Festival Dates: July 18-19, 2009

Karsh Kale with Timeline

Described by Billboard Magazine as a "visionary composer and producer", Karsh Kale (pronounced "Kursh Kah-lay") is one of global music's brightest stars. A master player of tabla and drums, he also excels as a songwriter, producer, composer and DJ.

Launching from a buoyant, exotic hybrid of trad Indian music & innovative electronica, his many recordings (both contributing & solo) and performances (in almost every major city on four continents), have established him as a pioneer of a panoramic sound integrating past and future, analog and digital, ethnic fusion pop and dance.   In less than a decade, he has released four critically acclaimed solo albums on Six Degrees Records, became a founding member of the super groups Tabla Beat Science and Realize Live, and collaborated, produced and remixed a multitude of artists, including Zakir Hussain, Paul Oakenfold, Sting, Anoushka Shankar, Bill Laswell, MIDIval Punditz, Norah Jones, Sultan Khan, Paula Cole and Herbie Hancock.   Along with Cheb I Sabbah & Midival Punditz, Karsh also pioneered the 'Asian Massive' movement (read 'South Asian'), which has proliferated through the club scene on several continents in the last 8 years.

His 2001 album Realize established him as a major force, both as artist and producer, in the fledgling 'Asian Massive' movement (read 'South Asian'), which included innovators such as Cheb I Sabbah & Midival Punditz, and proliferated throughout the club scene on several continents.   2003's   'Liberation' displayed further mastery of musicianship and electronic technique, offered an astonishing display of sumptuous, ambient treatments augmenting a great variety of masterfully played instrumentation,   including sitar, sarod, bansuri, guitar, vocals, and a multitude of percussion.   His most diverse and daring is the 2006 release 'Broken English', which maintains previous modes of expression, but reaches out into genre-busting sounds at once bravely bold & sensitively nuanced,   all supported by the usual deep rhythmic complexity.   Wailing wordless vocals swoon over Bollywood strings, emotive-rock guitar arpeggios coarse through a repeated chorus, tight electronic arrangements support ecclectic vocal stylings from the likes of Ekova's Dierdre Dubois & Crystal Method's Trixie Reiss.  

Karsh's work only launches from a buoyant, exotic hybrid of Indian & electronica, and travels well into a wholly original, state-of-the-art popular music in the best sense one can imagine.   Evolving perfectly from his own encounters with the progression of culture around him (now in New York), his offering is completely innovative while still being organically rooted in the past, an experience deeply resonant for us as well.

karshkale.com

myspace.com/karshkale

Harry Manx

"Mysticssippi" blues man Harry Manx has been called an "essential link" between the music of East and West, creating musical short stories that wed the tradition of the Blues with the depth of classical Indian ragas. He has created a unique sound that is hard to forget and deliciously addictive to listen to.

Born on the Isle of Man, Manx spent his childhood in Canada and left in his teens to live in Europe, Japan, India and Brazil. He honed his hypnotic live show on street corners, in cafes, bars and at festivals. But it was Indian music that captured Manx and in the mid 80s he began his five-year tutelage with Rajasthani Indian musician Vishwa Mohan Bhatt (Grammy winner with Ry Cooder for A Meeting by the River). He also received the gift of Bhatt's custom-made, self-designed Mohan veena-a 20-stringed sitar/guitar-that was the catalyst for Harry to forge a new path with his now signature east-meets-west style of music.

A successful touring performer, Manx has brought his "breathtaking" solo shows across Canada, into the USA, Australia, France and most recently to Singapore and Spain. He has appeared at many prestigious festivals, world-class theatres, concert halls and infamous Blues clubs around the globe. Playing the Mohan Veena, lap steel, harmonica and banjo, Manx quickly envelops the audience into what has been dubbed "the Harry Zone" with his warm vocals and the hauntingly beautiful melodies of his original songs. "The live performances have become the most exciting part of the music business for me," Harry says. "And it's not only the playing; it's all the other magic that happens between myself and the audience. My goal has always been to draw the audience as deep as possible into the music." Harry played at Starbelly Jam 2002.

harrymanx.com

myspace.com/harrymanx

Holy F***

Holy F*** are in fact a truly 'live' band.   Highly specialized at hard-wiring inventive low-fi effects to driving bass & drum rhythms, they thread every sound under the sun through their eclectic electric playground into a great feast of organic, cardio-cranked beats.   Deriving inspiration and technique directly from performance, their process of composition is nourished from the frenetic resonance washing through their audience, who are inevitably in full-tilt boggie, child-like grins on their faces.  

