Breathe in the world...breathe out music

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Humanitarian and harmonica virtuoso, Mike Stevens, will bring his passion to the stage of IMAGINATE 2017. Mike's talent is as unorthodox as his career trajectory. He has logged more than 300 appearances on the world famous Grand Ole Opry stage  and is a true pioneer of bluegrass harmonica; creating a much copied style of playing. For more than 35 years Mike has been doing solo live looping harmonica and voice exploration, collaborating in unexpected ways, and continuing to push musical boundaries.

Mike first became aware of the challenges and struggles of Indigenous youth in remote communities when he met Innu youth in Sheshatshiu, Labrador in 2000. Since that time he's been collecting musical instruments to take to remote communities, and teaching kids how to play. In 2002, ArtsCan Circle was founded to expand upon Mike's work, and start sending teams of musicians and artists to Indigenous communities, providing opportunities for youth to learn new skills and explore creative expression.

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In the past year, Mike was presented with the Governor General's Meritorious Service Medal, and the Slaight Music Humanitarian Award for his work through ArtsCan Circle.

​We are honoured to host Mike Stevns at this year's
​IMAGINATE: We All Have a Story on April 13 at Port Hope's Capitol Theatre.
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