Music & Musicians
Robert K (Bob Nelson)
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Robert, better known to many as “The Big Bopper” made the transition from being the bass player to being the band’s Tenor Sax player. His energy, humour and rich vocals made him a fan favourite.
Then came a 14-year stint as the Bass singer in the well-known local a capello group, Cornerstone. His unmistakable bass voice, sense of humour, and abilities as a composer and arranger provided the foundation for the group’s sound. More recently been seen as the drummer/vocalist in the The Blue Moon Band.
This multi-talented musician has now embarked on another project. Robert K has always been known for his bass voice as part of a group but has recently been working hard to polish his unique style as a lead vocalist. In his own words: “Finally, now that I have the freedom, it’s time to get serious about the thing I love the most… my music!” He has recorded two of his own albums, “Just Me”and “Lessons In Love”.

Broke & Blue
Broke and Blue is a quartet inspired by and specializing in the works of French jazz pianist Claude Bolling; music that artfully combines classical and jazz elements. They perform other similar light jazz music. The quartet consists of Diane Berry – flute, Kathryn Le Gros – piano, Ryan Tandy – bass, Bob Watts – drums.

Shreyas Bailaih
Shreyas started taking piano lessons from Bill Kent at age 10. Born with an amazing sense of rhythm and connection with the piano, the music becomes his second voice…
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In addition to playing at the Sooke Fine Arts Show for the past three years, Shreyas, his younger vocalist sister, and Bill have performed in at a number of retirement homes, private functions and the Sidney summer market. Shreyas is 15 and continues to be an honour student at school.

Kent & Rae
Bill Kent: Pianist Bill Kent has spent most of his 40-year professional music career as a jazz pianist and respected music teacher. Many of those years were spent as a solo performer and leader of a number of trios….
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Ten years ago he gave in to the siren song of the bass, an instrument that had long fascinated him, and is now equally adept on bass or piano. He enjoys discovering and developing emerging talent, using his extensive experience to mentor and encourage. Bill is in high demand and plays with five groups in Victoria and Vancouver. Shannon Rae: Vocalist Shannon Lee Rae first sang in front of an audience at the age of five at her grandparents’ church in Saskatchewan. She is an artist and photographer, and since moving to Vancouver Island from Alberta she has been spreading her musical wings and exploring new vistas. Jazz is her favourite genre and suits her voice, which is a throwback to the sound of the 40’s and 50’s. Shannon sings with two other groups in the Victoria area, and hosts a monthly open mic with her husband, a guitarist, in the hamlet of Shirley. She also does a mean Marilyn Monroe impression, and has delighted countless birthday boys with her rendition of ‘Happy Birthday, Mr. President’. |

Morry Stearns
Morry Stearns is a Canadian recording artist and performer, singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer. He is a seasoned live performer, with an extensive background in concerts, bands, touring, radio, television, and recording…
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Morry’s concert appearances have included tours across North America, Japan, Hawaii, Finland, and the U.S.S.R. He has performed with David Foster, Kenny Loggins, Peter Cetera, Bryan Adams, Gordon Lightfoot, Chicago, Richard Marx, Michael Mcdonald, Booker T, Kenny Rogers, Celine Dion, Michael Bolton, Sheena Easton, Paul Brant, Lisa Brokop, Nelly Furtado, and many more.

Crissa Constantine
Crissa’s passionate love of music showed at an early age. She started playing Chopin after one year of lessons. Her father dearly wanted her to be a medical doctor, so she did not pursue music seriously until after she earned a B.A. in English (with a science minor) in 1973 from UBC…
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She earned her B.Mus. in 1976 and dreamed of composing music for the piano. Crissa’s M.A. in music was earned from CWRU in Cleveland in 1980 and a B.Ed. from LSU in Shreveport in 1982. She taught all subjects in elementary schools while earning heer M.Ed. (LSU,1986). She enjoyed teaching school for several years in Louisiana and in California and music theory and piano at a college in North Vancouver. Crissa finds the Island an endless source of inspiration, and her three CDs are for sale in some local stores and from her website.

