A groove-focused / progressive funk rock disco band, deeply rooted in conspiracy, and located in Nelson, British Columbia. From its mysterious beginnings in 2013, this power group of talented veterans has crafted a catchy, high-energy original sound, a cornucopia and fusion of individual eclectic influences, experiences, countless years of wood-shedding and individually playing on stages from the Olympics to shores of New Zealand.

Ari Neufeld performs from his center. It’s a flourish of young and old songs, familiar and brand new, fleshed out in alternating rhythms and melodies, performed on a wooden amplified stage, with added percussion, and elements of electric and acoustic guitar, piano, banjo, ukulele and harmonica. Neufeld has lived, worked and performed internationally and shared the stage with musical giants. Neufeld is recently transplanted to Vancouver, actively touring his one man band show around Western Canada, after three years of working with a musical development project in Austin Texas.

The Arcane Garden is a marriage of fiery sensuality and airy logic. Their original songs dig deep into ambience, twist with roots of electronica, are seeded with middle eastern scatterings, and blossom with ethereal vocals by Michella Moss. Layers of juicy loops are planted by Will Chapman, who has also orchestrated and mastered the 4 CDs thus far produced. The duo often include guests in their recording and live performances, to accompany Will on fretless bass, including this year Ben Johnson on Persian Santoor, oud and tabla, and Marty Carter on sax, djembe and flute. The Arcane Garden is Kootenay grown and ripe to feast your ears.

Camper, groover and staff – get your body ready for the festival! Melina Cinq-Mars is an active certified yoga teacher since 2004. Her strength is in balancing the best of aspects of yoga: breath, posture, meditation chanting, and relaxation. While playful, she creates a respectful and safe space for all. Prepare yourself for an amazing weekend! Bring your yoga mat, blanket or towel (a few mats, blocs, belts will be available).

Discover the unique energy and ecstasy of your body in motion. The 5 Rhythms, developed by Gabrielle Roth, moves us beyond resistance into openness, playful acceptance, and blissful moments of being. Join us as we journey in motion through each of the 5 Rhythms; flow, staccato, chaos, lyrical and stillness. Everyone is welcome regardless of age, experience, or condition. James is a wonderful facilitator, warm and graceful in his approach. He is dedicated to the dancing path and his passion for it is contagious. James apprenticed with Gabrielle Roth and is an accredited teacher of her work. He has now guided others in conscious dance for 20 years. He lives here in Crawford Bay and continues to offer this practice in the community.

Paiste planetary gongs set the stage for this therapeutic sound healing meditation. Their rich overtones and undertones send waves of vibrations through the air. Unpredictable, without a regular pattern of beats, the mind is unable to track, or hold on to control and has to surrender into this world of sound. Relax and listen to these cosmic tones as they penetrate deeply into the body, releasing blockages and restoring balance. These tones are familiar and promote a sense of coming home, a returning to the cosmic sea, to that place of oneness, when there was no separation. It is from here that deep healing occurs on all levels.

What’s up with the Ukulele? Although it’s been around for a long time, the Ukulele has experienced a immense boom over the past few years, becoming popular with people in many cultures, all around the world. Perhaps it’s because people don’t seem to be intimidated by it? …because it bridges the gap between professionals and amateurs, that it brings out the children within us? …because it’s so portable? For whatever reason, it’s become The Universally Ubiquitous Ukulele. Come and hang out with musician/singer/songwriter Ari Neufeld in the workshop tent on Saturday, and celebrate the enigmatic Ukulele. Ari is a charming, friendly and passionate musician, a great story teller and a pleasure to spend time with. Bring along your own instrument, and some Ukulele stories if you have them. The workshop will include some playing, as well as some discussion about the Ukulele’s history, evolution, it’s current popularity, and will generally generally provide a relaxed opportunity to learn and share.

Juno winner Norman Foote is a unique performing artist from Vancouver who combines original songs, comedy and “props with an attitude” all to great effect. Norman finds subject matter that engages his audience – both young and old. He puts his theatrical and comedic talents to use as he weaves stories and paints musical imagery.His performances have taken him throughout North America and many parts of the world,..” He has received Gold awards from the Parents’ Choice Foundation, Socan songwriter award as well as WCMA, and a Juno for his CD “Love My New Shirt.” Norman’s shows are innovative and imaginative to all ages.

