Kyle Riabko

It ’s difficult to say what Kyle Riabko does best. He’s a classic soul singer in the tradition of Stevie Wonder, Sly Stone and Prince. He plays guitar with the feel and forcefulness of such blues greats as B.B. King and Buddy Guy - a skill honed during the course of five years of extensive stage work. He crafts material that is at once refined and funky, witty and heartfelt. But there are two more details that render his accomplishments all the more remarkable: Riabko isn’t from some musical mecca like Memphis or New Orleans; his home is Saskatoon - and this old soul has been on the planet for all of 17 years. Along with producers Chris Burke-Gaffney (Chantal Kreviazuk / McMaster & James) and Matt Wallace (Train / Maroon 5 / Blues Traveler) he has recently finished his Aware/Columbia debut record “Before I Speak” that is set for release the spring. If you missed Kyle Riabko’s sold out performance at Blues Bash ‘04, don’t miss out this time - take this opportunity to hear a genuine legend in the making!
“He’s a star, no doubt about that…what a charismatic performer. I was absolutely mesmerized by him!”
– Yvonne Matsell, NXNE Festival Director