SATURDAY AUGUST 28, 2010
Bluesynergy Ribfest is proud to have Bluesynergy return for another year. Guitarist/vocalist Sandy MacDonald has been a full time musician since 1979. He also has an Honours Theatre degree from University of Guelph. This year Sandy is joined by Ross Whitney (bass) and Tony Bender (drums). The band’s style is a combination of solid rhythm grooves, improvised solos, strong vocals and an interesting repertoire, including original songs. For information, contact Sandy MacDonald at sandyandfriends@hotmail.com.
Amy Savin
Amy Savin is a singer-songwriter, from Toronto, Ontario. While music has always been a passion for Amy, during her last year of high-school in 2004 Amy suffered from vocal nodules and couldn’t speak for nearly six months. It was through these darker times that Amy’s song-writing became more profound, and urgent, as she wondered if she would ever be able to sing again or see her songs come to life. After a long journey towards recovery however, she was able to record a demo with some school friends which landed in the hands of producer Jason A. Chapman from Boreal Forest Music Productions, who encouraged her to pursue a career in music. Together they co-produced a 5-song EP with, which was released in March 2009, and currently Amy is working on her full-length album with various producers. Within the last few years, Amy has performed with artists such as Leigh Nash (formerly from Six Pence None the Richer), Jacob Moon, Rochelle Hanson and Marshal Burnham. Amy’s style combines elements of folk and pop, and vocally she has been compared to artists such as Sarah Mclachlan, Joy Williams, and Colbie Caillat.
The Jeff Tanner Band
In a story of undiscovered talent not unlike that of Country Superstar George Canyon, Jeff Tanner bursts onto the Canadian Country Music scene with his self-penned first single “Round and Round”. With his powerhouse voice and rugged good looks it follows that many are wondering…’where has he been hiding?’ The answer itself plays like a classic country song about a hard working man who chooses his family over the glory of having his “name in the marquee lights”.
Jeff grew up in Milverton Ontario, a little village nestled deep in farm country in the heart of Perth County . Spend any time there and you’re sure to see the signs of hard working farm families and tradesmen. You’re also likely to hear the sounds of plenty of country music – whether it’s pumping from the radios of pick-up trucks or coming from the skillful hands and voices of local musicians jammin’ in their backyards or garages on Saturday nights. This is the kind of fertile ground where great country stories and great country voices are born.
Sitting around the campfire and family kitchen table, under the watchful eye and caring tutelage of Jeff’s Aunt Cindy (or Buff as she was affectionally known) that he first strummed a guitar and saw his teeth on old John Denver songs.
It was soon found in this unassuming atmosphere that Jeff had the kind of voice people wanted to hear. By 16, his band was working full time playing dances, country festivals and bars. He quickly became known as “the guy you’ve got to hear!”
One evening his voice caught the ear of successful Canadian Country music producer Jason Barry, where he encouraged him to “let the rest of the country hear that voice!” So with a complete album in the works Jeff offers this initial glimpse into the ‘continuation’ of what will surely be a long and successful country music career.
Tokyo Giants Inspired by the Blues Brothers, and the Commitments, the Tokyo Giants’ lively blend of R & B, blues and roots music has had audiences literally dancing in the street since 1995 at Toronto’s Beaches Jazz Festival. Presenting tunes by the likes of James Brown, Stevie Wonder and Aretha Franklin, the band features dual lead vocalists Brian Fukuzawa and Nina Richmond. The vocals are anchored by a mean rhythm section and punched up with a solid five piece horn section. Together, they give the band the great powerful sound that audiences respond so well to.
The Practically Hip Practically Hip is the most sought after "Tragically Hip" Tribute / Clone Act in Ontario and the Frontman Dean aka. " Gordie ", has made the Tragically Hip material possible. He not only resembles the Hip's Gord Downie, he has a voice almost identical, along with all the crazy antics and stories for which Downie is known for. Originally from Acton, Dean is no stranger to Guelph.
Lead Guitarist, John McKinnon being from Guelph loves when the band plays venues like Wally's, Tequila Joes and now Ribfest as he can almost walk to the stage from home! Practically Hip has played various clubs throughout Ontario and the , including The Docks in Toronto ; along with numerous Universities and Colleges. They have also played festivals with Colin James, Jeff Healy, Gowan, Sass Jordan, Trooper, Kim Mitchell, Honeymoon Suite and Big Wreck, and last, but not least, numerous charity events, opening for Tom Wilson, as well as being his back up band for the evening. The band covers Tragically Hip material past and present: Highway Girl, Little Bones, Twist My Arm, Courage, Blow At High Dough, New Orleans Is Sinking, Wheat Kings, Nautical Disaster, Gift Shop, Ahead By A Century, Springtime In Vienna, Poets, Bobcaygeon, Music @ Work along with select tunes off their newest albums..... to name a few. Ribfest is proud to welcome them back for 2010.
www.practicallyhip.com
