Top 14 Contestants

East Van Swing

2019 Judges

Ryan Caron

Ryan Caron is a student of Fujima school Nihon Buyoh/Japanese Classical Dance who frequently performs with dance-theatre company TomoeArts. He is also Co-Artistic Director of Geekenders a theatre troupe specializing in pop culture and immersive performance, and studies Noh with the Komparu school. He is thrilled to be part of this year’s event judging the Matsuri Star Talent Search, and is looking forward to all of the diverse and creative performances!

Tiara Sorensen

Tiara Sorensen is an international model, actress, singer-songwriter and business woman. She has worked with top designers and photographers around the world and appeared in several television series and feature films.Her passion for fashion and music are combined with her training as a holistic health practitioner. She is a visionary and philanthropist working to create a sustainable community in our city.

Rennie Foster

Rennie Foster has been a well-respected figure in the Canadian music and art community for over two decades, releasing many singles, EPs and his third full length album this year, Game of 100 Ghosts. Rennie relocated to Tokyo Japan in 2004 and became an important part of the Japanese club scene, playing all over Japan in venues such as Womb, ageHa, and Yellow. Rennie was consistently ranked in the top 50 DJs in Japan by LOUD Magazine until relocating back to Canada in 2011.

Tak Maeda

Energetic, passionate and driven, Tak Maeda believes that embracing every moment at rehearsal and on stage is the key to a successful performance.
After graduating from the Osaka College of Music in 1978 and performing with the Kansai Philharmonic Orchestra for a decade, Maeda moved to Canada in 1990 in search of more musical challenges. Maeda is now directing four community bands as well as occasionally taking on the role of guest conductor at local public high schools.