Performers
Bill Henderson
Bill Henderson is best known for his work with the group Chilliwack, one of Canada’s top recording acts in the 1970s and 1980s. As lead Guitarist, Singer and Song-writer, Bill played a major role in the success of the12 Chilliwack albums released between 1969 and 1985. Songs "Lonesome Mary", "California Girl", “Fly At Night”`, “Watcha Gonna Do” and "My Girl (Gone, Gone, Gone)" garnered the band a host of awards and international acclaim. Bill has produced recordings for a number of high-profile artists and won the 1982 Juno Award for "Producer of the Year", with Brian MacLeod. Bill has been commissioned to music direct and compose songs for a number of theatre, film and television productions and was the musical director for the Canadian edition of Sesame Street from 1989 to 1995. In 1990 he won a Genie Award for best original song in a movie (“When I Sing” in Bye Bye Blues”). Bill was the Director of the Canadian Association of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS) for 6 years, a founding member of the Artist`s Rights Coalition, past President of SOCAN and was the president of the Songwriters Association of Canada for 5 years. Over the past 10 years or so Bill has built a reputation as an exciting solo artist, performing at numerous festivals, community theatres and clubs across Canada and is part of the folk music super-group UHF. www.gonegonegone.com/
Website: www.gonegonegone.com
John Mann (Spirit of The West)
John Mann is the lead vocalist and one of the principal songwriters for the Folk/ Rock band Spirit of the West. In 2007, after 11 albums and countless tours of the UK, Europe and North America with Spirit of the West, John dove into an Alt/ Folk/ Roots solo album project entitled ‘December Looms’. Stripped down with beautiful melodies and emotionally honest lyrics; it captures the intimate moments of his hometown of Vancouver, its occupants, the fragile details of their dysfunctional love and the loss of a city’s innocence. John Mann is also an actor of stage, film, and television and currently can be seen on the CBC TV drama Intelligence as CSIS Director James Mallaby. www.johnmann.ca
Website: www.johnmann.ca
Valdy
Valdy, born Valdemar Horsdal in Ottawa, Canada has been part of the fabric of Canadian pop and folk
music for over 34 years. He was recently appointed a member of the Order of Canada in June 2011.
Best remembered for ‘Play Me a Rock and Roll Song’, he's a singer, guitarist and songwriter who catches
the small but telling moments that make up life. Valdy has sold almost half a million copies of his 14
albums, has had 22 singles, two Juno Awards (Folk Singer of the Year and Folk Entertainer of the Year),
a total of seven Juno nominations and four Gold albums to his credit. Along the way, Valdy has taken his
music to a dozen different countries, from Denmark to Australia and been an often-invited performer
at the prestigious Kerrville Festival in Texas. His recent television appearances include Canada AM and
Open Mike with Mike Bullard. Valdy has also been a panelist on Front Page Challenge, and played a
lead role in an episode of The Beachcombers original series. Today, he is based on Salt Spring Island,
where he lives with his wife Kathleen, three dogs and a large cat. All three children are grown, flown
and doing famously living in or near Vancouver, or Colorado. Valdy's recent CDs include "Contenders", a
collaboration with friend and fellow singer/songwriter, Gary Fjellgaard.
Website: http://www.valdy.com/
Shari Ulrich
Juno award winner and BC Entertainment Hall of Fame Inductee Shari Ulrich has been an unflagging fixture in Canadian music since the early 70’s. She was first heard with the quirky and eternally orange Pied Pumkin playing fiddle, mandolin, dulcimer, flute & sax in 1974. Her defection to the Hometown Band and a high profile launch to national recognition sparked her solo career as a singer songwriter. Her recent release, “Find Our Way”, is her 7th solo album, and her 19th including her work with Pied Pumkin, UHF, and her recent collaboration with Barney Bentall & Tom Taylor. Her live concerts in the past 8 years, as well as her new CD have been enhanced by the contribution of her daughter Julia Graff on violin, piano, guitar, accordion and vocals. Shari also produces the Bluebird North concert series in Vancouver.