Ellie Reynolds has been teaching the Kindermusik program for the last 4 years both on the East Shore and in Creston. Singing, dancing, and sharing music with young children and their grown ups has been a huge source of pleasure and pride. With a good background in vocal training and a passion for group singing and working with young children in various settings (including as a mother of three young children) Ellie has found a wonderful marriage in this program. She also facilitates the Baby Goose Program at Creston Public Library and works as the Coordinator for the local Early Childhood Alliance here on the East Shore. Join this session with your young children (6 and under) and prepare to shake, roll, dance, sing and jam!

Innovative and inspiring, Dixie Star Storytelling fires the imagination of children and grown-ups alike with its innovative and interactive shows. The company evokes a fantastical world through words, music, and movement, and knows how to get the audience involved in creating the magic. Lisa brings the stories and dance, while Tim brings the music and song, and together they weave together a beautiful interactive show grounded in universal truths. Dixie Stars will offer stories in their Rainbow tent, located in the cedars playground area at the festival. Stories are 30 minutes in length featuring an interactive story and some fun dance/yoga moves at the end. The stories are entitled: Amrita’s Tree, Princess Many Minds, Dragon Pearl, Mouse and Whale, Little Red Train, and Queen Monkey.

Innovative and inspiring, Dixie Star Storytelling fires the imagination of children and grown-ups alike with its innovative and interactive shows. The company evokes a fantastical world through words, music, and movement, and knows how to get the audience involved in creating the magic. Lisa brings the stories and dance, while Tim brings the music and song, and together they weave together a beautiful interactive show grounded in universal truths. Dixie Stars will offer stories in their Rainbow tent, located in the cedars playground area at the festival. Stories are 30 minutes in length featuring an interactive story and some fun dance/yoga moves at the end. The stories are entitled: Amrita’s Tree, Princess Many Minds, Dragon Pearl, Mouse and Whale, Little Red Train, and Queen Monkey.

Mainstreams is a Kimberley-based non-profit society focussing on watershed and climate change education for all ages. Dave Quinn is an outdoor educator, wilderness guide, wildlife biologist, and author/photographer based in Kimberley. He has been helping design and deliver Mainstreams programs for the past five years a cross the Canadian Columbia Basin, and is addicted to Starbelly Jam. Stay cool in the Starbelly sun at the Mainstreams Stream Trailer, an engaging hands-on water science education activity. A huge sandbox on wheels, complete with its own water reservoir, kids and parents work together to build their own creeks and rivers to better understand human impacts on our waterways, and how we can all work together to keep our water clean and healthy.

Innovative and inspiring, Dixie Star Storytelling fires the imagination of children and grown-ups alike with its innovative and interactive shows. The company evokes a fantastical world through words, music, and movement, and knows how to get the audience involved in creating the magic. Lisa brings the stories and dance, while Tim brings the music and song, and together they weave together a beautiful interactive show grounded in universal truths. Dixie Stars will offer stories in their Rainbow tent, located in the cedars playground area at the festival. Stories are 30 minutes in length featuring an interactive story and some fun dance/yoga moves at the end. The stories are entitled: Amrita’s Tree, Princess Many Minds, Dragon Pearl, Mouse and Whale, Little Red Train, and Queen Monkey.

Mainstreams is a Kimberley-based non-profit society focussing on watershed and climate change education for all ages. Dave Quinn is an outdoor educator, wilderness guide, wildlife biologist, and author/photographer based in Kimberley. He has been helping design and deliver Mainstreams programs for the past five years a cross the Canadian Columbia Basin, and is addicted to Starbelly Jam. Stay cool in the Starbelly sun at the Mainstreams Stream Trailer, an engaging hands-on water science education activity. A huge sandbox on wheels, complete with its own water reservoir, kids and parents work together to build their own creeks and rivers to better understand human impacts on our waterways, and how we can all work together to keep our water clean and healthy.

Boffers are foam weapons. Jesse uses the Boffers as tools to teach kids about self control, honour, honesty, good sportsmanship, respecting the boundaries of others and taking care of belongings. Jesse is a game designer and has created a hand full of different dynamic games that will entertain kids and adults for hours.

Angus is a lovable, cranky, old gentleman who uses his thought-provoking humour and strange positive cynicism to stun his audience into complete silence. This magic rountine should not be missed: a weird, wacky, wicked, and wonderful show includes top-hat manipulation, cigar box juggling, card magic, and story telling.

