Performers

Sudan Archives combines left-field strains of R&B, hip-hop, and experimental electronic with hypnotic string loops and the fiddling style of West Africa. This is shown on her critically acclaimed album of 2022 Natural Brown Prom Queen. When Sudan burst onto the scene in 2017 with "Come Meh Way," she was a violinist and loop maker producing beats in her bedroom. 

Natural Brown Prom Queen is Sudan’s most ambitious work to date and a critic's favorite (Pitchfork #2 Album of the Year). “Sudan Archives is making R&B deeper and stranger.” - New York Times

Born in Ghana, and raised between the UK and Canada, artist and songwriter, MAUVEY, defies categorization with his unique blend of influences spanning Afro, pop, hip-hop, cinematic, rock, punk, alternative, and electronic genres.

Born out of an obsession with storytelling, songwriting, cinema, and fashion, MAUVEY's music reflects a spectrum of emotions — anger, frustration, happiness, gratitude, and love— all intertwined with a fervent desire for the world to change.

At only 20 years old, the Vancouver-based singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist uses her creativity to unite the world of storytelling and music in a unique and captivating way, far beyond her years. She takes pride in her half-Asian heritage and connection to the 2SLGBTQ+ community, both of which have profoundly shaped her capacity to transcend the boundaries between genres. 

Throughout 2020, Jade harnessed the power of TikTok, amassing 1.2 million followers and 51M+ likes. During 2021, she unveiled her debut single "Constellations," an unorthodox love song, likening "The freckles on a body to constellations." The independent release shined with nearly 30M million cumulative streams and counting. GLAAD championed her among "10 LGBTQ Women in Music to Listen to this Pride Month," featured in Teen Vogue, and she's received praise from Ones To Watch, Diva Magazine, Pride, Popdust and more. 

Semiah is a next generation Kanien’kehà:ka rising star with a singular heart-channeled singing style. She is a multidisciplinary artist-producer-songwriter weaving a sonic tapestry of Electro Pop, Alt RnB, Dreampop, and Indigenous Vocal Techniques. Debut single 'Nothing Can Kill My Love for You' garnered 100,000 streams; tracks from debut EP 'After The Night Ends' continue to be featured on CBC radio. Recent stage highlights include International Indigenous Music Summit in Toronto and Sākihiwē Festival in Winnipeg.

Semiah celebrates the release of new single 'Withdrawals' by dropping it July 20 during her Fusion Festival set with special surprises for attending fans. The track, co-produced with Montreal's Teleh0rn, features innovative metallic elements that align with Katana sword fight in the official video that Semiah directed, choreographed and created wardrobe for. From the moment she steps on stage, audiences fall in love with this generous and effervescent performer.

Born and raised in Guantanamo, Cuba, in a family of established musicians, Julio Avila's musical journey dates back to when he was 7 years old. Listening to his parents and older siblings perform, Julio first developed a strong bond with the traditional tune, changüí, which has roots in his native Guantanamo.

Surrounded by this vibrant and rich musical heritage, Julio perfected playing his principal instrument, the bass, while taking on the lead singer, arranger and composer roles as well. As a member of the internationally renowned group La Sonora Universal, Julio performed throughout Europe and with El Grupo Cubano Brisas Del Palmar he has toured Western Canada since 2005.  

From Whistler, BC emerges a voice that rivals the uniqueness of the wondrous scenery in which it was nurtured. Singer-songwriter ZADA’s buoyant and ethereal alternative R&B sound is both refreshing as it is comforting, and all this amalgamates on her debut album, Water in the Desert.

ZADA’s music is laced with synths, inundated with guitars and is inspired by the scenic imagery of her hometown.
 

Nicky Beatz, a DJ hailing from the South Surrey/White Rock area, was driven to embark on his DJing journey by his lifelong love for music and forming interpersonal connections.

Influenced by the diverse environment he grew up in, his dynamic and eclectic style has led him to explore a multitude of genres, ranging from hip hop and R&B to house, afrobeats, international dance music, desi fusion, and beyond.