Website: http://www.shariulrich.com
Marcus Mosely
Marcus Mosely was born in the small town of Ralls, in the Texas panhandle. Segregation was the order of the day there. Marcus has vivid memories of cotton fields and a one-roomed clapboard / tar paper shack with a tin roof (home) that was situated between the pasture fence and a big empty two-story white house, where the “bossman” used to live before he moved his family into their mansion in town. It was here that he began learning to hear the music. First from his mother, who always had a song on her lips… whether she was picking cotton, cleaning white folks homes or weeding her own little victory garden. Marcus soon discovered that he too carried around a well of music in his soul that would spring up in any and every situation in which he found himself. Marcus has sung throughout North America, Europe, Asia, Africa and the South Pacific, owing to 10 years of service as a missionary. Just before Expo 86 Marcus made Vancouver his home. Since then he has starred in various highly successful stage productions… "Ain't Misbehavin'", "Black and Gold Revue" and "Show Boat". He was even nominated for a Jesse Richardson award (Best Performance in a Musical) for his role in "It's Time To Sing"... a musical chronology of Gospel ranging from slavery to modern times. "It's Time To Sing" was created and directed by Marcus. Five year ago Marcus joined forces with Will Sanders and Ron Small to create the well known Roots Gospel trio, The Sojourners. The trio went on to record its first CD, “Hold On”, which received no less than four awards nominations… including a Canadian Folk Music Award nomination for Vocal Group of the Year. The Sojourners have recently released their second CD project simply called, “The Sojourners”, which was nominated for a Juno award in the Best Blues Album category. The CD has just received the WCMA award for Best Gospel Recording.Marcus and his friends are a group "in demand".... conducting Gospel workshops, performing in Folk, Blues and Roots festivals and appearing on radio and television and in premiere venues across Canada and Europe. In September 2012 Marcus launched his newest project: The Marcus Mosely Chorale. A 60 plus voiced community Gospel Choir. Their debut Christmas concert was a smashing success with a SRO audience at St. Andrews-Wesley Church.
Website: www.thesojourners.ca www.pooka.ca
Bill Sample (Musical Director & Piano)
Bill Sample has been a force in the West Coast music scene for many years, recording and performing with some of the most dedicated and talented artists today. As Music Director for David Foster for 8 years, Bill has worked with mega-stars like Brian Adams, Celine Dion, Fee Waybill (Tubes), Boz Scaggs and Kenny Loggins. He is also involved in the Variety Club Telethon, Telemiracle in Saskatchewan, and many other organizations.
Brock Tully (MC & Founder)
The World Kindness Concert was created 11 years ago by one man, Brock Tully and has become one of the most special musical events in Vancouver ever since. His goal was to promote kindness and help people reconnect to their hearts. In addition to being the Founder of The World Kindness Concert, The Kindness Foundation of Canada, an Author of 8 books, a University Football Coach and an Inspirational Speaker, Brock Tully was also the first man to ride his bicycle around North America three times to promote world kindness. Brock’s courage and dedication has been an inspiration to thousands of people and proves that the positive actions of one individual can change our world.
Website: http://www.brocktully.com
Michaela Slinger
Michaela was born with music inside of her and made her first public debut at age 3, singing
the anthem at Rogers Arena for a Grizzlies game. She then enrolled in musical theatre and
performed in roles such as Peter Pan, Anne of Green Gables, Dorothy, and Annie; she was
nominated for the CTC Award of "Best Actress In a Leading Role." She has also sung the
anthem at multiple Canucks and Whitecaps games. Michaela has been involved with the World
Kindness Concert for as long as she can remember and has become a part of the Kindness Rocks
touring show. More recently, Michaela has discovered a love for guitar and song writing, and
continues to grow and expand her ideas as a beginner. Michaela is honoured to be returning to
the World Kindness Concert and is so thankful and excited to share what she loves to do.
