Choir Members bios
Earth Wind & Choir
Meet our talented choir members
Earth Wind & Choir brings together some of the Lower Mainland's most highly respected and cherished artists.
Our current member list for the 2026 season is ;
(in alphabetical order)
Al Lynch, Angela Kelman, Beverley Elliott, Bill Abbott, Bill Costin, Cecile Larochelle, Cherelle Jardine, Colin Weinmaster, Dan Robb, Daryl Burgess, Dave Reimer, Dick Fryatt, Hoot Gibson, Jane Mortifee, Janet Warren, Jennifer Bishop, Joani Bye, Linda Kidder, Lynda Boyd, Marc Gladstone, Marlee Walchuk, Nancy Herb, Peter Juric, Rick Hill, Robbie Buchanan, Saffron Henderson, Shari Ulrich and Terry Raible.
Al Lynch
Al is one of the veterans of the Vancouver music scene going way back to the 60s when he was co-founder of Soul Unlimited, playing trumpet and singing BGs. That band morphed into Mantra where he was the lead singer and was fortunate enough to have current Earth Wind & Choir members Rick Hill and Colin Weinmaster as bandmates.
Al was one of the original members of the R&B Allstars, doing 2 stints playing trumpet and flugelhorn and as a back-up singer. He also spent over 30 years as the lead singer in WAGER, a band popular with many corporate clients and social fund-raisers. He feels very privileged to have been asked to join Earth Wind & Choir.
Angela Kelman
Angela is a Juno Award-winning artist from Brandon, Manitoba. She began her musical journey as a teenager, performing with her high school band and playing gigs at bars and lounges throughout Winnipeg. In her twenties, Angela moved to Los Angeles, California, to attend the Musicians Institute, where she graduated with honours.
She is best known as the lead singer and principal songwriter of the Canadian country girl group Farmer’s Daughter, which toured and recorded together for over a decade, earning multiple awards and accolades.
Following her time with Farmer’s Daughter, Angela launched a successful solo career, releasing several albums—including the bossa nova/samba project Café Brasilia / Casa Do Samba and the original disco-inspired Mirrorball. Her current live projects include a soulful trio, a retro dance band, and a Latin-inspired pop experience.
Beverley Elliott
For the past 40 years, Beverley has worked primarily as a film and tv actress with over 175 credits to her name. Selected highlights include Once Upon a Time (6 years), Unforgiven, Tracker, Wild Cards, Family Law, Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, and Happy Face. She has performed theatre across Canada including touring both her self penned, one woman shows, Didn’t See That Coming and Sink or Swim, of which she won Best Musical at the NYC Solo Festival. Beverley is a professional storyteller and has just completed a TEDx Talk on storytelling, has performed a the Moth in NYC four times, and has been featured on Public Radio US and CBC. Musically she has toured her original singer songer music (cd’s YELLOW DRESS, SUNDAY MORNING) as a solo performer and with her all female trio August (cd THE SWEETEST DAY).
She has also thrived as a children’s performer. (cd’s MAGIC CARPET RIDE and DREAMCHILD). Currently she is dabbling in screenwriting and loving singing in this amazing choir.
Bill Abbott
Bill has been a player on the Vancouver music scene since the early 80’s, most notably with the R & B Allstars - a band he used to go see and admire back in the day. Career highlights include: 33 years with the Dal Richards Orchestra. 3 years with Michael Buble and playing a show with Ray Charles and a 40 piece orchestra.
A seasoned player that spent years seeing the world, playing cruise ships and performing with Peter Juric and his many bands for longer than he can remember.
