Lody Kieken
Hammond Organ, Keyboard & Vocals
Debbie Reid
Vocals
Debbie grew up in a musical family in Manitoba in the fifties and sixties and realized at five years old that her voice was her instrument. She could harmonize with anyone and sang in a lot of talent shows around the province. She ended up singing in two church choirs, The United Church and the Lutheran Church, singing the Alto parts, because she didn't like the "girlie parts". When she moved to Salmon Arm she met Jim Johnston, Norm Sargent and Bill Lockie, all musicians with whom she would have a long-term musical relationship. She played in various bands in the Shuswap: SUMMER WAGERS, LILLIES OF THE WEST and their back up boogie band EDEN FIRE, but she is probably best known for fronting THE PHANTOMS which she did for many years. Debbie loves singing with the SALMON ARMENIANS and says in her own words: "Playing live music is never safe but it is always an experience. As they say in the song: "Hold On , We’re Coming!"
Del Hunter
Vocals
Del has been singing professionally since 1973, beginning with SHAMASH, a 7 piece vocal band from Kelowna, doing the "A" circuit in Western Canada until 1979. Continuing on in the Okanagan with several bands since then Del has enjoyed the past 17 years singing with her husband, Keith Hunter, in their duo STEPPIN’ OUT. Her three-year stint in Kelowna with the vocal trio GIRLS NITE OUT covered each era from the 40’s onward, dazzling their audience with great harmonies and costume changes. "Having the opportunity to sing with the SALMON ARMENIANS is a huge treat as I’ve been an R&B fan forever. Fabulous musicians to share the stage with and the opportunity to harmonize with Debbie Reid when the occasion arises is an extra special treat as we both enjoy harmonizing as well. Totally grateful for the opportunity to make music with these boys!"
Doug Sonju
Alto & Tenor Saxophone
Since the early seventies Doug Sonju has been the principal clarinetist with the Okanagan Symphony. He is also a jazz, commercial rock, and (now) blues sax player. The Vernon Jazz Club has heard Doug fronting jazz quartets playing with THE UGLY STEPSISTERS, or with the BOB ROGERS QUINTET. He says that playing with serious blues musicians is a new experience for him. "It is different and I am the new kid on the block and I’m loving it".
Murray Holmes
Bass & Vocals
Rich Thorne
Trombone, Trumpet & Percussion
Rich started playing trombone in grade 5, by grade 9 he was doubling on tuba and trombone in school bands and also playing in combos. He attended the School of Music at the University of Idaho from 1967 through 1971 . After coming to Canada in 1974 he worked as a Teacher until his recent retirement. He has been with the DIXIE NORTH Jazz Band for over 25 years, was a member of the horn section of THE PHANTOMS and played with the EDEN FIRE BAND in Salmon Arm and with the MOB in Kamloops. He has been a member of the SALMON ARMENIANS since 1996. "R&B is alive and well and playing with this band and having the chance to write and arrange for musicians like these people is a real treat that I don't take for granted."
Larry Keats
Drums
The "Slammin’ Salmon" is an original member of the SALMON ARMENIANS. Inspired as a child of the ‘60's, by Ringo Starr, Larry began a 30 year rhythm journey, including playing in big band jazz , jazz combos (most recently with 25th Street Jazz Band ), rock groups, and musical theatre. Larry’s day gig is a Music Therapist in the Shuswap tapping into the power of rhythm and drumming to promote wellness for children and adults facing various challenges. The "ARMENIANS" of which the "Salmon Slams", are a pleasure to share a stage with as each performance they strive to achieve the immortal sentiments of the godfather of soul, Mr. James Brown, " I Feel Good! WOW!" Highly recommended therapy for young and old indeed!
Mike Scharf
Tenor & Baritone Saxophone
Mike grew up in Salmon Arm playing in jazz bands, combos, and fusion groups including ELECTRIC LADY LAND, LIQUID CHICKEN, POMPOUS FRANK AND THE GAY NESSMANS. Both he and his bari have shared the stage with Rich Underhill and the immortal SHUFFLE DEMONS. Mike is currently on his second stint with the SALMON ARMENIANS, where else could he find an eight-piece Rhythm and Blues band with a horn section! Mike works part time as a firefighter for BC Forest Service helping to keep BC trees unsinged.
Peter Clark
Guitar
Eclectic would be an accurate description of the musical life of guitarist Peter Clark. As a professional musician for the last 35 years, Peter has been very active as a solo performer in the country, jazz, pop and Celtic genres and with various ensembles. Peter most recently played and recorded with the Celtic group, SEANACHIE, the mainstream rock group SUZIE Q, and the country group HIGHWOOD. Recently relocated to Salmon Arm from Calgary, Peter is now applying the skills garnered from his wide-ranging musical life as the guitar player for the SALMON ARMENIANS.
