Line Up 2022
Shred Kelly
Shred Kelly is a five piece, alternative folk rock band that emerged from the heart of the Canadian Rockies in 2009. Over the past decade the band have taken their highly energetic live show from humble beginnings on the Canadian ski-town circuit to the international stage.
The band’s striking and energy-packed sound has evolved from their eclectic musical influences and their unique experiences as individuals. Their progressive pairing of acoustic instrumentation with electric counterparts, harmonies, and driving rhythm, continues to develop and reach new heights.
The Wooden Sky
The band (made up of Gardiner, multi-instrumentalists Simon Walker and Andrew Wyatt, violinist Edwin Huizinga and drummer Andrew Kekewich) started writing and recording demos in a small farmhouse in rural Quebec in January 2015, but then put them aside as they embarked on a year-long tour in support of their previous album, Let’s Be Ready. When they resumed work on the album in March 2016, Gardiner says the band caught a severe case of “demoitis”, a condition wherein “you fall in love with the scrappiness of the demos.” So rather than completely re-working them, they decided to record the album in the same way as the demos: in Gardiner’s home studio, using old tape machines and live off the floor. The resulting album is a sonic maelstrom that sees the band exploring unchartered waters, where textural psychedelia inspired by the Paisley Underground movement melds into quiet, acoustic cyclical guitar melodies, before once again transforming into a bombastic, Johnny Cash-esque rally against the XL Keystone pipeline in Canada.
Chubby Cree
Chubby Cree is a first nations, indigenous hand drum group that has taken the internet by storm. Consisting of eleven year old Noah Green with his larger than life voice, and grandmother Carol Powder.
Singing by eight months, Noah was steeped in traditional Cree music and culture raised by Carol who has taught all of her children and grandchildren.
For the past five years the group have been playing non-stop around their hometown of Edmonton, at both traditional powwow events and as a go-to artist at events in support of women’s rights, the environment and the marginalized. Channelling the authentic spirit of Cree music and its healing power to unite people, the group’s powerful performances have often brought audience members to tears.
The group has gone viral numerous times, first on CBC while performing opening for Greta Thunberg at her climate march event in Edmonton and then later also on platforms such as Tik Tok, Reddit and national news networks CBC, Global Television and more.
Now signed with label and management company Unbelievably Spectacular the group are set to release their debut music with multi platinum, Grammy award winning indigenous producer David Strickland, best known for his work with artists like Drake this fall.
https://www.tiktok.com/@chubbycree
https://www.facebook.com/chubbycree/
Danny Bell and the Disappointments
Based in British Columbia on unceded Lhedli T’enneh territory, Danny’s music is regional. It’s steeped in his affection for his home in the hinterland, a blue collar town, the stink of the pulp mill, and everyday life in Northern BC. Bell’s songs toe the line between tragedy and comedy. It can be described as accordion-led folk/country/punk. Danny Bell and His Disappointments released their second album, “Songs for the town”, in December of 2020. Exclaim! magazine called the album an “anti-capitalist, anti-elitist, anti-asshole folk record for small moments in small places… for the Town is an insular record made for a particular place and particular people, but it speaks to something more; it speaks on where we come from, what makes a home, work, friends and lonely dogs.”
Barley Wik
Barley Wik sing like angels and play an array of acoustic instruments like they sold their souls to the devil. The all-female band reinvents old-time music with an impressive collection of well-crafted original songs that reshape folk and country with a little twist of bluegrass.
The band’s name comes from the 15th century term bailiwick, a reference to someone’s area of authority. It’s a place where someone can have their say, and Barley Wik’s members have their say as a collection of individuals with wildly eclectic musical influences.
Barley Wik’s sound reflects a musical style as diverse as their individual histories. The groups’ roots in the Saskatchewan prairie, small town Ontario, 1960s British styles, and a strong tie to the land merge to create a singular sound that incorporates a range of musical forms. Old-time country, folk, blues, bluegrass and spirituals inspire Barley Wik’s songs. All members are songwriters, and each brings a creativity and honesty to their music-making which keeps it real.
Northern Boyz Drum Group
The Northern Boyz Drum Group from “Amachewespimawin – Stanley Mission Cree Nation” have been singing together for well over 10 years. As avid Woodland Cree Traditionalists, you could find the Northern Boyz helping with traditional and cultural events in and around the Lac La Ronge Indian Band communities. The Group members are Ricky Mckenzie (lead Singer), Ricky Jr Sanderson, Asa Ballantyne and Troy Charles. Proud singers of the north, The Northern Boyz strive for Cree culture and language revitalization through song, ceremony and tradition.
“Culture is not a perk for an Aboriginal child, it is a lifeline. There is strength in our traditions!”
