Winterfolk Artists
Artists at a Glance
2021 Maple Blues Awards – Lifetime Achievement Award Shakura S'Aida Maple Blues Nominee - Female Vocalist
Shakura S’Aida is an award-winning performer, connecting and inspiring audiences with her powerful vocals. An undeniable talent and an advocate for human rights, her artistic work reflects that which impacts and connects us all. A central figure in Toronto’s music scene, the Brooklyn-born, Swiss-raised entertainer has garnered not only an international recording and touring career but has shined on the theatre stage as star and creator of the four-woman tribute to Nina Simone. With her first new album in ten years, Shakura is back with Hold on to Love; this time in the producer chair alongside co-producers Donna Grantis (Prince/3 rd Eye Girl), Keb’ Mo,’ and Roger Costa (Jeff Healey). The new album features collaborations with international artists, including Eric Gales, Lee Oskar, Terra Lightfoot, Kyla Charter, Larnell Lewis and more.
Kevin won a Maple Blues Award, Gemini Award, National Jazz Award, Canadian Folk Music Award Kevin Breit 2 X Juno Award Winner, Recorded on albums that earned 10 Grammy Awards.
Latest
He has won a Maple Blues Award, Gemini Award, National Jazz Award, Canadian Folk Music Award, two Juno Awards and has recorded on albums that earned 10 Grammy Awards.
About
Kevin Breit has recorded with Norah Jones, Rosanne Cash, k.d. Lang, Hugh Laurie, Cassandra Wilson, Holly Cole, Jane Siberry, Serena Ryder, Taj Mahal, Irma Thomas and countless others. He has released 27 discs to date.
Toney Springer
About
Toney aka Wild T took his name from his home town of Tunapuna Trinidad , though one may find simalarities to Jimi Hendrix , Lenny Kravitz & Eric Gales ironically it was Toney's exposure to Steve Howe (Yes) that inspired him to pick up guitar.
Moving to Toronto in his early teens Toney quickly gained a reputation in the mid 80's...after being in Toronto for a few years Toney was voted best guitarist at the Canadian Black Music awards and has not looked back since.
Jeff Healey wasn't the only one who noticed Toney's rapid assention through the ranks.
David Bowie chose Toney to be his guitarist on his Black Tie White Noise CD after seeing Toney's video for Midnite Blues on a tv show while in Montreal with Tin Machine , subsequently Toney appeared with Bowie on Jay Leno, David Letterman & Asenio Hall & on Bowie's making of Black Tie White Noise dvd prominently showcasing Toney....an absolute delight to work with said Bowie.
Laura Fernandez
Accomplishments
2015 Most Influential Hispanic Canadian for my work as an artist (music and visual arts, broadcaster, producer. 2016 Runner up Now Readers Choice Best Radio Personality
About
Laura Fernandez was born in Madrid, Spain, spent her childhood in Switzerland and Calgary and is currently based in Toronto, Canada. She is an award-winning visual artist, pianist, singer-songwriter and recording artist.
Her first CD The Other Side led to a prestigious award at the New York International Independent Music Festival, and performances at Madison Square Garden, the Knitting Factory, and The Bitter End, as well as international festivals.
Her Cd Un Solo Beso is a celebration of her Spanish roots and Latin influences and was produced by Juno award winning producer Billy Bryans. The album features some of Canada’s most vibrant and highly acclaimed musicians with arrangements and performances by Hilario Duran, Roberto Linares Brown and Luis Mario Ochoa. The Cd received extensive airplay in Canada and abroad and has charted in the top 10 across Canadian campuses. Ok, Alright;
Harpin' Norm Lucien
About
Painter, poet, musician, singer-songwriter Harpin' Norm Lucien emerged on the Folk scene with a pocketful of harmonicas and soon his signature style and versatility has become in demand in performance and recording studios. In the style of '60s Folk, Harpin' Norm's heartfelt, toe tapping tunes look at love and societal issues.
Harpin' is now enjoying having his songs covered by others, and radio play of his original songs from his 2 CD's. His 3rd CD is planned for the spring of '23.
Tyler Ellis
Tyler Ellis is a Toronto-based singer-songwriter known for his engaging folk-roots music, characterized by humor and poignant storytelling. Described as "John Prine meets a well-primed Sir John A. Macdonald" by the Toronto Star, his songs resonate with the Canadian experience.
