Featured Musicians
Welcome to our Featured Musicians Page
On this page we will feature the local artists who play at our coffeehouse from week to week, profiling them and their interest.
We are excited to announce that Friday nights we are partnering with Edmonton’s Pure Artists and (www.pureartists.ca) and U22 (http://u22.com) to Showcase some of Edmonton’s top young talent.
Edmonton’s Pure Artists feature not only some of Edmonton’s top musicians, but some of Edmonton’s most outstanding young individuals. Singing both for the love of music as well as to raise awareness for various causes and non profit organization’s. These artists have been selected by Edmonton’s Wes Inaba for their voices which have inspired many people as well as their commitment community support and strong values to create not only musicians but role models.
U22 is another Edmonton based music group we are very excited to welcome to our Cafe. Rhea March started U22 in an effort to help mentor, inspire, and motivate young singer/songwriters and has done so successfully as evident in her long list of accomplished young Edmonton musicians.
Upcoming Schedule
Pure Artists Feature nights
Fri June 4th, 2010 – U22 Artists Rebbeca Lappa and Robbert Mulder and Pure Artists Jordan Kaminski
Fri June 11th, 2010 – U22 Artists Edmonton, AB, Tatum Williams, Dean Kheroufi, Danielle Knibbe, and Marcus Reichenbach.
Fri June 18th, 2010 – Artists from Pure Artists
Fri June 25th, 2010 – Artists from Pure Artists
Pure Artists Showcase May 14th and May 28th
First I apologize for being so late for these reviews. I’m going to combined the last two weeks into something a little more compressed then usual and will get back to my traditional updates for the comming weeks! On this May 14th we saw the largest contingent from Pure Artist yet. It was a fun filled night featuring various styles of music from Daylin Jorgensen, Hailey Mills, Jordan Kaminski, Joy Quilala and Bernard Quilala even got up to sing a few songs even if he wasn`t scheduled to perform. I`ll wait to review Jordan`s performance for my next update as he performed last night once again with an hour set that was very impressive. Daylin never fails to make me smile when she performs, she sings with an energy and love for life that pierces through her performances every time I`ve seen her sing and I can`t wait till she returns again with her voice and personality filling the cafe you won`t forget this young lady`s performance. Hailey entertained us with a variety of country influences, we looked forward to watching her grow as an artists as she already sings with a lot of character and poise. Joy and Bernard could be considered veterans of the Pure Artists program working with Wes since the begin and are both now working on the coaching side of the organization with established names in 
Edmonton`s music industry.
May28th saw Danielle Lowe, Payton Klassen and Sean Sonego all returned for an amazing show with a Blues and Country feel singing many originals. Not only are they great performance but a strong friendship is seen between them and resulted in a lot of energy. These three are artists are quickly putting their footprint on the Edmonton music scene! Sean had Just returned from placing 1st in multiple categories in a competition in Tennessee and Danielle being invited to the Global TV Country All Star Concert at the Windspear.
Pure Artists Showcase May 7th, 2010
Another great night of music set the stage for a great weekend. Tonight saw Asim, Mackenzie and Sean return to our cafe and we where excited to welcome Lindsey Manyluk to our Cafe for her first time. The result was a night featuring diverse music styles ranging from R&B and Pop, to Soulful Blues and Jazz ensuring something was played for everyone to enjoy.
Asim Chin
Asim Returned this week bringing his Keyboard to perform some songs with, in addition to his guitar and to accompany Lindsey for her songs. Being a classically trained Pianist and his first musical passion. The piano is where he developed his ear for music influencing his song writing style and I must say listening to him play is nothing short of impressive. The night allowed us to gain a little more insight into who Asim is. Not only as a performer but taking the opportunity to play multiple originals he’s working offered us an insight into who he is!
He also took the opportunity to Record a Video before his performance which you can find on his Youtube channel (You’ll also find it on my news page once I figure out how to embed links).
http://www.youtube.com/user/AsimChin#p/u/12/23aiEk9ZVKM
Lindsey Manyluk
Lindsey performed at our cafe for the first time this Friday and she is undoubtedly not only a singer but a performer. Her dance background and stage experience is reflected in her confidence while preforming. Add in a strong yet smooth voice with a Jazz influence and you have a performance you won’t forget!
Lyndsey is an artist with a true passion for performing. Lyndsey sings modern jazz-pop and through her original works, she aspires to write music that can easily relate to many different people.
Lyndsey has a dance background having competed at the senior level in past years receiving top awards each year with Shelley’s Dance Company. In the past Lyndsey has performed in musical productions such as “Crazy For You” at Festival place and has also taken part in such competitions as Northern Star Talent Competition and Futures Fest Music Festival making it to the semi-final levels with her original material.
