Sam Ripat

About

Sam Ripat is a multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter from Winnipeg, Manitoba. Raised on

folk music and punk rock, Sam creates music which honours many influences yet knows no

genre. His most recent songs, "Fishin" and "On a Tightrope" are a reflection of his deep study of

the musical idioms of the American songbook and contemporary jazz fusion styles, and are a

connection to his folk-rock roots. Sam has taken these songs to the stage at the Winnipeg Folk

Festival - as part of the Stingray Young Performers Program for three consecutive years - where

he was mentored by Manitoban musicians Del Barber, Kris Ulrich, and Ariel Posen.

Raised in a musical family, Sam played at every opportunity available – whether it was singing

in classical choirs, playing bass in jazz fusion, reggae, bluegrass, and rock bands, hosting

intimate singer/songwriter sessions, or playing saxophone in klezmer groups. A recent graduate

of McGill University's Jazz Performance program, he has had the privilege of receiving

mentorship from Ira Coleman and Adrian Vedady. Sam currently works as a freelance bassist and

can be found performing in esteemed venues across the city.