Chinook was created in the fall of 2003 in Orillia Ontario by singer/songwriter and acoustic guitarist Kevin Lochhead. Kevin’s wife Jessica performs on drums (djembe and snare) and a variety of percussion instruments.
They have been performing regularly at local markets, fairs, celebrations, charity events, pubs, restaurants, bistros, corporate parties, weddings and banquets.
In October of 2004, Chinook impressed the audience in what was their first major public debut at the Orillia Opera House for the Joint Effort V concert to benefit the Orillia Soldier’s Memorial Hospital. They performed two Gordon Lightfoot songs: "Christian Island" and "Don Quixote", capturing the essence and feel of this legendary performer.
On November 10, 2004 Chinook performed their first entire concert in Tribute to Gordon Lightfoot with all proceeds donated again to the Orillia Soldier’s Memorial Hospital.
On January 26th, 2005 Chinook “answered the call” by performing another Gordon Lightfoot song “Too Late For Prayin” at the Orillia Opera House as part of a televised tsunami relief concert, which raised over $16,000 for the December 26th, 2004 tsunami victims in Asia.
Chinook performs Kevin Lochhead’s original material as well as the music of mainly Canadian folk and roots artists.
Although Canadian music is their main focus, an eclectic mix of American popular folk, country, jazz, pop and easy listening tunes are covered in their repertoire of over 100 songs.
Kevin Lochhead is an accomplished guitarist, having played since childhood, with his own distinct finger picking style similar to his mentor Gordon Lightfoot.
See Chinook's profile on MySpace.com at: www.myspace.com/chinookcanadianfolk