Indie folk / Americana – Montreal, Quebec

Brad and Andrew Barr spent most of the 90′s criss-crossing North America, playing music with their spirited, improv-based rock trio, The Slip. In the spring of 2004, the band was playing a small club in Montreal, QC when a fire broke out in the venue. They grabbed a few guitars/drums and rushed out onto the rainy street with the rest of the concert goers. As the club’s mezzanine was swallowed by flames, Andrew offered his coat to one of the waitresses from the bar. One year later, Brad and Andrew Barr were living in Montreal. That waitress is now one of their managers.
In his first apartment in the new city, Brad shared an adjoining wall with Sarah Page, a classically trained harpist from Montreal with a propensity for the experimental. As tender and visceral as she is virtuosic, her melodies would seep through the cracks of the wall and into the music Brad was writing. From this nebulous relationship, a friendship developed and the brothers, with Sarah, began recording and performing around Montreal. Soon, their friend and multi-instrumentalist Andres Vial was brought in to lend his wide array of expertise to the outfit, playing keyboards, bass, vibes, percussion, and singing. They called themselves The Barr Brothers. With Brad’s songs setting the context for the agile imaginations of the other musicians, a unique sound was born, one reliant on interwoven string arrangements, wide open spaces, and a multitude of musical traditions.
Recorded in their makeshift studio in an old boiler room at the foot of Mount Royal, the ten song album The Barr Brothers recently finished, titled 2010, was written over the course of the brother’s time in a city full of strangers, lovers, old ghosts and new friends. It reads like a dusty journal of a traveler at the crossroads of good and evil. Hushed Americana lonesome and future-primitive delta blues clear the path for West African polyrhythms and classical motifs. Its all tied together by the commitment to the sources of the styles and their inherent connections to each other.

www.thebarrbrothers.com
www.myspace.com/thebarrbrothers

Indie rock / Folk – Seattle, Washington

The Cave Singers spend a good deal of time beyond the darkened edges of Seattle, in the mist and mystic, among the wolves and redwoods. And their songs, at least on record, have always been like beautiful, faded grayscale photos of this hinterland. Now, these photos are injected with hot blood and technicolor, a ferocity and bite we’ve yet to see from the band.
By all accounts, No Witch is The Cave Singers’ rock record. Laid to tape with dark wizard producer Randall Dunn (Black Mountain, Sunn O))), Boris), No Witch is grander and more lush than The Cave Singers’ previous efforts. It’s also a nervier, scrappier affair: greasy guitars buck and rear up; Eastern-influenced blues snake through songs; gospel choirs rise up like tidal waves. There are big, grinning nods to Beggars Banquet-era Stones, the best of Mellencamp (“Clever Creatures”) and the juke joint legends of Mississippi like Junior Kimbrough and R.L. Burnside (“Black Leaf” and “No Prosecution If We Bail”). Of course, it’s all filtered through that particular, magical Cave Singers formula: Pete Quirk’s reedy, behind-the-beat delivery and existential wordplay, Derek Fudesco’s lyrical guitar runs and drummer Marty Lund’s no nonsense rhythms.
No Witch is a newfound sheen to the aura that made The Cave Singers’ music so special to begin with. All told, there’s treasure to be found here for the biker gang weekender, the double rainbow chaser (sound familiar Starbelliers? ) and all that falls in the valley between them.

www.thecavesingers.com

www.myspace.com/thecavesingers

Folk / Children’s music – Nanaimo & Bowen Island, BC, France

B.C.s most lovable string band began their trail-blazing antics back in 1973. Rick Scott, dulcimer player, and tall handsome gurning Texan, teamed up with California blonde multi-instrumentalist Shari Ulrich, and Vancouver’s mercurial guitarist Joe Mock, to inspire a generation of folkies as THE PIED PUMKIN Strong Ensemble.
Their stage shows were renowned for off-the cuff craziness, gorgeous harmonies, and intricate, rhythmic tunes that filled the dance floor with happy gyrating fans. Pied Pumkin blazed the trail for independent record production and sales – selling over 30,000 LPs from the stage between 1973 and 1976.
When Shari moved on to The Hometown Band and a successful solo career (which included winning the 1982 Juno Award for “Most Promising Female Vocalist”), Rick and Joe continued as Pied Pear. After 8 years Joe drifted across the Pacific Ocean to live in Tokyo (and later France where he currently lives), and Rick became one of Canada’s most popular children’s entertainers.
The magic was clearly still there when the Pumkin rekindled to tour and record in 1998. To their delight, three generations of Pumkin fans were flocking to their shows.
They released a CD of those early recordings – “Plucking DeVine”, followed by a live CD of old and new songs – “Pied Alive” in 2000, and recorded their first kids CD “Pumkids” in 2007. PUMKIDS won Best Children’s Album at the 2007 Canadian Folk Music Awards, Outstanding Children’s Release in the Western Canadian Music Awards and Parents’ Choice and North American Parenting Publications (NAPPA) Honors in the US.
The band is thrilled to reconvene to perform at the legendary Starbelly Jam where they will perform a full Pied Pumkin set as well as a Pumkids set for the wee folk!

