The Festival House Band

The Festival House Band contains what might be sheepishly described as an embarrassment of talent. The collection of musicians, assembled to back headline artists travelling without a band, is capable of performing anywhere they choose, and many of them have fronted their own bands. Part of their success comes from experience. Amos Garrett has played with the best of the best. His guitar has graced more than a few hit albums, and he's toured with a stellar collection of performers, such as Paul Butterfield, Stevie Wonder, Bonnie Raitt, Long John Baldry, Emmylou Harris and Maria Muldaur. Rusty Reed has long been one of Alberta's premier harmonica players. He comprises a third of Triple Threat, and he's led his own band and performed with such blues greats as Sunnyland Slim, Yank Rachell, Spencer Davis, Otis Rush, Long John Baldry and many more. Over the past 15 years, Dave Babcock has earned a solid reputation as one of Edmonton's finest musicians. A first-rate saxophonist and session man, Dave has played and recorded with blues legends Albert Collins, Taj Mahal, Jay McShann and Duke Robillard, as well as Canadian artists Long John Baldry and Colin James. He is currently leading the Gulf-Coast-style group Fat Tuesday and a '60s retro act, The Kit Kat Club, and fronts his own swingin' solo project. Ron Casat makes the trip to Edmonton from Calgary and brings his keyboards with him. He's a singer-songwriter in his own right, and he's also a member of the EH Team and the swing-jazz band- the Cold Club of Canada. Kit Johnson's bass has helped anchor the Festival House Band for more than a few years. A singer-songwriter, he co-wrote Lover of Mine, Alannah Myles' 1992 hit single, which also won SOCAN's Canadian Song of the Year. He's toured with Chris de Burgh, David Wilcox and Murray McLauchlan. Occasionally, the Great Spirit grants an individual the opportunity to reincarnate without actually dying. Such is the case with Michelle Josef. She is the present-day incarnation of drummer Bohdan Hluszko, who gave up his identity in September 1997. To many she is both a newcomer and an old friend. The name and form may have changed, but the sparkle in the eye, the bite in the humor and the passion in the playing will be familiar. Celebrating her 25th year of musicianship, Michelle brings a wealth of playing experience (with the likes of Etta James, David Wilcox, Sharon, Lois & Bram, Wild Strawberries, Jann Arden, and Prairie Oyster), as well as a unique life perspective.