Folk – Kaslo

It has been said that all Canadian writing inevitably reflects the almost impenetrable vastness of the land and the great distances that separate us. If “The Road We Once Knew” by the Eisenhauers, the husband and wife duo of Jeremy Eisenhauer and Sheree Plett Eisenhauer, is any indication, you’d be hard pressed not to come to the same conclusion about Canadian music. Simple, spare and heartbreaking in its directness, the concepts of distance, time and the wavering arcs of separation and reunion have rarely been as compellingly explored as they are in this powerful debut album.

Folk/Fusion – Sweden/Senegal/Mexico

This is music from our lives and experiences as musicians in Sweden,Senegal and Mexico and from our happy meeting. It is ensemble-music in a colourful mix that also highlights the strong musical individuality of each musician. A lyrical, groovy and unique music for dancing, listening to or both.

Soul, RnB, Hip Hop, Reggae Montreal

Originally from Montreal (and currently living on the East Shore), he’s been touring India, Australia, Jamaica, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Czech Republic & North America, fine tuning his live show and building his fan base each step of the way. He sings, with a unique and memorable voice. His delicate vocal delivery draws you in – as if he’s telling you a secret. He plays simple guitar rhythms ranging from mid tempo RnB and Reggae through Hip Hop, Funk and other flavours. It’s organic, dynamic, subtle and intimate, and it’s got depth. It’s always locked in with a deep pocket and a compelling backbeat. He supplements these with a seamless integration of ‘tech’, resulting in a full, contemporary sound, in which his roots and inspirations never take a back seat to his technology.

Indie rock – Ottawa

High Waters are a Canadian indie quartet comprised of Derek Connely (lyrics/vocals/guitars/synths), Martin Villeneuve (guitars/vocals/effects/synths), Troy Huizinga (bass/vocals/percussion), and Matt Speedy (drums/percussion). Established in 2009, and currently based in Ottawa, ON, they record and perform a unique brand of panoramic rock. Using crisp, soaring vocals, expressive lead guitar, lush harmonies and synths, playful bass, and a driving percussive force, their intricate arrangements, laced with ethereal sounds, grow until they reach a swelling climax, creating a surge of rock, soul, and electronic music that commands attention. Their album entitled ‘Goodnight Mara’ was released September 19, 2015.

Born in Nashville, living in Japan from the age of two as part of an International Community, this slide guitar legend grew up listening to a combination of New Orleans R & B, European Classical, Grand Ole Opry, Japanese Shamisen, Indian Citar, and much more of what is now called “World Music”. Her high energy Rhythm & Blues, along with Middle Eastern laments, Indian, Pakistani & West African influences and a capella Gospel numbers all drive her amazing Slide Guitar and Vocal Acrobatics to make for a dynamic show. Anecdotes & stories from her forty-some years in the business add warmth and humour to her unforgettable performances.

Reggae/Latin – Mexico

Antidoping is a Mexican reggae pioneer band that was born in the summer of 1992, founded by the brothers Manuel and Pedro Apodaca, originally from Coyoac’n, Mexico City. Antidoping is considered a band of cult and as one of the most important of Latin America in the genre reggae. Antidoping music combines elements, roots and forms of the city’s cultural mosaic with the rhythm and flavor of the Rastafarian movement to create an alternative within the expressions of the country’s musical milieu. Antidoping offers listeners the possibility of sensitizing themselves in body, mind and soul through a fresh and committed reggae, shaped by their experiences within a range of concepts that affirm their convictions towards respect, fun, peace and The reunion with nature and humanity. Antidoping is one of the founding bands of the Razteca movement that originated the idea of creating a hybrid between Jamaica’s Rastafari culture and Mexican culture. It is a group that has maintained its seal of love, peace and brotherhood for more than 23 years despite the political and social conditions that surround them. Antidoping is the reggae band in Mexico.

Funk – Vancouver

The Vancouver-based band is eight men strong and over a decade deep into a career that has seen it release five acclaimed albums and burn up stages across the country on six national tours. And this vehicle isn’t about to slow down. In fact, Five Alarm Funk is just picking up steam. Set to release their 6th studio album, Sweat, on March 3, 2017, Sweat gets right to the roots of what Five Alarm Funk is all about: epic, intense arrangements, heavy groove and a ton of fun.

