Will Matthews will be entertaining at the Crowsnest Pub. Will grew up with a guitar in his hand. Influences range from Metallica to Wilf Carter – but who would listen to that mash-up? So, he creates the rough edges he needs while keeping things within a rootsy-rock-folk space that allows his music to connect with a wide variety of people.

     Raised in the Great Lakes Region of Ontario, Will was influenced by water, shorelines and endless horizons. His musical tastes were developed beside campfires and on sunny sandy beaches. You see a lot of life at the beach, and a lot of other stuff in the general area of a campfire. So many stories... and he does like to talk a little bit about the life behind his songs. For example, the song ‘Miss Harriston’ is about a friend who was a small town beauty queen heartbreaker and who is now all grown up with three kids and spends her time at motocross tracks. When she has a few drinks she puts on her prom dress, her sash and tiara and dances around. True story.

     Will has no axe to grind, no political agenda. However, the themes of freedom, defiance, and personal choice do wind through his songs. He believes everyone should be free to experience true love, a broken heart, a dysfuntional family, and their own dreams – and he should be free to sing about them in either a serious or humorous way. www.willmatthewsmusic.com

For his 16th performance in a row, the Crowsnest is pleased to welcome back none other than Canada's own VALDY. Remembered for Play Me a Rock and Roll Song, his bitter-sweet memory of finding himself, a relaxed and amiable story-teller, facing a rambunctious audience at the Aldergrove Rock Festival circa 1968, Valdy has sold almost half a million copies of his 13 albums, has two Juno Awards (Folk Singer of the Year and Folk Entertainer of the Year), a total of seven Juno nominations and four Gold albums to his credit. Come early... stay late... and go on one of the most incredible journey's with one of Cananda's best folk artist. www.valdy.com

Toast & Jam, formed in late 2002, they have been working everything from pubs, clubs, festivals, weddings, and anything in between. Based out of Chatham-Kent, Ontario, they have taken advantage of performing in all types of places to gain a strong repertoire of music, as well as building an audience following. Their concept is simple: play what people want to hear!

     Over the last 7 years, they take suggestions from our audience, and developed a show that can cater to any and all ages! Working between London and Windsor, and into some American states, and have learned the concept of giving the crowd what they want!

     Their first goal was to develop our own unique musical group. First off, doing a duet can seem limiting, but not when you open your mind to creating something in your own style. Mike (vocals, guitar) uses great tone and strong rhythm on his acoustic 6 string, with a sound and style that gives the feel of a bass guitar too. Mark (percussion, vocals) designed his own stand-up, one of a kind, percussive drum kit, which adds an original look and sound to the music. Mix that together with strong harmonies, diverse song selection, and of course 2 professional minds… and I give you TOAST & JAM! www.toastandjam.ca

Will Matthews is back for one more performance for your listening pleasure.

Mark Kuntsi, the lead singer of HoneyThroat will be doing a solo performance of his mix of punk, rock and roll, folk blues and original tunes. Mark is also known as Sir Rubberface. With ancestral roots in the heart of Scandinavia's mysterious Karelia region, Sir Rubberface comes by his exraordinary powers of facial maliability honestly with a rich family history in the “re-plastic plastics”. Sadly, there was never much in the way of industrial use to be made of the skill, and soon the family estate fell into disrepair beginning in the late 19th century. Further decay was hastened by a series of alternating raids on the once magnificent “Rubberface Castle” by Baron Fetizov and Greve Johansson between 1856 and 1901 that left a few bricks sitting atop one another, and little else. Attempts to re-locate what remains of the family fortune have been mired in a decades-long legisla­tive battle.

     Rubberface Ruins – Centuries of neglect and pill­ag­ing have rendered the once opulent castle unin­habi­table. www.honeythroat.com/about sir rubberface.html

If you like the blues, be here for the show of a lifetime... CARLOS DEL JUNCO... is back for his 7th year at the Crowsnest... this year accompanied by pop and jazz guitarist Mark Sepic. Carlos is one of the top 10 harmonica players in the world, named Harmonica Player of the Year SEVEN times between 1997 & 2010 by the Canadian Maple Blues Award’s, in their fourteen year history, and we are thrilled that he includes the Crowsnest in his list of great spots to play!!! www.carlosdeljunco.com

And on the same bill...

Mark Sepic has been teaching and performing since 1980. A devout guitarist and composer, he has performed and collaborated in settings ranging from modern dance and theatre to numerous pop and jazz recordings and broadcasts. His ensembles have appeared regularly on nightclub and festival stages, including twelve consecutive years at the Toronto Downtown Jazz Festival, while his solo shows and special projects have taken him as far as Germany, Cuba and Singapore. As an arts educator, Mark has distilled his rich and diverse experience into an integrated arts program, which has introduced countless students and teachers to the irresistible joys of music. His two self-produced CD’s, “El Vaco” and “Blue Mantra” are airing nationally on CBC radio and Jazz FM, and regionally on numerous world music programs. Mark earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts/Music from York University and continues to study, travel and compose. www.marksepic.com