That’s a wrap on Hear and Now 2017!
The weekend featured 18 awesome acts showcasing a fantastic diversity of musical styles from alt-folk to a contemporary take on traditional First Nations songs to good old-fashioned rock and roll performed by impressive 12 year-olds. There’s no shortage of local talent in our mountain town. See you again next September!
Scroll down for 2017 artist bios, photos, and more!
Saturday, September 23, 2017
Ambassadors from the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre
Enjoy a traditional welcome performance by Ambassadors from the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre. Learn about their traditions, art, and culture in this opening performance.
Venus Envy
This combination of past band-mates, choral musicians, and solo artists bring stunning vocal harmonies and toe tapping beats to life with a little something for everyone. Contemporary pop, classic favourites, jazzed up originals, and the occasional rocker thrown in for good measure. Venus Envy is excited to be joining the impressive line-up of talent for the 2017 Hear and Now local music festival!
Aude Ray
Her voice will take you away with original melodies that evoke the free spirit of British Columbia. The singer songwriter’s band is composed of pianist Rosalind Steel, violinist Raddim Koppitz, bassist Arthur Barrientos and drummer Travis Smith. Aude Ray has been touring Canada all summer with her new bilingual album Be my Home and is back to town to share her Folk/Soul compositions.
Brother Twang
Meet Brother Twang. If you are expecting a country band to take the stage…it will be a long wait. Brother Twang is first, and foremost a rock band. They were a little surprised when they were invited to perform at the 2008 Pemberton Music Festival alongside Tom Petty, The Tragically Hip, Jay Z, and many more. Their high-power rock sound, have been building a buzz in Whistler’s music scene for years.
The McQuaid Band
The McQuaid Band is a collaboration of local Whistler Artists, Marcus Ramsey, Radim Koppitz, and Kurt McQuaid. The three cover a wide range of classic and modern hits and have been known to get the party going with their high energy and tight harmonies.
Red Chair
Red Chair has grown to be one of the most diverse and entertaining full rock bands in the region. Currently in the process of releasing their first studio album, Red Chair is always a local favourite with their selection of favourite bar tunes, high energy performances, and great musicianship.
The Golden Thread
From hot jazz Americana to Cuban and World themes, The Golden Thread gives a Rat Pack vibe with a Latin edge.
Jenna Mae and Lozen with The Groove Section
Whistler’s very own Make Your Mark music contest winner JennaMae’s sultry vibes and Vancouver Island Music Awards nominated artist Lozen’s lyrical rap flow are combining forces. Backed with support from The Groove Section, they have a knack for captivating listeners with diverse musical tastes. Their collage of smooth vocal melodies and poetic rhymes over criss-crossing genres have earned them a loyal tribe and ever expanding fanbase. Live shows are high energy, raw and authentic.
Marble Canyon
Marble Canyon is a Sunday morning summer day soundtrack when it’s still misty out and you watch the sun come up with a coffee. Marble Canyon delivers melodic Alt. Country/Folk Rock songs that have been compared to having the same classic feel as artists such as Blue Rodeo, Tom Petty, and Jackson Browne. New full length album out Fall 2017.
Sunday, September 24
Bad Habit
Whistler’s Bad Habit rock duo features young talents Calum Mishaw (drums/vocals) and Lochlan Harvey (bass/vocals). These aspiring musicians are grade seven students at Myrtle Philip Community School, who began playing on their own and then together at school last year. From there they moved onto garage jams, two school concerts and a live performance at Maury Young Arts Centre after completing Arts Whistler’s School of Rock program in May.
The Courageous Mountain Rangers
The Courageous Mountain Rangers’ mix of music spans traditional fiddle tunes, bluegrass, and western swing. Forever pushing the envelope, they revamp songs that are not traditionally played acoustically bringing their own spin to music from The Beatles, Steve Earle, and Bruce Cockburn to name a few. These singer-songwriters hope to take their folksy harmonies to the studio in Spring 2018.
Emily Molloy
Based out of Vancouver/Whistler B.C, Emily Molloy is a rock n’ roll/blues musician with a whole lot of soul. Emily’s music fuses traditional folk/acoustic styles with soul, rock n’ roll and grunge to bring you a raw and powerful sound. Her dynamic range of styles and music are sure to take you on a journey. Her debut album “Brave” was released in the summer of 2014, and Emily will be releasing her second studio album with Jeff Zipp of “White Hart Studios” in the fall 2017.
Some Assembly Required
Began in 2011 with Stephen Vogler and Rajan Das hosting Whistler’s Creative 5 Eclectic Arts Showcase. The band now assembles as a two, three, four, or five-piece playing everything from ska, reggae and rock to gypsy jazz, blues, and R&B with a healthy mix of originals and covers. Whatever the configuration, the band prides itself on getting the dance floor shakin’!
The Spiritual Warriors
The Spiritual Warriors are a First Nations act from the Lil’wat Nation. Their music is roots and world, mixed with reggae, rock, and country, inspired by the traditional drumming of the Lil’wat people. Their first album “Celebrate” won best historical/linguistic recording at the 2013 Native American Music Awards. New album in 2017!
Old Soul Rebel
Old.Soul.Rebel is the musical musings of Chelsea D.E Johnson and Lola Whyte. Formed in August of 2015, they offer a raw blend of original soul and bad-ass rock n’ roll.
Small Town Runaway
Small Town Runaway is the music of local singer-songwriter Christine Sherrington. Born and raised in rural Ontario, she now calls Whistler home but hasn’t lost her country roots. A lover of songs that tell a story, she has been described as both smoky and soulful, bringing a down-home twist to original songs and country hits.
FOMO
A band of Gratefully Deadicated musicians playing the music they love for the people they love. Live performances explore all the possibilities of the Grateful Dead’s substantial repertoire including the amazing bands that the Dead shared through their covers. When the stars align, the boys in FOMO can bridge the gap into a mind-blowing jam space that lifts the crowd off the floor.
Blame the Weekend
Blame the Weekend is 5-Piece powerhouse based out of Whistler BC. Featuring 2 guitarists, bass, drums, keys, and 4 vocalists; Blame the Weekend kicks out the jams with a focus on killer tunes that get booties shakin’! Pumping out high quality rock, classic rock, alternative, pop, and country hits, this quintet has been packing dance floors in Whistler since 2014.
What is Hear and Now?
Discover your next favourite band at Whistler’s local music festival. Hear and Now is a festival to celebrate Whistler’s thriving local music scene. It’s two days packed with rising stars, local favourites, and awesome Sea to Sky talent. So whether you’re a resident or a visitor, come discover new music, local flavour, and local fun!