Welcome To The Official Wassabi Collective Website:
Check out our online mixing board, and create your own Wassabi Collective mix.
June 23 /09 :. WASSABI COLLECTIVE HAVE JUST BEEN PICKED AS ONE OF THE ARTISTS IN THE TOP 20 FOR THE PEAK PERFROMANCE PROJECT!!!
We are so honored and elated!! Out of 450 artists Wassabi were chosen in the top 20 to participate in a week long intensive boot camp program in August. The PEAK Performance Project is a seven-year, $5.29 million contest open to all musicians in British Columbia, created by 100.5 The PEAK and Music BC to develop BC based emerging artists. More details to follow!! http://www.peakperformanceproject.com
June 23 /09 :. GISTO SOLO ALBUM AND EAST COAST TOUR.
After years on the road with Wassabi Collective and many hours in the studio, Gisto, Wassabi Collective's guitarist and singer/songwriter will be hitting the road this July in support of his first solo album, 'Just the Beginning'. With his rich and rhythmic Ragamuffin style vocals Gisto brings a refreshing content to his listener's ears, with socially conscious lyrics and uplifting messages he leaves audiences feeling inspired. The disc, a few years in the making, features Wassabi's Melissa Meretsky and Inword's Jah Faith and contains songs never heard before, as well as crowd favorites like "Stars in the Sky" and "Burn Corruption Out". Gisto has gained recognition as an Independent artist by his performances at B.C.'s Shambhala, Koots Roots and his weekly
reggae night at the RezAvoir in Nelson, BC. On the upcoming East Coast tour Gisto will be backed by Toronto's House of David Gang. The album will be available online soon, for more details about the album and future tour dates check out: http://www.myspace.com/gistowassabi
June 01 /09 :. FOR YOUR VIEWING PLEASURE, THE THRID INSTALLMENT OF THE DIARY OF WASSABI, "COINEECHEEWA" IS UP ON GROUNDEDTV AND A LIVE VERSION OF 'OFFER IT UP' NOW ON YOUTUBE.
The latest Webisode is up: http://www.getgrounded.tv/gtv/Wassabi__3.html and also a live video on Youtube of the new song "Offer it Up" from Wassabi's recent Vancouver, BC show 04/30/09. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u8qzh92_pK8&feature=channel_page
May 21 /09 :. WASSABI TO PERFORM THEIR FIRST USA SHOW NEXT MONTH AT THE HARMONY FESTIVAL IN CALIFORNIA.
Wassabi are excited to be heading south of the border for their first time to play 2 shows at the 31st annual Harmony Festival in Santa Rosa, California alongside Micheal Franti & Spearhead, Knaan, Matisyahu, Balkan Beat Box, Cake and many other great acts. They will be performing on the Goddess Stage on Friday June 12th from 9-10pm and on Sunday June 14th they will be joined by Mbira (of the Caves Drum Group from Ghana) from 1:30-2:30pm. If you have friends down that way please help spread the word and if you are in for a road trip, we'll see you there! http://harmonyfestival.com/
May 21 /09 :. WASSABI TO PERFORM 2 SHOWS AT THE CALGARY JAZZ FESTIVAL.
Wassabi have been confirmed for 2 shows at the Calgary Jazz Festival. A free performance on Sat June 27th at the Olympic Plaza Outdoor Stage and again on Sun June 28th at an indoor venue TBA. Stay tuned for more info as well as other dates in Alberta/BC to be announced. http://www.calgaryjazz.com/
May 21 /09 :. SHAMBHALA FESTIVAL SLOT ANNOUNCED.
Wassabi will be performing at this year's Shambhala Music Festival in Salmo, BC in the Living Room (which is the Beach Stage) on Friday August 7th 5-7pm. See ya there! http://www.shambhalamusicfestival.com/
Apr 20/09 :. NANAIMO ADDED TO WEST COAST TOUR DATES .
Just added: Wassabi will be making a stop in Nanaimo, BC on their upcoming West Coast Tour. Check the Tourdates page for more details.
Apr 16/09 :. THE 2nd WEB EPSISODE OF THE 'DIARY OF WASSABI' AIRS ON GROUNDEDTV.
In this episode, Wassabi plays the Media Club. The band talks about the direction of their music and Melissa explains how the song "Offer It Up" was created.
