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We are fortunate out here on the west coast to have some of the world’s finest players from a range of global genres. Miguelito Valdes is one such luminary. Born in Cuba and now living in Victoria, Miguelito will be known to Harrison Festival audiences for performances here with Locarno, but his experience is massive, having begun his musical life at age 11 and then developed a career in music that saw him playing alongside many of Cuba’s top performers. Among the best known of these to Canadian audiences are the performers of the Buena Vista Social Club, including Ibrahim Ferrer. He is a master of the trumpet but also is a percussionist and singer, and will be joined on the piano and percussion for a set that will be sure to get folks up on their feet and swinging their hips.           

The Ranters are the folk/roots duo of Rockland Moran (guitars, mandola, harmonica, vocals) and Gillian Wale (autoharps, mandolin, vocals). Longtime residents of this part of the valley will recognize guitarist Moran, who now lives on Vancouver Island, but who grew up in Chilliwack and was a vital part of the musical scene in this region for years. The Ranters were formed in 2019 and soon embarked on a tour to California and Arizona. The burgeoning duo’s touring was interrupted by Covid in 2020, at which point they hunkered down in the studio to record their first album of mostly original music, “Rant On, Children”. They are joined on the bass by Harrison resident, and Rockwell member, Fred Webber.

We are fortunate out here on the west coast to have some of the world’s finest players from a range of global genres. Miguelito Valdes is one such luminary. Born in Cuba and now living in Victoria, Miguelito will be known to Harrison Festival audiences for performances here with Locarno, but his experience is massive, having begun his musical life at age 11 and then developed a career in music that saw him playing alongside many of Cuba’s top performers. Among the best known of these to Canadian audiences are the performers of the Buena Vista Social Club, including Ibrahim Ferrer. He is a master of the trumpet but also is a percussionist and singer, and will be joined on the piano and percussion for a set that will be sure to get folks up on their feet and swinging their hips.