Performing Artist Bios
All artist biographies are listed by alphabetical order below.
Adina Fraser
Adina Fraser Marsman, from North Preston, began her musical journey early, mastering singing, guitar, and bass guitar. Awarded the Portia White Youth and Protege Awards, she shared stages with Keonte Beals and Jahmila. In her final year at NSCC Ivany Campus, Adina stands as a beacon of talent, resilience, and dedication in the art of sound.
Angela Dawn
Angela Dawn, a local Singer/Songwriter and Recording Artist based in HRM, leads a band performing for 3 years at diverse venues and festivals. Awarded in Nashville, she received accolades for Entertainer, Rising Star, and Songwriter of the Year. The band delivers high-energy material spanning Classic Country, Americana, Indie, and originals.
aRENYE
aRENYE is propelling to the forefront of Canadian Afrobeats, delivering extraordinary performances nationwide and releasing undiluted, free-spirited music. Join the journey of this rising sensation shaping the Canadian Afrobeats scene with their infectious energy and vibrant sounds. Make sure you join us for her on-stage performances this year and visit her social media channels.
Avery Dakin
Nova Scotia's Pop/R&B singer-songwriter, Avery Dakin, enchants with dreamy vocals above sun-kissed music. Her soft-hearted, soulful storytelling invites you to sway to introspective, playful, and tender sounds, capturing the essence of a woman blossoming. Experience Avery's journey through life's vulnerable moments in her music that resonates with everyone.
East Coast Carolling
Since 2005, founder and director John Lindsay-Botten and musical are making their presence known with their professional holiday harmonies and seasonal selections. From a cappella ambience to school shows, from senior's residences and libraries to self-presents, these singers in the East Coast Carolling company are Festively Yours! A perfect experience for any family.
The East Enders
Based in Halifax, Nova Scotia, The East Enders, an acoustic folk rock trio, are renowned for their lively renditions of traditional Maritime folk songs. Since their formation in 2015, their spirited live performances, characterized by table-banging and foot-stomping, infuse events with unforgettable energy and fun.
The Gilberts
Mesmerizing three-part harmonies guide dynamic arrangements that teem with influence from indie-folk contemporaries and 1970s classics. Award-winning sibling trio The Gilberts weave guitar intricacies, powerful drums, keys, and theremin into a world of songs that captivate and move audiences in the barest of settings and on the big stage.
JMS Big Band
The JMS Big Band is a group of local musicians that comes together to celebrate the rich history of Big Band music. A community ensemble that meets every Wednesday night to play the music of such luminaries as, Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Thad Jones, Sammy Nestico and many more. Always striving to dig deeper and learn new music this band continues to excite audiences.
Joe H. Henry
In just a year, Joe H. Henry's cannonball voice and songwriter's heart made waves in the Atlantic music scene. His EP, "Keep The Fire Burning," and standout performances at Stanfest, Halifax Urban Folk Festival, and more garnered attention. Nominated for Indigenous Artist of the Year at NSMW '23, Joe's journey continues to captivate audiences.
John Gracie
John Gracie is a multiple ECMA award winner and JUNO nominee who has toured the globe with his music. As a singer/songwriter he has written about love, life and causes that are important to him. He has released 15 albums and his Holiday Selections have sold over 60,000 units. Gracie is currently writing a film script, channeling his creative talent in a new and exciting direction.
Leanne Hoffman
Wavemakers Concert, brought to you by the 2024 JUNOS host committee
Leanne Hoffman, hailing from Halifax, is a captivating singer-songwriter whose music seamlessly blends folk, pop, and indie influences. With a soulful voice and introspective lyrics, she crafts songs that resonate with authenticity. Her live show showcases her storytelling prowess and musical versatility. Drawing inspiration from life's intricacies, Leanne's work reflects a deep understanding of human experiences.
Lindsay Misiner
Halifax-based artist Lindsay Misiner seamlessly blends Soul, R&B, and Pop, drawing inspiration from Erykah Badu, Macy Gray, and Amy Winehouse. Her vulnerability shines through candid lyrics and soul-stirring vocals. Collaborating with Alex Meade on her debut solo EP, set for release on May 30th, 2024, Lindsay is poised to make her mark in the urban music scene.
Michael Cowie
Born in Halifax, Nova Scotia, one of the most fertile areas of the world for producing highly original and creative musicians, Mike, at the age of 16, began sitting in with the legendary Bucky Adams, learning the art of improvisation. Mike went on to tour across Canada, New York City and Boston and freelanced in Toronto. Mike returned to Canada with his young family.
NSHJ Funk Unit
Ken MacKay and David Burton, lifelong friends from Truro, continue the legacy of music education and support for young musicians in Nova Scotia. With a passion for teaching the music of legends like Herbie Hancock and Stevie Wonder, they founded the NSHJ FUNK UNIT in October 2019, now boasting 10 Funkateers. Their main mission is to keep the Funk alive!
Razzmatazz for Kids
Sandy Greenberg and Thomas Cormier's interactive children's songs bring laughter and joy, performed at festivals, schools, and special events for over 25 years across Canada, and the U.S. Recognized by Sesame Street and featured by Symphony Nova Scotia, they've earned an East Coast Music Award and 3 Music NS Awards.
O’Sound
Wavemakers Concert, brought to you by the 2024 JUNOS host committee
Owen 'O'Sound' Lee, a versatile musician, songwriter, vocal arranger, and producer hailing from Toronto. A graduate in Vocal Performance Jazz from York University, Owen transitioned into a full-time music career, marking his ascent in the industry. In 2014, he expanded his influence to the East Coast by relocating to Halifax. Currently serving as the Minister of Music at Emmanuel Baptist Church, Program Coordinator of the African Nova Scotian Music Association, and Musical Director of CBC’s East Coast Music Hour, Owen is celebrated for his contributions.
Tide & Timbre
Living on the water and in the lumber industry, the hardworking brothers, inspired by classic rock, country, blues, and bluegrass, released their debut EP "Light it up and Run" in 2016. With four singles, including the latest "Who Is The Girl?" they offer a genre-blending East Coast twist, promising entertainment for everyone.
SNAXX Collective
Wavemakers Concert, brought to you by the 2024 JUNOS host committee
Whats The Vibe? A Million Vibes! The SNAXX Collective is bringing a whole new energy to live sets in Halifax. Bringing multiple genres and inspiration from Afrobeats, Reggae, Hip Hop and R&B makes them one of the most exciting crews in Atlantic Canada. Expect to see Basyl, Yung Stak, Fargo, Arenye and more as special guests over high energy instrumentals. Always a dance floor filler, expect to stay warm during this Wavemakers Holiday finale.