See it here on Grounded TV:
http://www.getgrounded.tv/gtv/Wassabi_.html
Apr 16/09 :. WEST COAST TOUR DATES:
Wassabi are headed to the West Coast at the end of April, making stops in Whistler & Vancouver, as well as visiting a few places that haven't seen them for quite some time; Robert's Creek, Tofino and their old homebase Victoria. Check the Tourdates page for details.
Mar 16/09 :. THE FIRST WEB EPSISODE OF THE 'DIARY OF WASSABI' AIRS ON GROUNDEDTV.
Check it out!! The 1st episode is in!! Behind the scenes footage as the band are followed while on tour in an ongoing web-series brought to you by GroundedTV and A-sIDE Films.
http://www.getgrounded.tv/gtv/Wassabi_.html
Mar 16/09 :. FOLLOW WASSABI ON TWITTER.
Follow the Band around to find out what they're up to and what's on their minds...
http://twitter.com/wassabiband
Feb 16/09 :. THE DIARY OF WASSABI WEB SERIES TRAILER AND UPCOMING EPISODES!!!
The Diary Of Wassabi web series 1st episode is coming fast! Produced by A-siDE fILMs, this brand spankin' new series follows the Wassabi Crew while on tour on the West Coast of Canada in 2008 with filmographer and good friend Kevan McGovern (who also brought you the award winning 'Collective' Documentary). The series was just featured on Grounded TV:
http://www.getgrounded.tv/gtv/GTV_MAIN_.html
A-siDE fiLMs has partnered with Grounded TV to host the entire web series here:
http://www.getgrounded.tv/gtv/Wassabi_.html
Follow the link above to check out the trailer...and stay tuned, episode 1 drops March 1st!
Jan 28/09 :. MELISSA TOURS WITH LUSCIOUS BEATS!!!
Melissa will be hitting the road with her side project Lusious Beats..Check it out at: www.myspace.com/m3lusciousbeats
Jan 31th Finley's Pub Nelson BC (Malibu "get Your Island On party")
Feb 13th The Royal Fernie, BC
Feb 14th Flying Squirrel Rossland BC (Valentines Madness)
Feb 28th SpiritBar Nelson BC (Body Painting Competition)
Jan 27/09 :. WASSABI SIGNS ON WITH PAQUIN ENTERTAINMENT!!!
Wassabi are excited to have teamed up with the Booking Agency; Paquin Entertainment Group for all their Canadian bookings. Check the contacts page for more info or check out their website at: www.paquinentertainment.com
Nov 10/08 :. CHANGE IS IN THE AIR!!!
We would all like to thank founding Wassabi member and much-treasured Bass player, Scott Milne who will no longer be supporting the bottom end of the Wassabi groove machine. We are super happy that he will be maintaining an active role with the band, bringing his many skills and 8 years of band experience to help behind the scenes within the Management. We are also very excited to welcome in his place our longtime friend Andrew McCormick. Cormies brings to the table an exciting blend of natural rhythm and musical prowess having previously toured internationally as a member of Mishka and the Living Arts Band as well as being a part of the side projects Terradactagon and The Reggae All-Stars which feature other members of Wassabi. The band will soon be hitting the studio with their newest member to start the recording of their latest release, which is expected to drop Summer 2009. We are looking forward to incorporating this new energy into the musical melange that is Wassabi Collective and to celebrate we will be heading to the West Coast for a few shows at the end of this month. Come catch the first shows with this fresh new line up!!!
Oct 02/08 :. WASSABI WINS 2 BCIMA'S!!
Wassabi's album 'Stories Not Forgotten' took home the 2008 BC Interior Music Award for ALBUM OF THE YEAR (alongside Redfish) and Melissa won FEMALE PERFORMER OF THE YEAR. We had a great night at the show and VIP afterparty. Thanks to everyone involved, especially our great fans for taking the time to nominate us!! We truly aprreciate it!!!
Sept 19/08 :. WASSABI NOMINATED FOR 5 BC INTERIOR MUSIC AWARDS!
Wassabi have been nominated for 5 BCIMA's this year including Group of the Year, Album of the Year, Roots Group of the Year, People's Choice of the Year and Melissa is up for Female Performer of the Year! The Awards show will take place at The Kelowna Community Theatre, Kelowna, BC on Tuesday Sept 30th at 7:30pm (doors 6pm). Tickets available at Ticketmaster and check the BCIMA website for more info.
May 31/08 :. WASSABI WINS "PEOPLES CHOICE" AT 7TH ANNUAL INDEPENDENT MUSIC AWARDS:
Wassabi won for best song in the Jam category for Blues on my Mind at this years Vox Populi "Peoples Choice" component of the Independent Music Awards. There were votes cast from all over the world and this is a great honor!! We want to thank all of you who took the time to vote!!!You rock and we love you!!
