braun Is musician Michael Belcourt's on stage/solo personality. His musical style is a sort of 80's synth pop revival.

Grooveater

Behold! The GROOVEATER! A mythical beast that feeds on funk, metal, thrash, a pinch of punk, a generous helping of rock and roll and a sizeable dollop of craziness.
This all original, Edmonton based band consisting of Shack(vocals), Tiberius Juggernaut (bass), Rammy (guitar) and Big J. Cleveland (drums), is making the jump from its underground dwelling onto the Edmonton scene, with the release their first E.P. , showcasing some of their diverse influences.
GROOVEATER look forward to sharing their varied flavors with mortals and otherwise.
GROOVEATER ...
Coming soon to a venue near you!!!

Heartland

Heartland is a band formed by four young, and lively musicians. Bonding over their love of music they have come together and performed at many venues (collectively and individually) such as, The Irish Sports and Social Centre, Big Valley Jamboree, The Francis Winspear Centre for Music, and many more. Please enjoy their country rock style!

Hypno Radio

Hypno Radio is the folk music project of Sam Wetyk. Based out of Edmonton, Alberta, Sam has been playing guitar and writing songs since he was fourteen. His lyrics are beautifully crafted and cinematic, and his music can be compared to that of Iron & Wine or Bob Dylan. Sam has entered the world of performance to enrich ordinary experience. His project is aimed at entrancing listeners whilst inspiring them. Those that tune in will be exposed to a world of idealism, eccentric introspection, surrealism, and good vibes. He is currently working on his debut EP, which he hopes to release next year.

Kaeli Moris

Kaeli is a 14-year-old singer/songwriter. She started singing and performing at a very young age. As she got older, singing grew as her passion, and she fell in love with performing. In her original songs, she writes about real life experiences, and hard times with health complications. She loves how music can give you hope that it's going to be ok, even for just a couple minutes.

Lauren Mercer

Lauren Mercer is a 14-year-old singer/songwriter from Sherwood Park, Alberta. She loves to perform any chance she gets, especially for charities including Run for the Cure, CNIB, and Kids Kottage. Lauren has performed at many coffee houses in the Edmonton area, as well as the Needle Vinyl Tavern. She recently performed at Big Valley Jamboree and received the People's Choice Award.

Lauren Rose

Lauren is a singer/songwriter from St. Paul Alberta. This is her second year performing at Party in the Park. She just started playing guitar 3 years ago and since then has played at many open mics and small lounges in the Lakeland. Lauren works as a professional mixologist and hosts Open Mic at Hideaway lounge but is currently on maternity leave hanging out with her 3-month-old baby girl Zaylee and 5-year-old boy Zephryn.

Mark Flores

Born and raised in Edmonton, I started piano at a young age. I played alto sax in junior high/high school then changed to percussion. I played drums/percussion (Djembe) in an acoustic folk rock band called Bunkeye and recorded 2 CDs with them. I got my first guitar in 2001 and self-taught from the internet and YouTube. I’ve been playing on my own occasionally at open mics or just jamming with friends. This will be my third time performing at Party in the Park. The previous two years, I performed with the well-known Elizabeth Macinnis.

Mohammad's Melody

Nick Samoil

Nick Samoil is a composer and musician based in Edmonton Alberta. Nick plays mostly Folk, Rock, and R&B influenced original songs and covers which reflect personal interactions with the people and world around him. Nick has been an active member of the local music scene for more than eight years performing and composing for theatre, film and video games. Recently he was the recipient of the AFA's young artist prize, and received a Sterling nomination for his work as Musical Director and Pianist for Northern Light's Theatre's production of Bonnie and Clyde: The Two Person Six Gun Musical. In addition, Nick performs frequently as the keyboardist for Edmonton Singer/Songwriter Rebecca Lappa. Nick is now putting the finishing touches on his second album, Beautiful World, due for September 2017 release.

Pablo Montano Lopera

My name is Pablo, I'm a Colombian born, 21-year-old, Canadian citizen. With the support of my family, I have learned to sing and play several instruments such as the guitar, bass guitar, and ukulele. I have been involved with music all my life but truly became serious about it three years ago when I began to perform at small shows and do some busking around the city. I have performed at schools and two charity events but the best and friendliest stage I have played at was Party in the Park 2016. Right now, I am an Political Science Bachelor of Arts student at Kings University hoping in the future I can change the world, not only with my degree but also some joy in my music.
Peace and love,
Pablo S. Montano L.

Passionate Hamster

Passionate Hamster have been taking rock band class together at Backbeat since the beginning of 2017. They have performed in 2 concerts: an 80’s Theme Rock Show and a Father’s Day Block Party. The band consists of 3 teenage boys: Spencer Boileau the bands singer, Brett Johnson the lead guitarist, and Wyatt Happer the drummer. The boys are excited to perform together at Party In The Park.

