WELCOME TO NEMA

John Calverley (BMus.) is an active freelance violinist, composer, improviser, session musician and instructor. With a rich tapestry of experiences, he brings a depth of expertise and passion to every musical endeavour.

Embracing both classical training and a relentless pursuit of musical diversity, John's repertoire spans across genres. As the Music Director for Vinok Worldance, John showcases a breadth of traditional music styles from diverse cultures. His experience with Canadian old-time fiddling has seen him compete at a national level, while his role as the founding member of the Gypsy-Jazz group, the Felt Hat String Band, allows him to delve into improvisational styles, infusing his performances with a unique creativity.

John's commitment to musical education boasts over 30 years of experience as a violin instructor. His teaching currently extends to his home studio in Edmonton, Alberta, and the North Eastern Music Association (NEMA) in St. Paul, Alberta, reflecting his dedication to nurturing the next generation of musicians.

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John's musical collaborations span a wide spectrum, encompassing performances with renowned artists such as Alfie Zappacosta, Crystal Plamondon, the Strathcona String Quartet, Opera Nuova, Vinok Worldance, and an array of chamber music, pop, rock, and folk acts.

Brandon Baker is a guitarist, singer, songwriter, session musician, and bandleader. He performs his guitar-driven originals under the name Electric Religious, and his music has been described as "bursting with inspiration, insight, and hope."

He was recently honoured with a nomination for “Métis Artist of the Year” at the 2021 Summer Solstice Indigenous Music Awards and earned an Honourable Mention for “Best Music Video” in the June 2021 International Music Video Awards. Earlier in 2021, he released "Catherine," a single from his 2021 album, Tragic Lover. "Catherine" premiered on CBC Reclaimed and was added to 180 terrestrial/satellite stations across North America. The single quickly rose to #1 on SIRIUS XM Ch.165 IPR chart, and hit #7 on the Indigenous Music Countdown. The music video is also nominated for FAVA's Award of Excellence for Most Outstanding Music Video. The debut Electric Religious album, Yeah, Yeah, No (2018) featured the single “Revolution,” which spent multiple weeks at #1 on the Indigenous Music Countdown and garnered him a coveted spot in the 2019 CBC Searchlight Top 100.
Baker has performed for audiences as large as 50,000 during the opening ceremonies for Red Bull Crashed Ice, broadcast to 1.7 million viewers. Other accolades include an “Artist to Watch” nomination at the  Edmonton Music Awards (2015), and a nomination for Aboriginal Artist of the Year at the Saskatchewan Country Music Awards (2009).

Baker attended MacEwan University to study jazz guitar under to tutilige of Jim Head, and has completed 2 years towards a Bachelor's degree. He is a life-long student of the guitar and still takes lessons whenever he can, including with players like Jon Herrington (Steely Dan), Joey Landreth (The Bros. Landreth), and Ariel Posen. Baker has been playing the guitar for 25 years, and has taught at various music camps across the prairies. He loves to share his knowledge of the guitar with both young and mature students alike. His philosophy is to have fun first, while using his student's inherent interests to develop more complex skill sets!