BIO
Orvis picked up a guitar at age ten and was instantly bitten by the Rock N’ Roll animal. At night on the quiet Pimicikimak Cree Nation Orvis was in his room learning the guitar, singing, and letting his hair down in front of the mirror to Collective Soul, Buckcherry, and Kenny Wayne Shepherd. Serious songwriting came after the discovery of the Beatles. Orvis’ writing became sophisticated, tuneful, and always looking to push boundaries in sound.
Orvis’ first recorded solo material came in 2012-2013 with songs Wonderful and Dreaming at Winnipeg’s Private Ear Recording with Neil Cameron helming the console. From 2014-2017 Orvis worked with acclaimed Canadian Rock producer Dale Penner on several songs which ignited Orvis’ interest in experimental recording methods. “Dale has a way of throwing everything and the kitchen sink in the mix, which got me out of relying on the usual drums, bass, and guitars for hooks. His unique approach to arrangements is also a big influence,” said Orvis of his sessions with Penner.
2020 saw Orvis recording at Studio-23 in St. Anne, Manitoba with producer/engineer Jody Hunter. The following year Orvis started his own record label Broken Cloud Entertainment. Love In Vain (Single Version) was released in October 2022 and received airplay on SiriusXM. The recently released (Spring 2023) Love In Vain EP showcases Orvis’ songwriting abilities and diversity as a recording artist with heartfelt cover songs of Muddy Waters and folk songstress Ol’ Whitetail. There Was a Time (Single Version) entered the Indigenous Music Countdown in April 2023 and peaked at number 9. Love In Vain EP V2 was released on CD in limited quantities in August ’23 and features the newly re-recorded single Dreaming (2023 Version). In 2023 Orvis was selected as an emerging artist for the Manitoba Arts Network’s RBC Touring & Showcase Program. The Orvis EP was released to all streaming platforms on November 4, 2023. A promotional music video for Wonderful (2023 Version) directed by Patryk Szmidt and produced by Kicker Films was released on February 13, 2024.
Orvis is a veteran of the Selkirk music scene with time spent in bands such as the Bloodshots, November Underground, and The Cheap Escape. Orvis’ songwriting and guitar-work graces the debut album by Selkirk cult-favourites November Underground. For his work with the Bloodshots, Orvis won a Native American Music Award for Best Rock Video for the single No Way Out. As a member of bands Orvis has opened for Canadian Rock luminaries Jet Set Satellite, Moist, and Monster Truck among many others.
Orvis belongs to a traditional Cree/Ojibway family with multicultural roots and was raised in his home community of Pimicikimak Cree Nation. Orvis currently resides in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Orvis leads a Country music cover band, Orvis & His Higher Guns, consisting of Winnipeg’s best of the best session and live players. Orvis plays guitar and sings with Toneriders cover band with Greg Guinan on bass/vocals, Robert Busch on drums, and Jules on vocals. Orvis is an adept recording session player specializing in bass, electric and acoustic guitar, as well as voice. Orvis’ Dale Penner and Neil Cameron-produced material was compiled and released in 2020 as an EP with sales to benefit Winnipeg’s un-housed population.
SHOWS & TOUR
Previous events
BATTLE OF THE BANDS 2024 At McPhillips Station Casino
(CDT, UTC-05) (CDT, UTC-05)
BATTLE OF THE BANDS 2024 At McPhillips Station Casino FRI.MAY 3 - FRI.MAY 24 18+ Join us for the exciting return of Dauphin's Countryfest Battle of the Bands!
Celebrate amazing local talent and cheer on your favourites - PLUS Club Card members can enter each week for a chance to win their way to Dauphin's Countryfest 2024 too!
Local bands and artists will be competing each week to win their way to the finale for a chance at the grand prize:
a performance spot and weekend passes to Dauphin's Countryfest 2024, a $5,000 recording package from River City Records, and; a 60-minute set at our very own McPhillips Station Casino Mainstage! Events take place May 3rd, 10th and 17th with the finale competition that CANNOT be missed on May 24th!
McPhillips Station Casino - Mainstage
Performances start at 7 PM
Brought to you by the Casinos of Winnipeg, Dauphin's Countryfest, River City Records and the Manitoba Country Music Association.
