2024 LINEUP
Friday March 22
Mariel Buckley - Charles Benjamin
7:30 - 11:00 / Knox on 2nd / 19+
Saturday March 23 - Early Show
Shred Kelly - Thomas Thomas - Topo
4:30 - 7:00 / Fernie Community Centre / All Ages
Saturday March 23 - Late Show
Shred Kelly - Miesha & The Spanks - Electric Blanket - Thomas Thomas - Birdhaus - Max Thomson - Cona - Topo
7:30 - 2:00 / Fernie Community Centre / 19+
SHRED KELLY
Emerging from the majestic landscapes of the Canadian Rockies, Shred Kelly is a powerhouse band that seamlessly blends elements of alternative, folk, and rock music. With a captivating live act that leaves audiences in awe, they have become a mainstay in the Canadian music scene. But it's not just their energetic performances that set them apart—Shred Kelly's heartfelt songwriting strikes a chord with listeners, connecting deeply as each band member brings their eclectic musical influences to the table, shaping the group's unique musical direction.
With an impressive track record of touring across Canada, the United States, Europe, and the UK, Shred Kelly has made appearances at renowned festivals such as Kaslo Jazz, Ottawa Blues Fest, Winnipeg Folk Fest, SXSW, Reeperbahn and many more. Furthermore, the band has shared stages with esteemed acts such as The Dead South, Elliott Brood, and The Cave Singers, leading to their reputation as a dynamic live act whose show is described as a joyous celebration of life.
MIESHA AND THE SPANKS
Where have all the riot grrrls gone? You ask – Miesha & The Spanks answer. If you’ve got a yearning for flashy yet classic hard rock, look no further – this Calgary-based duo has the guitar hero-worshiping, face melting, whisky belting sound that you’ve been seeking.
A modern singer/guitarist and beloved fixture on the local scene, frontwoman Miesha Louie is the integral driving force behind Miesha & The Spanks. A mixed-Secwépemc artist living in Treaty 7 Territory, she’s devoted her entire career to inventing and playing instrumentally brilliant melodies that unleash her passions and her full-throated vocal tones.
As a result, Miesha & The Spanks have become a tighter and more muscular version of themselves with each new release. Miesha’s solos are as quintessentially rock as they come. Her anarchic, femme-powered vibes causing audiences to erupt in devil-horn-raising celebration of razor-sharp hooks delivered with fire and flare.
THOMAS THOMAS
Calgary indie ensemble Thomas Thomas is the result of the creative collision of the sincere singer-songwriter Shannon Thomas and the curious indie-rocker Thomas Englund (Bell Tower, Betaboys). Thomas Thomas has landed a YYC Music Award nomination and a first-place win at the Ship & Anchor songwriting contest. Their tunes have seen chart positions on CJSW, CKUA, spins on X92.9, and a dedicated local following. The band has performed with Japanese Breakfast, Shannon & The Clams, and Vundabar, and has graced the stages of Breakout West, Canadian Music Week, Sled Island, and BIG Winter Classic. Their dreamy indie idiosyncrasy on their debut self-titled EP (2019) has drawn comparisons to Born Ruffians, Wallows, and Camera Obscura.
Working with producer Chris Dadge (ALVVAYS, Lab Coast, Chad VanGaalen) the band is returning with a sparkly new set of singles, the pining ‘Right Place, Wrong Time’ about a series of “missed connections” - currently featured on a 2023 Starbucks summer social ad campaign - and the anxious ‘Interesting Times’ about isolation and missing loved ones.
ELECTRIC BLANKET
Electric Blanket Band Club is a Pop Punk Sad Band hailing from Fernie, BC. After just over 3 years together, Electric Blanket has successfully played a total of one time outside their home town of Fernie, and now, with multiple hundreds of streams on Spotify, the boys have pre-emptively all quit their jobs to prepare for their ascent to stardom with their hit tracks like “Brad Pitty Party” and “Planet of the Vapes” (*these songs are not yet available for streaming).
Known for their energetic shows and confusing on-stage banter, EB is excited to bring their nervous energy to the big leagues! i.e., anywhere other than The Northern Bar and Grill.
BIRDHAUS
Just a couple of birds playing house!
Kootenay-based female DJ duo Birdhaus are known for their flawless blending of different styles of house music and breaks, captivating crowds with their seamless transitions and infectious energy. With an undeniable passion for music that cuts across genres, Birdhaus is always on the hunt for the freshest tracks, ensuring their live sets and mixes are a sonic delight.
From intimate gatherings in the woods to gracing the stages like the Living Room at Shambhala Music Festival or playing a vital role in keeping the electronic music scene alive in their home town in Fernie, BC, these gals are undoubtedly a force to be reckoned with in the underground music scene.
MARIEL BUCKLEY
Unapologetically genuine, wry, and soft-hearted - Mariel Buckley has planted her flag firmly as a songwriter who’s in it for the long haul. She aims to find herself squarely on the fringes and exactly where she belongs: singing and writing songs for the underdog.
Her candor and magnetic live show have been charming listeners across North America since her debut LP, Driving In The Dark [2018]. Now, with thousands of miles under her belt, Buckley looks to turn country/folk music on its head with her follow-up album, Everywhere I Used To Be [2022]. Anchored by the haunting whine of the pedal steel, rounded out by heavy synth pads and produced by Marcus Paquin (The Weather Station, The Barr Brothers, Arcade Fire, The National), the resulting collection is a driving, swooning, toe-tapping catharsis; sealed and delivered by Buckley’s signature crooning brand of angst-ridden alt-folk.
Buckley and Paquin made an intentional move towards decidedly pop/contemporary production and quickly found themselves in a daily rhythm of deconstructing and rebuilding each song to find its full potential. Backed by some of Canada’s finest session musicians, their collective efforts are showcased with abundant heart, and skillful flourishes while respecting the space necessary for the songs to speak.
Perhaps her mysterious ambiguity around genre, traditional storytelling, and identity is what gives these new songs such an honest shine. Buckley continues to be a trailblazer in her own right, with a firm grip on the steering wheel and a destination in mind - we’re just happy to be along for the ride.
CHARLES BENJAMIN
Growing up in the small beach town of Port Elgin, ON, Charles Benjamin combines authentic songwriting with his laid-back indie-folk persona. Pulling inspiration from travelling, relationships, and the many ups and downs that life entails, this young artist connects with listeners through his relatability and story telling.
TOPO
If you live in Fernie, you know Topo. Whether performing live, doing sound, selling mushrooms (Black Lodge Mushrooms - check them out!), running karaoke nights, or hosting the Griz competitions, he spreads cheer in any endeavor. He has performed at every Fernie Stoke Fest since it began and we are so happy to have him back!
MAX THOMSON
Max Thomson is a UK hip-hop artist living in Fernie who pours his heart and soul into his productions! Writing and producing most of his own stuff, this talented fella is constantly releasing new music.