Declan mclennan
lead vocals | rythm guitar
AIDAN MCLENNAN
LEAD & RYTHM GUITAR | VOCALS
Aidan McLennan is a multi-instrumentalist, composer, session player, and songwriter originally from the small town of Bainbridge Island, Washington. Originally studying classical piano, he has now branched out to playing over 10 instruments, including guitar, bass, drums, mandolin, and more. Over the years Aidan has performed with groups like The 305, a hard rock and metal band, Zuva and Izzy, an indie rock group, and the jazz country group, The Rueben Shepherd band. Today, Aidan focuses most of his energy on Thistle, a band that he started with his brother Declan, while also building musical connections throughout Victoria and beyond. With his end goal of being a touring musician, Aidan spends his available free time honing in his craft, and progressing as both a musician, but also as a person.
MARC MICU
DRUMS | TRUMPET
From Victoria BC, Marc Micu is a multi-instrumentalist, educator, composer, arranger, researcher, and advocate for all things music. He has etched his name into BC’s musical realm by dedicating his life to performing a variety of genres in several ensemble formats such as jazz, funk, fusion, art-music, contemporary, country, ska, reggaeton, mariachi, indie, folk, orchestra, opera, show tunes, and pop. Marc has had a long history of ensemble leadership, dating back from running jazz combos in high school and university through his now defunct group "Marc Micu & Friends". Now, Marc is the director of his brass quintet “Kasperl Quintet”, as well as jazz ambience duo project with Ryan Keating called "the Meating". Marc is also an active performer and a regular member of the country band Reuben Shepherd Band, and Afrobeats musician TK the Artist on trumpet.
LEO HE
BASS
Hailing from the distant land of Coquitlam, Leo He carries but a singular chief export with him to Thistle’s weald - the craft of bass. Born and raised on a steady diet of Tower of Power, Steely Dan and Vulfpeck, Leo carries his axe with venerable strength and the primal wisdom to say “yes, let the people dance”. When he is not fulfilling his druidic oath with Thistle’s live gallivants, he can often be found performing elsewhere with local folklore legends Charis Tazumi, Anne Martina and Rowan Bands (under the house of Heron).
RYAN KEATING
AMBIENT & LEAD GUITAR
Ryan Keating is a versatile musician and performer with a Bachelor of Arts in Music, specializing in jazz and contemporary music. Based in Victoria, BC, Ryan has performed with a variety of groups including jazz ambient duo The Meating, raw pop-punk band 9Iron, and jazz inspired country group Reuben Shepherd Band. Ryan Keating’s work as the Production Coordinator at the Victoria Jazz Society has allowed him to develop and grow within the industry as an artist and dedicated performer. He remains committed to creating meaningful musical experiences that connect with audiences and fellow musicians alike.