Lyndsey is honored to give back to the community having participated in various prestigious events and fundraisers throughout the city in support of charities such as: The Kidney Foundation of Canada, The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, The Alberta Cancer Foundation, “Community Spirit” for the Zebra Protection Center, The Edmonton Hot Lunch Program, Women of Distinction Awards Banquet, WIN house, Make-a-Wish Foundation, and the Stollery Childrens Hospital..
Lyndsey is currently attending Grant Macewan University to obtain a Bachelor of Commerce Degree and will continue to follow her dream and pursue a career in singing/songwriting.
Mackenzie Dayle
Mackenzie returned after her performance on our grand opening, for her first appearance at our artists feature night and impressed again. At 14 years old she’s been signing, acting and performing essentially all her life. Her desire and passion to carve out a career of in entertainment Shine through her performance that would be right at home on an arena stage under the bright-lights.
Mackenzie Dayle (Meachem) is an energetic 14 year old Edmonton pop and R&B singer/ songwriter. Mackenzie has been performing since the age of five. She has performed for several charities throughout the community as well as performing the National Anthems for the “Oilers” and the “Oil Kings” at Rexall Place.
Mackenzie has been featured numerous times on CityTV Breakfast Television, Global Morning Show and 91.7 The Bounce radio station. She has been awarded with 1st place at the Capital Ex Northern Star Talent Search (junior division) for 4 straight years and received 2nd place at “The Bounce Showdown 2009”.
Mackenzie is also an actor, a dancer, and plays the piano and guitar. At the age of 9 Mackenzie produced a children’s music CD and she is presently writing her own original material and hopes to be completing another CD soon.
She is driven by her goal of becoming a recording artist. Mackenzie’s family has been touched by breast cancer and she is absolutely thrilled to be part of the “Soaring with Song” concert.
Visit her site at www.mackenziedayle.com to learn more about her and her upcoming events.
Sean Sonego
Having recently returned from the North America Country Music Association, Int’l music competition in Tennessee returning with 4 awards Sean took his first turn at the mic since our Grand Opening. As always his Soulful voice and presence in front of the mic captures the crowds making you forget he’s a only 17 with a style that simulates many seasoned blues artists. With a long list of awards, and personality that gets so many of those who listen to him hooked to compliment his skill set. Now building a song list of originals this is another one of Pure Artists that I’m certain you will here about for years to come as builds his music career.
Sean Sonego, 17, sings with a sincerity and soulfulness rarely found in such a young person. A folk/blues singer/songwriter, Sean has recently returned from Nashville and Hollywood, where he has performed as a result of winning local competitions.
Sean has been a visible force out in the community using his talents in support of local charities and events. Sean was the keynote singer for the esteemed Kid’s Kottage Earth’s Angel’s Gala; he has performed on behalf of McDougal House; the YMCA Peace Awards, the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign and the homeless commission among many others initiatives that support our community. Sean has been interviewed on CityTV, CTV, Global, CFCW and 630 CHED and has been invited to perform at the Big Valley Jamboree for the last 3 years.
Mr. Sonego has also performed at the Citadel, the Arden Theatre, Festival Place and the Catalyst Theatre and most recently won the Junior Division Global Country Star Search; Parkland’s Got Talent and Future’s Fest.
Sean has been writing and recording his own material as he continues to pursue his dream of a career in the music industry. Sean is thrilled to be part of raising money in support of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation and to be performing on the stage with his peers.
Pure Artists Showcase April 30th, 2010
The musicians from Pure Artists graced our cafe again last Friday and we where delighted by a mix of styles from Including country, pop, and folk influence with Emily Seal, Livy Jeanne, Mieke Maligne &
Sameena Sherman all putting in amazing performances.
Emily Seal
We where excited to have Emily return as her voice captivated us at the grand opening. Her warm and smooth voice is hard not to fall in love with. Singing songs with a country influence but with a voice that can bridge the gap between country and pop appealing to a wide range of listeners. Add to her talent, her love for the music she sings which pierces through her performance and she easily steals the hearts of many listeners.
Emily has an amazingly soulful voice that extends far beyond her years. Country roots with a blues flare create a distinct blend that offers originality unique to Emily’s style. Emily’s rich, smooth tones exude warmth that completely moves audiences. It is not hard to see Emily’s 100% commitment to her music.
Emily traveled to Nashville, Tennessee to compete in the North American Country Music Association International singing competition held in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Emily was awarded International Vocalist of the Year, and Entertainer of the Year for 2006 in her age category.