Over his career, Ellis has released seven albums, with his latest, "Greater-Than," recorded live at Toronto's Free Times Café and released in June 2024. This album, dedicated to his late father, showcases his distinctive songwriting and performance style.
Beyond his solo work, Ellis has contributed to the music community as a co-writer with the Julian Taylor Band and as the host of the long-running Riverboat Monday Open Stage at Dora Keogh Irish Pub
His music often explores themes of love, life, and the Canadian landscape, delivered with a blend of wit and sincerity. Ellis continues to be a significant figure in Toronto's folk music scene, captivating audiences with his heartfelt performances.
D'Arcy Wickham
D'Arcy Wickham
Released most recent CD in 2018-19 'Signal Hill'
Received 'Songs from the Heart award for 'Feather Fingers'
Polydor Recording artist 1976-1980
Guitarist for Ian Thomas band 1974-1976
D'Arcy Wickham has been a well known fixture as a composer ' performer and music teacher on the Toronto music scene since the early 1970's as a guitarist for the Ian Thomas band the later as a Polydor recording artist. In 2008 he received the 'Songs for the Heart' award for his recording 'Feather Fingers' . To date he has 3 CD's that have been released to critical acclaim .
Jesse Greene Finalist - International Blues Challenge in Memphis.
Winner - Ottawa Road to Memphis competition and Finalists - International Blues Challenge in Memphis
Jesse Greene's talent and creativity draw from a diverse musical pallet, including blues, folk, jazz, classical and world music. Her complex and flowing melodic lines aided by her spirited and flawless execution can take the listener on a unique musical journey. With a rich and inspiring bluesy voice, she creates the perfect complement to her strong original songs, and her eclectic renditions of classics. Jesse's welcoming and heartfelt presentation make her performances a very special experience for each member of her audience. Jesse Greene is a driving force on her own as well as an enigmatic player, writer, and vocalist.
The Jesse Greene Band won the Ottawa Road to Memphis competition and were finalists at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis. With multiple Bluesfest performances over the years and her blues hit Mojo Man that made and stayed in the Dawg FM top 20 for over a year, she is known as a guitarist with deadly chops and a voice full of soul.
Songwriter Serenade semi-finalist Shawna Caspi 2023 Canadian Folk Music Award Nominee 2022 Ontario Folk Music Award Nominee
2024 Songwriter Serenade semi-finalist
2023 Canadian Folk Music Award Nominee
2022 Ontario Folk Music Award Nominee
Toronto-based singer-songwriter Shawna Caspi takes her time crafting lyrics that are poetic and meaningful, often using unusual rhymes and surprising turns of phrase.
Shawna spent years on the road, playing festivals and concert halls, train cars, backyards, and living rooms, supporting her warm, clear voice with intricate fingerstyle guitar accompaniment, and drawing energy from shifting landscapes and long drives through Canada and the United States. Her songs resonate with stories that are relatable, but told in new and unexpected ways. This is music that makes an authentic human connection, that conveys a sense of closeness, of being understood, of feeling less alone. Her latest album, Hurricane Coming, was nominated for a Canadian Folk Music Award and an Ontario Folk Music Award.
Glen Hornblast and Friends
Glen Hornblast is a well-known Toronto singer-songwriter whose music is an intoxicating blend of folk, country, blues and jazz. His latest CD “Once In A Blue Moon” has been very well-received and has garnered great reviews and radio play around the world. He describes his songs as “sad little stories of love, loss and heartache.” His song “Mary” about a homeless woman on Toronto streets won the 2015 Song From The Heart Award.
Glen was also well-known for hosting some of Toronto’s most successful Open Mics, at the Free Times Café, and many other venues. He has performed in Nashville at both the Bluebird Café and the Commodore Grill. At present, Glen has two CDs of new music in the works and is currently working toward releasing them in early 2025.
2 Time International Songwriting Competition Semi-Finalist Kiiola Blending folk, pop, and jazz with the soul of Japan
Kiiola is a Toronto-based singer-songwriter, keyboardist, music educator, and podcaster from Akita, Japan. Her music blends folk, pop, and jazz with traditional Japanese sounds, creating a distinctive cross-cultural experience.
After performing in Tokyo’s professional a cappella scene, she moved to Canada and graduated from Selkirk College’s Contemporary Music and Technology program.
