Learn more about who is coming to ArtsWells 2026…
Alexandria Maillot
Vancouver based artist, songwriter, and producer Alexandria Maillot, pairs poignant lyricism with genre-bending soundscapes with a sound that fuses indietronica and ambient pop with elements of R&B and psychedelia. Known for their gritted, nuanced vocals reminiscent of a jazz-tinged Angel Olsen, Maillot’s work has received national radio attention and critical acclaim, including notable features on SiriusXM’s “The Verge” and CBC Q with Tom Power, alongside a 2020 Western Canadian Music Award nomination for Breakout Artist of the Year. With sonic influences like Radiohead, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, and Juana Molina, Maillot is gearing up for releasing their third full-length album, Cryptomnesia.
Bob Campbell
Bob Campbell is a Wells local hero. The unassuming everyman, recycling depot manager and general “guy about town”, Bob has a twinkle in his eye and quiet, wry wit evident in his arresting songs. Poignant, timely, and known to move a room to pin drop silence, Bob’s songs speak of times lost and slow realizations.
They are sad, at times angry with the state of things, and always imbued with a hint of idiosyncratic humour. His loyal fans (known colloquially as CampbellHeads) know that while not much can be found about Bob online, seeking him out to see a live performance is well worth the tactile commitment.
Black Pace w/ Shael Wrinch
Mwayi Mphande better known by their stage name Black Pace, is a passionate Malawian-African women’s rights campaigner, life skills coach, business student and celebrity Hip-hop artist. She was born and raised in Malawi, South Eastern Africa and currently resides on Bowen Island.
Charlotte Cornfield
We’re beyond elated to welcome Charlotte Cornfield to Wells for the 2026 ArtsWells Festival.
Hailed by Rolling Stone magazine as “Canada’s best-kept secret,” Charlotte’s songwriting is concise and cathartic, with the uncanny ability to evoke emotions that you didn’t yet know you were capable of feeling.
Her 6th studio album, Hurts like Hell, is the most open-hearted, full-voiced album of her career and the first she’s recorded since the birth of her daughter in 2023. Decamping to Philip Weinrobe’s Sugar Mountain studio in Brooklyn, New York in January 2025, Cornfield was joined by Palehound’s El Kempner (guitar/vocals), Lake Street Drive’s Bridget Kearney (bass/vocals), Adam Brisbin (guitar/pedal steel), and Sean Mullins (drums). She and Weinrobe then recruited Feist, Buck Meek, Christian Lee Hutson and Maia Friedman to sing on the album. “Every musician involved was a dream collaborator,” Cornfield says. These ten songs are at once a reaffirmation of Cornfield standing among the great singer-songwriters of her generation and the first articulation of her future, whatever uncertainty and love it may bring.
Checkdown Charlie
Checkdown Charlie pulls heartstrings, not punches. Their melodies make for a good time, while their lyrics paint a picture of community, nature, and connection.
It’s not all roses: gritty and uncompromising, Checkdown Charlie
invites you to get curious and dig in.
Cryptozoologists
Since 2016, Cryptozoologists have been creating scrappy art rock in Whitehorse, Yukon, with acclaim and without. The band’s music carries a spirit of raw and unapologetic political directness, while their distinct, literary songwriting and style channel Indie surrealism at its best. The band consists of songwriter Zach McCann-Armitage and Dawson Beaulieu,Fabian Brook, and Josh MacNeil.
Backwater Station, their latest album, is the band at their most honed and confident, a culmination of a decade of irreverent and angst-fueled songwriting in Whitehorse’s fast-changing social landscape. As contrast to the romanticization of Whitehorse as the unblemished, so-called “wilderness city,” the album’s nine songs centre elements of the left-behind, the unremarkable, and the undesired of the gentrifying urban public sphere – the city’s undeveloped gravel lots, its puke averted on the sidewalk, and the route of its human waste to the municipal sewage lagoon.
DAYSHADE
DAYSHADE is the collaborative ensemble of Vancouver and Montreal based musicians and friends. Their homelands span Mexico, Guyana, the UK, and Canada. Singing in English, French and Spanish, DAYSHADE’s vocally-driven, original compositions explore themes of connection, beauty, grief, and belonging. Their lyricism, harmonies, and fusion rhythms will transport you to the bottom of the ocean, the comfort of home, and into the light and shadow of our inner and outer worlds.