Emily has been performing since she was eight years old. She has had many performing opportunities including Big Valley Jamboree, Dauphin Country Fest’s Main Stage, Edmonton Klondike Days, Calgary Stampede, Canadian Finals Rodeo events, Global Country Showcase, as well as numerous other venues throughout Alberta.
Emily feels that her musical abilities are a gift, and likes to give back to the community by supporting many charitable events for various organizations including the Easter Seals March of Dimes 24-hour Relay, CFRN Miracle Telethon for the Stollery Children’s Hospital, Bell’s Walk for Kids, Ronald McDonald’s Fundraiser and the One Voice One Dream Cancer Fundraiser, among others.
Visit Emily at www.emilyseal.ca
Livy Jeanne
Watching Livy perform you’d never expect her to be only 14 years of age. With a list of original songs that captures her audiences, a comfort and energy in front of the mic often not found of signers twice her age, and a list of accomplishments too long to list, it’s exciting to watch her perform in our cafe. Take a moment to listen to her song “on the wings of fireflies” @ www.livyjeanne.com
Livy Jeanne is a Country-Pop singer and at age 14 has a list of accomplishments beyond her years. Livy is a country music singer/songwriter who has been extremely successful in competitions throughout Alberta and BC including having the distinction of being named the Comox Valley Idol in 2008.
Livy Jeanne has entertained audiences in both Canada and the U.S. that include the Edmonton Oil Kings, the Salt Lake City Utah Grizzlies, the Shrine Circus, the WIN House Empty Bowls Luncheon, Run for the Cure and many more.
Recently Livy Jeanne was asked co-write a song for the Canadian Mental Health Foundation called ‘Save Me’ and for the Minerva Foundation entitled The “Circle of Giving”. Livy’s passion for song writing has led to many originals of her own and she is currently working towards the release of her first CD. She is very excited to, once again, work with Industry professionals Ron Irving, Larry-Wayne Clark, Bill Henderson and Ralph Murphy at the Vancouver Island Music Business Conference.
With a focus on giving back to the community, Livy has performed in many events for non-profit organizations, including being one of the artists nominated for the AFP Heart and Soul Philanthropy Award for her work with ‘Soaring with Song 2009′ – Creating a World Without Breast Cancer held at the Winspear Centre last June. Livy continues to work hard to “Pay it Forward” on her journey as a Country recording artist and entertainer.
Mieke Maligne
Mieke took the mic for the Second week in a row, and her style and presence feels right at home in our cafe. She delighted us with multiple originals last night with a vocal style reflecting her influence listed in her profile bellow, however what amazed us most was the originality of her songs. With unconventional chord progressions her songs do not fit the mold of most of the music we hear today providing a refreshing new sound we look forward to hearing in our cafe on a regular basis. If you haven’t already done so please read here profile posted last week. You can also follow what she is up to at www.miekemaligne.com
Sameena Sherman
Sameena provided a twist I didn’t expect to the night. I’m not to sure how to describe her sound and style which I hope she takes as a compliment! If I had to but a label to it I’d say she definitely has an “Indie” sound with a pop and folk influences. She put her own touch on every song she sang, singing many songs you traditional would not expect to see a girl with an acoustic guitar play starting with an amazing rendition of MGMT’s Electric Feel that had me blaring the song on the drive home afterwards, and followed by songs from the Kings of Leon, Coldplay and Bod Dylan which you would have thought where written specifically for her.
Sameena picked up the guitar at 14. She’s recently taken to the world of performing for crowds quickly forming an addiction for the rush of being on stage and watching crowds get drawn into her original style. With artists like City and Colour, Patrick Wolf, and Muse on high rotation on her play list you can see the preference in her performances, but there are no specific artists she emulates. Sameena is also currently working on original material both on her own and with her band which I look forward to hearing.
Earth Day Celebration Thurs. April 22nd, 2010
After the Pure Artist musicians put on an amazing show to welcome us on our Grand Opening last Saturday they returned for the first of our Artists showcase. Asim, Mieke, and Maria came out to help us celebrate Earth Day and raise awareness for the United Nations World Food Program, as well as Earth Coffee (www.earthcoffee.org) and Earth Water (www.earth-water.org). I must say they put on a performance that rivaled many professional acts.
Asim Chin
Asim impressed our patrons with a well rounded performance including an amazing voice, talented guitar playing, and a personality that shines through his performance letting you connect with his music. I’m confident saying that his passion will ensure that you are going to hear him at the forefront of the Edmonton music scene. With his first demo in the works, national recognition may not be far in the future. We look forward to seeing Asim as a regular at the cafe over the coming months.