From 2007 to 2012, she hosted the award-winning radio show Japanese Musiquest, originally broadcast on Kootenay Co-op Radio and syndicated to four additional stations across Canada.
She later returned to Japan to teach music, compose for TV commercials, and perform at festivals.
Since relocating to Toronto in 2016, she has collaborated with JUNO-winning guitarist Donné Roberts and performed Japan’s national anthem at the Ricoh Woodbine Mile (2018–2019, broadcast on TSN).
Her 2020 release Inori introduced authentic Japanese folk melodies to Canadian audiences.
Frankie Hart Career spanning five decades of Canadian music history - continues to resonate with collectors, connoisseurs, and fans of female-fronted music.
Frankie (Franki) Hart is a Canadian vocalist, instrumentalist, and songwriter whose career spans folk, psych-rock, studio vocals, electro-pop, and jazz. She began in Montreal with The Sirocco Singers, a multilingual folk-pop trio that won a CFCF-TV talent competition, leading to national TV appearances and several singles on Polydor and Columbia.
Hart later co-founded the psych-rock band Freedom North, whose 1970 debut became Aquarius Records’ first LP and featured the nationally recognized track “Dr. Tom.” She also contributed lead vocals to Life, Neil Sheppard’s ambitious studio project, now considered a cult favourite for its inventive arrangements.
In 1973, Hart joined Riverson with Rayburn Blake and Brian Edwards of Mashmakhan. Their Columbia Records album blended folk, psych, and chamber-pop influences and has since earned cult status, supported by extensive touring across Canada and the U.S.
Now based in Toronto, Hart continues to perform, write, and record across jazz, folk, blues, and pop.
Lightning Hill Taivi, Garth Douglas, Marion Linton, Steve Marshall - deliver original Canadiana with a bolt of divine fire"
North American folk, Western classical, Indonesian gamelan, a touch of bluegrass, worlds inspired by Pablo Neruda – and you have Taivi’s music. Eclectic, ecstatic and original. She has counted Pete Seeger as one of her fans. Her recording, Rising Tide, charted in the top 25 of the international folk music charts.
She has performed with Garth Hudson of The Band and sung with a 30,000 voice choir in Tallinn. A regular performer at Toronto’s Heliconian Hall, Taivi is currently recording new songs with bluegrass great, Claire Lynch, producing. She has recently performed solo in Tokyo and formed a new band, Lightning Hill – with her frequent musical partner, Garth Douglas (mandolin/guitar), Marion Linton (fiddle – Fred Eaglesmith, Mendelson Joe, Andrew Collins) and Steve Marshall (bass - Fabulous Duck Brothers, David Essig).
John Dawson Toronto folk singer-songwriter blending roots melodies with personal storytelling
John Dawson is a Toronto-area folk singer-songwriter and guitarist whose music is rooted in clear melodies, thoughtful lyrics, and lived experience. Drawing on folk and roots traditions, his songs focus on personal stories, emotional honesty, and quiet reflection rather than flash or excess.
Known for his warm vocal delivery and understated guitar work, John’s writing emphasizes connection and narrative, placing him firmly in the storytelling tradition of contemporary Canadian folk music.
Sultans of String CFMA Producer of the Year (Chris McKhool)
Sultans of String are an acclaimed, high-energy ensemble known for their genre-blending sound that draws from Celtic, flamenco, Django-jazz, Arabic, Cuban, and South Asian traditions. Their music pairs fiery violin with rumba-flamenco guitar, deep grooves from bass and percussion, and subtle electronic textures, creating performances that celebrate musical fusion, virtuosity, and the shared human impulse to move and dance.
Since their 2007 debut Luna, the band has continually expanded its artistic reach, collaborating with orchestras and international artists while pushing each release toward new creative ground. Albums such as Symphony, Subcontinental Drift, Christmas Caravan, Refuge, and Sanctuary have earned critical and industry recognition, cementing Sultans of String as leaders in contemporary world, roots, and instrumental music.
Recipient of SOCAN and industry songwriting recognition for his contributions to Canadian roots and country music Russell deCarle Multiple Juno Award winner with Prairie Oyster, including Country Group of the Year Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame inductee (as a member of Prairie Oyster)
Russell deCarle is a Canadian singer, songwriter, and producer best known as the longtime frontman of Prairie Oyster, one of Canada’s most influential roots-country bands. Renowned for his warm baritone voice and understated storytelling, deCarle blends country, folk, blues, and gospel influences with a deep respect for tradition. His solo work continues to explore roots music with clarity, craft, and emotional restraint, earning him a lasting reputation as one of Canada’s most respected voices in the genre.
