All Together Now :: Workshop Facilitators

Jane Lewis

Jane is the founder of the Rise Up Singing/All Together Now workshop series. She had a history of singing in school choirs where she could hide behind the other voices. As for singing solo...no way! She was even too shy to sing in the shower when no one else was home. After she accidentally ended up in band, she made a concerted effort to get over her issues around making noise. She now sings frequently in public, and is always looking forward to her next performance. When she isn't making music, she works as a freelance editor. She is also the author of six young adult novels. www.myspace.com/janelewismusic

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Sam Turton

Sam is a singer-songwriter, mentor/therapist, and social activist with a history of Zen and Earth-centred spirituality. Until the age of 45, because his voice was very restrained, he would find other performers to sing his songs. Ten years ago, while exploring and resolving emotional blocks, his original voice emerged. He now belts out soulful blues, gospel and classic R&B. Sam's songs can be heard on his solo CD feel and on the benefit CDs "Not There" and "Afghanistan—On Guard For Thee?" www.samturton.com

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Katherine Wheatley

Katherine is a Guelph singer-songwriter whose music has been used for television documentaries, series and films. She's been a featured vocalist on Stuart McLean's Vinyl Cafe, as well as a musical guest on TVO's Studio Two, CBC's Vicki Gabereau Show and CTV's Canada AM. In addition to her busy touring schedule, she leads workshops and teaches songwriting, chord theory, and guitar. She is currently at work on her third CD. www.katherinewheatley.com

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Tannis Slimmon

Tannis has been singing, songwriting, recording, and touring for over 25 years. In addition to her two solo CDs (Oak Lake and Lucky Blue), Tannis has appeared on numerous albums, contributing songs and/or singing harmony (a huge passion). She was 2008's Canadian Folk Music Awards Contemporary Vocalist of the Year.

"A breathtaking vocalist with a bright, angelic disposition, Slimmon is a favourite folk attraction whose harmonies are as warm as her smile." Exclaim Magazine www.tannis.ca

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Jude Vadala

Jude grew up in a family of musicians. She learned about music when her parents and aunts and uncles got together for family music circles, a regular activity borne out of a time when people made their own music as a form of entertainment. She has toured across Canada and the U.S. with the critically acclaimed group The Bird Sisters, where she honed her skills as a songwriter and recording artist. Presently she is performing as a solo artist, and she teaches piano, voice and songwriting. www.myspace.com/judeland

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Gwen Swick

Gwen Swick is the complete package: gifted songwriter, arranger and vocalist. Her songs span cabaret, folk, country, art pop, gospel, nonsense, torch and retro Tin Pan Alley. The Globe and Mail says "Swick's songs are pure delight." Gwen is a rare bird - a poet with an exceptional melodic sense and what the Toronto Star calls a "mesmerizing voice." She studied music and graduated from York University to begin a performance career that includes solo work and many collaborations, both live and in the studio. Her songs have been featured in Canadian and American films, and she writes vocal arrangements for choirs. The creator of three acclaimed solo records, Gwen is also a member of Quartette and the Marigolds. www.gwenswick.com

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Suzie Vinnick

Suzie Vinnick is a four-time winner of the Canadian Maple Blues Award for Female Vocalist of the Year. (She has also won for Bassist of the Year, and Songwriter of the Year with Rick Fines in 2006.) The owner of a gorgeous, powerful voice, she performs with a sweet mixture of engaging candidness and unparalleled musicianship. She was nominated for a 2009 JUNO for her 3rd album, Happy Here, and for two 2009 Canadian Folk Music Awards. Along with her busy touring schedule (as a solo act or with Rick Fines, the Marigolds, and Betty & the Bobs), she teaches classes and workshops across the country. www.suzievinnick.com

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Eve Goldberg

Eve sings music that draws honey from the rock of life. A compelling writer and interpreter, Eve's watercolour voice and solid guitar style has made her a favourite with audiences across Canada and the US. Her performances are intimate and relaxed, with her trademark mixture of folk, blues, country, bluegrass, old time, and jazz. She has released three CDs to widespread acclaim. Eve is also an enthusiastic teacher who has the ability to present musical information in a clear and un-intimidating manner. She knows how to create a supportive environment that encourages students at any skill level to learn and grow. www.evegoldberg.com

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Norman Liota

After having graduated from York University's music department and having taught high school, Norman abandoned the straight and narrow for the more adventurous life of an itinerant musician. Originally trained as a classical guitarist, but cutting his teeth on virtually every idiom, Norman's nimble fingers cover an expanse of open tunings, cascading harmonics, and stunning techniques such as prepared guitar. Acclaimed as "a real virtuoso" (ECHO Magazine), "Liota's skills as a composer and vocalist are as formidable as his guitar virtuosity" (Chilliwack Progress Weekend, BC). www.normanliota.com

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Ken Whiteley

Ken has been called a "roots music master." With dynamic energy and a spirit of inclusion, Ken has led gospel singing concerts for people from all walks of life, right across North America. He has been honoured with a Genie Award for Best Original Song in a Canadian Motion Picture, Blues Album of the Year Award, Canadian Folk Music Award for Best Children's Album, 7 Juno nominations, 2 Songs from The Heart Awards and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Ontario Council of Folk Festivals. Ken's songs have been covered by numerous artists and his recording studio walls are adorned with a dozen gold and platinum records. His recordings are noted for his award-winning original material, heartfelt vocals and instrumental virtuosity. www.kenwhiteley.com

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Alyssa Wright

Alyssa Wright is a cellist and singer-songwriter who, in part because of her improvisatory skills, is in demand as a studio and session musician. Having grown up in a musical family, improvisation and "jamming" were akin to breathing for her, but she developed a system for teaching improvisation after some of her conservatory-trained colleagues and students expressed both interest and bewilderment. She currently teaches privately (cello and voice) in Orillia, and gives workshops and masterclasses throughout Ontario. Her improvisation skills can be heard on countless Canadian jazz, folk, pop, world-beat, new age and rock albums, as well as her own debut solo CD, "Dark Waters" and duo The Brights release, "Live Love Dream."
www.alyssawright.com

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Vince Maccarone

Vince Maccarone is an experiential educator, performer, and studio musician with over 25 years of live playing experience on both drum set and hand percussion. He has studied Jazz, African, Afro-Cuban and Brazilian rhythms extensively and is well versed in all styles of music. JUNO awards, "Drummer of the Year" nominations, and a WC Handy Award are some of the honors Vince has received over the years, and his work can be heard on many television shows and commercials. Vince has laid down the groove for a long list of great musicians, including Colin Linden, Jim Belushi, Paul Reddick, and blues legend Buddy Guy. Passionate about percussion, his teaching always leaves participants with a greater appreciation and a new interest in music, drumming and communication.

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