Alan Gerber & Friends

Alan Gerber - songwriter, vocalist, musician, producer, comic, actor - can there really be that much talent in one man?  Chicago-born boogie blues man, Alan Gerber, has toured with BB King, Bob Dylan, Chuck Berry, and Little Richard. He writes songs that bring people to their feet and dancing in the street.  Guitar, piano, fiddle: he does 'em all in a wide spectrum of blues styles.  "Seeing Alan Gerber perform live is a joyous experience. You can tell he loves to be in front of an audience and truly whips them into a frenzy. He's amazing!", Holgar Petersen, CBC Host and president of Stony Plain Records.

Catfish Willie and Big Wood

Catfish Willie has been entertaining audiences for over 20 years with his unique brand of lively swing, jazz, humourous ditties and high-energy show tunes.  Since recently returning to Quinte from the West Coast, Catfish has reunited with some of his musical mates to form the acoustic-driven swing trio, Big Wood.  The trio features Rick Bauer on guitars, mandolin, fiddle, soaring solos and vocals, and Ken Grant (Tequila Ken) on bass and vocals.  Get hooked on big fun with Catfish Willie and Big Wood.

The Crawling Kingsnakes

The Crawling Kingsnakes are one of Toronto’s most exciting rock and roll bands.  Formed in early 2003, they began playing a largely blues and soul-inspired act at local coffeehouses and open mics.  After the current lineup was cemented in early 2004, the Kingsnakes were quick to record a full-length album of original material and covers.  This brought them to the attention of the Toronto music scene at large, and the Kingsnakes have been busy playing and recording ever since.  The band has played at most of the major venues in Toronto (such as the legendary Horseshoe Tavern and Grossman’s), and has opened for such acts as Holly Golightly and Robin Black.  After over fifty shows and two full-length albums, this band shows no signs of slowing down.  The band’s bass player is Belleville native, Chris Belanger, who is studying physics and math at the University of Toronto.

David Reed and Blair Yarranton

David Reed and Blair Yarranton are music teachers at Centennial Secondary School by day, and performing musicians by night.  The sound of jazz standards on guitar and trumpet is a familiar one around town. Reed and Yarranton have played dozens of shows in the Quinte are in the past five years, including house gigs at local establishments, festivals, galas, weddings and private parties.  David Reed is also about to release his first album of original music with a concert at the Empire Theatre on Friday June 16th, featuring Yarranton playing trumpet in the horn section.

Mike Francis

Mike Francis is a studio guitarist, composer, performer, record producer and director with over 25 years experience in the Canadian Music scene. He has recorded with many outstanding artists such as Alanis Morissette, Gordon Lightfoot, Jeff Healey and  The Rankins, to name but a few.  He has performed with Shania Twain, Paul Brandt and Michael Burgess. Mike is a veteran of the  Du Maurier Jazz Festival and the Ottawa Jazz Festival. He was awarded “Producer of the Year” (1983) by RPM Big Country Awards and repeated that success in 1985, 1986 & 1987 at  the Canadian Country Music  Awards.  In 1983 Mike was  also recognized as Instrumentalist of the Year at the CCMA. Mike successfully directed “Today’s Country” a live radio show which aired on 86 radio stations across Canada.  Mike now resides in Coburg  with his wife and daughter.

Steve Fisher

Steve Fisher’s all Canadian acoustic show will cover the greatest hits from Hank Snow to Simple Plan, all with his signature high energy.

Tom Leighton and Conrad Kipping

This entertaining duo brings lots of instruments and good times to their stages. Along with their vocals, they'll be playing accordion, keyboards, fiddle, mandolin, guitar, jaw harp, bodhran and bouzouki! From jigs and reels to western swing, from Cajun to English/Canadian folk, they bring an East Coast flavour to their sound. Between them they have performed on over 100 CDs including such artists as Stompin' Tom, the Irish Descentants, Mark Haines & Tom Leighton, Nancy White and Ron Hynes. They are currently completing their first CD.

Washboard Hank

Washboard Hank plays an amazing conglomeration of bells, license plates, duck calls, etc.  He also plays banjo, kazoo, and dobro, and will probably break a lot of guitar strings too. One reviewer called Washboard Hank "a cross between Jerry Lewis (not Jerry Lee) and Stompin' Tom Connors." His repertoire includes bluegrass, rockabilly, country, television themes and Oktoberfest. He can go from sensitive to manic to ridiculous in an instant. Washboard Hank has toured for years with Fred Eaglesmith and the Flying Squirrels.