Clela Errington Career spanning five decades of Canadian music history - continues to resonate with collectors, connoisseurs, and fans of female-fronted music.
With a voice that is timeless and true, Toronto singer/songwriter Clela Errington sings directly to the reflective heart, creating a mood of intimacy, both reserved and passionate. Her vibrant blend of folk and jazz creates the perfect vehicle for her dynamic vocal delivery on her new album, “Walkin’ Each Other Home”, released on October 22, 2025.
Clela’s eclectic musical influences are evident in her interpretation of songs ranging from the 1930s country blues of Memphis Minnie to the contemporary jazz stylings of Abbey Lincoln and the raw poetry of singer-songwriter Lucinda Williams.
“Walkin’ Each Other Home” was produced with Jimmy Bowskill at the helm and recorded live off the floor with a core band. The stripped-down arrangements feature Clela’s stunning voice accompanied by some of Canada’s finest musicians
Sue and Dwight Contemporary folk music with a few twists
- Over 300 Online Shows since 2020; "Sue & Dwight, thank you so much for your Human Justice show tonight. The camaraderie and inspiration you bring out in all of us is so helpful to us at this time of chaos in our country. We appreciate you! "
- New CD coming out in 2026
- 12 Singles released 2022-25
- Five-Year Weekly Residency at Toronto's Cameron House 2007-12
- Where Have All the Folks Songs Gone 2012-2019, Canada's only tribute to the 60s folk revival
Releasing Her New CD at Winterfolk Suzanne Jarvie
Suzanne Jarvie is a Toronto-based singer-songwriter whose music blends contemporary folk with acoustic pop, marked by clear vocals, strong melodic instincts, and emotionally grounded storytelling. Her songs are direct and unforced, focusing on human moments, relationships, and quiet revelations rather than embellishment.
A seasoned performer, Suzanne brings a calm confidence to the stage, letting the songwriting do the work. Her live shows emphasize connection and clarity, drawing listeners in with warmth and precision rather than volume or theatrics.
Suzanne will be releasing her new CD at Winterfolk on February 13 at 5:00 PM, marking a new chapter in her ongoing body of thoughtful, well-crafted work.
Donné Roberts 2 X times Juno Award Winner, 3 X Juno Nominee
Donné Roberts is a passionate performer. When he hits the stage he carries with him an energy that immediately exhilarates the crowd even if they've never heard his music before.
Donné performs mainly in Malagasy his mother tongue from his birthplace of Madagascar. Yet this never proves to be a barrier to the audience, providing living proof that music truly does transcend languages.
Canadian Folk Music Award winners for New/Emerging Artist of the Year The Young Novelists Winners of the 2015 Colleen Peterson Songwriting award
The Young Novelists create contemporary folk songs that marry their effortless harmonies with darkly poetic lyrics and exquisitely crafted hooks. Their fourth album, "These Dark Canyons", features blistering takes on systemic misogyny (“Break The Whole Thing Down”), the quiet devastation of assault (“One Of Mine”), an anthem for those finding the strength to speak up (“Raise Our Voices”), and a song about crafting creativity from personal pain (“Into Glory”) to form an album that explores the dark canyons we all experience.
Their previous album landed them a Canadian Folk Music Award for New/Emerging Artist, a nomination for Vocal Group of the Year, and multiple songwriting awards. They have toured across Canada, the United States, and in Europe, often with their young son in tow. Their signature show features confessional storytelling about their songs and travels, singalongs, and the unique sound of bowed glockenspiel.
- Latest album "These Dark Canyons" released Sept 26, 2025
- 2015 Canadian Folk Music Award winners for New/Emerging Artist of the Year
- Winners of the 2015 Colleen Peterson Songwriting award
Cathy Anne
Cathy Anne is a Toronto based Indie Folk singer-songwriter. She performs her original songs and ballads at various local clubs, often accompanied by other Toronto musicians.
Her music’s mood is soft, flowing and ambient with a coffeehouse feel.
Cathy Anne’s album "Storyteller" (Storyteller | Cathy Anne (bandcamp.com) embodies this sound . . . her voice has a jazzy/folk feeling, gently rising and falling with soft timbre and velvety tone, and blends perfectly with her signature fingerstyle guitar. Her compositions range from historic tales that tell the human story between the battles, to tender ballads of love lost and mourned with bittersweet regret.
