MITCHELL SMITH - MUSIC DIRECTOR

Mitchell Smith has been teaching guitar to all ages at a professional level since 2009. Mitchell also gig professionally all around Canada and has put out 5 albums of his own with various bands and projects. His first record of original material came out when he was still in High School.

Mitchell has also played some notable stages from Big Valley Jamboree, Coke Stage at Calgary Stampede, the Grey Cup, and tons of cross Canada tours.

Mitchell lives and breathes his Music, and wears the Music Director role as a badge of honour. Mitch has been with CSL since 2016/2017 and is always happy to connect with his CSL family on a Sunday morning.



KAREN CLAYPOOL

Karen Claypool is a dynamic force in the Canadian music scene, blending her talents as a performer, songwriter, and educator. As a member of the country rock group Dirt Road Angels, she has contributed to multiple albums and singles, showcasing her signature vocal style and intricate harmonies. The group has performed at major festivals, high-profile events like the Big Valley Jamboree and Canadian Finals Rodeo, and iconic venues across Canada, earning a devoted fan base and critical acclaim.

Karen is also one half of the alt-rock duo Rose Coloured Glasses, alongside Mitchell Smith. Together, they create compelling music and captivate audiences with their powerful chemistry and heartfelt performances. The duo is quickly building a strong following, with fans eagerly anticipating their upcoming releases.

Whether on stage, in the studio, or teaching students, Karen’s passion for music and education is evident. Her artistry and dedication continue to inspire both audiences and the next generation of musicians.

RABIN MENDIS

Rabin Mendis has been playing piano and singing since he was a young teenager and through the years he has developed his own distinctive style that has elements of the old masters of New Orleans combined with the more modern sensibilities of contemporary pop/rock [and even rock-a-billy]. In most of his music there is an undercurrent of boogie-woogie, blues and hints of jazz progressions. A very interesting intersection of styles and motifs that truly create a unique presentation

Rabin sings with an intimate warmth that touches your soul and raises your consciousness. The words hold meaning that we can all relate to. His passion moves his audiences.

While Rabin has played in and sung with a number of bands over the years, his more recent interest has been in developing his spirituality. His music reflects that interest clearly.

DALE LADOUCEUR

Dale Ladouceur has the distinction of being one of the original Canadian Chapman Stick players. Over the past 30+ years, Dale has travelled all over North America and Europe, performing as a soloist, a session player and sideman. Dale has performed alongside Bruce Cockburn, Angelique Kidjo, Richie Havens, the ESO and others.

Her critically acclaimed Dale Ladouceur and the Broke Ensemble   have three albums and a number of singles.

Dale’s passion always finds its way into her work. She is inspired by the natural world, weather systems, obscure childhood references, powerful grooves and courageous acts and melds these influences into her music at every opportunity.

Dale can say “I love you” in 58 languages.

COOPER RAY

Cooper Ray is an avid drummer, multi-instrumentalist, and composer who enjoys injecting splashes of colour into all he takes part in. Whether diving into folk, gospel, jazz-fusion or alt-rock, his versatility and creativity are fed by passion and positivity.

Socially conscious to his core, Cooper Ray has set his sights on using music as a platform to address mental health and stigmatized topics.

Cooper began working in musical theatre at a young age, leading to unforgettable experiences in productions of Thomas Meehan’s Annie, Blythe and Cork’s London Road, Don Harron’s Anne of Green Gables, Richard O’Brien’s Rocky Horror Show, and With Bells On (Tommy Newman, Devanand Janki, and Darrin Hagen). Beyond the theatre, Cooper has toured with various artists, including Chris Graham, J-Scope, Marissa K, and SOUR.

When he’s not making music, Cooper is either searching for his keys or mastering the art of writing bios—tips are always welcome!