| Jake Peters Musician, Luthier, Producer Just north of Olds is a small, wood-heated shop which houses the talents of Jake Peters. As an accomplished award-winning flat picker, banjo wizard, mandolin virtuoso; darn near anything with strings is fair game to Jake. And if it hasn't yet been invented, he'll figure a way to get music out of it. Jake's finesse not only lies with his unbelievably creative musical ability - styles that range from country to jazz to bluegrass, newgrass, blues and even rock and classical; more often a unique mixture of any and all the above - but also displays itself as a fine, meticulous luthier. Although his main focus is on designing and building guitars and mandolins, his repair work is also well-sought, with many people bringing their vintage instruments in for the careful attention he gives to restoring to original detail. Guitar students flock to Jake for what he can pass down to them, and this reproducing of talent gives him great pleasure. He loves to encourage the growth of young talent, passing on the gift that has been given to him. His ability as a musician is a delight to watch, hear and feel, especially the spontaneous interaction that evolves when he works with other musicians. He's a complement to the art form. A household name among professional musicians both sides of the border, he has worked with such artists as Bela Fleck, Cindy Church, Dick Damron, Eli Barsi and Kevin Dunn, and they all still claim to know him and call him friend. |
| Ben Crane Singer, Songwriter, Musician, Producer From the Alberta ranchlands just east of Rocky Mountain House comes western country singer Ben Crane. His love for the west country and the outdoors comes through not only in his music but in his artwork as well. The western cartoonist and Leanin' Tree artist says "What I do beats the hang out of a real job!" Ben is a family man (wife Sharmon and 2 daughters Stephanie and Jessica), whose music stylings are definitely traditional country, with hints of bluegrass, jazz, blues and swing, and range from old cowboy ballads to recently written songs of the western lifestyle to straight-ahead gospel songs that pack a punch; all delivered with warm personality and conviction. Music has been keeping him busy for years. With three albums of his own, and countless others under his belt in various capacities ~ as a producer, session player or vocalist ~ Ben is making a significant mark in the western music field. Several of his projects have been nominated for awards in the US where western music's current resurgence is at an all-time high, and these same albums are receiving heavy air play as far away as Europe. In addition to his many personal Canadian appearances, plans are underway for European and Australian tours with other musicians and poets, representing Canada's contribution to this heritage and grassroots art form. He was nominated this year for the Will Rogers Memorial Award from the Academy of Western Artists in the humor and poetry category for his song "Bees In The Outhouse". Ben performs at a variety of functions from gatherings and festivals to private and corporate functions, from county fairs to churches, and just about anything in between. In his spare time Ben can be found visiting the west country, day working at the odd ranch or playing mandolin in a Sundre-based bluegrass gospel band by the name of Nitchi Creek...or chasing kids. FEATURED AT - Canada's Cowboy Festival, Calgary, AB Calgary Stampede, Calgary, AB Pincher Creek Cowboy Poetry Gathering, Pincher Creek, AB Stony Plain Cowboy Poetry Gathering, Stony Plain, AB O'Keefe Cowboy Poetry Gathering, O'Keefe Ranch, Vernon, BC Maple Creek Cowboy Poetry Gathering, Maple Creek, SK ARIA Songwriter's Showcase Cowboys Heroes & Friends, hosted by The Sons Of The Pioneers, Branson MO RADIO & TV - Spirit Of The West, syndicated program; regular airplay, interviews CIGV-FM 100.7, The Country Giant, Penticton, BC, airplay CBC Radio Calgary, Edmonton; live performances CBC Radio Madly Off In All Directions; live performance RDTV, Red Deer; interviews and live performances, with Dianne Finstad Rodovre, Kanalen 105.9 FM, Copenhagen; regular airplay TV Calgary Channel 7, The Breakfast Show; interview and live performance Various VO commercials for Buctril M, Thumper and Platinum herbicides Character / endorsement commercials for Unity herbicide MEMBERSHIPS & ASSOCIATIONS - SOCAN / BMI Alberta Cowboy Poetry Association Academy of Western Artists Alberta Recording Industries Association |
