We are proud to host some of Canada's best and brightest acts to celebrate Canada Day in Saint John...

June 30th

ELIOTT BROOD
2013 JUNO award winners Elliott BROOD have always been time travellers. The Toronto trio writes songs steeped in history that feel very present. They've done their share of actual travelling, too, these musical troubadours, acoustic guitars and banjos slung over their sharp suits as they barnstormed across Canada and beyond. For the new album Days Into Years it was century-old stories encountered an ocean away that brought them closest to home. On the band's first European tour back in 2007 they found themselves driving through the backroads of France. Vocalist Mark Sasso, guitarist Casey Laforet and drummer Stephen Pitkin, all enthusiasts of military history, raised on the harrowing stories of Canadians in World War 1, were simply looking to avoid the toll highways. Then they came upon a sign for a WW1 military cemetery.

"We'd been driving through Belgium and France, always passing by these historical war places and we decided to pull over and take this one in," recalls Mark. "We saw all these Canadian names, and it really resonated with us, these young guys that had gone off to war. I knew all about it from reading books, but when you actually visit a place where the battles were, it hits you a lot harder. We said, 'We need to write a record about it.'".  This makes them the perfect fit for our Canada Day Countdown feature act.

Now, the roof-raising rhythm stomp and mandolin collides with luscious harmonies, piano and, for the first time, electric guitar in a mix Casey admits is "loud, heavy and rock 'n' roll."  They are also the ideal group to deliver a signature piece of our Stompin' Tom Tribute to the Saint John native.

THE DUDES
The Dudes, a Calgary-based band, infuse an emotional blend of Al Green and Flaming Lips – soul music and early 1990′s distortion. Dan Vacon, singer-songwriter for The Dudes since their start in the late 90′s, has the ability to draw audiences in through his distinct vocal style – a mixture of strong pop melody, sly double entendres, and pure soul.

The Dudes have produced several lo-fi releases since their inception, however their last musical offering, “Brain Heart Guitar”, found The Dudes touring across Canada numerous times showcasing at festivals like The Canadian Junos, West Coast Music Awards, Halifax Pop Explosion, Pop Montreal, NXNE, Canadian Music Week, and now, Canada Day Countdown!

MO KENNEY
Since the release of her debut recording in September 2012, Mo Kenney has toured the country with Joel Plaskett and The Emergency and Ron Sexsmith, selling record numbers of CDs offstage and gleaning outstanding reviews. She has played the prestigious Iceland Airwaves Festival, The Great Escape, and Green Man Festival; was nominated for a CBC Radio 3 Bucky Award for 2012 Rookie of the Year, a 2013 ECMA for Rising Star Recording of the Year, and the 2013 SOCAN Songwriting Prize; and made the iTunes Best Singer Songwriters of 2012 list.

Mo is keen to add Canada Day Countdown to her roster, and join the ranks of many Maritime musicians who have taken off into global stardom after their Countdown sets.

Having influences and inspirations drawn from classic and alt-rock artists rather than the traditional singer/songwriter pantheon helps account for the bracing freshness of Mo Kenney’s style. Fitting her sound into a neat box is an exercise in futility, though, if pressed, Mo can settle for “pop music with a folky twist. It is pop-y as they’re often short and catchy little songs. I wanted to stay away from the typical singer/songwriter thing and do something a little different. These songs are like a collection of the music I have been carrying around since I was about 15. Many of the songs were written when I was younger, so the album is a weird mix.” More wonderful than weird, we say.

“She’s arresting in her intimacy, disarming in her individuality. She doesn’t sound like other women, not the fine fellow writers of the East Coast, nor the matron Canadian of all with an acoustic, early Joni. These are songs straight from her, a kind of free-flowing observational style of life moments, with plain language but deep meaning.” – Bob Mersereau, CBC

ACRES&ACRES (also playing July 1st)!

This has been a big year for Acres and Acres.  The band released their sophomore album Truth & Sky, charted on commercial and campus radio across the country (#1 on CFRC in Kingston & CKDU in Halifax), toured the Maritimes with a full band & string section, and sold out shows on their album release tour.

Based out of Halifax, NS, the band consists of a duo of songwriters (NB native Kris Pope & David Scholten), a killer rhythm section (Jordi Comstock, Ian Sherwood), and a talented composer & keys player (Ian Bent).  For bigger shows, the band joins forces with other artists.  Their double header on the Boardwalk June 30&July 1 will see them blend their unique sounds with The Caravan!