Bill Costin
Is a professional pianist, musical director, composer, arranger, and instructor. Originally from Nanaimo, he's been in Vancouver playing music since 1982 when he played in Dave Robbin's UBC jazz band with Bill Abbott (also with him on one of those cruise ships). Other work: Sink or Swim with Beverley Elliott in New York City. Arts Club Shows (Wang Dang Doodle, Billy Bishop Goes To War), accompanying auditions (Mirvish's production of Hairspray and Jersey Boys, and Broadway's Book of Mormon) playing cabaret acts with Gillian Campbell, a lot of Yukon tourism shows in Dawson City (He wrote the 1992 Arctic Winter Games Theme Song), Forever Plaid at the Starlight Theatre, Dickens's Women with Miriam Margolyes, Bah Humbug with Jim Byrnes, wrote a musical with Denis Simpson, also played piano for: Linda Kidder, Michael Buble, Dal Richards, Ruth Nichol, Cailin Stadnyk, Azuure Joffre, David Marr, Sibel Thrasher, Susinn McFarlen, Jay Brazeau, Kevin Mcnulty, Laurie Murdoch, Tom Pickett, and of course, Jennifer Bishop! Grateful to jam with Colin Weinmaster on most Thursdays AND wore lederhosen a few times in Peter Juric's Oktoberfest band. Notable students from teaching jazz piano for 25 years at Vancouver Island University: Christine Jensen, Lee Worden, Mike Norman, Brent Jarvis, and Cindy Fairbank.
Cecile Larochelle
Vocal Artist, Educator, and Producer
Born in Calgary and raised in Vancouver, British Columbia, Cecile Larochelle has devoted her life to the art and joy of singing. With over thirty years of experience as a professional vocalist, voice teacher, songwriter, producer, and artist manager, she has helped countless singers discover freedom, confidence, and authentic expression in their voices.
A graduate of Rollins College in Florida with a BA in Music/Voice and a Bachelor of Education, Cecile is also a Certified Teacher of MIX and an active member of the International Voice Teachers of MIX (IVTOM).
Her performing career has taken her from Vancouver to Hawaii, Italy, New York, Texas, and Florida — and back home again to Vancouver. From television and studio work to live concerts, Cecile’s artistry has flourished across genres and stages throughout her lifelong musical journey.
As a recording artist, Cecile is the co-writer of the children’s album Friends Friends Friends and the sole composer of Serenade to Serenity, a collection of original gospel songs. She also recorded Where Do You Start, an album of jazz standards, and lent her background vocals to recordings by Jon Bon Jovi, John Denver, Long John Baldry, Rita MacNeil, among others.
Two of her compositions, “In a Minute Waltz” and “Trees,” were featured on Sesame Street (CBC).
Cecile currently directs the Freedom Choir in Vancouver, BC, and sings with Earth Wind and Choir, a vibrant collective of professional and passionate musicians.
Now based in Burnaby, BC, Cecile continues to perform, write, and collaborate on creative vocal projects. When not immersed in music, she enjoys time with her two daughters, Mellissa and Samantha, and loves hiking, pickleball, being near the water and traveling.
www.cecilelarochelle.com
Cherelle Jardine
It’s a beautiful day to discover the music of Cherelle. An award winning celebrated voice in Canada’s indie scene, Cherelle’s new solo single "It’s a Beautiful Day," written with iconic Producer/Songwriter Colin Weinmaster,is a radiant return to her roots with her first solo release in over a decade.
Her band Stone Poets won 2 prestigious ISSA International awards for Band of the Year and Video of the Year for "Beauty of it All” in September 2025 (International Singer Songwriters Association)
With 13 career albums, a solo album on the horizon in 2026 and a recording career with Stone Poets, Peacenik Collective, The Jardines, HEAD, her solo project, Cherelle continues to evolve as a writer, performer and visionary.
Currently Cherelle continues to write and perform with Stone Poets and the peace-powered Peacenik Collective, Hand over Heart and Earth Wind & Choir.
From angel-kissed melodies to powerful anthems, Cherelle sings like some people pray, always with purpose, passion and poetry and continues to inspire through every lyric, melody and harmony.
She’s a dreamer, a builder of community, and a fearless creative spirit and believes we can change the world, one song at a time!
Colin Weinmaster
Colin Weinmaster grew up in Vancouver, where his father’s love of music sparked his own lifelong passion. Picking up piano, trumpet, trombone, and guitar at an early age, Colin quickly found himself performing in local bands, laying the foundation for a career that would span performance, composition, production, and mentorship.
He became widely known as a founding member of the legendary R&B All-Stars, helping to define Vancouver’s live music scene with high-energy shows that fused soul, groove, and rhythm and blues. Beyond the stage, he founded Wave Productions, a very successful Vancouver audio production with a focus on advertising. Wave is still to this day one of the premiere suppliers to the Canadian and U.S. advertising community, having won many international awards.
Colin retired in 2019 Wave and left the company in the very capable hands of the people that worked for Wave.
