Ali Milner Impromptu Performance from The Initiative on Vimeo.

1. MATISYAHU (FEB. 14, 4:10 P.M.)

Like an extraordinary number of acts appearing under the Cultural Olympiad banner, Matisyahu erases the boundaries separating all music. The catch when he started was that Matisyahu blended his Jewish lore with reggae, which was interesting but proved limiting. He since has branched out to take in other contemporary rhythms and riffs.

2. ALI MILNER (FEB. 17, 2:45 P.M.)

MILNER SLOWLY BUT STEADILY HAS been making an impression. She veers from Motown exuberance to more reflective pop balladry with elements of jazz also popping up. There also is an appealing sassiness that makes her one to watch.

3. WINTERSLEEP (FEB. 26 4:30 P.M.)

THIS HALIFAX BAND SEEMS TO BE everywhere in the coming weeks so the show at Whistler won't be the only chance to see it. Melodic and appealing, Wintersleep has been establishing itself as one more of the country's diverse but substantial new bands, which has garnered a lot of international recognition. Wintersleep opened for Paul McCartney last summer.