Bhadra Collective

THE BHADRA COLLECTIVE is composed of seasoned musicians exploring contrasts of eclectic originals, world music with danceable energy and familiar songs re-imagined. BHADRA is Sanskrit for blessed, prosperous, happy and loving. The Collective strives to project these qualities in their lyrical content, rhythms and performances.

Dennis Gaumond – Vocals, Guitar, Dobro
Gary Diggins – Vocals, Trumpet, Didgeridoo
Brent Rowan – Sax, Effects
Fyl Bennett – Bass
Mike Dragoman – Keyboards, Vocals
Tom Wolf – Drums, Percussion, Vocals

FROM THE PAST…

THE SOULS BEHIND THE SOUND…

Dennis Gaumond – Vocals, Guitar, Dobro

Dennis has been a professional musician for over 35 years and released 9 albums showcasing his unique song-writing style. In 2002, his deep interest in sound as medicine, particularly the power of mantra, led him to create the Guelph Chant Club, which ran for 15 years...

This, coupled with his fascination with ethnic world music, led to the creation of the original Bhadra Collective in 2007 that toured across the province. Dennis has also played as part of a duo with Jen Gillmor, releasing 2 albums, performing at festivals and house concerts. Dennis is also a visual artist and author.
dennisgaumondart.com
whyislife.com

Gary Diggins – Vocals, Trumpet, Didgeridoo

Gary has worked for over three decades as an expressive arts therapist. His work combines counselling, mindful practices and music as medicine. As an educator, Gary teaches in the Expressive Arts Department of Fleming College and lectures at various learning institutes...

Gary has appeared on dozens of recordings and composed for three films. His musical collaborations have taken him to India, Israel, Europe and throughout North America. Gary has collaborated with artistic organizations ranging from Cirque du Soleil to Canadian composer, R. Murray Schaffer.

Brent Rowan – Sax, Effects

Brent performs in a wide variety of musical collaborations; including 2009 and 2015 Juno Nominated Eccodek, Big Bands, smaller jazz combos and creative music ensembles. Brent has performed and recorded across Canada, the UK and Germany as well at music festivals in North America and Europe...

Brent is the founding Director of both the Guelph Youth Jazz Ensemble and the New Horizons Band for Guelph. He has taught in the Community Music Program at Wilfrid Laurier University and jazz saxophone at the University of Guelph.

Fyl Bennett – Bass

Fyl has been playing professionally since the late 70’s. Over that period of time, he has played with numerous groups spanning numerous musical genres such as pop, rock, blues, reggae, celtic, ska, jazz, & rock-a-billy. Most of these gigs were Fyl was hired to “fill in” for the regular bass player earning him the nick-name Fill in Fyl...

Playing with the Bhadra Collective allows Fyl the luxury of playing with a horn section while exploring rhythms and melodies from different cultures. Also, it allows him to explore music with deep, danceable grooves while evading the standard interpretation of playing bass.

Mike Dragoman – Keyboards Vocals

Mike is a man of many talents. He has been involved with music since his teen years. His first career was as a piano tuner/technician. He is highly respected in this field and has tuned for Oscar Peterson, Daniel Lanois and many others. He has refurbished many concert grand pianos...

His second career is as a chiropractor. He has studied and practised a variety of healing modalities. He also makes high quality hand-pans called ‘Auracles’. He is fluent in an assortment of musical styles and brings a variety of skills to the Bhadra Collective.

Tom Wolf – Drums

With the exception of his first 8 years, Tom has been drumming his entire life. Starting with Pipes and drums, then onto pop music and theatre work, teaching from age 14 and on the road full-time by age 19 - it's been a great ride. A fair bit of studio work was mixed in there as well...

The hand percussion aspect, teaching West African drumming and facilitating drum circles have been a major part of musical expression now for more than 2 decades. All of this informs his collaboration with his Bhadra brethren. The free and spontaneous nature of this ensemble is especially enjoyable for Tom – a distinct departure from the world of cover bands.

PHOTO GALLERY

LIVE SHOWS SCHEDULE

2024

August 31 ~ Soulshine Festival, Newcastle
August 9-11 ~ COMING HOME FESTIVAL, AMARANTH
August 17 ~ Bhadra Beat, Lowville
August 10 ~ Coming Home Festival, Amaranth
August 4 ~ Mad River Rocks, Singhampton
July 28 ~ Fundraiser, Puslinch
June 22 ~ Big Beat, Guelph
June 8 ~ Soulshine Social, Amaranth
May 5 ~ Bhadra Beat at Ascent, Conestogo
March 23 ~ Big Beat, Guelph

2023

September 1 & 2 ~ Soulshine Festival, Blackstock
August 11-13 ~ COMING HOME FESTIVAL, AMARANTH
June 17 ~ Thinkspot, Lowville
June 10 ~ Tree of Peace, Guelph
April 15 ~ Red Chevron, Guelph
March 25 ~ Big Beat, Guelph
January 6 ~ Milcroft Inn, Alton

2022

December 30 ~ Lion’s Hall, Burlington
December 17 ~ Big Beat, Guelph
October 21 ~ Red Chevron, Guelph
September 3 & 4 ~ Soulshine Festival, Blackstock
August 5-7 ~ COMING HOME FESTIVAL, AMARANTH
July 30 ~ Mad River Rocks, Collingwood