Engage!

Rick Bartlett’s musical journey began with a spark that never faded—a moment in front of the television watching The Beatles perform on The Ed Sullivan Show when he was just four years old. In that instant, he knew exactly who he wanted to be. By age eight, he was learning guitar, and by ten, he had one of his own in his hands—already chasing a dream that would shape the rest of his life.

By fifteen, Rick was performing in bands, quickly building a reputation as a dedicated and passionate musician. Over the years, he has collaborated with more than 100 musicians and performed in roughly 40 different bands, gaining a depth of experience that only comes from relentless commitment to the craft. Songwriting has always been at the core of his artistry, with Rick continuously creating original music throughout every phase of his career.

At just nineteen, he wrote a song that would mark an early milestone—recorded and performed with the Howard Brook Band, it reached number one on a local radio station. During that same period, he had the opportunity to open for Canadian folk icon Valdy, further cementing his place in the regional music scene.

In the early 1990s, Rick recorded a three-song tape of original material, continuing to evolve his sound and songwriting voice. Years later, his musical path led to a major collaboration—recording an album in 2015 with Billy Sherwood of Yes, a milestone that reflected both his growth and his credibility as a seasoned artist.

Rick’s journey took another meaningful turn when he met Carla Bonnell. Together, they began writing and performing, eventually forming the band Engage. The group has since released two albums, with their debut earning a Bronze Award from the International Singer-Songwriters Association. Their momentum continues to build, fueled by a shared passion for authentic, heartfelt music.

Most recently, Rick was honored with an Artist/Vocalist award from It Is Now Radio, recognizing not just his talent, but decades of perseverance, creativity, and dedication.

From a four-year-old dream inspired by The Beatles to a lifetime of music, collaboration, and recognition, Rick Bartlett’s story is one of unwavering passion—a musician who never stopped answering the call.

Hailing from Minto, New Brunswick, Vernon Daigle is the kind of bassist who doesn’t just hold down the low end—he quietly owns it. Self-described as “the guy hiding in the shadows,” Vernon has built his musicianship on grit, humor, and a refreshingly honest take on what it means to be a working player.

Vernon will be the first to tell you he’s shared the stage with legends like Alan Jackson, Brooks & Dunn, George Strait, Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Jackson 5, and even nailed Footloose with Kenny Loggins… “of course,” as he puts it, “it was in my basement with a streaming site or a CD.” That sense of humor is part of what makes Vernon such a memorable presence both on and off stage.

His musical journey didn’t start early—in fact, Vernon didn’t pick up an instrument until age 19. Before that? In his words, he was “an amateur alcohol tester.” From those humble beginnings, he taught himself to play guitar using borrowed videos and early internet resources at the public library. Inspired heavily by Steve Earle, Vernon began piecing together chords and songs on a $100 Sears electric guitar with an amp he still remembers for its “crazy carpet covering.”

Bass came later, when a friend sold him his first one for $100—a turning point that would define his sound. As his playing grew, so did his gear, eventually leading him to what he calls his “gem”: a 2006 American Tuxedo Precision Bass, the instrument that now anchors his tone and presence on stage.

Vernon spent years playing in local bands before stepping away to focus on family life. But music never left him. After a 14-year break, he returned with renewed focus, dedicating years to sharpening his craft and rediscovering his groove. The result is a bassist who plays with feel, restraint, and purpose—“always keepin’ on top of the water and never breaking the surface.”

Today, Vernon is the steady backbone for New Brunswick Country Hall of Fame inductee Carla Bonnell and It Is Now Radio Artist/Vocalist of the Year Rick Bartlett, bringing his signature understated style to every performance. As he puts it best: “My accomplishments are my own… and no, I don’t have many.”

But spend five minutes listening, and you’ll know—that’s exactly what makes him great.

Greg Mansfield’s lifelong passion for rhythm began early—at just six years old, he received his first drum kit, setting the stage for a decades-long journey behind the kit. From those early beginnings, Greg developed a solid, dynamic playing style that would become a cornerstone of countless bands across New Brunswick’s music scene.

Throughout his career, Greg has performed alongside a wide range of respected artists, including Huskie York, Gerry McCarty, and Brian Lean, earning a reputation as a dependable and versatile drummer. His ability to adapt across genres—from country to rock—has made him a sought-after musician in both live and studio settings.

In the late 1970s, Greg was a member of Havok (1979–1980), sharing the stage with Rodge Hovey, Todd Obee, Matt Munn, and Greg O’Toole. He continued building his resume in the early ’80s with Perfect Stranger (1982), alongside Brenda Best, Joe Kilfol, and Matt Munn, followed by a strong run with Midnight Fire (1982–1985), performing with Mirrel McCarty, Joe Kilfol, and Matt Munn.

Greg’s experience also includes time with Excalibur in 1991, where he played with Richard Cole, Larry Hall, and Matt Munn. One of his standout moments came when he performed two nights with the Ronnie Prophet Band at the iconic Urban Corral in Moncton—an experience that further cemented his place in the regional music circuit.

In 1986, Greg served as the drummer for the Capital City Jamboree, a well-known showcase that would later evolve into the New Brunswick Country Music Showcase, highlighting his deep roots in the province’s country music tradition.

With decades of experience and a deep love for live performance, Greg Mansfield brings steady groove, musical intuition, and a rich history of collaboration to every stage he steps on.