Ablett and Cooper are a duo who have been playing together for over 20 years. Their sound is built on close vocal harmony and intricate fingerstyle guitar, developed through long-term collaboration rather than studio construction. Their music moves comfortably between blues, contemporary folk, original songs, and thoughtful instrumentals. Ablett and Cooper have performed for local and international audiences for many years and received the Bravo Award for Outstanding Concert Performance for a Solo or Small Ensemble. Please welcome Ablett and Cooper.

ARIANA GILLIS Word count: 96 Timing: 39–40 seconds

Ariana Gillis is a Canadian singer-songwriter whose career gained early recognition with the Canadian Folk Music Award for Young Performer of the Year and the Niagara Music Award for Songwriter of the Year. She has appeared at major festivals including Hillside, Mariposa, Summerfolk, and Blue Skies. Ariana later recorded in Nashville, further establishing her reputation for detailed, narrative-driven songwriting and a strong lyrical focus. Give it up for Ariana Gillis.

BRIAN GLADSTONE Word count: 97 Timing: 40 seconds

BRIAN MORGAN Word count: 92 Timing: 37–38 seconds

CATHY ANNE Word count: 91 Timing: 37 seconds

Cathy Anne is a songwriter whose work emphasizes melodic clarity and emotionally grounded storytelling. Her songs are shaped for listening rooms, focusing on pacing, restraint, and direct connection rather than production effects. Cathy Anne’s writing draws on observation and lived experience, refined through consistent live performance where song structure and delivery are tested and strengthened in front of attentive audiences. Please welcome Cathy Anne.

CLELA ERRINGTON Clela is pronounced – Klee-lah

Word count: 89 Timing: 37–39 seconds “Tonight, we welcome an artist whose music was shaped by the landscapes and traditions that have influenced her along the way. Born in Montreal and raised along the St. Lawrence River in the 1000 Islands region of Brockville ON, Clela Errington found her voice on Canada’s East Coast before making her mark in Toronto’s rich folk and jazz scenes. Clela’s new album “Walkin’ Each Other Home” was produced with Jimmy Bowskill at the helm and showcases Clela’s deep connection to storytelling through song.” Give it up for Clela Errington

DANNY MARKS Word count: 98 Timing: 40 seconds

D’ARCY WICKHAM Word count: 96 Timing: 39–40 seconds

D’Arcy Wickham is an award winning songwriter, performer, and teacher whose career spans more than four decades. As an educator, he has taught and mentored artists including Daniel Lanois and Liam Titcomb, with referrals from figures such as Gordon Lightfoot and David Wilcox. As a recording artist, D’Arcy has released multiple albums recognized for both songwriting and guitar work, while remaining deeply committed to teaching and musical craft. Here’s D’Arcy Wickham.

DONNÉ ROBERTS Word count: 96 Timing: 39–40 seconds

Donné Roberts is an award-winning musician, composer, and producer born in Madagascar and based in Canada. He is a two-time Juno Award winner and four-time nominee, with music that blends African roots, global rhythms, and contemporary songwriting. His work has been recognized internationally, including first prize at the International Songwriting Competition in 2024. Donné has toured globally and composed for broadcast media. Please welcome Donné Roberts.

FRANKIE HART Word count: 98 Timing: 40 seconds

Frankie Hart is a Canadian vocalist and songwriter whose career spans more than five decades. She first gained national attention in the late 1960s with Les Sirocco before co-founding Freedom North, whose 1970 album became the first release on Aquarius Records. She later appeared on influential studio projects including Life and Riverson. Frankie continues to write and record, representing a living thread of Canadian music history. Give it up for Frankie Hart.

GLEN HORNBLAST Word count: 95 Timing: 39 seconds

Glen Hornblast is a songwriter with more than three decades of work spanning folk, blues, country, and jazz. His songs draw on influences from the 1960s folk revival and years of live performance across Canada. After years focused on performance and community-building, Glen has returned to recording and touring with renewed focus and productivity. Here’s Glen Hornblast.

HARPIN’ NORM LUCIEN Word count: 94 Timing: 38–39 seconds

Harpin’ Norm Lucien is a harmonica player, songwriter, and collaborator rooted in the Toronto music scene. Largely self-taught, Norm became known for his ability to sit in with musicians across styles. He has recorded and performed with a wide range of Canadian and international artists and played venues in Ontario and Nashville. His recent work focuses increasingly on original songwriting. Please welcome Harpin’ Norm Lucien.

HENRY LEES & SOUL MAÎTRE D’S Word count: 92 Timing: 37–38 seconds

Henry Lees and the Soul Maître D’s bring together seasoned singer-songwriters and musicians drawing from soul, R&B, and roots traditions. Their performances combine original material with carefully chosen songs delivered with strong musicianship, close harmonies, and deep groove. Their sets are shaped by years of songwriting and live ensemble experience. Give it up for Henry Lees & Soul Maître D’s.

HOWARD GLADSTONE Word count: 96 Timing: 39–40 seconds

Howard Gladstone is a Toronto-born singer-songwriter who has released eight albums of original music. Following recovery from a life-changing spinal cord injury in 2014, his songwriting took on a deeper focus on resilience and healing. Albums released since then reflect that journey, including work created during the pandemic and his most recent release in 2024. Howard has also published a book of collected lyrics. Here’s Howard Gladstone.

HIKARI HONDA Word count: 96 Timing: 39–40 seconds

Hikari Honda is a Japanese contemporary folk singer-songwriter whose music bridges Japanese folk traditions and the Western folk revival. Raised in Kyushu, Japan, he spent eight years as a journalist with Japan’s national broadcaster before turning fully to music during the pandemic. Since then, Hikari has toured internationally across Canada and Europe, sharing music rooted in honesty, simplicity, and cross-cultural storytelling. Please welcome Hikari Honda.

ISAAC MUZIKANSKY Word count: 96 Timing: 39–40 seconds

JAMES GORDON Word count: 100 Timing: 40 seconds

James Gordon has had one of the most diverse careers in Canadian music. As a solo artist and a founding member of Tamarack, he has recorded more than 40 albums and toured internationally for decades. His work spans songwriting, theatre, film, and orchestral composition, and he spent more than ten years as a songwriter-in-residence on CBC Radio. James is also a playwright, community activist, and recently served as a Guelph City Councilor. Please welcome James Gordon.

JESSE GREENE Word count: 96 Timing: 39–40 seconds

Jesse Greene is a guitarist and songwriter originally from Ottawa who gained national attention by reaching the International Blues Challenge Finals in Memphis and later placing in the Toronto Blues Society Talent Search. She now performs regularly in Toronto and was awarded the 2024 Amy Louie Grossman’s Music Scholarship for artist development, recognizing her songwriting and performance growth. Here’s Jesse Greene.