“Tiger” Will has been on stage for over half his life. From stage acting, film, television and music, Will has tried to excel in his art. He has a cover repertoire of over 500 songs, and many originals. He is very picky about his choice of what he plays for audiences; they usually reflect his views or his sense of humor. In 1986 he was given a spirit name by an Anishinabe elder: “Kahntahwi-wim’tchi’get,” which means ‘Maker of Beautiful Music’

He has won a few accolades over his 35 years+ of playing professionally. He won the first Karaoke Over Ottawa contest in 93, which he entered as a joke. This got him on CJOH-TV’s variety show ‘HomeGrown Cafe’, on which he also won an award as Adult Performer of the year in 94. He was one of the first to play and win with original music. In 2008 he was at the first Native E Music Awards (NEMAs) and nominated for 5 awards, more than any artist there, and won ‘Mainstream Song of the Year’. In 2012 he won Canada’s Aboriginals Got Talent in Ottawa, judged by the late Vince Fontaine, music promoter Eddie Birkett and others.

This show features songs, mostly originals, with anecdotes and history, as well as stories from his life as a native growing up surrounded. Surrounded by people both his own but mostly not his own. Surrounded by bullies, allies, friends and animals…surrounded by friends, some family, and places where he has lived in his life: Niagara, Toronto, Vancouver, Ottawa…

He combines native contemporary sounds, with bluegrass/newgrass/Americana/Canadiana, country rock, blues rock, folk and whatever else fits his fancy. He has a specialty in late 60s and 70s’ music. He is also an actor, having acted on stage, TV shows and films as an extra/background performer, and a speaking role or two, since the 80s, about the time he began performing as a professional musician.

For more information go to:Nogojiwanong Indigenous Fringe Festival