Niagara Arts Showcase is proud to present the Spotlighted Musicians for the 2017 Carmel Fine Art and Music Festival:
(click each one for their websites)
Cory Cruise
Cory Cruise’s unique style is best described as “acoustically delicious.” At the 2016 Niagara Music Awards, Cory received 8 nominations & 4 awards including Male Vocalist, Country Artist, & Adult Contemporary artist of the year & also his 3rd People’s Choice Award. His passion for music is evident in the way he expresses each song. He uses his guitar as an extension of himself to captivate his audience with every performance.
Via the internet, Cory’s music is being heard all over the world. Through his support of our Canadian Forces, having written a song dedicated to our fallen called “Loving Memory”, he has proven his natural talent to connect emotionally. Cory’s eclectic musical influences have made him very diverse and gifted him with an ability to radiate in many genres. Recently, Cory performed for the Illuminaqua series and the Niagara Food Festival’s Main Stage.
On January 23rd 2016, Cory released his much anticipated debut album. This album has been created using the talents of world renowned musicians, producers & mixing engineers. The end result is an album that has its own unique sound and is still distinctly Cory Cruise. With this album Cory intends to bring his music to the national & world stages.
Electric Wildlife
Electric Wildlife is a band hailing from Niagara Falls, consisting of Emily Andrews on vocals, bass, and guitar, and Nathanial Goold on vocals, guitar, and percussion. Mainly influenced by the folk sound, they bring to you a fresh flavour of originals and covers with acoustic melodies and rich harmonies. Nathanial Goold has been an active musician in the Niagara music scene for the past decade, playing in various acts such as, The Black Flies, The Anti-Q’s, Aaron Berger and The Blue Stars, and Eli and The Strawman. A singer/songwriter at heart, Nathanial writes songs that will take you on a journey through stories of love lost, travel, and life lessons. Emily Andrews is a multi-media visual artist, actress, and musician whose songs delve into the honesty of human emotion and the absurdity of the world as she knows it. She and Nathanial collaborate with their unique styles to bring you Electric Wildlife.
John Taylor
John Taylor is a musician like no other. His ability to play for any type of crowd in nearly any style has allowed him to entertain all over Southern Ontario and internationally.
John Taylor’s Classical degree and background has solidified him in the top wedding/Event musicians in Southern Ontario and allowed him to travel to many Canadian cities such as; Ottawa, Toronto, Niagara Falls, Barrie, Vaughn, Kitchener, Mississauga and of course in the most sought after locations in London, where he resides.
John Taylor’s strong rock roots have lead him to playing many venues where he performs acoustic guitar with vocals. These bookings include various styles such as Rock, Pop, Blues, Country and Jazz. Some of the venues where you could enjoy his music on a regular basis with good food and drink are Plant Matter Kitchen in London, ON, Barnacles Beerhouse in Port Stanley, ON. and many more. He is known as a musical chameleon. From rocking the night away to classy background music at high end venues, John Taylor can do it all with style.
From television appearances to playing Festivals and all types of venues, John Taylor continues to play them all with acclaim!
As well as performing on a regular basis, John Taylor is also a renowned and award winning guitar teacher.
Katey Gatta
Native to the heart of Niagara, singer/songwriter Katey Gatta has been strumming her way around Ontario for the past 10 years. Known for her clever covers and a voice that draws comparisons to Norah Jones and Alanis Morissette, Gatta can frequently be found playing in bars, restaurants, wineries and weddings. Her debut EP, “Songs from the Basement” was released in 2014.
