Wakefield Brewster

wakefieldbrewster.com

Wakefield Brewster is a professional poet, spoken word artist and Calgary’s newest Poet Laureate for 2022-24. He was raised in Toronto by parents from Barbados and has been based in Calgary since 2006. In January 1999, Wakefield stepped onto his first community stage as a poet and spoken word artist, and today, he is known as one of Canada’s most powerful performance poets. In addition to inspiring our city as Calgary Poet Laureate, Wakefield is a passionate community-builder, poetry event host, as well as curator-host of The Indie YYC’s poetry series. He is also a volunteer leadership mentor for school youth through the arts, as well as an aggressive advocate for literacy, addictions recovery, and mental wellness. Wakefield is also a Registered Massage Therapist and owner of WakeFull Wellness Registered Massage Therapy & Healing Space.

“As we move forward in this age of information and sharing stories, poetry is more and more becoming known and employed as a method of harnessing humanity, curating connection, and evoking empathy.” (Wakefield Brewster)

Carla Olive

carlaolive.ca

Singer-songwriter and musician Carla Olive has deep roots in the music industry as an independent artist and creative community leader. With over 20 years on the Calgary and Victoria music scene, she has produced six albums, performed at venues and festivals all over North America, and continues to write, collaborate, and record. Now living in Victoria, she champions the local music community for singer-songwriters and musicians, performing solo and with her all-female trio, St. Cecilia, as well as hosting weekly open mics and jams. Carla’s original music speaks with dynamics and feel, as her lyrics challenge the heart and mind… passionate about social issues, and honest in difficulties of the heart. She is also passionate about promoting and supporting female songwriters like herself, and she is curator-host for The Indie YYC Women in Music series – featuring female artists from all over the globe.

Stefano Valdo – Musical Director

stefanovaldo.com

Stefano Valdo is a talented performer, studio musician and music educator.  Born in Northern Italy, he studied classical guitar and double bass, and in 1988 he moved to Los Angeles to study jazz arranging and composition at the Grove School of Music, where he eventually joined the faculty. This was followed by other stints as a music educator, as well as continued work as a much-sought-after performer and session musician. In 1999, Stefano earned a Master’s Degree in Music from California State University, where he eventually taught theory and ear training to young, developing music students. Stefano and his family moved to Calgary in 2006, where he keeps a busy schedule performing and recording for various independent artists in jazz, rock, and classical music projects. Since 2008 he has been educating aspiring young jazz musicians at Ambrose University where he has been appointed Jazz Program Director. Stefano is a committed supporter of the creative community.