FREE during Fringe

Artist Spotlight: Donita Large & The Small Band

Donita Large is a powerful, multi-genre Cree singer-songwriter renowned for her soul-stirring vocals that send shivers down your spine. From sultry blues, to world rock with pow-wow-esque chants, to the Moose Mountain country sounds she grew up with, be prepared to be taken on an auditory ride of heart, mind, body and spirit. Donita takes the stage with her electrifying ensemble, Donita Large & The Small Band, delivering an unforgettable live experience. At this year’s festival, she’ll be debuting brand-new music from her highly anticipated album, The Ancestors — a tribute to healing and the power of Indigenous narratives through song. This opening night concert is supported by Alberta Counsel.

Opening Ceremonies: Aug 14 (Thu) @ 7:00PM

Artist Spotlight: Declan O’Donovan

Presented by Music Yukon, supported by Air North, Yukon’s Airline, FACTOR, and the Government of Yukon.

The musical space and fluctuation of Declan O’Donovan’s sound is reflected by the wild and untouched backdrop of his home in the Yukon Territory. Within the first bars of hearing Declan play, the transcendent connection between music and emotion is ignited…The baroque psychedelia of O’Donovan’s piano and the raw poetic rhythm of his voice is soul-stirring. 

Aug 15 (Fri) @ 9:00PM

Artist Spotlight: Bad Buddy

Tight-as-can-be three-part harmonic explosions wrapped in a gritty, primal, snarling exterior, Bad Buddy (Edmonton, Alberta) is what Clash Magazine (UK) describes as “… pack(ing) a colossal amount of information into concise, quicksilver pop songs. Merging the pathways between punk rama-lama and three-part doo-wop harmonies, they’re a quite outstanding bunch of musicians. But it’s more than mere technical chops – at their core, Bad Buddy are fascinated with the pop song as an artefact, resulting in the kind of dizzying fare The Lemon Twigs, say, would sell a kidney to master.” Picture The Shirelles meets The Ramones meets Queen.  

Bandmates Andi Vissia, Geoffrey Hamdon-O’Brien, Chloe Yakymyshyn, and Emily Bachynski are “a perfectly calibrated chaos machine”,  according to DORK Magazine (UK).  “Their three-part harmonies detonate with mathematical precision while maintaining the raw, primal energy of a punk show at its peak. This is what happens when exceptional songwriting collides with Motown-meets-surf-punk aesthetics, creating feminist anthems that feel both vintage and visceral.” 

Aug 15 (Fri) @ 10:00PM

Artist Spotlight: Ryan O’Neil

Presented by Music Yukon, and supported by Air North, Yukon’s Airline, FACTOR, and the Government of Yukon. 

Ryan-O’Neil has a history of switching things up, making the music that speaks to him when it does. From his early days as an emcee, to picking up the guitar and fronting an indie rock band, to his pandemic inspired beatmaking phase, Ryan-O’Neil enjoys making music that makes listeners think and move. 

Rooted in all things rhythm, Ryan’s music is bass heavy with knocking drums. His lyrics inspire listeners to find joy and gratitude in their lives, to share that, as well as to fight against injustice as we see it. 

After living and creating music in NYC for 30 years, in July 2025 Ryan-O’Neil relocated to Whitehorse, YT with his Yukon wife Jeni, their cat Danger and their recently deceased dog Huxley (RIP). 

Aug 16 (Sat) @ 9:00PM

Artist Spotlight: HAIDEE

Hailing from a small town in the Philippines, HAIDEE’s passion for music started in karaoke, singing contests, & Sunday worship services. At 16, she embarked on a life-changing journey to reunite with her mother in Edmonton, Canada, where music became her constant companion in an otherwise unfamiliar environment. Driven by a deep sense of representation as a woman of color, HAIDEE strives to empower her listeners with her music, sparking meaningful conversations and making them feel seen. Praised by blog reviewers such as Billboard Canada, Purple Pop and The Indie Source for her “heartfelt songwriting” and “emotive vocals,” HAIDEE crafts pop music that resonates on a profound level.

Her ability to arrange melodic themes, lush harmonies & vocal prowess takes after artist and vocal producer Ariana Grande and other influences such as Whitney Houston, Jessie J, Taya Smith, & Miley Cyrus shaped her into becoming a captivating live performer. HAIDEE quickly became a household name in Alberta’s music scene, gracing major venues like the Starlite Room and The King Eddy, festivals such as JUNOFest, Canadian Music Week, SkirtsAfire, All Is Bright Winter Festival, Taste Of Edmonton and Calgary’s Lilac Festival and Blue Jay Sessions. HAIDEE’s independent releases have garnered attention from radio stations like CKUA, CJSR, & she became CBC Radio One’s featured artist for the 2022 holiday special “Make The Season Kind”, The Provincial Playlist, The Key Of A, and on Telus Story Hive’s Dirt City Songbook series.

Critics predict a bright future for HAIDEE, recognizing her award-winning (Edmonton Music Prize 2024) debut album “This Shouldn’t Be Typical” as a testament to her talent and potential for a lasting career in the music industry. With her unwavering passion and distinctive sound, HAIDEE continues to leave a mark as a promising pop sensation. 

