Raven & the Duke with String Fever

RAVEN AND THE DUKE play an eclectic mix of acoustic songs and globally inspired instrumentals that inspire the soul and move your heart. Singer/songwriter guitarist Brian Denhertog has long travelled the road of Canadiana, folk, and country blues. Along the way he has been a carpenter, high school shop teacher, carver and jeweller. He has recorded 4 CD's of originals and is noted for his fingerstyle guitar playing and thoughtful lyrics. Jill Russell plays flutes, sax and piano. Her musical life has included playing flamenco, brazilian, Irish, jazz and pop/folk music. Music is her first language and she always has something fresh, surprising and beautiful to say. Maninho Costa is a highly respected Brazilian percussionist and maestro origially from Rio de Janeiro, now living in Qualicum Beach. He is internationally celebrated for sharing traditional Afro-Brazilian rhythms through performances, workshops and community building events. STRING FEVER is a dynamic string ensemble that performs a diversity of acoustic music that includes songs from the American Songbook, plus Gypsy Jazz, Celtic, and French traditions. Featuring veteran musicians Tom Neville on violin, Alan Medcalf on guitar, Michael Anderson on vocals & guitar, and Drake Shoemaker on double bass, this talented ensemble captivates audiences with their infectious energy and melodic inventiveness. Based in Nanaimo, String Fever has performed for the Nanaimo International Jazz Festival, Knox United Church (Parksville), The Georgia Strait Jazz Society, St. Andrew's Lodge, City of Nanaimo Concerts in the Park, Oceanside Folk/Roots Club, Quadwrangle Music's Jazz Series, Nanaimo Family Fun Day, and the Cobble Hill Fair. With a wealth of experience as seasoned performers, String Fever combines technical mastery with a repertoire encompassing many eras and countries, reflecting their wide spectrum of influences and musical styles. TOM NEVILLE is veteran violinist and in-demand feature performer, Tom is fluent in a wide variety of musical idioms and has an extensive resume. Some career highlights include performing with Danny Kaye and the Peking Pops Orchestra at Expo 86, a command performance for the Duke and Duchess of Kent at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa (with Joelle Rabu), and appearing with James Kellaghan, both on his Juno Award-winning album "A Recent Future" and in concert. Tom has recorded his own solo CD, "Highly Strung," which is a collection of original and traditional material featuring many of the finest musicians from B.C. and Canada. Previously a member of the Paperboys and Tiller's Folly, he has also performed with prominent Canadian musicians Willie P. Bennett, Paul Pigat, David Sinclair, and Keith Bennett. MICHAEL ANDERSON is a multi-instrumentalist, composer and String Fever's principal vocalist. He studied music at Wilfrid Laurier University for five years and has been mentored by some of Canada's most recognized musicians, including Adrean Farrugia and Don Ross. Michael has performed at the Orpheum Theatre (Vancouver), the Roy Thompson Hall (Toronto) and several of Canada's top jazz clubs. ALAN MEDCALF is a life-long professional musician, Alan's performance credits include country artist Patricia Conroy, Canadian folk icon Valdy, Tex-Mex legend Freddy Fender, drummer John Densmore (Doors) and Juno Award-winning jazz musician Hugh Fraser. Along the way Al has played at over 100 major festivals, fairs, exhibitions and theatres in Western Canada. He has also performed with quite a variety of tribute acts, covering everything from Johnny Cash, Alan Jackson and Waylon Jennings to CCR, Bonnie Raitt, and the Allman Brothers Band. Al has taught at Arbutus Music for over two decades and is proud that a number of Nanaimo's younger professional musicians are his former students. DRAKE SHOEMAKER is one of Vancouver Island's most sought-after bassists. A graduate of VIU's jazz program, he has performed alongside some of western Canada's most acclaimed jazz artists including Phil Dwyer, Brad Turner, Chris Davis, Cole Ashley, Brent Jarvis, Cayleigh Borsboom, and John Lee. Passionate about sharing music with the next generation, Drake is a dedicated music educator, teaching high school band and directing student ensembles throughout the region. He brings genuine enthusiasm to every performance, always grounded in hard-swinging, rock solid accompaniment.