DruiZ
DruiZ is a musical project by multi-instrumentalist Daniel Ruiz (Empanadas Ilegales, Leisure Club, DAñSE + more). His project consists of blending sounds to create unique, improvised sonic journeys. His music emphasizes spontaneity and emotional connection. DruiZ’s music knows no bounds. It consists of a unique fusion between electronic and acoustic instrumentals, showcasing his love for spontaneous, meaningful creations. DruiZ’s focus on meaningful releases has resulted in a discography impressively defined by its quality. A true artist and creative at heart, inspiration DruiZ shows us that inspiration can come anywhere from the complex to the exceedingly simple.
Electric Lemonade
You won’t find a more refreshing band than fuzz-rock power trio Electric Lemonade. The Yukon outfit pairs big feelings with an audacious sound, riffing on rock influences ranging from Alabama Shakes to Soundgarden. Through stories of queer desire, mental health struggle, and falling-out friendships, Electric Lemonade make music to move and feel through.
Ellescriv
Lorissa Scriven’s distinctive brand of earthy folk has its roots deep in the river valleys of northern British Columbia, where she grew steeped in music and wild places. Among the spruce and aspen of her hometown, Taylor BC, this Saulteau Nations woman found songs spontaneously happening inside her as naturally as a river flowing.
Her sound is reflective of artists like Bonnie Payne, Serena Ryder, and Feist, and her influences include Gillian Welch, Allison Krauss, Emmylou Harris; William Prince, and Frazy Ford. She released her first album, Be the Change–imbued with her wild soul and inspired by nature–with producer and friend Josh Rob Gwilliam in 2010. She has toured extensively, with highlights including BC festivals like Peace Valley Folk Fest, Edge of the World (Haida Gwaii), and 2 Rivers Remix–a Feast of Indigenous Culture.
Empanadas Ilegales
Empanadas Ilegales is a six-piece tropical psychedelic music ensemble based in Vancouver, Canada, formed in 2017 by a group of Latin American and Canadian musicians navigating the distance between diaspora and homeland. Born out of Vancouver’s university circuit (UBC and Emily Carr), the band emerged as a heartfelt response to cultural disconnection—an intentional return to the roots that raised them, and a refusal to dilute their identity for mainstream expectations. Rather than treating performers and audiences as separate, Empanadas Ilegales approach music as a shared ritual: call-and-response energy where everyone becomes part of the groove. Musically, the band merges traditional Latin American rhythms (cumbia, salsa, Afro-Caribbean percussion and folkloric motifs) with West Coast psychedelia, surf rock, free jazz, and experimental improvisation, creating an emblematic sound that is both ancestral and futurist. Their compositions are rhythm-forward, hypnotic, and designed for movement—music for the dancefloor that also carries memory, migration, and history inside it.
Howard Moon Thoughts
Howard Moon Thoughts is the electronic fever-dream of a mind wired in patch cables, oscillated through low pass filters and sequenced drum machines. Informed by 90’s electronica and big beat, lovingly made and performed on hardware synths, the music of Howard Moon Thoughts once prompted Comedy Bang Bang’s Scott Aukerman to comment “Ooh, someone call Moby, someone’s coming for his Crown!”.
Improv Shmimprov
Improv Shmimprov is the premier improv group in Prince George. We bring laughter and joy through our diverse range of improvisational performances. Our talented team is dedicated to creating unforgettable experiences for our audience, ensuring every show is unique and engaging.
In My Bones
In My Bones are a duo from the wilds of Bella Coola, BC—either by design or because they
never quite left. Buddy Thatcher and Rose Clark write songs about the beautiful messes most people avoid admitting to. Their latest single, Firecracker, is loud and unapologetic.
With five singles, including Allan (a CBC Searchlight semi-finalist), they’ve played across BC and into Europe. Their loyal fans, the Bone Heads, keep showing up. After a short break (Rose raising humans, Bud “retired”), they’re back—honest, a little unruly, and still very much in their bones.
Interstellar Jays
Iridescent grooves and psychedelic takes on old tunes.
Interstellar Jays bring the kind of music you would be happy to have going on in the back of your head as you go about your day. Original arrangements of should-be-familiar and nearly-forgotten tunes from a wide range of musical traditions. Presenting both fiddle and clarinet and an irresistible groove, this flock has the drive to make you move!
