Performers

One of the most exciting young musicians to emerge from Western Canada, Emmett Jerome has established himself as a captivating performer with a world-weary voice that feels wise beyond his years. Rooted in the old-school troubadour tradition, he has traveled coast to coast, chasing songs and soaking up stories along the way. With a bluesman’s heart and a traveler’s soul, Emmett invites listeners into a world where tradition and youth collide. He made his solo debut in 2024 with Rocky Mountain Son (Light Organ Records).

Folk Star Arts Academy are a nonprofit organization that has been promoting, preserving, presenting, and protecting Punjabi culture through the arts since 2019.

Elevating the rhythm of Vancouver’s dance scene, Higher Ground Dance Company stands as a beacon of artistic excellence and cultural diversity. Nestled in the heart of Canada’s West Coast, our founder Natasha Gorrie leads a dynamic ensemble of street dancers, igniting stages with electrifying performances.

Kocassale Dioubate, from the Mandingo (or Malinke) tribe of Guinea, West Africa, is a descendant of his tribe’s djeliba (also known as griots)—traditional storytellers, entertainers, musicians, praise singers, counselors, and mediators. Griots are the keepers of oral history and tradition, known for their deep connections to spiritual, social, and political life.

Koca was born into this rich lineage of artistry and cultural knowledge, and has been playing music, creating songs, and dancing since early childhood—ever since he was old enough to walk.

Merlin is a 502-year-old wizard who loves performing magic—but sometimes, things don’t go exactly as planned. Accompanied by “Smog,” a wise-cracking baby dragon who can do a little magic too, Merlin and his sidekick never fail to amaze and amuse kids of all ages (yes, adults love it too!). Merlin is actually Bruce Hunt, a comedy magician born and raised in East Vancouver, who has called Surrey home for many years. 

Watch as cultural pavilion organizers march from the ML Emporio Celebration Stage to the Concord Pacific World Music Stage together.

R.E.D. (Road Engine Dreams) is an Indigenous rock band with deep roots and a raw sound. We write original music that tells stories shaped by dreams, memories, and lived experience. Our songs come from the road behind us—and the one we're still on—driven by a sound that doesn’t back down.

The Re-enactors are an award-winning heritage re-enactment performance troupe based on real people from Surrey's past. Attending the City's major events since 2012, each of the historical characters share thoughtful and intriguing stories from Surrey's history.

Join us for a head-to-head culinary battle featuring Surrey youth for the first Cooking Showdown on the brand-new Cultural Cooking Arena. Chefs will need to make the most delicious meal to appeal to our panel of judges. Every meal will feature a different secret ingredient to challenge the competitors. Come cheer on your friends and family for their chance to be the next Cooking Showdown champion