Noah Zacharin New album 'Points of Light' to be released in early 2023
About
Acknowledged guitar master, songwriter, and poet, Noah Zacharin has recorded nine solo albums, and worked as producer and/or instrumentalist on some 65 recordings by artists across North America.
Noah Zacharin is a great perrormer, and a man of few words.New album 'Points of Light' to be released in early 2023
Swingin' Blackjacks
In The News
2022 Southside Shuffle Appearance
2021 Kitchener Blues Festival Crossroads 2021
2018 Recipients of the Amy Louie Grossman’s Music Scholarship
2016 Durham West Blues Festival
About
Rockin’ It Right for over 20 years, The Swingin’ Blackjacks deliver a satisfying blend of Rockabilly and Jumpin’ Blues. Their musical recipe contains a growing number of originals with carefully selected cover tunes, Hi-Octane performances and a love of the music they play.
The trio has appeared throughout Ontario at roots/blues havens including Toronto’s Cadillac Lounge, The Silver Dollar Room, Grossman’s Tavern, and the Dora Keogh Irish Pub. Out of town audiences have enjoyed The Swingin’ Blackjacks at the Lavigne Tavern, Waterloo’s Ethel’s Lounge and Crow Variety & Grill in Collingwood, to name a few.
The Swingin’ Blackjacks play hard at every show, committed to their music and their audience. They conjure up memories as varied as a rockin’ juke - joint on a Saturday night, a chill breeze off the bayou, or a lonesome train whistle in the distance…
CIMA's Canadian delegation to Tokyo & Berlin Jessica Stuart 5 songs in the finals of the Canadian Songwriting Competition
Achievements
World tours between 2013-2019 (Asia, Australia & Europe, incl. selection to represent CIMA's Canadian delegation to Tokyo & Berlin)
Subject & composer/songwriter for CBC's most viral documentary of all time, Finding Fukue (13 million + views)
5 songs in finals of the 2017/18 Canadian Songwriting Competition
About
When Vancouver-born, guitarist, koto player, vocalist and songwriter Jessica Stuart moved to Toronto, quitting work as vintage clothing buyer for a career in music, her goals were simple – release an album of original songs, hear her music on the radio, and satisfy her wanderlust on tour around the world. Stuart’s three-piece, and her signature rhythmic and harmonically adventurous folk pop, checked the final box with their first Asian tour (and Top 40 single in Japan) in the mid-2010’s, and since then, have graced music festivals and airwaves from Australia to Germany and beyond.
If you hadn’t heard Jessica yet through her Independent Music Awards “Best Album” win, her five songs in the finals of the Canadian Songwriting Competition, or the record crushing, tear-jerking CBC documentary about her time in Japan as a child (Finding Fukue, Nov 2018, 15 million + views, ft. Jessica’s musical score), then you’ll get to know JESSA through her latest full-length release, Simple Songs.
-Subject and Composer of CBC's most viewed documentary of all time, "Finding Fukue" (2018, 15 million + views)
-Pro female guitarist with credits from Mirvish Productions' "SIX" to Chloe Watkinson to Classic Albums Live and beyond
-5 songs in the finals of the Canadian Songwriting Competition
-Top 40 single in Japan with "Don't Ya"
-Community leader - including 5+ years running monthly songwriters' series "JS Presents!" at the TRANZAC Club and host of creativity/community-centric "Tuesday Acoustic Open Mic" at the Rose & Crown.
Facebook | Website | Video
Brian Morgan
Brian Morgan is a fiddler, bassist and guitar player, whose musical experiences have included stints in a tuxedo-clad, lounge lizard quartet, a road weary duo ill-named Mac’n’Tosh, a retro rock band called Bage Gao Bizi (Eight High Noses), which performed regularly in Chongqing (1988), and the Motorgrass band Jughead, legendary matinee idols of the 90’s, who recorded three CDs and performed at major music festivals across Canada.
