PROJECTS AND BANDS
MICHAEL AND KOSTA
Celtic and World Music
Michael and Kosta are a fiddle-accordion duo who play lively Celtic, Folk, and World music. Dr. Kosta Bozhinov is a classical trained folk musician, expert accordionist, and multi-instrumentalist. Together, Michael and Kosta have played at numerous music festivals across BC, including the Vernon Proms, UBC Apple Fesitval, and Quadra Island Music Festival, as well as playing concerts, weddings, church services, special events, and sessions.
They have a diverse repertoire of music, from lively Irish and Scottish tunes, to Canadian and American showpieces, to Eastern European classical style pieces, and more!
BRIAN AND MICHAEL
Celtic and Country songs and fiddle tunes
Brian and Michael are a fiddle-guitar duo that have a harmonious blend of Irish and Country Folk music. Brian Holmes originally from Galway, Ireland, is a seasoned guitarist, singer, and banjo player. Brian showcases his talents on the guitar while delivering heartfelt vocals, and Michael's lively fiddle playing adds an energetic touch to their performances. Together, they have a diverse repertoire that includes traditional Irish tunes and a selection of lively songs. Their musical prowess has led them to support acclaimed Irish musician Sharon Shannon, and they are regularly playing in local pubs in the Vancouver area.
THE IRISH WAKERS
Lively Celtic Folk Music
The Irish Wakers celebrate the songs and dance music of Ireland, with nods to the Canadian Maritimes and to seafarers everywhere. Our line-up includes vocals, fiddle, Irish flute, mandolin, guitar, and bodhran. We'll gladly play at weddings, parties, pubs, restaurants, coffeehouses, festivals, or conventions, and, of course, wakes! Visit our Website: http://www.irishwakers.com/
BRIAN ROBERTSON
West-Coast Folk Songs and Fiddle Tunes
Michael Burnyeat and Brian Robertson form a compelling collaboration that brings together their shared passion for folk music. Brian, a seasoned singer-songwriter hailing from the West Coast, draws inspiration from his experiences as a commercial fisherman, infusing his songs with storytelling. Together with Michael's versatile fiddle skills, they create a uniquely West Coast musical experience. Their performances feature a combination of original songs and covers, showcasing their diverse repertoire and the rich tapestry of fiddle genres they explore. Over the last few years they have played numerous folk events and festivals throughout British Columbia, delighting audiences with their authentic performances.
Brian's website: https://brianrobertson.ca/
SESSION LEADER
Kitchen Party and Traditional Irish Sessions
Currently, Michael Burnyeat takes an active role in leading vibrant music sessions at the Wolf and Hound pub in Kitsilano. Every Sunday from 5:30 to 7:30, he co-leads a lively traditional Irish session alongside fiddler Mary Brunner, bodhran player and singer Blake Williams, and guitarist Craig McGregor. This session provides a dedicated space for musicians well-versed in the traditional Irish music genre to come together and share their tunes. Additionally, Michael leads a monthly "Kitchen party" session on Saturdays, where music of all fiddle styles is welcome. It's important to note that while these sessions are filled with camaraderie and musical exploration, they are considered closed sessions or "casual performances", and are by invite only. This approach allows for a focused and cohesive experience. If you are interested in joining please email: michaelburnyeat@gmail.com
RECORDING AND VIDEO PRODUCTION
Recording Studio and Youtube Channel
Michael Burnyeat operates Cat and the Fiddle Studios, his own home recording studio, where he recorded his second album On The Edge, and is currently recording his third. He also offers recording services for musicians, providing isolated fiddle parts or complete song production. Additionally, Michael runs a YouTube channel, where he shares fiddle music tutorials, tune sets, and live performances. His channel has gained significant traction, with tens of thousands of views on his tutorials, making it a valuable resource for fiddle enthusiasts seeking to enhance their skills and knowledge.
