2023 ARTISTS
NICK GILDER & SWEENEY TODD
Nick Gilder, a Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee, gained recognition as a member of Sweeney Todd, where they achieved success with their #1 Juno-winning hit "Roxy Roller." Gilder continued his music career with hits like "Hot Child in the City" and "The Warrior." His anthemic radio hits still resonate with fans and have been featured in various films and TV shows. Throughout his career, Gilder collaborated with renowned producers and wrote hits for artists such as Bette Midler, Pat Benatar, and Joe Cocker. Nick Gilder, along with his band, continues to tour, offering an electrifying performance filled with classic hits and new material. Nick Gilder's journey in the music industry has been marked by chart-topping success, extensive touring, and a diverse range of influences. He and his band are actively performing, delighting audiences with their timeless hits and new projects.
LOVE AND A .38
Love and a .38 have gained a reputation for their high-energy live performances and accessible rock sound. After establishing a fanbase with their self-titled debut EP in 2010 and various singles, they released their full-length album "Nomads" in 2016, garnering praise for their hard-hitting rock style. The Midlands Rocks stated, "This is rock as God intended it to be. If there's any fairness in the world, Love and a .38 are destined for immense success." In 2018, they expanded their sound with the "7th Street Shuffle" EP and toured extensively, reaching international audiences. In response to the challenges of 2020, the band continued to release successful singles, and they're now ready to unleash new music and live shows as the music industry revives.
GEMINI FIRE
Gemini Fire 🔥 is a dynamic rock band based in the Yukon, known for their high-energy performances. Their repertoire spans across classic dance hits from the 60s, 70s, and 80s, with their own original compositions. The band is led by Kim Rogers, who delivers powerful vocals and wields the guitar, amplified by the electrifying lead guitar talents of Frank Jacques, with Shannon Gladwin on bass and Neil Byblow keeping the solid backbeat on the drums.
William Pacaud, a Yukoner, is only 14 years old! Known for his remarkable guitar skills and powerful stage presence, he gained recognition through his electrifying performances. Since he was 5, he aspired to become a professional musician and remains committed to this dream. With intensive practice and guidance from mentors, including his guitar instructor Roxx Hunter, he rapidly developed into a seasoned player, mastering a range of styles and techniques. At this year's festival, William will be joined by John Lee on bass, Guy Chan on drums and Roxx Hunter on rhythm guitar and keyboards.
WILLIAM PACAUD BAND
DIGGING ROOTS
Digging Roots, the 2023 JUNO Award winners for Contemporary Indigenous Group of the Year, are a musical force dedicated to representing Indigenous voices worldwide. Combining Anishinaabe and Onkwehón:we traditions with contemporary sounds, they spread a message of resistance and interconnectedness. Led by the dynamic duo ShoShona Kish and Raven Kanatakta, the band's fourth album, "Zhawenim" (2022), weaves together blues, soul, and rock n' roll in a powerful celebration of culture and love. Their live performances create a space for healing, compassion, and the good life, transcending boundaries with their unique fusion of drum culture and guitar dialects.
Digging Roots transcend their musical identity by actively leading the charge for equity and representation in the arts. They engage in industry advocacy and organizational efforts aimed at empowering arts communities on a global scale. Notably, ShoShona founded the International Indigenous Music Summit and the creation of Ishkōdé Records, further solidifying their commitment to advancing Indigenous voices in the industry.
SARAH MACDOUGALL
Sarah MacDougall, the award-winning singer/songwriter, is renowned for her poetic compositions and passionate live performances that blend folk, pop, and rock influences into her compelling music. Originally from Sweden and now based in Canada, she's received acclaim from international publications, with Nöjesguiden in Sweden hailing her as one of the country's best singer/songwriters, and Rootstime Belgium recognizing her as one of the greatest talents of her era.
Sarah's distinguished career has taken her to major festivals like Iceland Airwaves, Edmonton Folk Festival, and Reeperbahn, where she's shared the stage with renowned artists including Bruce Cockburn, Tallest Man on Earth, Buffy St. Marie, and Passenger. Her latest album, "All The Hours I Have Left To Tell You Anything," is a poignant exploration of strength, identity, and renewal, inspired by significant life events, such as the loss of her grandparents, the birth of her niece, and the end of a relationship, with a backdrop of the scenic beauty of Scandinavia and the Canadian North.
BRIA ROSE N’ THORNS
Bria Rose is a singer/songwriter hailing from theYukon. Her songs and attitude reflect her Cree roots and Tahltan name, K'ōs Kīs (K’oath Keeth): North Wind Blowing, by bringing power, release, and connection. Bria Rose brings passion, grit, and a soulful spirit to her high energy & love filled performances. Her lyrics tell stories of northern experiences, personal growth, and life’s relationships. At Bria Rose’s side, the Thorns add a rock’n’roll edge, combining their talents to create a memorable and lively show. This sweet and salty bouquet brings fun, nostalgia, and heartfelt moments to the stage with new and familiar sounds & style. Bria Rose has just released her first single “Seasons” with her first album on the way in 2023.
COWS GO MOO BAND
Cows Go Moo, a six-member band from the Yukon, thrives in the world of hard rock. Remarkably, three of the band's members are in Grade 8, while the other musicians are still in elementary school. The band's origins trace back to a collective music lesson led by Graeme Peters, the frontman of Speed Control, who continues to serve as the band's mentor, conductor, and occasionally, their third guitarist. Their setlist encompasses both classic covers from the likes of AC/DC, Metallica, Ozzy Osbourne, and Nirvana, alongside several original compositions.