 Aug 16 (Sat) @ 10:00PM

Artist Spotlight: Hendrika

Presented by Music Yukon, and supported by Air North, Yukon’s Airline, FACTOR, and the Government of Yukon.

Hendrika’s effusive, powerful performance style melds genres effortlessly. Her love of many genres has led to a versatile and unique collection of original material that pushes the boundaries of modern music – intricate melodies with grounding folk roots, classic rock riffs and soaring vocals will leave you absolutely captivated. Her magnetic new EP I Can’t Remember has been toured across Canada at festivals and stages such as Breakout West 2024, NXNE , and Folk on the Rocks. Her song “You’ve Got Gold” was included in CBC’s top 100 Canadian songs of 2024 and she was also one of Exclaim!’s Emerging Canadian Artists You Need to Hear in 2024. 

Aug 17 (Sun) @ 9:00PM

Artist Spotlight: Nkwali

Born Nomathamsanqa Treatie Mkwananzi in the city of Bulawayo, Zimbabwe’s melting pot of arts and culture, the multi-talented Noma fell in love with the Arts at a tender age. A proven singer, dancer, actress and composer par excellence who is set for greater heights started performing at the age of seven. And as a sign of what was to come, her first major role at the age of seven was as an extra in the movie Power of One, starring iconic Hollywood actor Morgan Freeman and Zimbabwe’s Alois Moyo, and from there she never looked back. 

At 19 (2002) she went to a school of arts where she learnt more about performing Arts and later that year she toured UK with Zimbabwe’s number one poet Albert Nyathi and Imbongi, performing in festivals like WOMAD and Africa Oye, among others. Noma’s journey continued as she toured Europe in years to come, this time with a Theatre Production at festivals like Zrada, Fringe, Afrika Tage, Kasumama, and Shakespeare until 2006 when she auditioned for Mother Africa Circus. She continued to tour the world, performing in Australia, US, Germany, Singapore, Philippines, Germany, Austria (just to name a few) with Mother Africa Circus from 2006 until 2015 as the lead singer and dancer and during that time she met world renowned musician Dolly Parton who happens to be one of her idols who encouraged her to keep going as she was impressed by her performances. In November 2015 she went solo under the name NKWALI, performing her own compositions and covers by different artists and also launched her first acapella album titled Sithokozile.

With this album she holds a Zimbabwe Music Award (ZIMA) for best Acapella album in 2016. She has gone on to promote the album performing live in Austria, Germany, Tanzania, Czech Republic and Canada performing at festivals like Afrika Tage Vienna, Kasumama Tubingen Africa fest, Voice mania and many others. Nkwali has performed in various corporate functions and weddings both in Europe and Africa. She has also worked in the blockbuster concert Hollywood in Vienna in 2017 and 2018. 

Aug 17 (Sun) @ 10:00PM

Artist Spotlight: John from Dawson

Presented by Music Yukon, and supported by Air North, Yukon’s Airline, FACTOR, and the Government of Yukon.

John from Dawson is an artist from the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in Traditional Territory, Dawson City. John is a passionate Hip Hop, Boom Bap, Rap performer. John is known for his original work, high energy, and audience engaged performances. In addition to many other smaller venues, John has performed at Keno Music Festival, Dawson City Music Festival, Arts in the Park and Round Back Whitehorse. John has opened for many respected Canadian artists including Haviah Mighty, Drezus, Def 3, Super Duty Tough Work, Snak the Ripper, and Our Lady Peace. 

Aug 18 (Mon) @ 5:00PM

Artist Spotlight: Caleb Tomlinson & The Perseids

Presented by Music Yukon, and supported by Air North, Yukon’s Airline, FACTOR, and the Government of Yukon.

Caleb Tomlinson and the Perseids perform beautifully crafted and lyrically driven indie folk music. Based in Whitehorse, Yukon, their haunting harmonies and textured strings weave rich stories through the seasons and landscapes of the north and the west coast. While their songs are distinctly rooted in place, they connect with a broad audience with universal themes and an irreverent live performance. While creating a sound all their own, you’ll hear echoes of Jason Molina and John K. Samson. 

Aug 19 (Tue) @ 5:00pm

Artist Spotlight: Electric Lemonade

Presented by Music Yukon, and supported by Air North, Yukon’s Airline, FACTOR, and the Government of Yukon.

Electric Lemonade are a grungy fuzz rock power trio from Whitehorse, Yukon. Blending nostalgia with fresh, modern sounds, their live performances swell with raucous garage rock energy paired with killer vocals, huge guitars, and syncopated groove.

Aug 20 (Wed) @ 5:00PM

Artist Spotlight: Ben Sures

Ben Sures is a guitar player who tells great stories in song. A natural performer with an instinct for humour and storytelling. Ben Sures writes songs about everything from imaginary rayguns to sandwiches prepared for him by his father when he was a child visiting on weekends. Sures is immersed in the history of roots music, the old traditions informing this contemporary songwriter’s music. His most recent album ‘The Story That Lived Here’ was number one for consecutive weeks on the CKUA radio chart and was in the top ten of the national college charts in Canada. 