The band’s debut album All Nations was nominated for Recording of the Year at the East Coast Music Awards.  Three years of writing, touring, recording, collaborating and general endless philosophizing resulted in a concise and impressive follow up album.  Truth & Sky uses a variety of live recordings and studio tracks to further develop the band’s unique atmospheric-folk sound.

With a band name like Acres and Acres, one immediately conjures up visions of endless fields of green under crystal clear blue skies with nary a motorized vehicle in sight.

THE CARAVAN (also playing July 1st!)

The Caravan knows how to keep you guessing!
Approaching hip hop from the left field, the Halifax-based band has explored influences on all ends of the sonic spectrum. But while a single genre may be elusive for this three-piece, there's nothing vague about its presence. With rhymes pulsing through him from a young age, wise wordsmith Kyle McKenna is a dominant force on stage—both lyrically and physically. Combine his honest and unpredictable flow with the musical chops of genre-bending composer/engineer Mike Ritchie (guitar, keys) and effervescent drummer Mark Bachynski (Classified, Bend the River) and the result is nothing short of dynamic.

The Caravan will bring their new album to Saint John for the first time, the sophomore album to its debut, ECMA-nominated record Emerald City (2010) with a self-titled release that explores new production techniques, abandoning the band's earlier acoustic vibe for a bolder, heavier-hitting album. Already generating buzz from widely-shared videos for the throwback hip hop track "Words That Make You Feel Good" and the orchestral, political powerhouse "What Up Steve?", it's no question The Caravan has plenty more tricks up its sleeve.

THE ELWINS
Ontario-based indie pop outfit The Elwins have garnered an impressive pile of attention and praise considering their relative youth. From performing alongside acts like Tokyo Police Club, Arkells, The Sadies, Brendan Canning and Walk Off The Earth or at festivals including SXSW, CMW, POP Montreal, and the Halifax Pop Explosion to being heralded an “act to watch” by tastemakers like Exclaim!, CBC Radio 3, and Torontoist.com, The Elwins have rapidly risen the rungs of the Canadian independent music scene – and all without a full-length offering to their name; however, that’s set to change with the release of their highly-anticipated long-player And I Thank You.

The band was born in 2008 when vocalist/guitarist Matthew Sweeney and drummer Travis Stokl bonded in a high-school hallway over their mutual love of The Flaming Lips. The two began writing songs together under the new banner and thereafter welcomed longtime friend Feurd Moore to handle keyboard and guitar duties. Most recently the band has welcomed Frankie Figliomeni to the fold, playing the bass guitar.

Since then they’ve seen their audience and, subsequently, the excitement surrounding their LP expand exponentially. Recorded in Seattle, produced by Bill Moriarty (Dr. Dog, Man Man) and Ryan Hadlock (Blonde Redhead, Islands, Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks), and mixed by L.Stu Young (Prince, Sum 41), And I Thank You features a refined version of the band’s bouncy brand of ‘60s-tinged pop rock first revealed on their self-titled EP in 2010. Sweeney’s soothing vocals interplay beautifully with the band’s simple-yet-substantial arrangements, resulting in a sound that’s simultaneously fresh and familiar.

Songs like “Propinquity,” “On Your Doorstep,” and “Stuck In The Middle,” the first single from the album, boast a driving and danceable pace with some seriously sticky throwback melodies while others like “I Miss You And I” and “Behind My Eyes” are more serene in their delivery, directing further focus towards the band’s talent for writing tasteful, memorable lyrics while still carrying that undeniable overall charm.

That charm emerges more immediately, though, during the band’s lauded live shows. Dripping with fun (and facial hair), The Elwins’ notoriously high-energy sets are full of smile-inducing sing-alongs, plenty of crowd participation, giveaways, and even impromptu dance competitions. The energy emitted by the band is absorbed by audiences and reciprocated tenfold, resulting in an ever-escalating give-and-take that makes instant fans of any casual listeners within earshot.

Their quirky creativity also manifests itself outside of their musical output, be it onstage or in-studio, with the band designing and making many of their own merch items (which can range from mugs and sunglasses to pillows and tote bags) and producing their own series of videos.