www.piedpumkin.com
www.rickscott.ca

www.shariulrich.com
www.joemock.piedpumkin.com

Electroacoustic / Electronica/ Film maker & speaker – Boulder, Colorado & Oakland, California

Jamie Janover is recognized as a true innovator. His considerable creative output includes: being a master of the ancient percussion stringed instrument called the hammered dulcimer, inventing and performing on an instrument he calls the “mini-kit” (a miniature amplified drum kit), playing pyrocussion (fire drums) and creating the RealmsMobile (a recumbent tricycle with the mini-kit attached, enabling him to ride and play drums simultaneously). Combining the innovations of modern technology with the wisdom of ancient instruments, Janover is making music that has never even been possible until very recently, achieving a creative balance between the acoustic and the electronic to create a unified field: music reflective of the polarized nature of modern times.
For many years Jamie has maintained a rigorous touring schedule, alternating between several acts including: LYNX & Janover, ZILLA (w/ Michael Travis from SCI and Aaron Holstein), PRAANG (w/ EOTO & Steve Kimock) and The Everyone Orchestra, among others. Jamie is a veteran of hundreds of collaborations and guest appearances, having recorded and or performed on stage with artists including: Phish, Bela Fleck, String Cheese Incident, G. Love, Umphrey’s McGee, Keller Williams, Beats Antique, Stanley Jordan and many others.
He is currently touring solo performing live PA set style electronic shows using his unique live rig which includes hammered dulcimer, laptop computer, mini-kit, sampler, sitar, electric kalimba and percussion.
When not playing music, you can find Janover connecting dots around the world in his extensive travels and collaborations in multiple creative realms including creating stunning images as a professional photographer, sculpture works using natural found objects and being an emissary for scientist Nassim Haramein of the Resonance Project, delivering fascinating presentations on the physics of unified field theory. Janover also produces music events including an annual electronic music festival in Colorado called SONIC BLOOM.

www.jamiejanover.com
www.myspace.com/jamiejanover

www.theresonanceproject.org

Experimental / Indie / Folk / Rock…jam on! – Idaho / Los Angeles

Jeff Crosby is a 24 year old songwriter from McCall, Idaho and front man of the band Equaleyes. He picked up a cheap guitar at the age of 14 and wore the frets off it. Got another one and did the same the following year. A friend of the festival from Sandpoint, Idaho told us that Equaleyes was “the best band in Idaho” so we did some investigating…and now we are hooked and totally excited to present Jeff Crosby and the Refugees, a side project of Jeff and Equaleyes, at Starbelly Jam 2012!!!

Formed as a power trio in early 2006, Equaleyes began touring through Idaho, Utah & Colorado with a blend of rock, reggae, funk & bluegrass. When the group brought onboard a fourth voice with keyboards and accordian in late 2007 they infused a pop-electronic sound to their already diverse repitoir. Armed with their sophomore album, While I’m Alive (7/22/08 release), Equaleyes is attracting both young & old to the dance floors each time they play. With a rapidly growing fan base Equaleyes has found opportunities to play such venues as the Knitting Factory (Boise, ID) and Fox Theatre (Boulder, CO) along with opening for larger acts like the Wailers and The Jerry Garcia Band. The foursome is currently touring throughout the west coast to fresh areas including California, Oregon, Washington, Montana, and Arizona. Meanwhile, they’re making moves towards the east to play shows for all the Atlantic coast fans.

www.equaleyeslive.com
www.jeffcrosbymusic.com

Fusion / Jazz / Latin – Canada, Buenos Aires, Aregentina & the world!

Gabriel Palatchi was born in August 3, 1982 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. At the age of 8, he started his first piano lessons. He then went on to study classical music at the conservatory Manuel de Falla school in Argentina. His studies led him to a Musical Production degree. He further expanded his studies with a degree in music from the Berklee international School. During this time he studied under many great maestros of Blues, Tango, Jazz and Latin Jazz. After graduation, in 2008, he packed up his piano and started to travel to ex- pand on his musical studies and experiences. These travels continuous today. It was in Cuba where he met and studied with several maestros including the master “Chucho” Valdez. He continued his travels to Mexico, where he con- tinued to expand on his musical studies and experience. These experiences led to the composition and production of his first solo CD entitled “Diario de Viaje” (Travel Diary).
His CD was chosen as one of the best Latin Jazz CD’s of the 2010 by the JAZZ FM TORONTO Cafe Latino 91.1.

www.gabrielpalatchi.com
www.myspace.com/gabypalatchi

Folk / Roots & Blues – Vancouver, BC

Two amazing BC musicians joining forces on our stage…now that’s what Starbelly magic is all about!

Buckman Coe was recently voted second for Best Unsigned Band in the Georgia Straight Reader’s Choice Contest. By The Mountain’s Feet, the new album, is a collection of conscious roots rock that feels as good as the sun beating down on your face. His songs are progressive and contemporary, and convey an appreciation for life that’s seldom expressed with such genuineness and depth.

