The Band
Coming together with a wide range of individual style and influence, the members of Five Star Affair have created a unique sound that blends the smooth feel of ska, rock, and reggae with a twist. Emerging in the Calgary music scene with raw energy that gives new meaning to live music, members: Tristin Chanel (vocals, rhythm guitar, and didgeridoo), Jesse Colin (trumpet and vocals), Jessie Robertson (bass and vocals), Chris Gillrie (lead guitar), and Eric Elhanati (drums) express their passion and commitment to music in each and every show they play.
Five Star Affair gains fans with each performance and wins over audiences of all backgrounds by creating a fun, high-energy atmosphere that makes each show different than the last. With witty improvisation, upbeat songs, and audience involvement, fans walk away feeling refreshed and fully charged. The members of Five Star Affair appreciate the personal connection with their audience and also maintain a strong relationship between each other for a balanced five-some unit.
On New Year's Eve 2005 and after being together for only 2 months, Five Star Affair released their first EP album entitled, "Better Than What You Get At Home." With a great response to the CD and live performances, the band returned to the studio to record their LP, "Do Not Disturb," with well renowned reggae artist and producer, Ibo. With their hard work and determination, Five Star Affair has been promoting the new album and celebrated the anticipated release to a sold out audience in December 2006.
Five Star Affair has played over 200 shows within the short time that they have been together, demonstrating that they are well on their way to success. Their fast rate of accomplishment and growth proves they are ready and determined to break into the worldwide music scene. From playing numerous shows in a variety of venues, City Events, fundraisers, and everything in between, Five Star Affair have also opened for such bands as Rancid, The Aquabats, Horrorpops and The English Beat. With their wide exposure to various medias, Five Star Affair has gained recognition on College radio charts across Canada and the U.S. with both released albums. Also catching the attention of the Warped Tour side-stage, promoting female-fronted bands, Five Star Affair played the Calgary Warped Tour with ShiraGirl in 2005 and did numerous U.S and Canadian dates in 2006 & 2007. Five Star Affair was selectively chosen as one of the few local bands to be part of Much Music Does Calgary - Going Coastal, and toured across Canada playing numerous venues to promote "Do Not Disturb" during the summer of 2007.
On the move, growing, and gaining exposure along the way, Five Star Affair is an eclectic band that is sure to leave an impression. With their hard work ethic and personable style, Five Star Affair is a new and upcoming band with the complete package.
Tristin Chanel
back to topTristin Chanel came out of the womb with hunger for music in her ears
and a craving for the spotlight in her eyes.
Tristin grew up in a musical household, from birth Tristin's parents
would play games with her chanting her name over and over, cheering
and aplauding, sparking Tristin's love for the stage and performing.
She got into the act early; in Grade 4, after claiming her desire to
be an actress her parents got her involved in TV shows, commercials,
modeling, and plays.
But with rythym in her bones, Tristin shifted gears to dance, picking
up awards, an appretiship; rising in the Calgary B-girl scene and teaching
on the side.
But, it was her love for music that made her happiest.
Tristin picked up her first intrument at the age of 10. Her godfather
taught her how to play the drums. Years later he gave her his old bass
guitar but, in typical teenage fashion, she did more posing and
staring in the mirror with it than acutally learning to play.
Then, when she was 14, fate struck, althought at the time, it seemed
like a tragedy.
Getting grounded for 6 months, she had little else to do other than
hole up in her room and teach herself how to play guitar. Partly out
of teenage angst, but mainly out of boredom, she locked herself
inside, bashing out Marilyn Manson, Silverchair and Nirvana.
It was those 6 months that gave her the drive to take on music as
full time career.
A few years later, when she became comfortable enough to perform her
music for an audience, Tristin started an funk/acoustic band called
"Parker's Lime" where she was the lead guitar player, and eventually
picked up the didgeridoo.
After stints opening for Metric and Bif Naked, Parker;s Lime
eventually called it quits.
Within a few short weeks Tristin's love for Ska & Reggae, heavily
influenced by their future producer Ibo, she formed Five Star Affair
with P-Lime Bass player Jessie Robertson.
Four years later Five Star Affair is stronger, and better than ever!
Tristin is always learning and growing as an artist. Teaching herself
new instruments every step of the way, owning ever stage she sets foot
on & striving to be one of the top live acts in Calgary.
