Bruce Ley - Piano/Guitars/Arranger

Bruce Ley was born in Hamilton where he started his first band, The Pharoah's and later joined The Rising Sons, and The Brass Union. Bruce has enjoyed a career that spans 4 decades. Bruce worked for CBC Television for many years and was the piano player for The Tommy Hunter Show for 7 years, and for The Ronnie Prophet Show for 8 years. He worked with Don Everly, Chet Atkins, the 'real' Dolly Parton, and Brenda Lee, who coincidentally, was mentored years ago by Patsy Cline. As a writer, Bruce wrote music for the children's TV shows Sesame Street, and Polka Dot Door, among others. He has also written scores for many television dramas and was nominated for a Gemini for best dramatic score. He scored "The Painted Door", a film that was nominated for an Academy Award. He has made his mark in the blues field, as lead guitarist and singer in the Trouble and Strife Blues Band. Their debut cd won the award for best blues record of the year (Indie Awards 2007). Bruce formed The Bruce Ley Trio along with our bass player Bob Hewus and Leo Pilon on drums. An avid painter, Bruce was recently chosen to display his work at Curiosity House Gallery's Emerging Artist Exhibit, and will exhibit in a number of galleries this year. Bruce lives in the hills of Mulmur and was recently musical director for Theatre Orangeville's production of 18 Wheels and Mesa.
For more info: www.bruceleystudios.com

Brant Garratt - Guitar/Lead Vocals

Based in Toronto Ontario, Brant Garratt is a multi-instrumentalist and singer with a passion for the acoustic guitar. About 4 years ago, while studying Jazz Performance at Humber College, Brant went through a musical paradigm shift when he discovered the magic of Bluegrass and acoustic Folk music. Perhaps reminded of his early childhood exposure to traditional east-coast fiddle music, and the songs of Canadian folk legends like Gordon Lightfoot, Joni Mitchell, and Stan Rogers, Brant has gone back to his acoustic roots. He performs solo acoustic arrangements of classic American and Canadian Folk and Country music in a style known as “Flatpicking”. Brant has spent the last 8 Years as a career freelance musician and part-time music educator in the GTA and surrounding regions, working for a wide variety of artists across many musical forums.

Jack Gaughan - Guitars/Banjo/Lead Vocals

Jack Gaughan is a guitarist and singer/songwriter originally from Muskoka, Ontario who first picked up the guitar at the tender age of nine years old and has fallen in love with it ever since. Jack's music draws a lot from the singer/songwriter traditions while also incorporating elements of his acoustic fingerstyle background to create a unique blend of singer/songwriter meets instrumental guitarist. Jack recently graduated from the Humber College Bachelor of Music program with honours and is currently pursuing music full time as a freelance guitarist, singer-songwriter, bandleader and producer. >

Don Reid - Drums, Lead Vocals

From Goose Bay Labrador to Los Angeles, Don has traveled much of North America starting in the early 80s as a professional musician. Don has worked with Orchestra London, Marie Botrell, Terri Sumsion, The Dublin Corporation, Pauly and the Goodfellas, Old Chicago's Blues Band and The Georgian Sound Big Band just to mention a few. Theatre credits include "Doo Wop to Motown", "Fire", "A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum", "Oliver!", "Memories of Hank Williams and Patsy Cline", "Whole Lot O Hoagy", "The Music Man', "The Wizard of Oz", the "Rat Pack", "Sweet Soul Music", "Cowboys and Outlaws", and "Blue Suede Shoes".
From the mid 80's to the mid 90's, Don was a partner in a music production company, Take Note Productions. He wrote and produced musical scores for video, radio and TV programs including "Teen Video", "Wedding Album" and "Muskoka Memories". When not on stage, Don teaches private music lessons and has served with the Georgian Triangle Music Teachers' Association for several years. He is also involved in the Healing Arts as a certified Reflexologist since 1996. Don is music director of the Trinity Band at St. Mary's church, (Collingwood), since 2004. He studied privately with Ass. Professor Bob Hughes (UWO) and also attended Music industry Arts (Fanshawe College, London). Don is currently studying privately with Steve Mancuso (Humber College).
As always Don thanks Marilyn, J.T. and Callum for their never ending support.