Rebecca Lappa & The Revelry

A highly recognized songwriter, Rebecca Lappa recently garnered a lot of media attention after winning the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta's Spirit of Vimy Ridge Contest and a trip to Vimy with her original song "The Valiant of Vimy". Rebecca Lappa and the Revelry have just returned from their Prairie Express tour to support their WCMA nominated CD "Reckless Heart" was chosen to perform for the second year at the Ottawa Blues Festival in the "She's the One" Contest.
Rebecca Lappa, Canadian Folk Music Awards recipient and Edmonton Music Awards winner is Canada's brightest new folk-rock voice. Her music is a truly special combination of energetic rock melodies and warm roots influences while throwing in a dash of blues. Her story based songs, about history, poetry and life events, carry the listener through a sea of emotions. She performs with her 4 piece band, Rebecca and The Revelry, who give Rebecca's powerful voice and lush lyrics a rocking beat. The band has wowed audiences at the Blues on Whyte Block Party and Millwoods Canada Day Stage, Secret Street Car Series, Nextfest, Canada Day at the Legislature, The Needle Vinyl Tavern, Sherwood Park Patio Series, K-Days, Edmonton Unplugged, Black Dog, Fort McMurray Fundraiser and the Sub Stage at the U of A. They have opened for the Pistol Whips, Leeroy Stagger and Jenn Grant.
Rebecca received a Factor Juried Sound Recording grant for her latest album, "Reckless Heart" and teamed up with JUNO-winning producer Russell Broom. While showcasing her compelling songwriting ..."The singing is the true knock-out here, the passion of Sheryl Crow with the sensitivity of Sarah McLachlan." (Mike Ross Gigcity 2016). "Reckless Heart" debuted as # 1 on CJSR's Top 30 and #10 on iTunes Singer/Songwriter Album chart on Nov.3rd, 2016. Since then its charted on many other stations including 5 weeks on CILU Thunder Bay's Top 10 Folk/Roots/Blues Chart. The singles Crock Pot Girl and Love in a Killing are being played on commercial radio.

Rene and the Hopefuls

Rene & The Hopefuls (pronounced "ree-knee") is a good time band that has played for many charitable events over the years, most notably at the Hope Mission in downtown Edmonton. Although the musicians change depending on the gig, the band stays true to its message of hope and understanding. It is led by Rene Pierno on vocals, Frank Nobert on bass guitar/keyboard, and Trevor Mullen on guitar/bass guitar, along with other fine musical friends. Catch us spreading the message of hope at the 2017 Party in the Park!

Ryan Locke

Original tunes, unique songwriting and bursting vocal melody sets Ryan Locke apart from other folk artists. Detaching his listeners from the phaneron, inhaling radiated solace and rapture. Ryan's presence on stage is hypnotic and captive as he transcribes untold stories through harmony.

Something Mechanical

Something Mechanical is a four-piece recording and performing Rock band based out of Edmonton, AB. Blending powerful vocals, acoustic and electric guitars and intricate drum work, Something Mechanical has a sound unlike any other. The band believes in hard work and strives to create music that resonates with their fans

Sonny Robins

Sonny Robins is a singer/songwriter from Edmonton. He has multiple songs written and recorded, performed at many venues and is happy to be jamming out this year at Party In The Park.

Studio Fire

Studio Fire consists of the multi-talented Tony Denny and Bob Nevded. They played at the Transalta Dragonfly Festival in Wabamun and a festival at Alberta Beach called the Polynesian-Blueberry Festival. We Played at Woodys Good Earth Café and the Root Emporium.

Ten Cent Lift

Ten Cent Lift was formed in the spring of 2014 in Bruderheim, Alberta. Their sound is a mixture of 80's alt rock, 90's grunge with bursts of reggae, metal, and punk. The band's focus is on many original songs and covers by Elvis Presley, The Misfits, and many more...
If you ask who Ten Cent Lift's influences are....the list would be too long and the argument would be even longer. Ten Cent Lift is influenced by all forms of rock music; 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s, 2000s grunge, pop, metal, punk, stoner rock, classic rock.......
Ten Cent lift delivers an energetic and vibrant live show, led by charismatic and outgoing front man Ryan Davidson backed by Brent Fermaniuk on lead guitar and Stuart Carter on rhythm guitar. These three guys are always pushing themselves on guitars and stage presence. Geoff MacKay is the multi instrumental funky ass bass player delivering a driving pulse with his large bass amp and sick grooves. Jerry B. Vague has an excellent musical pedigree and is the backbeat of the band. His consistent beats give these alt rockers just what they need to achieve great sound.
These guys love to bring lasers, lights and fog to their live shows to increase the ambiance of their energetic performance. They were featured at Alberta's Own Independent Music Festival in 2014 alongside radio rockers Monster Truck and The Wild. In 2015 the band has been booked for parties, bars, Canada Day mainstage in Fort Saskatchewan and Once again at Alberta's Own Independent Music Festival featuring Prism, Honeymoon Suite, The Odds, The Grapes of Wrath, The Northern Pikes and many more.
Ten Cent Lift is interested in playing charity gigs, big stages, small stages - anywhere there is an audience to entertain.
Why the name Ten Cent Lift? The majority of Ten Cent Lift's band members were civil construction heavy equipment operators. The name is a term that refers to a ten-centimeter fill of dirt on a construction site. Dozers, scrapers, rock trucks and burnin diesel!

