The Jim Beam Talent Search continues tonight and I have all the highlights from yesterday evenings Vancouver performances, so keep on reading! If you are looking for a chance to participate and cast your vote but were unable to watch last nights show, each episode is prerecorded and still available for viewing (and voting right now).

The first band up was Redwoods who originally formed in high school. They described themselves as a definite rock band drawing inspiration from 70’s, 80’s and 90’s rock. They performed their song “Tidal Wave” which lead singer and guitarist Devon said is about “going after what you love”. The electric guitar was the star of the show with not one but two solos within the song.

Next was the band Small Town Artillery, who performed their song “The Birds Up North Are Braver”. Their sound was more eclectic, with their song pulling from some jazz elements including saxophone and trumpet. For being a band on the relatively bigger side (having six members) I felt as though each one of the members got to shine and had small solos throughout the song. (Which I wholesomely respect).

Gnarfunkel was up next, and my first thought when I heard their band name, was how has no one come up with this name before? I found it effortlessly cool. Anyways, the band described their style as “gnarly to the funky extreme” with ties in other genres such as Latin, reggae and psychedelic rock. Their song was entitled “I’m a Sailor” felt reminiscent of a Beach Boys song but more rock and roll. This had me craving warmer weather (but could have also been because they were wearing Hawaiian shirts).

The next act to perform was the band Raincity, who originally started out as jazz performers before finding their own sound in what they have described as “rage funk”. Their unique sound, style and costumes made them extremely entertaining to watch as they performed their song “Sweat”.

Maddie King, the only solo act of the night was last to perform. She had a very different sound from the rest of the acts, with more of a pop influence and being the only singer was refreshing to watch at the end, she also had a beautiful voice and soulful lyrics to her song “We Always Fall Down”.

Watch and cast your vote here and don’t forget to follow the next cities round of musicians, as the spotlight will be on Edmonton tomorrow night.