The Maureen Brown Band
4X winner of awards honouring her as Canadian Blues Drummer of Year and again nominated in 2004, as well as being nominated 3X for Mapleblues Female Vocalist of the Year, Maureen has been a force to be reckoned with, in the Toronto music scene over 25 years. She has performed world-wide with such great artists as John Hammond, Otis Rush, Tinsley Ellis, Jeff Healey, Lowell Fulson, Matt “Guitar” Murphy, Margie Evans, Michael Coleman, Big Time Sarah, A.C. Reed, Kenny “Blues Boss” Wayne, Chris and Ken Whiteley and most recently with Fiona Boyes, Lttle G Weevil, Kim Wilson, Harpdog Brown and W.C. Handy winners, Watermelon Slim & The Workers,
Born in Kitchener, Ontario, Maureen started drumming at the age of 10, she was immersed in the local music programs, where she gained honours on her Royal Conservatory of Music degree, for Grade II Theory and Grade VIII percussion. She was a member of the Edmonton Philharmonic Orchestra, as well as touring Canada with numerous rock and show bands before settling in Toronto, where she was then immersed in the blues scene there. Maureen has performed at the prestigious Montreal Jazz Festival, Montreal Drum Festival, The Cape Breton Drum Festival, The Meridien in Paris, France and throughout Europe, Mont Tremblant and many other festivals, concerts and clinics, as well as teaching at Humber College, drum coaching for De Grassi High TV show and teaching at Daisy Rock, a rock camp for girls, in St. John’s Nfld.
Maureen has released her own CD “Be Close”, which was recognized in the top ten best Canadian blues releases in 1997. Her 9-piece New Orleans inspired band was also awarded winners of Southern Comfort’s New Blues Talent Search (1994), which furthered them to represent Canada at the W.C. Handy New Blues Search, in Memphis. She has also recorded numerous CD’s with other artists, including Sunny Fournier and Ian Thomas’s band, The Boomers, where Maureen played percussion on all but the first Boomers CD’s. In fact, Ian Thomas produced her own CD, in which she has songs co-written with Ian who remains one of Canada’s finest songwriters. Maureen had the pleasure of having some of her favourite artists join her on her CD, which includes guest appearances by Richie Hayward (Little Feat) and Kim Wilson (The Fabulous Thunderbirds).
Maureen has written many articles published in numerous magazines, including DRUM!, Modern Drummer and Drums Etc., as well as being a percussionist, actor and fine artist. Along with free-lancing as a drummer/singer/percussionist, she lead two of her own bands, Maureen Brown & Big Hand (9 pc New Orleans band) & The Maureen Brown Band (roots-rockin trio). Maureen was nominated for a St. Catharines Arts Award in 2015 and in 2017 performed at the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre. Moe’s Art (original multi-media, creations) debuted at Canal Days, in Port Colborne (2015).
Mel Monaco
If you can’t be safe, be spectacular”: a phrase setting the tone for Mel Monaco, singer/songwriter. Inspired by the dark brassy notes of legends, Mel produces a contemporary, yet vintage inspired R&B soul pop soul sound enhanced by her unique alto voice that can be heard through her diverse original compilations. Mel turns every experience into lyrical memories… “These Are Just Suggestions” released April 2015, has “Single Again”, NMA “Music Video Of The Year”. Continuing with its success, Mel released the single “Hold Me Back” alongside its fun music video in November of 2016. The track “Hold Me Back” is off the brand new full length CD/VINYL“Falling For The Third Time” Mel is releasing on August 19, 2017. Be sure to get the album AND keep an eye and ear out for Mel Monaco!
Michael Trudgen
Michael Trudgen is a fingerstyle guitarist from London Ontario! He came onto the music scene as a solo artist for a Battle of the Bands event in 2015; which he took 2nd place of 16 artists! Michael attained an Emerging Artist Endorsement from Stonebridge Guitars in 2016! He went on to record his first self titled album and released in 2017; which was reviewed by Divide and Conquer Magazine and given a score of 4/5! His music is upbeat, lots of energy, and a folk/jazz/rock infusion.
Peyton Reign
Peyton Reign is a soulful voice with a Pop/Rock Atitude. Currently working with Roy Hamilton III, I am recording my debut album in Toronto, On. My performance brings a mix of original songs and a twist on hits covering several genres. With a passion to perform and a style that’s unique. I thrive to leave the crowd wanting more. “Distinctive and soulful voice… the kind of voice where upon listening one would say, “that sounds like Peyton Reign”. Quote from TinnMan
Philip Bosley – Grunge Country
Americana needs louder guitars and Grunge needs better lyrics, so this is where Philip steps in.
