Amanda Sum (BC)
JUNO-nominated Amanda Sum assimilates elements of Indie-Pop, Jazz, and Alternative Folk into her eccentric and genre-bending sound. The vocalist/keyboardist/guitarist’s idiosyncratic work freely traverses music, theatre, and performance art, engaging diverse audiences and championing underrepresented artists.
Afternoon Delight
–
Wells Hotel Pub
Seeing as the pub is a 19+ venue, Afternoon Delight invites artists to sing their most ‘adult’ songs – naughty songs, racy songs, songs that usually get played late at night. For some reason, we are doing it in the afternoon.
Amanda Preston | Stage Design (Wells)
Amanda Lynne Preston is not a musical instrument or a sharp kitchen implement contrary to what her name would lead you to believe. She’s an artist/creator who primarily works with oil paints and surrealism-based art concepts, but really enjoys anything that has a foundation in the arts.
Ben Lamb-Yorski (BC)
Ben Lamb-Yorski is a dynamic alt-folk and rock musician whose evocative sound draws from the likes of Radiohead, Shakey Graves, and Pink Floyd. Hailing from the northern towns of Prince Rupert and Williams Lake, British Columbia, Ben’s music creates a layered experience with a unique style of fingerpicking from his guitar.
Behind the Songs with Mivule (BC)
Join Mivule for a song and story session. Many of the band’s songs have lyrics in Luganda, so Brian will talk about their meaning, and what inspired them. Brian will also share stories of coming to Canada as a refugee and how that has influenced his music. Mivule will also share their songwriting process and how it is that they ended up making music together
Bob Campbell
Big songs for small towns (WELLS)
Join host Bob Campbell for a relevant theme: small towns. This “in the round” session is all about them. Artists performing songs about leaving small towns, moving to small towns, small town feelings, small town drama, and anything else related to the small town life we know and love.
Cereal Cartoon Party
David Bertrand (ON)
David Bertrand is a film programmer, musician, writer, and Film/TV production multitasker who took over the torch of curating the The Saturday Morning All-You-Can-Eat-Cereal Cartoon Party in 2020 from Kier-La Janisse (who founded the series in 2003). Remember Saturday mornings? Well welcome to the Saturday Morning All-You-Can-Eat Cereal Cartoon Party!
CRONES (PriNCE GEORGE)
Crones are an alternative rock band making music on the unceded traditional territory of the Lheidli T’enneh. Pushing on the seams of the Canadian music scene for nigh on a decade the band continues to evolve with every performance & engage their audience with every song. Still learning, still building, still pushing, still slaying, Crones are looking forward to rattling your brains & moving your hips
Cover Your Friends
A classic In The Round, a festival favourite. Musicians are invited to perform songs written by their friends, by other artists they know, maybe even other ArtsWells musicians. A real love fest where talented songwriters get to interpret songs their peers have written.
Drag Story Time
with Diick & The Dolls (Prince George)
Join regional drag sensation Diick & The Dolls for an early afternoon Storytime!
Devours (BC)
Devours is the DIY electropunk project of Vancouver-based musician Jeff Cancade. Across four acclaimed underground albums, including the recent Polaris Prize-longlisted Homecoming Queen, Devours has written confessional and confrontational electronic music about masculinity, body image, gay politics, and inner-city queer existence.
DJ Hannah (AB)
World disco, pulsing house, and body-moving rhythms: DJ Hannah serves up an electrifying blend of records designed to move hearts as much as feet. One of Calgary’s most versatile selectors, she’s known for weaving nostalgic grooves and underground cuts into seamless, story-driven sets.
| Ella Denz- MacQueen |
Paper
Marionettes
&
Mini Murals (BC)
Ella is a self-taught visual artist with settler heritage, living and working on the unceded territories of the Squamish, Musqueam, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations. Her practices span watercolour painting and drawing, street and mural art, textile arts, and paper marionette-making.
Elisa Thorn (BC)
Elisa Thorn
Harpist Elisa Thorn (pronounced eh-lee-sah) finds it hard to describe her music but lately has lovingly been calling it “pretty-shred”. Known for her distinct contemporary use of the instrument, her sound draws influences from folk, pop, jazz, post-rock and experimental music. An insatiable collaborator, she is part of many of her own projects including Gentle Party
Ella Korth (BC)
Ella Korth is a driving guitar and banjo player and emotive singer-songwriter. She has toured across North America and the UK in Leith Ross’s band, and played a number of festivals with her own band including Kluane Mountain Bluegrass (Yukon) and Cowichan Valley Bluegrass Fest, Nimblefingers and Tiny Lights.
Ellorie McKnight (YT)
Ellorie McKnight is a bilingual singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist based out of Whitehorse, Yukon. She leads her own solo project as well as plays fiddle, banjo and guitar for various folk and old time duos and bands. Ellorie’s songs are shaped by delicate vocals, ambiguous lyrics, and a nostalgic old timey-ness which invites wonder and dreaming.
Hendrika (YT)
Multi-instrumentalist Hendrika is a folk musician from the Yukon. Her love of many genres has led to a versatile and unique collection of original material that pushes the boundaries of modern music – intricate melodies with grounding folk roots, classic rock riffs and soaring vocals will leave you absolutely captivated.
