BEN MCCONCHIE
A talented multi-instrumentalist, composer, and music educator, born and raised in BC, Ben completed undergraduate and graduate studies at U. Victoria, Humber College, and University of Toronto. Besides his work with Ptarmigan Arts in the Gulf Islands and Bandemonium Music on Salt Spring Island, Ben is pursuing his lifelong dream of building grassroots music programs in rural B.C. schools that lack access to music education. Ben’s passion and commitment to efforts in reconciliation is reflected through his work as a music instructor at the First Nations Tribal School in TSARTLIP and TSECUM.
LIZZIE BEATTIE
Based on Pender Island, BC, Liz Beattie is a singer-songwriter with a background in piano, guitar, and bass. She spent the early 2000’s playing bass in the Victoria rock band, ‘Machina’, followed by a solo album, nomination for female songwriter of the year (2009 Vancouver Island Music Awards), music placement in a Kirstie Alley Hallmark movie, two cross-Canada tours, and festival performances at Rifflandia and the Prince George Coldsnap. She has opened for artists such as Dan Mangan, The Great Lake Swimmers, Cara Luft, and Martyn Joseph.
RICK MCMULLEN
Rick McMullen has been drumming, song writing and recording on and off for over 50 years. He has played with Canadian Icons 54-40, Mae Moore, Lester Quitzau, and Daniel Lapp as well as many of his own original and cover bands throughout the decades.
MERCEDES PAPALIA
Mercedes is a singer-songwriter and multi-disciplinary artist whose work bridges music, film, and design. Known for her powerhouse vocals and intimate storytelling, she began performing in the local jazz scene at 15 and released her first self-funded album in her early twenties. Over the past two decades, Mercedes has built a career defined by creative range – establishing herself as an award-winning production designer in film and music videos. Her acting credits include The Handmaid’s Tale, Dystopia, No Easy Days, and multiple feature films.
Now based on the picturesque Pender Island, BC, Mercedes has reconnected with her first and deepest love: music.
