Sponsored by the following Friends of the Festival: Country Stoves & Sunrooms Ltd., Vision Care Optometry Centre, The Odd Book, Muddy’s Convenience Store, Acton’s Grill & Cafe, Herbin Jewellers, The Box of Delights Bookshop, & Valley Stationers Ltd.
The Hupman Brothers
A mainstay of the local music scene in the Annapolis Valley, The Hupman Brothers deliver infectious, virtuosic tunes every time they grace a stage. As Kim O’Brien of the East Coast Blues Society describes it, their music is “steeped in the golden age of Blues… with a hint of swing/ragtime Blues guitar style of the 30s and 40s, (and) their own contemporary sensibilities woven in.”
Their win of Blues Recording of the Year at the 2010 East Coast Music Awards, and nominations as Maple Blues New Act of the Year and as Music Nova Scotia’s Blues Album/Group Recording of the Year for Countin’ Quarters have put the Hupman Brothers at the forefront of a new wave of Blues artists in the East Coast.
Ryan Hupman on lead guitar and vocals, and Scott Hupman on rhythm guitar, bass and back-up vocals have been playing music together since childhood. It shows in the sense of fun they display on stage, and in their obvious compatibility, both as musicians and as performers. The “Hups” are at home at Deep Roots and love to jam with our guests. We are really looking forward to hearing them mix it up with Digging Roots at our Late Night party on Saturday Night!
For more visit: www.hupmanbrothers.com
Sponsored by Gardenhouse B & B (Friends of the Festival)
The Lost Tourists
The Lost Tourists’ smooth and lively grooves are reminiscent of long, hot Havana nights. Frederic Mujica, a former headliner for top resorts in Cuba, showcases his guitar and vocal talents, while Csaba Kanyasi provides an energetic heartbeat to the music with his percussion playing. Based in the Annapolis Valley, this duo is pleasure to the ears and rapture to the feet, rarely leaving a room without a spirited dance party in their wake.
The Lost Tourists will be joining Gypsophilia and Der Heisser on stage at our late night party on Friday in the MacKeen Room, rounding out the day’s Festival performances with an international flavour.
Sponsored by Kings County Honda (Festival Contributor)
Caleb Miles
Caleb Miles began his musical career in New Mexico’s high desert. His masterful guitar style is self-described as “sharp, clear, and dry like the sage-scented air; lawless like the Old West.”
Caleb has been traveling and performing for most of his life, playing a blend of folk, rock and blues music in venues across the United States. In 2005 Caleb moved to Nova Scotia expecting to surrender to rural solitude, but instead found a vibrant, art-minded community that served as motivation and inspiration to keep writing and performing. Caleb now performs solo as well as select gigs with The Hupman Brothers Band, and has cultivated an excellent reputation amongst local audiences. We are proud to present Caleb Miles once again to Deep Roots audiences.
For more visit: www.calebmiles.net
Sponsored by Long & McQuade (Festival Contributors)
Ian Sherwood
Dartmouth native Ian Sherwood mixes catchy melodies and heart-breaking stories with intricate guitar loops, saxophones and pop/rock/jazz grooves to create music that has been described as “traditional singer/songwriter style at it’s essence” by CBC Radio one. His energetic stage show and honest presentation have quickly gained him recognition as a solid performer, lyricist and player, and garnered him Music Nova Scotia’s 2008 and 2010 Musician of the Year awards.
Josh Visser of the Halifax Chronicle Herald describes Sherwood’s lyrics as, “..romantic as they are clever and snarky… Sherwood has a tongue that can be firmly planted-in-cheek, in his often funny, often poignant lyrics.” The release of his third CD, And Now The Fun Begins is generating a lot of buzz, including a Male Solo Recording of the Year nomination. Deep Roots is excited to welcome back this celebrated musician to the 2011 Festival!
For more visit: iansherwood.com
Sponsored by Subway (Festival Contributor)
Lovestorm
Tim Isaac and Nina Khosla joined musical forces in 2009 to form a duo that is energetic, powerful, and celebratory. Their debut CD Great Ocean garnered nominations from both the East Coast Music Awards and Music New Brunswick for Pop Recording of the Year in 2010.
Khosla’s warm, expressive vocals are complimented by Isaac’s innovative cello accompaniment, which stretches the instrument into exciting new territory. Flourishes of xylophone, harmonium, flute, and keyboard played by Khosla further enliven the music. The merging of these two talents has resulted in something wonderfully engaging, that is at once sacred and sensual. Their intimate show, uplifting lyrics, diverse instrumentation and distinctively beautiful sound are winning over audiences everywhere they perform, and we’re confident that the Annapolis Valley will be no exception!
For more visit: www.lovestorm.ca
Sponsored by Flowercart (Friends of the Festival)
Andy & Ariana - Photo by Bruce Dienes
Now based in Wolfville, Andy Flinn and Ariana Nasr have been making music together for more than 12 years. During that time they have released six CDs, a DVD and a number of music videos under the name Thugs at Bay (or t@b). As well, they have travelled and performed extensively across Canada and overseas, while remaining strong favourites in the local music scene.