GYPSY-ROCK, AFRO-FUNK, LATIN, SKA & PUNK

Soul Fire Dance was founded by Shauna Robertson in 2004 near Nelson, BC. Shauna has specialized training with many world famous belly dance, classical oriental and folkloric dancers, as well as with highly praised dancers of various disciplines. Shauna has a natural teaching style and energy which encourages authentic movement, self-discovery, soulful motion, body confidence and creativity through dance. Women throughout the ages have drawn on circular and undulating movements to attain spiritual, emotional and physical wellness. Today, many of these dance styles and traditions have come to be known as “belly dance”. Shauna will lead you on a journey of swaying hips and fluid arms to lifts, drops and shimmies in Egyptian style belly dance. Women will deepen their mind and body awareness, understand some women’s traditional dance cultural contexts and how they can be integrated in movement practices today.

Gerald has been fascinated by the history, artwork, symbolism, and story-telling potential of Tarot cards since his best friend gave him a 1JJ Swiss Tarot deck when they were in high school. Over the years, Gerald has done some amateur readings, and put together a fine library of decks & reference books. This workshop will look at the origins of the Tarot, its application to disciplines as diverse as alchemy and Jungian psychoanalysis, the dazzling variety of decks currently available, and suggestions for doing readings for yourself and for others.

Ellie Reynolds has been teaching the Kindermusik program for the last 4 years both on the East Shore and in Creston. Singing, dancing, and sharing music with young children and their grown ups has been a huge source of pleasure and pride. With a good background in vocal training and a passion for group singing and working with young children in various settings (including as a mother of three young children) Ellie has found a wonderful marriage in this program. She also facilitates the Baby Goose Program at Creston Public Library and works as the Coordinator for the local Early Childhood Alliance here on the East Shore. Join this session with your young children (6 and under) and prepare to shake, roll, dance, sing and jam!

Innovative and inspiring, Dixie Star Storytelling fires the imagination of children and grown-ups alike with its innovative and interactive shows. The company evokes a fantastical world through words, music, and movement, and knows how to get the audience involved in creating the magic. Lisa brings the stories and dance, while Tim brings the music and song, and together they weave together a beautiful interactive show grounded in universal truths. Dixie Stars will offer stories in their Rainbow tent, located in the cedars playground area at the festival. Stories are 30 minutes in length featuring an interactive story and some fun dance/yoga moves at the end. The stories are entitled: Amrita’s Tree, Princess Many Minds, Dragon Pearl, Mouse and Whale, Little Red Train, and Queen Monkey.

Mainstreams is a Kimberley-based non-profit society focussing on watershed and climate change education for all ages. Dave Quinn is an outdoor educator, wilderness guide, wildlife biologist, and author/photographer based in Kimberley. He has been helping design and deliver Mainstreams programs for the past five years a cross the Canadian Columbia Basin, and is addicted to Starbelly Jam. Stay cool in the Starbelly sun at the Mainstreams Stream Trailer, an engaging hands-on water science education activity. A huge sandbox on wheels, complete with its own water reservoir, kids and parents work together to build their own creeks and rivers to better understand human impacts on our waterways, and how we can all work together to keep our water clean and healthy.

Innovative and inspiring, Dixie Star Storytelling fires the imagination of children and grown-ups alike with its innovative and interactive shows. The company evokes a fantastical world through words, music, and movement, and knows how to get the audience involved in creating the magic. Lisa brings the stories and dance, while Tim brings the music and song, and together they weave together a beautiful interactive show grounded in universal truths. Dixie Stars will offer stories in their Rainbow tent, located in the cedars playground area at the festival. Stories are 30 minutes in length featuring an interactive story and some fun dance/yoga moves at the end. The stories are entitled: Amrita’s Tree, Princess Many Minds, Dragon Pearl, Mouse and Whale, Little Red Train, and Queen Monkey.

Mainstreams is a Kimberley-based non-profit society focussing on watershed and climate change education for all ages. Dave Quinn is an outdoor educator, wilderness guide, wildlife biologist, and author/photographer based in Kimberley. He has been helping design and deliver Mainstreams programs for the past five years a cross the Canadian Columbia Basin, and is addicted to Starbelly Jam. Stay cool in the Starbelly sun at the Mainstreams Stream Trailer, an engaging hands-on water science education activity. A huge sandbox on wheels, complete with its own water reservoir, kids and parents work together to build their own creeks and rivers to better understand human impacts on our waterways, and how we can all work together to keep our water clean and healthy.

Innovative and inspiring, Dixie Star Storytelling fires the imagination of children and grown-ups alike with its innovative and interactive shows. The company evokes a fantastical world through words, music, and movement, and knows how to get the audience involved in creating the magic. Lisa brings the stories and dance, while Tim brings the music and song, and together they weave together a beautiful interactive show grounded in universal truths. Dixie Stars will offer stories in their Rainbow tent, located in the cedars playground area at the festival. Stories are 30 minutes in length featuring an interactive story and some fun dance/yoga moves at the end. The stories are entitled: Amrita’s Tree, Princess Many Minds, Dragon Pearl, Mouse and Whale, Little Red Train, and Queen Monkey.

