



Formed in East Van, the vibrant musical hub of Vancouver, the Big Easy Funk Ensemble is a band that pays homage to the rich musical traditions of New Orleans while infusing their own distinct West Coast flavor. Founded on a shared passion for the diverse sounds that have emerged from the heart of Louisiana, the ensemble brings to life the infectious rhythms and soulful melodies that define the New Orleans sound. With a repertoire that spans across genres such as funk, jazz, soul, and blues.

Martin Harley has been making music and touring the world for over two decades. His sound has never been more down to earth. Exploring roots, blues and slide guitar in a style The Guardian referred to as ‘Spellbinding’, Harley has released eight albums to date, four recorded on home soil and four across the Atlantic in Texas and Nashville.

The 2026 Harrison Festival of the Arts took place from July 10 to July 19, 2026, in Harrison Hot Springs, BC. This 47th edition of the festival was one of the best attended in the history of the event, partially due to a strong lineup featuring some beloved Canadian performers and a compelling mix of styles from blues to bhangra, and from big dance bands to intimate, acoustic performances.