Cris Cuddy (Max Mouse and the Gorillas) with Roly Platt

Max Mouse and the Gorillas will rock the house with their legendary indie roots-rock and r’n’b. Led by noted singer songwriter Cris Cuddy, whose songs have been recorded by Juno award winners Prairie Oyster among others.  The band plays original danceable music and features three ex-members of Ronnie Hawkins’ Hawks including the searing guitars of Bobby Watson and Buzz "Mr. Soul" Thompson as well as harmonica virtuoso Roly Platt.

Luis Ochoa Quartet with Dan Bone

Luis and Dan have both performed in major jazz festivals across Canada including Montreal and Toronto and they are coming together in a rare performance especially for Ear Candy so this is an act that is not to be missed.

Maureen Brown Band (Mark Taylor, opening act)

Maureen Brown has been awarded Best Canadian Blues Drummer 4 times, as well as being nominated for Best Canadian Blues Vocalist 3 times. Her New Orleans rooted band, Maureen Brown & Big Hand, also won Best Canadian Blues Band, for Southern Comfort's New Blues Talent Contest and represented Canada in Memphis for the W. C. Handy International Blues Search.

Mark Taylor

Mark Taylor is a dynamic singer/songwriter who is originally from Trenton.  He currently resides in Toronto where he spends much of his time in his home studio refining his folk/rock fusion style.  Initially a drummer, Mark started playing music in 1993 and developed a sense of rhythm that shines through in his live performances. He moved to guitar in 1996 where he began to hone a musical style into something unlike anything that you will hear today. His live shows consist of 90% original material, in which Mark, plays all of the instruments (Guitar, Harmonica, Bass Drum, Hi-hat & Vocals) and pulls it off seamlessly.  A great story teller, Mark keeps all his lyrics relevant and poetic. His musical catalogue is now upward of 100 songs.

Emily Fennell

Emily Fennell who has grown to be one of the areas' most sought after artists. At the age of 24, this Prince Edward County native has turned heads with her powerful vocals and superb delivery. Emily has worked diligently over the years to establish a well respected name as a singer/ songwriter. As a solo act, Emily performs both cover and original tunes primarily with her guitar (occasionally keyboard), covering a variety of genres. With the recent release of her first original CD (entitled "Green"), Emily formed "The Emily Fennell Band." This band is currently Emily's most busy act, playing a circuit between Toronto and Ottawa.

Astrid Young

Multi-talented Astrid Young converses between two very exciting worlds that of Acoustic Rock musician and renowned sommelier. We are thrilled to have this talented performer once again entertaining crowds at Ear Candy.

The Frère Brothers

The Frère Brothers perform a unique blend of Canadian satirical songs, toe-tapping Celtic tunes and music for folks from all over.  Alec Lunn founded the Frère Brothers in 1990. The idea started out over a couple of beers at the Spadina Hotel in Toronto back in the twentieth century and it has developed over the past ten years into a very successful and popular comedy and folk music act. They’ve regaled audiences at parties, pubs and annual meetings of everything from undertakers and insurance agents to the annual Warden’s Banquet and the Cherry Valley Women’s Institute fish fry.

TimeLine

TimeLine is an ecclectic 5-piece band offering a "musical buffet" of different styles and genres! Lorri Taylor displays her blues stylings in a soulful manner while guitarist and mandolin player Pat Clark and bassist Kevin Dishart bring a myriad of recognizable folk-rock based songs rooted in the 1970s. Lead guitarist John Cadeau provides an edge in the vein of Carlos Santana and Joe Walsh. Percussionist Myron Melnyk complements this ensemble with his unique Latin fusion drum set. Great harmonies and an entertaining array of different styles are the signatures of this Quinte area band.

Brain Shampoo

Brain Shampoo is Matt Smith, Tim Hadley and Robert Huffman (Tim Hadley, from Roslin, plays upright bass with Stompin' Tom Connors).  This is a new band for Matt Smith who is a contemporary Canadian Roots and Blues singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. Matt’s single act includes a large repertoire of original music as well as interpretations of a wide range of traditional music.  Whether it be as a single entertainer on acoustic guitar, National Steel Guitar, harmonica and Mandolin , as a sideman for some of Canada's foremost Root's musicians, or with his new band Matt is a musician with inspiring ability to contribute in various capacities to the ever-evolving painting of the Canadian musical landscape.

Lenni Stewart

Lenni Stewart will perform some Folk-based Blues, Pop, Jazz and Ballads. Her naturally expressive vocals, distinctive stylings and rich inflections have made her a favourite performer in both her native Prince Edward County and across eastern Ontario. Blending traditional airs with contemporary offerings, has gained a steady following over the past decade. Not only a singer but also an accomplished songwriter, Lenni has proven that she has a gift for writing heartfelt songs with interesting melodies that make you want to hear more.