Jonas & Jeanette (Producers)
Jeanette O’Keeffe and Jonas Falle met performing in a Neil Diamond Tribute band 14 years ago and have been performing, writing, producing and co-creating ever since. They are the creators & founders of Moon Coin Productions (www.mooncoinproductions.com), which encompasses many aspects of the entertainment field, including Live Show Production (such as The World Kindness Concert, ABRA Cadabra, The Piano Man, The RnB ICONS, Sway & The Retro Divas), Sound & Lighting Production, Event Management, Studio Recording and Music Composition. Jonas & Jeanette have written & recorded 2 albums of ‘Conscious Pop’ music. Their original music has been performed at 4 of the World Kindness Concerts, as well as various Spiritual Centres, House Concerts and live music venues, including an opening spot for Shirley MacLaine at the Benaroya Hall in Seattle. Jonas & Jeanette have also developed various global initiatives including the anti-bullying and youth empowerment program, ‘Kindness ROCKS (www.kindnessrocks.net), ‘FINDING THE LEADER WITHIN’ (a leadership workshop helping youth to define their life’s purpose) and an on-line community site for light workers and ‘consciously minded’ people called CheckOutMyWorld.com. Jonas & Jeanette’s vision and purpose is to connect with people on a global scale and to contribute to our world in a positive way through the powerful gift and influence of music, creativity and entertainment.
Website: www.jonasandjeanette.com
BOBBY BRUCE (AKA ‘NEARLY NEIL’)
Bobby Bruce grew up on stage; appearing in film and television as a child, in musical theatre and rock revues in his youth, he has invested more than a quarter of a century honing his triple-threat set of entertainment skills. For over fifteen years Bobby has been astounding appreciative audiences around the globe with his dynamic and passionate musical tribute to Neil Diamond. On his first national tour of Australia, the press dubbed him “Nearly Neil” and the name stuck. His travels stretch from Kota Kinabalu on the island of Borneo to the Cayman Islands; aboard luxury liners at sea, on national tours, to audiences as large as 30,000. In 2000, Bobby launched the “Shagadelic Swingers” a musical spectacular celebrating the Austin Powers movies. Starring as Austin, the Shagadelic Swingers performed for New Line Cinema official movie events, the half time show during a Toronto Argos game at the Toronto SkyDome and a military tour of NATO, Canadian and International bases in Bosnia. Featured in MOCKSTARS, a million dollar feature length documentary about Canadian tribute artists in 2002, Bobby’s star continued to climb. The following year saw his first national tour of New Zealand with Nearly Neil and the Solitary Band. Forming the Bobby Bruce Band and Canadian-A, Bobby’s all-Canadian content show, kept him busy in 2004. Bobby made a triumphant return to musical theatre in 2005 as the Emcee in “Cabaret” to considerable critical acclaim. In 2006, Bobby was very pleased to receive the “Entertainer of the Year Award” from the Pacific National Exhibition. Bobby’s Nearly Neil crusade in Australia continues. He’ll return to tour Tasmania and NSW in 2012 his sixth national tour in 4 years. Bobby and the band were busy in 2009 and 2010 with 50 shows throughout 22 states in America for Live On Stage; followed by their first tour of Holland in 2011. Nearly Neil and the Solitary Band will return this fall for 20 shows in the Netherlands and Belgium.
Websites: http://www.nearlyneil.com/ - http://www.reverbnation.com/bobbybruce
Michael Vincent
"...an amazing soulful voice," hails the Province music critic John P. McLaughlin. Michael Vincent began his early career with over 100 TV appearances. Michael recorded with Polydor and Atlantic, toured across the continent and around the world. This is his 3rd World Kindness Concert. Other performance highlights include The Stanley Theatre, Red Robinson Theatre and 'the Cultch' (Vancouver East Cultural Centre). Michael has also helped to raise awareness for the Kidney Foundation, the Shooting Stars Foundation and the Humane Society. Recording work with R&B Blues band BIG BLACK DOG saw the group nominated nationally for a SMOOTH JAZZ AWARD in 2007. Michael's latest solo CD entitled, "THANK YOU" has twice made the Province Playlist, favorite picks. Produced by longtime friend, collaborator and 'Hall of Famer' Ron Irving and funded by friends as a 65th birthday present, it is truly a labor of love.
