ABOUT
Brigade (named after Heart’s 10th studio album) is a high energy, entertaining and dynamic Edmonton-based Heart tribute band that celebrates and faithfully performs over 3 decades of unforgettable classic rock hits that defined a generation and continues to embrace new ones from the first and only "Sisters of Rock".... Heart! Brigade was formed in 2018 by lead singer Dahlia Wakefield (performing as Ann Wilson) and is joined by Karen Claypool (as “sister” Nancy) on backup vocals & guitar. It's no coincidence that these two “soul sisters” sing and harmonize as beautifully as they do like real sisters as they have been performing together for over 12 years effortlessly melding harmonies and dazzling audiences as part of the award winning recording group The Dirt Road Angels. Brigade also consists of some amazing supporting musicians whose solid musicianship is only matched by their attention to detail when it comes to recreating the unmistakable sound of Heart all while doing it live with no backing tracks....Glenn Thorpe on lead guitar, Stan Pietrusik on keys & backup vocals, Dennis Boisvert on drums and Ben Oswell on bass. Brigade authentically performs Heart's greatest hits from the 70s, 80s & 90s with such songs as “Alone”, “Magic Man”, "These Dreams", "Never", "Heartless" and “Barracuda” to only name a few. This powerhouse band has built an anticipated buzz over the past few years playing to sold-out audiences and rave reviews. Brigade is looking forward to playing their “Heart” out at a show near you!
DAHLIA WAKEFIELD
("Ann Wilson" - Lead Vocals)
Dahlia Wakefield is an award-winning Edmonton-based singer/songwriter/performer who has recorded and released three solo albums and several singles as well as three albums and several singles with the Dirt Road Angels. Along with being a member of DRA and the band leader for Brigade, Dahlia shares her great talent as a member of Dahlia & The Villains, The Dahlia & Alan Duo, Kerosene, 80s metal cover band Shocker and has had the great privilege of being called on to sing back-up for Canadian rock legends "Toronto" at a recent show. Graduating with distinction from the music program at Grant MacEwan University will always be a highlight in her life where she met some of her current musical colleagues. Dahlia has been a beginner piano and vocal teacher since 2011 and was a high ranking finalist in several international songwriting contests with some of her original songs which are available on Apple Music, Spotify and more. Music is Dahlia’s passion and she looks forward to a lifetime of making music.
KAREN CLAYPOOL
("Nancy Wilson" - Backup Vocals, Rhythm Guitar)
Ever since Karen was a young child, she has been in love with music and she now is living her dream being able to make a career of it. Karen has released 3 studio albums with the female driven country-rock quartet Dirt Road Angels with over 10 singles on Canadian-Country radio, as well as 3 solo singles. Her high energy on stage, musical appeal and hard work have earned multiple appearances at high profile shows. Not only is Karen a talented singer/songwriter, but she has also spent many years enjoying playing and teaching guitar. She blends her unique charm and personality into all her performances and into every part of her life and it clearly shows up on stage performing these classic songs even though she wasn't even born at the time of their releases.
GLENN THORPE
(Lead Guitar)
Glenn Thorpe is his name and lead guitar is his game. As Brigade’s laser precise lead axe man, Glenn brings a lifetime of playing music to this band. He’s always had a creative side and graduated from Grant MacEwan University with a diploma in music by the age of 20 and proceeded to play/record cover and original music with many bands playing various genres.
STAN PIETRUSIK
(Keyboards, Backup Vocals)
Stan Pietrusik is the musical director for Brigade and had played on the road and now locally for many years playing keys in local bands such as: Blackwater Jack, Souled Out, Eli Barsi, Electric Hillbillies, Hazard County, Heather McKenzie Band plus many more. Stan also has the ongoing opportunity to fill-in on keyboards with Canadian rock legends "Prism" whenever he is called upon. Not only a performer on stage, but Stan showed off his acting "skills" playing “Band Guy #2” in the Canadian cult movie classic “Fubar 2: Balls to the Wall" and recorded on the soundtrack as well...he puts his "heart" into anything he does.
DENNIS BOISVERT
(Drums)
Dennis Boisvert is a country/rock drummer from Morinville, Alberta. As co-founder and drummer for the band Cadillac Junkies, he has played with artists such as Sweet Tequila, Lisa Hewitt, Matthews Grin, Karac Hendricks, Dirt Road Angels, Tyler Babiuk, Brad Sims, and Ben Chase to only name a few. He is also a member of avant-garde group Aud Squad. Dennis plays with precision, aggression and full-on passion as he strives to provide a solid song-serving groove with any act he plays with...including Brigade!
BEN OSWELL
(Bass)
Ben Oswell is freelance bassist from Lloydminster, SK. Since graduating from the Grant MacEwan music program, Ben has worked with a multitude of artists in different styles including rock, country, classical, jazz, funk, ska and reggae. Ben currently plays bass as a full time member of Cadillac Junkies and with Tyler Babiuk.
- TESTIMONIALS -
“Closing your eyes while listening to Brigade will transport you back to the mid 70s and beyond,
putting you right in the front row of a Heart concert. This group is so talented and professional that I would not hesitate to book them again...and again!”
Jazz Matthews – Buyer/Manager/Owner DRC Music
“They were fantastic! The crowd loved them!
It was as if we had the real Heart band performing on our stage.”
Bill Roberts – Ravenwood Music Festival
"Brigade is fantastic!...from the powerhouse vocals to the note for note
performance of the band. I would not hesitate to book them again!...great show!”
Darcy Posein - Camrose Resort & Casino
“Brigade was the best tribute band that I’ve ever had in my club…hands down”
Ted Chrusciel - Shakers Roadhouse
“We had the pleasure of having Brigade at our establishment for a sold-out performance. The band exhibits amazing energy and created a great atmosphere. Lead singer Dahlia Wakefield performs an excellent rendition of classic Heart songs with her amazing voice. She has perfect company on stage with her band who bring out true Heart sounds with their exacting performance. A must see and highly recommended, we would always welcome Brigade back to our venue.”
Tim Halabi - Newcastle Pub
I was at the last show and it was the best Brigade show I have seen!
The performance was outstanding!...
Dahlia your powerful vocals were even stronger that night than ever.
It was an amazing night...I am really looking forward to seeing you again on the 31st!
It was my first time seeing Brigade and I was absolutely blown away by the sound
of the band and their professionalism on stage! March 31st will be epic again