Performers

The grand finale of Surrey Tree Lighting Festival will feature a stunning fire and light performance by NZR productions, followed by a holiday dance party with DJ Flipout. From Vancouver, DJ Flipout is best known for his gig on 94.5 Virgin Radio, where he does a 100% live mixshow in studio featuring Top 40 hits for The 5 O’clock Traffic Jam.

NZR Productions is a leading international circus company renowned for producing high-quality specialty acts and stage shows. With over two decades of experience, the company has performed in numerous locations around the world, including Olympic events, festivals, and movie sets. Their performers come from diverse entertainment backgrounds, such as Cirque Du Soleil, theater, and opera, which gives the company a distinctive and sophisticated performance style. NZR Productions is dedicated to producing top-quality shows that captivate and inspire audiences of all ages.
 

Darren is a lead guitarist and vocalist from Ts’kway’laxw (Pavilion) First Nation, located at the northern tip of the St’at’imc Territory. He has been playing professionally since the early '90s, which has taken him all over B.C., the Yukon, Alberta, and as far as Dubai, UAE, and Warsaw, Poland. Darren met his musical brother Ricky Renouf early on, and together they formed a Rockabilly alliance based on mutual musical interests and a shared love for the genre. They enjoy the same music and look forward to playing it for you!

Based out of Vancouver BC, Spendo is made up of five like-hearted, experienced multi-instrumentalists. Sharing a love for modern & classic rock, they exude a 1970’s California vibe, drawing inspiration from and paying respect to the music of that timeless era. 

After releasing “Waiting For Years” in May 2018, Spendo spent the next two years headlining hometown shows, playing festival dates in Toronto, ON, and touring the interior of BC before reforming with a new line up in 2020. 

In 2022, Spendo ventured into "The Great Unknown”, turning heads with their well-received single “Fighter,” followed recently by their second single “Easy to Lie”, both of which were recorded with legendary Canadian producer Danny Craig (Default, One Bad Son) who also produced their second EP “The Great Unknown” released March 11th 2023. 

The band's powerful live performance has led them to many sold out hometown shows. They’ve also landed on some big stages, rubbing elbows with Canadian Rock Royalty (PRISM, 54-40, and Daniel Wesley). They were also crowned “Best In Vancouver” 2022. These five fine gentlemen have been itching to show the world what they’re capable of, and their long and fruitful journey is only just beginning.

Scott leads his own groups, the "Scott Robertson Trio" and "Swing Patrol," with various configurations, performing at hotel conventions, corporate events, special events, dances, banquets, weddings, and more. He has released two CDs: Swing Patrol and No Expiry Date. He regularly performs at the White Rock Traditional Jazz Society.

Scott also runs a drum school four days a week and coaches the drumline for the RMM Pipe Band, which is part of the SFU Pipe Band Organization.

Vancouver-based 11-woman big band, The Leading Ladies, presents a rare musical blend of classic and modern jazz, showcasing beloved pieces from the big band era alongside modern-day originals. Directed by trombonist Casey Thomas-Burns, this dynamic and vibrant group of young women first came together to perform a single show in 2019, and they’ve stuck together ever since.

At a concert with The Leading Ladies, you can expect to hear new takes on classic favorites, music by local and Canadian composers, and maybe even a few pieces you’ve never heard before, as the band frequently debuts new works. Recently returned from their 2024 "5th Birthday Tour," this band has been named one to watch on the Canadian jazz scene.

With dreamy '90s-style indie girl vibes, Ahshï delivers all the feels while painting pictures with her music. She is the first artist to have four spots in the top 20 on the Galaxy New Zealand radio charts. She’s toured across Canada numerous times, written for major artists, and with the release of her new song, “Heart Shaped,” Ahshï has won over hearts.

The Angels On High duo is the "sister act" of Joani Bye and Janet Warren. Only family can achieve this kind of beautiful blend, and Joani and Janet deliver it in every carol and holiday song.

Angie Faith is a powerful vocalist. Her clear, resonant voice can cover crystal highs and then dive to strong, window-shaking lows in the blues-rock style. Angie Faith can command the soul of Aretha Franklin, infuse her performance with the vulnerability and presence of Adele, all the while commanding the sheer vocal power of Miley Cyrus and Jessie J.

