Presented By
Creston Stay Live Music
Battle of the Bands Judges
Finals at Millennium Park, June 25th
Ferdy Belland, Cranbrook BC
I've been a professional bassist since 1990. I currently play with Bif Naked, Phaeton, Garuda, the Voodoo Rhythm Kings, the Ethan Askey Band, and as a solo artist. I'm also an established music journalist, concert promoter, and radio broadcaster. I'm still young enough to believe in what I do, and I'm too old to change my ways. Ferdy will also be helping judge at Frisky Whisky on June 24th.
Jackie Gingras, Creston BC
With decades working in the music industry, and as a seasoned performer, I have encountered many genres of performers which have evolved my appreciation of raw and polished talent. My contributions to Creston's live music scene for over a decade have included hosting live music jams, volunteering expertise and equipment for live performances in the valley, and maintaining an active presence in the fabric that is Creston's music scene.
Morgan Jones, Creston BC
Morgan is a long-time musician and teacher who just moved to Creston in 2021. He has played and sung on stages all over the world, and holds a doctorate in popular music history. Morgan teaches Music (among other things) at Kootenay River Secondary School, and is excited to be a part of the musical community in the Creston Valley!
Greg Lostracco, Creston BC
Greg Lostracco is a musician and music teacher living in Creston, BC. He is an accomplished instrumentalist on guitar and piano, and also composes and produces music in the studio and for ensembles. Greg plays guitar regularly and teaches a range of instruments and musical subjects in Creston, the Kootenay region and online.
Judge: Frisky Whisky - Friday, June 24th Preliminary Round
Daniel Silakiewicz, Grey Creek BC - 2019 Battle Winner!
I've been writing and performing music for over 30 years, and have been part of the area's music scene for decades, as a performer, recording artist, technician and event organizer. My band High As Mountains was the 2019 Battle of the Bands winner.
Miss Williams, Creston BC
Coming in hot from the Okanagan music scene, Miss Williams has returned to the coolness of the Kootenays with her sultry live acoustic folk music and r&b originals with soul and sass. She has experience with hosting hip hop shows, open mic’s and headlining shows of her own. Her love for lyrics and melodies makes her a great judge for the Battle of the Bands with an eye for the love and vulnerability behind the creativity and execution of the music we are all excited to witness from the beautiful people around the mountain towns.
Judges: The Kokanee Pub - Friday, June 24th Preliminary Round
Mark Toland, Creston BC
I was born in Bonners Ferry Idaho and moved to Creston in 1966 at 3 days old. My family has been in this valley since 1890. I come from a full family of musicians. My brothers had bands here in the 70s, one of which I started playing with at 12 years old. My love of music and playing drums was at 8 years of age and I have never stopped. I do dabble on other instruments as well. I've travelled across this country playing in multiple cities and small towns with numerous bands. Eight years ago I decided to move back to Creston to raise my daughter and to find other musicians to jam with and last year I found that with a band here called Elevation Gain. Currently I'm working on a metal rock band and hopefully we can start gigging soon. I was asked by Jack, who is also a good friend, to judge this event. Cheers to the winner, whoever it may be, and let's all enjoy the music they bring to the party!
Shannon Shurmer, Creston BC
Shannon is known in our community as having one of the brightest and friendly smiles. She was asked to judge as she is a lover of all types of music and has witnessed the joy music brings to live events. She will be judging at the Kokanee Pub.
Mario Melisse, Creston BC
Mario Melisse is well known as a pioneer in the music world in our town of Creston and places afar. His love for anything that makes sound has allowed him to jam, create and even produce jazz, blues and rock music and don’t forget his traditional Irish background. He has a technical ear as he is also a musical medicine man building and tinkering with equipment in his free time and for artists around. His passion and deep heart in the scene is why we welcome him to be a part of the judging with this year's battle of the bands.
Judge: Julio’s Lounge - Friday, June 24th - Preliminary Round
Bruce Atkinson, Creston BC Relocated from the Lower Mainland BC
In the latter part of the Twentieth Century, Bruce developed a magazine series, again, based upon Music in which he introduced the ‘Visual Review’, a series of Critical analysis of Artists’ Recorded Work, in a visual medium as well as in-depth interviews with Canadian, and International Recording Artists. This series, “Musical Notes” enjoyed a seven year run which was seen in selected Markets across Canada as well as portions were aired in select countries and regions of Europe. It was at this juncture that Bruce was advised by several Artists of International accord that he should share his insight and expertise in Marketing, Promotion and Management with others. Based upon the above encouragement, Bruce formed a small Home based consulting and research Company, FBA International.
Jeremiah Staggs, Creston BC
Jeremiah Staggs is a lifelong musician and member of Creston’s music scene. He has just opened his own music studio in the valley, where he teaches lessons, writes songs, and records music. Jeremiah’s band was runner up in Battle of the Bands in 2019. We are so incredibly happy he is bringing his expertise and groovy energy to the contest.
Dave Meier, Creston BC
With 35 years experience behind the kit, ranging from wedding and polka bands to 80’s Hair Metal tributes, I enjoy, appreciate, and play a wide variety of music. I’ve shared live stages and partied with Nazareth, Trooper, Streetheart, Headpins, Helix, Alvacast, Vince Neil, and others whom I can’t think of in the 10 minutes that I allowed myself to write this bio. Aside from drumming, I seem to get stuck with all the tech jobs on-stage too, maybe because drummers always have so much extra time during load-in and sound check. More likely because my day job is control systems engineering and I tend to gravitate to all things shiny. I love to lock it in tight with the bass player with some eye-to-eye improv to keep things from getting humdrum. I’ve attempted to steal Tommy’s moves (both of them), catch up on everything that Taylor (RIP) ever touched, and am on a lifelong mission to faithfully recreate all of Alex’s snare tones.Honestly, the drummer is ALWAYS where it’s at, and if you’re just watching the lead singer, you’re missing out big time. And lead guitarists… don’t even get me started. ;-)
Judge: Jimmy’s Pub - Friday, June 24th - Preliminary Round
Ray Blackmore, Creston BC
I think the photo sums it up nicely. Ray Blackmore is from Creston. He played violin for 5 years, He has toured Internationally and has showcased in Las Vegas, Calgary and countless rodeo events. He has an album that he is working on getting released. "I am a man of few words, but know and love all music. Mostly play country music."
Jeff Robertson, Creston BC
Jeff Robertson is from Calgary, AB originally, but spent most of his summers in the beautiful Creston Valley. Jeff has played the Bass since he was 14 years old and still enjoys playing to this day. He has played all over Canada, in parts of the United States, including LA and Chicago and moved to Creston 4 years ago to enjoy the Kootenay lifestyle that we all love. He participated in playing at some of Creston’s largest events with his band “Strada”, who opened for Bif Naked & Swollen Members at one of the Kokanee Summit events held at the airport. He has played with many local artists including Daniel Huscroft, Joey Weber, Reghan Ottenson and many more. Jeff is a big part of the monthly Jam Night held at Jimmy’s Pub, covering bands needing a bassist who can jam with anyone. Jeff makes it happen by helping with all the setup and sound to bring all the musicians together just like we are tonight.
Reghan Ottenson, Creston BC
Reghan Ottenson is a local singer/songwriter known in the music community for fronting Kitten and the Curves. She has been playing solo and in bands for 20 years and has been in the valley for almost 10. She is a Blossom Valley Singer and avid supporter of the live music scene.