PAST/OCCASIONAL GROUPS AND PROJECTS
SARAH ANN CHISHOLM AND FRIENDS
Celtic and Canadian Songs
Michael has been accompanying Sarah Ann Chisholm, a talented Celtic and Folk singer, for several years, in several band configurations, and they have performed together at such events as the BC Highland Games, Celtic Fest Vancouver, and the Music at the Cannery Concert series. Their program usually consists of slow Celtic Ballads, contrasted with rousing sing-alongs from Eastern Canada, along with a few fiddle tunes thrown into the mix. Visit Sarah's website at: https://sarahannchisholm.com/
FRASER UNION
BC Folk Songs
Fraser Union is a well-established Folk group from Vancouver. Their three strong voices present some songs a cappella and others accompanied by a variety of instruments including guitars, mandolins, dobro and banjo. They have released numerous albums. Michael was a regular guest in their group a few years back. Visit their website at: http://www.fraserunion.com/
MICHAEL AND MICKI
North American and Celtic Fiddle Tunes
Michael used to regularly team up with his friend Micki-Lee Smith an award-winning fiddle player, violinist, and song-writer, now based in Toronto. Together they founded the UBC Fiddle Club, and performed at various events together around UBC and beyond including the UBC Apple Festival, opening for I'm With Her at the Chan Centre, and performing a concert at the Rogue Folk Club. Michael sometimes played guitar in Micki-Lee's own trio which plays jazz standards and fiddle tunes at events. Micki moved to Toronto in 2020, but they still occasionally collaborate on recordings.
UBC FIDDLE CLUB
Sessions and Concerts on campus
From 2016-2020, the UBC Fiddle Club hosted jam sessions and concerts, and played outreach performances across the University of British Columbia. Founded by Michael along with Micki-Lee Smith, another UBC student and fiddler, the UBC Fiddle Club holds the distinction of being the first of its kind on a university campus- the first ever fiddle club at a college! The club provided a supportive platform for fiddlers to connect, collaborate, and showcase their talents and created an inclusive environment where students as well as the public could explore their passion for fiddle music, contributing to the rich musical landscape of the university.
JERICHO FOLK CLUB
Long running music performances and sessions
Founded by Michael Pratt and Lynn McGown, the Jericho Folk Club, a beloved folk performance venue located at the Jericho Sailing Centre, left an indelible mark on the Vancouver music community throughout its impressive 25-year run. Every Tuesday from May to September, it provided a gathering place for folk enthusiasts, serving as a hub for musical expression and community building. The club's programming consisted of a jam session, an open stage, and a feature act, offering a diverse range of performances and opportunities for musicians to share their talents. Over the years the Jericho Folk Club became a cherished fixture in Vancouver's music scene. Michael played an important part as the leader of the jam sessions for many summers, along with the ''house band''- Don Davidson, Brian Robertson, Dave Lidstone, and many more.
Sadly, the club's operations came to a halt in 2020 due to the challenges posed by COVID-19 and rising costs, despite its continued popularity and enthusiastic support from the community. The Jericho Folk Club's legacy lives on as a testament to the power of folk music in bringing people together and nurturing artistic connections.
COMING AND GOING
Mandolin and Fiddle duo
Coming and Going is Michael's duo with his friend and mandolin player Don Davidson. Since 2012, they have played at events like the UBC Apple Festival and The Princeton Traditional Music Festival, and have also been regular buskers at Vancouver Farmer's Markets. Don and Michael still jam and do a farmers market or two now and again.
JOE CHARRON AND GREAT DIVIDE
Country Singer-Songwriter
Joe Charron is a Canadian songsmith, born and raised in Ontario, now living in Vancouver, BC, Canada. Many of his songs have become staples in the Canadian folk and country music scene. He has just released his fifth album called: This Place Called Home. He tours with his band Great Divide. Visit Joe's website at: https://www.joecharronmusic.com/
WHEAT AND THE BARLEY
Celtic Fusion
Throughout 2018 and 2019, Michael was a guest fiddler in this Vancouver folk fusion group.
Wheat and the Barley is Canadian roots music with a major make-over. They pull together a lot of great influences into one package: Celtic, Slavic, French Canadian, Yiddish, Cajun and more. With an impressive array of instruments at their command, the band puts on a show that's as danceable as it is listenable.