This 'live' interaction has wrought a relentless touring schedule, playing for crowds eager to become experienced all over North America, Europe, & Australia.   Their reputation as a must-see act gained them a spot on the John Peel stage at the 2007 Glastonbury Festival in England, arguably the most prominent and certainly the biggest music & arts event in the world.   There they were hailed as one of the three best acts of 2007, which featured over 700 performances to more than 177,000 attendees.   Last year in Canada, they were a runner-up to the prestigious Polaris Prize (for best Canadian recording based on artistic merit, regardless of genre or marketing).

Allow these testimonials to colour-in the Holy F*** experience:

"You will have the contours of your brain worn down by shards of liquid magma noise and you will embrace every second with the joy of a baby that has just discovered its feet at the end of its legs."    New-Noise.net UK

"Holy F*** blasted out opulent streams of saturated melody, clouds of glitter and confetti, nitrous-boosted dance dynamics...Holy F*** set the bar awfully high."   Pitchfork Media

"Call them purveyors of 'dance music' - the laptop-free Holy F*** soundsystem couldn't care less. They'll keep tweakin', twistin' and punching their effects pedals, turntables, film synchronizer, bass and drums in an engrossing improv dubwise style."   Now Magazine

"Holy F*** shows are frantic, exuberant realizations of time and place, extemporaneous music-making sessions more open to the possibilities of improvisation than most American acts toting a jamtag".    Independent Weekly

holyfuckmusic.com

myspace.com/holyfuck

Lyrics Born

Lyrics Born is one of the most critically acclaimed & best-selling indy hip hop artists of this era.   His 2003 breakout release 'Later That Day' had a deep impact that has continued to resonate through to his most recent (2008) offering 'Everywhere at Once', which solidified his place in the vanguard of hip hop cross-over artists like Gnarls Barkley & MIA, pushing the edge with irresistibly compelling sounds & lyrical techniques.

Launching his performing while at University of California, Davis, LB was a founding member of the seminal independent record label Quannum Projects, growing & collab-ing with fellow Bay Area artists like Gift of Gab, Chief Xcel of Blackalicious, Lateef the Truthspeaker, and DJ Shadow.   Beyond his many studio projects, he averages over 150 sold-out shows a year, illustrating the importance he puts on the live experience & engaging with an audience.   "I like seeing people having a good time. That's how I feel like I'm moving forward, that things are in motion. I'm a performer--it's part of who I am."

LB's vocal style is the star of the show   -   a growling sing-speak that drives the bus along with captivating vocal tricks:   cadence, inflection, hesitation, running scales etc.    But when this is harnessed to his intoxicating musical delivery - which includes fantasmic East Bay greasy funk, futurist dancehall, devoluted punk, and even a new-style 'postmodern' blues -   the swirling energy will 'rise up' like an irrepressible flood, a groovin, ecstatic one.

lyricsborn.com

myspace.com/lyricsborn

Ndidi Onukwulu

Picture a dark-haired woman in satin and tulle, dancing fast in red patent heels. A woman inspired by love and loss, by poetry, gravestones and eavesdropped conversations. A complex, enigmatic woman of Nigerian/German descent who was born and raised in British Columbia, watching grizzly bears roam, and escaping into a sky full of musical fantasy. Conjure all this then say the name: ‘N-dee-dee’. Nside.

With a voice of soul power & tenderness, Ndidi Onukwulu can grab us in a web of styles that is familiar in root while fresh & resilient in her entirely original and personal expression. Just too damn inspired and eclectic to stay put in one genre for long (even in one song), Ndidi has over the years drunk in, shaken (not stirred), and doled out blues, rock, hip hop, jazz, lounge, and lots of simple, haunting ballads. All this delivered with an amazingly nuanced and playful exuberance that breathes with the same spirits that animate artists like Bessie Smith, Billie Holiday, or Mary Margret O’Hara; the smoky environs of a Parisienne chanteuse, barrelhouse & ragtime grinders, and front porch spiritual stompers; as well as the sunny spaces of the biggest folk & jazz festivals across Canada. Don’t miss this dynamo.

ndidi.ca

www.myspace.com/ndidionukwulu

Hey Ocean

What began as a casual musical partnership between friends has, in less than four years, morphed into one of Canada's flourishing independent bands.   Four great talents & mischievous personalities combine to form a dynamic live presence, keeping audiences captivated with a generous free flowing sound that just gives away a joyful, dreamy clarity of wonder about life, even when it's not perfect.   "We'll get there our way", sings Asheigh, affirming the band's potent inner optimism that keeps on churning with its infectious, soulful rhythm & melodies, jazzy guitar riffs, and giddy poetic flirtations.   

