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Anne McKinty Bio

Anne started in the music business in 1972 as the lead vocalist in a jazz trio with Gordie Sholtz (Patti Page). She was the house band at Gord's restaurant "The Steakpit" in Bragg Creek, Alberta until 1974.

In 1976 Anne formed the very popular country rock band "TOKAN" adding Tommy Cunningham (Trena) on drums. The band worked 6 nights a week playing at the Blackfoot Inn in Calgary, as a house band throughout 1977, 1978 and 1979. In 1980 they added guitarist Bobby Deutscher(Krowcuss).

In 1981 "Tokan" was invited to record 5 original songs for a cut on the "Rocky Mountain Magic" album, a compilation of songs by popular Calgary artists. The album was produced by Mark Goodman at Bruce Thompson's Circa Studio. Anne wrote the song "Olive" which was chosen for the album.

In 1982 "Tokan" re-grouped itself adding members Jack Stolz (Appaloosa / McQueen)/ lead guitar, Ross Barrett/Keyboards, Greg Russell/ Drums, Anne Sitter/ bass and lead vocals. The now smokin hot band toured throughout Western Canada and actively performed on CBC's television show "Chinook Country." In 1985 multi talented Julian Kerr replaced Ross Barrett and "Tokan" continued strong until Anne's retirement from the stage in 1992.

Anne went to work for the "Landis" enterprises in 1992 as a secretary. Furthering her education in Business, Accounting and Restaurant Management in 1993, Anne married Myles McKinty, the owner of Landis. Together, the two of them have built an empire of very successful businesses including two Boston Pizza Restaurants with a 3rd one under construction.

On May 30, 2006, Anne started "Landis Productions" an Artist Management & Publishing Company. She is currently working exclusively with ' Jo Hikk'.

*****JO HIKK BIO*****

Hailing from Calgary Alberta, Jo Hikk is a well established country rock act that has been making an impact in the music scene across Canada. With their 3rd release 'Sweet City Woman' hitting the 21 spot on the R & R Charts across Canada, 2 CCMA nomination's and a WCMA nomination under their belt, they have earned the right to be called one of Canada's top drawing “live” acts in the club and concert scene.

The band is comprised of brothers Kelly (lead vocals/bass), and Kenny Sitter (guitar/vocals), Al Doell (guitar/drums/vocals), Don Jorgensen (keyboards/mandolin/vocals), and Al Rheaume (drums).

Performing shows from Canada to Kandhar, Jo Hikk has shared the stage with some of the music’s biggest names. Known for their great vocal sound, energy and playful antics, Jo Hikk has a proven track record as a real crowd pleaser.

As songwriters, the band has been developing their own material over the years and as a result, released a five song EP produced by Bob Foster (Jan Arden). The buzz generated by their original tracks attracted not only many new fans worldwide, but also the interest of several music industry professionals.

In 2006, Jo Hikk began working on their new full length CD with multiple award winner, George Canyon and Rick Mizzoni from MCC signing on as producers. The album was recorded in Nashville’s famed Masterphonics Tracking Room, and at MCC Recording Studio in Calgary.

The album titled "Ride" features songs penned by Jo Hikk, along with fellow Canadians A.J. Goodvin, Randy J. Marten, Gordie Sampson, Sean Hogan, Cyril Rawlson, Ron McNeil, Wayne Sheard, Ron Kerr, Nicole Higgins and George Canyon. The album also includes songs written by some of Nashville's top writers Pete Sallis, Neil Thrasher, Ritchie MacDonald and Bo Allen.

2008 has been an exciting year for Jo Hikk being nominated for ‘New Group or Duo of the Year’ at the Canadian Country Music awards in Winnipeg. Accompanied by an honorable WCMA nomination for 'Outstanding Country Recording' for their 'Ride' album at this year's WCMA awards held in Edmonton, Jo Hikk performed a WCMA showcase at the Oil City Roadhouse on October 18. The band has a great fanbase in Edmonton who have helped Jo Hikk chart 2 'top 10's' and a 1 for their first single, 'Closer'.

Jo Hikk is currently working on their next album which they hope to have released by spring of 2009. The are writing with top Canadian writers such as Troy Kokel, Julian Austin, Mark Lorenz, A.J. Goodvin and Randy J. Martin.

KELLY SITTER - LEAD VOCALS / BASS / ACOUSTIC

Born and raised in Calgary, Alberta, Kelly's be playing professionally since the age of 12. His appreciation for a diverse array of music styling combined with a boundless vocal range and smooth sound has helped him develop a country style that is expressively unique, but firmly planted in tradition.

Kelly's professional performances are numerous and some highlights of his career include sharing the stage with accredited Canadian artists such as George Canyon, Aaron Lines, Lisa Brokop , Julian Austin, Aaron Pritchett and Paul Brandt.

KENNY SITTER - GUITAR / GANJO / VOCALS

A native Calgarian and brother to Kelly, Kenny is definitely the "comedian” of the group. He’s been wailing on the guitar since early childhood. Bringing energy and antics to the stage, he adds the "rockier edge” to Jo Hikk and enjoys entertaining audiences with his ripping guitar solos.

He toured several years with Canadian recording artist Julian Austin, touring throughout Canada and entertaining the troops in Afghanistan and Dubai. He has also shared the stage with some of Canada's finest such as Matt Minglewood , Charlie Major and Lisa Brokop as well as America's legendary Toby Keith.

AL DOELL - DRUMS/GUITAR/VOCALS

Born in Ashcroft, B.C. but spending most of his life in Calgary, Alberta, Al’s passion for music began at an early age when he first picked up his mother’s guitar. He was a natural born performer and by age 13, he had saved up enough money to buy his first drum kit……he’s never looked back.

Al’s strong vocals along with his drumming/percussionist and guitar playing talents have been relied on by many artists over the years but it was in 1997 that he first joined forces with the Sitter brothers. Their tight vocal harmonies and undeniable chemistry was evident to all that witnessed them. It was only natural that these talents would one day reunite, sharing with the masses, their compelling stage presence in Jo Hikk.

Al has shared the stage with artists such as Paul Brandt, Blue Oyster Cult, Trooper, April Wine, and Loverboy.

DON JORGENSEN - KEYBOARDS/GUITAR/MANDOLIN/VOCALS

Don grew up on a mixed farm near Olds, Alberta, and inherited a keen interest in horses from both his parents. He also had an affinity for the piano and was signed up for lessons. As a teenager, he spent hours in the tractor and in the process, became hooked on country radio. He joined his first band in Edmonton, while completing a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture. Since then, he has had a successful career in music, while maintaining his involvement with the family farm. He has been nominated for CCMA all-star band (keyboards) nine times.

Don has shared the stage and worked with numerous Canadian Country music acts including: Duane Steele, Steve Fox, Brad Johner, Doc Walker, Julian Austin and Charlie Major. He was also a member of the Poverty Plainsmen for ten years.

AL RHEAUME - DRUMS/GUITAR/BASS

Born and raised in Sudbury, Ontario, to an Italian Mother and French Canadian Father, this bilingual, handsome devil has been playing drums since the age of 6. He started playing professionally in 1992 and his music has taken him all over the world. With his great sense of humor and quick wit, Al has a chemistry that "just fits" making him a true Hikk.

He also toured with Canadian recording artist Julian Austin entertaining the troops in Afghanistan and Dubai and has shared the stage with other great Canadian artists such as Matt Minglewood and Diane Chase.

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