“Ariana’s captivating vocals move easily across a mix of roots, jazz, world and contemporary songwriting. She further explores melody with saxophone and violin. Andy fascinates audiences with his polymetric rhythms as he beat-boxes, plays guitar, and uses his heels to play the drums” (www.tabmusic.ca).
With their hands full of instruments, and their hearts full of song, the folky duo conveys a zest for life and has audiences clapping and tapping along. Deep Roots is happy to have Andy & Ariana share their talent and energy with us at this year’s Music Festival!
For more visit: www.tabmusic.ca
Sponsored by Roselawn Lodging (Festival Builder)
Michael Jerome Browne
Born in Indiana, Michael Jerome Browne is the son of English professors whose love of music and poetry inspired them to take their nine year old son to the great jazz, blues and folk clubs in their adopted home of Montreal. Now Michael tours all over the world, sharing his unique musical voice that spans the spectrum of genres from old-time country to electric blues, and influenced by the greats that he observed as a child, including the likes of Big Bill Broonzy and David Byrne.
Skilled in guitar, banjo, fiddle, harmonica, mandolin, and vocals, Michael gives being a multi-instrumentalist a new meaning. Maple Blues Magazine describes Michael’s music as, “a veritable feast… he can perform in any roots style, putting them all together simply requires good songs. He has them here.”
Michael possesses a prolific list of awards and nominations, including Solo Artist of the Year at the 2008 Canadian Folk Music Awards, and JUNO nominations for all three of his recent releases. We are very proud to have Michael Jerome Browne with us at this year’s Deep Roots Music Festival.
For more visit: www.michaeljeromebrowne.com
Sponsored by Valley Mushrooms (Friends of the Festival)
Mike Aubé - Photo by Terry Murphy
“Part guitar-slinging poet, part joker, part environmental crusader, Mike Aubé is a multi-dimensional songwriter who is grounded in roots traditions, with hints of funk and rock influences.” (www.mikeaube.com)
The New Brunswick-born folkster honed his performing chops by playing acoustic rock covers in bars with his former band, Rust Bucket, while quietly crafting original songs behind the scenes. Now with two solo albums – Aberdeen Street and Cluster Folk – Mike enjoys praise and accolades for his droll lyrics, original style, and smooth vocals. While sharing the stage with some of the best the East Coast has to offer, including Dave Gunning, JP Cormier, Jon McKeil, and Sherry Ryan, Aube holds his own and has proven that he is poised to become one of the Maritimes’ finest performing songwriters. Mike now calls the Annapolis Valley home and Deep Roots is proud to invite him to perform on familiar stomping grounds, where he will undoubtedly be welcomed by many admirers.
For more visit: www.mikeaube.com
Sponsored by MacDonald Chisholm Trask Insurance (Festival Contributor)
Ariana Gillis
At the age of 21, Ariana is a lyricist who demonstrates wisdom and insight well beyond her years. Born and raised in Hamilton, Ontario, singer/songwriter Ariana Gillis has been touring extensively for the last 3 years playing at major festivals, clubs, and coffee houses and sharing the stage with the likes of Kathleen Edwards, Ron Sexsmith, Sarah Sleen, David Francey and Kevin Briet.
Ariana has captured the hearts and imaginations of Canadians far and wide with her songs about “soul defining experiences”, and her unique performing chops. Her debut CD, To Make It Make Sense, showcases her fascinating and evolving talent.
Ariana has been awarded a number of Niagara Music Awards, including Album of the Year and Top Female Vocalist in 2010. As well, she has been recognized as the Young Performer of the Year at the 2009 Canadian Folk Awards and was nominated for three Hamilton Music Awards in 2009. We welcome this young talent to the 2011 Deep Roots Music Festival.
For more visit: www.arianagillis.com
Sponsored by Municipality of the County of Kings (Festival Patron)
Chas Guay - Photo by Jack LeClair
The “little city” of Charlottetown is home to Chas Guay, where for 15 years he’s owned and operated the resourceful and legendary indie record store, Back Alley Discs, and has been a bastion and major contributor to the local music scene. Originally from Montreal, Guay has had a long history as a songwriter and musician, getting his start playing with various bands, including the beloved house band “The Dogs”. He has performed and recorded with some of the finest artists from the East Coast and beyond, including Mae Moore, Gene MacLellan, Nathan Wiley, Lennie Gallant and Mick Taylor, and has recently released a new CD entitled Little City.
Musically, Guay straddles a number of different genres including folk, alt country, jazz, rock and pop. His voice, as described by The Guardian’s Doug Gallant “is as comforting as grandma’s chicken soup”. Guay was awarded the Male Vocalist of the Year at the 2010 PEI Music Awards and has been recognized for his musical accomplishments by the East Coast Music Association with the presentation of this year’s Musician’s Achievement Award. Deep Roots welcomes Chas Guay to the Annapolis Valley and we encourage everyone to check out this versatile musician.
For more visit: www.chasguay.ca
