Though the musicians of Fort Saint John hold incredible talent and provide the locals with an endless torrent of live entertainment, they do face certain barriers. There is a proverbial glass ceiling of sorts in which the artist can see the next level of their talent, but cannot reach it due to our geographical limitations and isolation.

This is where artists like Jacob Verburg come in.  As the first of many artists to participate in The Musician Exchange Program, Jacob is an incredible talent with much to offer local musicians.

Having instructed extensively throughout the Shuswap in a variety of styles, his unique and diverse experience offers our music community a fresh, new perspective. 

Jacob’s guitar has taken him to many music scenes and schools across Canada and the United States, his talents earning him widespread awards and honours. Now, he’s ready to rock it in the north.

Jacob’s expertise is in jazz, folk, blues, fingerstyle, gypsy jazz and flatpicking, among others, and given the opportunity he’ll teach even the skilled guitarist a thing or two about their trade. In return, our own locals and legends can show him the FSJ ropes.

Jacob plans to share his knowledge with the prospective professional about vital and fundamental aspects of the artistry, collaborating with local talents, and jamming at local venues. With all of this in mind we eagerly await the arrival of new blood with the hopes of strengthening an already thriving community, and forming a musical alliance which transcends location and genre.

Miss Quincy, The Wild Oaks, and Sasha Lewis performed a breathtaking night of music to a good crowd last weekend in the fantastic new venue, "The Breakfast Room".  Several folks were asking what the room is all about, and if it's nice... and well, I can' say a thousand words... or I could upload a few pictures.

I think you'll enjoy the pictures better.

Sasha Lewis is the folk/roots treasure of BC and she's coming back to Jackfish Dundee's on Thursday, October 27th. But this time she's bringing more friends - The Wild Oaks are Jesse Clarke and Jacob Verburg from Salmon Arm and people can't stop raving about them! 

Sasha is from Dunster, BC and her musical background is "inspiring" folk-rock. She has been nominated for the BC Interior Music Awards and has a definite flair for heartfelt songwriting. 

Jesse and Jacob started playing together and their name dropped out of the sky (literally, an acorn fell on Jesse's head). They describe their music as progressive indie folk and they write some great music that they get really excited about.

So instead of having to hear them through your computer speakers, head down to Jackfish Dundee's on the 27th at 8pm for Sasha Lewis and the Wild Oaks - a rootsy, folky, fabulous time. You don't want to miss this show (not only is it great music, you will earn serious indie cred)!

This Friday, there is somethin' a happenin' that you will be very upset if you miss.

Miss Quincy (w. Dave Tolley), Sasha Lewis, and The Wild Oaks, are all performing in an atomosphere like none other -- in the new venue, The Breakfast Room, in the Pomeroy Hotel.

Things kick off at around 7:30PM on Friday, Oct 28th.

The venue is best explained like this:  It's like a giant living room with a bar, with all of your friends & favorite people, a fireplace and candles, listening to great music, and having a great time in a really fun night out.  Make sense?  Come check it out for yourself!

Tickets are available in advance online, at Tony Romas, and the front desk of the Pomeroy Hotel for just $15 in advance or at the door for $20.  This is not a Halloween event, so please don't show up in a costume... however, feel free to dress up in something nice!  It's a great excuse to go see our firends at Marc Joseph to be lookin' your best.

Here's some more info on the bands.

Miss Quincy does not fit the classic Singer/Songwriter mold. She plays guitar like she practices and sings songs like she means them. “Bringing a sense of the renegade women of the old West mixed with a modern independence of spirit, her extraordinary clear voice and well-crafted, memorable songs range through bluegrass and barroom blues, gypsy jazz, and something that is all of the above and yet something unique.” (Backroads Music, UK). Tipping her hat to earlier times and the rugged northern beauty that has been the backdrop of her life, Miss Quincy draws inspiration from the pioneering women who came before, the blues ladies of the 1930s, dirty guitar licks, and sweet gospel harmonies. 

Sasha Lewis -  Rock/Roots Folkstress Sasha Lewis is being called BC's little treasure. When describing Sasha's performances and recordings, adjectives like "a new and original voice in Canadian songwriting" come to mind, also, "inspiring folk-rock". Possessing a powerful range and presence Lewis has honed her distinctive songwriting abilities into a unique style that arises out of her life story.  Not only has Sasha been showcased at the Roots and Blues Music Festival but her song "Reasons" is on The Province Playlist. Lewis has been nominated for Peoples Choice at the 2011 BC Interior Music Awards, also in 2010 one of her co-written songs was nominated at the BCIMA’S in the Urban category. With her edgy vocals and thoughtful lyrics, she hits all the right emotions and pulls at the heart strings. Having a strongly developed background within her craft she has attracted a genuine and ever growing fan base of supporters who have followed her since the first strum on her guitar and stroke of her pen.

The Wild Oaks - From Salmon Arm, BC, The Wild Oaks is the song writing combination of Jacob Verburg and Jesse Clarke.  Jesse Clarke was a founding member of Old Man's Beard.  Together they write music that displays their talent as song writers and musicians. After a few jams in the spring of 2011 the boys found the musical combination incredibly creative and fulfilling. They are very excited about their new project, so look for them in a coffee house or street corner near you.

Sasha Lewis will be performing at Jackfish Dundees on Wednesday September 1st!  Here's a little bit of background on Sasha from her website:

From the small village of Dunster, B.C Canada tucked away in the mountains comes the rock folkstress Sasha Lewis.

With folk-rock, roots, and reggae mixed with progressive power, this young lady is a force to be reckoned with; whether it comes from performing, writing, composing or developing her entrepreneurial skills to further herself in the music industry. Over the past year, Lewis has been recording her widely anticipated debut album, Rooted. Released on July 30, 2010, and supported by Independent Distribution world wide, Lewis’ BC Summer Rooted Tour is a solid foundation, and is already turning heads with Industry Reps, sparking media interest across North America. Throughout BC, Lewis will be headlining, featured, and showcased, as well as hosting workshops and being an MC over the summer. With plans underway for an Eastern Canada tour, keep an eye out for this emerging artist.

Compared to many leading ladies, Lewis has an edgy and powerful vocal range, like that of Holly McNarland, as well as a sense of songwriting and wit like Ani Difranco. Known for her collaboration with many artists of different genres, Lewis has found her niche with a unique style of her own. With her powerful vocals and lyrics, she hits the right emotions and pulls at your heart strings. Since the first strum of her guitar, and the stroke of the pen, Lewis’ genuine fan base has continued to grow.

In 2008, Lewis was awarded the Shuswap Music Career Development Award and was showcased at the 2009 Roots and Blues pre-concert series. Most recently, she was nominated as a finalist in the 2010 Songwriting Competition, A Song for the Shuswap. Lewis has also participated in a number of songwriters workshops some along side with Coco Love Alcorn, Scott Dunbar and Sarah Noni Metzner. Also a studio vocalist and co-writer for other groups and known to be a host, guest speaker, promoter and events coordinator are just a few things that have earned her reputation in the industry.

Her personal experiences have given her strength and perseverance with a story to be heard. This is just the beginning of more things to come from this acclaimed powerhouse singer/songwriter.