Jessie Robertson
back to topBorn with music in her blood, Jessie was brought into this world by her rock'n'roll dad, Bob Robertson, and artistic mother, Lisa Birnie, on July 25, 1982 in Calgary, AB. As music was always a factor in her upbringing, Jessie was introduced to many different musical genres at a young age; influence started early as she was surrounded by the beauty of music.
As a child, Jessie was often found singing along to Led Zeppelin, CCR, Pink Floyd, Van Halen, and much more of the classic rock variety. Given her first little red acoustic guitar when she was about 6, she always knew that one day she would be inspired to share this love and passion for music.
At age 13 she decided it was time to start taking her music seriously and began the bass lessons with dad. As the root of rock'n'roll was embedded in her heart and soul, she also opened up to exploring different genres and found the element of funk and blues to be an inspirational sound to her style. As she had tried various instruments growing up, nothing hit home as much as the bass guitar. Spending much time on the instrument through teenage years, she found her true passion through playing music. To this day she continues to play this instrument of bliss.
Jamming with a few different bands over the years, it was October 2002 when
she met Tristin Chanel in the bathroom at one of the bars during a Halloween
pub-crawl. Noticing the pick on Tristin's necklace and her guitar tattoo,
she started a conversation about music. It was shortly after that Jessie
realized that this was just the beginning to an amazing musical journey
ahead.
Not long after that fateful night, Jessie joined Tristin's band called
Parker's Lime for nearly 2 years. In 2004 they decided to start a creative
new project out of pure inspiration and musical motivation called Five Star
Affair.
Jessie's influences and favorites today (not in particular order and besides
previously mentioned) are artists such as: Lyndell Montgomery (bass player
for Ember Swift and various others), RHCP, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts,
Heart, No Doubt, Bif Naked, Hole, Marilyn Manson, Fleetwood Mac, The
Pretenders, Janis Joplin, Horrorpops, Juliette and The Licks, The Police,
Sublime, Metallica, Guns'N'Roses, Sly and the Family Stone, KC and the
Sunshine band, Earth, Wind & Fire, Kool and the Gang, Abba, Black Sabbath,
The Doors... the list could go on and on. The styles of music that she
listens to and finds inspiration by vary greatly; as the love of music is a
passion that she opens her heart and mind to, she will continue to grow with
it as music will always be a major element in her life.
Jesse Boy
Jesse Colin Heffenan grew up in the lower Hamptons with his wonderful sweater vest collection.
He was sadly disowned by his real family after they found out he had ambition to learn a Loud Horned Instrument... THE TRUMPET
Nothing was going to stop him. He worked 3 jobs in order to pay his University Tuition.
as a pool boy, a call boy, and a newspaper boy. (this is where the nickname JesseBoy came from)
After studying and working he still found time to meet with his favorite friend in the whole wide world Local Celebrity Tristin Chanel and work on songs with her previous project Parker's Lime
He performed many shows with PLime. And was eventually able to cut out 2 of his 3 jobs, as Canadian musicians make a KILLING!
After several performances and late night rondevous with his goddess Tristin, he propositioned The lovely Tristin with a new project. So, he can play more songs by beautiful her side.
He finished his schooling and is now a very well loved music teacher in all different parts of the world as well as a loved member of the Five Star Affair ensemble.
Chris Gillre
Chris Gillre also known as Griz Killrie is a man with a woman and a man with MANY musical talents.
Responding to an ad made by his hero Tristin Chanel. He started out as the Five Star Affair Argyle Drumma Man!
Years of looking at Tristin Chanel's Romp at every show for 3 years he decided he needed to follow his heart and play lead guitar just to be beside Tristin.
Because when his wife was away... if it was dark enough... Tristin resembled her.... just a touch.
Griz is mainly influenced by ska and reggae and Duh... Tristin Chanel.. .and basically plays every instrument in the world known to woman... and man.
He is the bomb diggity... and that says alot!
Eric Elhanati
Eric was raised with the lizards of Etheopia and sang with the Squirrels of Brazil.
He hits drums and they damn well like it...
Whatever he touches turnes to Purple.
and, whatever he doesnt touch is unlucky!
you want to know him
he will blow your mind. tristin tristin tristin tristin mind.
