Enjoy a Night of Emerging Musical Talent
The Year End Showcase Concert Series presents students who are preparing to graduate from the Contemporary Music & Technology Program. A blend of original and cover songs from a variety of genres, students perform with peers in a series of shows that are open to the entire community.
Admission is by donation with doors opening at 7 pm. Each student performs a 30-minute set that begins at 7:30 pm. Seating is limited, so show up when doors open to make sure you are able to enjoy a night of emerging talent at the intimate Shambhala Music & Performance Hall on Nelson’s Tenth Street Campus.
This night will feature sets from Ben Warkentin and Yeshua Arcos Martinez.
Yeshua Arcos Martinez, Classical/Prog Rock
Currently 20 years old, Yeshua Arcos is an opera/rock/composer and multi-instrumentalist. His immersive, thought-provoking songs cover a variety of genres inspired by themes such as personal development, social and political affairs, intergenerational trauma, and mythology.
Proceeding from a classical background, Yeshua has spent his time at Selkirk College developing his skills as a contemporary artist. He has been exploring multiple genres and integrating them into his own music. Yeshua continues to study voice with Emily Millard as his coach. He has formerly been a member of the Vancouver Youth Choir and has recently been accepted into Berklee College of Music in Boston Massachusetts to continue his musical studies.
Enjoy an immersive evening of original music, by Yeshua Arcos. This night will include Yeshua and his six-piece band that features Benjamin Warkentin and Dune Macdonald on guitar/vocals, Andre Miller on keys/vocals, Kaes Blommestein on drums, Adam on bass, Sapphire Guthrie on vocals. Nieva Cunningham on cello, Kael Koteles on vocals/guitar as our special guests.
Ben Warkentin, Progressive Rock
Ben Warkentin is a multi-instrumental vocalist and guitarist who specializes in performing music with attitude and aggression. His music is a mélange of unconventional rhythm, jazz harmony and abstract lyricism, birthing a style unlike any other.
Over the course of his three-year advanced diploma at Selkirk College, he has become enamored with all aspects of the creation of music, writing his very first songs. From the initial inklings of a guitar riff, to the tailoring of individual sounds, Ben endeavors to give every musical element its own spotlight.
Borrowing from bands such as Nine Inch Nails, Tool, The Mars Volta, and Radiohead, his songs highlight a unique cast of rhythmic, textural. and emotive elements.
Some may be familiar with Benjamin’s first showcase in 2023; a collection of loud Industrial metal covers. This year, expect to see a softer, yet still very “in-your-face” approach to his original tunes. His band features Carter Lorenz & Cody Elliot on guitar, Cao Lê Hoàng on drums, Jay Porteous on bass, and Yeshua Arcos-Martinez on keys.
Read more about the Year End Showcase Concert Series here.