2022 ISLANDS FOLK FESTIVAL PERFORMERS
JIM BYRNES Jim Byrnes has become a legendary name at home in Canada and south of the border. Over the years he’s performed a virtual “who’s who” of blues. SHARI ULRICH An award-winning Canadian singersongwriter and multi-instrumentalist (violin, mandolin, piano, guitar, dulcimer, harmonica), Shari Ulrich has been winning hearts across North America with her voice, sublime songs.
ALEX CUBA Two time Grammy Award Winner, Alex Cuba, is a Cuban-Canadian singersongwriter who sings in Spanish and English. His recent 2021 album Mendó won the 2022 Grammy for Best Latin Pop Album.
BRANDON ISAAK Firebrand guitar, stirring vocals, stories and performances, Brandon’s affinity for the rawness and spontaneity of the blues is second to none.
GARY COMEAU AND THE LOUISIANA ALL STARS Playing a range of instruments, Gary delivers originally crafted, high energy, New Orleans-style rockin’ roots and blues with an all star backing band consisting of Vancouver’s finest.
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COUSIN HARLEY (PAUL PIGAT) Known as the “Motorhead of Rockabilly” in Europe, Paul Pigat, amps it up with Cousin Harley, a red hot-rod band always guaranteed to deliver a topnotch performance. THE SHINE-OLAS A lively combination of award winning veteran performers, multi-instrumentalists and seasoned vocalists. The Shine-olas combine a dazzling array of catchy original songs presented in a rollicking rootsy style.
HARRY MANX Harry Manx is a Canadian musician who blends blues, folk music, and Hindustani classical music. His official website describes his music as being a blend Indian folk melodies with slide guitar blues.
THE BILLS Known for their instrumental virtuosity, lush vocals and exuberant performances, The Bills are a high-impact, acoustic folk music quintet from the West Coast of Canada.
ROOTS AND GROOVES - RICK SCOTT AND NICO RHODES Roots & Grooves is a musical dialogue, a duet for dulcimer and piano, a multi- genre conversation across the generations, featuring songs old and new spiced with mastery, mischief and joie de vivre.
LACHE CERCEL AND THE ROMA SWING ENSEMBLE A recognized prodigy and virtuoso from Bucharest, Lache brings his own unique style of Roma Swing, merging Eastern influences with Western musicology that’s rooted in Roma (Gypsy) tradition.
DAVID ESSIG A master of country blues, David has travelled the globe showcasing his original songs and blues and slide guitar playing. He’s recorded 20 albums of original songs, bluegrass and country blues. HEARTWOOD Honey-soaked folk with a hint of indi and a splash of Bluegrass, Heartwood possess a freshness and secret sauce that reflects the chemistry that existed between June Carter and Johnny Cash. CHRIS RONALD Since emigrating from England, Chris has earned a place as one of Canada’s finest singer-songwriters. His sound, steeped in his British background, poetic lyrics, is a fusion of Roots and Americana music.