The Elwins may not take themselves too seriously, but the same can’t be said for their career. It’s all part of an effort to continually engage their audience while also adding to it, and needless to say, it’s a formula that’s been working wonders thus far. With the release of And I Thank You, their profile can only be propelled upward, and there are plenty of people wondering just how high.

WHALE SKIN DJ SETS
Whale Skin is the project of Willow Bell (The Belle Comedians), who has spent the last several years honing his skills as a producer and DJ. Working with the likes of Jenocide and Paper Lions made Bell keen to start fleshing out his own ideas; tasty beats influenced as much by funk grooves & pop hooks as they are the dirt and grime of the underground French electro scene.   From live remixes to original jams, Whale Skin’s music is infectious. Since forming just under a year ago, Whale Skin is helping build what is a small but strong electronica/dance scene in the Martimes.

Whale Skin will be spinning in between sets all day and night, and then riding us into the wee hours at the end of the night!

THE MOTORLEAGUE
It’s mere seconds into a typical track by The Motorleague that listeners realize what they’re in for. Be it a blistering single-string guitar riff delivered through an amp that’s seemingly been set afire or a bludgeoning smash to the snare drum, this band delivers its punk-influenced hard rock with an unrelenting urgency from start to finish. Or at least that was the case with the band’s heralded 2009 debut LP, Black Noise… their 2013 follow-up Acknowledge, Acknowledge also features a flurry of high-energy, riff-anchored rock, it’s also much more dynamic and expressive – and that was the idea from the outset.

Formed in Moncton, NB from the relics of revered local rock outfits The Ditchpigs and The Monoxides, The Motorleague was originally an outlet for lead vocalist/guitarist/primary songwriter Don Levandier and his band mates to blend a penchant for ‘90s skate punk with the sludgier sounds of stoner rock. “I never knew whether I wanted to be in a punk band or Fu Manchu rip-off,” Levandier says of the group’s formative years, and even now, traces of each are audible in the band’s output.

With the release of Acknowledge, Acknowledge, The Motorleague has marked a new beginning with a firmly-cemented stable of players set to carry the banner forward. Joining Levandier are Shawn Chaisson (bass/vocals), Francis Landry (drums), and Nathan Jones (guitar/vocals). And while their influences are still on their sleeves, over time, The Motorleague has morphed into a rock band that exists strictly on its own terms.

THE MOTORLEAGUE ARE ALSO DELIVERING SOME OF THEIR UNIQUE HERITAGE MINUTES SET IN SUPPORT OF SHINERAMA, AND OUR ANNUAL STILETTO STAMPEDE

ELDON KING
Saint John's newest band is kicking us off into Countdown this year.  The trio is fast in its way to finding their rhythm that will set the pulse of the city's music industry racing!

July 1st

FIREWORKS FINALE FEATURING WTFunk 9:45
An 8-piece band out of Saint John, New Brunswick, WTFunk brings seasoned players, a 3 piece horn section and a dynamo female lead vocalist together to produce an auditory explosion sure to keep your feet moving all night! R&B/Soul and Funk are what's on the menu and folks don't take well to a sit down meal when the band hits the stage. Covering classic and contemporary artists of a wide variety with a common groove such as Stevie Wonder, James Brown, Adele, Aretha Franklin, Jackson 5, Dusty Springfield, The Blues Brothers, C-Lo Green, and Prince guarantees that our Fireworks Finale beginning at 9:45 will be the best yet, so you may want to stake your spot early!  WTFunk will play before and after the fireworks, so be ready for a night of celebrations!

SHRIMP DADDY AND THE SHARPSHOOTERS
They call him Shrimp Daddy, and he plays the Blues.
Michael 'Shrimp Daddy Reid' is the winner of the 2011 MAPLE BLUES AWARD for "NEW ARTIST OR GROUP OF THE YEAR" and was nominated for the 2011 CANADIAN INDEPENDENT MUSIC AWARDS FOR "BLUES ARTIST/GROUP OF THE YEAR"

His deep powerful vocals and soulful harmonica, supported by his hard playing band The Sharpshooters, will whisk you from the juke joints of Mississippi, to the hard edge blues clubs of Chicago, and leave you swingin' and jumpin' west coast style. Inspired by the music of Little Walter, Willie Dixon, Howlin' Wolf & Muddy Waters, and his personal favorite, William Clarke, Shrimpdaddy carries on the tradition of heartfelt blues performance.

