The bios for each band playing in the Quesnel Country-Bluegrass Festival are on this page. You can find all the details of each of your favourite bands. Click on the Band Name or Image to expand it and see more detail.
24 Karat Gold is a country group born from the local jam sessions at Cottonwood Hall. The band’s roots trace back nearly a decade to when Ken and Melanie Wasylyshen (rhythm guitar and vocals) first met Orin (bass and vocals) and Mary Anderson while playing music and mining the same stretch of river.
The group came together naturally after connecting with Stacy Monnich (steel, lead guitar, and vocals) at a local open mic. Soon after, they brought on Sandy Fontaine to round out the sound on keyboard and rhythm.
Today, 24 Karat Gold focuses on classic country music built on the friendships and shared history that brought them together in the first place. Whether they are playing at Billy Barker Days, a local seniors' home, or the Legion, they always look forward to seeing the friendly faces in the crowd and making them smile!
Cariboo Thunder is a dance band that plays all over the Cariboo and area. We enjoy playing for dance crowds. The group includes Dennis Manuel on Steel Guitar. Keith Beaudry on Bass. Debbie Harrington on Guitar and Vocals and Ken Taylor on Guitar and vocals. We hope you enjoy the Festival.
Keith Melanson - From Manitoba, showcasing my Fender Telecaster and my Rolland rhythm peddles. Singing my favorite Country tunes such as Merle Haggard, George Straight and Alan Jackson.
Helen Martinot - Came from Manitoba and been playing for over 30 years. Played with many talented musicians and enjoyed every minute, with good fiddle tunes and singing harmony and lead with good country tunes in the the North Coast.
Andy Goulet - I am Metis and enjoy playing old time Fiddle and Country backup. I grew up listening to Don Messier and Graham Townsend. I played with many bands throughout BC. I have preformed at Batache, Saskatchewan. I was born and raised in Quesnel, but currently play music out of the North Coast.
'Lodi Browning, Heidi Jewett and Shawni Jewett (mother and daughter) have been singing and playing together for several years now. Always love harmonizing together and love performing whenever possible, especially at the Quesnel Country and Bluegrass Jamboree. Hope you all enjoy...
Dave Forsberg And The Rolling River Band is a talented ensemble of singers and musicians hailing from Fort Fraser and the surrounding Vanderhoof area in the heart of British Columbia. Comprising Monica Holmquist (backup singer), Karl Matzhold (bassist), Pat Brennan (drummer), and in 2024 Jeremy Blattner (Keyboards) joined the band. The group brings together a wealth of musical expertise and a shared passion for creating soul-stirring performances.
In addition to performing Dave's original compositions, the band showcases their versatility by performing a wide range of covers, spanning traditional country, classic rock, and Christian music. Their professional, unique and engaging musical style as well as on-stage connection creates a fun and engaging synergy with their audiences.
Collectively, this group has many years of musical experience. We have all performed in various bands over the years since we were teenagers. Now, as seniors, we meet every Tuesday at the Armstrong Legion and Thursday at the Enderby Legion to play music at their “Jam” sessions. We also play for various senior’s residences and fundraising events in our community and neighboring communities throughout the year. Actually, we enjoy any opportunity to get together and share our music. Thank you for inviting us back again this year.
Ethan Smith is no stranger to the Quesnel music scene. This multi talented young man makes this town so proud. He performed at the Country Bluegrass Jamboree last year to everyone's enjoyment. He has performed at a vast array of venues including Roger's Arena in Vancouver in November 2023. He has played at the Vancouver Canuck's game, the Winter Games and is a regular at the Den in Quesnel. He has been interviewed on Global TV by Jay Durant. Ethan covers a wide genre of music from Bruno Mars and U2 and everything in between.
Livin country. I've been playing festivals for 23 years my wife sings with me for 4 years and I will be with friends
Haywire Honky Tonk is a duo from Prince George BC playing some original music, upbeat country rock, anda Little Rock from all eras. Music has a wide range, embrace it all. They like to keep it upbeat, dancable, and keep you and themselves entertained with a love of music.
Visit them to purchase one their solo cds, and check them out on Facebook. Bring on the music.
Long Rider is a local dance band playing classic/new country, southern rock, and rock & roll music from the 50s to the 2000s.
The band members have decades of experience among them and consist of lead guitarist/vocalist Garth Laferdy , bass player/vocalist Greg Hoare – who were both featured in a recent CKPG documentary (Northern Rhythms)on the history of the Prince George dance band scene. Terry Receveur is a versatile keyboardist who plays piano, organ, and digital accordion and joins in with the vocals, and last but not least drummer Denis Martin ties it all together with his lively rhythms. Their music is upbeat and infectious and guaranteed to put a smile on your face and a bounce in your dance step.
North of Stoner is a Prince George based band whose music is influenced by a variety of genres. They can be best described as playing country / classic rock, contemporary pop with a sprinkling blues. North of Stoner is a fun, light hearted vibrant band that plays to wide audiences with an eclectic musical taste. One thing for sure, North of Stoner has a deep passion for playing music and entertaining their audiences.
North of Stoner’s band members are Dave Patterson (guitar and vocals), Keith O’Connor (drums and vocals), Michael Duncan (bass guitar and vocals), Tammi Hawn (vocals and percussion), Terry Espejo (guitar and vocals).
We are four musicians, each with many years under their belt claiming to be a star. John Heroux, Marlene Bernier, Gordon Dorish, and Dennis Manuel.
The four of us want to “rewind” the music we have played for years. We hope you enjoy listening and dancing to our songs.
Spare Change is a newly formed group that has put together a song list of some favorite classics. Their set list will bring memories of yesteryear and will evoke familiarity of more recent top 40 hits. Spare Change is made up of Glenn McLeod from Kelowna, Dave Patterson from Prince George and Terry Espejo, a long time resident of Cluculz Lake.
