Joe Given Music

 Testimonials & Comments & a little Press: 

"What a lovely voice!!" 

"I really enjoyed listening to Joseph, he is awesome!!" 

"Joe was awesome!! Loved his music & his great sense of humour!! "

"Thanks so much for a wonderful night of fun, laughter, and amazing music!!"    

"Thanks Joe, for a night of great music.  Loved how you sing from the heart … !!"

 - - The above are comments from guests at a private Social Gathering,  (April, 2019)

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"Hi ... I just wanted to say a big THANK YOU! to you ... Joseph for a very special evening.!  Everything went so smoothly, to perfection, actually - the timing, the songs…. 

Joseph has a beautiful voice … We would love to hear him again … I heard very many positive comments from our crowd.  … It was a night to remember!  THANK YOU again for a night of ‘sweet’ songs with an incredible voice and guitar playing!!! ..." 

-- Donna  - private Special Event,  (June 15, 2015) 

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"Joe has performed for us many times over the past few years and not only has he grown as an artist but he has become a charismatic young man along the way. His extraordinary talent and professionalism have been proven time and time again; the epitome of a future star! 

– Arts Council of Surrey -  www.ArtsCouncilofSurrey.ca  (June 23, 2014) 

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"I've been listening to Joe Given's superb CD called "So Much More".  It's a great listen and hopefully tunes like "Terrifying Love" and "Just Wanna Dance with You" and "So Much More"...... heck, the whole CD, hopefully are being pitched to the radio stations!! Great work Joe." 

-- Marv Goble, Entertainer,  (July 12, 2013) 

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“I JUST listened to your CD - starting track -till- the end. AWESOME!!!  … Great job on the CD Joe … “ 

-- Graham Newberry, (June 26, 2013) 

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"... Joe's CD!  ... I have listened to it several times.   I appreciate the story/message/theme and musicianship in each song. 

Your vocals are fabulous, Joe. Your CD truly sounds like something worthy of radio-play - as though you are already an accomplished musician on a bigger scale. ...   ... this is truly a remarkable CD." 

-- Sylvia  (Feb 11, 2013) 

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"Catch a rising star ... Acclaimed young singer-songwriter-actor Joe Given will be featured in intimate performances ... 

The 19 year-old performer, by day a business management major at Kwantlen Polytechnic University, will showcase his golden voice – and charisma to match – in sets of originals and covers in the pop and R&B idioms (with a little rock and soul thrown in for good measure). 

He’s racked up an impressive record of playing more than 400 venues and special events over the past three years, plus a whole raft of awards and scholarships, and has also branched out into acting, this year earning a Community Theatre Coalition nomination for best actor in a leading role in a musical for the role of Schroeder in Surrey Little Theatre’s You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown. ..." 

-- Staff Writer - Peace Arch News - Entertainment (The Scene) - December 05, 2011 

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“… Joe has performed at many events for the YMCA since 2008 ... Joe’s incredible talent, youth, professionalism and most of all his genuine commitment to serving the least fortunate with his talent, sets him well apart from others in his field.  ... Joe has a wonderful ability to captivate people of all ages with his amazing repertoire, allowing everyone to be part of the show. 

Recently Joe’s talents were recognized at the first Annual Service Above Self Surrey Youth Awards where he opened the show, won the Performing and Visual Arts category and was praised by internationally recognized Craig Keilburger, founder of Free the Children for his talent and commitment to serving others.  Joe is front page of the news, a rising star who is as skilled an actor as he is a musician.  He is a rare find, as humble, genuine and selfless as he is talented.  He is incredibly deserving of all the support available and I look forward to seeing the great things he will do for years to come." 

-- Darren Mumford,  Senior Manager, Community Programs,  YMCA Fraser Region  (Nov 8, 2011) 

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"Joe Given is a gifted singer, musician and songwriter, and his performance at the SASSY Awards was incredibly well received.  In addition to his amazing performance, it was especially exciting to learn that Joe also received the 2011 SASSY Award in the category of Performing & Visual Arts. ...  Half of Joe’s SASSY Award was donated by him to “Free the Children. 

Joe is a true professional always on time, always pleasant and helpful.  ...  His creativity and passion for his music are evident to all who meet him, through his incredible voice, his touching and thoughtful lyrics and his humble and courteous manner. ... Joe Given is a very special young man ... " 

-- Judy McLeod, President Elect,  Rotary Club of Semiahmoo (White Rock)  (Nov 8, 2011) 

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"Joe Given is a humble young man with a huge musical talent. ... 

I am a member of the “Kay Hogg Goodwill Group” of the Peace Arch Hospital Auxiliary.  As a fundraising venture, our group has hosted the “Joy of Music” Concert for the past two years, ... I was the co-chair of the event, and so, jointly responsible for finding entertainers ...  I contacted Joe Given ... With no hesitation, Joe was on board to participate. 

