Nicola Wealth Management presents Motown Meltdown 2015

A Night of Music & Dancing in Support of Sight!

Making you move since 2003! From Motown to Memphis, New York and Beyond! Motown Meltdown was an unforgettable evening of soul, rhythm and blues that got everybody moving. 28 hot-shot Canadian vocalists, backed by a scorching 12-piece band each brought style and flavour to their own solo tune!

The Motown songbook is as familiar to most people as nursery rhymes; "I Heard It Through The Grapevine", "Dancing In the Street", "Papa Was A Rolling Stone" - you can barely say the titles without singing them.

In March 2015, for the first time ever, Motown Meltdown took to the legendary Commodore Ballroom stage in support of Seva's eye care work - Giving sight to those in need, through the power of song.

Hosted by: David Wills (Stonebolt)
Musical Directors: David Sinclair & Steve Hilliam
Produced by: Kendra Sprinkling

As a first time beneficiary of this event, Seva Canada decided a little flash and dazzle was in order. Everybody who made a $50 or greater donation recieved a pair of red glasses that lit up with the touch of a button. By the end of the night the bright red lights of the glasses were impossible to miss.

If you missed Motown Meltdown in 2015, don't worry. There's another chance for you to get moving in March, 2016!

Performers:

Kendra Sprinkling (Producer)
Kendra has been involved in music for 40 years, working with B.B. King, Michael Buble, Martha Reeves, Taj Mahal, and the Doobie Brothers, as well as singing in sessions, commercials and performing in musical theatre. In 1986, Kendra first performed in Starry Night, an AIDS fund–raising variety show, developed by the Art’s Club. This led to her becoming the Founding Executive Director of the Shooting Stars Foundation, a special events organization, which was dedicated to raising funds for direct service AIDS organization. Through the shows that Kendra created and produced, close to two million dollars was donated to deserving organizations.

David Wills (Host)
David Wills is best known as the lead singer of Stonebolt and currently performs as well with the high-energy dance band “The Dynamics”. In Canada Stonebolt became a popular radio act with a number of hit singles topping the Canadian charts and in 1978 an international hit, recognized the band as worldwide stars. Stonebolt made regular appearances on national TV shows such as American Bandstand and Midnight Special and received a Grammy nomination. Stonebolt was a Canadian band that achieved international stardom and now the band and their lead singer, can be discovered again by today's generation of music lovers with the creation of “Regeneration” Stonebolt’s newest album. David is actively involved with producing other projects.

Al Harlow
Born in Vancouver BC, Al “Harlow” Hawirko, began fronting local Brit Invasion style bands, writing songs and recording locally in the late ‘60s. Recording as “Harlow” in ’77, producer Bruce Fairbairn heard the results, and teamed Al with his ex-Seeds of Time bandmates to complete the band Prism. Eight albums, Juno Awards for Album & Group of the Year, concert tours of the US and Canada followed. Al began a long teaching career with Capilano University’s Music Department, while maintaining Prism’s tour schedule. He is currently recording & performing nationally.

Ali Milner
At 23 years of age Ali has been recording and performing for eleven years. She’s gone from being a promising teenaged favorite to a seasoned performer who is quickly becoming a familiar face in Canada’s indie music world. With 2 acclaimed CDS already under her belt her music has been broadcast on CBC Radio 2 and Radio 3. Ali graced the stage at the Lilith festival alongside icons like Sarah McLachlan, Sheryl Crow, Erykah Badu and Sugarland and her busy live schedule has taken her to the UK, the USA and Asia.

Candus Churchill
Candus arrived in Vancouver in 1980 with rock funk group Dragon Fly. She has performed across Canada, the U.S. and parts of Japan with groups as opening act for The Temptations, B.B. King, Lou Rawls, Michael Bolton, Bobby Bland, Candi Staton, Graham Central Station, and more. Candus has been featured in countless TV, Film and Theatre productions too numerous to list. She is also a founding member of The Gospel Experience, which she has helped maintain for almost 20 years.

Cecile Larochelle
Cecile has appeared on television and stage as both an actress and singer in Canada and the United States. She has worked with Bryan Adams, John Denver, Sheena Easton, David Foster, Long John Baldry and has penned and produced numerous albums, including her own gospel and children's albums. A passionate vocal instructor she is committed to sharing vocal technique and stylistic interpretations with other singers. She is is the proprietor of "LaRochelle Vocal Studios" at The Beaumont Studio in Vancouver and the Director for "AnySINGgoes" Choir.

Claire Mortifee
Born and raised in Vancouver, Claire Mortifee has always had a great passion and talent for the stage. She has performed her original folk, soul, and hip-hop music at countless showcases across Canada, not to mention appearing in over 15 musicals and plays since the age of 6. She recently decided to take a break from studying Gender & Equity at university in order to more fully pursue her career as a professional musician. She remains ever grateful for the opportunity to express herself and connect with others through the art of music.

