Mike Essoudry’s Mash Potato Mashers are a unique 9 piece parade style band from Ottawa. The band’s all original repertoire draws on dancing and parade traditions from around the world. Balkan, Klezmer, Brazilian, New Orleans Funk traditions and a bit of old country hollers are all represented. 2 drummers, 7 horn players, a megaphone, and a bit of punk delivery and you have a mobile dance party that grooves.
Mike Dubue of the Hilotrons says that the Mashers are “the coolest band in Ottawa.”
Damian Sawka of Ukrainia says “These guys will blow your mind.”
Mike Essoudry’s Mash Potato Mashers. You’ll dance, you’ll laugh, you’ll cry,  you’ll … you’ll …. you’ll just have to come and see for yourself!

To learn more about Mike Essoudry’s Mashed Potato Mashers, visit this website.

Emerging Artist Award winner 2011!

From an early age growing up in the farming community of Ennismore, ON, Melissa Payne’s life was formed around music.  From her grandparents’ fiddle-loving east coast roots, through her early music lessons from the internationally acclaimed Leahy family, it was in her genetic code to love music.

After teaching herself to play a full range of styles on the guitar, Melissa began writing her own music and experimenting with her sound.  From there, her confidence began to grow to the point where she became comfortable performing her new material for her family and friends. Word quickly spread of her talents and beautiful voice, and it wasn’t long before she became a staple of the Peterborough music scene.

Melissa has just released her debut album called “Take MY Heart” an impressive 10 song release garnering attention for both her songwriting and beautiful vocals. Co-produced by James McKenty (himself the 2002 Emerging Artist Award winner), the record also features guest appearances from the likes of Natalie MacMaster on fiddle and memorable tracks from cello prodigy Nathaniel Smith.

To learn more about Melissa Payne, visit this website.

Sarah Loucks has been blessed with nothing but open doors.  With a vast background of classical piano, dance and theatre training, the stage is her second home.  Through her stage experience, artistic influences and her innate need to communicate artistically, Sarah has found herself a niche as a singer-songwriter.
As a songwriter, Sarah hands us tangible evidence that she has the talent to sustain her efforts and ambitions.  As a singer, Sarah’s rich vocal ability will lead you to believe that she is well-seasoned beyond her years.
Originally from Peterborough, Ontario, Loucks has spent time in various parts of Canada studying the art of performing and the craft of songwriting.  For the past couple of years, Loucks traveled back and forth from Toronto to record at S.O.S. Studios in Peterborough and Bathouse Recording Studios in Bath, ON.   Sarah has just recently released her first full length album, “Keep What You Keep”.  The songs are a manifestation of her integrity, morals, passion and observations.

To learn more about Sarah Loucks, visit her website.