Music Line-up
Solstice is pleased to present an incredible musical line-up that will impress all audiences.
Mudmen
Celtic overtones in a fusion of rock and punk? It's not for the timid. The MUDMEN are beyond unique in their hard driving sound onslaught. Centered around ripping bagpipes, the MUDMEN have created one of the most mesmerizing rock performances anywhere. The band's powerfully intense live show has leveled audiences throughout North America over the past eight years with its fusion of melody and original Celtic Rock power.
La Loi des Cactus
La Loi des Cactus began as a group in 2002 and quickly became popular in the Canadian music scene, especially amongst the younger Québécois generation. In May 2007, they launched their second album and continue to soar as a group at major events, such as "Le Festival d'été de Quebec" and "Les Francofolis de Montreal". This group is made up of two guitarists, a bass player, a drummer and a trumpet player. Their high energy blend of Reggae and Ska makes it difficult for people not to rush to the dance floor and jump to the rhythm.
Rah Rah
Rah Rah band members share a collective mentality, taking turns taking the lead, both in songwriting and while on stage, and constantly switching instruments. The proud prairie rockers sing of the seriousness of art, poetry, love and politics, and contrast it with a stage full of confetti, pinatas, and candy. Rah Rah is a young seven-member ensemble that artfully bridges sincerity with the absurd. Their sophomore album, Breaking Hearts was released on June 1, 2010 in Canada. It follows the widespread industry praise for 2008's debut album, Going Steady and soon will be joined by a new CD in 2012.
http://rahrahband.blogspot.com
The Deep Dark Woods
The timeless sound of the aptly named "The Deep Dark Woods" belongs to the depressing winters of the north. Pulsing with human warmth, these original songs echo through the lonesome night. Ryan Boldt's plainspoken lyrics offer a strong but gentle tone which understates poetry, oftentimes as startling as hot blood in fresh snow. Despite the dark themes, the heaviness never overwhelms the music's playfulness. An utterly fun rhythm section, brilliant guitar work, and eerily rich harmonies drive the songs. One could easily be forgiven for mistaking their songs as treasures of decades past, as The Deep Dark Woods approach their instruments with studied respect for the honoured traditions of the shadowy side of roots music.
They have shared the stage with The Sadies, Magnolia Electric Co., Utah Phillips and The Stills, toured extensively from Canada's west coast to New York City, and have had the good fortune to have collaborated with Shuyler Jansen, and Ruth Minnikin.
The DDW are fronted mainly by Ryan T. Boldt, who splits lead/rhythm guitar duties with Burke Barlow. The rhythm section is rounded out by C. S. Mason (bass) and Lucas Goetz (drums), who also provide the gorgeous 3-part harmonies which have become one of the band's defining characteristics. The constantly growing sets of original material are always evolving, and together with just enough improvisation ensures the songs are always fresh for the band and crowd.
Lonesome Lefty
For over two decades, powerful singer and multi-instrumentalist Lonesome Lefty Houston has been a compelling performer of roots music. From old time dances played as a teenage fiddler around his home town of Chatham, Ontario, the road led Houston to an extensively variety of venues such as clubs, theatres, community events, radio and television, but mostly to an unending string of bars and honky tonks. It was in the latter setting that he honed his unique individual stamp on an eclectic mix of classic genres. Lefty draws on his experience as a historian and archivist of North American music forms, displaying a rare ability to parlay this knowledge into emotive, sincere renditions of tunes both classic and obscure, as well carefully crafted originals. In his show, Lefty sings honky tonk with raw power, swings with ease, gets low down with the country blues, and drives it all home fiddling reels like a true old timer.
La Solución
A homebrewed recipe devised by Conguero Ramiro Sepulveda and Saxophonist/Composer Carter Powley, Regina's La Solución coalesced in the Summer of 2010 and has continued to simmer since. This fresh, ten piece Power-Salsa Orchestra from the golden prairies of Saskatchewan is the combination of the choicest Salsa, Cha-Cha-Cha, Bachata, Merengue and a few secret ingredients. The ensemble features a crisp, vibrant portion of Piano Montunos, Bass Tumbao, and an extra helping of Latin Percussion complimented with a hearty serving of Brass and Woodwind marinated in the traditional sounds of the Paladium. Certain to bring your feet to a boil, so be sure to wear your dancing shoes!
Véronique Poulin
Véronique Poulin (pronounced v-aero-nick), is a 22 year-old multi-instrumental and bilingual singer-songwriter based in Saskatoon, Sk. The buzz began in 2008 with a performance at Chant'Ouest which ranked her among the top emerging francophone artists in Western Canada. The release of her first debut EP in December, containing singable melodies and a musical tapestry, was enthusiastically welcomed by the public who have compared her works to a blend of Feist, Ani Difranco, and Sarah McLachlan. With a subset of warm and gripping vocals, her distinct style and flare are what make her unique to watch on stage. Interesting harmonic choices and a francophone-canadian touch of bilingual lyrics top off the package of this young independent artist.