Back in the 80’s, they would’ve called it Heartland Rock. Now it’s known as Roots Rock, Alt-Country, Americana, Canadiana, whatever other new genre name is surely coming soon. Somewhere between blue collar city workers, bored suburban kids, and farmer country sensibility. Imagine Buck Owens heartache with Big Sugar guitars, Merle Haggard mixed with Nirvana, Bruce Springsteen meets Bad Religion.
Seattle Grunge meets up with Austin Roots-Country in Southern Ontario for beer and whiskey.
Put down your smartphones and listen up, kids.
Road Waves
Since the conception of the band in 2014, Road Waves has been moving full steam ahead. With the release of an album [The Lighthouse] in 2015 and two Niagara Music Awards [‘Best New Group of the Year 2015’ and ‘Best Jazz Group 2015’] the band shows no signs of slowing down.
At every show, Road Waves is reaching for the stars and beyond to see what can be found. Although improvising a large portion of the sets and songs increases the possibility of creating unpleasant noises, they accept this risk in an effort to attain a mystical, continually evolving sound, feeling, and emotion that is most difficult to explain. Come and listen to the magic for yourself; accompany them on a wild roller-coaster ride from the macro[universe] to the micro[instruments], looping and spiralling through the vastness of space and time on the melodies of curiosity – their peculiar and idiosyncratic minds constantly unravelling. Feeding off of the energy from the other half of the stage–the audience–is how they achieve the means to articulate their eccentric musings, in turn reciprocating that energy to create a cyclone of excitement, fun, and freedom of thought and emotion.
The group is still young–their history short and sweet–but they have already made a mark in their hometown and are planning many enriching and entertaining events/shows to come. Their music is not just to be listened to, but experienced, so come aboard, and join them on this wild, chaotic and unique ride!
Rose Cora Perry & The Truth Untold
Rose Cora Perry is the former frontwoman of major label signed act Anti-Hero and has performed at some of the world’s most renowned music festivals including: Canadian Music Week, NorthbyNortheast, Pittsburgh’s Three Rivers Regatta, Warped Tour, and MEANYFest
In conjunction with the 2016 release of her critically-acclaimed sophomore solo album, “Onto the Floor”, Perry formed high energy powerhouse duo, The Truth Untold, featuring Tyler Randall on Drums; Perry handles Vocals, Guitar and Songwriting.
Within a mere six months of coming together, The Truth Untold conquered audiences of 25,000+, performing at 15 festivals and winning over crowds of 20-somethings and babyboomers alike.
They’re high energy, refreshing and modern with a hint of 90s aesthetic. Like The White Stripes…but gender reversed, you can’t help but fall in love with their full bodied vocals, relatable lyrics, chugging guitars and hard hitting rhythms. Rose Cora Perry & The Truth Untold are a must see act.
Sarah Boulton
Alternative pop singer and songwriter, Sarah Boulton hails from the Niagara region and has been performing non-stop for almost ten years in Niagara, Toronto, and the surrounding areas. She has traveled as far as the island of Barbados to open for BRIT Award winning trio BLAKE back in 2015. That year she was also a Niagara Music Awards nominee in four categories: Songwriter of the Year, Adult Contemporary Artist, Folk Artist, and Album of the Year with her first self released project. Since then, Sarah has been recording her first official studio album with award winning producer Tim Abraham out of The Hive Studios in Toronto. She has co-written with several incredible writers and producers in both Toronto and Los Angeles and is working on exciting things in anticipation for this project’s release.
Sing Niagara Women’s A Cappella Chorus
The Niagara region has had a women’s a cappella chorus for over 50 years! The first Harmony Inc. chorus in Niagara started in 1965, in the city of St Catharines under the name of The Tune Twisters. Twenty years later, in 1985,Harmony Niagara became the second Harmony chorus in the Region. In 1993, the two choruses amalgamated, dissolving their existing Harmony charters and establishing a fresh Harmony chorus, under the name of Pride of Niagara. In 2008, the chorus changed its name to Sing Niagara. Fifty-two years of singing and service to the Niagara community is a significant accomplishment.