Nathan Smith - Fiddle/Mandolin/Guitar/Lead Vocals

Growing up in North Bay, Ontario, Nathan began playing classical violin at the age of six, all the while being steeped in Irish and Canadian fiddling. He left home to pursue a Bachelor of Music at the University of Ottawa. While studying and playing viola in the University's string quartet and the Ottawa Symphony Orchestra, Nathan was also drawn to playing and singing American bluegrass music. After finishing his degree, he recieved a less formal but equally formative education in bluegrass, touring internationally with Ontario band, Hard Ryde, and eventually settled in Toronto to study Jazz and Contemporary Music at Humber College. Soon after, he began singing and playing in his own innovative bluegrass band, The Barrel Boys, who recently released their debut album, Early On. A skilled and versatile performer, Nathan continues to play violin and viola in various orchestras around Ontario, writes and performs his own traditionally inspired original compositions, and performs as a sideman for artists around the big city.

Alex George - Fiddle/Mandolin

Alex George is a musician from the Ottawa area (Almonte), currently residing in Toronto. He performs in a wide variety of genres from jazz to country, classical to contemporary, and has entertained audiences of all ages in many different settings. Alex is the recipient of the Danny O'Connell Memorial Award, given for his role in advancing Ottawa Valley fiddle tradition, and has received similar recognition from the Niagara Old Tyme Fiddlers' Association. Alex has performed before federal Parliament, representing the next generation of fiddlers in support of the establishment of National Fiddling Day. He recently completed his Bachelor of Music Degree at Humber College, graduating with honours. Today, Alex performs with various artists in the GTA, works as a session musician, and arranges and records classical and contemporary violin parts for recording artists.

Al Braatz - Bass & Lead Vocals

Since 2012, Al (he/him) has performed on many professional stages. His debut was at York Theatre Royal in York, England where he originated the role of Mike in ‘The Guinea Pig Club’. Following he was cast as the title role in the pantomime ‘Aladdin and The Twankeys’. In 2014, he returned home to Canada bringing all the knowledge he learned across the pond. He has worked with theatre companies like Starvox Entertainment, Stage West Calgary, The Grand, and Drayton Entertainment. Along with North American Tours Al has performed on stages all across Canada and the U.S.A. After an impressive career in theatre, in 2019 Al decided to broaden his abilities and focus on TV and Film. He was cast as the leading role in the film ‘That is All’ directed by award-winning Mark Weeden and it went on to win best feature film in the Toronto Independent Film Festival in 2019. Al is a graduate of Sheridan College’s Musical Theatre Program receiving his diploma with honours. He was accepted to the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland’s Musical Theatre Program receiving his MA with distinction.

Junior Riggan - Bass/Lead Vocals

A versatile musician/singer, Junior has performed extensively with Drayton Entertainment: Peter Pan, Jack and the Beanstalk, and The Wizard of Oz (Pantos), The Crooner (2022), Rocky: The Musical, Hairspray, Rock of Ages, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Cinderella, Footloose, Little Shop of Horrors, Aladdin, Anne of Green Gables, A Closer Walk with Patsy Cline. Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy: Footloose, Legally Blonde – the Musical. Other Theatre: Jesus Christ Superstar (Theatre Sheridan); Mamma Mia!, Finding Black Joy (The Grand Theatre London); Yorkville: The Musical (Blyth Festival); Now and Forever, a diva spectacular …, 9 to 5: The Musical (St. Lawrence College); The River Rolls (New Hamburg); Sweet Dreams: The Music of Patsy Cline (Way-To-Go Productions). Junior has toured and recorded with many award-winning artists including Susan Aglukark, Beverley Mahood, Bobby Wills, Dawn Langstroth, The Toronto Mass Choir, and Ali Matthews. Junior says, “Musical theatre has quickly become my favorite form of artistry. Thank you to Leisa Way for this opportunity”.>

Mark Dunn - Bass/Lead Vocals

Mark Dunn was born into a musical family and started playing piano at age 3. He began playing saxophone professionally at age 14. He navigated his way through several instruments through the 1970’s before settling on bass in 1980. After finishing college he continued his studies with various artists in Montreal, New York, and of course, Toronto. He has performed at numerous jazz festivals in Toronto, Niagara, Eastern Ontario, and toured England, and the US at other local folk and rock festivals. He continues to perform at local clubs and restaurants in the GTA and surrounding areas.>

Fred Smith - Guitars/Banjo/Harmonica/Lead Vocals

Fred is a versatile musician and singer and is grateful everyday for the many opportunities in his satisfying career. For over 35 years Fred has been performing and has backed names including Del Shannon, Leslie Gore, Chuck Berry, The Drifters, Ben E. King, The Supremes, Sam Moore, Spencer Davis, The Platters, The Fifth Dimension, Peter Noone and The Mammas and the Papas... to name a few!

