Dec 10, 2019

2017 Canadian Folk Music Award Winner for Contemporary Album of the Year; new album GETAWAY released 2019 Call it prairie noir, or Canadiana desert rock: Abigail Lapell sings haunting, gorgeous modern folk songs. The Toronto vocalist, guitarist and multi-instrumentalist has released three acclaimed solo albums. Her 2017 sophomore release, Hide Nor Hair, won the...

Dec 6, 2019

Stony Plain Recording artist. Kevin Breit is a Canadian musician who has traveled the world making music. 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. Known for his inimitable guitar playing, exquisite lyrics and eccentric...

Dec 6, 2019

New Sophomore CD In The Clear Released January 2019; Winner, 2019 Colleen Peterson Songwriting Award for All In Place Canadian Americana singer, songwriter and guitarist Suzanne Jarvie is about to embark on her second 2019 European tour supporting In The Clear and is thrilled to be back at Winterfolk 2020 playing music in the TO community! Suzanne Jarvie is out...

Dec 1, 2019

Songs from the Heart Contest runner up You know her as Swamperella – Toronto’s Queen of Cajun…that little power house that can rock a room and can get anyone up dancing…anytime…anywhere! What happens to ‘Swamperella’ once the party is over and everyone has gone home? Soozi Schlanger’s solo project soozimusic,...

Dec 1, 2019

Swamperella is not only Canada’s own Cajun/Zydeco band with 22 years under their shiny belts – Swamperella is an experience! What puts the swamp into Swamperella? Driving accordions – Gutsy fiddling- Sultry vocals and a Killer rhythm section that pumps out a ’cant sit still ’ authentic Cajun / Zydeco groove. Whether acoustically, at back porch b b q...

Dec 1, 2019

Slow-cooked, solid-groove story-telling blues from this year’s recipient of the Maple Blues “Blues Booster” lifetime achievement award Brian Blain, a mainstay of the Toronto blues scene since the early 90s and a well-respected “elder statesman” of the blues will be playing tunes from his upcoming CD.  Brian has been a...

Dec 1, 2019

Past John Lennon and Isc songwriting contest winner, Irrelevant show cast member and touring artist. Super fun singer songwriter and storyteller.Great guitar player, fun to watch, memorable songs. Ben Sures is a Winnipeg folk festival raised singer songwriter known for his great performances and songwriting. He has toured across Canada, done numerous Homeroutes...

Dec 1, 2019

2 times Juno Award winner and 3 times Juno Award nominee. New release on Nov 2019 – Donné Roberts ONWARD Donné Roberts is a guitarist and a singer songwriter.  Donné Robert’s music makes winter feels like summer. African blues & jazz with joyful groove from Madagascar. www.donneroberts.com...

Nov 29, 2019

Reprinted from Sax & Violins Magazine, November 29, 2019 – Toronto, Canada’s annual Winterfolk Blues and Roots Festival is back for its 18th instalment and has confirmed the first round of artists. Held from February 21-23, 2020, the three-day event will once again include the best of urban, blues, rock, jazz, country, folk and roots music, not...

Nov 29, 2019

  Reprinted from Cashbox Magazine November 28, 2019 – Toronto-based Winterfolk Blues and Roots Festival has announced its 18th annual celebration, with music and food on full display February 21- 23, 2020, including a stellar lineup of JUNO, Maple Blues, and Canadian Folk Music-winners including Lynn Miles, Jack de Keyzer,...

Nov 25, 2019

Toronto born Mike McKenna is a blues guitar player who in has played with Luke & the Apostles, Downchild, MeKenna Mendelson Mainline, and more.   Opened for Jefferson Airplane & Grateful Dead His unique style of electric slide guitar has even earned him induction into the Canada South Blues Society Hall of Fame, an event scheduled for October of...

