Winterfolk Artists

Dala Canadian Folk Music Award - Vocal Group Of The Year, English Songwriter of the Year, Producer of the Year - Nominee

Juno nominees and winners of the 2010 Canadian Folk Music Award for Vocal Group of the Year, Amanda Walther and Sheila Carabine of Dala write and sing in harmony best described as angelic. These two best friends met in their high school music class in 2002; they have since released five albums and toured extensively across North America. Darlings of the Canadian music scene, Dala are now poised to bring their fresh brand of acoustic pop music to the world.

Drawing upon influences like The Beatles, Joni Mitchell, Neil Young and Bob Dylan, Dala write songs that are both catchy and insightful. Amanda’s ethereal soprano voice blends seamlessly with Sheila’s velvety alto, creating the lush harmonies that have become their trademark.

Lynn Miles

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Amanda Rheaume Winner 'Spirit of Folk' 2024 - Folk Alliance

Recipient of the Folk Alliance International 2024 Spirit of Folk Award

2023 Canadian Folk Music Award for Indigenous Songwriter of the Year and the 2023

Capital Music Awards’ Album of the YearRheaume’s music is indeed from the heart and the land.


First a songwriter, Rheaume comes from a long line of tireless, transformational organizers and activists. She carries this lineage forward in her ever-growing role as a crucial builder of Indigenous music infrastructure and community. From the International Indigenous Music Summit and Ishkode Records to the National Indigenous Music Office, the goal of raising Indigenous sovereignty in the music industry drives all of Rheaume’s work.

Recipient of the Folk Alliance International 2024 Spirit of Folk Award, the 2023 Canadian Folk Music Award for Indigenous Songwriter of the Year and the 2023 Capital Music Awards’ Album of the Year, Rheaume has released 5 full-length albums and four EPs, all while fostering a self-managed career travelling on numerous tours and achieving many milestones. 2013’s Keep a Fire was nominated for a JUNO Award and won.

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Melanie Peterson

Melanie Peterson, a folk/pop singer-songwriter-actor based in Toronto and born in Saskatoon, was deeply influenced by her parents who sang and played guitar in a jug band. Melanie credits her childhood, filled with the sounds of folk music, as a pivotal influence. With over 200 performances in Ontario, Quebec, and along Canada’s East and West Coasts, Melanie has built a reputation for her intelligent, grounded, and emotionally resonant songwriting, which has consistently moved and inspired audiences. In 2021, Melanie focused on songwriting and released her EP "We Got This – Side Two" on September 2, 2022. The EP presents a stark contrast between intense romantic experiences and a more robust musical style, receiving positive reviews, including praise from Bob Mersereau of Canada's Top 100 music blog, who hailed it as Melanie's "finest songwriting to date." Known affectionately as "Mary Poppins with a broken heart" by BBC radio, Melanie is preparing to release her third album in 2025.

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Brian Gladstone Band

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.

The Mid-Century Modernes The Mid-Century Modernes are four guys and a girl who rock the soundtrack of your life.

The Mid-Century Modernes perform "the soundtrack of your life.” We are a five-piece band staying true to the classic rock sounds of the 1960s through late 1970s. Thanks to the scope of our collective experiences in the music world, we are encyclopedic on this classic rock repertoire, and treat the songs with the passion that made this repertoire great, and which makes it the most popular and best selling music to date.

FLASH! The Mid-Century Modernes has finished recording a batch of new, original material that we will unleash on all music platforms in 2025. Watch out, world!

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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.

Camie Toronto-based singer/songwriter and multi-award-winning storyteller

- 2025 Canadian Folk Music Award Nominee (Contemporary Singer of the Year)
- New album POEMS IN THE ASHES came out March 2024
- 2023 Canadian Folk Music Award Nominee (New/Emerging Artist of the Year)
- 2022 Colleen Peterson Songwriting Award Winner (Folk Music Ontario)

Camie has long enchanted audiences with her soulful queer-feminist croonings, rich vocal tones, and lush poetic imagination. Combining traditional folk stylings with alternative pop-rock textures, Camie's original story-songs burst with flavour and feeling. Camie is a two-time Canadian Folk Music Award nominee (for her records ‘troubadour’ and ‘POEMS IN THE ASHES’), a winner of the 2022 Colleen Peterson Songwriting Award (from Folk Music Ontario and the Ontario Arts Council), and a Hamilton Music Award winner. S

Toronto-based singer/songwriter and multi-award-winning storyteller Camie has long enchanted audiences with her soulful queer-feminist croonings, rich vocal tones, and lush poetic imagination. Combining traditional folk stylings with alternative pop-rock textures, Camie's original story-songs burst with flavour and feeling. Camie is a two-time Canadian Folk Music Award nominee (for her records ‘troubadour’ and ‘POEMS IN THE ASHES’), a winner of the 2022 Colleen Peterson Songwriting Award (from Folk Music Ontario and the Ontario Arts Council), and a Hamilton Music Award winner. She can be found everywhere online at @thecamiliad.