Currently Brian is a busy performer of his original songs in Toronto music venues and recent festivals (Winterfolk, Open Tuning Festival, Whitevale Porchfest). He is also in demand as an accompanist for various live music and recording projects. In December 2022, Brian released Curve of the Earth, an album recorded in Chongqing (People’s Republic of China) and Toronto, and available on major streaming sites such as Spotify, Amazon Music, and YouTube. The new video from the album, Paint You with My Tears, is now available on YouTube.
voice 5-time Canadian Folk Music Award Nominee Jory Nash Winner, Folk Music Ontario's Songs From The Heart Award
Jory Nash (Jor-ee Nash) is an award-winning Canadian singer-songwriter and storyteller whose music blends folk, jazz, blues, pop, and soul. He has released nine acclaimed albums, with The Many Hats of Jory Nash earning two 2015 Canadian Folk Music Award nominations, and New Blue Day named Penguin Eggs Magazine Critic’s Choice Album of the Year.
After stepping away from music in 2019 due to depression and financial struggles, Nash returns in 2025 with his 10th album, The Light Still Shines On The Main, co-produced with Chris Stringer. The road back was marked by profound challenges, including his partner Brittany’s cancer diagnosis in 2021, a house fire, and a family move to Cobourg, ON.
“This album is about coming through the darkness,” says Nash. “It’s about hope, resilience, loss, and finding beauty in new beginnings.”
His warm, distinctive voice and intricate songwriting have earned him loyal audiences across Canada, the U.S., and abroad.
UNCOVERED — New Music, Classic Roots Mid Century Modernes
The Mid-Century Modernes: UNCOVERED unleashes new, original music written and performed by The Mid-Century Modernes. Our repertoire is inspired by the classic rock sounds of the 1960s and ’70s.
Drawing from an era defined by turbulent times, it folds songwriting, emotion and grooves.
For the past four years the Mid-Century Modernes has brought its energetic classic rock performances to audiences across the greater Toronto area and to stages in New York.
For Winterfolk, MCM UNCOVERED is about original storytelling, human connection, and the enduring cultural importance of music. Come for the classic rock vibe - stay for the high-octane performance of new music.
Brian Gladstone
About
Brian Gladstone is a world class finger style guitar player, a songwriter who is unrestricted by typical boundaries, a wonderful story teller and a powerful performer.
Basically, Brian is a techno hippie.
12 X Maple Blues Award Winner Suzie Vinnick 2024 CFMA Contemporary Singer of the Year
Suzie's Accolades -
2024 CFMA Contemporary Singer of the Year, 2024 ECMA Blues Album of the Year, 2023 Maple Blues Acoustic Act of the Year, 2022 Maple Blues Female Vocalist of the Year, 2019 Saskatchewan Jazz Festival Special Recognition Award, CBC Great Canadian Blues Award, SiriusXM Canada Blues Artist of the Year, 3× JUNO Nominee, 12× Maple Blues Award Winner
Author, Poet, Songwriter, Artist Robert Priest Returning to Winterfolk This Year
Recent Margaret praise on Twitter New film co-written with Jaymz Bee in production
Robert Priest is the author of fourteen books of poetry, three plays, lots of musical CDs, four children’s or young adult novels, and two hit songs. His words have been debated in the Ontario legislature, posted in the transit system, quoted in the Farmer's Almanac, sung on Sesame Street, and turned into two hit songs: "Song Instead of a Kiss," a number one hit for Alannah Myles, and the recent top-ten hit by Julian Taylor, "Seeds (They Tried to Bury Us)." A new single and video, Simple Human Kindness, is due out Dec. 15 with Vesuvius Records.
Canadian Folk Music Awards Nominee Ariana Gillis Ariana Gillis is pleased to bring her new songs and old favorites to the 2026 Winterfolk Festival!!
Ariana Gillis is a singer-songwriter who grew up in the heart of Niagara, Ontario. Her ability to tell intricate stories with her songs caught the attention of many heavy hitters in the music industry at a very young age such as Dave Marsh, Bob Ezrin, Bruce Lundvall and Buddy Miller.
Her most recent collaboration (nominated for a Canadian Folk Music Award) with Grammy-Award Winner Buddy Miller, “The Maze” is another demonstration of her inexhaustible creativity and ingenuity.
James Gordon New album 'Wrinkles and Scars' just released
Danny Marks Winner of Maple Blues Lifetime Achievement Award
Achievements
Man on the Radio the lates single release is hi autographic ode to the medium which has held us together through music and humanity
About
Danny Marks is the guitar playing man on the radio. Toronto Roots go back to 1960's Canadian Rockers Edward Bear. TV host of BBC First Cities in Blue. and Saturday Nights on JAZZ FM91. Celebrated career in Night Clubs over many decades as a must see act. Star of stage and screen.