Oscar's Hollow
Oscar’s Hollow is a Saskatoon based rock band formed in 2016. With songs that typically blend first-person storytelling with the frankness of a good confession, the group’s music evokes comparisons to outfits like The Band or Blue Rodeo the way a yellow 1974 F150 can remind you of the late-summer sun on the prairies.
The band’s current lineup consists of Kris Mihilewicz playing guitar, Byron Shaw on bass, Kurt Burnett on the drums and Darryl Dozlaw playing mostly keys. Lead vocal duties are shared between Mihilewicz and Dozlaw, with everyone contributing background vocals.
With 4 years of playing shows and festivals in venues large and small together, as well as numerous online events in 2020, Oscar’s Hollow delivers a fun live show. Having self produced two EP’s: Oscar’s Hollow (2018) and Now Playing (2019). Oscar’s Hollow is currently developing new music, recording a full length album and eagerly anticipating playing for live crowds again in 2022.
Cabin Fever
Desperately yearning for their Northern roots, this Ontario duo often finds themselves pining over poplars and birch. This duo plants these feelings in a forest of incandescent guitar, heart pounding bass, and howling vocals that will speak to the hearts of all who stop to listen. Come along as they take you from a meandering paddle across a lake of glass to the thundering of the herds crossing the Great Plains. Settle in with a cup of cocoa – or something a little stronger – and sit around the fire as Cabin Fever warms your soul and rekindles your wanderlust.
LJ Tyson
LJ Tyson is a Folk/Pop artist from Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. Blending themes of identity and social movement, LJ has put his own unique stamp on the music scene. LJ Tyson is an indigenous person who identifies as part of the 2SLGBTQ+ community. Identity has become a major part o LJ’s work because he feels representation is important in music for minority groups. LJ has shared his songwriting and performance across Canadian radio and venues. Performing his signature blend of folk/pop with is band The Locals, LJTyson is moving forward.
Funky Bus
Always looking for the next groove, Funky Bus aims to get you dancing by playing a mix of funk, soul, motown and R&B style with classic and modern covers. The bus makes regular stops in the La Ronge area and picks up other local musicians looking for a lift to another stop along their funky way.
Dara Schindelka
Dara Schindelka is a Saskatchewan singer/songwriter with a touch of the north and the pull of the prairies. Her music has touches of Joni Mitchell, Mary Chapin Carpenter, & Loreena McKennitt in them and she shares her passion for storytelling and song in ways that delight young and old.
Her single, “Thou Art Loosed” won the Folk Award for the March 2020 American Tracks Music Awards and was a finalist in the Love Wins Festival NY. “She’s Like the Swallow” won Honorable Mention at the Women’s Freedom Song International Competition in March of 2021 as well as a nominee for best music video of the year in the Saskatchewan Film Awards for 2021.
As 2022 started, Dara was granted a SOCAN artist career development grant to complete work on her album, Saturn Returns, and has partnered with Boreal Heartland in northern Saskatchewan to create a unique tea based on the music of the title track. She has been recently nominated for keyboard player of the year by the Saskatchewan Country Music Association. Besides festivals and concerts, Dara is touring across the prairies with the generous support of Cherry Tree House Musical Education Fund through the Saskatoon Community Foundation as a musician and workshop facilitator. Dara chooses to support music festivals and livestreams that bring awareness and help to women’s issues and marginalized voices and has worked with Stay Human Productions, Rock Against Racism, Piwapin Women’s Shelter, Prince Albert Multi Cultural Council, and FemFolk UK and most recently with the Saskatchewan Council for International Co-operation.
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Billy Ray Roy & Nige B
Billy Ray Roy is a town local in La Ronge, Saskatchewan. Billy Ray Roy has been playing music since the age of 10 on and off. During his high school years Billy learned how to write, record and produce his own music. Billy has been the lead vocalist with various bands and projects over the years playing and living in Manitoba, Alberta and Saskatchewan, with over 60 written songs to this day Billy continues to write on his free time and is hoping to jump right back into the music scene again.
Nige B is member of the Lac La Ronge Indian Band and a 2021 Saskatchewan Music Award nominee for Electronic Artist of The Year. He grew up in La Ronge, Saskatchewan and started learning guitar at the age of 13. Since then, he learned how to play bass, sing, drums/programming, and music production. He’s dabbled into many music genres including Metal, Rock, Indie, and Hiphop. Nige B started learning about music production and sound engineering prior to Covid 19 lockdown. Nige B is also the lead guitarist for Saskatoon based Indie Rock band “Nightswitch” who are going to start recording their first full-length album over the winter.