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.

Ken Whiteley

Ken Whiteley is a renowned Canadian roots musician celebrated for his mastery in folk, blues, gospel, and children's music. Relocating to Toronto at the age of five, he began his musical journey in the 1960s with The Original Sloth Band, performing across North America and appearing on "Saturday Night Live" with Leon Redbone.

Over his extensive career, Whiteley has released over 33 albums and composed more than 400 songs. His collaborations include performances and recordings with legends such as Pete Seeger, John Hammond Jr., and Tom Paxton. As a producer, he has worked on over 135 albums, contributing to projects that have garnered multiple awards and sold in excess of 8 million copies.

Whiteley's contributions have been recognized with numerous accolades, including a Canadian Folk Music Award, seven Juno nominations, 18 Maple Blues nominations, a Genie Award for Best Original Song in a Canadian film, and Lifetime Achievement Awards from the Mariposa Folk Festival, The Maple Blues Awards, and Folk Music Ontario.

His recent album, "Long Time Travelling," was nominated for a Canadian Folk Music Award as Best Traditional Album in 2023. Whiteley continues to be a vital figure in the Canadian music scene, engaging audiences with his performances and fostering community through the power of song.

Michael Jerome Browne

3-time CFMA winner, 2-time Maple Blues Award winner

6-time Juno Award Nominee

Michael Jerome Browne is a multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and living encyclopedia of American Roots music. Michael traveled to record his album “Gettin’ Together” with old and new friends: Harrison Kennedy, Eric Bibb, John Sebastian, Mary Flower, Colin Linden and others. Getting together was therapeutic after the early ‘20s lock-downs. The album came out in 2023 on Borealis, received a Juno nomination and reached #1 on the FAI Charts. Born in Indiana, his parents introduced him to the great blues and folk clubs in their adopted home of Montreal. At 14, MJB was a regular on the coffee house scene. His performances inspire us to see the connections between the many cultures that gave us American Roots Music. Blues, Old-Time, Country and Soul, expect to hear all of this and more. He is also in demand backing up other artists, most notably Eric Bibb, whose Grammy-nominated “Migration Blues” he co-produced.

Q & A Tony Quarrington & Zoey Adams

Q&A is a Canadian musical duo comprising Juno Award-winning guitarist, composer, and songwriter Tony Quarrington and accomplished vocalist, actress, and comedienne Zoey Adams. Their collaboration blends diverse genres, including jazz, folk, and pop, resulting in a rich and eclectic repertoire.

Zoey Adams brings extensive experience in theatre, film, radio, and corporate entertainment to the partnership. Her dynamic stage presence and versatile vocal abilities significantly contribute to Q&A's unique sound. Adams' theatrical background enhances the duo's performances, infusing them with a distinctive flair.

The partnership between Quarrington and Adams began in 2005 when they were involved in "Vinyl Cafe: The Musical," a project commissioned by the late broadcaster and author Stuart McLean. Quarrington composed the music, while both he and Adams performed in the production. This collaboration laid the foundation for their ongoing musical endeavors.

Since forming Q&A, the duo has co-written over 100 songs, showcasing their prolific songwriting capabilities. Their discography includes projects like "One More Jazz Thing," "One More Folk Thing," and "Demo Listen Derby," each exploring different musical styles and themes. Listeners and critics alike commend Q&A for their seamless genre-blending and engaging performances, which highlight the synergy between Quarrington's instrumental expertise and Adams' expressive vocals.

Tony Quarrington

Tony Quarrington is a highly respected Canadian guitarist, songwriter, and producer with a career that spans over several decades and multiple genres, including jazz, blues, and folk. A Juno Award winner, Tony has built a reputation for his exceptional guitar technique, innovative compositions, and versatility as a musician. He has worked with an impressive array of artists across various genres, contributing to both their sound and success. As a solo artist, Tony has released several albums that showcase his unique blend of musical influences, all while pushing the boundaries of what is possible with the guitar.

In addition to his extensive solo work, Tony has also collaborated as a session musician, arranger, and producer, earning accolades for his contributions to Canadian music. His talents extend beyond the stage, as he has played a pivotal role in shaping the sound of other musicians and projects through his production work.

Currently, Tony is performing with his new band, Q&A, which features the talented vocalist Zoey Adams. The band’s music highlights their distinct sound that merges jazz, blues, and folk influences, with Tony’s guitar work at the forefront. Whether as a solo artist, collaborator, or bandleader, Tony Quarrington continues to influence the Canadian music landscape.

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

As lovers of Classical and some Jazz music well know, sometimes music needs not even a syllable of lyrics to create vivid portraits and emotions in the mind of the listener. Stirring, sweeping vistas and interactions can be conjured up in compositions created by masters of instrumental music, which is why the art form has endured and flourished for hundreds of years.

But what is commonplace for orchestras and some combos becomes remarkably noteworthy when a single acoustic guitar can accomplish the same and that is what D’Arcy Wickham has achieved with his new album, Signal Hill.