Raised in a musical and theatrical family, Angie was encouraged to perform from near infancy. She landed her first paying vocal performance at five, began to star in musical theatre at age six, and appeared in international commercials for Huggies, Crest toothpaste, and Nickelodeon by seven.

As a pre-teen, Angie appeared as a background actor in popular TV programs such as The X-Files. During this time, her musical appearances expanded as well, including regular performances in grocery stores such as Save-On-Foods, weddings, pubs, casinos, and the Fairmont and Hilton hotel chains. Don't miss her out!

Brent Joseph has been playing guitar live and professionally since 1982, performing at various events across B.C. Tahnee Rose Ross began her musical journey singing with elementary and high school choirs, and in 2014, she joined her father onstage at talent shows. Together, they are in the process of incorporating original music into their sets.

Cookin' With Brass is a high-octane band that supercharges Top 40 pop songs with their universal party groove. This funky brass band turns any event into a raucous, family-friendly New Orleans street party. Known for their heart-pounding, energetic performances, Cookin’ With Brass unleashes brassy funk and street beat rhythms that get people moving.

They have performed at the Harrison Festival of the Arts, SurreyFest, Harmony Arts Festival, and the Surrey Fusion Festival, as well as many special events including the Vancouver Symphony Day of Music, Granville Block Party, Main Street Car Free Day, and Sounds of Summer in Surrey.

Duane J. Hanson, also known as DJ Hanson, is an Indigenous singer and songwriter currently residing on the traditional ancestral territory of the Klahoose people on Cortes Island, northwest of Campbell River.

With over 50 years of music experience, DJ Hanson is a professional drummer who has played various genres, including classic country and rock and roll from the 1950s to the 2000s. His musical journey has led him to perform and build connections with many notable artists, including Redbone, Keith Secola, Randy Castillo (Ozzy Osbourne), and locally with bands such as Headpins, Jeff Healey, and Barney Bentall.

Emmett Martin Hatlelid’s work draws inspiration from the past and brings it into the present. His style as a jazz vocalist echoes the sounds of Bing Crosby, Al Bowlly, and Frank Sinatra. He studied voice at Vancouver Community College and received private instruction from traditional jazz trombonist Brad Shigeta, a former member of the Duke Ellington Orchestra under Mercer Ellington’s direction and a former student of Hal Schaefer, who was Marilyn Monroe’s vocal coach.

Emmett’s music evokes the spirit of an era when music was restorative—when people walked home humming the tunes they had just heard and danced to, and those melodies carried them through tough times.

Steeped in music from a young age, Erik Severinson’s journey has traversed choirs, orchestras, jazz combos, and progressive metal bands, culminating in a distinctive voice in the alternative and indie singer-songwriter scene. His eclectic background enriches his music, allowing him to blend thoughtful storytelling with unique and catchy melodies.

Erik's talent has graced prestigious stages, including Carnegie Hall, and he has dedicated himself to nurturing the next generation of musicians by teaching hundreds of emerging singers and songwriters throughout British Columbia. 

The Fraser Valley Academy of Dance, under the artistic direction of John C. Carney, offers superior training with a specialized focus on classical ballet and contemporary dance. With an internationally trained professional staff, the Academy provides students with an exceptional opportunity to achieve their highest potential, resulting in over 120 invitations to ballet company schools and performing arts colleges. The Academy offers training year-round through its after-school program, pre-professional academy, and summer programs.

Jani has been performing in the Surrey/White Rock area for over 22 years. Her soulful renditions of songs, spanning many decades, remind us how great songs hold their magical relevance across diverse audiences. Jani only plays what she loves, and you can feel that in every note.

Karla Sax is an international artist based in Vancouver, Canada. She plays live saxophone over tracks (jazz, Top 40, house/lounge, etc.) for private parties and special events. She has been featured in New York Couture Fashion Week and opened for John Legend at a private event in Reno. Find her in London, Mallorca, Cabo, the Cayman Islands, New York, Reno, and all of Vancouver's hottest clubs, hotels, and private parties.