Transplanted from “La Belle Province”, this native Montrealer now makes Toronto his home. He is a driving force in vocalizing, interpreting and writing Chicago and West Coast jump and swing blues.

Michael “Shrimp Daddy” Reid is a must hear!



MARISSA RIGNANESI
Emmylou said it best: "I don't ever worry about whether I'm being true to my country roots. My country roots were adopted...I just do what I want to.

STEVE WAYLON BAND
Steve Waylon grew up in a small village in central New Brunswick, called Chipman.  Known to some as the "Wild One" of the east coast music scene, he seems to stop at nothing when it comes to making his audience part of the show. Steve's music style is comparable to the likes of Travis Tritt, Montgomery Gentry and Lynyrd Skynyrd, and he offers a very high energy show in all his performances.  He presents a fresh sound in today's Country music with his "Driven Country" music style.

Traveling across the planet, including regular gigs in Switzerland, not to mention extensively throughout eastern Canada, Steve has quickly earned himself recognition as one of Canada's hard working Country artists. He continues to work new venues there and looks forward to expanding his music to more European Countries.  Steve has been happy to do shows with such acts as Doc Walker, Emerson Drive, Lorrie Morgan, Sammy Kershaw, Johnny Reid, Matt Minglewood, Faith Hill and Tim McGraw, to name a few.

The band is rounded out with musicians of world-renowned caliber, including Saint John's premier drummer, John Morrison, who was recently crowned fastest drummer in the WORLD!!  With an unmatched stage presence and persona, Steve Waylon band's personality and love of people are very evident in their stage performances and song writing.

KidSing
Sticking to our roots and our initial idea, we have expanded and grown from a two-week workshop in 1999 to an incorporated company spanning across several provinces, offering a fun and friendly environment that focuses on developing confidence and creativity in our students. We are often viewed as a “KidSing Family” where everyone feels comfortable, makes life long friends, and creates memories that last a lifetime.  Our performance for the Boardwalk has become an annual tradition, and we welcome the best of the best of our students to perform  for the thousands-strong audience from our community!

IRISH MYTHEN
Irish Mythen delivers her songs in a manner that leaves you wondering long after the show is over.  Born and raised in Ireland, Irish now lives in Maritimes. She has played across Europe, Australia, the Middle East, and the UK.  She has worked with Gordie Sampson, Joel Plaskett, Ron Hynes, Matt Andersen, Bruce Guthro, and Dave Gunning as well as a host of world renowned artists like Tom Paxton, The Dubliners, and The Pogues.

After completing her secondary education Irish went on to the Ballyfermot “Rock School” for two years where she studied musical performance as well as the practical side of the music industry; then, Scandinavia called, and saw Irish based in Sweden to start what would be a four-year tour of Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland and the U.K.  Brought to our home and native land, Irish fell in love with us, and after traveling all over the world, settled down to make NB her home.

We cannot wait to induct Irish as a New Brunswicker and Canadian on our country's birthday!

FRETLESS
The Fretless is a new approach to folk music that is quickly gaining high acclaim around the world. This unique band is taking string music to fascinating places as it transforms fiddle tunes and folk melodies into intricate, beautiful, high-energy arrangements.

In November 2011, Karrnnel Sawitsky (Fiddle), Ivonne Hernandez (Fiddle), Eric Wright (Cello) and Trent Freeman (Fiddle) got together for the first time on Vancouver Island to start rehearsing this project. After 10 days straight of writing, arranging, practicing and an absurd amount of tea, The Fretless emerged as a band.

With the release of their debut album Waterbound in early 2012, which features their fresh styles, compositions, as well as collaborations with singers Ruth Moody and Norah Rendell, the quartet grabbed the attention of critics and fans across many genres. This recording fueled a busy summer of festivals across Canada, a month long tour of Germany in the fall, and world wide sales and radio play. The year was capped with 3 awards, bringing the album, and the band further into the public eye; Instrumental Album of the Year at the Western Canadian Music Awards, and at the Canadian Folk Music Awards, the Fretless walked away with both Ensemble of the year, and Instrumental Group of the Year.

The Fretless is an innovation in music that must be heard. They harbor all the energy of fiddle tunes, while shattering all expectations in writing, creativity and performance.