Roger Beckett is a singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and DJ from Pickering, Ontario, Canada. A natural balladeer his songs are inspired by love, modern day issues and events and the human condition. Some years ago he opened the Annual Pickering Frenchmans Bay festival with a song he wrote for the City of Pickering. Having played at festivals, open mic’s and in various bands over the years his music is a blend of folk, pop and rock with jazz and latin influences. His song “When you were young” auditioned at the Radiostar New Songwriters Workshop, at Metalworks in October 2011 was well received by a music industry panel which included Grammy winning singer-songwriter Dan Hill, Mary Simon from Canadian Music Week and Amy Eligh from Casablanca Media.


"I know it's three cord but it's all about the delivery" Ray's passion is traditional Mississippi blues and many of his original creations are in that genre. A fundamental belief that music is at the root of the human experience and music in it's simplest form is a core component drives Ray's creativity. Developing the touch to play bottleneck slide guitar was a turning point in Ray's musical evolution and opened numerous musical doors. Ray has generated a variety of original songs ranging in style from Blues to Folk and is inspired by live performance.


BIO: Ed Babut Music has always been an integral part of my life experience, like eating and breathing. I did not begin to play a musical instrument until the age of 19, way back in 1979 I purchased an acoustic guitar cold-turkey & unable to play a note. I began self teaching and bit by bit I learned to play notes, then chords and then songs. I still have that same acoustic guitar today, it has evolved into one of my greatest treasures. I love all types of musical styles from rock, jazz, country, classical but when push comes to shove I have to say my greatest love is playing the blues. I began writing songs around 1999 and it is always a thrill & true feeling of accomplishment whenever you have the privilege to perform your own song. Peace & Music, Ed.

Hailing from Halifax, singer/songwriters Mel Farrimond, Joanna Butler and Melanie Donnelly have had an eventful year. Besides their solo projects and events they’ve been performing together as a trio also known as ‘What’s In the Water’. Since they appeared on stage at the ‘Songwriter’s Music Festival’ in Whitby in January this year they’ve taken their carefully crafted harmonies to house concerts, special events and festivals including the largest in the world ‘The Edinburgh Festival Fringe’ in Scotland. They also captured their lovely blend of voices on a live recording off the floor of Codapop Studios in Halifax.

Mel Farrimond released her CD ‘Through the Darkness and had the privilege of performing at the famous ‘Stan Roger’s Festival’ and ‘The Go Girls’ Festival in Halifax. She’s very excited to be accompanying Susan Crowe and Ann Fearon in a performance at ‘The Rose and Kettle Tea Room’ in November.

Melanie Donnelly released a CD of her own ‘Where Ever Goes’ and performed at ‘The Multicultural Festival’, ‘The Sirens of Spring Concert Series’ by ‘Ladies In Blue’ and was honored to perform with Ann Fearon and Jim Dorie in a Songwriter’s Circle at ‘The Maryvale Moon Café and Art’.

The girls are thrilled to return to the ‘Songwriter’s Music Festival’ 2012, as headliners. The true highlight for them at this event however will be re-connecting with all their musical friends from the Regional Writer’s Groups across Canada, especially Ron and Emmie Beer; the little engines making it all happen.

Jake Vanhaverbeke
 

Congratulations to Jacob Vanhaverbeke who has won New Songwriter of the Year and will be performing at the festival. Jacob Vanhaverbeke is 15 year old singer songwriter from Newcastle, Ontario, Canada. Music has flown through his veins since birth. His songs often consist of stories of life and situations that people can relate too. Jake's musical style... is something of its own. Jake has just finished recording his first EP " Weeks of Sleep" which is for sale at shows and independant retail outlets around Clarington.