D’Arcy Wickham is a teacher of multiple guitar genres, voice and stringed instruments who also delights with his own musical prowess as shown on his new ‘Signal Hill’ album and in backing other acclaimed musicians in concert and the studio.

Noah Zacharin New album 'Points of Light' just released

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

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.

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Brampton Folk Club Community Partner

Formed 1997
approximately 50 active members from all over the GTA
Winner of 6 Brampton Bravo Awards for Outstanding Concert Series and a special adjudication award for presenting our Friday Folk Night Concerts (currently in its 20th season)
2024 recipient of a Brampton Citizens Award as part of the city’s 50th anniversary

The Brampton Folk Club is a non-profit community organization whose purpose is promote and encourage folk music in the Brampton area, to provide a forum for musicians to develop their skills in performing folk music and to provide as a resource to the city a talent pool for entertaining at community and charitable functions. The club was formed to address a void in the Brampton Arts scene, specifically an acoustic roots oriented musical organization.

Now in its 28th year, the club remains active in a number of ways, including monthly song circles, 2 concert series (Friday Folk Night and PAMA’s Folk Concerts) , Open Mics (both online and in-person), and participation in multiple community events such as Canada Day in Chinguacousy Park and Thursday Night Concert Series in Gage Park. The Brampton Folk Club is pleased to be returning to Winterfolk, and look forward to showcasing some of the amazing talent we have in the BFC.

Tannis Slimmon and Lewis Melville

FMO's 2020 Estelle Klein Award recipient
CFMA’s 2008 Contemporary Vocalist winner
“Ernest, Charlie & Allan” (song) won Independent Music Award for Best Folk/Roots Song
'Lucky Blue' (album) earned a spot on the Top Ten Critics Albums of the Year by Penguin Eggs


Tannis and Lewis both enjoy collaborating with other musicians....Tannis on harmonies and lewis on whatever instrument he's playing. Lewis is also a great arranger/producer/engineer in case those skills are of interest.

Laura Fernandez Bilingual singer songwriter and Pianist Laura Fernandez takes the stage

Laura Fernandez is a Toronto-based award-winning visual artist, pianist, singer-songwriter, and recording artist. Originally from Madrid, she grew up in Spain, Switzerland, and Calgary. Her debut album, *The Other Side*, earned recognition at the New York International Independent Music Festival and featured performances at venues like Madison Square Garden. Her second album, *Un Solo Beso*, celebrates her Spanish roots and Latin influences, featuring renowned musicians and charting in Canada. In 2020, Laura released *Okay, Alright*, a collection spanning two decades of songwriting, which gained international airplay. She has also performed in India, blending Indo, Latin, and jazz styles. Laura is a Steinway Artist and was named one of the 10 Most Influential Hispanic Canadians in 2015. Since 2008, she has hosted *Café Latino* on JazzFM91.

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.

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.

David Newland

New project, In Search of Lost Trees featured by CBC Radio and Roots Music Canada
Recipient of Cobourg Civic Award for Distinguished Arts & Culture
Fellow of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society

David Newland writes songs and tells stories inspired by Canadian landscapes and experiences.

David Storey and the Storey Tellers

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.

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Harpin' Norm Lucien Plays Harp in 13 Different Keys!

Harpin’ Norm Lucien emerged on the Folk scene with a few harmonicas in his pocket and soon began to play with many musicians and in many styles! Adding guitar and his poetry Harpin’ now writes his own songs as well as writing for others. Having played in Toronto, around Southern Ontario, other countries, and venues in Nashville, Harpin’s uplifting, and often social commentary songs are being covered by others and enjoying radio play.

Harpin’s Norm’s first CD ‘The World’s Strongest Man’ comprises eleven of his original songs, some on which he is joined by Nicole Coward! Harpin’ Norm’s second full CD, ‘Close to The Flame’ was also joined by and produced by Maple Blues Award winner Steve Sherman. Harpin’ is presently working deep into his third CD.

Shawna Caspi

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.

Robert Priest & the Kraartones

New single, simple human kindness, coming out December 15 with Vesuvius records
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 Insead of a Kiss, a number one hit for rock chanteuse Alannah Myles and the recent top ten hit by indigenous balladeer, Julian Taylor, Seeds (They Tried to Bury Us). A new single and video Simple Human Kindness is due out Dec. 15 with Vesuvius records. Of a recent performance, Cashbox has written: “Robert Priest is a true Canadian original who dese
Love is Hard, his 2017 Bob Wiseman-produced CD continued in this poetic traditon with ten passionate love songs, incisive political 'protest songs’ and a spoken word piece all of which have drawn strong notices from reviewers. Robert is a graduate of the Toronto live music scene. His 1st ever recordi

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Winterfolk Wristbands

 

During Festival Hours, Wristbands Are Sold at All Winterfolk venues.

Pre-ordered wristbands can be picked up DURING FESTIVAL HOURS at Wanda's Pied in the Sky Bakery, 287 Augusta

15% Discount for Advance Sales for Wristband Pre-orders till Feb 23

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