Max Serpentini’s unique blend of Percussive Acoustic Blues, Rock n’ Roots have soundtracked Film & TV shows – reaching over 100 countries across 6 continents.
Max’s live performances wow each audience with his intriguing use of the guitar & velvety vocals.

“My jaw dropped!”
- Vicky Gabereau – Canadian TV & Radio Personality

“When it came to scoring our TV show, (Word Travels) we knew the music had to appeal to a diverse audience in over 100 countries. Max’s catchy tunes, soulful rhythm and unique guitar work really shined through.”
- Robin Esrock, Creator & Co-Host of Word Travels (National Geographic / Travel Channel / OLN / CityTV)

www.buckmancoe.com

www.maxserpentini.com

Folk / Folk Rock/ Blues / Classical – Langley, BC (from Creston, BC!)

Behind the unpolished exterior of Daniel Huscroft’s bushy beard and dusty boots lies a masterful musician who cut his teeth on a piano, and picked up his first violin when he was five. He was schooled in Vivaldi concertos and old time fiddle; by 12 years old he had travelled the continent, competing nationally and performing alongside his musician father and sisters in the ‘Huscroft Family Band’.
In 2000 Daniel began playing guitar with U.S. recording artist Sarah Kelly, and went on to write for her first two major albums ‘Take Me Away’ and ‘Between the Lines’, both of which garnished Grammy nominations and further awards. During this period Daniel played and recorded with many of his heroes, including Slash, Gary Novac, Nick Lashley and Mike Clink (Guns & Roses). In 2003 Daniel returned to Canada and put together his own band in Calgary Alberta; “Strada” was a wildly popular Indie Rock band booked by Feldman, sharing tours with Switchfoot and Stabilo Tea Party, and winning numerous battle of the bands.
In 2006 Daniel began experimenting with an acoustic approach to his instrumental work, replacing the pick with his fingers. In Vancouver, BC he connected with singer/songwriters Ryan McAllister (Dakona, Maverick Records) and Barnaby McRae and recorded the ‘Cowboys & Indians’ album. His presence on the West Coast was quickly recognized, and led to session work on dozens of independent projects, including Canadian Idol, Miss Wisconsin’s album, and with producer Daniel Mendez (Dashboard Confessional, Duran Duran).
In the spring of 2010, Huscroft’s released his first solo album ‘Here is Just For Now’. Funded in part by a grant from the Canadian Council for the Arts, and co-produced by Daniel Mendez, the record is a stark departure from the electric guitar-driven rock and pop of his past. Recorded live with a fingerstyle acoustic guitar and full string section, the album abounds with what he calls “Kootenay moments”—tracks inspired by the generations of Huscroft’s who made their home and their lifeblood in the southern British Columbia, Canada hills and valleys. The result is a sense of haunting mountain solitude with unexpectedly sweet song and gruff soulful vocals that transition to serene falsetto and back again.
Even with the growing success of ‘Here Is Just For Now’, Huscroft continues to choose experience over security, and honesty over production. And out of that seeming disarray he’ll continue to produce perfectly orchestrated forest songs and mountain masterpieces.

www.danielhuscroft.com/
www.myspace.com/danielhuscroft

Music and Fun for children, young and old! – Vancouver, BC

Come be the Super Kid that you ARE! A household name with many Canadian families, Marnie Grey puts a huge smile on the face of every child she meets and entertains. Backed by the Music with Marnie Band, and a handful of furried friends like Mumbu the Monkey, the Snicker Snakes and Milton the Mosquito, Marnie and her troupe create a theatrical and wildly entertaining show that gets the whole crowd moving and grooving. Marnie’s sparkling melodies and funky beats make her a favourite with children, parents and critics alike in her live concerts, her videos and her four recordings, most recently her Award Winning, ‘fun-ucational CD ‘Super Kids’ (Feb 2011). Marnie recognizes that every child has a special quality or special ability that makes them a Super Kid, her performance teaches children that ordinary tasks such as recycling, eating well, dancing, singing, playing and even smiling are all Super Kid traits. Marnie’s love for children and for music and movement is the driving force behind all she does, making all kids who experience her music, feel like a Super Kid. See Marnie and all her friends in action on her interactive Community Website at www.MusicwithMarnie.com
KIDS…there are fun videos and games at Marnie’s website if you click on “Marnie TV” you’ll find them.

Educational Content – Music and Movement – gross & fine motor development (most songs have actions), audience participation, visual stimulation – puppets, props, dancing monkey, songs with educational content: i.e. – environment, eating well, multiculturalism, problems solving, family, inclusion, sign language etc.

www.MusicwithMarnie.com

     We are gearing up for a fabulous 2012 festival on July 20-21-22. A limited number of Extra-early-bird weekend pass tickets are now available for purchase through Paypal at $85/adult, $55/senior (60+), and $50/youth (13 – 18 yrs. old).

Be sure to catch  your chance to purchase your weekend passes with the greatest savings.

(Disclaimer: Batteries not included, worms not included.)