No Witnesses

No Witnesses describe their style as Blue Rodeo meets Cheap Trick.  They also throw in a little Bare Naked Ladies and Tragically Hip.

The Commodore’s Orchestra

Celebrating their 78th anniversary, the popular Commodore’s Orchestra is 16 musicians whose love for big band swing is plainly evident.

Jackie Findlay

Jackie Findlay attended Queen's University, studied classical repertoire with some of Canada's most prominent vocal coaches and has toured the country with a rock band.  Currently, she is focusing on her own songwriting, re-connecting to “that innocent honesty and magic” when she first started playing the guitar.  Classical influences and her love for Billie Holiday, James Taylor, Joni Mitchell and Shawn Phillips, are found in her music.  After a long break from performing, Jackie feels prompted to come forth and let her voice be heard in songs of love, loss and concerns for humanity and the planet.

Emilie-Claire Barlow

Emilie Claire Barlow been called "the next big thing in jazz" (CBC - Canada Now).  She has played consistently to sold out shows at top jazz clubs and festivals.  People are charmed by her energetic, confident performances, her natural demeanor and wit.

Zeke Mazurek – Fiddle

Fiddle player Zeke Mazurek, who resides in Prince Edward County has toured extensively with acts such as Stringband, Sylvia Tyson, Great Speckled Bird, Sneezy Waters, and Prairie Oyster. He has worked across Canada, the United States and Europe creating music for television, radio and movies.  Armed with accreditations, recordings, performance highlights and accomplishments too numerous to mention in this space, Zeke will be a feature performer and welcome addition to the back-up band.

Andy Schick - Pedal Steel Guitar Player

Andy is originally from Trenton and now resides in Kingston, Ontario.  In 1994 Andy was invited to tour with Universal recording artist Jason McCoy.  Throughout the following seven years and many tours across Canada, Andy was nominated by the Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) 5 times.  In 2001 Andy was voted and awarded Back Up Band of the Year for his 3rd nomination.  In 2002 and 2004, Andy was awarded Pedal Steel Guitar Player of the Year by the CCMA.

Andy was presented with a Gold Album from Jason McCoy and Universal Records in 2000. 

Jamie Babcock – Lead Guitar & Vocals

Jamie resides in Belleville and presently tours full-time with the Country Band, Rough Harvest.  He has played extensively in the Ottawa Valley and at one time played lead guitar for the Wilkinson’s.  Jamie has recorded with Dennis Whitty at Studio 9 recordings in Ottawa and on other studio projects. 

With guitar sound and vocal style rich and full with emotional dynamics, this young performer can really rock a crowd both physically and emotionally.

Doug Huey – Drums & Vocals

Doug lives in Lakefield and is a seasoned, veteran drummer presently featured with the band Rough Harvest.  He has toured extensively with some of Ontario’s most popular Country and Country-rock bands including local favourites, Cadillac Ranch.

Dean Lavoie – Bass Guitar

Hailing from Eganville, Ontario, Dean is one of the most popular, sought after, pure country bass players in the Ottawa Valley.  He has performed with every major country act in the Valley.  His most recent credit is with the Johnny Reid Band, which is presently enjoying numerous top 10 hits on country radio stations across Canada.  Dean’s smooth and steady rhythm is a welcome treat to any ensemble, and a popular choice in the studio for the pure country artist.

Dennis Whitty – Rhythm Guitar, Vocals

Armed with an acoustic guitar, a rich, powerful and sensitive voice, a mix of original material from his newly released CD, and beloved and spirited cover tunes, Dennis has been energizing crowds with his inspired performances for over twenty years.  He seamlessly delivers a blend of classic and modern country and country-rock music commanding the ability to transcend genres, genders, and age barriers. 

Besides his recently released debut full-length CD, Sidetracked, Dennis has been busy developing a live entertainment website, www.cangig.ca, to help profile Canadian bands and musicians.

Originally from the Niagara Peninsula, then Ottawa, Dennis now resides in Marysville, Ontario.

Lisa Hart – Traditional and New Country vocalist

Lisa is from Deseronto and has been performing at just about every country event in the Quinte region with tremendous success and acceptance.  She is armed with a powerful voice and a traditional repertoire.  Lisa recently auditioned for, and has been accepted as contestant #173 in the USA World Showcase which is held at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.  She leaves to compete on June 29th.

Marlene Leeson – Traditional and New Country vocalist

Recording artist Marlene Leeson of Marmora has four full length CDs to her credit, as well as appearances with Michelle Wright, Ronnie Prophet, Ambush, and Thomas Wade, to mention a few.  Marlene is one of those great performers guaranteed to give you goosebumps and leave you wanting more.