Together these two plan to play together and bring you a new sound that they both pursue, 2 acoustics and 2 vocalists ready to show the Ramble what they are capable of.
Gopher Broke Orchestra
Gopher Broke Orchestra, purveyors of musical medicine. This good old fashioned trio will cure even the most dire prognosis.
*Warning* Side effects may include smiling, laughing, singing and even dancing to classic country, blues, swing, old timey songs, fiddle tunes, rockabilly and more.
A taste of days gone by.
Purdy Bird
In a saturated world of singer/songwriters, Troy Hudson is a notable diversion. With songs about life’s unwelcome dynamics, Troy Hudson’s compelling voice provides a soulful layer to his music. Unorthodox guitar melodies sustain the arguably uneasy alliance between raw lyrics and sweet vocals. Peter Abonyi’s lush guitar melodies playfully add to the atmosphere along with tasteful chicken picking licks on banjo and mandolin by Liza Holder. Musical depth is anchored by a solid yet sensitive rhythm section brought to you by Michelle Voisin on percussion and thumping bass lines by Paula McGuigan. It is this spirited relationship that makes up Purdy Bird and that offers audiences a time-spanning experience, featuring contemporary innovations on traditional musical styles. Purdy Bird is Alt/country folk n’ roll at its finest!
Lip Forest
Based in Quw’utsun Territory on Vancouver Island, but grown on the Boreal shores of Lac La Ronge Saskatchewan, Lip Forest was conceptualized and brought to life by singer songwriter John Stewart. In studio, Stewart embraces a rotating collective of artists to create and push dark moods and cavernous melodies. This same atmosphere is brought to the stage through morose solo performances that might just warm your heart. Influenced by artists such as Timber Timbre, Angel Olsen, Bill Withers, Jasmine Trails, and Patrick Watson, Lip Forest combines sultry lyrics with “redundant chords” bathed in reverb to bring the audience unnerving, yet soothing, performances.
“If Townes Van Zandt & Colter Wall had a love child you would get John Stewart of Lip Forest.” – Koksilah Music Festival
poe lacey
poe lacey is a local sibling duo composed of the Burr children, Bronwyn and Riley. We like to sing about some tough subjects through the lens of our prog-rock infused pop sound. This year, the live band has expanded, including Travis Beatty, Ben Myo, and Kolton Kimbley, bringing these songs into a whole new context! Get ready to feel things and rock out!
Brian Paul D.G. and Friends
Singer-songwriter Brian Paul D.G. and his ever-evolving musical friends offer a dynamic synergy of inspirational folk songs, some traditional, and mostly original vocal/acoustic compositions with a focus on story-telling, improvisation, sincerity, holographic poetry and all inclusive sing and play along potentials! check out their website for various albums, music videos and much more!
Rosin Rush
Based in Meadow Lake, Saskatchewan and consisting of teenaged Bennett (fiddle, mandolin) and their father Matthew (guitar, banjo), Rosin Rush combines blues, jazz, klezmer, and old-time music influences to produce music that is exploratory, improvisational, and deeply funky.
An alum of the New Jersey Performing Arts Center Jazz For Teens program, Bennett is also recipient of an Azrieli Scholarship from KlezKanada, was a junior showcase performer at the Canadian Grandmaster Fiddle Competition, performed at John Arcand Fiddle Festival, attended the Northern Lights Bluegrass Camp, and was the first Canadian participant in the International Bluegrass Music Association’s Kids on Bluegrass program.
Matthew is an experienced multi-instrumentalist and teacher, with twenty-five years’ experience playing and performing in a variety of genres.
The Brain Porter
Strapped with an upright bass, a 40 gallon suitcase on one foot, a pile of pig bones on the other, and enough FX pedals to kill a bear, The Brain Porter produces a sound that mystifies anyone with any sense of “Tradition”. The Saturday night festival crowd, and house concert goer alike seem to find a musical void that they didn’t know was missing after bearing witness to this hot mess of a show.
Shuboy
Finding inspiration on the streets, Shuboy is fearless when it comes to mixing genres using traditional non tradional slide guitar.
An old school street musician based out of Saskatoon SK, an experienced slide guitar and harp player he can be found performing originals and reimagined covers on his National resonator, cigarbox guitar and harmonica at summer festivals and fringes across Canada… and of course all the best sidewalks.
Earnest Ernie’s Pan Fried Blues
Earnest Ernie’s Pan Fried Blues serves up a sizzling mixture of good time blues. Whether covering the likes of Reverend Raven, James Cotton, Howlin’ Wolf, or throwing in original offerings, the band cooks. The combo of Ernie Kurz (blues harp, slide guitar, guitar), Lowell McLaren (drums), and Gary Smith (Bass) delivers. During its 10 year existence, the band has racked up impressive gig time. They’ve appeared twice at the Saskatoon Jazz Festival, once at the Saskatoon Blues Festival and have performed at a number of Saskatoon venues. The CD Simmerin’ has effectively captured the energy and dynamism of the band’s live performance.
