Joe Given

Joe Given, 17, will perform a few of his new tunes from his debut album on March 2 at McBurneys. .... it seems fitting to celebrate the young man's triumphs in the industry, his passion for music, and especially his new 11-song CD, during the first of the newly rescheduled Foodbank Tuesdays on March 2, said event organizer and host Elie Bryan Nelson. .... This youngster first came to the attention of many readers ... (Young musician pays it forward in song July 3, 2007, Langley Advance) when he joined the Pay It Forward campaign with the release of his single The Little Things, which was inspired by his view that more kindness and compassion is needed to make the world a better place. ... the Grade 12 student, a prolific songwriter, mixes R&B, pop, and folk-rock influences ...

by Roxanne Hooper - Roxanne Hooper, Langley Advance - Friday Feb 26, 2010

It's not hard to see why singer-guitarist Joe Given draws attention wherever he sits down with a microphone and one of his prized Gibsons.
A young looking 15, he's possessed of a clear, unforced singing voice, a smooth and mature performance style and plenty of charismatic presence.
Not rooted in self-conscious teenage angst and rebellion, his upbeat music - both originals and covers - crosses a lot of boundaries, from pop-rock to jazzy tunes, from folkish-sounding songs to a bit of Motown.
... his sound and his playlist - including such favorites as Stairway to Heaven, Imagine, Let Be, Under the Boardwalk, Unchained Melody, Only You and a slew of Elvis Presley and Buddy Holly hits - also has older generations sitting up and taking notice.
It's no wonder he was a crowd favorite at last year's successful Vintage Affair wine-tasting fundraiser at Hazelmere Golf and Country Club - and he didn't find the crowded venue intimidating in the least.
"Vintage Affair was great - it was an awesome venue and lots of people," said Given, who while quiet, is also affable and self-possessed.
"I honestly find the more people there are at an event, the m ore comfortable I am."
... In 2006 and 2007 alone, he performed at the Merritt Mountain Music Festival, White Rock's Spirit of the Sea Festival, the Miss BC World pageants, the West Coast Women's Show, Ocean Park Days, the Surrey Shines showcases organized by the Youth Arts Council of Surrey and the Then and Now and Moving On shows featuring the Vaudevillians, who chose him to receive the Fran Dowie Vaudevillian Bursary in January of last year.
He's also scored first in a number of talent contests, culminating in first place in the Clayton Idol competition at his school, Clayton Heights Secondary.
... I'm hoping I can make a living in music," Given says.
"It's not always the way life works but it would be nice. but my goal in life is to use my music to help world peace - one of my songs off the CD, The Little Things, is completely about that. By Alex Browne
arts@peacearchnews.com - Surrey / North Delta Leader - March 16, 2008

Cloverdale Musician Joe Given Releases Debut Album at Age 17
At just seventeen years of age, Joe Given is clearly beginning to hone his musical chops as his ever-growing network of fans similarly expands.
And with a musical maturity that truly belies his youth, it’s clear that this is one kid that was destined to perform.
… The Cloverdale teen recently released a full-length CD, Sideways Point of View, further showcasing his musical chops; all the while displaying a maturity and sensitivity simply beyond his years.
… This kid is good. You can see for yourself on ...
Joe Leary - tvweekonline.ca/joe_biz_blog April 6, 2010.
Link to article: http://www.tvweekonline.ca/joe_biz_blog/cloverdale_musician_joe_given_releases_debut_album_age_17
- Joe Leary -tvweekonline.ca/joe_biz_blog - April 6, 2010

“A Given perspective
New album, high school graduation - things are moving forward for Cloverdale crooner
... Many may be familiar with Given and his sound from his frequent performances ... And now that
he’s released a new album, Sideways Point of View, fans can listen to him wherever they choose.
… His seemingly effortless, pop/rock style
includes songs such as Falling For You, So Many Reasons and Gotta Get Over You.”
Sheila Reynolds - The Surrey / North Delta Leader - Friday April 2, 2010
Link to article:
http://www.bclocalnews.com/surrey_area/surreyleader/entertainment/89729897.html - Sheila Reynolds - The Surrey / North Delta Leader - Friday April 2, 2010

Full Page Photo of Joe performing - on the Front Cover of the "Spotlight on the Arts" newsletter - February 2008 issue.

Inside front cover states: "On the cover: Perennial audience favorite, Joe Given performing in Surrey Shines 2006. At Surrey Shines 2007, Joe was awarded the Fran Dowie Vaudevillian Bursary - Spotlight on the Arts - February 2008 issue

..... Helping make Vintage Affair an enjoyable evening were: .... ; 15 year old singer-songwriter Joe Given (above), who charmed guests with his voice and original songs; .....


- Peace Arch News - Nov. 2007

"Last year's hit Joe Given with his version of "Crazy LIttle Thing Called Love".
(On the inside of front cover, under Joe's picture) - Spotlight on the Arts - Jan 2007

... Young Joe Given, who won a Vaudevillian scholarship after his performances at Surrey Shines in January, will sing an Elvis song to bring the show into the 50's, .... ... and Given will come back crooning Michael Buble's Feeling Good.
.... "The Vaudeveillians are a great group of people," said given, a Grade 9 student at Clayton Heights Secondary. "They're very fun ... they rock, it's so inspiring."
by Sheila Reynolds - Surrey North Delta Leader - Apr, 2007

Fourteen year old Joe Given has just released a song talking about how a simple act of kindness can make such a giant difference in other people's lives.
The Cloverdale youngster, who has been writing and performing his songs for the past four years, released a three song CD two weeks ago. One song in particular, The Little Things, was inspired by his view that more kindness and compassion is needed to make the world a better place. ..... Music, and particularly his ability to play guitar and write songs, has helped this Grade 9 student from .... get through some of the ups and downs of life .... Very much a contemplative individual with an incredibly caring heart, Joe sought to turn a few bad experiences in his life into something positive.
He did that through his music. ..... He's performed at almost a 100 different events in the past few years, including many charity functions and the Merritt Mountain Music Festival.
In fact, this young man has been invited back to Merritt, performing next week on the Little Big Stage on Friday - the same night as singing sensations Reba McEntire and Carrie Underwood. by Roxanne Hooper - Langley Advance - July 3, 2007

“... we had potential teen heart-throb Joe Given in studio.
At 17, this kid has already proven that he has keen pop sensibilities and
I figure it’s only a matter of time before teenage girls are crying when they
see him walking down the red carpet. ...
His songs are short, sweet, and satisfyingly predictable,
reminiscent of something that would probably dominate Top 40 Pop Radio. ...
Joe attacks his relationships with an unwavering realism. ... Already,
he has surpassed most expectations one could have for a 17 year old.
Now, I’ll continue to play Joe’s tracks ...”
- Jamie Cessford - music coordinator of Youth in 57 minutes (www.y57.ca) Recap of Mar 22, 2010 radio i