Known for being able to rock every party he walks into, Nicky Beatz takes pride in his passion for bridging the gap between the audience and the music. His passion for fostering communities extends through his collaborative efforts with multiple artist collectives such as Play By Play, The Kuyas, and Aux Cord Kids.

Phonosonics (U-NXT/Universal) is one of Canada’s hottest and fastest-emerging Roots Reggae acts. Since 2015, this group has been dazzling audiences on the west coast with their reverent, yet modern take on 1960’s Rocksteady, Ska and Early Reggae. 

Their latest single End of the World has been a radio and critical smash. Phonosonics shines live as a 7-piece powerhouse of horns, harmonies and hooks.

Wayne Lavallee is a Métis singer-songwriter, actor from Vancouver, raised in Surrey BC. Releasing the album Green Dress in 2004, the album won the Canadian Aboriginal Music Award for album of the year in 2004, he was a Juno Award nominee for Aboriginal Recording of the Year at the Juno Awards of 2005, and won the Canadian Folk Music Award for Aboriginal Songwriter of the Year at the 2nd Canadian Folk Music Awards in 2006.

In recent years he has composed music for theatre, film and television, including the films The Road Forward, Red Snow and Bones of Crows. He received a Canadian Screen Award nomination for Best Original Song at the 11th Canadian Screen Awards in 2023 for "You Are My Bones", a song cowritten with Marie Clements and Jesse Zubot for Bones of Crows. New album set to be released fall fo 2024.

Stars of the North, are a drum group representing the North West Coast people of the Tlowitsis Mumtigala Nation of Alert Bay and the Kwakiutl people of Fort Rupert on Vancouver Island, and the Stolo people of Seabird Island Chilliwack BC.

Higher Ground Dance Company is in its 5th year and season and is based out of Vancouver. Founded and created by Natasha Gorrie, Higher Ground’s program is unlike any other street dance company in the lower mainland. Focusing on personal growth to help you level up, build your own voice and identity, and build knowledge of history with a true understanding of the culture of street dances.

Training in fundamentals of various street dances but focusing on Hip Hop styles, Breaking, Popping & locking.

MAMAKEISH is the only professional K-Pop dance academy in Vancouver, specializing in training talented students. MAMAKEISH offers a range of courses, starting from beginner-level K-pop dance classes that anyone can take, to a trainee program that incorporates the training system of Korean entertainment companies, providing an experience that cannot be found elsewhere in Canada. MAMAKEISH also has a performance team dedicated to various events and shows. 

Fergus Dalton is a Métis dancer who performs and teaches traditional Métis Jigging all across the Lower Mainland. Starting from a young age, Fergus began learning from Lisa Sheppard as one of the Maple Sugar Jiggers. Since then, he has adapted to solo performing and teaching, and carries on the cultural tradition, interlacing stories and history into his performances.

Folk Stars Arts Academy Society (FSAAS) is a registered not-for-profit society It was founded in the beginning of 2019 and is a member of CID (The International Dance Council) since 2021. A group of talented and experienced arts enthusiasts came together
to form the platform which has a mandate of promoting, preserving, performing, and presenting the Punjabi culture and providing a platform to different cultures and bringing the communities together. Our mission is to create an environment for everyone to showcase their inner art and provide an equal platform to everyone despite their history and background.

Affiliated with Keri's Highland Dance Studio in White Rock, B.C, The Wee Drams is a traditional Highland dance company with a modern swish of the kilt. Previously known as Two Wee Drams, the performance group has since expanded and is comprised of B.C Provincial Representatives, dancers who performed with The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Highland Dance Team, and championship level technique. Performing in White Rock, Vancouver, and everywhere in between, The Wee Drams aim to promote Scottish and Celtic culture through Highland dance. 

Enjoy cultural dance performances from around the world on Connect FM's extravagant stage located near the rides. Win hundreds of gift cards and prizes all day long!

Activities include: Shoot the Hoop, Spikeball Game, Talent Show, Open Mic, and DJ Floor.