Boffers are foam weapons. Jesse uses the Boffers as tools to teach kids about self control, honour, honesty, good sportsmanship, respecting the boundaries of others and taking care of belongings. Jesse is a game designer and has created a hand full of different dynamic games that will entertain kids and adults for hours.

Angus is a lovable, cranky, old gentleman who uses his thought-provoking humour and strange positive cynicism to stun his audience into complete silence. This magic rountine should not be missed: a weird, wacky, wicked, and wonderful show includes top-hat manipulation, cigar box juggling, card magic, and story telling.

Bluegrass – BC, Canada

The Slocan Ramblers are Canada’s young bluegrass band to watch. Rooted in the tradition, fearlessly creative, and possessing a bold, dynamic sound, The Slocans (2015 Edmonton Folk Fest Emerging Artist Award recipients), have quickly become a leading light of Canada’s roots music scene, built on their reputation for energetic live shows, impeccable musicianship and their uncanny ability to convert anyone within earshot into a lifelong fan.

Alt-Soul – Vancouver

The Boom Booms are an Alt-Soul band from Vancouver, BC. The group consists of Aaron Ross (lead singer), Sean Ross (keys), Geordie Hart (bass), Tom Van Deursen (guitar), Theo Vincent (drums).The Boom Booms live show is highly energetic, honest and original, resulting in them headlining the TD Vancouver International Jazz Festival and earning slots at the province’s top music festivals like Squamish Valley Music Festival and Pemberton Music Festival. They spent three months in Brazil, shooting and funding their socially charged documentary, “Boom Boom Brazil”. They were awarded $75,000 in BC’s prestigious Peak Performance Project and The Georgia Straight readers voted them Best Unsigned Band in Vancouver four years in a row.

Blues/Folk/Rock – Blewett
Cam Penner doesn’t so much sing songs as summon them up like a medium calling up spirits. His gentle growl can become a Delta howl, as if he is the conduit, a mere medium articulating the blues of a whole continent, emanating from a bottomless well of shared everyman experience. His remarkably sympathetic foil and musical cohort, electric guitar and lap steel sound sculptor Jon Wood, conjures up sound and colour, building spaces where ghosts dwell and shadows beckon. The distinctive flow, the masterful musical bonding and the overall atmosphere they create is both endearing and humbling. They make you want to listen closely to every word and each hand-crafted note. Their unrivaled attention-demanding presence marks this duo apart from other acts.

Electronica/Violin – USA

Govinda is the alter-ego of Austin based producer/composer Shane Madden. He began studying violin and composition at the age of eight and went on to study classical violin at the University of Texas where he fell in love with electronic music production. It was in Madden’s pursuit of his gypsy roots that he opened his ears to music from around the world. From experiences learning violin with mysterious masters on his journeys across the globe and his passion for modern design and technology, the current sound of Govinda was born.

ViolinistExtremist – Victoria

If a line exists between classical and electronic, between ancient and new, synthetic and organic, Kytami has sliced them all using only a violin bow… but what more does she need? Apparently nothing at all, as Kytami has already been dubbed a ‘music revolutionary’ by Whats Up Magazine USA, a ‘violinistextremist’ here at home, and has been summoned to bring her violin thunder to audiences as far reaching as Taiwan, Dubai and Berlin.

World beat – France

Deep Forest’s story began in the North of France in the early 90s when Eric Mouquet and Michel Sanchez first met, two musicians fascinated by ethnic music which they mixed with their own sounds. Deep Forest was born. Their albums have sold over 10 million copies. Their first self-titled Grammy nominated album was released in 1992, with “Sweet Lullaby” being the smash single, which would put Deep Forest on the world stage. Deep Forest creates a new kind of world music, sometimes called ethnic electronica. Their sound has been described as “ethno-introspective ambient world music”. In 1994 Deep Forest were nominated for a Grammy Award in the category for Best World Music Album, and in 1995 they won the prestigious Award for the album Boheme (first French band to win a Grammy Award). The band also became World Music Awards Winner for accomplishing the highest world sales as a French group. From 1996 to 2002 Deep Forest released 4 albums on Sony Music. For Starbelly this year, their line up will be Eric Mouquet (keyboards) + one other live musician.