Performers

Bill Sample has been a force in the West Coast music scene for many years, recording and performing with some of the most dedicated and talented artists today. As Music Director for David Foster for 8 years, Bill has worked with mega-stars like Brian Adams, Celine Dion, Fee Waybill (Tubes), Boz Scaggs and Kenny Loggins. He is also involved in the Variety Club Telethon, Telemiracle in Saskatchewan, and many other organizations.
 

 The World Kindness Concert was created 11 years ago by one man, Brock Tully and has become one of the most special musical events in Vancouver ever since. His goal was to promote kindness and help people reconnect to their hearts. In addition to being the Founder of The World Kindness Concert, The Kindness Foundation of Canada, an Author of 8 books, a University Football Coach and an Inspirational Speaker, Brock Tully was also the first man to ride his bicycle around North America three times to promote world kindness. Brock’s courage and dedication has been an inspiration to thousands of people and proves that the positive actions of one individual can change our world.

She is "...one stunning singer", states The Vancouver Province... “Blessed with a rich resounding voice"  says Marke Andrews from the Vancouver Sun. “Definitely genuine and has the pipes to deliver the good” adds Fiona Hughes from the Vancouver Courier. Jazz & gospel vocalist Leora Cashe delivers an electrifying performance that audiences love.  Influenced by her experience in the gospel idiom, and by jazz greats like Ella Fitzgerald and Dianne Reeves, Leora's soulful vocal style and stage presence creates an engaging performance that sends chills down audience members' spines. An accomplished graduate of Edmonton's Grant MacEwan jazz program, Leora is " …as musically solid as the hits she performs".  She has studied with some of the greatest contemporary jazz artists including Kurt Elling, Nancy King and Dee Daniels. She has recorded and performed in concert with many celebrated Canadian artists including Brad Turner, Denzal Sinclaire, Jim Byrnes, Shari Ulrich, Canadian jazz legend Tommy Banks for CBC Radio and TV, and opened for the late Stanley Turrentine at Vancouver's International Jazz Festival. In 2001, The West Coast Music Awards nominated her debut CD 'Tears of Joy' for Best Gospel Recording of the year. December 2004 marked the release of Leora's second gospel CD, 'Inspiration' which received critical acclaim by enthusiastic listeners at home and abroad.  She released her debut jazz recording entitled, "My Heart Stood Still," on June 4th , 2005 at the historic Vancouver East Cultural Centre. 'From originals to classics like Irving Berlin's "Blue Skies" this is a seriously swinging jazz record from one of Vancouver's premier vocalists.' Leora's latest CD, Another Side Now – The Songs of Joni Mitchell, was released on December 1st, 2007. Covering the early years of the Joni Mitchell songbook. Along with her busy schedule of performing she enjoys private vocal coaching, choir directing and arranging and is a specialist in leading Early Years music classes for children.

Michaela has been performing ever since she can remember, and has loved every second. Her first performance was at 3 years old, singing the anthem at GM Place for a Grizzlies Game. From there, she has been involved in countless musical theatre productions, including roles such as Annie (Annie), Peter (Peter Pan), and Anne (Anne of Green Gables). Other highlight performances include singing the anthem at Canucks and Whitecaps games, as well as participating in Kindness Rocks! Now 15 years old, Michaela has recently released her first single on iTunes, "Vampires For Boyfriends," as well as a music video on YouTube. She is honoured to be returning to the World Kindness Concert and thanks everyone for their constant support!

"If world famous Indian ghazal singer Jagjit Singh were to share a hookah with Neil Young, the result would be Indo-Folk Music." In the mid 80's, Ranj started his career performing with many folk-Punjabi and Hindi artists in the Vancouver area. In the 90's he helped form — along with his talented brothers — the group “Dal Dil Vog” (a.k.a. DDV). This group went on to win numerous awards and performed with artists such as Jan Arden, 54-40, Mathew Good, and also performed live on Much Music. DDV's style of bhangara/rock music led to tours throughout North America, and India, as well as 3 videos on MuchMusic, and one on MTV Asia. Lately Ranj has been working hard to combine his vast experience in Indian music and his unique “up stroke” guitar melodies with the talents of some other great musicians. He has put together a new, diverse, and entertaining 5-piece band, and they go by the name of "Ranj Singh and The Discriminators". Members are Chris Dufault on lead guitar, Dan Huget on electric violin, Bojan Bugarinovich on Sitar and Bass, and David Eadie on percussion. They perform a style of music they call Indo-Folk Rock. In June 2011 Ranj Singh and The Discriminators will be releasing and promoting their first band album "Found A Way Home”. This is a follow up to the debut solo album “Simple Man” released in 2007.

Juno award winner and BC Entertainment Hall of Fame Inductee Shari Ulrich has been an unflagging fixture in Canadian music since the early 70’s. She was first heard with the quirky and eternally orange Pied Pumkin playing fiddle, mandolin, dulcimer, flute & sax in 1974. Her defection to the Hometown Band and a high profile launch to national recognition sparked her solo career as a singer songwriter.  Her recent release, “Find Our Way”, is her 7^th solo album, and her 19^th including her work with Pied Pumkin, UHF, and her recent collaboration with Barney Bentall & Tom Taylor.  Her live concerts in the past 8 years, as well as her new CD have been enhanced by the contribution of her daughter Julia Graff on violin, piano, guitar, accordion and vocals. Shari also produces the Bluebird North concert series in Vancouver.

Sibel Thrasher was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio, USA. As both a singer and actress, she enjoys an accomplished career in music, theatre, film, and television. In August 2004, Sibel was inducted into the B.C. Entertainment Hall of Fame, for her lifelong contribution to the arts, her community, and her music. Her extensive studio and performance credits include work with legendary recording artists Roy Ayres, Long John Baldry, Donna Summer, Linton Garner, the Platters and an opening slot for the world renowned R&B/Gospel singer Etta James. Sibel’s film and television credits include Zapped, Vice Squad, Death Wish II, Rumble in the Bronx, Tales from The Crypt, and Fierce People, and her theatre credits include Ain’t Misbehavin’, Black and Gold review I and II, Blues in the Night, The Angels Sing, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, and It’s Time to Sing. Sibel has had the honour and pleasure of singing at Vancouver Jazz Festival, Pacific National Exhibition, Saskatchewan DuMaurier Jazz Festival, The Pender Island Jazz Festival, Merritt Mountain Festival, Starry Night Annual Aids Benefit Concerts, and many others. Other professional honours include; The Vancouver Sun’s Entertainer of the Year, Election to the 1994 Congress of Black Women, Jessie Nominations for Best Performer two times for her stage performances of Ain’t Misbehavin’ and Blues in the Night, and a nomination for the CCWMA Best Gospel Singer of the Year.