Today, Colin channels his decades of experience into Earth Wind & Choir, the ensemble he co-founded with Joani Bye as well as writing his own songs and producing music with various local artists.
Dan Robb
Sang With Orpheus Choir 14 years Tenor, bass and solos.
Professional Golfer 1970-1978
Teaching and associate Pro Marine Drive Golf.
1975 to 1978 played on the Canadian professional Golf Tour.
Owner at Tech Web Direct a very successful marketing and communications company.
Married, 2 children.
Daryl Burgess
Daryl is a Vancouver, Canada native who has called Nashville, Tennessee home since 1995. Prior to moving to Music City, Daryl landed his first number one hit (Just Came Back) – Colin James, which was awarded a Canadian Juno for single of the year in 1990. Right after arriving in Nashville, Daryl had several singles such as (This Heartache Never Sleeps) – Mark Chesnutt, (Never In A Million Tears) – T. Graham Brown, (I’m Diggin’ It) – Alicia Elliot and (The Bride) – Trick Pony. During his years on Music Row, Daryl has penned songs for EMI Music Group, BMG Music Publishing, Stage Three and noted producer Mark Bright’s Springfish Publishing.
Daryl is an accomplished drummer who tours with Mark Selby in the U.S. and abroad. He is a sought after recording session musician in Nashville, who also plays guitar and keyboards in addition to his work as a studio vocalist. Daryl has recently re-ignited his solo career up in Vancouver Canada with the Rhythm Snakes and Latter Day Snakes. “The Rhythm Snakes” is a high octane band that we all loved in the 90’s and “The Latter Day Snakes” will showcase songs from his album “Dove on a Barbed Wire Fence”. Available on all streaming platforms.
Dave Reimer
Dave is a Vancouver-based bassist, vocalist, and multi-instrumentalist whose versatility has made him a sought-after player in the West Coast music scene. He has performed with a wide range of artists and is a longtime collaborator with Barney Bentall and Lee Aaron.
Alongside performing, Dave is also a skilled luthier, crafting custom instruments under the name Reimer Guitars. His work as both a builder and player reflects his deep connection to music, blending craftsmanship with artistry.
With decades of experience on stage and in the studio, Dave continues to share his talents through live performance, songwriting, and collaboration. Whether fronting his own projects or supporting others, he brings energy, warmth, and a seasoned musicality to every setting. https://www.facebook.com/ReimerGuitars
Dick Fryatt
Dick actively played in numerous bands around Vancouver from the late 1960's up until 1989, then stepped back for a much needed break (and didn't start playing again until COVID left us all housebound).
Started on keyboards with the State Street Blues Band back in 1967 and finished playing the club scene around the lower mainland with Mantra.
Over the years, worked as a technical sales rep for an engineering firm and coached both men's and women's soccer teams.
Have been involved with owning and restoring classic and vintage vehicles for many years.
Married to the same great lady for the past 52+ years and am presently enjoying driving my grandchildren nuts!
To be a part of this wonderful choir is like a dream come true.....I feel so honoured and blessed to have been included.
Hoot Gibson
BRIAN ‘HOOT’ GIBSON earned a Masters of Music Composition degree at the University of British Columbia.
He’s a Co-Founder of Little Mountain Sound Studios in Vancouver and Co founder of GGRP. He’s written music for film and television commercials. Some of the most memorable include - Expo 86 “ThIs My Home”, Diet Coke “Just For The Taste of It”, Main Theme “ Being Ian” “ Pirate Express”, McDonald’s “ da da dat dat daaaa”, Harvey’s Hamburgers “A Beautiful Thing”and In And Out Burgers : That’s What a Hamburgers all About”.
Jane Mortifee
Jane’s first love is music. She has recorded 5 CDs: Conversations, Give Me Something Real, Get Ready, Just Here Just Now Just Enough and Lullabies For You, recorded for her shiny new grandson.
Jane is a celebrated multi-talented singer, actor and author who over the last fifty years has appeared in numerous concerts, as well as in many theatre, television and film productions.
For decades she was a first call studio talent for jingles, voice overs, narration, and animated
series. She has worked with David Foster, Ray Charles, John Denver and Leon and Eric Bibb to
name a few.
