Robert McCourty

Scottish born, Robert moved to Canada at an early age. He came to Vancouver Island in the late '60's for the first time and in the late '80's to stay. Exposed to different genres of music growing up via numerous family Ceilidh's, he claims it was "The Beatles," that started it all. Also leaning towards the folk scene in Toronto at the River Boat, and the Music coming out of Greenwich Village, got him through the '60's! Robert spent the 70's in Red Deer Alberta, founded a Coffeehouse, took multi-track recording engineer courses, and started doing sound for folk and country festivals throughout the land. Influences include: Dylan, Neil Young, Tom Waits, Bap Kennedy, Fred Eaglesmith, John Prine, Joni, Van and the list goes on. A fair-decent songwriter himself, Robert would someday like to shop his songs to other musicians and also record a CD of his original tunes. Quote: "Being able to share music with others is such a great gift." Instruments played: Vocals, acoustic six string guitar, bass guitar, electric guitar, mandolin, harmonica and official conductor's railroad whistle.

Brian Fraser

Born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan and raised in Ontario, Brian made his way to B.C. and began playing guitar in the late "70's. He has recently picked up the mandolin and continues to hone his songwriting and harmonizing skills. His early influences include Steely Dan and the Beach Boys followed later by Bonnie Raitt and Annie Lennox. Brian's musical journey began around the campfire as a boy. Quote: "I remember thinking how wonderful it would be to be able to make music, but was mystified at how that would ever come about. I watched as my younger sister, inspired by Joni Mitchell, dropped her piano lessons and began writing and playing on her own. Now it's my turn." Brian's own music is a mix of folk and blues. As a founding member of the Victoria-based "Special Blend", he is thankful for his musical friends and looks forward to continuing his own mystical, musical, journey. Instruments played: Vocals, acoustic six string guitar, resonator (dobro) guitar, mandolin and full three holed train whistle. (none of those fake two holers 'round here.)

Philip Holmes
Raised in Montreal, Philip often sat on drummer Dad's knee as jazz filled the house in the '50 & '60's. During high school, Philip was into the folk scene, playingmics at the Yellow Door and Back Door, Coffeehouses. He toured Ontario, Quebec and the northern U.S as part of a folk duo during the '70's. His musical influences include: Crosby Stills Nash and Young, Phil Ochs and Jesse Winchester. After Art School he moved to northern B.C. and became a founding member of the Prince Rupert Coffeehouse. Times goes by, with convoluted moves around the country and the raising of family, music was put on hold. (for a bit) Finally with the "last move" to the Cowichan Valley in B.C., in '92, music is back on the agenda. Big-time! Ever questing for the upside of the learning curve, Philip bought himself a banjo and music became fun again! Instruments played: Vocals, acoustic six and twelve string guitar, banjo, autoharp, chicken egg shaker and banjo. Did we mention Banjo?
Lawrence Lucier
Born in England and coming to Canada as a young lad in the late '60's, Lawrence fully admits that playing his guitar was a great way to "pick up the birds". He was influenced by all styles of music, but earliest memories are the "British Invasion." Lawrence wants to take his music ever onward, making great music with others as well as a solo artist. Goal: "To enjoy the hell out of the whole experience." aside: Lawrence is pretty talkative for a bass player. Instruments played: Vocals, acoustic six and twelve string guitar, bass guitar, slide guitar, 'lectric guitar, pedals and gadgets too numerous to mention, various percussive devices, kazoo and steel garden shovel. (as required)