Hook Line and Singer
Songs with epic choruses and big hooks. Songs everyone can sing along to. A good one if you want to close your eyes, get lost in the moment, and join the sing along.
Julianna Riolino (ON)
Blending past and present musically represents Riolino’s own experience as well, the songs written over a period of years, their meanings picking beyond that stretch and pulling lessons forward. And in that process, her philosophical lyrics bring that complexity forward to the listener in surreally sweet melodies, pouring growth and healing directly through the ear and into the heart.
Kin Balam (BC)
Kin Balam, “path of the jaguar” is a powerful synthesis of Flamenco guitar, Classical, Afro-Latin, Jazz, Hip-Hop, and Indigenous Aztec Maya music. Through all original compositions and a virtuosic Flamenco/classical guitar, Afro Latin & Indigenous rhythms and sounds, as well as a social political message through Hip Hop.
Kinfolk Nation (BC)
Kinfolk Nation is an artist coalition documenting the experiences and stories of contemporary Africans/ Caribbeans/ Spirits, and the kindred spirits they cross paths with.
They are building a nation, people! Everybody is welcome but only if you have love.
| Liz Toohey-Wiese | Holding Fire Landscape (BC)
Liz Toohey-Wiese is a settler artist who has taken part in solo and group shows across Canada, and has undertaken artist residencies at the Sointula Art Shed, the Caetani Cultural Center, Island Mountain Arts, the Similkameen Artist Residency, and many more.
Join Liz for a collaborative art project, using wildfire ash as a painting material to explore your thoughts and emotions related to climate anxiety, ecological grief, and our continued love and care for the world around us.
Madeleine Roger (MB)
Madeleine Roger is a folk singer-songwriter from Winnipeg, Canada. While skillfully accompanying herself on acoustic guitar, it is her artistry as a songwriter and storyteller that can silence a room, uniting her lyrical prowess with breathtaking melodies that linger long after they are sung.
Major Funk (YT)
A unique brand of Yukon Funk. High energy bass-led grooves, soaring vocals, and a tight horn section; this isn’t what you’d expect from a band coming from the Yukon in Canada’s North, but it’s exactly what you get with Whitehorse’s Major Funk. It’s also a great formula to get a crowd moving, and they’ve got this down to a science.
| Mercedes Minck |
Mini Murals (Prince George)
Mercedes Minck is a Prince George-based multidisciplinary artist and designer driven by curiosity and a passion for creativity. With a diverse skill set that encompasses painting, illustration, textiles, and design, Mercedes embraces a hands-on approach to her craft, finding joy in the process of manual labor and the exploration of traditional techniques.
Mivule (BC)
Mivule is an Afro-Reggae group with deep grooves and positive vibes, active in the Vancouver area since 2019. Led by Brian Baroda, a South Sudanese refugee, they play songs with lyrics in English, Lugandan, and Swahili. They have recently become a trio with the departure of their keyboard player, and are currently exploring their roots and redefining their sound
nightshades (BC)
Four musicians–Andrew Judah, Caleb McAlpine (Common Fires), N. Sherman, and DL Ranney (Josh + Bex, Party Texture)–have literally “banded” together to create strange and beautiful music. An equally scattered and unified cocktail of influences, experiences, and talents, nightshades is accessible, yet complex; brimming with psychedelic flourish, but grounded by hooks and pop sensibility.
no big d (Cariboo)
no big d is a four-piece party starter from the outskirts of Quesnel, BC. With multiple songwriters, sharing vocal duties and a collaborative approach, they wasted no time crafting a set list of all original tunes. Their individual styles are eclectic, adding a dynamic edge to their songwriting. On stage there is no doubt that these four friends are in their happy place, so come see what all the fuss is about!
Northern Belle Entertainment (BC)
Founded by Lola O’Dare in 2024 this performing arts collective has progressively changed over the years… from PG Burlesque back in 2012-2014, to co founding The Belles of the Underground from 2014-2015, with a hiatus until 2023, then a successful revamp, to branching out with Brewlesque and Lola O’Dare Showcases in 2023 to now.
Open Choir Workshop
| Kelk Jeffery | (BC)
For anyone with a love of singing! Participants will learn a selection of songs, hone their ensemble skills, and enjoy the act of bringing their voices together to make beautiful music!
Paris Pick & The Pricks (BC)
Tirelessly driven, Paris Pick has been busy building her musical empire since 2013. Now a decade later with several promotional tours across Canada, as well as both national (Breakout West, Pop Montreal) and international showcasing (Focus Wales, Liverpool Sound City) under her belt.
Red Haven (BC)
Forming in January 2014, Red Haven has made their merry way around Canada many times, toured the UK and US, playing every pub, café, music hall, living room and street corner they could find. The songs they write and perform have been heavily influenced by genres coming from all sides of the continent: jazz, rock, fusion, and folk all find a home in this high energy music.