Dalannah Gail Bowen
Bowen has been music-making for forty years and has opened or performed with The Monkees, The Guess Who, Led Zeppelin, B.B. King, Willie Dixon and more. She has released 2 acclaimed CDS and is currently working on her third while keeping up with a busy performance schedule. As an activist Dalannah shares her gifts via community work. She is the producer of the long running Blues For Christmas and was most recently inducted as a Master Blues Artist in the Blues Hall of Fame after being a finalist in an international Blues competition in Memphis. Entries from all over the world come to Memphis to compete in this prestigious challenge.

David Steele
It all started years ago on an orange velvet living room chair listening to The Jackson 5, Al Green, The Beatles, Crosby Stills Nash and Young, Nat King Cole and Frank Sinatra. Then when David heard Curtis Mayfield’s “Superfly” that was it! David has a home studio that keeps him busy and creative working with people from all parts of the globe. While writing for himseld David has found some success in film and television placing songs in Steve Austin’s “Damage” and “The Stranger” Steven Segals “Driven to Kill” The Soska sister’s startling and original horror film, “American Mary” and APTN’s “Health Nutz” Some of the artists David has performed with are: Bon Jovi, Cher , The Cult, David Lee Roth, Motley Crue , Bob Rock, Def Leppard and Bette Middler

Don Stewart
Acclaimed actor/writer/producer, recording artist and singer, Don Stewart lays his seductive musical style onto jazz, soul, R&B and pop standards alike. Utilizing a satin smooth four-octave range and impeccable vocals, he has been singing professionally since the age of 9 and is now bringing his musical influences to songwriting. Don has built up a loyal fan base who follow him from club to lounge to concert hall, grateful for every chance to hear this unique artist enchant yet another audience.

Garfield Wilson
Garfield has had an extensive and diverse career in the arts. He sang back-up vocals for two Colin James’ albums and on their subsequent tours. Having performed in musical theatre, Garfield was bitten by the acting bug – compiling a list of TV and movie credits such as Dark Angel, The Twilight Zone and Edison Force starring Justin Timberlake. As a result of his work with the personal training company that he founded in 2004, Forward Fitness, Garfield starred in a ground-breaking CBC TV docu-series, Village On A Diet. His most recent theatre engagement was in Dream Girls at The Stanley Theatre and he is currently a series regular on the new JJ Abrams TV series "Almost Human".

Jane Mortifee
At various times over the last 35 years Jane has been active in theatre, film, television, club-work, studio voice-overs, animation and jingles. Her first love is singing and she has released three CDs, the most recent being an R&B CD, Get Ready. She is currently working on her first novel. Jane was inducted into the B.C. Entertainment Hall of Fame in 2002.

Khari McClelland
Khari was born and raised on the streets of Detroit. He picked up his first instrument, the trumpet, at the age of nine, and sang throughout his early years. Khari came to Vancouver seven years ago and almost immediately started performing and making inroads into the Vancouver music scene. Vancouver’s strong roots music community and his early influences, ranging from Motown to hip-hop, have combined to form a dynamic performer. In 2007, Khari formed an a cappella gospel quartet, Cornerstone, which was well-received and played major festivals and local venues alike. Khari met The Sojourners at the Vancouver Folk Music Festival. That fortuitous event led to him becoming a permanent member of the group.

Leora Cashe
A world-class inspirational vocalist, Leora Cashe delivers electrifying performances that audiences love. An accomplished graduate of Edmonton’s Grant MacEwan jazz program, Leora is “...as musically solid as the hits she performs”. In 2001, The West Coast Music Awards nominated her debut CD ‘Tears of Joy’ for Best Gospel Recording of the year. December 2004 marked the release of Leora’s second CD, ‘Inspiration’ which received critical acclaim by enthusiastic listeners at home and abroad. She released her debut jazz recording entitled, “My Heart Stood Still,” on June 4th, 2005 at the historic Vancouver East Cultural Centre. Another Side Now – The Songs of Joni Mitchell, Leora’s latest CD was released on December 1st, 2007.

Linda Kidder
Linda has garnered three International gold and platinum records for her work with kd lang in addition to the eight wins for the CMA and BCCMA country duo of the year, with Gary Fjellgaard, a BCCMA nomination for vocalist and bass player of the year and a Juno nomination for country duo of the year. Her voice can be heard on studio and live recordings from kd lang, Bon Jovi to Barbie. She has toured extensively throughout Canada, the US and Europe, opened for George Jones, shared the stage with greats like Bob Hope and Ian Tyson. In 2011, Linda was part of Margaret Atwood's reading of Year of the Flood. Some of her highlights include “Letterman”, “Leno” and the “Grammy Awards.” She is a proud member of the musical group August.

Marcus Mosely
Marcus was born in a small town in the Texas panhandle, called Ralls. Over the past 54 years he has sung throughout North America, Europe, Asia, Africa and the South Pacific, owing to 10 years of service as a missionary. Just before Expo 86 Marcus made Vancouver his home. Since then he has starred in various highly successful stage productions such as 'Ain't Misbehavin', 'Black and Gold Revue' and 'Show Boat'. Marcus has toured Canada giving concerts, conducting Gospel Choral workshops and is the founder and Artistic Director of The Marcus Mosely Chorale.

