Langenburg Arts Council

Aliya, an award-winning Toronto-based comedian and Canadian academy award-nominated actress, captivates audiences globally with her vibrant personality and sharp wit. Her one-woman show, ‘Where You FROM, From?’ celebrated for its humor and deep engagement with themes of identity and belonging, has won accolades at Ottawa and Toronto Fringe Festivals. Aliya disarms audiences with her playful mischief, tackling complex topics like race, gender, and social labels with humor, sharing personal stories from her life as a nomad and debunking assumptions. Currently touring North America and developing a new show in Australia, Aliya’s performances invite laughter while fostering a connection to humanity. Notably nominated for her acting in 'Scarborough,' Aliya continues to expand her creative repertoire in film and television, maintaining a legacy of impactful entertainment.

Kyle McKearney is establishing himself as Canada’s standout Americana/Alternative-Country artist. His sophomore album, A Traveler's Lament, earned the 2023 Canadian Country Music Awards' 'Alternative Country Album of the Year' and is shortlisted for a 2024 GRAMMY® in the Best Regional Roots Album category. The album's acclaim has catapulted him from local venues to major international stages, including his first tour in the UK. Kyle’s music, which blends elements from Roots, Folk, Blues, Soul, Country, Rock, and Pop, delivers a dynamic performance that resonates with diverse audiences from across the globe.

Cross vivid, folk-inspired melodies with two well-travelled jesters and you’ll find Jâca (ZH?-ka), a guitar and clarinet duo with exuberant energy, charm and wit. Clarinetist Wesley Ferreira and guitarist Jaxon Williams define their style as world music fused with personality, and are unafraid to experiment with that which captures their fancy - fresh takes on classics as well as composition from emerging artists. Highly skilled musicians and educators, both Wesley and Jaxon hold doctorates in music. Wesley performs worldwide as soloist, orchestral and chamber musician. International award-winning guitarist Jaxon is a former Fulbright scholar and master of the Spanish guitar repertoire. From the moment the duo step foot on the stage to the final round of applause, audiences members will find themselves engaged, entertained and enthralled. An evening with Jâca is an encounter with virtuosic performance, cheeky banter, and rhythms that coax you to play along.

Rum Ragged brings a bold take on Newfoundland folk music, combining deep roots with a contemporary twist. As leading performers of their vibrant tradition, they play instruments like bouzouki, fiddle, banjo, guitar, and accordion, captivating audiences with their unique style. Known for their honest, thought-provoking, and often humorous live shows, they have quickly become fan favorites. Their impressive vocal harmonies and storytelling deliver unforgettable concerts. Despite a demanding tour schedule, Rum Ragged has performed at top global folk venues and recorded five acclaimed albums.

Every now and then, we encounter an artist like Sandra Bouza who gets right down into our blood and bones. An artist whose voice stops us in our tracks. Her latest album, ’A Sound in the Dark.’ is nominated for the 2024 Canadian Folk Music Awards Contemporary Album of the Year. You can hear echoes of Etta James and Carla Thomas in Bouza’s powerful, highly nuanced phrasing. Like Amy Winehouse and Adele, Sandra’s absorbed a lot from the greats from the golden age of R&B and has emerged with a style that's all her own. Few singers can inhabit a vocal like Bouza does.