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.
PAT CHESSELL BAND
Irish and East Coast Songs
Michael is the current fiddler with the Pat Chessell band. Pat Chessell has become known as one of the most exciting roots artists in Western Canada. Pat’s rootsy vocal style, charismatic stage presence and expert musicianship (guitar) are making for an ever-growing audience of enthusiastic fans.
While his mostly original music falls solidly under the broad umbrella of ‘Celtic’, Pat’s range is prodigious and eclectic. It’s been variously described as straight-ahead “folk”, “upbeat Celtic influenced Canadian folk/pop”, and “moving mid-and-up-tempo contemporary Celtic”, among other labels. His tunes have also, on occasion, known to be tinged with Americana influences. Pat's website: https://plchessell.wixsite.com/patchessellmusic
THE SALTCHUCKERS
Lively Celtic and Canadian Fiddle Tunes
Led by award-winning Vancouver fiddler Michael Burnyeat, The Saltchuckers play a lively mix of Irish and Scottish music combining driving fiddle playing with tight guitar/accordion accompaniment and a flexible, engaging stage presence. Their sets move from high-energy reels and jigs to well-chosen Celtic and folk songs, always with a focus on musicality and connection. Equally at home in pubs and on festival stages, The Saltchuckers bring a polished, crowd-friendly take on Celtic music that keeps audiences listening and often tapping along.
THE SODA CRACKERS
Western Swing and Bluegrass Music
Michael has been the guest fiddler with the Soda Crackers for the last couple of years.
These long-time musical cohorts serve up a menu of music steeped in rootsy rhythms, panfried in traditional country, then stewed in a gumbo of bluegrass, jazz and western swing. The Soda Crackers are the perfect accompaniment for any event!
Featuring:
Sue Malcolm – vocals and guitar
Don Fraser – vocals, guitar, dobro and steel lap
Stu MacDonald – vocals and bass
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/
PAST 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/
THE IRISH WAKERS
Irish Tunes and Songs
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Michael was the fiddler for this Vancouver based Irish band from 2014-2024.
They have performed at a variety of events including Canada Day , the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics, music festivals, concert venues and charitable fundraisers.
The line-up includes vocals, fiddle, Irish flute, mandolin, guitar, and bodhran. They play at weddings, parties, pubs, restaurants, coffeehouses, festivals, or conventions, and, of course, wakes!