Nov 25, 2019

Songwriters, singers, musicologists, authors, advocates, activists – Socially conscious Canadiana folk music with a few twists Born too late to be part of the 1960’s folk revival, Winnipeg born, Toronto based Sue and Dwight embody the musical spirit of that time. Their songs about the prairies, life in the big city, and travels in East Africa impart human...

Nov 25, 2019

Winner -Songs from the heart 2008, Signal Hill CD release 2019 D’Arcy Wickham is a teacher and performer of multiple guitar genres and stringed instruments who delights with his musical prowess as shown on his new ‘Signal Hill’album In over 45 years of performing, and currently with his son accompanying him, and with the release of three...

Nov 24, 2019

Mr. Rick is a Singer and fingerstyle acoustic guitarist performing original arrangements of the Trad. American Roots and Blues Song book. A solo album by Rick is coming any minute now Rick’s 3rd CD “Songs about God and Booze” available at CD Baby. Now Magazine, 4 stars. Singer, guitarist, and player of old time Roots Americana, Mr. Rick (aka Rick Zolkower) was...

Nov 24, 2019

New Single #1 from upcoming EP will be out in Jan/Feb/Mar 2020, Single #2, from album + full album Apr/May/Jun 2020! For over ten years, Melanie Peterson has been entertaining fans, near and far, with her cheerful, lively, original songs, and unique renditions of cover tunes. This Saskatoon born Toronto-based singer-songwriter has quietly become one of the...

Nov 22, 2019

A 52 year veteran of the Canadian music scene. Seb is a scathing, hilarious, politically incorrect but always entertaining performer. Since his band, “The Lords Of London”, topped the Canadian Charts when he was just 14 years old, Seb Agnello has performed with the likes of Jimi Hendrix, The Mothers Of Invention, Marvin Gaye, Etta James, The Youngbloods ,...

Nov 22, 2019

Winner, Folk Music Ontario 2019 “Songs From the Heart” Award, Singer-Songwriter; New CD “All That’s Real” Released Sept 2019 Uplifting folk-roots music with divine harmonies. You will come to listen, and walk away singing. GATHERING SPARKS is the graceful collision of Eve Goldberg and Jane Lewis—musical friends who blend tight harmonies,...

Nov 22, 2019

Great Canadian Singer/songwriter with a Juno Award and 6 Canadian Folk Music awards Lynn is a Singer / songrwiter with 900 songs 14 albums and thousands of roads travelled.  Lynn Miles is one of Canada’s most accomplished singer/songwriters. With 14 solo albums to her credit, the winner of the 2002 Juno award for Roots and Traditional Solo Album of the...

Nov 22, 2019

Born in Madrid, Laura Fernandez is a versatile singer songwriter pianist whose music merges the genres of pop, jazz and Latin music. Laura Fernandez was born in Madrid, Spain and immigrated to Canada as a young girl after also having spent a good part of her childhood in Switzerland. As a result her musical influences encompass a broad range of styles and...

Nov 22, 2019

New CD Released November 2018 – A Jewish Boy’s Christmas Toronto based jazz singer, former chorister on CBC’s “Hymn Sing” Sam Broverman is a Winnipeg-born, Toronto based jazz singer and songwriter. He has performed in venues across Canada, the US, Europe and Asia. He began his professional singing career in Winnipeg as a teenager,...

Nov 22, 2019

Noah Zacharin is an acknowledged guitar master and literate songwriter with 7 CD’s of original music and countless appearances on stage and CD, supporting many of the best in town and beyond. Noah Zacharin is an exciting performer—a singer / songwriter / guitarist with 7 solo CD’s of multi-genre music, several collaborative efforts, and production and...

Nov 22, 2019

Kyp Harness has released 15 albums of his songs. He has opened for Elvis Costello and has his songs covered by Ron Sexsmith and Mary Margaret O’Hara. Kyp Harness has released 15 albums of his songs and published two novels. Kyp Harness has been called a “great writer” by Daniel Lanois, has opened for Elvis Costello. www.kypharness.net...