May 30/08 :. ADVANCE TICKET LOCATIONS FOR WEST COAST SHOWS:
VANCOUVER: www.themediaclub.ca/ticketsSQUAMISH: HOWE SOUND INN(FRONT DESK),
TRINITY ROMANCE SHOP & ONATA COFFE WHISTLER: KATMANDU BIKE & BOARD SHOP, MOGULS COFFEE SHOP & BILLABONG
May 9/08 :. WASSABI HEADS TO THE WEST COAST FOR A SHORT FUN RUN!
Wassabi fans in Vancouver and Whistler will have a chance to see the band and check out a whole slew of new songs since their last visit out that way coming up in June. They are also adding a stop in Squamish..first time ever!!!
Apr 15/08 :. WASSABI SONG FLOWERS ADDED TO 'RIDING TO BREAK THE CYCLE 2008 COMPILATION CD'
Wassabi Collective are excited to support the organization called Global Agents of Change based out of Vancouver, BC and have donated one of their songs to this year's compilation CD, in support the 25 youth cycling from Vancouver, Canada to Tijuana, Mexico for the purpose of raising money to reduce poverty, specifically through micro-credit. We wish them a wonderful journey-(7 weeks & 3000 kms!) www.globalafc.org
Feb 6/08 :. WASSABI CONFIRMED TO PLAY 2 SHOWS WITH THE EASY STAR ALL-STARS AND SPRING TOURDATES ANNOUNCED!!
Wassabi Collective are excited to be joining The Easy Star All-Stars for 2 nights in the Maritimes (Moncton and Halifax) on their upcoming Spring Tour in March. www.myspace.com/ezstarallstars . Check the tourdates page for the lastest confirmed Wassabi tourdates across Canada, including Alberta, BC, Ontario, Quebec and the Maritime provinces. See ya on the road!
Feb 6/08 :.NEW WASSABI VIDEOS ON YOUTUBE:
Check out the new Wassabi video for Burn Corruption posted on YouTube.com and if you've got any videos of Wassabi Collective feel free to upload them. We will be posting new videos often so keep checking back for more. Wassabi Videos on YouTube.
Jan 16/08 :. WASSABI REVIEW IN URBAN MAINSTREAM MAGAZINE:
This months issue (#35) of the online magazine 'Urban Mainstream' features a review of Wassabi. Hit 'Click to enter issue 35' and it is on page 47.(it only takes a minute to load!). The magazine is about DIVERSITY in Music, Models and Lifestyle. http://www.urbanmainstream.com
HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE FROM THE WASSABI FAMILY AND WELCOME TO 2008! IT'S GOING TO BE A GREAT YEAR!!!! ALL THE BEST TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILIES! AND WE HOPE TO SEE YOU ON THE ROAD!
Dec 3 :.: WASSABI YMIR NEW YEARS EVE BASH!!
Wassabi is teaming up with the good folks at Soundvibes to bring you a New Years Eve Celebration-Hall Style. Ymir Hall that is. Ticket info and further announcements will be made shortly. Stay Tuned!!!
Dec 3 :.: ROADTRIP NATION LINKS:
This Season's Episodes of Roadtrip Nation, which featured 3 of Wassabi's songs are now available online. Check them out, its a great show inspiring students to choose their own path in life. http://roadtripnation.com/watch_pbs_2007.php?episode=4
http://roadtripnation.com/online/
http://originals.msn.com/roadtripnation
Nov 12 :.: WASSABI FRESH DAILY ONLINE INTERVIEW :
Check out the lastest online interview by Jark at Vancouver's Beyond Robson, a web site dedicated to the best of Vancouver culture. www.beyondrobson.com
Oct 28 :.: WASSABI NOMINATED IN THE 7TH ANNUAL INDEPENDENT MUSIC AWARDS (PLEASE VOTE ONLINE!!):
Wassabi's song "Blues on my Mind" has been nominated in this years Independent Music Awards in the Jam category. Thousands of submissions from Australia to Zimbabwe were reviewed and we have made it to the nominations. Please submit your votes!!! The Jam category is on the 3rd page. We thank you!!! www.musiciansatlas.com
Oct 28 :.: WASSABI WINS AT 2007 TORONTO EXCLUSIVE MAGAZINE AWARDS:
Best Provincial World Song
WINNER: Wassabi Collective - Nelson, British Columbia "One Day"
Wassabi Collective also wins
Best Provincial World CD Album “Stories Not Forgotten”
Best Provincial World Group, Best Provincial World Web Site www.torontoexclusive.com
Oct 14 :.: WASSABI NOMINATED FOR 2007 TORONTO EXCLUSIVE MAGAZINE AWARDS:
Wassabi has been nominated for the upcoming 2007 Toronto Exclusive Magazine Awards in the following provincial categories: Best World Song “One Day”, Best World CD Album “Stories Not Forgotten", Best World Group & Best World Web Site. www.torontoexclusive.com
Oct 14 :.: SET TIME FOR OXFAM BENEFIT:
Wassabi's set at this Thursday's Music4Change Oxfam Benefit at the Plaza Club in Vancouver will be from 9:35 to 10:20. So be there early!! Doors will open at 8pm. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door.
