Vocals

MIKE MURPHY
Favourite song in the repertoire: Flip, Flop & Fly
Mike was born at a very young age in Verdun, QC, and was exposed to a wide variety of music. He dabbled a bit with the guitar in his early teens, but flipped and never committed to it until much later in life. In 2007, he flopped and smashed his leg, which had him immobile for 15 weeks. Out of pure boredom, he picked up his guitar and added something new: his voice. He fly-ed . . . OK, flew (but that doesn’t fit with the song). He’s never looked back, and enjoys playing and being involved in music so much that he considers it his Zen. He performs regularly as a solo artist and with his vocal-based easy pop band. Singing with The Wild Cards is a new and exciting experience for him, and we’re glad to have him on board.

FIONA GEORGE
Favourite song in the repertoire: Que Sera Sera

All her life, Fiona has loved to sing. At a very early age, when her mother would take her to the grocery store, she would sing her favourite nursery rhymes to customers waiting in line. She has been performing in and around the Ottawa area since the late 90s, trying out many different genres of music. She found her niche when she began singing jazz and is currently enjoying being part of a jazz quartet by the name of Easy Living. Her vocals are influenced by many, including Ella Fitzgerald, Karen Carpenter, and Doris Day . . . Que Sera Sera.

PAULINE PROULX
Favourite song in the repertoire: When You're Smiling
A familiar face on the Ottawa music scene for many years, Pauline has performed all types of music. From folk, to pop, to rock, to jazz, with various bands for many years here in Canada and in the U.S., she’s done it all – with a great big smile! She also hosted a children’s TV show, was a regular performer at local nightclubs and special events, weddings, conferences, cruises, and had the privilege of being the vocalist with the Governor General’s dance band. In the mid-80s, Pauline had the pleasure of performing with the great Peter Appleyard during the Ottawa Jazz Festival, and she continues to regale folks of all ages while she too enjoys the pleasure that music brings.

JOANNE SIGOUIN
Favourite song in the repertoire: Orange Colored Sky
Joanne was raised in the Ottawa area and, while growing up, she always enjoyed singing and listening to music. She was influenced musically by several genres that ranged from French singers, The Beatles, Barbra Streisand, Eva Cassidy, and Michael Bublé to name a few. As a teenager, Joanne joined the church choir and was a member for many years before she began singing at weddings. After that, she spent a few years with the group “Le chœur du Moulin”, in which they performed a variety of musical styles. Later on, Joanne made her band debut as a back-up singer for the original songs of Lockhart Station. Most recently, Joanne was as one of the voices in the singing trio of The FunKtion, a Motown, funk & soul band. Now out of the orange colored sky, flash…bam…ala-ca-zam . . . Joanne is singing with The Wild Cards and is happy to be part of such a talented band.

MARIE PATENAUDE
Favourite song in the repertoire: Proud Mary
Proud Marie brings an eclectic musical background that spans musical theatre, classical, choral, rhythm and blues and jazz genres, giving her a fresh and energetic take on jazz standards, blending preciseness of vocal technique with a bluesy edge. Her musical associations include her own trio, combos such as Jazz 'n Time, the Bayside Big Band (of Washington DC), the Stairwell Carollers, Pellegrini Opera and Opera Lyra Ottawa. A Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance and Certificate in Education launched her 30 years as a performer and teacher.

WENDY MARTIN
Favourite song in our repertoire: A Child Is Born
Wendy has been singing as far back as she can remember. Inspired by her favourite singers, Karen Carpenter and Olivia Newton-John, and too many more to mention, this child was born to sing. She studied vocal music for a time before becoming a wedding singer, after which she gravitated to rock bands. Singing accompanied by The Wild Cards is the latest step in her exciting musical journey.

Meet the Band
Vocals