Theatrical credits include Sally Bowls in ‘Cabaret’, ‘Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris’, ‘Godspell’, ‘Side by Side by Sondheim’, ‘A Closer Walk with Patsy Cline’, ‘John
Gray’s Rock and Roll’, ‘Reflections on Crooked Walking’, among others.
She has been nominated for 3 Jessie Awards for her theatre performances and for a West Coast Music Awards for her Conversations CD. She was inducted into the BC Entertainment Hall of
Fame in 2002.
Janet Warren
Janet is better known around Vancouver as a choral director, and is regarded as an expert with vocal jazz choirs. She holds an advanced degree in Education; has been recognized at the national level for outstanding choral groups; and has been named as an outstanding educator by her peers and the BC Music Educators Association. Retired after 35 years of teaching in NV secondary schools, and 20 more years as a Faculty Advisor with UBC teacher candidates, Janet is enjoying singing a variety of repertoire in three choirs; as well as directing her own choir, Higher Ground Women’s Ensemble. Seasonal singing with Joani (her sister…) and Linda Kidder at Christmas, and now Earth, Wind, & Choir rounds out a life enriched with joyful and community-filled music. Janet is thrilled to be part of this wonderful group!
https://www.highergroundchoir.com/bio/music-director
Jennifer Bishop
Jennifer has been active in the Vancouver entertainment biz for over 30 years. She is highly sought after as a dance coach, performer & consultant. Gandalf (Sir Ian McKellan) tops her list of celebrity students. She is the “go to” for many of the local theatre companies when seeking pre-show prep for their cast members. Her diverse background and training in dance and theatre has provided her with a massive variety of experiences in the entertainment world.
Her vocal experience includes corporate acts “The Smartinis” and John Owen's “Broadway Babies” singing for harbour tours with “The Pride of Vancouver” and touring the west coast, Alaska and Taiwan with top 40 band “Culture Shock”. Selected theatre credits include: West Side Story, Singin' in the Rain and Cabaret (The Arts Club Theatre), Guys & Dolls and The Music Man (The Vancouver Playhouse), Godspell (Vogue & Centennial Theatres) and North American tour of dance and percussion ensemble “Rhythmatix”.
In 2007, Jennifer found a fabulous dance space and The Rhythm Room (a space for all things percussive) was created. She lives in East Van with her piano man, Bill Costin, their two crazy cats and their bright musical daughter, Olivia Love.
Rhythm is everywhere. Are you listening?
www.therhythmroom.ca
_______________________________________
Joani Bye
Joani is one of Vancouver’s most respected vocalists, celebrated for her powerful voice, emotional delivery, and versatility across genres. Over the years she has performed with some of Canada’s finest musicians, both as a front-line singer and as a sought-after session and background vocalist. Her live performances bring a mix of soul, heart, and energy that has made her a fixture on the West Coast music scene.
In addition to her work on stage, most notably with the R&B Allstars, Ladies Sing the Blues and the Porter/Bye Project (a duo with Tim Porter), she is also well respected for her work in the studio, having sung the background vocals on Livin’ On A Prayer for Bon Jovi as well as on albums by Cher and INXS along with countless others. Joani also derives great joy from teaching an on-line vocal empowerment course called SongShine for people with Parkinson’s, stroke recovery and other neurological issues.
As co-founder of Earth Wind & Choir, Joani brings her artistry and teaching together, creating vocal arrangements that lift singers while captivating audiences. Her vision and leadership continue to shape the choir into a dynamic ensemble that celebrates harmony, community, and the joy of singing.
