About the Band
Ginger and the Snaps started out in mid-2012 as a contemporary cover project between five classmates from Grant MacEwan University. Since then they have been building their repertoire to cater to the widespread tastes of Edmonton's country scene, and is quickly developing into an exciting, upbeat group that anyone can tap their feet to! The band features extremely talented musicians who work hard at what they do and are truly excited about playing music.
Mel Shwanke
Before she joined Ginger and the Snaps, Mel was working as a freelance musician around Edmonton, Alberta. She graduated MacEwan University in 2012 with a diploma for performance and comprehensive music as a drum major, and has been playing the drums since she was 13. She has extensive experience in songwriting and music technology, having worked with a wide variety of music (including rock and jazz). Outside of the band, Mel works as a professional freelance artist.
Roya Yazdanmehr
Roya Yazdanmehr is a singer/songwriter originally from Yellowknife, N.T. A lover of many different genres and musical traditions, Roya sings in a variety of styles and languages. In addition to Ginger and the Snaps, she is the vocalist for the African ensemble Isokan Afrika. This fall, Roya is entering her second year in the Music Diploma program at MacEwan University, majoring in Vocal Performance. Some of her favourite country artists include Alan Jackson, Johnny Cash and the Dixie Chicks. A singer of many styles, she has embraced country music with an enthusiastic yee-haw! and hopes to see y’all two-steppin’ on the dance floor!
Luke Deutekom
Bio coming soon!
Matt Jumpsen
Bio coming soon!
Stephanie Urquhart
Stephanie Urquhart is a pianist heavily involved in the Edmonton music scene. In addition to Ginger and the Snaps, she is also a member of jazz quartet Three Sun Sea, rock/pop cover band The Last Calls, and acoustic duo Them Apples. A self-taught musician originally from Calgary, Stephanie's musical knowledge is spread across a wide variety of instruments and genres. While working on various commissions from local musicians Stephanie also enjoys teaching on the side. Currently Stephanie is working towards her Bmus in Composition at MacEwan University.