KeAloha
KeAloha is a mixed IndigeQueer artist from Lheidli T’enneh Nation. Bringing to ArtsWells their debut album – MY BOOK OF PRAYERS – KeAloha invites us to gather, channel, and witness. Jingle dress steps call kin to healing ceremony, lyrics beckon ally-accomplices: “See us. Believe us. Make promises. And keep them.” KeAloha honours the spirits of music and dance in a weaving of tradition and dream. Expect Indigi-Soul, RnB, Folk-Resistance. KeAloha is the composer, producer, and primary multi-instrumentalist captured in the record they will be performing.
*wear your kuffiyehs
*prioritize the safety and comfort of Elders, disabled, Black, and Indigenous kin in the space
*bring an alter offering
~ in Kuleana, KeAloha
Kym Gouchie
Kym Gouchie is a JUNO-nominated and Western Canadian Music Award–winning Indigenous artist, storyteller, and visual artist from the Lheidli T’enneh Nation with Cree and Secwépemc ancestry. A proud mother, grandmother, and caregiver to her mom, she embodies strength, compassion, and cultural pride. Her multidisciplinary work reflects a deep connection to land, family, and story. Kym also serves as a cultural advisor and sits on numerous non-profit boards, using her creativity and leadership to foster understanding and reconciliation. Through her songs, stories, and visual art, she shares messages of hope, healing, and unity that inspire audiences of all ages.
Lucy Jeffery
Lucy Jeffery (they/them) is a multidisciplinary artist who is honoured to call both Wells (traditional use areas of the Xatśūll, and Lhtako Dene Nations) and Vancouver (traditional lands of the xwməθkwəyə̓ m (Musqueam), Sḵwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and s ̱ əlilwəta㶶 (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations) their home. Lucy started writing songs at a young age through the Youth Songwriting Workshop hosted by Arts Wells, and ran by Corwin Fox and Kia Kadiri. They have always dreamed of playing a set at this festival, and are incredibly excited to share their music with
you. They would like to thank Elyssia Sasaki for keeping the arts alive, and Corwin Fox for inspiring them to write music in the first place!
The Misery Mountain Boys
You might hear the tunes of the Misery Mountain Boys drifting from behind a rotating bookcase of a 1930’s speakeasy. Harkening back to a simpler time, the MMB’s create a soundscape infused with tongue in cheek wit, playfulness, and nostalgia. The band’s performance delivers as both classic and fresh, offering a generous variety of sweaty jazz numbers, velvety love songs, and swingin’ jump-blues.
Mother Sun
Mother Sun create melodic and adventurous rock n roll from the interior desert of Kamloops BC Canada. The three piece has shaped their sound around songs that burrow in realms of dreamy psych, folk rock, power pop and jazz. The band released their fourth LP ‘Meadow 6’ via Earth Libraries and Divine Bovine Records in October 2024. The band has toured western Canada consistently since 2018, appearing at numerous festivals such as Khatsalano, Between the Peaks, Starbelly Jam and internationally at Treefort Fest in
Boise, Idaho. The band has also had several songs appear on Showtime TV series Shameless and have shared stages with Dead Ghosts, Vinyl Williams, the Sadies, the Breathing Effect and Ghostwoman.
Neighbourly
Vancouver Island psychpop outfit Neighbourly wed the freedom of psych-rock with layers of eclectic pop and funk influences. Formerly called SPEAK EASY, the four-piece engage electrically to fuse riveting arrangements brimming with playful and tantric tones.
Northern Belle Entertainment
Northern Belle Entertainment is a group of burlesque and variety performers residing in PGBC and surrounding areas. The founding members wanted to create a stage and a safe space for all performers to express themselves freely and authentically, while working with their community to collaboratively bridge the gap between artists and anyone who wants to join us on this amazing journey. In following this dream they’ve created just that! Performing in their hometown to sold out audiences, redefining social norms with groundbreaking performances that are meant to inspire, encourage self empowerment and old school entertainment, the Belles are only getting started!
Patrick Courtin
Patrick Courtin is a pianist, multi-instrumentalist, composer, arranger and music director who lives full-time in Wells BC with his wife and two kids. He is known for being one-half of Piano Heist, an international touring comedy piano duo. As well, Patrick spends his summers as a music director, musician and actor in Barkerville Historic Town. With over two decades of experience, Patrick has made his mark as a music director for various theatre productions, contributed to recording sessions, and composed music for film and television. His performances have taken him on tours across Canada, the United States and China, showcasing his versatility and passion for music. Patrick is so delighted to be performing his favourite solo project – live piano accompaniment for silent film – in his own hometown at the legendary ArtsWells festival.