Nov 22, 2019

Folk Alliance Australia ‘Young Artist of the Year 2019/20’, New CD Released 2019 Saiji is a multi-instrumental folk duo whose soulful harmonies, dynamic guitar-lines and percussive breakdowns breathe life into heartfelt stories. Their song writing typically encourages connection to self, to the earth and to each other, inviting you on a journey...

Nov 22, 2019

Star of stage screen and radio, award winning musician, broadcaster singer songwriter. Danny Mark’s roots go back to 1960’s Capitol records band, Edward Bear. Danny Marks is a Toronto Blues Society’s Blues with a Feeling Award winner for lifetime achievement. This iconic rocker’s roots go back to the sixties as a founding member of...

Nov 22, 2019

Howard Gladstone unveils new songs on climate crisis, modern and ancient exiles, remembering Woodstock, and other urgent topics. Howard Gladstone asks: Are songs the front line in a world where beauty, truth and understanding are elusive? Howard Gladstone shares emotion and meaning in his songwriting and performance. His fifth album, Hourglass, released in 2018...

Nov 22, 2019

New CD Released August 2019 An artist who sings songs In The Heart Of Now.  David is a prolific performing songwriter with 7 albums released, and one coming next Aug 2020-he has recorded 5 albums in Nashville with stellar A-list players. David has received a warm welcome at radio, charting two songs, a No# 2 and a No# 8, in Europe, in 2019...

Nov 21, 2019

Debut Album Produced With Eddie Kramer, Pre-Order Available Now. Taylor Abrahamse is a Toronto singer/songwriter. Co-founder of Silverthorn Studios, he has played across Ontario and wowed crowds with songs he wrote for his debut album, produced with the legendary Eddie Kramer (Jimi Hendrix, The Beatles, Brian May, Carly Simon & many more). A professional...

Nov 21, 2019

Award winning guitarist, songwriter, instrumentalist, humorist and ‘all-round idiot’ joins the Winterfolk Cast! He’s won awards for his guitar playing, his films and his albums. And his shows are crazy, only one thing is guaranteed.. you’ll laugh! Wendell Ferguson is first and foremost a fingerstyle guitarist. But he also has a...

Nov 21, 2019

Lynn Harrison returns with “Something More,” acclaimed new solo release. An inspiring artist with songs of uncommon beauty, integrity and spiritual insight, Lynn Harrison returns to Winterfolk following the release of her sixth recording “Something More”. One of the Toronto music scene’s enduring treasures and a gifted artist of...

Nov 21, 2019

9 time Maple Blues Award winners , New CD released 2019 Hot blues and cool jazz with Diana’s memorable voice and Chris’ multi-instrumental virtuosity.  Multi award winning duo, Diana Braithwaite and Chris Whiteley have toured extensively throughout North America and Europe , including a concert in Moscow. They were given songwriter of the year...

Nov 21, 2019

Latest CD Release 2016–The Horses Are Loose; Co-Founder Alive Poets Society (1987-2000 ) BILL HEFFERNAN is a Singer-Songwriter, Story Telling, Spoken Word Artist, MC, Auctioneer, and Social Activist Teacher. From the back-roads of Southern Ontario to the Pan American Highway, from protest lines to gated communities, from hockey arenas, racetracks and...

Nov 21, 2019

Songs you’ve heard too many times, but not lately. Wayne Neon is the illegitimate love child of Bob Dylan and Duke Ellington. Memorable melodies, clever lyrics, rich voices, and solid rhythms are his hang-ups. His laser focused folk, jazz, blues, rock, skiffle, country, mariachi, English Beat, Motown, Dixieland, Honky Tonk, shuffle, pop, beach party,...

Nov 21, 2019

“Nathaniel: A Tribute to Nat King Cole” Silver Medal, Best Album, Global Music Awards ’17; “Sweetheart” Best Jazz Song American Songwriting Awards ’18 Award-winning   Award-winning jazz singer, songwriter and recording artist Ori Dagan is taking jazz to new and exciting places. His rich baritone voice and impressive...

