The energetic Bongo Brothers are a percussive comedy trio who intertwine world percussion, bass guitar, live cartooning & theatrical storytelling into an educational performance. Mongo, Bongo & Drongo take their audience on a slapstick, percussive journey around the globe. Available for 2 different stage shows, roving percussion, & corporate events. The Bongo Brothers run workshops in world percussion, theatre & cartooning for ALL ages.

Tom Howie is a singer/songwriter from Vancouver, BC. After releasing his debut EP Stepping Stones to great reviews and eager audiences in September 2005, he has gone on to play many of the premier clubs in Vancouver while completing his final year of high school.

Now 18 and graduated, Tom is taking on music full time, including recording a full length album with producer/musician Ashwin Sood (Sarah McLachlan) and engineer Chris Potter (Bryan Adams, Sarah McLachlan). Also on board is Vancouver/San Francisco based composer/producer/musician Jason Nett (composer in residence, Vancouver Island Symphony Orchestra).

After being the lead singer and songwriter in many bands throughout high school, Tom decided to go out on his own and play the music that came most naturally to him. “I want to be able to write a band tune or a little soulful ballad, or whatever else, and just let it be what it is. I'm enjoying the freedom of experimentation."

With that thought in mind, Tom sat down with friend/producer Josh Bluman to record Stepping Stones at the studio of highly acclaimed producer Garth Richardson (Rage Against The Machine, Hedley, Red Hot Chili Peppers). The EP features stripped down versions of four soulful, satisfying songs. YouThink Magazine had this to say: “The ability to spin out four tracks that have yet to be boring, complete with lyrics that are startlingly affecting, isn’t just dumb luck. Howie’s observations about life and its joys and sorrows, combined with his acoustic, mellow sound, build a strong sample of what he has yet to give.”

Looking ahead, Tom is filled with great excitement about recording new material, which he says has lots more to offer; from simple, haunting, poetic songs, to full out rockers. “Things are just starting to work out for me, and there is nothing else I’d rather be doing. I love playing, singing and writing more than anything. Busy? Bring it on!”

Be sure to see Tom Howie live in concert, either with his band or on his own. Visit myspace.com/tomhowie for tour dates and streaming audio.

•  Awesome track
•  Great voice
•  Stop and listen and chllin'

New Years Resolution came together in January of 2003, resolving, among other things, to do our dishes, stop jaywalking, and make beautiful music together.

Having been active members of the Vancouver music scene in several other bands (Trail vs Russia, down the lees, Skinjobs, The Stunts, Queazy), the smart and savvy three of us were looking for an outlet to satisfy our quirky pop music appetites.

We are very excited about Bullets of Love, our debut full-length independent CD, which made the top 10 of Vancouver college radio charts within the first month of release. The 11 tracks feature Dana Ayotte on Wurlitzer piano, bass, and backing vocals; LL Schultz on guitar, vocals and Casio keyboard; and Melanie Covey on drums. With influences ranging from The Cure, Death Cab for Cutie and Yo la Tengo, to Blonde Redhead and Shellac, we have a versatile and original sound. Songs are anywhere from pretty and melodic pop, to edgy post-punk or just purely danceable. Handclaps are a reliable staple of every live performance.

Terminal City Weekly’s Jeff Lee says “…songs on Bullets are catchy and often quite pretty…NYR’s sound has more edge, and substantially more depth, than what you might hear on the Top Six at Six.”

In the past year we have been invited to open for established touring acts such as Xiu Xiu, The Organ, The Nein, and Minus the Bear as well as headlining our own successful live shows. This year we have also completed a yet-to-be released Live at the Hive 2005 session (a compilation of live recordings commemorating the 10th anniversary of hot local studio The Hive) and participated in Vancouver’s alternative independent Music Waste Festival.

We continue to conquer the West Coast with regular live shows in and near Vancouver and look forward to a video project, and touring in 2006. Not to mention getting those dishes washed. The jaywalking, however, is incurable.