In the 80's, Fred started his recording studio in Kitchener, Ontario where he produces his own music, corporate voice-overs, commercial music, radio commercials, bands and singer-songwriters. He has had the pleasure of working with award winning actors in post-production for TV and film. Renowned actors such as Colm Feore, Christopher Plummer, Brian Dennehy, Cynthia Dale and Stephen McHattie have sure made things interesting in his studio. Closer to home, Fred recently performed for Drayton Entertainment in A Closer Walk With Patsy Cline, Twist and Shout: The British Invasion and Sorry...I'm Canadian

Bobby Prochaska - Bass/Piano/Lead Vocals

Bobby, a native of Toronto, had his life-long love for music fostered early studying voice and piano at The Royal Conservatory of Music. He picked up other instruments along the way, and has enjoyed a versatile career in show business. His own band, Silent C, released an album of original roots-pop-rock, Past Time. Along with arranging and producing, he has also performed with other acts, such as Hank Williams Live 1952, Selena Martin, Jim Clarke, Danny Williams and The Human Statues, and has appeared in concert with The Kitchener/Waterloo Symphony. Bobby has also worked as an actor in film and television, and his roles in theatre have taken him to Broadway and across Canada and The United States. Some theatre credits include: Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story, Crazy For You and Jolson (Mirvish Productions), Eighteen Wheels (Theatre Orangeville), Rock and Roll (Warrack Productions), and Blood Brothers (Drayton Entertainment). One memorable moment where his music and theatre careers collided found Bobby onstage as part of an all-star jam that featured Paul McCartney, Dave Edmunds, Ben E. King, The Crickets and members of The E Street Band.

Liam Collins - Guitar/Synth/Piano/Lead Vocals

Liam Collins is an actor and musician from Mississauga Ontario. While studying computer science at Queen's University, Liam was lucky enough to be part of several theatre productions, galvanizing his love for performance. Since graduating in early 2018, Liam has turned his focus to pursuing acting and music as a career. This talented young performer really knows how to take the stage and recently starred as James Bell in the Norm Foster comedy The Great Kooshog Lake Hollis McCauley Fishing Derby at the Cow Patti Theatre Company in Alberta. He has also worked many times at Upper Canada Playhouse. He is in the process of producing an original album to be released in 2020. Liam is positively elated to join Leisa and the band in entertaining you!

Aaron Solomon - Fiddle/Banjo/Mandolin/Guitars/Lead Vocals

Aaron is a world class musician and performer based in the Toronto area. Cape Breton born, his passion for music and fiery fiddling style took root at the age of two when he asked for his first fiddle. He has been wowing audiences ever since as an energetic singer, actor and multi-instrumentalist mastering an astonishing variety of styles having performed with diverse artists such as Shania Twain, Big Sugar, Jeff Healey, Jason McCoy, George Hamilton IV, Mac Wiseman and many others. He has also performed on over 300 recording sessions besides working as a record producer. Recently, his Celtic rock band, Coole Park released their first album, Water Journeys.
www.fiddleheadproductions.com and www.cooleparkmusic.com

Tyler Check - Guitars/Piano/Lead Vocals

Tyler is an actor, singer, musician, director, teacher, producer, and writer originally from Kingston Ontario. Previous theatre credits include: The Buddy Holly Story (Mayfield Dinner Theatre), Mamma Mia (Stage West), Canada 151 (Mayfield Dinner Theatre), Million Dollar Quartet (Stage West/Mayfield/Drayton Entertainment/Mirvish), All You Need is Love & Rock n Roll (RuBarb Productions), You’ll Get Used To It…The War Show!, . Kings & Queens of Country, Marathon of Hope (Drayton Entertainment), Forever Plaid (Starvox/Stirling Festival Theatre), Spamalot (Stephenville Theatre Festival). Tyler also works in Toronto as a writer and music producer. If he’s not doing one of those things, you will find him either playing or thinking about playing Dungeons & Dragons. Tyler would like to thank The Talent House, as well as his family, for their constant love and support.