www.myspace.com/heyocean

Kinobe & Soul Beat Africa

Soul Beat Africa is the new voice of Ugandan music, the inspired synthesis of African roots and world music, of traditional and modern instrumentation. These musicians represent the new vanguard of Ugandan performers, gifted instrumentalists steeped in the music of their homeland, but with ears opened to the sounds of the world at large. Driving poly-rhythms underlay transcendent melodies. Traditional African instruments – koras, kalimbas, adungus, endongos, ngonis, drums – blend with guitars and keyboards, drawing on influences from around the globe. This is a new groove for a new world. Read more.

Soul Beat Africa have been bringing their energetic and highly visual show to audiences across Europe and Africa for years, and we are thrilled to have them at Starbelly Jam!

kinobemusic.com

youtube.com/kinobeherbert

Mark Berube

"Berube is...a total orginal in the tradition of exceptional Canadian singer songwriters" Vancouver Province

"Vibrant and outspoken...The detail Berube incorporates into his lyrics makes it hard not to see what he sees, and if What The River Gave The Boat can be so alluring, I can't imagine that his next album, What The Boat Gave The River, would be any less spectacular." EXCLAIM

"One of the best of the year...folk music without going on about it. Rare and raw and perfect. " EDMONTON SUN, AB (for what the river gave the boat)

"His good luck streak continues with elegant string arrangements, sympathetic production and a soaring voice that reminds us what Rufus Wainwright and Hawksley Workman would sound like if they weren't such drama queens." MICHAEL BARCLAY, EYE WEEKLY, Discovery of the Week, Toronto, ON (for what the river gave the boat)

"He can put together a good pop and jazz combination, has got some excellent throaty projection and is one of the only artists I know that can throw chaotic improvisation into the middle of a catchy tune." Geordi Dent, Jazzonen, 104.1FM, Bergen, Norway (Review of Sketches from the sidewalk)

"Berube's soaring, warm vocals add an extra element to the vintage tones of his music, and when all the pomp is stripped away, his voice can obviously carry the album on its own if need be." Jaclyn Arndt, Soulshine - Canada's essential guide to new music (Review of Sketches from the sidewalk)

markberube.com

myspace.com/markberubemusic

Culture Brown

Born in Jamaica and moving to Kingston7 Elleston Flats at an early age, Culture Brown found his start in reggae music as a member of the Black Star Sound System, opening the doors for him to become a powerful figure on the reggae scene.   As a roots and culture dancehall artist, Culture Brown's lyrical content often sheds light on today's world issues and gives hope for a better tomorrow. His promotion of equal rights and justice for all is clearly demonstrated in the lyrics of his track "Here To Love" when he says 'I'm here to love, not here to judge....'   Culture has extended his message to Canada, England, Austria, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, France and in his homeland Jamaica where he opened his own protools studio, in Westmoreland.

myspace.com/militancy

Mihirangi

Aotearoa-born (NZ) Mihirangi performs soulful, funky 'world r'n'b', looping & layering her vocals into intricate harmonies with beat boxing and bass lines, along with acoustic guitar and tribal rhythms.  She creates her own band live, in front of the audience.   In homage to Maori roots, her music is a passionate internal journey, and her performance is a celebrated, even spiritual event.   Sincere and inspiring, it incorporates danceable rhythms and lyrics evoking quiet reverie, always expressing her personal triumphs, fears and political convictions   -   a truly refreshing perspective on contemporary culture. 

myspace.com/kulchanation mihirangi.com

Blackberry Wood

Blackberry Wood is a collective from Vancouver, a colorful, motley crew of guitar, horns, and accordion (led by Music Waste's originator Kris Mitchell) skillfully blurting out high-powered acoustic dance music with a sound best described as bar mitzvah-meets-barn dance.    A swirling mix of folky burlesque, ragtime gypsy, punk and polka, the end product is a lively bohemian hoedown that all the neighbors and their kids will be jumpin' and shufflin' to in speedy fashion.   They will be coming to Starbelly just off of a whirlwind tour of London, England, as well as an appearance at Glastonbury, so don't miss the zany, infectious fun now sweeping the world!

