The Canvas

Layout by CoolChaserThe Canvas started making music in August of 2006 in “the Little Apple” Manhattan, Kansas. With a lineup of Chris Hartmann (vocals and guitar), David Gareis (bass guitar and vocals), and Eric Voelker (drums and vocals) they began a steady diet of writing and rehearsing as well as jamming on some of their favorite tunes. Their rehearsal space was cramped and hot, but their perseverance paid off in the form of some “getting their feet wet” gigs. As the months went by, more people began to come to their shows. With the shared energy of the larger crowds, the band evolved and began to develop The Canvas sound.Talon Hutchens soon joined, playing Latin Percussion which added a great spice to some of the tasty tunes. Starting around the summer of 2007, Ben Burkland began sitting in on a 2nd drum set at bigger venues. Talon left the band some time that year.In the summer of 2009 Eric Voelker decided to leave for Zimbabwe on a mission to find the missing link. Ben took over on drums and vocals and we've been putting new music and sounds together with the soul intention of "making your ass move joyfully and your pick of poison go down more smoothly."What exactly is The Canvas sound? The descriptions are as diverse as the sound, but one thing remains certain in everyone’s minds, each show is one of a kind and the music takes you for a ride. Influenced by many artists, the music has an improvisational spirit and freedom, combined with a unique mixture of genres, including psychedelic rock, modern jam band, and roots percussion, that blends into a unique and well-balanced sound. Thoughtfully placed dynamics give the band and its audience a blissful tension and release that make their live shows so enjoyable. The Canvas offers a distinctive experience and their fans await the even better things to come and all have a ticket to ride. “Our goal is to have a good time and turn people ON!”The Canvas ..