Nov 21, 2019

“Clela has it all and she showcases her talents effortlessly, beautiful, spiritual, and earthy.” Fatea Records UK Clela Errington has a voice that is timeless and true, effortlessly reaching beyond technique and trends to wrap you in a warm soul embrace. Clela’s vibrant blend of folk and jazz creates the perfect vehicle for her intimate and dynamic vocal...

Nov 19, 2019

Afro Scotian Music Award, Chalmers Award, Honored Dyke(Toronto Pride), Recipient, Ontario Federation Labour Cultural Activist Award Faith Nolan a Queer Afro Scotian singer-songwriter and self-taught musician,folk singer , banjo ,guitar bluesharp her career spans 50years plus. To call Faith Nolan a folk singer doesn’t come close to doing her justice. Her music...

Nov 19, 2019

Winner Durham vocalist of the year 2011, CBC Song of the week Oct 2016, CBC sounds of the season 2016 JTB is a wickedly talented group of musicians delivering funk, soul and a blistering brand of rhythm and blues. Jerome Tucker Philadelphia area born, Co-wrote songs with Ivan Neville of Keith Richards Band. Played with Otis Rush, Dickey Betts of the Alman...

Nov 19, 2019

Vivienne Wilder is a Canadian singer, multi-instrumentalist, writer, and visual artist currently living in Toronto. Originally from sunny Saskatchewan, Wilder grew up in a musical family, the youngest daughter of an orchestra bassist father and torch-singer mother. After many years of ‘side-manning’ for a long list of bands and solo artists, she became devoted...

Nov 19, 2019

New CD release 2018 – Resolutions, 2001 Brampton Arts Acclaim Award, Multiple Song Contest Winner (NSAI, Billboard Magazine) Dynamic singer-songwriter with 3 CD releases featuring award winning songs for songwriting. Dan McVeigh is an award winning songwriter with 3 CD’s to his credit. He is also been a coordinator for over 23 years with the Nashville...

Nov 19, 2019

Cowriter, coproducer,performer – two original CDs: Q&A “Christmas Dream”, Q&A “One More Thing”. Writer/performer, 2 original CDs for Children:” ROWAN!” Seasoned actress, comedienne, director, singer, songwriter. Zoey Adams’ performance career has spanned many decades. An actress, comedienne, singer, writer and...

Nov 19, 2019

Will You Ever Care for Me, Last CD released in 2009 and gained attention of the Cowboy Junkies and a place with their label Latent Records.

Barbara Lynch is a Toronto based singer songwriter. Her music has strong blues, old style jazz rhythms and boogie woogie piano influences.

Nov 19, 2019

Blues-infused music with a message Heather Luckhart brings her life experiences and endurance into every musical moment. Luckhart’s connection to the blues is one she has earned. Her passion for the music community connects her internationally, which is evident through her social media influencer status on Instagram as well as through her various community...

Nov 19, 2019

A SONG WRITER AS QUINTESSENTIALLY CANDIAN AS MAPLE SYRUP AND ICE STORMS BeatRoute magazine: “David Storey and the side Road Scholars effortlessly bring the boot stomping, sing along energy when the time is right, but also know how to settle into more pensive moments.” New Album “made in Canada” released Jan 2019 Like his previously acclaimed releases, David...

Nov 15, 2019

Jack de Keyzer, 2X Juno, 7X Maple Blues Winner, International blues guitarist, singer & song writer. Jack de Keyzer plays the blues world wide. One of Canada’s most awarded and in demand blues guitarists he has released 11 CD’s and 1 DVD. An exciting live performer, soulful vocalist and world class song writer, de Keyzer performs an average of 150 shows per...

Nov 15, 2019

“Brooks’ massive declamatory vibe and hypnotic, inimitable guitar playing gives an audience goosebumps you could grate cheese on.” – Paul Corby, 2019. A machine gun of sincerity saving us from the healers of sadness and unknowing.  Jon Brooks’ music is polyphonic in sound, word, and influence. His performances are emotionally intense raids on the...