Oct 5 :.: NEW WASSABI STORE LAUNCHED :
Wassabi has teamed up with 'Kill the 8' and are excited to announce our new online store. The new store includes awesome new hoodies and tee's for guys and girls and you can also order our latest CD there as well. We will be selling the new gear at our shows as well. Check it out at the store button above! We even have bundle packs with cd's and tshirts, they'll make great Christmas presents for your friends and family!
Oct 5 :.: HALLOWEEN IN THE ROCKIES :
Wassabi will be celebrating Halloween this year at the Canmore Hotel in beautiful Canmore , Alberta on Wednesday, October 31st. Get out your costumes and join us!!
Sept 2 :.: OXFAM MUSIC4CHANGE BENEFIT:
Wassabi are honored to take part in the fundraising benefit for Oxfam's Music4Change at the Plaza Club in Vancouver, BC on Thursday, October 18th, along with Hey Ocean!, Lotus Child, Freeflow and Murray Atkinson. Come out and support a great cause. Doors will open at 8pm. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door.
Sept 2 :.: MAKE IT FUNKY W/ WASSABI AND HERBALISER:
Make it Funky Party w/ Wassabi & DJ Ollie Teeba from HERBALISER (UK) ON Saturday, September 29th AT The Reverb - 725 Queen St. West, Toronto, ON. Check him out at: myspace.com/theherbz
Sept 1 :.: SOUND VIBES 2007 CD:
Wassabi collaborated on a CD compilation for charity called Sound Vibes 2007. The disc features 17 West Kootenay, BC Artists including Adham Shaikh, Gisto, Arhtur Funkarelli, New Poetic and many more. Check it out at: www.myspace.com/soundvibes2007
Sept 1 :.: MELISSA MERETSKY, PAINTINGS & PRESENCE, @ THE FAIRIES PYJAMAS!:
Melissa's paintings are derived from the roots of Art Nouveau and beauty. Celebrate her work with wine and cheese on Sept 14th from 12pm till 8 o'clock at The Fairies Pyjamas, inside The Black Market Warehouse, 256a Queen St West, Toronto, ON.
Sept 1 :.: BENEFIT AT THE ROYAL NELSON, BC FOR CHRIS-I AND ROBBY ROOTS!:
On Thursday, Sept 6th Wassabi along with Gisto and the Reggae All-Stars, Nelson from Nelson, ALex-I, Lana and other members of our community
are
getting together at the Royal for a night of music and a silent auction to raise money for our good friends Chris-I and Robbie Roots who were in a major car accident on their way to the Calgary Reggae Festival. If you are in the area please come down and make a donation ($10+ suggested donation)
and/or send your healing vibes, to Ibo and the rest of the crew as well.
August 1 :.: GISTO AND REGGAE ALL-STARS WEEKLY GIG:
Every Wednesday for the remainder of the Summer, Gisto and the Reggae All-Stars will be performing at the Spirit Bar in Nelson, BC. The Band includes Rahj, Jimmy and Gisto from Wassabi and a few other key musicians from the area, with guest appearances by Melissa.
July 13 :.: WASSABI AT CRANKWORX WITH SLACKSTRING:
This coming weekend in beautiful Whistler, BC Wassabi will be taking to the Monster Mainstage in the Village for 1 hour at 5PM. Also check out our friends Slackstring from California who will be on right before. www.slackstring.com www.crankworx.com
July 13 :.: WASSABI PLAYS WITH GARAJ MAHAL
The date is confirmed for Friday Sept 21st at the Gothic Arches in Saint John, NB. For anyone who has never been to the Gothic Arches, it is an old converted church right in the middle of the city and it is absolutely amazing, a show not to be missed for sure!! Also on the bill The Ideal Gas Law. Tickets $30 adv $40 door.
