DESCRIPTION:
From the black heart of coal country in British Columbia's Elk Valley, Old Man's Beard began as the song writing duo of Michael Shaver on guitar and vocals, and Jesse Clarke on guitar, vocals and mandolin. Since forming in early 2008, Jesse and Mike have amassed a growing and constantly evolving repertoire of original music that exposes the good, the grand, and the unknown.

As a duo, Jesse and Mike excited audiences with their unique blend of reggae, boot-stompin' folk, and rock and roll. Relocating to the Interior of BC a few years back, the duo expanded into a five-piece that now includes Darrin Herting on bass and assorted percussion, Leon Power on drums, and the talents of Stephanie Webster, whose complementary vocals and tambourine janglin' talents bring perfect balance to the group's outstanding compositions.

Rich, well-placed harmonies, toe-tappin' rhythms and streamlined guitar work have become the standard for Old Man's Beard, able to move crowds of young and old, lovers and enemies, Aussies and Englishmen, and damsels, dames and dukes. The band released its first album, "The River", in 2009 and have toured extensively over the past year in support of the disc. Their song, "Dawson Bound" was featured on the popular television show "Daily Planet" and another song, "Tofino", has received frequent play on CBC Radio's province wide program, "All Points West". Old Man's Beard participated in the 2009 British Columbia Interior Music Awards as part of the evening line-up and as nominees in the Best New Artist category. They were also featured performers at the 2010 Olympic torch relay celebrations in Salmon Arm which was broadcast across the country.

Old Man's Beard loves to play music anywhere, anytime for their growing fan base which is quickly spreading across the Canadian landscape. The group first caught our attention in 2009 and was booked to perform as part of the 2009 Roots and Blues Outreach performances in the downtown core. We're pleased to take it to the next level in presenting them at the 2010 Festival as one of our featured performers.