Performers

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.

They come from a small community traditionally known as Waglisla, also called Bella Bella. Most of the members moved to the Lower Mainland to further their education or work to support their families. The group has performed at many festivals and cultural events throughout the Lower Mainland, sharing a small part of who they are as Heiltsuk people through dancing and singing to the heartbeat of our drums.

Based in Vancouver, Canada, Higher Ground Dance Company, led by founder Natasha Gorrie, is a pre-professional street dance group specializing in hip-hop, breaking, and popping. With a focus on fostering individual artistic voices through group training, Higher Ground is entering its 6th season. This year, the company is journeying to New York to deepen its understanding of hip-hop culture. Higher Ground's program distinguishes itself by prioritizing personal growth, encouraging dancers to develop their unique identities while building a profound knowledge of street dance history. 

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.

Delivering an exhilarating and fiercely country-infused sound, Justine Lynn is a soulful singer-songwriter from Vancouver, BC, who seamlessly blends elements of soul, blues, traditional South African artistry, and classic country in her music.

Her successes on Canadian country radio are noteworthy, with her singles embraced by over 35 stations nationwide. “Pour It to Me Straight” made its mark in the Top 100, while her rendition of “Joy to the World” became one of Canada’s Top 5 most-added Christmas country songs.

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.

Krystle Dos Santos is a two-time Western Canadian Music Award-winning singer, songwriter, and performer. Her award-winning self-titled album was released in 2008, followed by Fame Fatale in 2011. BLOOM|BURN, her third studio release, earned her the WCMA for R&B Artist of the Year in 2020. From singing on stage with legends like Stevie Wonder and Michael Bublé to performing in theaters across North America, Dos Santos brings her eclectic style, powerful vocal prowess, and magnetic charm to every performance. Catch her sharing the story of Canadian civil rights icon Viola Desmond in her original co-creation, Hey Viola!, or with her new country/rock project, Orchard Sky, at venues across our beautiful country.

Zimbabwean marimba, Afro-Cuban and West African rhythms, reggae, samba, Afrobeat, funk, jazz, cumbia, disco, and hip hop all contribute to a fusion of styles intelligently selected, seamlessly blended, and brought to you by Kutapira.

Celtic harpist and classically trained singer Leanne Page joins her multi-instrumentalist son, Connor Page, to enchant and delight listeners. Leanne blends her soprano voice with the harp to perform everything from beautiful folk songs and dance tunes to operatic arias and popular repertoire. Connor adds the gentle tones of the classical guitar and the Irish whistle to create a rich musical landscape, ranging from lively hornpipes to lilting airs. Together, they perform their unique blend of Celtic and classical music all over the Lower Mainland for weddings, receptions, concerts, community events, fundraisers, and seniors' residences.

Mack Gordon is a local Vancouver artist who sometimes specializes in fun Gameshow Nights. He's worked out of The Biltmore Hotel, Havana Theatre, and the Vancouver Convention Centre. As a host and producer, his clients include EA Games, Morningstar Homes, TalkShop Media, Surrey City Hall, Boston Pizza and others. He's available for corporate and private bookings at Mack.R.Gordon@gmail.com.

Vancouver-based singer-songwriter. You can find him playing at city events, cafés, and open mic nights all around Metro Vancouver and the Lower Mainland. When performing, he loves creating a vibe that people can groove to and enjoy, wherever and whenever he is.

Norine Braun is a Vancouver-based singer-songwriter and recording artist, renowned for her soulful vocals and introspective songwriting across multiple genres. With 14 albums to her name, Braun's music explores themes of the environment, identity, heritage, and the universal journey of life. Norine is Métis and Two Spirit. Her last album, Songs For Trees, is dedicated to the forests and the spirits within the trees, supported by grants from the Canada Council for the Arts and the First Peoples’ Cultural Council. The Vancouver Sun named Songs For Trees as "one of 5 albums you need to hear!" This summer.

North Surrey Dance is a dynamic secondary school dance program with competitive teams in hip-hop, breakdance, contemporary, and bhangra. Their talented dancers showcase their skills in local and regional competitions, building teamwork, discipline, and artistry through diverse dance styles. With a strong commitment to creativity and cultural expression, North Surrey Dance encourages students to push boundaries and share their passion for movement both on and off the stage.

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 at various prestigious events worldwide, including Olympic games, festivals, and movie sets. Their performers come from diverse entertainment backgrounds, such as Cirque du Soleil, theater, and opera, giving the company a distinctive and sophisticated performance style. NZR Productions is dedicated to creating captivating shows that inspire audiences of all ages.

Phil Wizard is making waves in the hip-hop dance scene with an impressive list of achievements:1st place at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games – the first-ever Olympic gold medal in Men’s Breaking, 1st place at the 2023 Pan American Games and 2nd place at the 2023 Red Bull BC One World Final! Join him during his break dancing demonstration at this year's event. 

Rangla Punjab Arts Academy is a folk arts institute that was established in 2016 and is based in Surrey, British Columbia. They are a community-based organization committed to serving our community through diverse projects. They also strongly endorse promoting their Punjabi virsa, maa-boli, and culture. Their vision is to establish a platform where our younger generations are connected to their roots, mother language, and the folk art of Bhangra. They take pride in connecting with our community around the world through the art of Bhangra.