In Laura Smith's music, real emotions ebb and flow. Your heart is in her capable hands, and likewise, she has entrusted you with hers. As she sings, her strong, melodious voice waves and catches, snagging on a scar here and there, surfing on a wonder, staring down a riddle... As you listen, the two of you go along together; brave and surfacing; calm and inquisitive.

Smith's music is direct and honest. Sometimes, fiddles and guitars gently lift and carry her spirited vocals, while her melodies and careful poetry dig deep. "My work is all very simple, earth-based," says the Maritime-based singer/songwriter. Her work is not so much written, as painstakingly designed, cut and stitched together. "Like quilt craft," she explains. "I make it body and soul, with everything I have available - my sensibilities, my ability to play. So many things come into the making of a song. When I say write, it limits what I bring to bear."

www.laurasmith.ca

Ryan MacGrath is an unconventional study in contrasts. His rural roots anchor a musical and personal style that is opulent, but never ostentatious. He possesses an authentic, old school glamour that is as rare as it is refreshing. Ryan MacGrath’s music is truly genreless, however it was once described as Arcade Orbison (blend of Arcade Fire and Roy Orbison). Whether Ryan is performing with a full band or solo, he never disappoints. At some points it’s quiet, introspective, nostalgic and at other times it’s energetic, humorous, and theatrical.

After receiving national press, praise, and two 2009 Nova Scotia Music Award nominations for his EP In My Own Company, Ryan will be releasing his DEBUT solo album Cooper Hatch Paris with prolific producer Jason Michael MacIsaac (The Heavy Blinkers, Jenn Grant, Brent Randall) and colleagues from award winning Gypsophilia as his backing band in May 2010.

http://ryanmacgrath.com

In addition, Ryan MacGrath is also an accomplished visual artist. His paintings are included in many personal and corporate collections in Canada and abroad. He currently lives with a cute little dog named Zelig.

With her smoky voice and heartworn songs, Laura Merrimen delivers Americana-infused country music that combines vintage arrangements with undertones of folky roots-rock.

Merrimen's debut album, Love Letters for Lonely Hunters, highlights the singer's old soul. With influences that range from Townes Van Zandt to Lucinda Williams, the album is steeped with a lingering darkness. Whether on the pulse-driven "Ontario", or the tremolo soaked waltz "Stand Alone", Merrimen demonstrates her ability to craft engaging songs focused around honest lyrics and innovative compositions. Her approach to infusing classic country archetypes into her writing has been acclaimed by outlets such as Herohill, who wrote, "It seems everyone wants to take a kick at the [neo-country and roots] can and revisit the past with their new work. It may all sound authentic, but where you really listen, very few get it right. Young Laura Merrimen is one of those precious few."

http://lauramerrimen.com

Either taking to the stage solo or teaming up with veteran Halifax musicians, Merrimen continues to spread her brand of soulful country throughout Eastern Canada. In the past year she has shared the stage with the Divorcees, Cuff the Duke, Elliot Brood, and The Deep Dark Woods.

Mike trask, now performing as a solo artist, no longer with the band Mudhill, has come into his own as a song writer and band leader. From Musquodoboit Harbour, and a protégé of Jim Henman, original member of April Wine, Mike Trask is a bit of a household name throughout the Atlantic Region, with 3 chart topping singles since coming on the scene only a few years ago. Hard rockin’ music, with electric guitars, heavy grooves, and his one-of-a-kind voice, have become his signature, but he also has an acoustic show, without a band, and delivers a soulful folky solo performance. Each of his recording projects is very unique, and this is certainly true of his recent release, “Trust in The Universe/Crowley Moon”.

Mike Trask – Double EP Release: “Trust in The Universe/Crowley Moon”

Mike Trask recently returned from recording sessions in Louisiana, where he recorded with Crowley-based Producer, Eddie Bodin. Bodin helped Trask to record a staggering 37 songs in his 2 ½ weeks there, and from that effort Trask is planning to release 3 separate records.

Please also check out our past performers...we've had some awesome talent over the years!