The Pugs and Crows is an instrumental band that performs original music, evoking a shifting range of sonic colours and ambient soundscapes. The ensemble's unique, cinematic sound is due in part to the creative instrumentation of violin, double bass, guitar, piano, and drums. The band is extremely adaptable, having shared stages with punk, indie rock, jazz, and classical ensembles. In 2010, the group received the Galaxie Rising Star Award for their performance at the Vancouver International Jazz Festival. In the following year, they were a main stage act at both the Vancouver and Halifax International Jazz Festivals. The band made its first appearance at the Vancouver Olio Festival (a partner of NXNE) in 2011. In addition, the group recently participated in the world-renowned Jazz and Creative Music Workshop at the Banff Centre for the Arts under the direction of Dave Douglas. Recent highlights for the band include the release of their second independent recording Fantastic Pictures as well as an opening performance for Bill Frisell at the 2012 Vancouver International Jazz Festival. About to embark on their second tour within Canada, Pugs and Crows are thrilled to be taking their tunes east to new audiences and especially to be performing at the Mundial Conference and National Arts Centre.