The Roaring Borealis
The Roarin’ Borealis are back! Following the long-awaited death of their polarizing washboard player, they were able to put aside the grievances lingering from their acrimonious 2018 split to return to ROARIN’, WAILIN’, and PLAYIN’ the hits of the past, present and conditional!!!!! Catch Sweaty, Junior, Ma, Beardo, Sis and Chuckles at the 2022 Napatāk Ramble and marvel at their furious fingers, harmonious hive-mind and terrible taste!!!!
(Contest not valid in Quebec)
The Laytons
This trio is excited to hit the stage for the 10th anniversary of the Napatāk Ramble! During the fall and winter months, Mike (the business owner), Morgan (the university student) and Parker (the hockey player) are all going in many different directions that it’s always nice when they are able to slow down and enjoy music together, as a family. Alicia (the manager) is there to lend moral support, make sure the trio is fed and watered and has the final say on song selections, or so she thinks. Be prepared for music from the past and present, infused with colourful harmonies!
Tammam Alshoofi
Tammam has recently immigrated from Al Swaida, Syria. Tammam started playing Oud when he was 16 years old, and has composed many of the songs you will hear him play. Tammam is honoured to be welcomed to La Ronge and to be part of the Ramble!
Grasshopper Pie
Grasshopper Pie is a 3-piece canadian alternative/ rock band from La Ronge, Saskatchewan. The band formed in 2021 from a collection of introverted music lovers who met in a garage 10 band class and couldn’t get enough Radiohead, Muse, or Paramore. Their unique brand of entertainment fuses classics from the 90s and epic guitar solos with keys and drums that will make you want to get up and belt it out! Grasshopper Pie have performed over 1 shows and have had the pleasure of opening for iconic bands like: Radiohead, Muse, and Paramore.
“shut up, my favourite song is playing”
Joel Leslie
‘Joel Leslie’ are the middle names of Tri-Communities resident and mixed-media artist Brandon White, who was born and raised in La Ronge, northern Saskatchewan.
Leslie was his uncle – father’s side, also the baby of his family – who died the same month he was born. From an early age Brandon was into music with an early hero in Garth Brooks.
Brandon sang in a high school band called ‘CheerstoMe’, and sang tenor in his university choir.
In the last 3 year’s and after a long hiatus, Brandon has returned to music as a healing activity. He currently trains under soprano Chelsea (chel-say-uh) Mahan of Saskatoon – and is looking for Jamming partners or people to collaborate with on Music Videos featuring northern Saskatchewan – where he works as a creative and camera operator.
Lightning Creek
Veteran musicians Greg Jones and Randy Johns form the core of Lightning Creek and provide roots and blues stylings based on the blues harp/guitar combination. Classics by artists such as Howlin Wolf and Townes Van Zandt and originals that paint vivid pictures of Saskatchewan are explored through a show that will have you tapping your feet and enjoying the sound. Their show will give you a taste of blues harp played the way it should be by an always energetic Greg Jones.
Come down to the creek for some fun!
Kayode Roberts
My name is kayode roberts.. i reside in a little reserve called sucker river. i am 26 years old. i have 3 kids. i am a youth worker for the Lac la Ronge Indian band health services. i started playing guitar when i was 7 and started singing earlier.. i was raised by my grand parents and was taught cree at a very early age. so i can sing songs that my grandparents used to sing in cree as well. i am very passionate about music and working with our youth. i have been teaching music to the youth of my reserve for awhile now.. but teaching so many at once has its drawbacks. i plan on getting them vocal lessons as i am not very good at teaching vocal ranges but can sing well. i also plan on teaching them that singing in front of lots of people is not a frightening experience but can be a good one as its not easy to sing in front of strangers, and hope they can overcome stage fright. i am very thankful to have them in my life as they teach me things i don’t know as well. i hope you enjoy my music!
Mikenna Stomp
My name is Mikenna Stomp, I’m 22 years old and from La Ronge. I love to sing and play guitar.
Eight Zero Joey
I am a solo singer, songwriter and recording artist living up in Stony Rapids, Saskatchewan. I started as a drummer when I was young and kept to the hardcore/punk scene. As I have gotten older, my taste in music will align closer to the indie folk punk genres and like a lot of musicians, I sing for a woman that I loved. With heart felt and slightly angsty lyrics, I hope to relate to an audience who wears their hearts on their sleeves.
