2024 Roots, Blues & Barbecue

MATT ANDERSEN is back at the Badlands Amp!  Matt Andersen is a Canadian musical sensation known for his extraordinary talent and soulful voice. He has captivated audiences worldwide with his blues, rock, folk, and soul-inspired music.

Andersen’s impressive guitar skills and emotionally charged performances have earned him a dedicated following. He has released numerous albums, including “Weightless” and “Honest Man,” which have received critical acclaim and industry recognition. With his powerful live presence, he continues to tour globally, enchanting fans and earning a reputation as one of Canada’s most exceptional musicians. Matt Andersen’s music is a timeless blend of raw talent and heartfelt storytelling.

BYWATER CALL:

“The powerhouse voice of Meghan Parnell and the slide guitar master guitarist Dave Barnes form the basis of Bywater Call. Where things are still somewhat civilized on the record, Meghan goes completely wild live vocally. What a set of lungs and concrete vocal cords this woman must have.” – Blues Magazine

Fronted by the captivating lead singer Meghan Parnell, this blues-rock powerhouse band isrenowned for their soulful melodies and electrifying guitar riff. The band’s music is an exploration of life’s highs and lows. From intimate ballads that lay bare the complexities of human emotion to electrifying anthems that demand to be played at full volume, their catalogue is a journey through the human experience, incorporating influences from the likes of The Band, The Wood Brothers, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Otis Redding, Little Feat, Sly and the Family Stone, among others.

THE SOUL MOTIVATORS: A sonic fusion of the past and the future, The Soul Motivators are here to make you move. Masters of the stage, this Toronto band weaves timeless grooves of classic RnB, soul, funk, psychedelic jams and hip-hop breaks. They’ve shared bills with legends like Grandmaster Flash, Afrika Bambaataa, Lee Fields and Bernie Worrell. They’ve ignited crowds at TEDx, TD Toronto Jazz Festival, PanAm Games, Calgary Folk Fest, FEQ, Sunfest, Mont Tremblant International Blues Festival and NXNE. 

The heartbeat of The Soul Motivators is Shahi Teruko on vocals, James Robinson on keys, Marc Shapiro on bass, Voltaire Ramos on guitar, and Doug Melville on drums. This line-up is augmented with a rotating cast of veteran players on horns and percussion, giving each performance a seal of quality. 

This is not just music; this is a movement. Let yourself be Motivated!

“GARRET T. WILLIE is turning heads with his incredible skills on the guitar and his deep love of blues, rock, and country-folk. With roots in the ruff and tuff town of Alert Bay (Namgis/Kwakwaka’wakw) just off north Vancouver Island BC, Garret’s talent is filled with an unquenchable thirst that is ready to set the world on fire.

Like gravel over sweet honey, Garret aka Big Willie shocks crowds with a voice that has never been heard before. Taking influence from Ice Cube to Stevie Ray Vaughan, Garrett presents a musty grit tone that is unique to be seen in this generation.

Garret’s powerful performances shock listeners with his old soul, deep blues expression coupled with guitar playing that is out of this world. He picked up his first guitar at the early age of 9 and has been bringing audiences to their feet ever since. ”  – MidnightAgency.com

KATE STEVENS – MUSICAL HOST: 

One of Calgary’s finest vocalists and songwriters, Kate Stevens, uses her songs to be  unapologetic and her best self. Together with her band Kate has established an emotive soul and R&B sound riddled with jazz harmonies that causes listeners to get lost in the highs and lows of relationships in the 21st century. Kate’s storytelling abilities and sultry voice are capable of single-handedly transporting listeners to the moment where they first make eye contact with a potential significant other, and evoking the emotions that cause your palms to sweat and your heart race.

Kate has been able to make the most of her opportunities locally, winning numerous awards for her songwriting, and performances at venues such as the National Music Centre, and the Calgary Folk Music Festival. Currently, she uses her platforms as a performer and radio host CKUA to empower and mentor other upcoming musicians locally and across the radio airwaves.