Saltwater Hank is a Ts’msyen musician from Txałgiiw(aka Hartley Bay) based in Lax Kxeen (Prince Rupert). The melodies are a spoon full of oolichan grease- the perfect dose of musical medicine and sure to leave you wanting more. He connects listeners and the members of his culture by reliving his heritage through the music, he is creating a bridge between the old and the new, allowing present generations to experience the ancient oral traditions of his culture in a vibrant and powerful way. His stories breathe life into forgotten narratives and revive the power of the traditional language to shape a new generation of storytellers. Saltwater Hank is here to keep the art and sound of his culture alive and growing.
Ghostly Hounds is the folk project of Francesca Mirai, singer-songwriter-banjo player based in the Lekwungen territory colonially known as Victoria, BC. Often accompanied by Finn Letourneau on fiddle and vocal harmonies, Ghostly Hounds creates soulful folk and old-time music with a distinct, haunting sound.
Drawing inspiration from many genres, Francesca has become known for their unique vocals. They captivate audiences with a clear, soaring range, powerful projection, and just the right amount of grit, coalescing elegantly with traditional and modern banjo instrumentals. Finn’s masterful fiddle playing and vocal harmonies add depth and richness to Ghostly Hounds’ performances.
The traditional combination of banjo and fiddle, met with classically trained, powerhouse vocals, evokes a fusion of modern and vintage sounds, while simple foot percussion infuses dynamics, drive, and rhythm into their live shows.
Francesca’s deeply personal songwriting, focusing on themes of love and grief, has garnered adoration from listeners across