“"Her voice is a dynamic force—rich with personality, nimble in range, and endlessly expressive." ” - Barry Samuels
Barnstormer Band
A Roaring 20's Show
Barnstormer is an imaginative, explosive, and melodically charming band that brings the roaring 1920s to life. This dynamic 5-6 piece ensemble delivers a sound as rare as it is electrifying, blending banjo, piano, ukulele, kazoo, guitars, upright bass, clarinet, trumpet, trap-kit drums, and expressive vocals.
Led by Vancouver-based recording artist and charismatic performer Melanie Dekker, Barnstormer is powered by top-tier Canadian studio musicians (who have played with Aretha Franklin, Diana Krall & Michael Bublé), boasting a collective 250 years of experience. With world-class musicianship, effortless showmanship, and a touch of vintage magic, they transport audiences to the prohibition era—where dance floors sizzled and jazz was hot.
You'll hear familiar songs unexpectedly written in the '20s (and later re-recorded!) alongside tunes that tell stories in ways unheard today. The sound blends Jazz and Country, the feel is playful and stylish, and the lasting impressions are pure class and pizazz!
Step into a “Gatsby-style" time machine and let Barnstormer take you on a musical joyride like no other.
Press photos
Singer, Melanie Dekker, at a Barnstormer Band show. Photo by Alan Hay.
Lead Singer, Mela Dekker, at a Barnstormer Band concert in Vancouver, Canada. Photo by Alan Hay.
Barnstormer's, Melanie Dekker, photo w/Bank Safe and Flapper Dress. (Photo submitted)
Music
Video
We specialize in Theatre Performances and Gatsby Themed Private Events
Band Members
LEAD VOCALIST, BANJO, UKULELE, ACOUSTIC GUITAR
MELA- Honey, short for Melanie, a suitable Flapper nick-name.
Melanie Dekker, has a voice like chocolate & a vivacious spirit. A singer-songwriter & touring recording artist. Hit singles & fans world-wide. She often plays solo concerts with 7 albums in tow. She has a series of good-vibe youtube videos and there’s always a new something or other underway. Mela would say,
“Do you think about me, when you stare at the rain?”
CLARINET
BABE RUTH - An iconic American baseball home-run hitter.
Tom Keenlyside is a woodwind pro & a trumpeter! He has performed and recorded with a variety of international artists including Natalie Cole, Aerosmith, Mel Torme, Van Halen, Motley Crüe, and the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra. He’s earned a star on the BC Entertainment Hall Of Fame Walk. When he’s off touring the world we’re lucky to bring on the smooth fabulous Clarinet stylings of either Mike Braverman or Ben MacRae. As Babe would say, “Every strike brings me closer to the next home run.”
DRUMS
AL CAPONE - Gangster & business man during the prohibition, who ended up in Alcatraz.
Allan Rodger, a studio engineer, a record producer and fiery multi-instrumentalist. He focuses on keeping it real and in Barnstormer plays a traditional Trap-Kit. While being simultaneously inspired by his Mother’s lovely voice & Stevie Wonder records, he built his first drum-kit at 9 years old & already had his first gigs as a pre-teen. Capone would say, “Once in the racket you're always in it.”
GUITARS
ALBERT EINSTEIN - German theoretical physicist who developed the theory of relativity.
Eric Reed, a multi-instrumentalist & studio engineer/producer whose talents have accumulated a Juno nomination, a Canadian Folk Music award, & a Gaylord Woods traditional roots/country award. Albeit he is mostly influenced by Jimi Hendrix & Ry Cooder.” Eric’s often in the mountains and likes to be on the move. As Einstein would say, “Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance you must keep moving.”
When he is really on the move (like on tour with Jim Byrnes) then we bring on the wonders of Andreas Schuld; a crafty and smooth guitarist who is as dexterous as he is ‘go with the flow’. Schuld is a prisoner of positivity and one of the most-recorded guitarists in Canada. Whether in films, on Grammy award winning albums or at a rare live show, he is the expert you want behind your scene; "Time Served...Lessons Earned.”
There's also, Kelly Brown. A dyed-in-the-wool guitar man — six strings, ten fingers, and no off switch. A schooled musician with deep roots in the craft, he brings both training and intuition to every project. His family keeps the spirit wild with a rare, far-out jug band — a contrast that suits him perfectly. When he's not on stage, Kelly runs a dog training business and raises a sharp-witted eight-year-old who just might outshine him. One of Vancouver’s quietly legendary figures, he's known for his grounded presence, sharp musical instincts, and a strong preference for real-life handshakes over online chatter.“The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all true art and science.”
UPRIGHT BASS
SALVADOR DALI - Spanish surrealist artist & eccentric man, best known for bizarre images. || PABLO PICASSO - World famous painter, sculptor and ceramicist || BUSTER KEATON - Silent Film Icon, American actor, comedian and filmmaker.
Jeremy Holmes, Sam Shiochet, Norm Fisher have impressive jazz music degrees, and growing families in greater Vancouver. They often spend their days renovating, working as a hired gun in recording studios, and many of their evenings are dedicated to a stage; a world class stage. Precision, drive & likability are no secret for these men. Their projects are a script too long for this occasion. As Dali would say, “Intelligence without ambition is a bird without wings.”
PIANO
COCO CHANEL -French Fashion Designer and Business Woman || ERNEST HEMINGWAY - American novelist and journalist. Known for an economical, understated style.
Diane Lines or Rob Blackburn - Time and time again, the ivory is tickled with grace, style, expertise, vigour, and some razzle-dazzle. Diane is a “Chanel”: “A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous!” and she’s got a star on the BC Music Hall of Fame. While Rob is a clever story who shares some Hemingway DNA for real! His mottos mirror a Hemingway quote, “The best way to find out if you can trust somebody is to trust them.”