Sures is a winner of numerous international songwriting contests. He has performed across Canada, in Beirut, Lebanon and Puerto Vallarta Mexico. Ben Sures is also the author of the children’s book ‘The Boy Who Walked Backwards published by The Manitoba First Nations Education Resource Centre. 

Aug 21 (Thu) @ 9:00PM

Artist Spotlight: Kaeley Jade

Under the sweeping gaze of Edmonton’s prairie skies, Métis artist Kaeley Jade has carved out a space where art and soul converge. Her vibrant debut full-length album, Turpentine, has earned her significant recognition as a singer/songwriter in the Canadian music scene with accolades that include a Canadian Folk Music Award, Western Canadian Music Award Nomination, and Summer Solstice Indigenous Music Award. Her music has received radio play across the globe (including CBC, Sirius XM, and a #1 on the charts of the Indigenous Music Countdown), has been reviewed by publications worldwide, and has been featured in several film and television productions, including Warrior Up! and Hockey Night in Canada.  

Blending folk, pop and indie rock, Kaeley’s lush imagery, stunning vocals, and electric stage presence have enthralled listeners at hundreds of venues and festivals across Canada, including the Edmonton Folk Music Festival, JUNOfest, International Indigenous Music Summit, and Canmore Folk Music Festival. Kaeley proudly wears her heart on her sleeve whether she is performing an intimate acoustic set or tearing it up alongside her full band (Gabriel Gagnon on guitar/vocals, Katie Demuynck on piano/vocals, Kelsey Wood on electric bass/vocals, and Jordan Poirier on drums/vocals). 

Alongside her career as a singer/songwriter, Kaeley’s artistic pursuits also extend to the theatre, film and visual arts ecosystems; her multifaceted artistic journey has been significantly shaped by a hunger to continually build her knowledge and skills, which is reflected in her formal education by way of a BFA in Acting from the University of Alberta, and through her participation in a range of programs and residencies, including the National Music Centre OHSOTO’KINO Music Incubator, MDM Recordings’ Henry Armstrong Award, and Citadel Theatre RBC Horizon Emerging Artists Program. A self-described multidisciplinary artist, Kaeley’s innate curiosity and creativity create many opportunities for her to weave her disciplines together. Most notably, her work on Two-Headed/Half-Hearted, an 18-song country-folk musical that premiered at Northern Light Theatre in 2022, showcased her talents as a composer, sound designer and actor while delving into themes of sisterhood, family, and identity.  

As she prepares to unleash a new chapter of music, Kaeley invites her listeners to embrace change, find strength in vulnerability, and love fiercely. 

Aug 21 (Thu) @ 10:00PM

Artist Spotlight: Aladean Kheroufi

Equal parts balladeer, crooner, and pop star, Aladean Kheroufi is a multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, arranger, producer, and DJ. A Canadian by way of Algeria, he writes songs that are idiosyncratic, soulful, and devastating, with optimism that turns heartbreak into melancholic party anthems. Check out his 2024 release Studies In A Dying Love for a taste of his pop-forward sensibilities. 

Aug 22 (Fri) @ 9:00PM

Artist Spotlight: Kuzi Cee

Kuzi Cee brings a unique, emotional, and energetic mix of R&B, Afrobeats and Hip Hop. Kuzi’s dynamic singing voice and ability to seamlessly transition into rap verses give him the ability to perform songs that blend genres. With over 4 years of performance experience, Kuzi’s live show has evolved into a production that pumps energy and life into the room. In the past 2 years, Kuzi has shared the stage with Mario, Tyga, Big Sean, Ludacris, Flo Rida, Polo G, Roy Woods, and Boslen. Kuzi is also an accomplished professional singer landing gigs singing at the Grandstand Show at the Calgary Stampede and back-up for Micheal Buble, and Jessie Reyez. 

Aug 22 (Fri) @ 10:00PM

Artist Spotlight: Tzadeka

Tzadeka makes music that is unpredictable, clever and magnetic. Female-fronted, Experimental Prairie Hip hop/Soul spoken word that’s fresh-as-hell! 

Tzadeka (Maigan van der Giessen), is an Edmonton based emcee who has been pushing the boundaries of hip hop music since putting out her first album with hip hop collective Eshod ibn Wyza back in 2003. Maigan’s spicy vocals and intricate rhymes blend with masterful beat-making to create a sound that is distinct and fresh; with hints of jazz, soul, poetry and politics. This year, Tzadeka is backed by talented live instrumentalists the Murder Hornettes: Kirsten Elliot (flute) and Allison Ochoa (baritone sax). 

Aug 23 (Sat) @ 9:00PM

Artist Spotlight: Mercy Funk

Mercy Funk is known for their familiar yet fresh sound. Combining pop, R&B, soul, and funk influences, the band always guarantees a good time for fans of all ages. MF has had the pleasure of performing at multiple festivals including Taste of Edmonton, North Country Fair, and the Salmon Arm Roots and Blues Festival. This year the band looks forward to debuting brand new material! 

Aug 23 (Sat) @ 10:00PM