Joe Given - Bio
Joe Given is a 19 year old singer, songwriter, performer, from Surrey, BC. He's performed at well over 400 events / shows over the past few years.
Joe has won numerous music related awards, including: the 2011 Service Above Self - "SASSY Award, for Performing & Visual Arts", presented by the Rotary Club of Semiahmoo (White Rock); the "Artistic Achievement Award", from The Canadian Club of Vancouver, at the 2010 Canada SOARS Awards; and a "Dogwood District Authority Award Scholarship, in the Fine Arts Category", for excelling in the area of music, (awarded in Oct, 2010).
Joe’s style is pop, pop/rock, with a little R&B. His live performances range from 5 minutes, to 3.5 hours long & often include cover songs & originals. His musical influences include The Beatles, Bob Dylan, Jack Johnson, Led Zeppelin, Jason Mraz, Bob Marley, Jeff Buckley, John Mayer, Nora Jones, Metric, & many others.
His first full Album: “Sideways Point of View”, was recorded in 08 & 09, (during his voice change). Since then, his voice & style have evolved, and he's written many new songs. Joe is currently working on his second Album, which he is co-producing. He's hoping to release the new album in May, 2012.
Some of Joe's songs on are on live performance videos on his 'Videos' page, and on YouTube.com/JoeGiven
Joe was selected as one of the BC Musicians included in the Music BC promotional material, which was presented by Music BC, (on behalf of the BC Music Industry), at the Canadian Music Mission to Asia: a music trade mission to Japan, November, 2008.
He’s been involved in various events through the Arts Council of Surrey over the years, & was a committee member of the Youth Arts Council of Surrey (YACOS), from 2008-2011. Joe has also been a judge on panels for various music related shows and events.
Joe also loves acting, & has had roles in Community Theatre Productions. He was nominated by the Community Theatre Coalition, (CTC), for “Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical”, for his role of ‘Schroeder’, in the production of “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown”, 2011.
With a passion for singing, songwriting & performing ... Joe plans to continue to work with music in ways that make a positive difference.
Joe is also a university student, studying Business Management, at Kwantlen Polytechnic University.
JOE HAS PERFORMED AT OVER 400 EVENTS/VENUES OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS, INCLUDING:
Weddings, Conferences, many Private Events, as well as numerous community & charitable events.
The SASSY Awards - Hosted by the Semiahmoo Rotary, at the Bell Performing Arts Centre. Joe was one of the performers during the show. He was also one of the Award recipients. Oct 14, 2011
Community Theatre Coalition Awards Gala - at the Coast Capital Playhouse. Joe was one of the performers, and he was also nominated for a CTC Award. Sept 17, 2011
Played at VIMBC (Vancouver Island Music Business Conference): two 30 min sets: at both the: Kick off Party, Meet & Greet event; & also did a Showcase at another venue, Jun 2011
Guest performer at the Canadian Club of Vancouver: 2011 Maple Leaf Celebration - 10th Anniversary, at the Fairmont Waterfront Hotel, Vancouver, May 18, 2011. (Joe was a recipient of their Artistic Achievement Award in 2010).
Various Restaurants, with 3 - 3.5 hr. shows: Iguana’s Beach Grill, White Rock, (on the beach front); McJac’s Roadhouse Grille, South Surrey; West Beach Bar and Grill, White Rock; and other restaurants ...
Has been a regular scheduled performer on Granville Island, (as part of the Summer Entertainment on Granville Island program), in 2009, 2010, and again in 2011
Played 'Schroeder' in the musical: 'You're a Good Man Charlie Brown' Feb 3-26, 2011 (15 shows), at Surrey Little Theatre. For his role as Schroeder, Joe was later nominated by the CTC for “Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical..."
Performed a pre-show 30 min. set of music, for the 8 nights of the play, 'Splinters', at the Surrey Little Theatre., Dec. 8 - 18, 2010. Joe also acted / played the role of Danny, in the play.
Grand Opening Reception, for the Newton Cultural Centre, Surrey, Oct 2010
Did a Showcase at the Vancouver Island Music Business Conference, June, 2010
The 2010 Canada SOARS Awards, through the Canadian Club of Vancouver
Surrey 2010 Celebration Site at Holland Park, (during the Olympics)
For the Luv of it Youth, 2009 and For the Luv of it Inspiration 2010, Vancouver, BC
Surrey Shines 2006, 07, 08, 09 and 2010 (at the Surrey Arts Centre)
The YMCA Power of Peace Awards, Nov 2009
Numerous restaurants, clubs and coffee houses, from 2006 - 2011
Vancouver City Limits at the Beaumont Stage in 09 and at the Vancouver Rowing Club in 2010
Music Festivals such as: Spirit of the Sea Festival in White Rock 06, 07, 08 & 09 & 11 - Surrey Children’s Festival 08, 09 & 2010 - Merritt Mountain Music Festival 06 & 07 ... and more ...
