Winter Fête Performers
Weekends at The Carrot Community Arts Coffeehouse
Jay Gilday
Jan 15 at 12 pm • Jan 23 at 12 pm
The Carrot (9351 118 Ave)
A vagabond turned mailman, Jay Gilday has searched for himself in the depths of Folk, blues, traditional, rock and most recently soul music. The quest continues as Jay takes his experiences from the roads of Canada, the daily roller-coaster of work, family, and performance and weaves them into song. Jay’s live performance is executed with a trained voice and a passion to drive it backed up by a heavy-hitting guitar, finger-style or flat-picked, your choice.
Marc Halun
Jan 15 at 1 pm • Jan 23 at 1 pm
The Carrot (9351 118 Ave)
Whether it be country, reggae, blues or whatever, I like it all. In my real life, I’m a retired teacher of 32 years, living in Edmonton. When I’m not playing solo, I play in a western group, “Ranger Creek Wranglers”.
Thank you to “The Carrot” and to the “Deep Freeze Winter Festival” for allowing me to be with you here today!
Alex Kusturok
Jan 15 at 2 pm • Jan 22 at 4 pm
The Carrot (9351 118 Ave)
Growing up, Alex (3rd Generation fiddle player) followed his mother Patti to Old time dances around Manitoba where he was enriched with the Métis fiddle from a very young age. By age 7, the passion for music became apparent and fiddle became the focus of Alex's life.
En grandissant, Alex (joueur de violon de 3e génération) a suivi sa mère Patti pour danser à l'ancienne au Manitoba, où il s'est enrichi avec le violon métis dès son plus jeune âge. À l'âge de 7 ans, la passion pour la musique est devenue évidente et le violon est devenu le centre de la vie d'Alex.
L'Essence
Jan 15 at 3 pm • Jan 23 at 3 pm
The Carrot (9351 118 Ave)
Formé en 2011 lorsqu'ils étaient à l'École Secondaire Beaumont, le groupe musical L'Essence joue encore son interprétation de la musique québécoise et française des années 70 jusqu'à plus récemment. Ils sont heureux de revenir au Deep Freeze : A Byzantine Winter Fête après une absence de près de 10 ans.
Now that they are young adults, recording artists Nic Reich, his brother Ben and their friend Simon St-Onge (they are The Roaring 20's - check that band out on Spotify or Apple Music!) enjoy getting together and play the French Band répertoire that took them many places in Alberta throughout their High School years. They are happy to be back at the Deep Freeze : A Byzantine Winter Fête.
Rumba Caliente Canada Band "The Edmonton Latin Beat"
Jan 15 at 4 pm | The Carrot (9351 118 Ave)
Active since 2010, Rumba Caliente is Edmonton’s Latin beat, this multicultural band brings all the Latin styles to the stage, a trip for South America and Europe, English music mixed with Latin rhythms make this group so unique and diverse.
Julien Constantin
Jan 15 at 5 pm • Jan 22 at 3 pm
The Carrot (9351 118 Ave)
Julien loves to wear hats! In fact, he wears many hats in his life. He is an avid teacher, a versatile musician and an actor, producer and director for the Musicalmania! troupe that performs across Alberta. His band Angelitos writes songs in English, French and Spanish and they play music that makes you dance!
Julien aime porter des chapeaux! En fait, il porte plusieurs chapeaux dans sa vie. Il est un enseignant passionné, un musicien polyvalent et un comédien, producteur et directeur pour la troupe Musicalmania! qui présente à travers l’Alberta. Son groupe Angelitos compose des chansons en anglais, en francais et en espagnol et ils jouent de la musique qui fait danser!
Tayssa Hubert
Jan 15 at 6 pm • Jan 23 at 4 pm
The Carrot (9351 118 Ave)
We never saw it coming; how perfect we would be for each other. Two quiet introverts who couldn't stop talking the first time we met. We were never meant to play our first show together, but the universe willed it and made it so. We've been writing and playing together ever since.
Our music has evolved over the years and continues to evolve the more we grow and change with each other. Our foundation lies in the heart of telling our stories, the way we've told them to each other on a bright summer day, or in the dark in the middle of the night.
And with all of our conversations, you can bet that a guitar was always at our side.
On n’aurait jamais pu prédire a quel point nous serions parfait l'un pour l‘autre. Deux introvertis qui ne pouvais pas arrêter de parler la première fois que l’on c’est rencontre. Nous étions pas supposes de jouer notre premier performance ensemble, mais l’univers insista. On écris et joue ensemble depuis.
Notre musique a évoluée et continue a évoluer plus nous grandissons et changeons ensemble. A la base notre musique trouve sa source dans nos histoires, dans la façon dont on se les raconte par une journée ensoleillée ou dans le noir au milieu de la nuit. Avec toutes nos conversations, vous pouvez être sur qu’il y avait toujours une guitare a nos cotés"
Les Marionnettes
Jan 15 at 7 pm • Jan 23 at 5 pm
The Carrot (9351 118 Ave)
Now that they are young adults, Liam Shute, Jacob Holowaty and Jonny Nelner (they also form the band Juice) still enjoy getting together and play their French Band répertoire that took them many places in Alberta throughout their High School years. They are happy to be back at the Deep Freeze: A Byzantine Winter Fête.