Incorporation as a non-profit organization in Ontario took place in 2005. The chorus has Bylaws and a Board of Directors whose purpose is to manage the direction of the chorus, and ensure compliance with the laws for non-profit organizations and the copyright laws governing the purchase and use of our music.
In the 50+years of its existence, the chorus has received numerous awards for its singing and community service, produced award winning quartets and wonderful directors. The photo depicts one of the many proud moments in our history. Under the direction of Linda Hilko, the chorus captured 1st place in the 1994 Harmony, Inc. International competition. The annual competition is a major focus for the chorus; however, the top priority has always been to achieve excellence in every performance for all of our audiences.
The Natrolites
This pop funk trio gets a fresh start as The Natrolites. The trio consists of Matt Taylor (lead vocals and guitar), Daniel Nicoletti, (vocals/drums) and Dan Risi (vocals/bass).
Their original music has been showcased in cities throughout southern Ontario, New York City and Los Angeles. The Natrolties self-produced EP is expected to be released In Summer of 2017.
Their singles “Live to Love” and “Paint me a Picture” can be downloaded on Apple Music, Spotify and Tidal.
The Reverend
Allen “The Reverend” Kleine Deters exudes the blues with his mix of classic roots style, playing slide and picking along with his soulful vocals and harmonica. The Rev started playing guitar in his early 20s and found himself drawn into the blues listening to the classics from Robert Johnson, Blind Willie Johnson and Skip James to Muddy Waters and Stevie Ray Vaughan. Before long he added full-on blues harmonica to his shows bringing with him the styles of Sonny Boy Williamson and Charlie Musselwhite.
From the delta to Chicago, the Reverend brings a blues show you won’t want to miss.
The Reverend has recently left his band “Reverend and the Blues Pushers” in Colorado to move back to Canada to start a new church community and bless the greater Niagara region and beyond with the heart and lament, the depth of roots blues.
The Reverend lives in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada
The Wanted
“If you want to know about roots, and some blues and rock and country and bluegrass, all rolled into one, an incredible mix, this is the band for you!” – The Hudson Music Festival
The Wanted fuse vintage North American country and folk music with rockabilly and rock ‘n’ roll in a distinctive mash-up. The Wanted perform extensively in Canada, performing at festivals including the Hudson Music Festival in Quebec, the Bread and Honey Festival, and Winterfolk Festival; headlining and playing extended residencies at iconic roots clubs such as Hugh’s Room, The Dakota, The Cameron House, and The Gladstone Hotel; and performing at numerous ribfests, city concerts, country fairs, and special events.
AltCountryForum.nl describes the band’s self-titled CD as: “A fine work full of contagious, hip swaying, raucous music…Simply irresistible!” Tracks from the CD have aired on CBC Radio 1 and many other roots music programs throughout North America and around the world. The Wanted combine intricate harmonies and traditional instrumentation with unique elements such as washboard, bodhran, and acoustic lap steel guitar to create a distinctively eclectic musical style that audiences really enjoy.
The Wanted are Natalie Rogers on vocals, guitar and percussion; Jeff Rogers on vocals, guitar, harmonica and mandolin; Richard Henderson on vocals and lap steel guitar; and Dave Lang on upright bass.
Zack Tiessen
Zack Tiessen Is a Singer/Songwriter from Niagara Falls, Ontario. Heavily influenced by many genres such as blues, folk, punk, and grunge! His music come’s from his heart and soul and is inspired by just about anything one can think of. He is influenced by artists such as: Elliot Smith, Bob Dylan, Local H, Smashing Pumpkins, Weird Al, Brand New, Tony Sly, Bad Religion, and a ton more. Zack has been playing guitar since he was 14 and released his first solo EP ‘Zack in Time’ in March of 2016. He’s been lucky enough to play some fun original shows with Artists such as: CJ Ramone, Mike Trebilcock (Killjoys), Electric Six, and Spencer Burton (formerly Attack in Black). He’s also played a couple festivals including Scene Music festival in 2013, and Friendship festival 2015. When he isn’t playing original shows he also likes to play cover shows.