Adam Koopmans - Guitars/Lead Vocals

Adam is a multi-instrumentalist, educator, and producer born in Guelph, ON. A graduate of The Berklee College of Music, he has a master’s in music education, and completed Somatic Voicework™ at Baldwin Wallace University. He has collaborated with musicians from Canadian bands such as The Arkells, Big Wreck, Chalk Circle, and The Campfire Poets. Adam’s talents have been praised by musicians such as Dave Immerman (Avril Lavigne) Jeanie LoVetri (Adele, Phish), Jennifer Batten (Michael Jackson), and Warren Huart (Aerosmith, Disturbed). Outside of music Adam enjoys sports, cooking, dogs, and a nice café or brewery.
For more info: www.adamkoopmans.com

Bob Hewus - Bass

A resident of the beautiful Hockley Valley, near Orangeville, Ontario, Bob has been playing bass on stage and in the orchestra pits of Toronto theatres for over 25 years. He has lived through over 50 professional productions, including 3 years in the original Canadian production of Forever Plaid. He has worked with some of Canada's finest musical directors, musicians and performers in shows like Closer Than Ever, Stan Rogers - A Matter of Heart, Company, and Leslie Arden - A Meeting of Minds.

Besides theatre work, he has recorded and performed with many jazz groups, Toronto area Big Bands and singer song-writers.

Doug Balfour - Piano, Lead Vocals

Doug Balfour is a versatile musician from Toronto who had performed across the country for more than forty years. He is skilled in many styles of music, from hard stomping boogie woogie, to swinging velvet jazz standards to Chopinesque classical interludes. Doug has worked extensively as a music director and arranger for such shows as Forever Plaid, Forever Swing, Pump Boys and Dinettes, and Ain’t Misbehaving. Keyboard credits include Sunset Blvd., Ragtime, and White Christmas. He also is an accomplished accompanist, working with singers like Karin Plato, Suzi Wesson, Michael Buble, and most recently Leisa Way. A veteran rock and roll player, Doug is still a member of Toronto’s legendary R and B band, Robbie Lane and the Disciples.

Daniel Barnes - Drums (You Give Me Fever)

Daniel Barnes, was born in Toronto in 1965, began his career singing and drumming with The Micah Barnes Band for club, concert and TV appearances. His work in Jazz, World and Popular idioms is well documented haveing contributed to JUNO nominations or wins with Joe Sealy, Richard Underhill and The Flying Bulgar Klezmer Band. He has toured internationally with Canada's Holly Cole and Jane Bunnett but most extensively with African singing star Aster Aweke ("The Aretha Franklin of Ethiopia"). Both of Daniel's self produced Jazz CDs "Culmination" (2003) and "Classic Beauties" (2007), are heard across the nation on the CBC and are favourites at JazzFM in Toronto. He was subsequently nominated for Drummer of the Year at The National Jazz Awards in both years. His quartet has performed at International Jazz Festivals (Toronto and Montreal, among others), and was broadcast from an in studio performance on TV Ontario. He is currently developing a global Jazz sound with The Daniel Barns Groove Trio.

Danny McErlain - Piano (You Give Me Fever)

One of the busiest players in Toronto, pianist Danny McErlain brings craftsmanship, versatility, and a sensitive touch to every setting, from an intimate house party to the stage of Carnegie Hall. Choosing to serve the song and the occasion has won him favour in many circles - Jazz, Classical and the Theatre. Musicians praise his adaptability and extensive repertoire; singers his accompaniment for its elegance and nuance. A musical director and arranger, Danny conducts two Toronto area choirs, the Queen's Park Civil Service Choir and The Ambiance Singers, and provides rehearsal piano and accompaniment for a wide range of artists. He tours often with Colm Wilkinson and Canadian tenor Mark Dubois. Danny is a frequent choice for private and corporate events, playing solo, in a duo or trio, or as part of a small ensemble. Danny studied Jazz at Humber College and is a grauate of the Royal Conservatory of Music.