Leora Cashe
She is "...one stunning singer", states The Vancouver Province... “Blessed with a rich resounding voice" says Marke Andrews from the Vancouver Sun. “Definitely genuine and has the pipes to deliver the good” adds Fiona Hughes from the Vancouver Courier. Jazz & gospel vocalist Leora Cashe delivers an electrifying performance that audiences love. Influenced by her experience in the gospel idiom, and by jazz greats like Ella Fitzgerald and Dianne Reeves, Leora's soulful vocal style and stage presence creates an engaging performance that sends chills down audience members' spines. An accomplished graduate of Edmonton's Grant MacEwan jazz program, Leora is " …as musically solid as the hits she performs". She has studied with some of the greatest contemporary jazz artists including Kurt Elling, Nancy King and Dee Daniels. She has recorded and performed in concert with many celebrated Canadian artists including Brad Turner, Denzal Sinclaire, Jim Byrnes, Shari Ulrich, Canadian jazz legend Tommy Banks for CBC Radio and TV, and opened for the late Stanley Turrentine at Vancouver's International Jazz Festival. In 2001, The West Coast Music Awards nominated her debut CD 'Tears of Joy' for Best Gospel Recording of the year. December 2004 marked the release of Leora's second gospel CD, 'Inspiration' which received critical acclaim by enthusiastic listeners at home and abroad. She released her debut jazz recording entitled, "My Heart Stood Still," on June 4th , 2005 at the historic Vancouver East Cultural Centre. 'From originals to classics like Irving Berlin's "Blue Skies" this is a seriously swinging jazz record from one of Vancouver's premier vocalists.' Leora's latest CD, Another Side Now – The Songs of Joni Mitchell, was released on December 1st, 2007. Covering the early years of the Joni Mitchell songbook. Along with her busy schedule of performing she enjoys private vocal coaching, choir directing and arranging and is a specialist in leading Early Years music classes for children.
Website: http://www.leoracashe.com
Cole Armour
He’s only thirteen years old but his vocal ability shatters all age barriers. Cole was nine years old when he discovered the power of music and with that he realized the enjoyment he gave other people with his voice. His 2009 performance at the Merritt Mountain Music Festival brought the audience to their feet. Other performances followed, including singing the American and Canadian Anthems for the NHL’s Vancouver Canucks, the Kiwanis Fraser Valley International Music Festival where he took home gold in every category and the winner of the PNE’s Red Robinson Talent Showdown. Cole has a big heart and believes his talent should be shared for a greater cause. He has performed at several benefit concerts supporting Timmy’s Christmas Telethon, the David Foster Foundation, Cancer Research, Children Hospitals and Animal Welfare. Cole was a finalist in Canada’s Got Talent and was recently invited for an interview and performance on the Ellen DeGeneres Show! We are thrilled to have this young talent as a part of this year’s World Kindness Concert!
Website: colearmour.com/
Adam Lucas
Adam grew up in Sydney Australia and started singing at the young age of just two years old. His biggest musical influences as a child were Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr., which was often playing on his family’s stereo at home. When he was just eight years old he got up to sing a song at a pub in Sydney, and ended up singing for the whole night! Adam started writing songs and playing piano by ear at the age of 12 and began voice and piano lessons at the age of 14. From there he immersed himself in the dramatic arts and was soon nominated for a fine arts award for ‘Exemplary Dramatic Performance’, which gave him the confidence to dive further into acting. He went on to perform in `Les Miserable’, `Away’, Cinderella’s Prince in `Into The Woods’ and most recently, played the lead role of ‘Danny’ in the BMSS Production of `Grease’. Adam’s current musical influences include Michael Buble’, The Eagles, Cold Play, Leonard Cohen and Australian singer Matt Corby. Adam, now just 19 years old, came to Vancouver 3 months ago to pursue his dream of becoming a successful Actor, Singer and Songwriter. He just recently landed the lead role in the Moon Coin Production of `Sway’- which tributes the great crooners of yesterday & today, including Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Van Morrison and Michael Buble’
Sawagi Taiko
Sawagi Taiko is the first all-women's taiko group in Canada, formed in 1990. In Sawagi Taiko, we pool our common and unique experiences as East Asian women living in Canada and focus our creative energy and ideas into a powerful expression that is always heard and can't be ignored. As a performing group, we're looking to smash hierarchies and create an environment where all our members can initiate and explore their artistic visions. Sawagi Taiko continues the historical and cultural connections amongst different Asian cultures - the instrument originated in China; the artistic form originated in the rural communities of Japan. The members of the group are of Chinese and Japanese ancestry. We explore our different ancestral legacies in our art form and our pieces reflect our diverse experiences as East Asian Canadian women.
