Bands
Bands
Ashley Garrett Band
It’s been an exciting rise for Calgary’s Ashley Garrett, whose blend of honest storytelling, powerhouse vocals, and contemporary country hooks are turning heads across Alberta and beyond. With the release of her single “Walkin' Red Flag” on all major streaming platforms, back-to-back first-place wins at the Cowboys Music Festival competition (2024 & 2025), and the launch of her show “Sweethearts of Country Music”—a tribute to the iconic women of country from the 1920s to today—Ashley is making her mark as one of the city’s brightest new stars. Stefani MacKichan is proud to be part of Ashley’s band, bringing energy and precision to the live show.
Virago
Virago is Calgary’s hardest-hitting rock band, led by bassist and powerhouse vocalist Sydney Zadravec. Known for their explosive energy and genre-blending sound, the band hosts one of the city’s most beloved weekly events: the Monday Night Jam at The Blues Can. The jam is a cornerstone of Calgary’s music community—an inclusive, high-energy space where emerging and established musicians come together to collaborate, perform, and connect. Virago is currently writing their debut original album, combining fierce rock sensibilities with raw authenticity. Stefani MacKichan holds down the drums, adding grit and groove to the band’s unmistakable sound.
Ashley Garrett Band
It’s been an exciting rise for Calgary’s Ashley Garrett, whose blend of honest storytelling, powerhouse vocals, and contemporary country hooks are turning heads across Alberta and beyond. With the release of her single “Walkin' Red Flag” on all major streaming platforms, back-to-back first-place wins at the Cowboys Music Festival competition (2024 & 2025), and the launch of her show “Sweethearts of Country Music”—a tribute to the iconic women of country from the 1920s to today—Ashley is making her mark as one of the city’s brightest new stars. Stefani MacKichan is proud to be part of Ashley’s band, bringing energy and precision to the live show.
Virago
Virago is Calgary’s hardest-hitting rock band, led by bassist and powerhouse vocalist Sydney Zadravec. Known for their explosive energy and genre-blending sound, the band hosts one of the city’s most beloved weekly events: the Monday Night Jam at The Blues Can. The jam is a cornerstone of Calgary’s music community—an inclusive, high-energy space where emerging and established musicians come together to collaborate, perform, and connect. Virago is currently writing their debut original album, combining fierce rock sensibilities with raw authenticity. Stefani MacKichan holds down the drums, adding grit and groove to the band’s unmistakable sound.
Calgary Women’s Jazz Orchestra (CWJO)
The Calgary Women’s Jazz Orchestra is an all-female big band featuring many of the top jazz instrumentalists from Calgary and beyond. Founded in 2023 and directed by acclaimed educator Kathie Van Lare, the CWJO is committed to showcasing the brilliance of women in jazz—on stage, behind the scenes, and as composers and arrangers Since its debut performance for the Girls in Jazz Workshop, the orchestra has played to sold-out crowds at the Ironwood Stage, National Music Centre, and Vic Lewis Festival in Canmore. They have shared the stage with Juno Award winners Ingrid and Christine Jensen and Juno nominees Jodi Proznick, Tara Davidson, Audrey Ochoa, and Rachel Therrien. Stefani MacKichan is proud to contribute her voice as one of the CWJO’s two drummers, supporting the ensemble’s mission to bring gender diversity and world-class musicianship to the forefront of Canadian jazz.
Ras Bagga's Rootz Hardcore Reggae Band
Led by Kingston, Jamaica–born singer-songwriter Ras Bagga, the six-piece + Rootz Hardcore Band is Calgary’s leading voice in authentic reggae music and a vibrant force in the city’s cultural scene. As a respected community and arts ambassador, Ras Bagga brings timeless roots rhythms and classic reggae vibes to every performance, backed by a powerhouse band of seasoned musicians—including drummer Stefani MacKichan. From the Calgary Reggae Festival ReggaeFest to Bob Marley and Peter Tosh tribute shows at venues such as the Ironwood and King Solomon’s Kitchen, the band has become a cornerstone of Alberta’s reggae community. Their high-energy, feel-good performances are a celebration of unity, positivity, and the rich musical traditions of Jamaica
Calgary Women’s Jazz Orchestra (CWJO)
The Calgary Women’s Jazz Orchestra is an all-female big band featuring many of the top jazz instrumentalists from Calgary and beyond. Founded in 2023 and directed by acclaimed educator Kathie Van Lare, the CWJO is committed to showcasing the brilliance of women in jazz—on stage, behind the scenes, and as composers and arrangers Since its debut performance for the Girls in Jazz Workshop, the orchestra has played to sold-out crowds at the Ironwood Stage, National Music Centre, and Vic Lewis Festival in Canmore. They have shared the stage with Juno Award winners Ingrid and Christine Jensen and Juno nominees Jodi Proznick, Tara Davidson, Audrey Ochoa, and Rachel Therrien. Stefani MacKichan is proud to contribute her voice as one of the CWJO’s two drummers, supporting the ensemble’s mission to bring gender diversity and world-class musicianship to the forefront of Canadian jazz.
Ras Bagga's Rootz Hardcore Reggae Band
Led by Kingston, Jamaica–born singer-songwriter Ras Bagga, the six-piece + Rootz Hardcore Band is Calgary’s leading voice in authentic reggae music and a vibrant force in the city’s cultural scene. As a respected community and arts ambassador, Ras Bagga brings timeless roots rhythms and classic reggae vibes to every performance, backed by a powerhouse band of seasoned musicians—including drummer Stefani MacKichan. From the Calgary Reggae Festival ReggaeFest to Bob Marley and Peter Tosh tribute shows at venues such as the Ironwood and King Solomon’s Kitchen, the band has become a cornerstone of Alberta’s reggae community. Their high-energy, feel-good performances are a celebration of unity, positivity, and the rich musical traditions of Jamaica
