Entangados is a growing global collaboration of party instigators. The eight piece band are creating a movement through original musical performance & live theatrical production. Their humorous, energetic delivery is an eclectic experience of cumbia, cuarteto, ska, rock, reggae, balkan music paired with a long list of sassy-yet-gritty latin grooves inspired by the underground music scene in Argentina. Delivering to audiences from Perth to Peru, all wrapped up with outrageous stage antics, they’re crazing around to a town near you! What started as a comedic musical duo from Cordoba, Argentina in 2004 has grown into a crafty clown combo, ready to create a party from the sound up at any given chance. More than a decade later Entangados draws its talents internationally from Colombia, Mexico and Canada! Performances don’t spare any change for sideshow amusements. Drawing inspiration from Cirque du Soleil, Mano Negra, Gogol Bordello and Goran Bregovic, their interactive show combines more than just music; infectious onstage banter and dance lessons, all multiplied by their positive presence and energetic storytelling enjoyed by audiences of all ages. Their stage style is a collaboration of over-the-top outfits & wonderful, wacky weirdness. With more than 70 years combined experience, they’re not short of a buck to deliver a dance-your-heart-out discography. Including their released albums "Energión", "Libertad Expression" and the DVD "Que Culiau", a live-recorded visual memory of the crew's celebration of their 10 years, showing what the party is like down south. "Even though they may dress like clowns, Entangados might be one of Argentina’s most unique, exciting bands. Combining ska, rock, cumbia, salsa and balkan folk music, Entangados emanate fun and joy from the stage with the power of 1000 suns. With two electric guitars, horns, accordion and percussion, the band builds a wall of sound that acts as powerful catalysts to the biggest dance parties". - Victoria's Ska and Reggae Festival Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gjZaI1PspRA

Harry Manx has been dubbed an “essential link” between the music of East and West, creating musical short stories that blend the traditions of the Blues with the depth of classical Indian ragas. The result is a sound that is uniquely bewitching and deliciously addictive to listen to. Manx forged this distinctive style by learning from the masters. He began his journey as a sound man in the blues clubs of Toronto during his formative years, and later underwent a rigorous five-year tutelage with Vishwa Mohan Bhatt in India. Bhatt, the inventor of the 20-stringed Mohan Veena, introduced Manx to the instrument that would become his signature. Even though he had already been playing slide guitar for years before arriving in India, Manx started again from scratch under Bhatt’s instruction—even relearning how to hold the slide bar. From there, he immersed himself in Eastern scales and eventually Indian ragas: complex, structured musical patterns that form the foundation of Indian classical composition. Each morning, Manx would practice for three to four hours in Bhatt’s home, returning in the evening for jam sessions with his tutor, Bhatt’s sons, and other musicians. “Sometimes I’d throw in some blues licks in the middle,” he says, “and everyone would fall over laughing and enjoying themselves. And I thought if I can get Indian people to enjoy Western music like that, then maybe I could get Westerners to enjoy Indian music, too.” That realization sparked Manx’s journey to explore the intersection between the two musical traditions. His unique style follows in the footsteps of pioneers like Joe Harriott and John Mayer’s Indo-Jazz Fusions of the 60s, John McLaughlin’s work with Shakti in the 70s, and Ashwan Batish’s Sitar Power debut in 1987. Yet, Manx’s Indo-blues hybrid might be the most universally appealing of them all—a style shaped by the nomadic life he has led and embodied in his charismatic musical persona. Born on the Isle of Man, Manx immigrated to Ontario with his family at the age of six. He started doing sound at just 15 and eventually became a regular sound man at Toronto’s famed El Mocambo club, working with many blues legends. Although he doesn’t consider himself a traditional blues artist, Manx acknowledges that blues remains at the heart of his work. “I’ve always had one foot in the blues from those days,” he says. “What I got from those artists is a groove that’s fairly similar to theirs. That’s what I’m particularly interested in—the groove, and that’s the way I play blues today.” Manx’s musical journey continued when he went to Europe at age 20, making a living as a street busker. “I’ve worked only as a musician since then,” he recalls. “Few people know that I was actually a one-man band with a drum-and-bass feel to my sound. I still have that one-man-band sound.” During his time in India, Manx spent significant time meditating with various spiritual teachers, an experience that imbued his music with an intangible spiritual depth. “I always cloak my messages with inspirational ideas in a story,” he explains. “I also try and reach the listeners’ hearts rather than their minds. With the mind, there’s always a filtering of ‘I agree’ or ‘I don’t agree.’ I like to engage people’s hearts.” He believes that his personal development through meditation has influenced his music as much as any musical training. “My songs are a synthesis of everything I’ve absorbed. We’re the sum of all of our experiences.” Years of busking in cities around the world taught Manx how to truly connect with an audience. His training in India shifted his musical approach to focus more on the energy exchange between performer and listener. What makes Harry an exceptional performer is his ability to give himself entirely to the music in the moment, creating a deep emotional well that the audience can draw from. It’s in the live setting, he says, that the bridge between the “heavenly” music of India and the “earthy” roots of American blues is most effectively built. “Indian music moves inward,” Manx explains. “It’s traditionally used in religious ceremonies and meditation because it takes you into a whole other place. But Western music has the ability to move outward, into celebration and dance. There are ragas that sound bluesy, and there are ways to bend strings while playing blues that sound Indian. I may be forcing the relationship between the two musical cultures, but I keep thinking they were made for each other. That idea leads me to more and more experimentation, and the journey has been great so far.” A prolific artist, Manx released nine albums in an eight-year span, showing no signs of slowing down. He has earned seven Maple Blues Awards, five Juno nominations, the Canadian Folk Music Award for Best Solo Artist in 2005, and CBC Radio’s “Great Canadian Blues Award” in 2007. His latest album, *Bread and Buddha*, is another blend of blues, roots, world, and folk. The record took nearly two years to complete and features a rich instrumentation including piano, organ, drums, bass, and scored strings. The songs are a poignant reflection on the ephemeral nature of human life. Blending Indian folk melodies with slide guitar blues, adding in a hint of gospel and irresistible grooves, Manx has created his own “mysticssippi” sound—an intoxicating and soul-stirring musical experience that leaves listeners wanting more.

