Justin Hines
Award-winning singer-songwriter Justin Hines released his new CD Chasing Silver with the single, “Say What You Will”, which was the #1 iTunes single for 7 weeks straight to critical acclaim. Chasing Silver not only exceeds the combination of courage, emotional eloquence and universal accessibility that made his previous record, Sides, which included the hit single "Wish You Well", a significant breakthrough. By further mastery of his craft, his new songs reinforce and extend Justin’s notoriously positive perspective and his compelling ability to empathize with people.
Justin is a man who speaks to the kind of human we should all aspire to be. He inspires confidence, he lives it, he’s solid to the core. He is a man who can elevate music to more than mere momentary entertainment, a natural communicator, celebrated by his fans for his empathy and acclaimed by the press for the elegance of his melodies, the intelligence of his lyrics and his subtle, intimate vocal style.
Justin Hines has spent the last three years entertaining audiences from China to the Middle East and all across Canada. Even through the whirlwind success of his debut album, Justin has not lost his hopeful and contemplative nature. His dignified and gracious air permeates each note of every melody he delivers.
http://www.justinhines.com
http://www.myspace.com/justinhines
Jackie Richardson
A dazzling performer, Jackie Richardson possesses a powerful and supple voice that is a perfect match for her vibrant stage presence. The awards and nominations for Jackie’s four-decade-long body of work include JUNOs, Geminis, Jessie and Bessie’s, Maple Blues and a Canadian Black Achievement Award for the Arts. Her unforgettable roles have ranged from theatre performances in Ain’t Misbehavin’ (Dora), and Cookin’ At the Cookery as Alberta Hunter (Dora); film performances in Turning to Stone as Dunk (Gemini), and Sins of the Father (NAACP); as well as her role as Jazz on the popular children’s TV series Doodle Bops.,
Along with her own captivating concerts and appearances at festivals and events such as Stratford Summer Music Festival and the NAC Concert Stage, she has also performed or recorded with countless other stars and ensembles, including: Salome Bey, Doctor Music Doug Riley, Ray Charles, Alannah Myles, Celine Dion, Anne Murray, Oliver Jones, Andrew Craig, Molly Johnson, Divine Brown, Debra Cox, Mavis Staples, Guido Basso, Maureen Forester, Shirley Eikhard, Albert Schultz, Brent Carver, Michelle Wright; and the Nathaniel Dett Chorale, Faith Chorale, Toronto Symphony, Nova Scotia Symphony and the NAC Symphony. 2009 finds Jackie adding, once again, to her powerful presence in music and entertainment with a CD project for “Homecookin” with Joe Sealy, Paul Novotny and Danny B.; a new solo CD, and this fall you’ll see her as Mrs. DeMarco on the new TELETOON series “Majority Rules”. Her live performance dates continue, including The CanWest Cabaret Festival, Heart and Soul series with Louise Petrie and concerts honouring Howard Mathews and Salome Bey and the Honourable Lincoln Alexander.
http://www.myspace.com/msjackierichardson
http://pages.interlog.com/~saww/2004Jackie.html
Andrew Craig
He’s Musical Directed high-profile tributes to Quincy Jones and Oscar Peterson, and arranged music for 50,000 children singing for Nelson Mandela (he’s actually performed for Nelson Mandela twice). His Musical Direction of the City of Toronto’s “Cavalcade of Lights” had the Mayor screaming on stage “you are awesome!” – a feeling supported enthusiastically by the 30,000 in attendance.
He’s shared the stage with some of the biggest names in music: Wynton Marsalis, Herbie Hancock, Molly Johnson, Serena Ryder and the Canadian Tenors, to name just a few. Andrew Craig is a true Renaissance man in the arts: singer, multi-instrumentalist, composer, arranger, producer, director, broadcaster and impresario. He is one of the most sought-after musicians in the Canadian scene today, in a broad range of musical activities. Andrew also frequently collaborates with leading theatre companies, films and television directors and contemporary dance choreographers.
Recognized as a leading cultural thinker, Andrew is frequently asked to offer guidance and consultation on to organizations such as the Art Gallery of Ontario, the Faculty of Fine Arts at York University, the Toronto Arts Council, and the Young Centre for the Performing Arts. As a radio host and producer with CBC, Andrew continues to help showcase the remarkable breadth and depth of Canadian musical talent, over the national airwaves and the world via the Internet.
Andrew is currently in production of not one but tow solo albums, for release in 2009. The best is still yet to come from this dynamic Canadian artist.
http://www.andrewcraig.me/index.php
Laura Landauer
Laura Landauer is an amazingly diverse entertainer, equally comfortable performing as an actor, singer, or comedian. She has recently received world wide attention for her spot-on portrayal of Celine Dion. Her short films have appeared on television shows, including Entertainment Tonight, across North America and Europe, and have wide viewership online. Laura’s live comedy act was named as one of Now Magazine’s top 10 comedy shows in Toronto.
Laura has appeared on television shows including Video on Trial (guest judge comedian, Much Music), Test the Nation and The Hour (CBC), Bathroom Divas (3rd runner up and viewer favorite, Bravo/Ovation) Look-A-Like (TV Guide Channel), the space classic Star Hunter and the film the Love Guru.
Laura’s stage work has included musical theatre, commedia dell’arte, as well as several independent and Fringe Festival productions.
Laura studied theatre at Dawson College in Montreal and is currently living in Toronto.
http://www.lauralandauer.com/index.htm