Scott Cook & Pamela Mae (AB)
In 2007, Albertan songwriter Scott Cook quit his job teaching kindergarten in Taiwan and moved into a minivan. He’s made his living as a troubadour ever since, touring almost incessantly across Canada, the US, Europe, Asia, Australia, New Zealand and elsewhere, averaging over a hundred shows and a dozen summer festivals a year, and releasing eight albums of plainspoken, keenly observant verse along the way
Sherlock Holmes Alone
JP Winslow (Wells)
Adapted from the original writings of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, J.P. Winslow’s SHERLOCK HOLMES ALONE takes us on a journey inside the mind of the world’s greatest detective. In this one-man tour de force Holmes tells the story of the case that set him on his first strides toward becoming the most famous and successful investigator of all time. Sherlock further reveals the inner working of his often manic, sometimes reckless, forever lonely and yet always determined psyche. Written and performed by J.P. Winslow.
Sister Ray (AB/ON)
Sister Ray, the project of Edmonton-born songwriter Ella Coyes, was conceived out of
necessity; a self-designed vehicle built to examine trauma with unflinching honesty. Armed with a voice that soars and scrapes in equal measure, Coyes converts first-person recollections of big, complicated love into universally potent allegories.
Stubbs and The (BC)
“Stubbs and The” is a multi genre theatrical musical experience. A group of five hooligans performing high energy eclectic music in over 10 different languages and stylings. Hailing from the small mountain town of Rossland, BC, Stubbs and The have taken their ridiculously entertaining live shows to every corner of Canada as part of their 2023 Canadian Summer Tour.
Sunday Morning Yoga
Jen RAy (Wells)
Wells’ own Jen Ray leads a warm and inviting Sunday morning yoga session for all abilities.
Sunset Theatre Cabarette (Wells)
Kick your festival experience off with the offbeat, wholesome and heartfelt variety that is the Sunset Theatre CABARETTE! A one act version of the Sunset Theatre’s much beloved CABARETTE! This evening of sketch comedy, music, sometimes dance and poetry features local talent with the odd guest appearance by visiting luminaries.
Sunset Theatre Exploration Series
The Sunset Theatre Society’s Exploration Series is a new play creation residency supporting Canadian artists.
Super Duty Tough Work (MB/ON)
Relying on the potency of silky bass lines and honey-soaked horns, paired with exacting lyrics about sky-high ambitions, the eight-piece hybrid rap-jazz-r&b group channeled the beating heart of ‘90s east coast hip-hop into legendary performances across the country
Mario Kart Battle
An epic, musical tournament for all ages. Everyone is invited to join in and play this classic video game (Nintendo 64 Edition) projected in large format in the Sunset Theatre and scored by a LIVE BAND. Play or simply watch the races as Trent Freeman’s Stringband creates live music—fast, fun, hectic bluegrass to accompany the breakneck racing speeds on classic courses such as Rainbow Road, Moo Moo Farm, and more.
The Funk is Tight
Following classic Price is Right game play, contestants will play mini-games bidding on items donated by amazing businesses operating in the Cariboo Region!
Everyone has a chance to COME ON DOWN and be a contestant on the FUNK is TIGHT. Get your name drawn and you get to place a bid in the first round.
Make your way to the end to spin the big wheel to reach the final SHOWCASE SHOWDOWN for your chance to win the MYSTERY GRAND PRIZE.
The Melawmen Collective (BC)
Contemporary Indigenous alternative fusion woven together with elements of hip/trip-hop, rock/folk, and righteous rhymes. The Melawmen Collective brings a uniqueness to their sound like no other, drawing in a wide variety of listeners through sharing their own journeys of life through their musical evolution together.
Townie (NS/BC)
Townie is a bi-coastal alt-country band. Born out of postcards and long distance phone calls between friends, the trio of songwriters collaborates and works with a prolific group of musicians across the country, featuring three insightful and unique voices, drawing influence from folk revival with a DIY ethos.
Trent Freeman’s Stringband (BC)
Trent’s fiddle playing and tune writing is internationally recognized. His stringband manages to simultaneously relax you into the sweet acoustic sounds, while tearing the strings to shreds.
Wesley Hardisty (NWT)
From Fort Simpson, Wesley is a member of the Dene Nation. He has performed nationally and internationally from Seattle to Iqaluit. He’s played on folk festivals, fiddle music festivals, Indigenous-focused performances, including multiple tours of the NWT as a featured performer and supporting artist
What the Cluck?
Rise and shine with a series of shorts where chickens play a starring role!
When the Day Breaks (CAN)
| Wendy Tilby and Amanda Forbis | 1999 | 9 min.
Chicken Stories (USA)
| Jonathan Pickett | 2023 | 17 min.
Free Range (BC)
| Daniel Jeffery | 2021 | 13 min.
Yawn (BC)
Yawn is an electro dream pop project that creates a gorgeously intimate space with lush synth layering and gorgeously warm vocals. The package is lovingly woven together by the complex and joyously self-deprecating Julia McDougall.
yep (BC)
YEP is a synth-driven prog-punk power trio from Vancouver. Think ELP playing Fugazi, with weirdo interlocking harmonies layered on top. The band is made up of Craig Stensrud, Madison Mayhew, and Gil Goletski
