2011 has been a whirlwind of awesome for Carmen Townsend. Cape Breton's Rock and Roll fiend toured the country twice this year once with Rock Legends Heart and then headlined her own tour in support of her highly acclaimed debut album "Waitin and Seein". Her 3 Piece band blazed through Australia, Texas, the UK, and played oodles of festivals and shows this summer in the Maritimes. Be sure not to miss Ms. Townsend and her killer band when they invade a stage near you with gunning 70's riffs, vocal acrobatics and an empowering live show.

Gloryhound

In their formative years Gloryhound listened to Alice Cooper, The Ramones, Thin Lizzy and Iggy Pop. All of these influences can be heard in their self styled form of rock, but their sound is truly their own. Simply put: “All stacks, no macs”

Jenn Grant

Since the release of Jenn Grant’s perennially in-bloom album Honeymoon Punch in January, 2011, the East Coast nightingale has made the Polaris Long List, graced the covers of newspapers across the country and performed on national radio and television programs. Jenn has also been the X3 Artist of the Month, scooped 3 ECMA nominations and performed twice on Parliament Hill for Canada Day in front of the Duke and Duchess and an audience of over 300,000.

Jimmy Rankin

It’s not that Jimmy Rankin puts his heart on his sleeve, but he’s sure not afraid to roll’em up and consider the state of love in the modern world. With his fourth solo CD, Forget About the World (to be released April 12, 2011, Song Dog Label), Jimmy Rankin serves up a decidedly jubilant songwriter record that celebrates love and life with a fervour. Rankin takes listeners on a musical journey with a dozen songs imbued with a strong sense of imagery that captures the essence of emotions, moments where things change – for the better, for the worse, forever.

Luc Deon & Elyse Delaney

Luc Deon and Elyse Delaney are two young artists from opposite ends of Nova Scotia (Pubnico and Chéticamp) who share a similar passion for music and performance. Honing their skills since a young age, they perform a variety of musical styles; ranging from traditional acadian, to modern pop, to classical. Both are currently studying music and education at Université de Moncton.

Owen and Gerry

Fishin' buddies from Middle West Pubnico, Owen and Gerry started jammin' 'cause there was no radio aboard da boat! Their debut album 'Two Lobsters et un Chien Chaud', featuring the hit single 'My Boat Is Sinking', sold over 1000 copies at CD plus Yarmouth alone.

Rain Over St. Ambrose

Whether it’s the driving opening riff of their single “DG Gold Paint,“ the lively trumpets and swirling vocal harmonies of “Headstone Lights,“ or the haunting sing-along lyrics of “At Night With Friends,“ Rain Over St. Ambrose combines powerful melodies with good old-fashioned rock n’ roll fun to craft songs that get stuck in your head and stay with you for days.

Rhapsody Quintet

For more than 20 years Nova Scotia’s Rhapsody Quintet has thrilled and delighted audiences with its sparkling renditions of a wide range of music, including light classical, salon, musical theatre, jazz, tango, klezmer, movie music and more. Through their performances and recordings they have reached out across Canada and the world, performed for royalty, worked with school children and helped to raise funds for many deserving causes.

Ryan Cook

Whether you love, hate, or occasionally enjoy Country Music, Ryan Cook is a breath of fresh air for your tired ears. With original scores like The O.C.D blues and Dead Like Me, Ryan’s critically acclaimed LP ‘Peaks & Valleys’ is a provocative ensemble of Country, Folk and Jazz narrated by the youthful crooning of a Country misfit.

Slowcoaster

With infectious and captivating lyrics, reinforced by a commanding groove, Slowcoaster takes you on a ride to the heart of the party with no apologies. Throwing down their high-energy danceable tunes, the Cape Breton trio fuses ska, reggae, hip hop, and classic house influences with their unique brand of funky rock and roll. Having spent the past ten years infiltrating the Canadian live music scene, Slowcoaster has firmly established themselves as one of the country’s most popular jam rock bands.

Three Sheet

Three Sheet is a fresh take on traditional Hip Hop. Strictly live beatbox, vocalization and instrumentation. Their newest release, Sheet Music, echoes the energy of the band’s live performance and has been getting an A+ from those intent enough to listen to what’s being said, and those who simply want to get out and get down.

And performing together:

Asia

A multi-talented Halifax-based music ensemble that weaves old school rhythm and blues, soul and funk with contemporary urban rhymes and beats, Nu Gruv draws on influences from Aretha Franklin, Luther Vandross, Alicia Keys, Jocelyn Brown, Curtis Mayfield and many others, as the band and lead singer, Asia weave an unrivaled environment of dance-inducing sound.

Ghettochild

Paul Smith was born and raised in Halifax’s North End Community of Uniacke Square. From a young age he involved himself in anything music related from pageants and community events as a child to battles and ciphers on the corners and in clubs as he grew up. Taking the stage name Ghettochild, he along with fellow Squaretown artists AWOL, T Bone D and Jordan Croucher (JRDN) created the scene changing group NEP. NEP released many mix tapes together before eventually branching out as solo artists. As well as performing and recording as a solo artist, Ghettochild was later a part of the group Heavy Spittaz, gaining Canada-wide exposure for their hype sound and performance style.

Ghettosocks

Keeping a strong connection to early '90s Hip Hop, Ghettosocks has a smooth flow on the mic, sharp wit on the punch line, and a sweet tooth for pop culture. Layered over a mix of thick and crunchy beats, Socks delivers a tasty serving of Hip Hop goodness that will satisfy the most demanding of rap gourmands

J-Bru

Sporting a sly smile and an arsenal of memorable live shows, J-Bru is one of the most charismatic emcees in the Canadian hip hop world. After 11 years of touring with Classified, J-Bru is ready to branch out and show the world that he’s not just a hypeman.

Quake

Twenty-two year old Halifax emcee Quake has proven that persistence; hard work and passion go hand in hand to survive in this music industry. Since emerging from the underground battle rap scene in his early teens, the hungry street savvy lyricist has aimed to create a sound that brings back the classic essence of hip-hop.

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