Formé lorsqu'ils étaient en neuvième année à l'École J.E. Lapointe de Beaumont, le groupe musical Les Marionnettes jouent encore leurs interprétations de la musique québécoise et française des années 70 jusqu'à plus récemment. Ils sont heureux de revenir au Deep Freeze : A Byzantine Winter Fête.
Electric Religious
Jan 15 at 8 pm • Jan 23 at 6 pm
The Carrot (9351 118 Ave)
Electric Religious is the project of Edmonton-based Métis singer-songwriter, Brandon Baker, whose guitar-driven music has been described as “bursting with inspiration, insight, and hope.” Deeply influenced by the psychedelic sounds of Jimi Hendrix, Baker took his moniker from a Hendrix quote: “When I get up on stage, that’s my whole life. That’s my religion. My music is electric church music. I am electric religion.
The Borch Brothers
Jan 16 at 12 pm • Jan 23 at 4 pm
The Carrot (9351 118 Ave)
If the Borch Brother’s music style were to be personified, the heart and soul would be East Coast Fiddle music with a spine of old tyme fiddle. The head would be folk and each appendage would be reaching into jazz, swing, ukrainian and celtic.
The Borch Brothers are Rigel (fiddle), Marten (guitar, vocals, harmonica and kick-drum) and Garnet (accordion, piano and vocals). They released their first album since 2006, Gathering Change, in June, 2021. Beyond being musicians, the Borch Brothers are also activists, community builders and performers. Their aspirations aren’t for fame or fortune but instead to play more of their favourite gigs: where they connect with the audience as they bounce, dance and sing along.
Brad Woods
Jan 16 at 1 pm | The Carrot (9351 118 Ave)
Brad Woods has told stories at festivals, theatres, conferences, prisons, churches and pubs all over North America and the UK. He tells traditional tales, literary classics and personal stories. His stories have been featured in a variety of broadcasts and publications including CBC Radio 1, the Globe and Mail and Canadian Running Magazine. Brad has told to all ages and in every type of venue imaginable. He is the recipient of the Alice Kane Award for Storytelling and used it to travel to Lesotho (Southern Africa) to tell, trade and collect stories on behalf of Bracelet of Hope.
Matthew Cardinal
Jan 22 at 6 pm | The Carrot (9351 118 Ave)
Matthew Cardinal is an Indigenous musician based in amiskwaciy (Edmonton, AB). He uses a variety of synthesizers and samplers to create melodic and delicate music that shifts from drones and lullabies to sparkling beats and walls of sound.
Chris Kyrzyk
Jan 16 at 3 pm | The Carrot (9351 118 Ave)
Chris Kyrzyk plays a rare multi-stringed traditional Ukrainian folk instrument called the bandura as a hobby. Growing up in Saskatchewan, he was inspired by his father’s bandura music records. He got his chance to take bandura lessons when he moved to Edmonton in the 1990’s.
Chris plays on a concert Kyiv style bandura which allows him to a blend of Ukrainian, baroque classical and popular music favourites. He has also performed at local festivals over local Edmonton area festivals in the last five years.
In the last year Chris has written a book on Amazon called the “The Bandura Musician’s handbook”. He also enjoyed teaching bandura to the next generation.
He wishes you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Support Edmonton bandura music by subscribing to The Bandura System on YouTub
Brianna Lizotte
Jan 16 at 4 pm | The Carrot (9351 118 Ave)
Brianna is an artist, a teacher, and community leader, and is deeply proud of her Métis heritage. She currently lives in Edmonton, AB, and is pursuing a degree in music.
Fred Mack
Jan 16 at 5 pm | The Carrot (9351 118 Ave)
Fred Mack is a musically diverse saxophone player from Edmonton, Alberta. He completed a music degree from MacEwan University which included a semester of studies in Finland. He has also spent time as a cruise ship musician aboard the Cunard Queen Elizabeth and can often be seen playing as sideman or band leader.
Uncle Joe
Jan 16 at 6 pm | The Carrot (9351 118 Ave)
Uncle Joe is a 28-year-old, Cree Singer/Songwriter from Enoch Cree Nation. His sound and voice comes from the many artists who have influenced his stylings, they include Adele, Sam Smith, Amy Winehouse to name a few. Joseph can be heard singing at various venues and festivals throughout the city of Edmonton and surrounding areas; he can also be found serenading the streets of Whyte Avenue on warm Summer Nights. His upcoming E.P "The Come Down" will be released the Summer of 2022.
