Joe Given
Catch a rising star this month at McJac’s Roadhouse Grille.
Acclaimed young singer-songwriter-actor Joe Given will be featured in intimate performances Friday, Dec. 9 and Saturday, Dec. 17 (5:30 to 8:30 p.m. each night) at the restaurant, 1781 King George Blvd.
The 19 year-old performer, by day a business management major at Kwantlen Polytechnic University, will showcase his golden voice – and charisma to match – in sets of originals and covers in the pop and R&B idioms (with a little rock and soul thrown in for good measure).
He’s racked up an impressive record of playing more than 400 venues and special events over the past three years, plus a whole raft of awards and scholarships, and has also branched out into acting, this year earning a Community Theatre Coalition nomination for best actor in a leading role in a musical for the role of Schroeder in Surrey Little Theatre’s You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown.
Chances are his current performances will also feature some of the original material from his second album, which he hopes to release in early 2012. For dinner reservations, call 604-531-3167.
"Surrey Youth Earn SASSY Awards" - Please see the link above, "The Now Newspaper", for more photos & info about The SASSY Awards.
Photos below are from the hard copy issue of the The Now Newspaper - Front Page & Page 18.
"Two Kwantlen Students Receive SASSY Award for Outstanding Community Service ... METRO VANCOUVER, BC – (October 24, 2011) They make a difference in their community everyday, and last week, Surrey students John Davidson and Joseph Given were officially recognized for their contributions. The two Kwantlen Polytechnic University students received a SASSY – Service Above Self Surrey Youth – Award, hosted by the Semiahmoo Rotary Club, for making a difference in the community by demonstrating the Club's model of ‘service above self'. ...
Given also knows a thing or two about working hard. The Kwantlen Business student has won numerous music-related awards and has performed at more than 400 events over the past few years. "It's a brilliant feeling to know that what you're doing is the right thing. It was a huge honour to be recognized in a room full of inspiring people who clearly make a difference everyday," says Given, who received the SASSY Performing & Visual Arts Award.
Each award winner received a $500 bursary plus $500 to be donated to the charity of their choice. ... Given will be making his donation to Free the Children. ... "
Joe Given ... Rising Star
"Making music: Joe Given, 18 has performed at more than 350 events over the past few years, wowing crowds with his high, clear voice and mix of pop, rock, R&B covers/ originals." ....
Splinters on stage to Dec. 18
....Splinters, an award-winning play from the 2008 “Write On” playwriting competition ... To round off the evening of original works, local songwriter/musician Joe Given will entertain the audience with a pre-show selection of music. Given, along with 13 talented youth from the surrounding community star in the ensemble cast of Splinters. ...
Park bench perspective in 'Splinters'
"The ensemble youth cast of Splinters, a one-act play written and directed by Elyse Maloway, includes Cloverdale singer-songwriter Joe Given. ... Dec. 8 to 18 at the Surrey Little Theatre venue ... Local singer/songwriter Joe Given is joined by 13 actors in the ensemble cast. Given will also perform a pre-show selection of music. ..."
“YOUR MUSICAL CONNECTION IN THE "ROCK"...
".... On the main stage ..... and for me the first time seeing our young local phenom Joe Given with the incredible range of his voice and a persona and stage presence that belies his age doing classic covers and making them his own. Watch for more from this fine young talent. …”
Cloverdale Musician Joe Given Releases Debut Album at Age 17.
At just seventeen years of age, Joe Given is clearly beginning to hone his musical chops as his ever-growing network of fans similarly expands. And with a musical maturity that truly belies his youth, it’s clear that this is one kid that was destined to perform. … The Cloverdale teen recently released a full-length CD, Sideways Point of View, further showcasing his musical chops; all the while displaying a maturity and sensitivity simply beyond his years. … This kid is good. You can see for yourself on ...
Joe Leary - tvweekonline.ca/joe_biz_blog April 6, 2010. See website link to article / review:
“A Given perspective ...
New album, high school graduation - things are moving forward for Cloverdale crooner ... ... Many may be familiar with Given and his sound from his frequent performances ... And now that he’s released a new album, Sideways Point of View, fans can listen to him wherever they choose. … His seemingly effortless, pop/rock style includes songs such as Falling For You, So Many Reasons and Gotta Get Over You.”
Sheila Reynolds - The Surrey / North Delta Leader - Friday April 2, 2010. See link to article:
“... we had potential teen heart-throb Joe Given in studio.
At 17, this kid has already proven that he has keen pop sensibilities and I figure it’s only a matter of time before teenage girls are crying when they see him walking down the red carpet. ... His songs are short, sweet, and satisfyingly predictable, reminiscent of something that would probably dominate Top 40 Pop Radio. ... Joe attacks his relationships with an unwavering realism. ... Already, he has surpassed most expectations one could have for a 17 year old. Now, I’ll continue to play Joe’s tracks ...”
Jamie Cessford - music coordinator of Youth in 57 minutes (www.y57.ca) Recap of radio interview (Mar 22, 1010) - Posted on April 1, 2010. See Link to article:
“Cloverdale teen offers a sideways point of view … This youngster first came to the attention of many readers (Young musician pays it forward in song, July 3, 2007, Langley Advance) when he joined the Pay It Forward campaign with the release of his single The Little Things, which was inspired by his view that more kindness and compassion is needed to make the world a better place. … the Grade 12 student, a prolific songwriter, mixes R&B, pop and folk-rock influences ...”
... Roxanne Hooper - Langley Advance - Friday February 26, 2010
“15-year-old singer has a smooth, unforced performance style.
His talent is a Given ... “
“Teenage musician garnering accolades....he’s possessed of a clear, unforced singing voice, a smooth and mature performance style and plenty of charismatic presence.“ “Cloverdale’s Joe Given is making waves with his mature style and gift for song ... It’s not hard to see why singer-guitarist Joe Given draws attention wherever he sits down with a microphone and one of his prized Gibsons. ... his upbeat music - both originals and covers - crosses a lot of boundaries, from pop-rock to jazzy tunes, from folkish-sounding songs to a bit of Mowtown. ... While he has a loyal circle of school friends who come out to ... his coffee house performances ... - also has older generations sitting up and taking notice. It’s no wonder he was a crowd favourite at last year’s successful Vintage Affair wine-tasting fundraiser ...”
