BIO

One of the most beautiful things about Canada is the music that flows from people in every corner of the country. And right in the centre is Winnipeg, one of the most prolific Canadian cities, in terms of producing world-class musicians.

If you have ever lived, or spent any time there, you will know “Love Me, Love My Winnipeg” as an insider’s understanding of one of Canada’s best kept secrets. Winnipeg is the ‘gateway to the west’, and the combination of its long winters and superb musical talents, has given us many nationally, and internationally well known artists.

Like many artists, Angela was drawn to Winnipeg from her hometown of Brandon, and there, in 1982, she met well-known local musician, Tom Dahl. Over the next seven years, Tom taught Angela everything he knew about the ‘lounge’ circuit, as they built their act, and their professional careers.

The ‘Dreaded Duo’, as they came to be known, worked the lounges of Winnipeg for most of the 80’s, turning almost every job into a ‘house gig’.

And when we say house gig, we mean, house gig! Places like Ray & Jerry’s Steak House, Rumour’s Comedy Club, The Marble Club, and The Oval Club, to name a few, enjoyed their powerful presence for months, and sometimes years at a time.

Tom and Angela’s popularity rocketed because of their repertoire, which was as diverse as the rooms in which they played. From Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy to Old Time Rock & Roll, their sets would include all that, and more.

As a student of various musical forms, Angela’s appreciation for swing and jazz grew appreciably during her years in Winnipeg, and on top of her pop music base, her repertoire grew bigger and bigger... Motown, 60's and 70's R&B, Disco and Country to name a few.

Knowing she was onto something, in something she loved, Angela left Winnipeg in 1989 to study seriously at The Musician’s Institute in Hollywood, CA. There, she met Kevyn Lettau, a wonderful jazz singer, and recording artist, who specialized in the beautiful Bossa Nova and Samba rythmns. Kevyn delivered exquisite melodies in such sultry grooves, that Angela was totally taken with its sound. This marked the start of her quest to learn more, and eventually, it led to the recording of her own South American style CD set, Café Brasilia/Casa Do Samba.

Angela moved back to Canada in 1991 to accept an extended run in The Big Bamboo Lounge. Soon after, The Monterey Room (Pacific Pallisades Hotel), The Pan Pacific Hotel, Hotel Vancouver, and Cloud Nine, along with their patrons, all enjoyed Angela’s intimate and engaging singing style.

From 1992 to 2002 Angela wrote, recorded and performed with the group "Farmer's Daughter". To their credit, the group has two gold albums, a Juno award, two CCMA awards, Big Country awards, and numerous BCCMA and Westcoast Music awards. Farmer's Daughter was also regularly seen on television - Canada AM, Pamela Wallin Live, CBC Newsworld, Mike Bullard, Vicki Gabreau, Dini Petty, and It's A Living, have all been graced with appearances by the group, not to mention their 12 video's and many features on CMT.

Whether it's her swing/jazz/bossa trio, her retro band "The Polyester Philharmonic", or her children's project, Angela is in high demand amongst corporate event planners and large charity fundraiser's. On stages large and small, Angela's connection with her audience and her passionate delivery, create instant Angela Kelman fans.