Lynn Harrison Recording new album for release in 2025 Coming Soon: "Songwriting as Soul Work:
Performing songwriter Lynn Harrison is known for beautifully memorable songs that celebrate life, love and the human spirit. Her 7th solo recording "Treasure" (2023) is described by Americana Highways as "better than medicine, better than booze...and will put you in a good mood if you're not" with comparisons to Bonnie Raitt and Jennifer Warnes.
Her previous record "Something More" (2020) ranked among Folk Roots Radio's Top 20, and she has performed widely in both Canada and the U.S. In September 2024, Lynn was honoured by CBC Radio Fredricton for her beloved song "First Day of School," airing that day for 17 years and counting. Also an ordained minister in the inclusive Unitarian Universalist tradition, Lynn Harrison creates heartfelt connections with every audience, offering songs of wisdom and uplift for complicated times.
Melanie Peterson Finished in 2nd place in Colleen Peterson Song Writing Wward
In The News
2022 Opened for Pursuit of Happiness at The Sound of Music Festival in Burlington, ON
2019 Holiday Single - "Christmas Breaks My Heart", produced by multiple Juno Award and Polaris Prize-winning Canadian producer Michael Wojewoda
2017 "Been So Long", runner up for Colleen Peterson Award, Folk Music Ontario
About
With her effortless blend of smart folk and pop, Saskatoon born/Toronto based singer-songwriter Melanie Peterson is fresh off the heels of a successful performance at the Sound Of Music Festival in Burlington, where she opened for The Pursuit of Happiness. Awarded the outstanding achievement in song writing award, from The Great American Song writing Competition. Melanie has also played some of Toronto's most coveted music festivals including NXNE, Canadian Music Week and Winterfolk.
Melanie has performed and showcased her music across Canada more than once, thanks to the VIA Rail Artist On Board Program, performing at the likes of Black Sheep (Quebec), Blackbird Cafe (Edmonton) Tree Organic Cafe (Vancouver), Avant-Garde (Ottawa) and Petite Riviere Vineyards, Crousetown, Nova Scotia.
Henry Lees & Soul Maître D's Outstanding Concert Performance- Honoured 10 times to by International Songwriting Competitions
Canadian singer-songwriter Henry Lees has tuned up great recognition since 2021.
His song “Smoke” is a Semi-Finalist in the 2025 Unsigned Only Music Awards. Previously, “Free This Love” was a Top 10 Finalist in the 2022 USA Songwriting Competition and Semi-Finalist in the International Songwriting Competitions (2022, 2024) and Unsigned Only in 2023. Lees also earned Top 10 Finalist in the 2021 International Acoustic Music Awards and 2nd place in the 2021 Indie International Songwriting Awards.
He co-wrote 6 songs for Maple Blues Awards winner Chris Antonik's 2022 album "Morningstar," which topped the Roots Music Report's Canadian Albums chart and yielded three #1 singles, including “Back to the Good.”
In 2022, Lees released "Walking with Fear," co-written with David Leask and produced with Juno winner Steve Dawson and The Henhouse Express, in partnership with Anxiety Canada for Action Anxiety Day. “Walking With Fear” and “Free This Love” both received radio play in Ontario.
Ablett and Cooper Gold Award - Readers’ Choice - Best local band in Brampton, 2025, Runner up - International Songwriting Competition
Ablett and Cooper have been thrilling audiences for 20 years with their superb combination of intricate, fingerstyle guitar and vocals. They have won multiple awards for performance and original work.
Ablett and Cooper’s engaging stage presence creates an energy that brings customers back, time and time again. They give the crowd an amazing show with personality and charm.
Ablett & Cooper nail it every time. Jasper Martin. Copper Kettle Pub
“I was tremendously impressed by the level of talent, skill, and musicianship that you both seemed to so effortlessly share with the audience. It is very clear that you have both seriously engaged in the very challenging but rewarding process of cooperative music creation. Your set list, arrangements, harmonies and solos all demonstrated a depth of musical connection and understanding that is truly wonderful to participate in as an audience member.”
Jason Saunders, Brampton Arts Council
Hikari Honda Japanese Folk Singer Japanese contemporary folk singer-songwriter whose music blends nostalgic Japanese folk melodies with universal storytelling.