FolkyStrumStrum brings an energetic, heartfelt show. Hailing from the Peace River Region of British Columbia, we specialize in Alternative Northern Folk Music that blends traditional folk with modern influences, offering a fresh and dynamic experience for every audience. Having performed at over 40 festivals, we’ve honed our craft and built a loyal fan base across the region.

Built on emotion-stirring storytelling and unmistakable vocal harmonies accompanied by a century-old instrument, Burnstick, a JUNO nominated husband and wife Folk duo, are intent on creating affecting music that inspires listeners to feel. The Manitoba based Indigenous duo features Nadia and Jason Burnstick, esteemed independent artists who united over a decade ago to create deeply moving, cinematic Folk music using their trademark vocal pairing, and Jason's mastery of the lap slide Weissenborn guitar. Five years after their nationally acclaimed debut album, "Kîyânaw," Burnstick unveils "Made of Sin", their remarkable and poignant sophomore album. Backed by their drummer, Daniel Roy, Nadia and Jason perform deeply resonant music that strikes a chord with audiences. With thought-provoking lyrics and engaging stories, they often leave listeners reflecting on their own experiences, feelings, and memories. C’est une musique folk née de la complicité qui ne peut exister que chez un couple marié. Le guitariste Cri-des-Plaines, Jason Burnstick, et l’auteure-compositrice francophone-métis, Nadia Burnstick, sont deux interprètes pour qui les voix s’entremêlent avec aisance. Jason s’équipe de Weissenborns, de guitares « lap slide » et d’une écriture dure et franche tandis que Nadia rayonne grâce à ses harmonies vocales séduisantes et ses paroles pénétrantes et honnêtes – on ne peut nier la magie qu’ils évoquent lorsqu’ils sont ensemble sur scène. En 2019 ils ont lancé leur premier album folk-roots, Kîyânaw, nominé pour un prix JUNO en 2021. D'ailleurs, leur extrait Some Kind of Hell a remporté le prix "Single of the Year" aux Canadian Folk Music Awards. Ensemble, Burnstick crée une musique folk rafraîchissante et captivante.

Mississippi Bends is Hamilton Based Alt Country/North Americana band with a dark, swampy organic brew that will buckle your knees faster than a triple whiskey sour. Everything from Swampy Delta Blues to Alt Country to Mid Western Rock to Folk to Chicago Electric Blues and Experimentation to Classic Rock and Pop Sounds of the North. Willie Neslon to Ryan Adams, Tom Petty to Buddy Miller, Lucinda Williams to Neil Young, Sonic Youth to Dan Lanois. A true North American Experience.

AKA is a seasoned rock band born and raised in the Bella Coola Valley, with a long history of making music under various names—The Pieces, Whistle Punk Pete, Charred Remains, and Bud and the Spuds, to name a few. The core lineup—Bill Hall (vocals), Tom Hammer (bass, vocals), and Karl Frostrup (drums)—has played together in different forms over the years, and when it came time to name their latest project, AKA just stuck. Known as a local favourite, AKA brings their unique sound and homegrown style to every major stage in the Valley. With a mix of original songs shaped by years of life in Bella Coola, their music reflects the character, humour, and grit of the place they call home.

For the past 10 years, the Pop Up Puppet Co. has been delighting audiences of all ages with captivating renditions of both classic and contemporary stories. Known for their large, engaging puppets, the company creates an interactive and entertaining experience that draws audiences into the magic of each performance. Behind the scenes, a dedicated team of passionate puppeteers brings each show to life, finding joy in crafting memorable moments for their enthusiastic viewers.

Hip Hop artist and radio host Rollah Mack hails from the Nuxalk Nation in Bella Coola, BC. Merging deeply meaningful lyrics with powerful delivery, Rollah Mack’s sound is both raw and relatable. With over a decade of experience performing on stages with top Indigenous performers and crafting his lyricism, Rollah is an established force on the Indigenous music scene. Creating from a place of deep cultural connection and authenticity, Rollah’s main source of inspiration is bringing into being a good life for his children and the people of his Nation.