Nov 15, 2019

Singer-songwriter, poet and performer, tempered by the 60s-a beatnic hippy radical imbued with lots of mirth apparently. (Image not available at time of posting) Singer-songwriter, poet and performer, tempered by the 60s-a beatnic hippy radical imbued with lots of mirth apparently. From Virginia most recently in 1970 when landed in Stratford after playing in a...

Nov 15, 2019

The Layrite Boys, Self titled EP released, 2017. Stay tuned for the full length LP record! Toronto’s Old-time Country Duo. The new-old stock country sounds of The Layrite Boys hearken back to the Golden Age of country and bluegrass, but with feet firmly planted in the modern age. Though their style could outshine your ex’s wedding ring, it is the...

Nov 13, 2019

Isaak is the Subject of ‘Waiting in the Street’ – A documentary by Shane Pendergast  Isaak Bonk is a Toronto born musician, he plays a mixture of his his own compositions and pre-war/ folk revival era country blues and bluegrass. A TTC busker and musician about town, Isaak plays in many of Toronto’s bona fide folk clubs. Holding a...

Nov 12, 2019

40th album “The Heritage Hall Sessions” released 2019. New one-man Show “James Gordon’s Emergency Climate” Musical touring now. Veteran Canadian Songworker and Poetician. James Gordon is a Canadian songwriter/playwright/musician/producer and community activist. Co-founder of the legendary Canadian folk trio Tamarack, He’s released...

Nov 12, 2019

New CD Echoed Light released in Spring 2019 Folk roots songwriter Meg Tennant’s new CD Echoed Light offers up some hope, comfort and clarity.  Originally from Northern Ontario, songwriter Meg Tennant is currently based in Toronto after spending many years on the west coast. She has opened for the likes of Eliza Gilkyson and Tom Russell at...

Nov 12, 2019

Glen Hornblast is an award-winning Toronto songwriter, well-known to the Toronto folk community. 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...

Nov 5, 2019

Advanced wristbands at $15.00! Order early to avoid disappointment – can sell out quickly! Avoid lineups at the door.  A wristband allows entry to over 90 performances. We will be asking up to $25.00 at the door. Wristbands will be mailed on Jan 2, 2020 Quantity: Inventory Restriction Inventory Failure...

Oct 21, 2019

Award-winning slide guitar duo, 2018 IBC contestants, Hamilton-based songwriters and multi-instrumentalists     Alfie Smith and Nicole Christian are old-style slide guitarists, multi-instrumentalists and a blues duo not to be missed. Alfie Smith and Nicole Christian are old-style slide guitarists, multi-instrumentalists and a blues duo not to be...

Oct 10, 2019

Save 15% on  Winterfolk Accommodation with Promo Code   Hotel Discounts are available to Winterfolk guests at The Annex Hotel, which is one of our venues. Attentive design and unparalleled comfort is what you can expect at the Annex. Save 15% on room rate with Promo Code WINTERFOLKANNEX (enter the Promo Code at the very end of the Booking Flow) Book...

Sep 26, 2019

Feb 26, 2019

By Paul Corby Feb 26, 2019, as printed in Roots Music Canada Magazine – A rousing carousel of song spun everything from simple roots folk to visceral blues scorchers past an audience of musical tourists this past weekend on the upper east bank of Toronto’s Don River. For the seventeenth consecutive year, the Winterfolk Festival gave a woebegone February...

Feb 20, 2019

Reprinted from Roots and Blues Radio – I have been attending this event since I came to Canada ten years ago, In the past I have been a volunteer running the stage at the Black Swan Pub ( Upstairs ) and in recent years have covered the event for Blues & Roots Radio by way of my radio show ( Under The Radar, Sunday’s 9 am ET ) and a series of...

