Artist Directory

"...clear, strong voice, heartfelt lyrics and knack for exquisite melodies." - Lynn Saxberg, The Ottawa Citizen

"She was amazing, she took the time to talk to each of the participants who wanted to share throughout the program. She was patient and kind and explained the activity and her music really well...she was radiant, well-spoken, full of enthusiasm and so nice with the participants."

- Cindy, Ottawa Public Library

“Stewart quietly opens the door for us to a limitless world of delicate sonic beauty.”

Randy Raine-Reusch in Musicworks 97.

“Jesse Stewart is an eloquent and poetically powerful percussionist, composer, improviser and teacher—a man of ideas and inventions.”

Jazz legend William Parker

"Jesse is an incredibly innovative artist. He's a performance artist, he's a jazz drummer, he's an incredible creative force”

Roman Borys

Shared creativity builds community as it honours what each of us can bring to the table. My work celebrates your story and how you chose to share it with your audience. It's my privilege to support each partner in this work.

"Empress's voice is powerful; alternately sweet then soulful. The blending of traditional and contemporary sounds works beautifully and was such fun to play over."

Marcus Ali, a Canadian saxophonist from Toronto reviewed my music and voice

“I just wanted to thank you for being a wonderfully talented, generous and patient teacher. I’ve just attended your December 2016 school recital and I was struck by the wonderful community you’ve fostered. You’ve created a kind space for kids and adults to be themselves and express something that matters to them (and you).

The world is a better place because of who you are!”

Testimonial

Music, poetry and stories lift us out of the daily concerns we have and take us to unexplored territories. They can comfort us, lift us, awaken our curiosity and enliven our relationship to the world and to each other. It is exciting to imagine what may happen when an artist meets a new audience member one on one to see how the music or the word might unfold this time, and to witness together a little new world come to life.

Music is a way for us to feel connected to each other. My late grandpa was a big influence on me. He could play guitar and piano and harmonica and would sing songs. Despite dementia causing him to forget the family’s names, he could always play well. When he sat down at the piano, the rest of the patients and nurses would all quiet down as they listened. There is something about music that evokes memories and emotions in us that can be nearly inaccessible through other methods.

“I first met Maren when she volunteered with Parkinson Association, Maren ran Art Therapy groups with me. She inspired the clients with her creative energy, and won their trust with her gentle, compassionate demeanour. Maren also joined me when I ran groups for the MS Society.

I highly recommend Maren for work with marginalized people, she is able to blend her creative talents with the respect with which she regards all humans.”

Yona McGinnis, Registered Canadian Art Therapist

"Experience, maturity and fulfilling a life’s dream after facing some tough challenges. That begins to account for the lyrical depth of her songwriting, the control of her silvery voice and the easy flow of her melodies.”

From Lynn Saxberg, Ottawa Citizen:

Video above: French 0:00, English 0:40, Spanish 1:19

This kind of program is important to me because art is a soul medicine that I enjoy so much and I’ve have always felt the desire to share.

I make healing music. Relax with atmospheric nature sounds. Sing or compose songs with me. Once we enter into the atmosphere of the music, we will be in a beautiful story.

Music has served me well throughout my life and I enjoy sharing the value of harmony, melody, and rhythm. My experience in musical theatre has revealed how animation and a good smile goes hand-in-hand with enriching any experience. I have seen music to be a great connector.

When I see any little sparkle of life, joy or nostalgia in at least one of the people in care I am performing for, I know why I chose to be a musician.