myspace.com/blackberrywood

Mighty Squirrel

"This is another rare treat: a debut CD of traditional music by a lineup of suberb musicians that offers something unique... The music is a mix of traditional Appalachian, Yiddish, Celtic, and French-Canadian songs and instrumentals... It all works wonderfully well together. Caridwen is a phenomenal lead vocalist and the musicianship is outstanding. For those of you who enjoy traditional music as well as bluegrass, treat yourself to this great initial outing from Mighty Squirrel." -- Kate Bailey, Bluegrass Beacon

"There's more than enough variety to hold my interest, and every song is connected to each other by performance, instrumentation, and passion. And really, it's the passion that shines through in each song.... All in all, this is an outstanding debut recording from a new group and a completely fun listen." --Audiophile Audition

Camilo Nu

Mexican guitarist Camilo Nu and band journey through the timeless traditions of Mexican, Spanish, and Moroccan music to uncover the roots of Latin & Flamenco instrumental styles, and launch into a sparkling 'world jazz' that will move your heart as much as your feet.   Hailing from various points around Latin America, including Mexico City, Tulum, and Rio de Janeiro, Camilo & co. will astound with their technical skill, but most vitally with their intimate, nuanced sense of inspired, innovative improvisation.   A well-know practitioner of flamenco guitar, Camilo has worked with many important figures in the Latin musical community.   He also has extended his fascinations into co-producing a documentary film, 'The Third Root', which explores the profound links amongst the music of Morocco, Spain and Mexico (itself an amazing cultural melting pot), including regional styles of Andalusia, Sufi, Gnawi, Berbere, and Jarocho.   Camilo's art always seeks to expose our common musical heritage in the world as a whole, and makes it ripe for the interaction our current expression thirsts for.

youtube.com/camilonu

GoGo Bonkers

This dynamic and creative musical duo performs interactive songs for children at festivals, elementary schools, community centers and daycares. Their highly imaginative songs and co-operative interplay with children makes a BONKERS! concert an event to remember.

gogobonkers.com

Marc Suess, Dancing Bear

Dancing Bear is a high energy story teller who captures his audience with such spirited and relevant stories that the children do not let go from start to finish. Children participate in the stories with all their attention, imagination and aliveness. They are enthralled charmed, delighted and thouroughly entertained.

Marc Suess brings his own theater, in the belly of Gaia Belle, a 32 foot inflatable whale that fires up everyones enthusiasm and anticipation.

Dancing Bear story world

Howlin' Dan & the Riondelics

Howlin' Dan & The Riondelics bring you lively, original music from the East shore of Kootenay Lake. This is the band that will get you off your seat and keep you groovin' on the dance floor with their dynamic mix of funky, bluesy, original numbers and soulful ballads.

'Howlin' Dan Silakiewicz fronts the ensemble with a larger-than-life presence and a voice which reveals both sensitivity and raw power, together with evocative, often light-hearted songwriting that's sure to entertain. The Riondelics feature 'Wailin' Ted Wallace, giving voice to Spirit on the blues harp like he's done for so many years as a visionary painter. 'Bongo' Ben Johnson drives the band on drums and percussion, bringing a wealth of world music experience into his irrepressible drum grooves.

www.eshore.ca/howlindan

Pauline Lamb

Pauline Lamb has been 'on the scene' in Nelson and area since childhood.  

A gentle, strong, dynamic force, often within a great variety of musical configurations over the years, Pauline has honed her sonic sensuality.   Both for her and her audience, the music absorbs to a wholly intrinsic level where she can commune with its unique character, and from where she finds the inspiration to caress and exhale its alluring shape.

"The rush of singing, this intense mysterious territory within me, storming through me, where did it come from? I decided not to question it too much.   I disappear into creativity ..... an introverted in-the-moment experience. It is medicine, revealing myself to me, a safe haven for questions, confession and desires, a way to unravel what I see and don't want to see in our world."

Dharmas

Inspired by African and East Indian instrumentation and rhythm, Jean and Claire will captivate with their beautifully light, and also earthy sound that flows in syncopation with their daughter's aerial 'dance' hanging from strands of fabric.   They are both originally French - Claire was raised in Gabon (central Africa) until the age of 18, where she met Jean who had lived there for many years.   Together they have traveled and lived for the past 20 years in Mexico, India, Peru, and Costa Rica - all the while cultivating a wonderfully pure and yet quite original amalgam of their many cultural adventures, evoked through a fascinating collection of unique acoustic instruments, as well as their spiritually illuminating songs.