Artist Information Biography Take the heartbreaking country-folk ballads of Blue Rodeo and mix in the rapid-fire lyrics, hilarious songs and improvisation of the Barenaked Ladies. Add a dash of bizarre road stories and stir in a country boy-next-door persona and you�ve got David Hein. An award-winning singer/songwriter originally from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Hein has released 3 CDs, worked in a Muppet Music studio, been played on CBC, and toured North America in solo house concerts, huge festivals, and dusty bars with his four-piece band. He is known for his laugh out loud songs, completely improvised songs-on-the-spot based on audience suggestions, and for his brilliant, free comics books which are handed out at each show. He has released 4 CD's including "North of Nowhere" (with Juno-award winning producer, Joe Dunphy, alongside Lyle Molzan (Jann Arden), Tim Bovaconti (Ron Sexsmith), and Greg Johnston (Canadian Idol)) followed by a North American "North of Nowhere" tour - sponsored by Rent-a-Wreck. In 2007 he was sponsored by Puretracks and Fastrax to release 10,000 promotional CDs of his music with 2 exclusive tracks. He has played the Brandon Folk Festival twice (Manitoba), Kingfest and Ottawa Folk Festival (Ontario) and the Susquehanna Music Festival (Maryland). For more details visit www.davidhein.net or www.myspace.com/davidhein. In 2009, he co-wrote the songs and music for "My Mother's Lesbian Jewish Wiccan Wedding" - a musical based on his mom's true story. The show sold out, garnered rave reviews and was picked up by Mirvish Productions, a major Toronto producer for Fall 2009 production. AWARDS: WINNER, Susquehanna Festival Songwriting Contest WINNER, International House Songwriting Contest CANADIAN FINALIST, Mountain Stage New Song Contest "BEST FOLK" Nomination, Toronto Independent Music Awards FINALIST, Susquehanna Festival Songwriting Contest FINALIST, Emergenza Battle of the Bands FINALIST, Chart Magazine's Indie Startup Songwriting Contest FINALIST, Paragon Songwriting Contest FINALIST, Great Lakes Songwriting Contest SEMI-FINALIST, UK Songwriting Contest SEMI-FINALIST, Mike Pindar�s Songwars SEMI-FINALIST, 100% Music Songwriting Contest HONOURABLE MENTION, Billboard World Song Contest TOP 5 SONGS, Songwriter Universe FESTIVALS PLAYED: Kingfest Music Festival, Brandon Folk Festival, Indie Week, NXNE, Canadian Music Week, Susquehanna Music & Art Festival, Oakville Harvest Festival, Downtown Milton Festival, Ottawa Folk Fest. "Before the festival started I had never heard of David Hein, he was selected as a finalist in the songwriting contest which is booked by another committee.  After he performed he was one of the highlights of the festival.  He outsold many of my Main Stage artist and I booked him for  2009 before he even left the site.  Not only was he a great performer  but he added to the festival experience for the  attendees.  As the producer of Susquehanna Music and Arts Festival I highly recommend David Hein for any event." - Terry Irons, Producer, Susquehanna Music & Arts Festival �Unquestionably, David Hein was the hit of the Brandon Folk Festival. His complementary comic/activity book had people's attention before he even stepped on stage. His wry sense of humour captured the attention of the entire audience, young and old, and his well written/arranged songs garnered great appreciation from other musicians. David lead an afternoon workshop, co-hosted a jam session, filled in tweener slots on the mainstage, and on top of that his song Jetpack was the theme of an extended jam at the musicians after party. His ability to fit into all these situations was noticed by many people and greatly appreciated by those organizing the festival. Undoubtedly, David would be an excellent addition to any festival. We certainly plan to have him back.� � Matt Duboff, Artistic Director, Brandon Folk Fest "An acoustic mix of sounds that cross over rock, country and folk, showcasing his talents as a songwriter and vocalist. Hein has a real down to earth stage presence and a kind of "country boy" charisma " - Terese Mallam, Prince George Free Press "This Saskatoon singer-songwriter is known for his high-energy acoustic rock songs, which are defined by catchy hooks and solid lyrics. He has earned comparison to the Canadian group Blue Rodeo." - Mary Houlihan, The Chicago Sun-Times "Hein�s music and friendly audience banter makes Hein one to watch." - Andrew Kurjata, Over The Edge, UNBC Instrumentation David Hein - Acoustic guitar, lead vocals Jeff Daze - Bass Devrim Eldilekli - Lead guitar David Pontello - Drums Adlai Waxman - Keys Discography Live at C'est What (2004) North of Nowhere (2006) Fastrax presents David Hein (2007) David Hein Thinks You Should Buy This CD (2008) My Mother's Lesbian Jewish Wiccan Wedding (2009) Links http://www.davidhein.net