Feb 16, 2019

Ruth Schweitzer – Special to The CJN – Lynda Marks Kraar’s parents, both Holocaust survivors, were distressed when they saw their artistic, only child, now an ace guitarist, was preoccupied with music rather than concentrating on academics. “I think as a child of Holocaust survivors, music was not high up on the priority list. Either...

Feb 6, 2019

Cd released 2016 “Still on Fire” Winner song of the week CBC Here and Now 99.1FM CBC Sounds of the Season Host band 2016 We are a funky R&B soul band with a blistering groove. Jerome Tucker band is a blistering funky, rocky, exciting entity. Based out of Toronto they have etched their mark in the city through their live...

Jan 30, 2019

Reprinted from Danforth BIA Website ANNOUNCES FULL LINEUP FEBRUARY 22-24, 2019 www.winterfolk.com WHO: Donné Roberts, Jack de Keyzer, Gary Kendall Band, Mose Scarlett,Cassie & Maggie, Moscow Apartment, James Gordon, Ken Whiteley, Danny Marks, Brian Blain, Tony Quarrington, Noah Zacharin, The Lifers, Tragedy Ann, David...

Jan 28, 2019

Reprinted from FYI Jan 25, 2019 – Chloe Watkinson: “This Is Our Time” (Aporia): This Toronto singer is gradually making inroads with the tracks she has been releasing over the past year, now spinning on 200+ radio stations in 26 countries, and this new cut, released today, should sustain her career momentum. Watkinson’s sound fuses...

Jan 27, 2019

FEBRUARY 22-24, 2019 www.winterfolk.com WHO: Donné Roberts, Mose Scarlett, Cassie & Maggie,Moscow Apartment, James Gordon, Ken Whiteley, Danny Marks, The Lifers, Tragedy Ann, David Storey, Ori Dagan,Chloe Watkinson, Sammy Duke, Ken Yoshioka, Jon Brooks STAV + more! WHAT: Winterfolk XVII Blues & Roots Festival...

Jan 26, 2019

Co Presented by The Toronto Blues Society

Jan 21, 2019

Tickets are typically sold out by showtime. Order early to avoid disappointment. 

Jan 21, 2019

Reprinted from Toronto Moon Magazine Jan 19, 2019, by Beverly Kreller – Festival-goers will have a chance to get a sneak preview of what’s in store at the 17th ANNUAL WINTERFOLK BLUES AND ROOTS FESTIVAL when some of the finest folk, roots and blues artists will take the stage at St. Paul’s United Church, 200 McIntosh St.  in...

Jan 18, 2019

Reprinted from Roots Music Canada Jan 18, 2019 – Music fans will have a chance to get a sneak preview of what’s in store at the 17th annual Winterfolk Blues and Roots Festival when some of the finest folk, roots and blues artists will take the stage at St. Paul’s United Church (200 McIntosh St.) in Scarborough on Saturday.  (Doors open at 7:30 p.m.,...

Jan 15, 2019

The Winterfolk Blues an Roots Music Festival will be back at Danforth and Broadview February 22- 24, 2019. We are looking for volunteers to help out over the weekend so if you want to get involved and hear some great live music please consider signing up https://www.winterfolk.com/volunteer-now/…  If you want to find out more about volunteering come...

Jan 13, 2019

7 Juno nominations for his own recordings in Blues, Roots, Traditional & Children’s categories 20+ Canadian Maple Blues Award nominations, Best Blues song for “Everybody has the Blues” (OCFF/FMO 2007) Estelle Klein Lifetime Achievement Award (OCFF/FMO) & Canadian Hall of Fame Award (Mariposa Folk Festival) Ken Whiteley is a multi award...

Jan 10, 2019

Save on advanced wristband orders, as the price will be higher at the door. Order now and save!

Jan 9, 2019

Reprinted From Music News Digest – Acoustic Harvest hosts a Winterfolk Blues and Roots Festival preview concert in Scarborough on Jan. 19 at St. Paul’s United Church, 200 McIntosh St. The event showcases some of the artists who’ll play Winterfolk in Toronto in February, with the lineup comprising Cassie and Maggie, Alana &...

