alexkusturok + Musician in Edmonton, AB

SEEKING

ABOUT

Growing up, Alex (3rd Generation fiddle player) followed his mother Patti to Old time dances around Manitoba where he was enriched with the Métis fiddle from a very young age. By age 7, the passion for music became apparent and fiddle became the focus of Alex's life.

Culture has always played a huge part in Alex's music and his life. His father, a treaty Indian from Wabigoon Lake First Nation in Ontario made sure that Alex learned of his aboriginal heritage which transferred into his music and gave him a set of values in which he lives his life. Between his mother's fiddle and his father's guitar, there is no question that Alex would take to the music and continue to pass on the tradition. Alex's music is very much about family. Every time he plays it is for his late grandparents John and Eva, his mother Patti, and his father Gerald who so freely gave him the gift of music.

Career Highlights Include:
- Toured as a "hired gun" with the Derina Harvey band (2017)
- Métis Spring Festival Champion (Alberta, 2016)
- Two Time British Columbia Fiddle Champion (2008, 2009)
- Five Time Manitoba Champion ,
- Eight Time Manitoba Métis Champion
- Grand North American Champion (Alberta, 2013)
- Canadian Grand Masters National Competition ranking in the top ten competitors and performing in Junior Showcase.
- Toured through Norway Europe with Patti Kusturok and Trent Bruner
- Festival of Fiddle Tunes in Port Townsand, Washington
- Folk Life Festival in Seattle, Washington
- 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics (1st Medal Ceremony)

Alex has shared the Métis culture at many different cultural events including but not limited to:

- Two Tours with Spirit Horse (aboriginal theatre piece)
- Asham Stomperfest, Reedy Creek, Manitoba
- Back to Batoche Festival in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
- International Métis Festival at the International Peace Gardens, Manitoba/North Dakota Border

Alex continues to be high in demand as a performer, instructor and competition judge across Canada. Alex has a blend of styles in his music. He is greatly influenced by the Quebecois and Cape Breton fiddle styles, however, the Métis style remains at the forefront of his playing.

Alex has released two Independent Albums, "Groove" (2009) and "For Old Times Sake" (2014). In Alex's show you can count on a display of culture through music and dance, stories of his upbringing, and a "hard driving" energy that will get everyone on their feet.

www.alexkusturok.com

Screen name:

alexkusturok

Member since:

May 14 2018

Active over 1 month ago

Level of commitment:

Touring

Years playing music:

20

Gigs played:

Over 100

Tend to practice:

More than 3 times per week

Available to gig:

6-7 nights a week

Influences

I love learning from whomever I can, but I love any kind of hard driving music!

Instrument experience:

Violin:

Expert

Fiddle:

Expert

Acoustic Guitar:

Advanced

Piano:

Moderate

EQUIPMENT

Fiddle, If I need to get anything I will.

MUSIC