A Show Of Hands Musical Guests -
Featuring Mark & Mike and Friends
Excited to announce that a small line up of musicians, singers & songwriters has started to emerge. Thanks to the talent and effort of two of the shows musical friends Mark Ednie and Mike Dolinsek! Short sets will be played throughout the day on the main stage in the hall. Make sure to check out & support our local talent.
Mark Ednie
" Wood, wires and a voice."
A bit about Mark Ednie:
Although his first expressions in music were successfully achieved through drums, Mark soon turned his talents to guitar which opened new horizons for music expression and song writing. Currently Mark makes his home in Victoria where he writes and composes. Mark's skillful strummings and honest crooning have been know to make weddings, open mics, events, and even quiet campfires gatherings moments to remember.
You can find a selection of Mark's music here: http://music.cbc.ca/#!/artists/Mark-Ednie
Jessica Benini
A west coast gem captivating the audience with her energetic personality, soulful melodies, rhythmic guitar and spontaneous harmonica solos. In 2005 she graduated from Rosebud School of the Arts in Rosebud, Alberta with a degree in theater and music.
She featured during Broadway Sessions at the Ha! Comedy Club in Time Square, NYC, and is a reoccurring guest artist for the Connecticut New Canaan Dance Academy. Her achievements in music include having been nominated for Vocal Performance of the Year at the 2014 Vancouver Island Music Awards, Best Live Act in 2012, and she came in 3rd for the 2010 Island Folk Festival songwriting competition.
Jessica lives in Victoria BC where she works as both a music instructor, as well as a performer. She recently released her second album, “No Regrets”. And this Fall Jessica teamed up with legendary Canadian singer songwriter, Bruce Murdoch, and toured throughout Quebec, Canada.
Here are some links where you can connect with Jessica & find some of her songs:
www.facebook.com/jessicabeninimusic
https://twitter.com/jessicabenini
Elly Thorne
Seated on the enormous, overflowing hand crafted piano bench in front of the familiar, 88 resonant keys was where Elly could always be found as a young girl. After years of escaping to the piano following family dinners Elly learned her siblings were on to her, but rather than hoping she would give a hand with the washing up they would lovingly shout out requests and suggest new songs to learn.
With a diverse repertoire as a result you will hear familiar songs reimagined with the minimalist sounds of piano and vocals. The greatest loves of Elly’s life are the Canadian wonder Kathleen Edwards, the west-coast heartbreaker Brandi Carlile, and the formidable Patty Griffin.
Elly’s favorite part of performing covers is working them into something new, so much so that they are nearly unrecognizable. She is shy, but if you listen closely you will hear mixed into her set a few originals, songs almost too close to her heart to share with you.
You can find some of Elly’s music at
http://vimeo.com/29928797
http://vimeo.com/20715104
Nic Whitehouse
Nic Whitehouse is a singer/songwriter who has been making and performing music for most of his life. He combines strong melodies with accessible music. Nic is a poet, putting great emphasis on crafting his words. His voice is powerful yet beautiful, being able to switch back and forth between moods as it suits. Nic writes music reflective of his times, being able to tap into both the joys and fears of a generation saddled with a world that is uncertain.
Nic was the frontman and co-manager of Victoria based rock band Machina for the better part of a decade before the band members decided to amicably call it quits and pursue their own musical avenues. In the time since Machina, Nic has continued to hone his songwriting skills, always striving to carve out melodies and riffs that grab the listener’s attention, and hold onto them until the last chord fades out.
His influences include Radiohead, The Beatles, Elliott Smith, Queens of the Stone Age, Nirvana, and a host of other great musicians who are able to find that sweet spot between pop and dissidence. Watch him perform once, and you’ll be hooked.
You can catch Nic in action here: http://vimeo.com/87910770