Several events through the Cities of Surrey, Langley & White Rock, 07, 08, 09, 10 & 11
Canada Day Celebrations in various cities: Langley 04, 05 & 2008 - Vancouver 2009, White Rock, 2010
The Arts Council of Surrey’s 40th Anniversary Celebration, 2007 (& many other events with them, 07-11)
National Anthems at numerous official opening ceremonies, 05, 06, 07, 08, 09
JOE’S PERFORMANCE AND MUSIC RELATED AWARDS:
Won the 2011 Service Above Self - SASSY Award, for Performing & Visual Arts. Presented by the Rotary Club of Semiahmoo (White Rock), at the SASSY Awards, (Bell Performing Arts Centre), Oct 14, 2011.
Nominated by the Community Theatre Coalition, (CTC), for “Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical”, for his role of ‘Schroeder’, in the production of “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown”, 2011.
Awarded the "Artistic Achievement Award" and a $500 Scholarship, from the Canadian Club of Vancouver, at the 2010 Canada SOARS Awards, May 27, 2010.
Factor Demo Award - for $1600.00 toward production of 5 songs on Joe’s new album, 2010
Awarded a $250.00 Scholarship at For the Luv of It Inspiration! 2010, from Carla Catherwood, and Debbie Catherwood, on behalf of a generous anonymous sponsor, Jan, 2010.
Awarded a Scholarship at the For the Luv of It Youth show, from Chin Injeti of the Hastings Set, Jan, 2009
One of the 1st Place winners of “Clayton’s Got Talent” High School talent show - 08
1st Place: Clayton Idol (Clayton Heights Secondary School - gr. 8-12) Nov 07
1st Place: Buskers Competition - (for solo performers of all ages) - Cloverdale Blueberry Festival - Aug 07
Awarded the Fran Dowie Vaudevillian Bursary: presented at the Youth Arts Council of Surrey’s “Surrey Shines 07”, and established by The Vaudevillians. Awarded Jan 07
1st Place: Buskers Competition (14 & under) - Cloverdale Blueberry Festival - Aug 06
1st Place: City Jam – Youth Talent Search – (under 14 yrs) - May 06
1st Place: Best Performer * Singer (all ages) - Pizzazz International Model &Talent;Search – Sept 05
1st Place: Overall Best Performer (kids/teens) - Pizzazz International Model &Talent;Search - Sept 05
SONGWRITING & ALBUM / CD CONTRIBUTIONS & AWARDS:
1. The Little Things” ©, is on track 13 of the “Make a Case Against Racism” compilation CD, which was presented by the BC Ministry of Attorney General and Minister responsible for Multiculturalism (welcomebc.ca), and administered by Music BC (musicbc.org), in 2008.
2. “Every Day” ©, is on the Robbie Tucker Compilation Album for Parkinson's Awareness; Presented by “Musicians Against Parkinson’s” - 2008 . It was also awarded as one of the 2 winners on the album. See (mapmusic.org)
3. “A Bigger Circle” ©, will be one of the songs, on the “Dream On !” website (coming soon), which will include music in alignment with the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s ideals of peace and justice, freedom, love and peaceful empowerment.
4. “Home” ©, was placed on the “Honorable Mentions” list, in the International, Independent Singer-Songwriter Association (ISSA), Song Contest, 2008
5. “Home” ©, was one of the songs chosen to be included on the 2009 Music BC Compilation CD. (musicbc.org)
6. “Home” ©, was presented with an “Honorable Mention”, for being among the top 1500 original compositions, in the 16th annual Billboard World Song Contest, 2009.
7. "Falling For You" ©, was presented with an "Honorable Mention", for being among the top 1500 original compositions, in the 17th annual Billboard World Song Contest, 2010.
8. "Dance Till the Break of Dawn" ©, was presented with an "Honorable Mention", for being among the top 500 original compositions, in the 17th annual Billboard World Song Contest, 2010.
9. "I Believe In You" ©, was presented with an "Honorable Mention", for being among the top 500 original compositions, in the 17th annual Billboard World Song Contest, 2010.