John Calverley
Jan 22 at 11 am | The Carrot (9351 118 Ave)
John Calverley (BMus.) is a freelance violinist, composer, improviser, session
musician and instructor. As music director for Vinok Worldance, he performs
diverse styles of traditional music from various cultures. He has also competed in Canadian old-time fiddling competitions at the national level. John enjoys exploring improvisational styles and is the founding member of the gypsy-jazz group, the Felt Hat String Band. John has performed with Alfie Zappacosta, Crystal Plamondon, the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra, the Strathcona String Quartet, Opera Nuova, and many other pop, rock and folk acts.
www.johncalverley.com
Stefan Shewchuk
Jan 22 at 12 pm | The Carrot (9351 118 Ave)
Stefan Shewchuk is an Edmonton based Jazz guitarist with influences like Jim Hall, Wes Montgomery, and John Scofield. Stefan brings his unique voice to his favourite standards and original compositions.
Zemlia (The Land) Vocal Trio
Jan 22 at 1 pm | The Carrot (9351 118 Ave)
Zemlia (The Land) Vocal Trio loves to sing diverse a cappella folk and classical repertoire in various languages, entertaining with goodwill performances, and at a variety of community events and private functions. Most recently, on Ukrainian Canadian Heritage Day (Sept 7, 2021) Zemlia performed by invitation at the Lamont County Twinning Ceremony with Nebyliw, Ukraine.
The Jay Kuchinsky Trio
Jan 22 at 2 pm | The Carrot (9351 118 Ave)
The Jay Kuchinsky Trio offers an exciting assortment of Zabava tunes from the 1950’s and 60”s. Jay’s research has unearthed long forgotten Gems of the Great Ukrainian Dance Bands of East Central Alberta. This includes the music of John Zelisko, Metro Radomsky, Bill Boychuk, The Chychul Family Orchestra, Joe Hrycyk and many others.
Jay is well known in Edmonton as a veteran dance band fiddler.
Ihor Nedoshytko brings his virtuoso accordion style and Tim Rutter keeps the back beat humming with his inimitable guitar style.
Calvin Vollrath
Jan 22 at 5 pm | The Carrot (9351 118 Ave)
Recognized internationally for his performing, teaching, judging and composing abilities, Calvin is ‘Canada’s Fiddling Sensation’. He has released 72 of his own albums and composed near 800 tunes, many of which have become standard contest and dance tunes played across North America & Europe. Calvin is a driving force behind the revitalization of fiddle music in Canada. Calvin was commissioned to compose 5 fiddle tunes for the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics Opening Ceremonies to represent various Canadian Fiddle styles. He is well-sought out to play fiddle on countless recordings of other artists and has shared the stage with the likes of Willie Nelson and Vince Gill. He has been recognized with several honors including induction into the ‘North American Fiddler’s Hall of Fame’ and having his name displayed on St. Paul’s ‘Home of’ welcome sign. Calvin hosts his own fiddle camp each year called ‘Camp Calvin’ in St. Paul AB, offering quality instruction in fiddle, piano & guitar. www.calvinvollrath.com
Robin Cisek
Jan 22 at 7 pm | The Carrot (9351 118 Ave)
Robin Cisek is a singer/ songwriter who creates melodic and moody, alternative pop with introspective and vulnerable lyrics. Robin Cisek emerged into her music career after years of struggles with health problems. These experiences have further fueled her growth as a songwriter and encouraged her to write about experiences that are highly relatable but not often talked about. Robin uses her soulful and highly stylized vocals to create mysterious and dramatic narratives that are captivating and powerful.
Robin’s inspiration comes from her own experiences and her Indigenous heritage. Robin’s heritage takes form in music through her alternative beats and lyrics. Robin was awarded many high adjudications for her vocals. Robin Cisek’s first singles received many praises in addition to being played on radio in Canada and internationally. Robin’s single, “Waiting on You” claimed the #1 spot on XRP radio countdown and the Indigenous Music countdown and remained for 24 weeks.
Kitchen Party
Jan 22 at 8 pm | The Carrot (9351 118 Ave)
Join us for a jiggin’ good time as we live stream a kitchen party. Enjoy vibrant, toe-tapping fiddle music with some of Canada’s finest fiddlers and musicians. Featuring: Calvin Vollrath, Jarred Albright, Daniel Gervais, and Alex Kusturok.
Vienna Whyte
Jan 23 at 2 pm | The Carrot (9351 118 Ave)
Vienna Whyte is a pop duo based out of Edmonton, created by Millie Rouge and Marissa K in 2019. The name "Vienna Whyte" itself, was inspired in part by Billy Joel's hit "Vienna" or, more specifically the lyric "Vienna waits for you." The "Whyte" of "Vienna Whyte" is a nod to "Whyte Avenue (82 ave)", an area of Edmonton that is alive with movement, culture, nightlife, art, and of course, music.
Vienna Whyte's music is driven by a combination of piano, guitar, and a sophisticated blend of vocal harmonies. Their sound is reminiscent of artists such as Taylor Swift, Lennon Stella, LAUV, and Kimbra.
Both Millie and Marissa attended and graduated from MacEwan University for the Music Diploma and Degree, respectively, and joined forces in 2018 through YEG Music. To see more of Vienna Whyte, you can catch their music stream on Twitch Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays at 7:00pm!
They are currently working on their debut album, and you can stream their debut single on Spotify entitled "Boy Who Puts Flowers In Your Hair".