Fountain in the Sunken Garden
Statues in the Italian Garden
Celtic Reflections
Patrick and Patricia De Gabrielle are the duo,”CELTIC REFLECTIONS” and they have played professionally together for over 25 years in Canada, the US, the UK and even Mexico…
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PATRICK was born in Dublin, Ireland, the youngest member of the Shannon Players, one of the last traveling road musical variety shows touring all counties in Ireland, and his dad’s company. When Patrick came to Canada with a show band, he continued as a guitarist and house musician for places such as the Banff Springs Hotel, Jasper Park Lodge, and Chateau Lake Louise revered for his talent and because he was versed in many genres from classical to rock.
PATRICIA, whose family was from Cork, was living and teaching in Lethbridge, Alberta when they met and began their harmonious adventure that eventually brought them to Vancouver Island. They have presented stage shows, in the style of the “Fit-Ups”, played numerous house concerts, performed for weddings, and all events for all ages. They both enjoy writing music, and are well known, as well, for taking traditional Celtic music and making it their own through their arrangements. Both are trained musicians and plan to keep on growing in their music, teaching to adults and children, alike. Patricia plays the Celtic harp (built by Patrick), and the bodhran, loves to share an emotional and sweet ballad, and plays other hand percussion instruments to add a world beat flavour to their music. Influences include The Chieftains, Lunassa, Kim Robertson, Alie Robertson, and Sharlene Wallace. Patrick plays guitar of all types, bass mandolin, mandolin, fiddle, and Irish low D whistle. Influences include The Chieftains, Lunassa, Paco De Lucia, John Maclaughlin, Rolend Dyens, and Al Di Miola.

The Soul Shakers
The Soul Shakers have entertained Victoria area audiences for more than a decade with their own brand of funky R&B dance music. They combine superb musicianship with five strong vocalists led by lead vocalist Joyce “the voice” Allensen…
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There is no doubt they are one of the best dance bands on Vancouver Island!
The Soul Shakers have three CDs in their original music catalogue. “Live at the Yale” was recorded off the floor at the venerable Vancouver blues club in 2009 and their 2015 release of “Love Is Love” and 2019’s album “Ready For You” the band showcases their song writing skills on a broad range of styles from blues to New Orleans/country street beat to RnB.
Recent performances include Victoria International Jazzfest, Vancouver Island Blues Fest, Ribfest, Victoria Dragon Boat Festival, Nanaimo Summertime Blues Festival, numerous music in the park concerts as well as a regular gig at Bart’s pub.
Their show in undeniably entertaining and audience engaging led by powerhouse front person Joyce Allensen. The band includes Henning Kanstrup (bass), Sean McCool (guitars), Paul McLellan (drums) and Alexander B. Ferguson (keyboards).
Their repertoire includes tunes from the ‘60s to current popular songs featuring artists like Aretha Franklin, Janis Joplin, Marvin Gaye, Santana, Etta James, Stevie Wonder, Pharrell Williams, Adele, James Brown and George Michaels to name a few. All guaranteed to fill the dance floor.
Not to be missed, this is a polished, professional group of entertainers.

Bill Holtom
As a solo guitarist, Bill performs using a loop effect. Using a loop effect allows him to create full-sounding songs by overdubbing multiple guitar tracks that he tastefully blends together. The result is beautiful music…
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Bill also uses a Bose sound system, which delivers his music with clarity, and he always keep the volume at a level that lets people comfortably converse while he plays. The mellow quality of Bill’s music at his performances helps to enrich people’s experience. Audiences say his music is vibrant, refreshing, and original.

Jennifer Louise Taylor
Jennifer Louise Taylor creates music that makes you feel from the sweet depths of your soul to the soles of your feet. Her music explores the humour in our human condition with songs of love, loss and inevitable change…
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Jennifer has toured in North America, played extensively on Vancouver Island and has been a guest musician for CBC Radio. Her music has its roots in the folk tradition and she consistently receives positive feedback from audiences for her authentic voice. Jennifer plays solo, in a duo with Ken Hall as well as with the trio Threewheeler (Auto Jansz and Kathy Omalley.) You can reach Jennifer for bookings or to join her email list at: [email protected] or through Facebook.
Jim Townley, former President of the Peninsula Country Market Society says Jennifer’s music is, “… perfect for those times a person looks to music to make them feel joy!”
The Brentwood Bay Times writes that “[Jennifer] captures the west-coast feel in a way few others can.”
If you enjoy Jennifer’s music, you can download her latest album, Shadows from the Heart Tree here.

Blue Angel
Float Down
Mama Don't Fit
Particular Blues
Prairie Wind
The Cuckoo
Los Gringos Locos
The acoustic guitar duo, Los Gringos Locos, featuring Al Sabourin and Mike Sampson, are well known to Victoria, having entertained audiences with their unique blend of instrumental standards and original compositions since 2000…
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“As Los Gringos Locos, Mike and Al are consummate musicians. Real music is felt in the bones and the soul and played freely with engagement and expression. They played the music like a conversation between two guitars. It was ever shifting, alternating back and forth, up and down in volume, sometimes neat chordal runs sometimes bell tone single notes. The favourites were interesting and always pleasingly arranged and the original compositions were a delight. Mike and Al are among the best frets men I have ever had the joy to hear!” – Tark Hamilton, Deep Cove Folk Club.