His amazing talent is multi-level.  Besides being one of the most unassuming  people you will ever meet,  his  personality comes through in spades on stage. ... His velvet voice suits his gentle nature.  His “star” is rising, his future is bright." 

-- Alicia Hagerman  (Nov 5, 2011) 

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“… Joe,  I would like to thank you for helping us, the Kay Hogg Auxiliary, make our Joy of Music fund raiser a roaring success. … What a fantastic talent you are! I am so impressed with your velvet voice and your gift of verbal expression. You write with the conviction and passion of a young man. You'll make the young girls swoon and the old gals like me, remember when we were young. I look forward to watching your career soar.   Wishing you great success!” 

-- Diane Thompson  (Nov, 2011) 

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“In my thirty-five years as an educator (from Professor to University President), I have had the rare privilege of meeting a number of bright and talented individuals from all walks of life.  Joe Given is one of them. This young, talented and charming young man has all the elements to become a great Canadian singer and songwriter. 

As a member of the judging panel of the Canadian Club of Vancouver’s Canada Soars Awards, this impressive young man was chosen to receive the Artistic Award among hundreds of potential recipients. 

I was delighted to meet Joe on a number of occasions and witness firsthand his professionalism and dedication to music.  .... He is a rare gift not only to music but also to our country.” 

-- Dr. Jean Watters, Former President, Canadian Club of Vancouver   (Dec 18, 2011) 

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"I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Joe Given …  As Vice-President of the Canadian Club of Vancouver and Chair of the Soars Awards, I was very impressed by his outstanding talent and the impressive number of hours he volunteered to so many charitable organizations. … he was selected among hundreds of applicants to receive the Canada Soars Artistic Award at a ceremony held on Thursday, May 27, 2010. 

… Joe was the ideal candidate for this prestigious award. Not only is he a gifted performer and song writer but he also displays a high level of commitment towards his peers and members of the community.  His significant list of accomplishments required years of dedication and perseverance. His achievements are an example to all. 

He has performed twice for the Canadian Club, during the Soars Awards presentation and also during the Maple Leaf Gala. … He was deeply appreciated by the crowd. 

… I have followed this bright and personable young man’s career. … There is no doubt in my mind that Joe is a natural leader …" 

-- Renée Popov   (Nov 20, 2011) 

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"Joe's gifted voice reinforced the sheer greatness of Bob Marley's Redemption song. It was almost as if Bob had returned: it could not have been done any better.  Thank you for gracing our congregation Joe!" 

-- Steven Faraher- Amidon. Social Action Chair,  South Fraser Unititarian Congregation  (March 27, 2011). 

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"What a delight working with Joseph Given!  I  recently directed Joe in the part of Schroeder during the Surrey Little Theatre's production of "You're a Good Man Charlie Brown." Joe was always prepared for every rehearsal and brought a special energy and focus that is sometimes difficult to achieve when you are only 18 years old. He made the character of Schroeder a vibrant part of this small stage musical and his singing ability added much to the success of the show, A job well done. I would have no problem working with Joe in future productions." 

-- Actor Director Allan Thain (March, 2011) 

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Joe Given is an audience pleaser; a very talented young man ... Joe is known to pick up the energy wherever he goes.  He's becoming an institution in the Lower Mainland ... 

-- Bryan Nelson - musician, organizer and host of the monthly FoodBank Tuesday, music nights  (Jan, 2011) 

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Joe ... On behalf of the students and families of Spiral Dance, we would like to thank you for, once again, providing your incredible talent at Spiral’s 2nd Annual Soiree.  We felt so privileged to have you perform. 
Joe, your wonderful voice and lovely demeanor is such a pleasure to be around! 
We are truly appreciative of your continued support.  Thank you again, from the bottom of our hearts! 

-- Erica Vran and Vicki Kasapi  -  Spiral Dance Fundraising  (Nov, 2010) 

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"... and for me the first time seeing our young local phenom Joe Given with the incredible range of his voice and a persona and stage presence that belies his age doing classic covers and making them his own. Watch for more from this fine young talent." 

-- Doug E LaChance - The Night Owl Column (Sept 14, 2010) 

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"When I hear Joe sing, I am reminded that we are all born with a gift to offer to the world.  The joy and vitality that comes through him when he sings makes my spine tingle and my heart dance.  In one word, Joe is awesome." 

-- Angie Dairou M.A., Global Leadership Consultant 

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“… with a musical maturity that truly belies his youth, it’s clear that this is one kid that was destined to perform. … while displaying a maturity and sensitivity simply beyond his years. … This kid is good. …” 

-- Joe Leary - tvweekonline.ca/joe_biz_blog April 6, 2010. 

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“Teenage musician garnering accolades....he’s possessed of a clear, unforced singing voice, a smooth and mature performance style and plenty of charismatic presence. … Joe Given is making waves with his mature style and gift for song ... 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 …” 

-- Alex Browne - Peace Arch News (newspaper) (Mar 9, 2008)

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