ROCK THE BLOCK

Jesse Roper began 2015 with the release of his second album Red Bird at a sold out release show in Victoria BC at Sugar Nightclub (cap 650).^[5] Since then, known for his explosive live performance, Jesse Roper has become the go-to west coast festival draw, securing him direct support slots with artists such as Keith Urban, Lee Brice, Colin James, Tower of Power, Spirit of the West and Beth Hart. A hardworking touring musician,  Jesse Roper played his way through three west coast/prairie tours, twelve festivals (including Rock the Shores,^[6] Rifflandia,^[7] Sunfest,^[8] Burnaby Roots and Blues), three industry festivals including Folk Alliance International in Kansas City, CMW in Toronto ON and Break Out West in Victoria BC, with dozens of headlining and support dates throughout.^[9] Jesse Roper’s Red Bird album was nominated for a 2015 West Coast Music Award^[10] for Best Blues recording and invited to represent Victoria and showcase at the 2015 WCMA Gala.

 The Bankes Brothers The Victoria four-piece—brothers Nelson & Morgan Bankes on vocals/guitar, lead guitarist Carson Cleaver, & drummer Gray Oxley—formed in a pool hall one Friday night in 2017. Less than a week later they played their first gig. The former high school classmates were overwhelmed by an undeniable musical chemistry, & within three days of the first show, they had written a handful of original songs..

The result, a 6-track shot of dopamine spilling over with irresistibly catchy melodies, exhilarating vocals, and joyous indie-rock instrumentation. Produced and recorded by indie legend Steve Bays (Hot Hot Heat) the EP is the culmination of the band’s wide-ranging influences coming together in a way that defies sonic parallels, yet remains welcomingly familiar.

The Hayenas. Embodying the energy and ferocity of their animal namesake, Hyaenas is an Indie Alt Pop band “boasting stellar musicianship, meaningful songwriting, incredible talent, and a unique sound that excels.” (Great Dark Wonder) Their songs are written through a queer feminist lens that explore all facets of Human Nature while drawing inspiration from 80’s icons The Go-Go’s to modern day Indie darlings The Beaches, and synth-pop band Metric.

Notable performances include headlining Sunshine Music Festival in Powell River, showcasing at CMW and NXNE in Toronto, and performing at Folk on the Rocks in Yellowknife, Nest Fest, Squamish Constellation Festival, Coldsnap Festival, Khatsahlano Street Party, and Western Canadian Pride Festivals including Warriors Pride Night at Rogers Arena in Vancouver. Hyaenas has also shared the stage as direct support for Lauren Ruth Ward, The Pack AD, Kimmortal, Shred Kelly, Fake Shark, Blonde Diamond and ACTORS. The palpable chemistry between Sophie Foster (guitar, vocals), Jessie Robertson (bass), Jen Foster (drums) and Luvia Petersen (synth) can be felt on and off the stage.

Their debut EP “Little Trophy” (2023), produced by coveted Vancouver producers Jesse Gander (The Pack AD, White Lung) and Elisa Pangsaeng (Said The Whale, Yukon Blonde), debuted at #11 on the National !Earshot Radio Charts, has garnered over 150K online streams, and can be heard in Netflix series “My Life with the Walter Boys”.

“Bands such as Alvvays, Dear Rouge, and Metric may dominate this scene, but they best watch out – Hyaenas are poised to stake a legitimate claim up there with the best of them.”  – Great Dark Wonder

The Fruit Stand offers a selection of hand-picked juicy beats for every booty. She is known to blend a fusion of house and funky bass lines, creating a deliciously sweet, energetic atmosphere guaranteed to pump up your jam and get that body moving. With her talent for building a high-energy, booty-shaking dance floor, she creates an electrifying experience that keeps the crowd vibing all night long.

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Kumugwe Dancers. Through sharing the songs and dances of the K’omoks and Kwakwaka’wakw peoples, the Kumugwe Dancers are able to help facilitate respect and understanding within the local community and communities abroad.

Taking their name from the traditional Bighouse that sits within the heart of the K’omoks First Nation, members of the dance troupe have been practicing and performing together since 2001. The Kumugwe Dancers feel that by encouraging young members of their community to learn the ancient songs and dances of their people, they will ensure the survival of the culture for generations to come.