SKARAVAN TEAM
Who We Are
Michelle Lee-Klaassen
Saxophonist Extraordinaire of Skaravan
Michelle is a musical dynamo with an impressive journey spanning over 20 years. Her mastery of the saxophone is a testament to her dedication and love for the craft.
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Her musical voyage began when she was just a little girl and developed during her high school years when she delved into the world of jazz. Her passion led her to remarkable achievements, including winning first place in the prestigious Jazz Nationals competition in Canada.
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When not playing with Skaravan, Michelle dedicates her full-time career to education.
We are immensely proud to have Michelle as a cherished member of our musical family, where her talent, energy, and love for music continue to inspire us all.
Anna Bekolay
Skaravan's Versatile Violin Virtuoso
Anna Bekolay, Skaravan's talented violin player, brings a vibrant and unique energy to the band. With gypsy heritage that infuses her performances with rich cultural flair, Anna's violin melodies and stage presence are nothing short of mesmerizing.
Anna is a multifaceted artist involved in various local projects, including dancing, symphonies, and singing. Her dynamic range of talents and her passion for the arts shine through in every performance. Recently joining Skaravan, Anna has added a completely new dimension to the band's sound with her enchanting violin melodies, captivating dance moves, and beautiful vocals.
Her addition to Skaravan has brought a fresh and exciting vibe, enhancing the band's already electrifying performances. Anna's unique style and artistic versatility make her an invaluable member of the Skaravan family.
Brodie Mohninger
The drumming heartbeat behind Skaravan
Brodie Moniker is a multi instrumentalist, songwriter, and producer from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Passion for all genres of music has led him around the world touring with award winning singer songwriters like Jeff Straker, hard rock bands like Fake Paradise, freestyle hip hop with H2FLO and reggae and ska bands like the mighty Skaravan. Music is a universal language that connects us all and every culture has a language that he takes to heart. His high energy and devotion to the rhythm brings intensity and nuance to the heartbeat of Skaravan as their drummer and percussionist.
Yvo del Canto
The Groove Master
Yvo del Canto, Skaravan's legendary bassist, is a musical icon in Saskatoon. His musical journey spans an impressive 36 years, marked by a commitment to the craft that's nothing short of extraordinary.
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Yvo's story includes graduating from Grant McEwan music College in 2000, a testament to his dedication to honing his musical skills and deepening his understanding of music.
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With roots in both Chile and Canada, Yvo brings a unique, electrifying groove to Skaravan's signature sound. He's not just the bassist; he's the heartbeat that ensures Skaravan's infectious rhythm never falters.
Michael Kereiff
The Trombone Maestro
Michael Kereiff, Skaravan's trombone maestro and charismatic showman, is a musical force with a journey that spans over 21 years. His unwavering passion for music has propelled him to incredible heights in the world of sound.
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Beyond his captivating performances with Skaravan, Michael is a respected figure in the local reggae scene. He lends his exceptional trombone skills to another well-known local reggae band, where his talent and love for reggae music shine brightly. Moreover, Michael's passion extends to rapping vocals, adding yet another layer to his multifaceted artistic talents.
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Outside the world of music, Michael is also a culinary artist in the kitchen. His skills as a chef reflect his creative spirit, and he finds joy in bringing flavors to life just as he does with melodies on stage.
Felipe Guerra
Skaravan's Visionary Leader and Charismatic Frontman
Felipe Guerra, Skaravan's visionary founder, leader, and multi-instrumentalist, is a musical tour de force with an inspiring journey. His story begins at the age of 16 when he embarked on a remarkable musical odyssey. Since then, Felipe has been a prominent figure in the Saskatoon music scene, leaving an indelible mark on the city's vibrant musical tapestry.
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With roots in both Chile and Canada, Felipe's musical path led him to explore diverse genres, ultimately finding his heart in the soulful rhythms of reggae and ska. His experience as a seasoned musician in Saskatoon since 2014 has seen him collaborate with a wide array of talented musicians, honing his skills and forging a deep understanding of the artistry that enriches the city's culture.
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Felipe's magnetic energy isn't just limited to the stage; it's the driving force that propels Skaravan's fusion of Latin, reggae, and ska to new heights. His leadership is marked by an unwavering determination to create musical magic, a journey that has astonished audiences wherever Skaravan performs.
Ben Fortosky
Skaravan’s High-Energy Trumpet Powerhouse
Ben Fortosky is Skaravan’s trumpet player, elevating the band’s live performances with his high-energy stage antics. A man of many talents, Ben has been performing in the Saskatoon music scene for nearly two decades. His passion for ska and all its subgenres lead him to form his two previous bands, Misterfire and Minivandal, where he pulled triple duty as a frontman, trumpet player, and rhythm guitarist.
In addition to his performance skills, Ben is also a capable songwriter, lyricist, and producer, having recorded and released four albums independently with his projects over the years.
When he’s not performing with Skaravan, Ben also likes to lend his trumpet skills to a Saskatoon island-rock group, who he has been collaborating with since 2013, as a member of their All-Star lineup.