• Performer Highlight: Steve and Vivian Ruskin

    Steve and Vivian Ruskin

    Vancouver Island Pagan Pride welcomes Steve and Vivian Ruskin!

    Steve and Vivian RuskinSteve and Vivian Ruskin, in their over 35 years as a duo, have been influenced by many musicians and genres. They slide comfortably from ballads to blues, celtic to contemporary, rockabilly to reggae, folk to jazz, originals to kid friendly and a dash of Latin added to the song mix. They have a love for music that reflects the mystical and magick in our world. Their music is entertaining for all age groups and their set lists are adjusted for their audience and the occasion. Though Steve is an acoustic piano player at heart, the more portable keyboards have opened up a world of multi-instrumental opportunity, allowing the most effective sounds for each song. Vivian adds guitar to the mix and her strong and versatile lead vocals are complimented by Steve’s tasteful vocal harmonies. He also plays a mean harmonica~! They live in the Comox Valley and enjoy performing there as well as other venues – big and small – on Vancouver Island.

    See and hear Steve and Vivian Ruskin perform at Vancouver Island Pagan Pride Day August 17th!

  • Performer Highlight: High Quadra Ramblers

    high quadra ramblers

    Vancouver Island Pagan Pride welcomes Hight Quadra Ramblers!

    high quadra ramblersThe High Quadra Ramblers are a duo creating their own interpretation of traditional music – fusing appalachian oldtime with classical, celtic, bluegrass and original compositions.

    The High Quadra Ramblers are Mack Shields on fiddle and vocals and Kaitlin Chamberlin on banjo, vocals and stepdancing: a powerhouse duo keeping the magic of traditional music alive. They are doing ambitious things with appalachian oldtime, translating traditional celtic into clawhammer banjo rhythms and taking inspiration from cajun, métis and classical to create original music. Their compositions range from high energy instrumentals to beautiful lyrical folk songs. Hailing from the East and the West, the influence of both coasts can be heard in the driving rhythm and intricate melodies of their music.

    Periodically, you will see them accompanied by their bass player, Keith Rodger.

    Since appearing on the West Coast music scene a year ago, they have been very active – they’ve completed 3 tours, played in Canada and the US, released their debut album and 2 EPs with another album on the way, and have had their music commissioned for a film soundtrack (www.risenshinethemovie.com). The short film has since won 7 awards including Best Sound Design at the Independent Shorts Awards in LA.

    See and hear High Quadra Ramblers perform at Vancouver Island Pagan Pride Day August 17th!

    Visit High Quadra Ramblers online

  • Performer Highlight: Hekate’s Torch

    Hekate's Torch

    Vancouver Island Pagan Pride welcomes Hekate’s Torch!

    Hekate's TorchCanadian Pagan Rock band formed by Femi Heqet aka Mohana – vocals, melody and synth, Robert Johnson – guitar and lyrics and Ebony Heqet Johnson, mascot. May Her Torch Be With You!

    Robert Johnson and Femi Heqet are Hekate’s Torch, Robert is a poet and a songwriter who plays guitar and saxophone. He enjoys mixing and recording original music.

    Femi Heqet, aka Mohana is a Brazilian singer/songwriter who started singing and acting at the age of 5. Wrote her first poems at the age of 16. Soprano for the Amazon Choir conducted by Dirson Costa from 1998 to 2001. Started singing professionally and composing her first songs in English in 1999 in Alternative Rock style. Awarded for the play “Reflexiones de la Naturaleza” in Tena – Ecuador, 1st prize at the Drama and Music Festival/2010, as writer and producer. Awarded for the Best play soundtrack in the 5th Amazon Drama Festival together with Mikelane de Almeida and Douglas Rodrigues. Many shows performed live in Brazil, Venezuela and Ecuador.

    See and hear Hekate’s Torch perform at Vancouver Island Pagan Pride Day August 17th!

    Visit Hekate’s Torch online