The J-Strokes are veterans of the Guelph music community consisting of Mike Sharp (guitar, vox), Doug Roach (guitar, vox), Don Kudo (bass, vox) and Brad Holy (drums, vox). A history of their Guelph connections include Mike Sharp and Local Honey, The Fonctionnaires, Boom Echo, Maxine For Now, Billy But, The Regulars, Monkey Wrench Gang, plus many other community collaborations. The Js’ creative combine has resulted in their recent release of a seven-song album to add to their collective boatload of recordings with various bands and solo projects. Featuring songs written individually, mutually developed and arranged, with Guelph community guests (Jeremy Shute, Aaron Duncan), the album tacks in several directions but remains straight and true to The J-Strokes alt-rock pop with a hint of bluesy soul and grooves to steer you in the direction of the dance floor. It’s the connection that matters to this crew, whether it is by geeking out over record bin finds and rock history trivia or dissecting disappointing hockey results, The Js cruise together.

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The Mighty Speed is a Guelph-based instrumental band. The music is rhythm -forward – with thick percussion and drums providing the foundations. The band draws on Afrobeats and reggae rhythms with a jazz-like approach to melodies and improvisation. The configuration of the band changes each time they play leading to fresh in-the-moment variations of their music. On April 17, the band will include Will Ford (drums), Don Moore (guitar). Mal Odol (djembe and percussion), JP Bertuola (percussion) and Jeremy Shute (keys and trumpet).