June 15 :.: MELISSA AT VANCOUVER JAZZ FESTIVAL
Melissa will be performing with DJ Adham Shaikh on Friday, June 29th at the Commodore Ballroom in Vancouver BC with Gaudi and Andrew Interchill
June 15 :.: GISTO AND THE WEST COAST ALL STARS
Gisto, Jimmy and Rahj will be performing at The Reverb in Toronto, Ont on Friday, June 29th with Muva Sound System, Dj Rollin Cash and more for I LOVE REGGAE MUSIC SHOW.
June 15 :.: MELISSA & RAHJ AT FUSION FOR FATHERS DAY
Melissa and Rahj will be spinning beats and laying down percussion at Fusion Restaurant in Nelson, Bc on Sunday June 17th. 6pm til close.
June 15 :.: 'PEERS R HERE' FILM FEATURES WASSABI BEATS
The intention of the film is to inspire and excite young people to make positive changes in their communities. The short film will premier at the Capitol Theatre, in Nelson,BC, on June 21st @ 6:30, presented by the Nelson & District Youth Centre and features Wassabi's music.
June 10 :.: CRANKWORX/BONFIRE/KOMASKET/LASQUETI
Wassabi has just been confirmed to play at many great festivals this Summer and indoor shows as well. Check out our events page for the Full Summer Schedule.
June 10 :.: SIMPLICITY ON ROADTRIP NATION
Wassabi's songs Simplicity and Belly Up will be on the Upcoming season of PBS Primetime show RoadTrip Nation. The show sends people on the road who are interested in exploring the world outside their comfort zone, talking with individuals who chose to define their own road in life, and sharing their experiences. www.roadtripnation.com
May 6 :.: WASSABI IN MAY ISSUE OF BC MUSICIAN MAGAZINE
This month finds Wassabi featured in BC Musicians Magazine. A two page interview with Gisto touching on subjects such as the bands direction, the new album and life. Pick up your copy today or check it online on Page 26 & 27 www.bcmusicianmag.com
Apr 27 :.: Canada Day W/ Femi Kuti & Soulive
Wassabi will be performing at the High Life Festival at the Docks in Toronto, Ont on July 1st to celebrate our great Country with Femi Kuti, Soulive, Irie Band and More! Tickets on sale this Saturday at Ticketmaster, Rotate This, Soundscapes & Sonic Temple.
Apr 27 :.: Wassabi & Friends hit west coast
Wassabi will hit Vancouver, BC on May 31st with friends Hey Ocean! at Richards on Richards (early set) and again on June23rd with friends Karmetik Underground at Backstage Lounge. (full show) There will also be a long anticipated Victoria show on June 22nd at Sugar w/ Katmetik Underground as well! It's been awhile since we have grooved in these parts and are looking foward to it!
Apr 27 :.: Melissa to play 2 shows w/Adham Shaikh
After collaborating on a Juno nominated album, Melissa will hit the stage with Dj Adham Shaikh on May 5th at SpiritBar in Nelson, BC and on June 29th at The Commodore Ballroom, Vancouver, BC. Melissa will also be showing her artwork in May at Nelson, BC's favorite coffee house 'Oso Negro' and for the upcoming summer at The Mermaid Gallery, Nelson, BC.
Mar 30 :.: Shambhala Music Festival Confirmed!
Wassabi has just been confirmed to play Shambhala Music Festival in Salmo BC August 8th-12th. Get your early tickets as the price goes up as the time goes on! www.shambhalamusicfestival.com
Mar 30 :.: Rocky Mountain Stop
After a well receieved East Coast Spring Tour Wassabi will head out to the Rockies this weekend to heat things up in BAnff and Golden. See the events page for more details!
Mar 30 :.: Wassabi in Relix Magazine
Wassabi will be featured in the April/May Issue of RELIX MAGAZINE , in the 'ON THE VERGE' section. Pick up a copy at your local magazine store or check it out at RELIX.COM
Mar 30 :.: Wassabi featured on the cover of Here Magazine
Wassabi's faces graced the cover of Here Magazine in New Brunswick, leading up the St Paddys Day blowout at the Gothic Arches. See the article here!
One Love,
Hulagirl
 Come join us on Myspace: myspace.com/wassabicollective
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