Rabbitt Soup
Rabbitt Soup is the banjo flailing, kick drum stomping, kazoo humming, one man band concocted out of the dark northern swamps. Environmental and political themed lyrics are mended into tales of resistance, liberation, and equality. With a raw, fast, and hopeful sound, Rabbitt Soup helps to keep the old-time travelling tramp tradition alive. From busking alleyways and street corners on their travels, to shredding summer festivals, and everything in between, their music continues to promote love and autonomy to all.
Siibii
Siibii is an Eenou artist from Mistissini, Quebec, whose music blends alternative R&B, indie soul, hip-hop, and atmospheric pop into a deeply emotional and cinematic sound. Signed to Ishkōdé Records under Universal Music Canada, Siibii has quickly emerged as one of the most compelling new Indigenous voices in Canada.
Their debut self-titled EP introduced listeners to a vulnerable and immersive world of storytelling centered around identity, healing, relationships, and connection to land and spirit. The release generated widespread momentum, earning support from CBC Music, Exclaim!, SiriusXM’s Indigiverse and Poplandia, alongside editorial placements on Spotify and Apple Music playlists including Indigenous Now and New Music Friday Canada. CBC Music also recognized the project among its Top 100 releases of 2025.
Known for captivating live performances that balance intimacy with emotional intensity, Siibii has performed across Canada through festivals, showcases, and theatre tours, including opening for acclaimed Inuk artist Elisapie. Through haunting vocals, poetic songwriting, and striking visual storytelling, Siibii continues to carve out a distinct artistic voice while representing a new generation of Indigenous artists reshaping Canada’s musical landscape.
Stephen Hamm Theremin Man
Stephen Hamm, a legendary figure in Vancouver’s music and arts scene for over thirty years, is best known today as Theremin Man—a fearless explorer of sound whose performances center on the theremin, the rare electronic instrument played without touch. Having cut his teeth in iconic Canadian bands like Slow, Canned Hamm, and Nardwuar and the Evaporators, Hamm has since carved out a singular path as a solo artist. His shows fuse theremin, synthesizer, and growling vocals into a genre-defying mix of electropop, space rock, and experimental soundscapes.
With decades of innovation behind him and a relentless drive to push music forward, Stephen Hamm: Theremin Man invites listeners to step into the future of sound.
Sunset Theatre Cabarette
Kick your festival experience off with the offbeat, wholesome and heartfelt variety show that is the Sunset Theatre CABARETTE! A one act version of the Sunset Theatre’s much beloved CABARET!, an ongoing Wells tradition since 2006. This evening of sketch comedy, music, sometimes dance and poetry features local talent with the odd guest appearance by visiting luminaries.
Teatr Fatamorgana
FATAMORGANA is an oneiric tale for adults, spoken in the language of children. Shadow puppetry and object theatre performance, visual art experiment, analog projection. Using flashlights, prisms, recycled objects, paper marionettes, and performers’ bodies, the piece mirrors the mirage—ephemeral visions hovering between reality and imagination. Conjuring a silent, hypnotic narrative about creation, destruction, and fragile beauty of life, it takes the spectators on a journey through the birth and unraveling of worlds, from the fusion of first atoms to the fragmentation of modern existence and back. It touches on the topics of childhood and the power of imagination, the war, the migration, the intimate relation between nature and culture. It is both a poetic meditation and a gentle critique of our impact on the planet and life on it. Bringing deeper philosophical and political undertones, it carries our subtle comment on the current reality on our lands, and on many other lands of the world. It reflects on impermanence, illusion, the cyclical nature of existence, and eventually speaks to universal existential questions. Grappling with themes demanding scream, it is not another performance fueled by anger. Shadows, a small screen, rhythms of calm, soothing music and a very few words. These are our tender screams in the darkness. A peaceful protest.
Van Lefan
Van Lefan (樂凡) is a Taiwanese interdisciplinary artist based in Vancouver, BC, creating immersive works that weave sound, movement, and visual art into socially engaged performances. Blending voice, guitar, flute, and live electronics, her ethereal sound lives between experimental folk and art-pop—offering sonic rituals for reflection, grief, healing, and collective dreaming. Inspired by protest folk of the 60s and 70s and contemporary genre-blending artists such as Aurora and Sufjan Stevens, Lefan’s work is a space of enchantment and resistance, rooted in ancestral memory, ecological connection, and hope as an active practice.
Image by @shelflife.creative
And more to come…
Stay tuned for more info about workshops and special events!