Linda Kidder
Born into a professional music family, Linda’s been in the business since she was fifteen. She’s been centre stage or sideman singing, drumming or playing bass in countless bands, touring throughout Canada, the U.S. and Europe with kd lang’s Ingenue Tour, and with Gary Fjellgaard. Her many hats include, session singer, musical theatre, writer, arranger, producer, coach. She has three of her own cd’s and is featured on countless others. You’ve heard her voice on TV and radio since the 80’s. Linda has many awards from CMA, BCMA and Juno nominations. For a more in-depth look at Linda’s five decade career, go to
Lynda Boyd
Lynda is an award winning actor/singer with an extensive background in theatre, music, film and television. Selected credits include FAST & FURIOUS 3: TOKYO DRIFT, SHE’S THE MAN, I SPY starring opposite Owen Wilson, ON THIN ICE starring opposite Diane Keaton, AN UNFINISHED LIFE opposite Jennifer Lopez and THE AGE OF ADALINE, playing Blake Lively’s bff. Lynda starred in the CBC hit REPUBLIC OF DOYLE for six seasons playing Rose Doyle, garnering her 3rd Screenie/Gemini nomination. She can be seen as “Lilly”, a fan favourite on Netflix’s massive hit VIRGIN RIVER and on Amazon’s TIN STAR, opposite Tim Roth and Christina Hendriks: and most recently as "Phoebe" on seasons 1 & 2 of the Netflix hit SULLIVAN'S CROSSING. Favorite guest star roles include E.R., THE “L” WORD, COLD CASE, SUPERNATURAL and TRUST, directed by Danny Boyle. Singing was her first love, but the acting bug won out. Elated to be singing again. With superstars. Directed by a superstar.
I am honoured to be in Earth, Wind & Choir with these artists.
Marc Gladstone
Marc is a seasoned musician, composer, and keyboardist whose artistry spans folk-pop roots, alternative rock, and adult contemporary styles. He has collaborated on original projects like Cherelle Jardine, Abandon Paris, HEAD, Stone Poets and Peacenik Collective, and is active in bands Prism, Stone Poets, Hand over Heart and Earth Wind & Choir. His musical background includes early formal training in piano (Royal Conservatory), decades of performance, arrangement, and studio work, and co-producing with respected peers.
As a performer, Marc is known for his expressive keyboard work, harmony vocals, and his ability to craft parts that support a song—hooky when needed but never overwhelming. He also writes, arranges, and produces, bringing emotional depth and subtlety to his projects.
Outside of performing, Marc is a dedicated teacher. He offers private piano/keyboard instruction, and is one of the principal instructors at Long & McQuade, where he teaches both Royal Conservatory (RCM) curriculum and popular styles to students of all ages.
Marlee Walchuk
Actor, Singer, Musician, Songwriter, Painter, Playwright.
Marlee honed her acting skills at the Lee Strasberg Theatre Institute in Los Angeles and began her career singing alongside her brother and sister, Judy Ginn and Jim Walchuk. By the age of 18, she had already gained a wealth of experience, touring and opening for acts at the Pacific Coliseum. Her diverse talents led her to radio and TV commercials, voice-overs, TV guest appearances, musical theatre, and performing with live bands. In the 1980s, she released a national country hit song, “God Bless The Woman,” and along with three original albums, she has earned numerous awards and nominations.
In 2019, Marlee made her return to acting, focusing on Film and TV. She has since shared the screen with notable stars such as Jessica Biel, Jessie Tyler Ferguson, Marcia Gay Harden, Lea Thompson, Wendy Malick, and Bowen Yang. Her performance in Creepshow - The Hat, earned her a nomination for a Leo Award for Best Supporting Performance in a Dramatic Series, and in 2024, she was honored with the Performing Arts FANS Distinguished Artist Award.
Currently, Marlee is busy writing her next album, putting the finishing touches on an original musical, and performing live with 3 projects, an 11 piece R&B band, Souled Out,(https://souledoutyvr.com/) the 60’s 70’s acoustic music celebration, The Porch Chops https://www.marleewalchuk.ca/porchchopsband and of course, singing alto in Earth Wind & Choir.
When she isn’t doing all of that, she paints. To see her artwork, visit: https://www.marleewalchuk.ca/paintings.
Nancy Herb
Nancy was born and raised in Vancouver, Canada is a highly accomplished and dedicated professional with over three decades of experience as a transformative educator. Nancy ran the Leaning Resource Centre at Vancouver College Elementary. She is trained in Orton Gillingham and The Reading Foundation Programs and has worked extensively with autistic children and children with learning differences. Nancy, passionate about musical theatre, singing, and songwriting has written numerous songs over the years for her students as well as produced, directed, and choreographed many musical theatre productions for the senior students at Vancouver College.
Nancy has extensive background in radio voice-over, television, and stage. She performed in many bands throughout the years and recently returned to the stage as Mother Superior Mary Regina in the musical production of "Nunsense" at the Metro theatre.
