What are Tweeners, anyway? The 14th annual Steamboat Mountain Music Festival Tweener Stage presents short sets between Main Stage acts.

This year, the Tweener Stage features five exciting young performers. All of them have passion and something to say in their music, and two of them in particular help to illustrate the scope of Steamboat Mtn. Music Society’s purpose. It’s about more than just entertainment, more than celebration and community spirit. It goes a bit deeper.

Steamboat is all set for the weekend of.

Kiley McKergow is a 16-year-old singer who picked up a guitar at age eight, and taught herself to play by watching Youtube tutorials. She picked along this way for several years, learning to accompany herself, and creating a strong relationship with her instrument. In 2020, she moved with her family to Brisco.

She focused even more on her guitar during the Covid years. Then as the world began opening up again, so did Kiley. She found a local guitar teacher, Oso Simple, and began making more progress in her guitar playing. She decided to get serious about chords and rhythms and expression, using the guitar more effectively to support her lovely singing voice. Kiley explains her process this way.

“Last year, I performed on the Tweener Stage at the Steamboat Mountain Music Festival—an experience that inspired me to take my musical journey even further. Thanks to that opportunity, I applied for and was honored to receive a bursary, which has helped me continue developing my skills and passion. I’m thrilled to be part of this vibrant music community and excited to share my love for music with festival audiences.”

Agustus Boyer is a pianist, born and raised in the Kootenays. He took lessons with local piano teacher Tanya Dubois before going to the University of Lethbridge to get his Bachelor of Music in piano performance. He is now going into his fourth and final year at the University of Lethbridge. He has performed in a variety of music festivals in both B.C. and Alberta.

He has always enjoyed performing and collaborating with a variety of musicians. Gus says some of his favourite composers to perform are Chopin, Liszt, and Brahms. He loves to challenge himself and work on harder and more virtuosic repertoire every year. Gus was a two-time recipient of the Carol Wilkie Memorial Steamboat Mountain Music Bursary.

This is the first time Steamboat will feature a classical musician on the festival program. Steamboat Mtn. Music Society is dedicated to nurturing local musicians and offering opportunities for them to share the music that makes them feel most alive. In addition to Kiley and Gus, three other emerging musicians will be performing on the July 5 Tweener Stage.

Kira Beattie performed for a few years in open mics and cabarets around Banff. She played two sets at Radium’s Horse Thief Creek Pub, and now Kira is ready to explore the lively music scene in the valley.

Influenced by a strong musical family, and a wide range of genres, she brings a lifelong love of music to the stage. With heartfelt vocals and a deep appreciation for storytelling through song, Kira offers an eclectic sound rooted in passion and authenticity.

James Sullivan is originally from Northeastern Ontario. He has been living in the mountains of the west for the past twelve years. He currently lives in Brisco, a place which is proving itself to be a hotbed of musical creativity. James is a gifted singer-songwriter, playing deep cut Canadian content and originals accompanied by his acoustic guitar.

Samuel Khoran is a passionate guitarist and performer known for electrifying solo sets that blend blues and rock influences.

Inspired by legends like Jimi Hendrix, Gary Moore, and Joe Bonamassa, Sam delivers soulful guitar work and a dynamic stage presence, captivating audiences in restaurants, local venues, and festivals alike.

With a repertoire of timeless classics and virtuosic interpretations, Sam brings heart, soul, and irresistible energy to every performance. He will be accompanied by Matt Page on bass and Max Kelly on drums.

For Steamboat Society, one of the great joys of presenting emerging artists is in listening to the voices of the future, watching them as they grow, and feeling in their tunes the strong pulse of Columbia Valley’s heartbeat.

Photos submitted

Steamboat Mountain Music Festival

Article Share