Jan 9, 2019

Reprinted from NOW Magazine – The 17th annual festival takes place at three venues and four stages in the Danforth area. This all-ages, mid-winter, weatherproof event features urban, blues, rock, jazz, country, folk and roots music. Performers include Bywater Blues Band, Cassie & Maggie, Chloe Watkinson, D’Arcy Wickham,...

Jan 8, 2019

Acoustic Harvest + Winterfolk Blues & Roots Festival Present: Winterfolk XVII Preview – Saturday, January 19 – St. Paul’s United Church, 200 McIntosh St. Scarborough, ON – Doors 7:30pm | Music 8:   For Immediate Release / Please Retain For Listings Acoustic Harvest and Winterfolk XVII Blues & Roots Festival Present…...

Jan 8, 2019

The 9th Annual Maple Blues Awards, Bassist Of The Year, Phoenix Concert Theatre, Toronto Everyone knows Gary Kendall as oft-elected Maple Blues’ Bassist of the Year, blues man about town and keeper of the bottom end for Downchild. But Gary’s alter ego is found in his much beloved Gary Kendall Band – a band in which each carefully selected player...

Jan 8, 2019

No One Travels Alone (Borealis/2018), is first example in popular music of an album written and recorded in circular, ‘corona’ form. 4 x Nominee ‘Songwriter of the Year’ (2007/2009/2012/2014) @ The Canadian Folk Music Awards Jon Brooks writes songs to calm those who’ve looked into and seen what is in their hearts; he also writes...

Jan 7, 2019

Representing Western new York Blues Society in Memphis at the International Blues Challenge Guitar Blues Slide singer songwriter “Hamilton is blessed with a wealth of great blues guitarists. None is better than Alfie Smith when it comes to the acoustic slide and he’s got a voice to match.” ~Graham Rockingham The SpecAlfie Smith...

Jan 3, 2019

Acoustic Harvest and Winterfolk XVII Blues & Roots Festival are teaming up to present the Winterfolk XVII Preview and Benefit Concert on Saturday, Jan. 19 at St. Paul’s United Church, 200 McIntosh St., in Scarborough. Doors open at 7:30 p.m., and the music starts at 8 p.m. and continues until 10 p.m. Tickets are on sale at the door for $25 or in advance for...

Dec 29, 2018

Toronto born Mike McKenna is a blues guitar player who in has played with Luke & the Apostles, Downchild, MeKenna Mendelson Mainline, and more. Opened for Jefferson Airplane & Grateful Dead Toronto born Mike McKenna is a blues guitar player who in has played with Luke & the Apostles, Downchild, MeKenna Mendelson Mainline, and more.  Opened...

Dec 28, 2018

Performing songwriter who has recorded four albums of original song.     Latest album “Traveling Truthfully” available Dec 1/2016.     Honourable Mention for Songwriting-Bandwars (Mike Pinder of Moody Blues).     David sings with a powerful conviction, heartfelt insightful songs that...

Dec 28, 2018

Songs about Canadians in the First World War, by Tony Quarrington For King and Country will feature Toronto musician-composer Tony Quarrington’s new CD about Canadians and their contributions during the First World War. The roots-music songs will be performed by Quarrington and a dozen other performers from a wide range of genres who collaborated on the album....

Dec 27, 2018

2 X Juno Award Winner 7 X Maple Blues Award Winner Jack de Keyzer is a 2 X Juno (Canada’s Grammy) and 7X Maple Blues award winning artist, blues guitarist, singer, song writer and producer and one of the finest blues guitarists on the scene today.   Jack de Keyzer is a 2 X Juno (Canada’s Grammy) and 7X Maple Blues award winning artist, blues...

