The Magic Machine
The gang is a made up of a silly potpourri of creative minds - resulting in a sweet mix of folk and southern twang featuring opera-rock vocals, bouncy rhythms, musical theatre harmonies, and the occasional rain stick interlude.
We create surprisingly hummable, temptingly strummable original tunes composed and performed in a manner that it is certain to make you smile. Our on-stage antics and comedy bits will make you laugh. Our lyrics will make your heart skip a beat. Our finale will make you a lifetime fan.
Our premiere single 'The Rain', was released in January 2018. We plan on creating a full album or EP later on this year! GO BAND!
Jumpin' Joel Flash
Joel Elliott - Lead Vocals & Rhythm Guitar
Bandmaster Joel is an entertainer, composer, and sometimes actor who developed his on-the-fly style and triple-octave range through pure repetition; non-stop rock with various bands and theatre productions over the course of 15 years.
Joel composed 10 original songs for Phantom of the Opry, which was staged at Ottawa's Gladstone Theatre in February, 2017. Joel acted as musical director and band leader for the show, which boasted a four piece band and a 7 member cast/chorus! Big sound means big fun!
Currently, Joel is the co-host of Love Local Music, a podcast on Ottawa's music scene, as well as The Monday Special Blend on CKCU FM. He is on the planning committee for the Altered Forest music festival, and sits on the Board of Directors for the Ottawa Music Industry Coalition.
In 2017, Joel left his 12-year marketing career to be a full time musician. Let’s see how this plays out.
The Ghost Lights
Robin Hodge - Vocals and Tomfoolery
Robin mostly acts, but also loves to sing with the band and make art.
Favourite (and strangest) past theatrical roles include “Eumenidy” - an imaginary friend - in the Ottawa Fringe production of Duel, a helicopter in the Magnetic North Festival production of Don't Blame the Bedouins, “Courtney” in Sky Gilbert's premiere production of St. Francis of Millbrook and “Eliza Doolittle” in My Fair Zombie. Robin also played “Miga”, the Vancouver 2010 Olympic mascot.
Most recently, she played “Alice” in Phantom of the Opry and “Abby” in the locally produced film Countrycide, directed by Brett Kelly. You can also check out her alter-ego, plastic-surgery-addicted alien extraordinaire "Vera Blastik", on her YouTube channel Vera's Planet.
Zoe Towne - Vocals & General Nonsense
Usually described as a blur of grey and pastels, Zoe spends most of her time decorating cakes, working on creative projects, and watching TV with her roommate while cuddling her pet bunny Molly.
In the past few years, she has somehow managed to become a vocalist in two bands (the other being Valois), as well as a professional film and theatre actor currently working out of Ottawa. With the help of a great deal of coffee, she has been able to perform with theatre companies such as Theatre Kraken, Two Kind Boys, Vanity Project, Eddie May Mysteries, and Dead Unicorn Ink.
Recently, she starred in Murder in High Heels, a film noir set to be premiering at the Mayfair Theatre in 2018.
Carolina Arnoni - Keys
I started piano when I was 6 years old and immediately fell in love with it. Even as a mini me, I Sweeney Todd’ed the situation and knew that the second my fingers touched those keys, at last, my arms were complete.
I started classically and branched out in my university days to the wonderful world of jazz and discovered my love of the genre along with latin, pop and funk styles. My experience includes accompanying in musical theatre and jazz, competing in interprovincial music competitions, playing in seniors’ homes and the Veteran’s Health Centre (music therapy), playing in ensembles, bands (including The Jasen Colson Band) and duos as well as a bit of jazz vocals.
When I’m not performing, I teach piano to students out of my private home studio. When I’m not behind a piano, I’m reading, drawing/colouring, cooking and embracing my weird.
Check out my musical endeavors on my website: www.carolinaarnoni.com
Kim Valentine - Ukulele
I once played guitar. I loved it so but my hands are freakishly small. It wasn’t long before my teeny paw was stretched as far as it could reach. I thought my musical life was over for ever.
Then a small ukulele appeared. I plinkled at it for a while, and completely fell in love. I found a uke with a pickup, and basically started to Yoko my way into the band. Playing on a couple of songs here and there, before slowly adding a ukulele solo to every song. Then changing the lead instrument to uke, and turning the Magic Machine into a bisexual ukulele punk band, called Pukulele.
When I’m not hogging the spotlight with the Magic Machine, I’m an abstract artist. Sometimes, my art is hung up at businesses around town. I like high contrast colours, and weird textures. You should too.
Wanna See? Look here: www.kimvalentine.ca
Rhythm
Ashley Newall - Bass
Ashley Newall is a multi-istrumentalist singer-songwriter & serial open mic host. He's played with the likes of Danielle Allard, Shannon Rose & the Thorns, Lisa Fowler & the Prowlers, The Big Bend, Dave Norris & Local Ivan, Liam Lloyd, Brown Paper Bag, & his own Ashley Newall & the Raging Suburbanites (now Newall & the Gang™).
He's played Ottawa's Bluesfest & Jazzfest, plus Junofest (& many other fests, surely!).
He's a recent addition to the Magic Machine, due somewhat to his lifelong quest for excuses to sport bellbottoms.
Jasen Colson - Drums
Jasen is a multi-instrumentalist whose career as an Ottawa Musician spans nearly 20 years, covering a wide range of groups and styles.
Highlights include drumming/fronting hard rock outfit Twelve34 as well as twice touring Europe as the drummer of celtic punk band, Siobhan. Jasen played keys for the musical theatre production Phantom of the Opry, staged at Ottawa’s Gladstone Theatre in February of 2017. He currently plays drums and sings with pub rockers Brown Paper Bag.
In 2012, Jasen released his premiere solo album Tomorrow Is Another Day. Mainly influenced by prog, rock and pop, his piano based approach to songwriting offers a light artistic feel with radio friendly appeal. You can find more information about his band and music on his facebook page.