TONERIDERS open mic/jam @ THE WESTBROOK
— (CDT, UTC-05) — (CDT, UTC-05)
Toneriders host the open mic/jam 8pm-12am Free, 18+
ORVIS plus special guests HOOCH & THE HOWLERS, KYLE MONKMAN BLUES BAND
— (CDT, UTC-05) — (CDT, UTC-05)
$10
18+ event
Orvis @ Blue Dolphin Lounge
— (CST, UTC-06) — (CST, UTC-06)
Orvis & band @ the Blue Dolphin at South Beach Casino
Orvis, Low Budget Rock Star, Rough Sundays LIVE at the OSBORNE TAPHOUSE
— (CST, UTC-06) — (CST, UTC-06)
Orvis, Low Budget Rock Star, Rough Sundays
$10 + fees
Orvis Solo Acoustic @ Harrisons Coffee in Johnston Terminal
— (CST, UTC-06) — (CST, UTC-06)
Harrison's Coffee @ Johnston Terminal, 151 - 25 Forks Market Rd. Winnipeg, MB, Winnipeg, MB
Orvis Solo Acoustic @ Harrisons Coffee
Orvis and band LIVE in Selkirk for Holiday Alley 2023 at 8pm
TONERIDERS live at the BROOKLANDS
— (CDT, UTC-05) — (CDT, UTC-05)
Toneriders live at the Brooklands. Featuring Orvis Thomas, Greg Guinan, and Rob Busch, Toneriders have a lot of something for everyone and more!
FREE EVENT, 18+
Manitoba Showcase
(CDT, UTC-05) (CDT, UTC-05)
Steinbach Regional Secondary School, 190 McKenzie Avenue, Steinbach, Manitoba
TICKETS FOR SALE AT THE DOOR $15 per concert, $30 for all 3 concerts (Oct 27 evening, Oct 28 afternoon, Oct 28 evening)
Manitoba Showcase is an annual visual & performing arts conference that features some of the best Canadian artists, from a wide range of genres, for Manitoban presenters and galleries, connecting them with future opportunities and collaboration.
The preeminent event of its kind in Manitoba, Showcase engages over 150 artists, presenters, agents, managers, and industry stakeholders to exchange ideas and develop and rekindle relationships. The conference will feature speakers, performances, panel discussions, real-life testimonials from artists and educators, parallel presentations, regional discussion groups, networking opportunities, Peer-to-peer and one-to-one career advice from specialist advisors, and other showcase artists.
ORVIS & HIS HIGHER GUNS, BRANDI VEZINA and GATOR BEAULIEU @ THE PARK THEATRE
— (CDT, UTC-05) — (CDT, UTC-05)
ORVIS & HIS HIGHER GUNS, BRANDI VEZINA and GATOR BEAULIEU with special guests THOMAS BROTHERS
$20 + fees
Orvis EP release with Special Guests Jared Adams, Soulstess
— (CDT, UTC-05) — (CDT, UTC-05)
Orvis EP Release with special guests S Jared Adams, Soulstess
$10 + fees
Orvis @ Dockside Restaurant
— (CDT, UTC-05) — (CDT, UTC-05)
The Dockside Restaurant and Bar, 90 Kenabeek St, West St. Paul, MB
Celebrate Canada Day with Orvis & Friends @ Dockside Restaurant and Bar
MacBlueNeedsYou Fundraiser for Adrian MacDonald
— (CDT, UTC-05) — (CDT, UTC-05)
Raising funds to support Adrian MacDonald’s continued physical & speech therapy due to his traumatic brain injury sustained July 30, 2020
Orvis performs with friends Greggy G and others
$20 + fees
Manitoba Music Open Mic Night w/ host Orvis
(CDT, UTC-05) (CDT, UTC-05)
Get your songs ready and meet us at The Handsome Daughter for open mic night with host Orvis!
Performer signup starts at 6:30PM Music at 7PM Free event Minors welcome if accompanied by parent / guardian Two songs per performer Bring your own instruments (no backline, drum kits, full bands)
Check out The Handsome Daughter's Code of Conduct at www.thehandsomedaughter.com/code-of-conduct/
Check out Manitoba Music's Equity & Accountability Policy at www.manitobamusic.com/accountability