Juno winner Norman Foote has an incredible passion for songwriting, storytelling and comedy. It has taken him to amazing concerts and communities throughout the world. His ability to find ageless melodies and interesting subject matter brings laughter and singing to audiences big and small. He also incorporates some hilarious “props with an attitude” into his concert performances. He has gathered music awards along the way, including a Juno and several WCMA awards. This year, Norman released his 10th album called “Shoe-fly.

The Branch Fire Rounders are three friends who met in Bella Coola and bonded over their love of live music. Al Fontaine plays percussion and drums, Barb Krimmer is a master on the Gut Bucket, and Chris Carlson is a songwriter who thinks he can sing. Together they play weird little songs mostly about life around the valley; tongue in cheek little ditties sure to make you smile.

My name is Coastyn Hall and I am 14 years old. This will be my second year playing at the Bella Coola Music Festival. I’m from East Vancouver, and I am half white and half Indigenous. I am a classical or contemporary classical musician and composer who mostly composes romantic classical music. My main music influences are Franz Liszt with his Etudes and Liebestraums, Sergei Rachmaninoff with his concertos and romantical music in general, Mozart with his sonates and minuets, and John Whilliams with his film music. At the time of writing this biography, I am currently in the process of writing my third piano concerto (con-sherto), and my second Piano Sonate (son-not-Teh). My main two instruments are Piano and Violin, but I have tried guitar, cello and recorder. I also have sheet music at flat.io. Just search “Coastyn Hall” and you will find it. Also, feel free to go on my youtube channel just search my full name or @coastynhall in the search.

Clayton G Charleyboy is a multi instrumentalist and singer songwriter from Tsilhqot’in parts unknown. Having worked on the land as a forester for over a decade his songs reflect the lands and waters that sustain us and the peoples stories about their lives and ancestors ways. Having travelled far and wide from sea to sky and all four directions, he grounds himself by playing familiar old sounds for the people, wherever he may roam. He sings aongs of heartache and love, hard times and summer nights, driving on highway 20 and flying around the world, and most importantly the songs for those who need an escape from the cold facts of life. As a musician he is known for performances with Candace Curr and Bannock Dogz as well as his own efforts to start new exciting bands based in the Cariboo - Chilcotin such as Fallsway and the 1/2 Cuts.

Neurodivergent, late bloomer, multi-instrumentalist & first time playing solo at the Music Fest. Originally from Alberta, moving to Bella Coola 30 years ago. I would like to thank AKA & the many individuals in the local music scene for their support & rekindling my passion for playing music 20 years ago. Instruments played soprano/alto/tenor/baritone sax, clarinet & bass clarinet, flute, guitar, bass, mandolin (soprano/octave), ukulele (soprano/concert), harmonica, xaphoon, melodica, percussion, piano & vocals.

My Son the Hurricane is a multi-horn, multi-drummer, multi-singer brass funk beast from Niagara, ON. The 11-piece brass-dance crew has toured over multiple countries and played some of Canada, the USA and Europe’s biggest festivals. Over 45 sold out shows in 2024 and a viral video with 40 million views in mere weeks proves that there is no live show like My Son the Hurricane! In 2024, the band took on a tour with over 80 dates across Canada, the USA, Mexico, Belgium, France, Lithuania, Scotland, England, and Sweden and have shared the stage with acts like Foo Fighters, The Wailers, and more! The band features trumpets, saxophones, trombones, drums, guitar, keys, percussion and a wild front woman. In 2025 the band releases the new album Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow on Vegas Funeral Records. The album features guest appearances by Protest the Hero, Quartetto Gelato and Abdominal. The first single “Moderate Stimulation” features Jason “Human Kebab” Parsons of USS fame.

We are the Classic Cats. My dad and I play contemporary songs, and I play classical music. My dad really likes Oasis, my brother loves fiddle, and I really like classical. I am in book 5 of the Suzuki method violin. I have just finished my level 6 rcm exam and we have a youtube channel called Classiccats Violin so go and check us out on youtube. We hope you enjoy the show.

Tom Carney is a small-town troubadour with a big heart and a guitar always within reach. Blending heartfelt original songs with classic covers and a warm Irish twist, Tom’s music is as rich in spirit as the stories behind it. A seasoned traveler, he’s hitchhiked highways and hopped freight trains across the country, collecting tales, melodies, and memories along the way. Whether he's playing at a backyard barbecue, a local pub, or a cozy fireside gathering, Tom brings an authentic, soulful energy to every performance. When he’s not making music, you’ll find him crafting small-batch brews — because for Tom, life is best when it’s shared over good tunes and a cold beer.

Nuxalk Nation's very own "Russ The Muss", is an Indigenous hip hop artist born and raised in Bella Coola. Russ The Muss is excited for to share his story with you all during the 25th BCMF!

Yaw smatmcuks nts ta laaqwmays, my government name is Jerrel Nelson. I have been a resident of this beautiful valley since the day I was born. Every summer this amazing festival allows our people to forget some problems and immerse themselves in the many forms of music and art, which resonates within and through the paradise that we call British Columbia. I am very happy to participate as Master of Ceremonies, and facilitate the new fest segment called Story Time.