The Cuthberts

Our mission as performers is to inspire and entertain others through an honest and impassioned sharing of life's loves, losses, and revelations. Located in the beautiful Grand Forks Valley, the Cuthberts enjoy sharing their music in a variety of venues. Their material is suitable for all ages and they blend toe tapping, danceable tunes with reflective thought provoking songs.

The Dogpark

The Dogpark is a 4-piece alternative rock band from Edmonton, Alberta. Formed in the spring of 2016; we bring a unique blues and hard rock influenced sound to the stage.
Currently in the process of releasing our first EP.

The Mercury Orchestra

The Mercury Orchestra started around 2008 with Alex, John and their friend Eddie - then known simply as Mercury. With the addition of Connor later that year, the name switched to The Mercury Orchestra.

The group started out performing covers, ranging from Black Sabbath to Frank Zappa. For a period of about 6 years, the group mainly produced improvisations under different names with a sort of revolving lineup. Since 2014, we have been playing with a steady line-up, writing original material, but continuing to improvise and cover songs.

After Alex infiltrated progressive rock band Boreal Kinship, we conned their bassist Adam into playing keyboards for us.

The Steven Spencer Band

The Steven Spencer Band has a Louisiana Swamp/Country edge with strong roots in Rock, Celtic and Folk genres.

Singer/Songwriter Steven Spencer brings a world of versatility with his musical stylings and striking vocal abilities. Drummer and producer Jeff Dakus (from The Rock Lodge Recording Studio) and bassist Geoff MacKay set the groove and are seasoned players with diverse musical backgrounds. This makes for a unique sound from this power trio.

The current lineup was put together over the course of a 2 year period. Shortly afterward, they won the 2017 'Condemned Final 8 Battle of the Bands Edmonton' event against 41 other bands.

The Steven Spencer Band played on Canada Day weekend as part of a fabulous lineup including Canadian country legends Charlie Major and Julian Austin at Mudfest 2017, located at the Tailcreek Raceway in Alix, Alberta.

The debut CD release for The Steven Spencer Band, 'Steven Spencer and the Old Black Bird', is appealing to a wide market.

Thank You for your interest in The Steven Spencer Band!

For booking inquiries and/or any questions please contact: Jeff Dakus at jeff.dakus@therocklodge.ca or at 780-907-3830

Sincerely,
The Steven Spencer Band.

The Van Dangos

Formed in the fall of 2016, The Van Dangos have been playing their way through the local Edmonton music scene with their brand of 50's influenced rock and roll. What began as a three piece rock group has since developed into a five piece ensemble with the addition of piano and saxophone. By combining elements of rockabilly, swing, and blues, The Van Dangos have been able to keep audiences grooving and moving from the very first gig.

Tim Chesterton

Tim Chesterton was born in the UK but has lived in Canada for over forty years. He has been playing guitar since he was in his early teens.

Tim sees himself primarily as an interpreter of traditional folk songs. He is inspired by the rich heritage of folk music - songs written in previous centuries, usually by unknown authors, and then passed down by word of mouth, moulded and re-moulded by each successive generation. He wants to take his place in that tradition, passing on these wonderful old songs to new audiences today. He especially loves songs that tell stories, and his own song writing is mainly in the storytelling vein. His repertoire also includes instrumental pieces, both his own compositions and traditional tunes. Recently he has begun to intentionally mentor younger musicians who want to learn about traditional music.

Tim plays solo, and shares stages regularly with good friends. He has played at the Northern Lights Folk Club and the Uptown Folk Club in Edmonton, as well as the Blue Chair Café, Hulbert's, Fresh Start Bistro, the Carrot, and other smaller cafés. He has also been featured on Andy Donnelly's Celtic Show (on CKUA) and Rhea March's 'It Takes a Village' weekly show on CJSR.

In May 2013 Tim released his first studio album, 'Folk Songs and Renovations'. It can be purchased on Band Camp, CD Baby, and iTunes.

Travis James

Travis James is a Canadian singer-songwriter from Vancouver, British Columbia. He recently released his sophomore EP titled "Timeless As The Moon". This EP reflects on the journey Travis has made in these last 3 years, focusing on the struggle and beauty of pushing through life and finding hope and purpose in something beyond yourself.

Travis James is currently on a cross Canada tour in support of his EP, consisting of 30 shows between Vancouver Island and Ottawa.