Allison Burik

Within recent years, Tio'tia:ke/Montréal-based artist Allison Burik has unquestionably emerged a key part of the city's vibrant jazz and experimental music scenes. A member of groups such as Bellbird (alongside Claire Devlin, Eli Davidovici, and Mili Hong), duo Umbrella Pine, they've also played various projects fronted by acclaimed musician Mali Obomsawin including the band that was featured on her celebrated 2022 album Sweet Tooth.

Originally from Kansas City, Allison Burik moved to Boston to pursue a Bachelor's Degree in Performance at Berklee College of Music, and Master’s degree in Contemporary Improvisation from the New England Conservatory. Following their graduation, they've maintained a steady engagement with an array of different musical forms. Brian Slattery of the New Haven Independent praised one of their live performances remarking that "Burik—who, in a band uniformly bursting with fierce talent, requires special mention for some transfixing, revelatory playing."

Over the years, they have worked with notable musicians including Taylor Ho Bynum, George Garzone, Joe Morris, Tyshawn Sorey, Ingrid Laubrock, Ran Blake, Carla Kilhstedt, Anthony Coleman, Frank Tiberi, Bobby Watson, Jaleel Shaw, Kaïa Kater, Shannon LeClaire, Tia Fuller, and others. They've also been featured at festivals such as Suoni Per Il Popolo, Nancy Jazz Pulsations Festival (France), POP Montreal, Halifax Jazz Fest, Vancouver Jazz Fest, AmericanaFest (Nashville, TN), and participated in vital residency programs such as the Banff International Jazz and Creative Music Workshop, Iceland's NES Artist Residency, and the Montréal Contemporary Music Lab.

Shelby Trapid

A distinctive voice in the local indie/alternative scene, Shelby Trapid introduces an analytical twist to cinematic indie rock. Born in Tio'tia:ke/Montréal, they hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from McGill University and have delved into the realms of psycholinguistics and music cognition as a researcher. 

Far from a mere footnote, Trapid’s background in behavioural science is woven into the fabric of their songwriting. The gut-punch quality of their music, coupled with dynamic live performances, extends a compelling invitation—to feel, to connect, and to revel in a shared humanity.