Steve Pridgeon

The Maureen Washington Trio
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…Howie Mandel, Rich Little (and his lesser known brother Fred), Bob Newhart, Shari Lewis (and Lambchop), and Ted Knight, played with the Valdy, Moody Blues, Powder Blues Band, Jan Arden, The Shirelles, and Leslie Gore, and opened for the Temptations and solo for legendary jazz guitarist John Pizzarelli. Karel has composed extensively for film, television and video productions, produced more than sixteen of his own recordings, two jazz trio CDs and many solo piano CDs.
Canadian/International Jazz singer, Maureen Washington is one of Vancouver Island’s most sought after vocalists. Her rich tones and captivating emotions have cultivated large audiences with her styling that encompasses the soul of Etta James, Carmen McRae and the modernity of Holly Cole. Based in Victoria, she continues to create new musical avenues and is blessed with a growing entourage of fans as she performs with duos, sextets, and solo artists, including singing back up on Canadian Folk legend Valdy’s 2011 album, Read Between the Lines.
Maureen is an accomplished jazz and blues vocalist, songwriter, and instructor. In the winter of 2016, Maureen released her ninth album, “Harvest Moon”. Maureen has also worked as a singer-songwriter, vocal instructor, hosted and performed main stage at the Prince George International Folk Fest.
For the past 18 years Joey Smith has been bassist for many local groups and has collaborated with various artists during their stops in Victoria. He has written numerous arrangements for such groups as the Glenn Miller Orchestra and the Victoria Symphony, also arranging some of the music for the Commonwealth Games in 1994.
Joey plays with the Marc Atkinson Trio, the Karel Roessingh Trio, the CanUS traditional jazz band and many other groups in town. He has been a faculty member at the VCM in the Jazz Studies Department since 2004 and has been involved with the Conservatory’s Summer Jazz program since 2006.

Brad Prevedoros
Something happens when you combine fifty years of musical seasoning and the fingers of a magician….
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Something happens when you combine the soul of a classical musician, a world musician, and a jazz musician, with a dash of rainy west coast sensibility…and stir vigorously. Brad Prevedoros happens.
“Stylistically speaking I might go from Bach to Latin to the Beatles,” Prevedoros explains, “Then you can touch different people with different songs.”
Whether it’s a special reception, a prestigious jazz festival, a world class theatre, or an intimate house concert, a Brad Prevedoros performance stays with you. It’s an experience that simmers long afterwards, like a warm home-cooked meal. It’s a sound that soothes your soul like a fine wine.
Primary Instrument: Guitar. Style: World, Contemporary, Jazz and Classical, Performances per Year: 200+ Awards & Accolades: Western Canadian Music Awards Nominee (2003), Monday Magazine Performer of the Year (2006). Vancouver island Music Awards Instrumental Album of the Year Nominee (2013) Venues: Cabra Concert Hall in Spain, Chan Centre in Vancouver, Victoria Jazz Fest, Filberg Fest on Vancouver Island, Harrison Festival (BC).

Hallelujah
Chop Wood, Carry Water
Come By The Hills
Café Dezine
So Many Causes
Gymnopedie #1
Dave Paulson & Linda Gould
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A mid-70’s move to Victoria led to a diverse career in playing, teaching, and rebuilding pianos and opening his own piano business. Dave has played with local and visiting musicians including the Paul Mascioli Big Band, Grand Slam, Fraser McPherson, and had a ten-year stint as musical director/conductor for Butchart Gardens’ summer show.
Linda debuted with Calgary’s Mount Royal College orchestra at the age of eleven, under the baton of J.S. Bach (great-great-etc grand-nephew of the famous Bach). She received a BMus with distinction in piano performance in 1978. Linda studied with Georgy Sebok in Victoria and at the Banff Centre for Performing Arts as well as with inspiring jazz teachers Randy Halberstadt, Karel Roessingh and Lynne McNeil.
Winner of numerous medals in concerto, solo and chamber music competitions, Linda was also awarded “Tech Teacher of the Year” at the national CFMTA.
A BCRMTA-registered piano teacher since 1971, Linda teaches group and private piano lessons at the Victoria Conservatory of Music, and in her own studio. She provides workshops for teachers and inspires students to share their joy of music by playing at her famous Musical Matinees.
Dave and Linda now spend time developing their adult teaching program “Play Piano Today”, working as solo and duo pianists, and spending as much time as they can at the keyboard. They helped form the Universal Jazz Advocates & Mentors (U-JAM), to promote jazz and encourage music making at all levels.
Rob & Linda Cheramy
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Rob with his mastery of jazz guitar and his vocalist wife Linda with her great, smoky vice perform a wide repertoire of jazz, blues, bossa nova and more with spirit, grace, and aplomb. Individually, they are each wonderfully talented musicians, and the two together are not to be missed!