Hikari Honda is a Japanese contemporary folk singer-songwriter whose music blends nostalgic Japanese folk melodies with universal storytelling.
Hailing from the island struck by an atomic bomb—Kyushu Island—he carries the voices of ordinary people often overlooked in mainstream narratives. After leaving an 8-year journalism career at NHK during the pandemic, he fully committed to music. In 2024, he performed at Japan Festival Canada for over 15,000 people.
His music is influenced by Japanese contemporary folk legends like Miyuki Nakajima and Yosui Inoue, as well as Western icons such as Bob Dylan and Woody Guthrie. Hikari’s performances are honest, intimate, and deeply emotional, connecting with audiences across language and culture.
David Storey and the Storey Tellers
David Storey (guitar, vocals) along with Brian Morgan (fiddle, guitar, vocals), Henry Lees (percussion, vocals) Howard Rabkin (bass, vocals) have started a new exciting musical endeavour called the STOREYTELLERS. While continuing to showcase their original material the STOREYTELLERS have added songs from THE GREAT CANADIAN SONGBOOK, including numbers by Canadian songwriters Lightfoot, Tyson, Rogers, Cockburn, Robertson Great Big Sea and others. Audiences love the new direction and have been enthusiastically singing along with the recognizable Canadian classics as well as the catchy original material.
Taylor Abrahamse Canadian Idol & Mariposa finalist, Kerrville Newfolk & Four Winds winner
Like a maple leaf in a gust above the prairies, Taylor Abrahamse blissfully floats beyond the borders of song, gender & genre with his/her deftly crafted, hook-laden hammerclaw pop. A Paul Simon/Ani Difranco/Jim Carrey crossbreed - (s)he’ll leave you laughing, crying, and singing along… if you can reach that high.
Taylor is a Kerrville Newfolk & Four Winds winner, plus a Canadian Idol & Mariposa finalist. Out of love for his writing, producer Eddie Kramer (Jimi Hendrix, The Beatles, Bowie, etc), insisted on working with Taylor on his acclaimed FACTOR funded debut & deluxe edition. Taylor’s music is also in the feature film 'About Fate' starring Emma Roberts, musicals, and TV series such as ‘Fangbone!’ (Disney) - one of many series in which Taylor voices main & supporting characters. Taylor has toured across the Northeast US & Canada playing countless Pride fests, house concerts, and opening slots for artists including Hawksley Workman, Susan Werner & Flamy Grant.
Howard Gladstone Howard Gladstone releases his 8th album "Crazy Talk" in September 2024
*Howard Gladstone and Band continue Residency at Tranzac Club for 2025
* Howard Gladstone releases his 8th album "Crazy Talk" in September 2024
* "Timepieces: Selected Lyrics" by Howard Gladstone is published by Amazon in October 2024
Howard Gladstone is a singer-songwriter whose melodies and lyrics weave a rich and vibrant tapestry within the tradition of Canadian storytelling and songcraft.
Gladstone has established himself as a stalwart in the Toronto folk community, celebrated for his heartfelt compositions and his dedication to the craft of song.
Born and raised in Toronto, Gladstone was immersed in the city's diverse musical landscape from a young age. His early influences ranged from the classic folk songs of the 1960s to the contemporary sounds of modern folk. This eclectic mix shaped his distinctive style, blending traditional folk with contemporary sensibilities with elements of Americana, roots, blues, jazz, and world music.
Gladstone’s live performances are intimate and engaging in nature. Whether performing solo or with his talented band, he creates a connection with his audience that transcends the stage. Hosting a monthly show at Toronto’s Tranzac club, Howard often shares the stage with other artists.
Canadian folk artist performing traditional Jewish songs Isaac Muzikansky Performs in Yiddish, Hebrew, Ladino, Russian, and English.
Isaac Muzikansky is a Canadian folk singer and guitarist rooted in traditional Jewish music. Born in the former Soviet Union and raised in Ottawa after emigrating in 1980, he spent over 30 years as an electronics engineer before focusing more fully on music in retirement.
Drawing on songs learned from his parents, Isaac performs in Yiddish, Hebrew, Ladino, Russian, Gypsy, and English. He has shared his music widely across Canada and the U.S., and released the album My Parents’ Favourite Yiddish Songs, honouring the musical heritage that shaped his life.
