Bill Werthmann

Northern Lights Folk Club founder, promoter, and singer songwriter, Bill Werthmann, retired from his day job and wanted to create a little community within the greater village of the arts. There were enough open mics and “jams” around where you could go and perform in front of an audience, but he wanted something different. “Toast & Jam’’ was born out of that idea: a weekly gathering around a table where food, coffee, and song could be shared between friends. If the fine folks meeting for their morning mojo want to enjoy the tunes, then great, but no obligations. Bill invites a small group of fellow performers from the folk, blues, and bluegrass communities (usually 5 or 6) to get together at The Carrot Community Arts Coffeehouse, Thursday’s from 10:30 AM until about 1:00 PM.

For Kaleido 2020 on Tour, Bill has called on T&J regulars Alex Boudreau, Peter Nolan, and Ron Taylor to share some of their favourite classics from the table on the trailer.

Miranda Allen Entertainment

Miranda Allen is an international variety artist, escapologist, actor, and theatre maker. She has performed for the Mayor of London, and appeared on season 7 of Penn & Teller: Fool Us, where Penn Jillette called her escape from a wine barrel, “perfect.” She was also nominated for the Sterling Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role for her portrayal of Lizzie in Pretty Goblins, produced by Workshop West. Miranda has performed in 17 countries, 3 and 1/2 languages, and once, was nearly killed by a kangaroo.

Jay Gilday

At once elemental and unearthly, Jay Gilday’s voice is a raw and gorgeous siren of the Canadian north, fusing hymnal anguish with driving rhythm and blues. As a songwriter, Jay threads together the colours of his own ancestral traditions: Dene spirituals, Irish ballads, Canadian folk and rock. He was raised in a family of accomplished musicians on the tundra of Yellowknife, where his music electrifies its never-ending days and nights.

Randall Fraser

Randall Fraser of Lucky Wolf Creations is a festival performer extraordinaire - bringing puppetry, stilt walking, and more! Randall has been involved in the theatrical arts for over 30 years, trying out almost every aspect and discipline within the field. He is one of the founding members of Kaleido and has been performing with the festival since the very beginning. Catch Randall during the showcase soaring above you or dancing in a giant puppet!

Chickadee String Duo

Professional musicians Leanne and Alison have played together in ensembles ranging from the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra and the Chamber Orchestra of Edmonton to the Zelda Symphony and wedding quartets. Friends for many years, they recently founded the Chickadee String Quartet, under whose umbrella they will be performing at Kaleido!

Grindstone Improv

Grindstone Theatre presents Eleven O’Clock Number, a one-act improvised musical that unveils scenes, songs, and choreographed numbers completely off-the-cuff based on audience suggestions.

A Charmed Affair

Look out for A Charmed Affair during the Kaleido Showcase weekend! The ensemble of princesses, superheroes, and other iconic characters are guaranteed to surprise and delight everyone. Typically performing for birthday parties, they are experts in entertainment!

Girl Clown

Morgan Nadeau—AKA Girl Clown—has a wide range of Pochinko-style clown characters that she performs for all ages. Morgan uses her extensive elementary education background to enhance her clowning and acting for children. She has performed multiple successful shows at the Edmonton International Fringe Festival and is back again for another Kaleido!