In her retirement, Nancy paints and sings with The Porch Chops, the R&B band, Souled Out and Earth Wind and Choir. She is an avid gardener, culinary enthusiast, and a committed 4.0 pickleball player. Grateful to be singing with this choir!
Peter Juric
Peter is a dynamic soulful singer with a gift for making some of the greatest songs of all time entirely his own. A superb "front man" and trumpet player, Peter knows how to bring a party to life and is especially good at connecting with his audiences.
Peter has been a featured performer for CBC radio, PGA Golf Classic, Princess Cruise Lines, Vancouver Expo 86, Spain Expo 92, and regularly performs for Charity Galas, Festivals and Special Events.
_________________________________________
Rick Hill
Rick is a veteran of the Vancouver Music scene since the 1970’s and is the original R+B Allstar drummer. Rick also played in Mantra, R+B Delivery and has shared the stage with the likes of James Brown, Chuck Berry, War and Long John Baldry. His major influences are Tower of Power & James Brown. That is pretty obvious when you hear Rick pounding the drums.
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570889904540
Robbie Buchanan
Producer, Arranger, Keyboardist and Composer to the stars.
Robbie’s client list reads like a “Who’s Who” of the music business. Artists such as Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, Bon Jovi, Bryan Adams, Christina Aguilera, Elton John, David Bowie, Rod Stewart, Rascal Flatts, Bette Midler and Barbara Streisand litter his resume.
As you listen to audio sample of Robbie’s work, you’ll hear massive hits that you both know and love.
To learn more about how he can bring out the best in your music with his skills visit;
Saffron Henderson
Saffron is a singer, voice actor and narrator with hundreds of rock’n’roll, musical theater, film, tv, animation and video game credits to her name. She most notably voiced the characters of Kid Goku and Kid Gohan in the original English dubs of Dragonball and Dragonball Z, and was killed with her own guitar in Friday the 13th Part VIII, Jason Takes Manhattan. Saffron has sung in numerous live bands corporate and special events including the Olympic, Invictus and Commonwealth Games, and the Calgary Stampede and on TV, film and animation themes. She has appeared as a background vocalist for David Foster, Lionel Ritchie, Ray Charles, Olivia Newton John, Chilliwack, Jann Arden, 54-40, Tom Cochrane, Paul Rogers, Mariana’s Trench, Rita MacNeil, Annette Ducharme, The Irish Rovers, Shari Ulrich, Allan Dobb, Raffi, Paul Rodgers (Bad Company), Richie Sambora, The Wild, and Cole Haan. Daughter of Canadian musical legend, Bill Henderson, Saffron enjoys singing and collaborating with her large musical family, and is honoured to be a part of the beautiful musical, linguistic and cultural bridge called SGaanaG’wa as well as Vancouver session singer Supergroup, Earth Wind & Choir.
Shari Ulrich
Shari is an award winning singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist (violin,mandolin, piano, guitar, dulcimer) continues to heartily enjoy a life in music after five decades. From the legendary Pied Pumkin to The Hometown Band (“Fear of Flying”), and as a solo artist, she has released 25 albums - including collaborations with Bill Henderson and Roy Forbes (UHF), Barney Bentall and Tom Taylor (BTU), and The High Bar Gang, a 7-piece bluegrass band with Barney Bentall. Her work has garnered two JUNO awards, an induction into the BC Entertainment Hall of Fame, and a Canadian Folk Music Award (CFMA) for Songwriter of the Year. In 2022 she added “The Luckies” with Jeanne Tolmie & Hilary Grist to her collaborative adventures. Since 2014 her work has been engineered and co-produced by her daughter, multi-instrumentalist and Emmy winning music editor in Film & Television.
Terry Raible
Terry has sung and recorded in a number of bands since his early days on the Vancouver music scene. Bands like Chicago and Blood Sweat and Tears have been huge influences on his craft.
He has been with Vancouver's Big City Soul since January 2011. Being on stage and playing the wide variety of music that BCS plays is truly a dream come true for this veteran performer.
He's also in Feelin' Alright, a classic Joe Cocker tribute backed by a sizzling seven-piece band and two dynamic female vocalists. Terry has been doing Joe Cocker tunes as long as he can remember. Being on stage and playing the role of Joe Cocker truly is a dream come true for this veteran performer.
https://www.classiccockerlive.ca