Born and raised in Edmonton, Asim has been performing for local audiences since the age of 5, combining his talents in piano, guitar, and voice. After completing his A.R.C.T. Performer’s Diploma with the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto in 2006, Asim began to focus heavily on his own music; since that time, he has built up a strong collection of original songs that bring a new innovative twist to folk pop music.
In the past year, Asim has performed at over 34 local events at venues which include Festival Place, the Winspear Center, Northlands Agricom, and Rexall Place. He has also had the opportunity to study, collaborate and perform with some of the music industry’s most accomplished musicians. This list includes Bobby Cameron, William Joseph and members of David Foster’s Band.
Outside of music, Asim volunteers regularly in his community as the lead advisor for the YMCA’s Youth Leadership Program, and was recognized by the Canadian Millenium Scholarship Foundation in 2007 for his work and leadership in the community, academic excellence, and achievements in music.
You can learn more about Asim at www.asimchin.com
Mieke Maligne
At 16 years old Mieke sings and plays with the poise of much more experienced musician, with a smile and personality that is nothing short of captivating! Singing a combination of Pop, Folk, and Jazz that reflects her personality. Not only are you delighted by her amazing voice, but she’s an impressive guitarist as well.
Mieke Maligne is an accomplished sixteen year old singer/ songwriter native to Edmonton, Alberta. Proficient in guitar, ukulele and piano, Mieke sings a blend of pop, folk and jazz genres resulting in eclectic and beautiful melodies akin to Sarah McLachlan, with influences from Colbie Caillat, and Hayley Sales.
Mieke has put her ethereal voice to good use on behalf of numerous local charities and organizations, including the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, the Stollery Children’s Hospital, WIN House, and CASA for Kids, to name a few.
She is also technically proficient and is a consummate stage performer as evidenced in her recent concert “Today for Tomorrow”. A finalist in YTV/CMT’s 2009 series, Karaoke Star Junior, Mieke has enjoyed tremendous success locally and nationally in vocal competitions.
Having already composed a number of original songs and always with new lyrics and melodies being written, Mieke’s abilities as a songwriter are being recognized as she recently was selected to participate in the Young Songwriter’s Intensive held at the EPCOR Centre for the Performing Arts in Calgary in March of this year. She has started recording her original songs with her first EP to be released in the fall of 2010!
Maria Kolasis
Ending the night was Maria with a voice that could be at home in a stadium concert hall or a Broadway musical, a definite energy that you can feel immediately. Add being a dance instructor with premiere entertainment and a lot of travel experience and Maria is one of Pure Artists coaches who is sure to have a strong impact on the artists in regards to stage presence, passion, enewrgy, and confidence. It was an amazing night to have her join our earth day celebrations.
April 17th, Grand Opening
For our Grand Opening Wes and his Pure Artists started us off with a big bang bringing in 15 amazing musicians to kick off our opening. They put on a spectacular show, singing with talent, pride, a lot of enthusiasm, and ultimately big smiles that really put an exclamation mark on our day. I look forward to profiling the 15 artists listed below who played on the weekend as they rotate through on our Pure Artist Feature nights.
However, today I want to profile the organization and Wes himself. So feel free to scroll through the artists from Saturdays grand opening and read on about Wes and the organization he’s created with Pure Artists
ABOUT PURE
Over the past 17 years, Wes Inaba has been more than a vocal coach to the hundreds of young people he takes under his wing. Along with nurturing their talent in all styles, ranging from pop to rock to everything in between, Wes also helps these young people develop character.
Two years ago, Wes Inaba and Shelley Tookey of Shelley’s Dance Company, merged their two disciplines … voice and dance… to form Premiere Entertainment. The intent of this collaboration was to create a new Academy where Edmonton’s rising young song and dance artists would not only continue to develop their art form, but equally as important, would focus on giving their art back to the community. Premiere students support non-profit agencies and charities by providing entertainment and raising funds and awareness for a variety of causes. In doing so, these young artists gain a deeper understanding of the responsibility we all have to give back to our community.
Recently, Wes worked towards forging a new entity called Pure Artists. The new “Pure” has a clear mandate and sets very high standards, which every student must commit to. To date, twelve committed students have met the requirements of a Pure Artist. Along with having a “musical dream”, all Pure Artists must continuously demonstrate self respect through a healthy and clean lifestyle, respect for family, for friends, for school and for their community. The ultimate goal of Pure Artists is to establish a new benchmark for the stars of tomorrow, one that extends beyond talent… one that creates exceptional role models for those who follow!
Pure Artists have been involved in a number of community, non-profit and corporate events. Over the past year, Pure Artists have performed for over 1.7 million people helping to raise over $7 million towards initiatives in Edmonton, the surrounding area and throughout Western Canada and the US.