Eric St-Laurent - Guitar (You Give Me Fever)

Winner of the SOCAN award for Best Original Composition at the Montreal Jazz Festival and The Best Band Award at the Vienne (France) Jazz Festival, Eric St-Laurent has been featured on over 50 recordings, produced multiple albums, composed scores for short films and theatre, and toured extensively in Europe and Canada. Born and raised in Montreal, Eric studied improvisation in New York before moving to Berlin where he toured with both the big and small names of the German and Scandinavian music scenes. Since returning to Toronto, Eric has recorded and toured with Till Bronner, Dave Liebman, Dave Douglas, Rebekka Bakken, Slide Hampton, Luc de la Rocheliere, Sylvie Paquette, Richard Underhill, David Binney, Jojo Mayer, Carlos Del Junco, Bernard Primeau and represented Canada at the International Guitar Summit in Nice (MIDEM).

Sam Cino - Drums

Sam comes from a very musical family and has been playing and surrounded by music for most of his life. He studied music at Humber College and has been involved in countless recording projects and performing ensembles over the past 30 years. (Eccodeck, Fiddlestix, King Cobb Steelie, Kinnie Star, plus many more). His music has been used in television and film (CBC, City TV, Fashion Television, Much Music, Musicplus, plus many more). Sam has toured Canada, USA and Europe playing original music. He has also worked with some of the top modern dance companies and as an accompanist including Toronto Dance Theatre, Guelph Youth Dance, and Dance Theatre David Earl. Sam has his own recording/teaching studio in Guelph, Ontario; recording and mixing on many album and television projects. He also plays drums and flute for Yoga classes. Visit his Facebook page

Steve Morris - Sound Engineer

Stephen graduated from the Music Industry Arts program at Fanshawe College and quickly found employment at Waxworks Studios where everyday and night he recorded bands, commercials and created compelling soundtracks for video productions. Re-wiring studios were necessary during two company relocations and Steve was intimately involved in this task. This led to his development and interest in radio engineering, and subsequently Steve was hired at Chym FM/570 News/Country 106.7 as second engineer, spending ten years there as first line of defence against off-air situations. Updating and improving the newsroom, production and on-air studios was a constant as well. Steve has returned to his creative roots and is currently a freelance audio producer/technician, producing spoken word recordings and radio commercials at his home studio. Serving his church as tech director has also been his passion for 30+ years. Three seasons with Drayton Entertainment honed his live mixing skills and you can find him mixing bands on the beach stage at Grand Bend, ON often during the summer these days.

Sean Cassidy - Sound Engineer

With 30+ years doing sound with Sherwood Systems in Kitchener, ON, Sean Cassidy has more than earned his reputation in the industry and is now head of Sherwood's audio department. Sean has installed countless shows, designed thousands of events, corporate shows, concerts and music festivals. However, his favourite thing to do is work in theatres with performers in front of a live audience. It is a joy to have Sean with Way-To-Go Productions this year!

Nelson Anselmo - Sound Engineer

Nelson is pleased to work once again with the incomparable Leisa Way. Currently a sound designer for Drayton Entertainment, Nelson has managed to work at just about every theatre in Ontario over the past fourteen years. His long and varied career has taken him across the province and back again as both a sound designer and engineer. Past productions include The Importance of Being Earnest (Sudbury Theatre Centre), Beauty and the Beast (Theatre Aquarius), Singin' in the Rain (Huron Country Playhouse), A Closer Walk with Patsy Cline (Theatre Orangeville), and most recently, Cagney, Country Legends, Sweet Charity, and Dance Legends for Drayton Entertainment. Nelson has now added the role of "Daddy" to his resume, with beautiful daughter, Madeleine and son, Matthew. The pay's not great and the hours are long, but the fringe benefits are unbeatable. Special thanks to Sir Simon for love, wisdom, and attitude checks.

Ben Malone - Sound Engineer

A Hamilton native and graduate of the Technical Production program at Sheridan College, Ben has spent over a decade as a sound engineer for concerts, theatre, corporate shows and all manner of live events. Most recently, Ben has been out on tour for Canadian artists such as Our Lady Peace, The Tenors, and Ben Caplan & The Casual Smokers. Ben relishes the opportunity to work with the top notch gang you see before you both playing and singing, and wishes for you to have as much fun watching the show as he's having working it!