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Oliver Swain

Folk-Noir, Americana from Victoria BC
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Bio
Events (120)
Photos (0)
Videos (0)
Roster (5)
Articles (0)
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About

Oliver Swain
"Oliver Swain's BIG MACHINE"

Instruments: Bass (Acoustic), Vocals, Banjo, Composition/Songwriting details
Oliver Swain, a Juno and WCMA nominated Americana and Folk-Noir musician from Victoria BC spent a dozen years in some of North Americas most loved roots bands(Outlaw Social, The Duhks, The Bills) before releasing 'In a BIG MACHINE' in 2011 to rave reviews “Oliver Swain's brilliant vocals and genre-agnostic style make 'In a BIG MACHINE' one of the most exciting new releases on the Canadian folk scene in some time” - Lucinda Chodan, Editor, Edmonton Journal. 'In a BIG MACHINE' Charted in the top 40 in 2011 on Canadian Folk dj charts mostly due to a peak at #1 in Alberta and #3 in BC. A naturalist musician who was drawn to Louisiana and Appalachia several times to discover the roots of American music for himself, Oliver now resides in Victoria where frequent solo journeys into the rugged BC wilderness fuel his original take on songwriting and traditional playing and singing styles. Performing on Banjo and String Bass. Oliver's live show has attracted a lot of attention over the last year including that of Tamara Kater, Executive Director of Folk Music Canada “Since I first discovered him in 2008, Oliver Swain has been one of my very favorite artists – especially in a live setting. His performances are a musical journey that takes you from haunting old-time melodies to soaring new songs...sweeping vocal stylings, dazzling and dramatic skills as an instrumentalist, an evening spent with Oliver Swain will leave you breathless and joyful.”
Active / Available
View Projects (5)
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Community Events

Upcoming Events

28
Mar
2025
The Legacy Of Lightfoot
A moving Tribute that captures the soulful essence of Gordon Lightfoot's music
Creekside Theatre
Event can be attended in person
29
Mar
2025
07:30
The Legacy Of Lightfoot
A moving Tribute that captures the soulful essence of Gordon Lightfoot's music
Chilliwack Cultural Centre
Event can be attended in person

Past Events

01
Dec
16:00 18:00
The Legacy Of Lightfoot
Celebrate the music of a Canadian icon, Gordon Lightfoot
Gabriola Theatre Centre
Event can be attended in person
30
Nov
19:30 21:30
The Legacy Of Lightfoot | Gordon Lightfoot Tribute
A Moving Tribute That Captures The Soulful Essence Of Gordon Lightfoot’s Music
St. Andrews Presbyterian Church
Event can be attended in person
19
Oct
19:30
The Legacy of Lightfoot | Gordon Lightfoot Tribute
Celebrate the musical legacy of Gordon Lightfoot
Mary Winspear Centre
Event can be attended in person
14
Sep
Legacy of Lightfoot: Oliver Swain, Dylan Stone
Recreating the unparalleled musical spirit and legend that is Gordon Lightfoot.
$85
Chemainus Theatre Festival
Event can be attended in person
13
Sep
Legacy of Lightfoot: Oliver Swain, Dylan Stone
Recreating the unparalleled musical spirit and legend that is Gordon Lightfoot.
$85
Chemainus Theatre Festival
Event can be attended in person
02
Sep
16:00 20:00
West My Friend 15th Anniversary Show
West My Friend is hosting the Empress Ave Block Party and performing a free 15th...
Free
1128 Empress Avenue
Event can be attended in person
15
Jun
17:30 21:00
Tower of Song: A Creative Tribute to Leonard Cohen
A dialogue through song and a tribute to the legendary songwriter.
$85
Chemainus Theatre Festival
Event can be attended in person
14
Jun
17:30 21:00
Tower of Song: A Creative Tribute to Leonard Cohen
A dialogue through song and a tribute to the legendary songwriter.
$85
Chemainus Theatre Festival
Event can be attended in person
13
Jun
17:30 21:00
Tower of Song: A Creative Tribute to Leonard Cohen
A dialogue through song and a tribute to the legendary songwriter.
$85
Chemainus Theatre Festival
Event can be attended in person
16
Mar
20:00 22:00
The Legacy Of Lightfoot | Gordon Lightfoot Tribute
 
St. Andrew's United Church
Event can be attended in person
15
Mar
19:30 22:00
The Legacy Of Lightfoot | Gordon Lightfoot Tribute
 
$25-$40
Cowichan Performing Arts Centre
Event can be attended in person
02
Mar
20:00 22:30
The Legacy Of Lightfoot | Gordon LIghtfoot Tribute
 
$20
Sooke Community Hall
Event can be attended in person
01
Mar
19:30 22:00
The Legacy of Lightfoot | Gordon Lightfoot Tribute
 
Artspring Theatre
Event can be attended in person
11
Nov
2023
19:00 22:00
The Seaside Django Festival
Celebrating the Music of Django Reinhardt & The Hot Club of France
$50
Mary Winspear Centre
Event can be attended in person
30
Sep
2023
20:00 22:30
The Legacy of Lightfoot - A Gordon Lightfoot Tribute, Dylan Stone, Tyler Lieb, M...
Join us for an unforgettable evening of music paying tribute to the legendary si...
$30-$35
Mel Lehan Hall at the St. James Community Square
Event is live streamed / online.Event can be attended in person
12
Jun
2022
19:30 22:30
Folkn'Fiddle Festival Sunday Night Cabaret
 
$29-$34
ANAVETS Club 302
Event can be attended in person
05
Nov
2021
19:00 21:00
Tower of Song - A Creative Tribute to Leonard Cohen: Oliver Swain, Glenna Garram...
An annual Memorial Concert featuring Oliver Swain & Glenna Garramone. "I said...
$25
Hermann's Jazz Club
Event is live streamed / online.Event can be attended in person
09
Oct
2021
19:00 22:00
The Victoria Bluegrass Revival - Now October 9th!: Oliver Swain, Old Paint Duo
Bringing together the best of Vancouver Islands Bluegrass & Oldtime community fo...
$30
Victoria Event Centre
Event can be attended in person
17
Sep
2021
19:00 21:00
BIG MACHINE & Warfaring Kind f. Ivonne Hernandez
A night of new collaborations and new music.
$25
Hermann's Jazz Club
Event is live streamed / online.Event can be attended in person
12
Sep
2021
19:00 23:30
The Victoria Bluegrass Revival: Oliver Swain
Bringing together the best of Vancouver Islands Bluegrass & Oldtime community fo...
$30
Victoria Event Centre
Event can be attended in person
View All Past Events (114)

Current Projects

The Legacy of Lightfoot
Bass, Vocals
2023 - present
Tom Party
Upright Bass, Vocals
2015 - present
Fans & Motor Supply Co
bass, vocals
2013 - present
Tower of Song
Vocals, Bass, Banjo
2012 - present
Oliver Swain's BIG MACHINE
MC
2011 - present

Musician Articles

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