Local musicians receive 'create and connect' grants to support them during pandemic - CBC.ca
Link to Centre In The Square release
Link to CBC Radio Interview with Avalon
“I hope the Create and Connect grants will help some local artists with projects that help to bring valued music and entertainment to the entire city, and beyond.”
A total of 146 local musicians applied for the grant. The jury, formed by members of the local arts scene, reviewed the details of each applicant’s project before selecting the 14 grant recipients. The review included the artist’s music, social media, collaborators, and budget.
Wildfires spark Koala-Fest fundraising concert in Kitchener
At only 16, Avalon Bridger is a well-known blues singer, and she is leveraging that profile to help Australian wildlife following the devastating bushfires Down Under.
On stage, this young woman has a voice that turns the heads of fans with deep knowledge of the music and its performers. She is among a growing list of local musicians who came out of the Grand River Blues Camp, which is run by the Grand River Blues Society. Bridger started there when she was 11. She needed special permission to attend because she was so young. "It ended up being a fantastic experience, and it has only been getting better," says Bridger.
"It's been amazing getting the chance to work with so many amazing musicians and having them act as mentors," says Bridger. "You meet so many young people there who are great to play with and who become really good friends."
The band gigs regularly... Jake Shepherd (guitar), Braydon Kains (bass and vocals), and Tyler Shea (drums). "I am having a blast," says Bridger.
Vintage Flight Takes Off in 2017
The Record Arts and Entertainment section
...The band also won the 2017 Grand River Blues Society Youth Legacy Challenge... following in the footsteps of Blues Camp alumni like Joshua David and Johanna Pavia. And if that's not enough, Ashen Blue has officially switched their name to Vintage Flight just in time for the Saturday showcase.
...Vintage Flight is also releasing a three-song EP produced by acclaimed guitarist Shawn Kellerman...Vintage Flight feels fortunate to be growing up in Waterloo Region. "So many of the musicians and fans here are a community," she Bridger. "They support each other, and they especially help support new musicians like us."
Looking Back at 2016 Plus Notable Bands
The Record Arts and Entertainment section did a great article about some of our favourite local music events in 2016. We were honoured to be selected as musicians to watch out for in 2017! Scroll down to the bottom for this section.
What's On: oneROOF Fundraiser
AshenBlue was happy to be invited to play at the oneROOF fundraiser and support a cause that is close to our hearts. One youth on the street is too many.
Grand River Blues News - AshenBlue Will Play Youth Showcase at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis
The Grand River Blues Society (GRBS) hosted its annual regional competition on October 2nd, 2016 to select its representatives for the 2017 International Blues Challenge (IBC) in Memphis.
The Grand River Blues Society has selected AshenBlue, a band made up of young musicians Avalon Bridger, Dalton Durham, Jake Shepherd, and Quinlan Missikowski, as one of only three Canadian bands to perform in the IBC Youth Showcase.
Kitchener Waterloo Record - Avalon Bridger Just 12 But Already an Old Soul Plays Kitchener
Twelve-year-old singer/songwriter Avalon Bridger says her unusual name is based on the mythical tale of King Arthur. Avalon is a magical, idyllic place perhaps a little like the place that Bridger goes to when she writes music.
She admits she's shy and music is a way for her to connect with people. But onstage this young performer is a dynamo in the making, wowing audiences, belting out rock and blues like a performer far beyond her years.