Oliver Conway
Bandleader, vocalist, harmonica player, rhythm guitarist, producer and song writer, Oliver has been delivering his own brand of blue-eyed soul for over 20 years in Western Canada. Known for his soulful voice, funkifized playing, and his connection with an audience, “Ollie” is an exciting and experienced musician with 2000 performances in his career, including stage musicals, TV and radio appearances and club and cabaret work all over Canada. He is also the proprietor of Aero Music, a full service music recording and production company, based in the Commercial Drive area of Vancouver.

Olivia Falconer Steele
Olivia started out singing in choirs and then musicals. Her love for singing and music is equal to her love for acting, dance and song writing. She is 14 years old and has been nominated 6 times in the past 4 years for the “Young Artist Awards” held in Studio City LA, and has won twice for "Best Supporting Lead”. She has 19 film credits in TV series & films to date and an independent feature, “Louder than Words”, starring herself, David Duchovny, & Timothy Hutton. Olivia intends to pursue music & film and maybe one day to be cast in a movie where she gets to do both!

Rebecca Shoichet
Rebecca is a highly sought-after vocalist. She has toured with artists Amanda Marshall and Tom Cochrane, and performs locally and internationally with the 10 piece, funk phenomenon, Soulstream. She croons in the French cabaret group, Mimosa, and also shares her powerhouse vocals with bands Side One, and Famous Players. Rebecca’s versatility and skill has offered her roles in productions Joni Mitchell: River and La Cage aux Folles for the Vancouver Playhouse, and parts in various TV animation series. She’s thrilled to be a part of this fantastic fundraiser!

Roy Forbes
For over forty years now, Roy Forbes has been a prominent and critically acclaimed artist who has made enduring artistic contributions to the Canadian music scene as a performer, recording artist, songwriter, producer and broadcaster. From his solo recordings that began with the 1975 album Kid Full of Dreams to his collaborations in UHF, to his work hosting CKUA and CBC programs, Forbes has proven to be an inspired artist who has never lost touch with the magic of music. In late 2014, Roy released his long-promised solo live album, Strikin' Matches LIVE!

Shannon Gaye
Singer/Percussionist Shannon Gaye’s latest CD Little Wonder pays homage to Soul and R&B – an acoustic gem with a modern spin. Shannon has performed her compelling brand of Acoustic Soul at festivals across the country. This past December, Shannon joined The Huron Carole Tour with concerts in 15 cities. Other career highlights include performances at Graceland University with Wycliffe Gordon and Jens Lindermann, as well as concerts in New York and Los Angeles. A number of Shannon’s songs have been featured in TV series and films in Canada, the US and the UK.

Sibel Thrasher
Sibel’s extensive credits include working with Long John Baldry, Donna Summer, Linton Garner, the Platters and opening for Etta James. Her theatre productions include Ain’t Misbehavin’, Blues In The Night, Tapestry, The Buddy Holly Show and many more. She is aB.C. Entertainment Hall of Fame inductee for her lifelong contribution to the arts, her community, and her music. Other professional credits include; The Vancouver Sun’s Entertainer of the Year, Election to the 1994 Congress of Black Women, Jessie Nominations for Best Performer in both Ain’t Misbehavin’ and Blues in the Night, and a nomination for the CCWMA Best Gospel Singer of the Year.

The Sojourners
Formative years spent singing in the churches of Marcus Mosely, Will Sanders and Khari McClelland, (from Ralls, Texas, Alexandria, Louisiana and Detroit, Michigan respectively) give The Sojourners' sound an authentic edge that only comes with experience. This is real gospel - blessed with a soul that can't be faked. On October 15th, The Sojourners officially released their third full length album. The last release, 'The Sojourners', was a great success, garnering a Juno nomination and a Western Canadian Music Award. The new project will continue to serve their core message of social justice.

Warren Dean Flandez
An accomplished recording artist, songwriter, musician, producer and entrepreneur, Warren also heads a growing entertainment empire known as Studio Cloud 30. In May of 2011 Warren released his critically acclaimed debut album ‘Vintage Love’, followed by a successful run on national television appearing on CBC’s Cover Me Canada. Having opened for Joss Stone and the late James Brown, Warren is currently represented by Mitchell Davis of the The Artist Partnership, son of music mogul Clive Davis, and is signed to Reliant/Warner Canada.

Will Sanders
All through his childhood, in Alexandria, Louisiana, Will sang in church choirs and ensembles but his heart was always drawn to singing Gospel. In the musical theatre arena, he won a starring role in the Arts Club production of Ann Mortifee's, 'When the Rains Come’. He was nominated for a Jessie Award for Best Performance in a Musical that year. He also went on to star in the Arts Club production of 'Five Guys Name Moe'. Over the years, Will has sung with a number of Vancouver based Gospel ensembles: 'Circle Of Voices', 'Cloud Nine' and 'The Gospel Experience'. Will is a proud member of the gospel trio The Sojourners.