Music

curated by Mercy Funk

The Brunch Beat hosted by Mercy Funk

Sunday, June 8 at 11:30 am

Three Vikings (10713 124 St., Edmonton)

Come spend a relaxed afternoon with Mercy Funk and friends at Three Vikings, where the spirit of folk music and storytelling comes to life in a cozy song circle. Enjoy original tunes that weave personal stories into warm melodies and harmonies, creating a laid-back, soulful atmosphere. It’s the perfect way to unwind on a Sunday—good food, good music, and even better company.

Lainey Robinson

Lainey is a sixteen year old singer/songwriter who blends raw emotion with musical passion. Drawing from folk music, pop, and indie roots, she creates music that touches souls. Lainey presents inspiring music that carves her character and shares her voice to the world.

Francesco Rizzuto

Francesco Rizzuto is an Edmonton, Alberta based singer/songwriter with a talent for telling complex and emotive stories within the confines of a three to four minute song. The Alternative Folk/Country singer’s resonant baritone vocals and dynamic guitar playing will draw you in and will be sure to leave a lasting impression. Francesco released his debut single “Boxcar Town” in June 2024. He then released his second single “Sally’s Song” in October 2024. Both songs were produced by Mallory Chipman and engineered/mixed by Scott Franchuk at Riverdale Recorders.

Halfway Home

When a broken down car left Amanda Penner, Zackery Wilson Elliott, & their friend Sammy Volkov stranded in small town Three Hills, AB for the night on their way back to Edmonton, Elliott joked about being stuck half way home. The pair, having both spent the last few years living in various people’s spaces, connected over the readiness for something new in their lives & careers. They decided to join forces in what has become Halfway Home, an Edmonton based folk duo influenced by the likes of Adrianne Lenker, Gregory Alan Isakov, and Watchhouse. Their songs explore the concept of home and what it means to them as new roommates and duo partners. With years of solo careers under their belts, a blend of spellbinding harmonies, and blissful acoustic guitar sounds to vouch, Halfway Home is bound to leave listeners tapping their toes and humming along.

Nextfest’s Outdoor Music Showcase

Thursday June 12 at 4:00 pm

Helen Nolan Park (12327 108 Avenue NW)

Mercy Funk proudly presents a handpicked lineup of live music for Nextfest!
Curated by the band themselves, this showcase brings a range of incredible talent to the Helen Nolan Park stage—conveniently located beside the lively Grand 124 Market. Come enjoy an afternoon of local shopping and genre-spanning sounds, all thoughtfully selected by Mercy Funk. Let’s celebrate music, community, and creativity together!

Moody Lion

Originally from Peru and now based in Edmonton, Canada, Moody Lion has been immersed in music since 2015. Starting as a producer, he picked up DJing in 2021 and has been sharing his love for groovy beats and funky rhythms ever since. His sets blend house, disco, soul, and funk, creating a feel-good vibe that keeps people moving.

Moody Lion’s style is all about energy and connection. He brings live electric guitar into his DJ performances, adding an extra spark that makes every set stand out. Always pushing forward, Moody keeps releasing new music and teaming up with artists worldwide—all with one goal: to keep the dancefloor alive.

Lainey Robinson

Lainey is a sixteen year old singer/songwriter who blends raw emotion with musical passion. Drawing from folk music, pop, and indie roots, she creates music that touches souls. Lainey presents inspiring music that carves her character and shares her voice to the world.

Ester Forseth

Esther Forseth is an Edmonton-based alternative-pop artist, and just released her first EP titled ‘Lost’, in April. Esther twists her life experiences into thoughtful metaphors. She

views her writing as a way to give herself, and listeners a fresh perspective of the complex emotions and situations we experience as humans. With the combination of her soft vocal performance, haunting melodies, and figurative lyrics, Esther’s songs create a safe-haven for self-reflection and vulnerability.

Francesco Rizzuto

Francesco Rizzuto is an Edmonton, Alberta based singer/songwriter with a talent for telling complex and emotive stories within the confines of a three to four minute song. The Alternative Folk/Country singer’s resonant baritone vocals and dynamic guitar playing will draw you in and will be sure to leave a lasting impression. Francesco released his debut single “Boxcar Town” in June 2024. He then released his second single “Sally’s Song” in October 2024. Both songs were produced by Mallory Chipman and engineered/mixed by Scott Franchuk at Riverdale Recorders.

Halfway Home

When a broken down car left Amanda Penner, Zackery Wilson Elliott, & their friend Sammy Volkov stranded in small town Three Hills, AB for the night on their way back to Edmonton, Elliott joked about being stuck half way home. The pair, having both spent the last few years living in various people’s spaces, connected over the readiness for something new in their lives & careers. They decided to join forces in what has become Halfway Home, an Edmonton based folk duo influenced by the likes of Adrianne Lenker, Gregory Alan Isakov, and Watchhouse. Their songs explore the concept of home and what it means to them as new roommates and duo partners. With years of solo careers under their belts, a blend of spellbinding harmonies, and blissful acoustic guitar sounds to vouch, Halfway Home is bound to leave listeners tapping their toes and humming along.

Pure Octane

Pure Octane is a high-energy band that brings a fresh spin to the music of anime, video games, and Japanese pop culture. With genre-blending performances and infectious energy, they create unforgettable live experiences that bring people from all walks of life together.

Since hitting the Edmonton music scene in 2022, Pure Octane has been turning heads with standout performances—like three years running at Animethon, a sold-out show at Yardbird Suite, and dynamic live video game events where they improvise game soundtracks in real time, syncing perfectly with audience gameplay. Their setlist features fan favorites from Cowboy Bebop, JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, Persona 5, Mario Kart, The Legend of Zelda, Demon Slayer, Neon Genesis Evangelion, Dragon Ball, and Studio Ghibli’s most iconic films. Every Pure Octane show is a celebration—open, welcoming, and full of surprises. With fans spanning generations, musical tastes, and backgrounds, their concerts are more than just a performance—they’re a community. Come see what the buzz is about and experience Pure Octane live.”

Mercy Funk & Friends Jam Party!

Saturday June 14 at 8:00 pm

The Roxy Theatre (10708 124 St, Edmonton)

Join us for an inclusive Open Music Jam hosted by Mercy Funk! All skill levels are welcome—bring your instrument, voice, or just your enthusiasm. Come experiment, collaborate, and have fun making music in a laid-back, supportive atmosphere!