Performers

One of the most exciting young musicians to emerge from Western Canada, Emmett Jerome has established himself as a captivating performer with a world-weary voice that feels wise beyond his years. Rooted in the old-school troubadour tradition, he has traveled coast to coast, chasing songs and soaking up stories along the way. With a bluesman’s heart and a traveler’s soul, Emmett invites listeners into a world where tradition and youth collide. He made his solo debut in 2024 with Rocky Mountain Son (Light Organ Records).

Folk Star Arts Academy are a nonprofit organization that has been promoting, preserving, presenting, and protecting Punjabi culture through the arts since 2019.

Elevating the rhythm of Vancouver’s dance scene, Higher Ground Dance Company stands as a beacon of artistic excellence and cultural diversity. Nestled in the heart of Canada’s West Coast, our founder Natasha Gorrie leads a dynamic ensemble of street dancers, igniting stages with electrifying performances.

Kocassale Dioubate, from the Mandingo (or Malinke) tribe of Guinea, West Africa, is a descendant of his tribe’s djeliba (also known as griots)—traditional storytellers, entertainers, musicians, praise singers, counselors, and mediators. Griots are the keepers of oral history and tradition, known for their deep connections to spiritual, social, and political life.

Koca was born into this rich lineage of artistry and cultural knowledge, and has been playing music, creating songs, and dancing since early childhood—ever since he was old enough to walk.

Merlin is a 502-year-old wizard who loves performing magic—but sometimes, things don’t go exactly as planned. Accompanied by “Smog,” a wise-cracking baby dragon who can do a little magic too, Merlin and his sidekick never fail to amaze and amuse kids of all ages (yes, adults love it too!). Merlin is actually Bruce Hunt, a comedy magician born and raised in East Vancouver, who has called Surrey home for many years. 

Ash Bubbles is a captivating bubble performer who transforms the art of bubble manipulation into enchanting visual experiences. With a passion for spreading joy, she creates mesmerizing displays of giant bubbles and intricate sculptures that delight audiences of all ages.

Coast to Coast delivers a powerful and authentic ’80s rock concert experience — a must-see for fans of high-energy live shows. Hailing from Surrey, Coast to Coast has quickly become one of Canada’s top tribute bands, gaining fans around the world through their performance videos on YouTube. 

Dumpsta Dragons is a unique Asian duo that has performed hundreds of shows for children throughout B.C. and Saskatchewan. Alcvin Ramos is a recognized grand master of the Japanese shakuhachi and has also trained extensively on the didgeridoo with Aboriginal masters in Australia. 

His | Hers is a husband-and-wife musical duo blending jazz, folk, acoustic, and African influences into a rich, soulful sound.

From the West Coast of British Columbia, Jocelyn Pettit is a vibrant, award-winning fiddle player, stepdancer, and singer of Scottish, Irish, French, and Malaysian heritage. With uplifting energy and an engaging stage presence, Jocelyn weaves the Celtic and folk traditions of her roots into her music.

John Welsh & Los Valientes deliver an irresistible blend of Latin and folk rhythms that get crowds dancing and spirits soaring. Known for their high-energy shows and multicultural sound, the band brings together infectious melodies, heartfelt lyrics, and a global message of unity and joy.

Le Plaisir means pleasure in French. The name truly reflects the group's passion and dedication to bringing out the “Truth, Virtue, and Beauty of Life” through their performances.

Matt Cook-Contois is a singer and multi-instrumentalist from Misipawistik Cree Nation in northern Manitoba. He began his music career as a traditional fiddle player, competing in contests across Western Canada, before transitioning to playing in indie bands and cover bands in Vancouver.

As a singer, fiddle player, and guitarist, Matt performs in a variety of projects, but his main focus is his alternative rock band, Eagle Ex Machina.

Watch as cultural pavilion organizers march from the ML Emporio Celebration Stage to the Concord Pacific World Music Stage together.

Pasión Venezuela Dancing Group was created in March 2024 by a group of Venezuelans who are deeply passionate and proud of their culture and traditional dances.

The group’s main purpose is to showcase the rich variety of Venezuelan dance styles and rhythms through performances at cultural festivals and special events.

R.E.D. (Road Engine Dreams) is an Indigenous rock band with deep roots and a raw sound. We write original music that tells stories shaped by dreams, memories, and lived experience. Our songs come from the road behind us—and the one we're still on—driven by a sound that doesn’t back down.