The Blue Junes
The Blue Junes are a new project encompassing the folk, indie and country-ish musings of Edmonton-based songwriters Susan Isaac (vocals, guitar, piano), Kate Blechinger (vocals, bass, piano) and Keavy Martin (vocals, bodhran). With influences including Joni Mitchell, Emmylou Harris, Brandi Carlile and Lucinda Williams, The Blue Junes’ sound features Susan Isaac’s powerhouse vocals and slow-cooked compositions; Kate Blechinger’s smooth vocals, multi-instrumentalist talents, and decades of performance experience; and Keavy Martin’s emotive harmonies and genre-hopping bodhran.
LinkTree
Instagram
Loud in the Pines - 10:00 AM
Loud in the Pines
Loud in the Pines is a folk duo, with a catalog of warm original songs and contemporary folk covers. Spencer Taubner (guitar, vocals) and Kelin Flanagan (vocals, keys) deliver seamless vocal harmonies and thoughtful, grounded songs set in the natural world. Loud in the Pines can play as a duo, or with fuller band arrangements (trio with electric guitar/fiddle/mandolin, or trio with bass, and full band arrangements are available as well with drums/bass/electric guitar).
Instagram
Youtube
Spotify
Bandcamp
Ngorimba - 11:00 AM
Ngorimba
Ngorimba is an electrifying African marimba ensemble led by Pasi Gunguwo, a Zimbabwean-born musician, composer, and cultural educator now based in Edmonton, Alberta. The group brings together a rotating collective of professional African artists who share a deep commitment to preserving and reimagining traditional Zimbabwean music through powerful live performances. Rooted in the ancient sounds of Zimbabwe—marimba, hosho, and call-and-response vocals—Ngorimba fuses ancestral rhythms with modern energy to create a deeply engaging and participatory musical experience. Their work is guided by themes of liberation, social justice, African identity, and the preservation of oral tradition through sound and movement. Ngorimba has performed at major multicultural festivals including Afro Tribes Festival, KDays Festival, Africarnival, and Heart of the City Festival, consistently captivating diverse audiences with their raw energy, spiritual depth, and joyful command of rhythm. Under Gunguwo’s leadership, Ngorimba has become a cultural bridge—connecting generations, communities, and continents. Whether performing for school children, elders, or festival crowds, the ensemble offers a full-body musical journey that blends traditional African aesthetics with contemporary performance values. Their music is more than a show—it is an act of resistance, remembrance, and revival. Ngorimba continues to inspire cultural pride and cross-cultural connection, contributing to the growing recognition of African diasporic arts in Canada. Ngorimba is available for bookings at festivals, educational events, cultural programs, and community gatherings across Alberta and beyond.
For more information, visit: izwilethuartssociety.ca
Bill Werthmann - 12:00 PM
Bill Werthmann
Singer/songwriter, interpreter, musician, promoter ……
Born in St John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, raised in Fredericton, New Brunswick, Bill Werthmann has lived the past 40+ years in Edmonton. Bill’s work in and passion for the folk/roots music community has been recognized and appreciated by artists and audiences from around the world. His Maritime roots are evident in his performance, whether playing one of his own compositions or a song by one of his favourite writers from around the globe. His delivery is passionate, his words meaningful, his voice strong and honest and his message clear and one that needs to be heard.
Facebook
Andrea Pinna - 12:30 PM & 2:30 PM
Andrea Pinna
Born in Cagliari, Italy in 1969, Andrea immigrated to Canada in 2014 as a foreign worker and hope to remain in Canada as a permanent resident. His artistic singing career as a tenor started later in life, at 33, in a tourist village on Sardinia Island. For him, the experience of singing in public was surprising and very emotional. As a result of this sudden success, Andrea began to study classical lyric singing, supported by professional coaches who helped him and introduced him to professional classical singers. Andrea has exhibited in many important Italian music centers like Milan, Bologna Palermo and his native Cagliari. In 2012, Andrea produced a CD of Italian popular arias and Neapolitan songs with much success and joined a musical group exhibiting in many Italian theatres. In Edmonton, Andrea continues to improve his musical talent and working to build a better future for him and his family here in Canada.
Website: www.andreapinnatenor.com/
Facebook
Leesila Dawkins - 1:45 PM
Leesila Dawkins
Leesila Dawkins' smooth and sultry vocal style exudes elegance and intimacy, embracing listeners in a warm, enveloping soundscape. Leesila is not only a passionate music teacher with Edmonton Public Schools, but also an active supporter and performer in Edmonton's live music scene. Her latest jazz album, "Dreamer’s Lounge," showcases her exceptional talent and unique sound, promising a velvety, relaxed listening experience.
LinkTree
Instagram
Max Mendez - 3:00 PM
Max Mendez
Max Mendez is a renowned singer, musician and cultural manager born in El Salvador and now based in Edmonton, he has participated in multiple record productions and cultural awards throughout his 30-year artistic career, in 2017 he was named Musical Ambassador in his country and currently works as one of the vocalists of the tropical rhythms band Esquina Latina. He is the producer and manager of the band Friguey from El Salvador.
Instagram