Website: http://www.sawagitaiko.com
Argyle Secondary School Choir (Director: Frances Roberts)
The Argyle Concert Choir is a non- auditioned group of grade 11& 12 students that sing a wide variety of repertoire. The Argyle choirs are well respected for their high level of musicianship, performance and dynamic programming at local, regional and national festivals and are excited to be a part of the World Kindness Concert again. They have toured extensively: the Baltics 2012, China 2010, UK & Scotland, 2008, and Europe 2006. Frances Roberts has been directing choirs for 21 years at Argyle and is pleased to share her joy and zest for life through singing and leading youth in song every day.
Andreas Schuld (lead guitar)
Andreas Schuld is one of the most-recorded guitarists in Canada. He has performed on hundreds of albums by artists ranging from Grammy winners Raffi and Long John Baldry to Juno winners/nominees Susan Crowe, Bill Bourne, Kenny Wayne, Hans Stamer, Farmer's Daughter, One Horse Blue, and many others. In addition, he can be heard on many TV/movie soundtracks [i.e. "Anna & Christina's Grocery Bags", "Being Ian, “Zeke’s Pad”, “Ice Pilots”, "Firewall", "Dragon Boys”, Cold Squad”) and countless commercials (Future Shop, London Drugs, Kawasaki, Best Buy, Yamaha, Safeway, etc.]. Andreas is also an award –winning producer and songwriter.
Rene Worst (Bass)
Rene Worst has been a professional bassist since 1971. His virtuostic and supportive bass playing has been a Canadian treasure for many years on both acoustic and electric basses. He is as gifted on fretless as he is on acoustic - a rarity in the industry. Rene was educated both in Canada and the US. Rene Worst is one of the founding members of the noted fusion band "Skywalk" and has anchored and produced six recordings with them. He is also a highly regarded Producer. Born in Ifar, New Guinnea in 1954, he moved to Canada with his family in 1960, settling on the West Coast where he grew up and went to school. At an early age he showed an aptitude for music, in particular Jazz bass, and it wasn’t long before he was out establishing himself as a leading jazz bassist performing with the likes of Chet Baker, David Bowie, Poison, Dr Hook, Rita MacNeil, Glass Tiger, Martha Reeves, Sheena Easton and many more
Shawn Soucy (Drums)
Shawn Soucy has been the Drummer/Percussionist for the World Kindness Concert for 7 years. "This concert is one of the highlights of the year for me every time I perform on the show. It's so nice to back up all the wonderful artists." Shawn is a multi award-winning drummer in the West Coast and Canadian music scene. He has been nominated for a Juno with Alibi in 1989, won 5 times consecutively the All Star Drummer for the BC Country Music Assn., and has been nominated twice in the Canadian CMA as All Star Drummer. Shawn has just finished a run in the musical Xanadu at the Arts Club Theatre, two sold-out shows with Susan Jacks of The Poppy Family fame. He performs and records with the Artist Response Team, a group of socially conscious artists involved in education on environmentalism and sustainability with the help of school districts and special interest groups. He has just finished an album project with Rachael Chatoor as drummer and is currently co-producing a cd with singer-songwriter Caryn Fader. "Welcome to the Show!"