Dec 26, 2018

Alana & Leigh Cline are a Toronto based Celtic fiddle/guitar instrumental duo who combine Irish, Cape Breton and Scottish styles to create their own sound. Irish, Scottish and Cape Breton Traditional Fiddle & Guitar Duo “I am listening to your CD and it’s BRILLIANT.” Bonnie Dobson Alana & Leigh Cline are a Toronto based Celtic...

Dec 26, 2018

Danny Marks is a genre bending stage performer who can blend music and humor seamlessly, with style and authenticity. star of stage screen and radio holder of the Maple Blues Award for Lifetime Achievement Celebrated Musician and Broadcaster Danny Marks began to play guitar at age eleven. He turned professional at seventeen and scored big with his first real...

Dec 25, 2018

One of the Toronto music scene’s enduring treasures, Lynn Harrison writes songs that speak to the heart and inspire audiences of all ages Also an ordained Unitarian minister Releasing her sixth recording in 2019 Host of “The Bridge” inspirational open stage A gifted performer and writer of songs full of passion and light, Lynn Harrison moves audiences wherever...

Dec 25, 2018

Roger Clown has been performing for five decades successfully, in a variety of group and solo offerings, live and electronically, for audiences of all sizes, social standing, ages, genders, and abilities. happily. Roger Clown has been performing for five decades successfully, in a variety of group and solo offerings, live and electronically, for audiences of...

Dec 25, 2018

With a solid music education and a rich performance history (including at Preservation Hall and leading a brass band in New Orleans, and playing regional clubs and festivals in Canada and the US) Chloe launched her solo career in 2018, performing at Toronto venues such as Roy Thomson Hall for the Women’s Blues Revue, Yonge-Dundas Square, and two...

Dec 24, 2018

Brian Gladstone is an analogue techno-hippie trapped in a digital world.  Gladstone’s five albums have all gained worldwide acclaim and global airplay. Brian Gladstone is the founder and active festival director for Winterfolk, an annual blues and roots festival in Toronto Brian Gladstone is a world class fingerstyle guitar player, a an intuitive...

Dec 24, 2018

Maggie & Mr. Rogers put a fresh spin on Folk and Jazz standards, with a repertoire that spans decades.   “Maggie & Mr. Rogers Make Jazz and Folk Belong Together” — Gary 17 – Publisher, Toronto Moon Magazine About our first recording… “Soundscape and quality of the recording are beautiful! Guitars sound sumptuous...

Dec 24, 2018

Emilyn Stam and John David Williams merge the melodic voices of violin and clarinet, with a touch of accordion, creating a modern, playful sound steeped in traditions from regions of Europe and North America.   “Ingenious, witty…” – fROOTS Magazine (UK) This is creative, witty and beautiful music making.” – Alison Melville, WholeNote...

Dec 24, 2018

With several tours across the country, being a part of the CCMA house band, and receiving numerous awards, Alessia Cohle’s love for all styles of music has helped her define and create her own unique sound, joining the next wave of artists who continue to push the future of country music. Winner, Mississauga Music Awards, 2018 Winner, MARTY Awards,...

Dec 23, 2018

Winner, Folk Alliance Australia ‘Young Artist of the Year’ 2018 Debut Canada national tour February 2019 including official showcase at FAI ‘The Horizon Line’ CD released 2016, 2 singles released in 2018 The 2018 Folk Alliance Australia ‘Young Artist of the Year’, soulful and honest, multilingual singer-songwriter STAV....

Dec 23, 2018

Their  first two gigs were in a bookstore and a barbershop. Tony Quarrington and Zoey Adams They wrote 50 songs in our first year of co-composing. With a combined hundred years of professional work, they are poised to be an overnight success He was a veteran guitarist player. She was an actress and writer with musical background. He looked exactly like a...

Dec 23, 2018

Original songs and songs inspired from the soundtrack of my life. Performer, Musicians on Call (NYC) Award-winning author of short stories and poetry Fronts the Palisades All-Star Revue: An American Music Experience Lynda Marks Kraar got her professional start in the Toronto music scene when she was 17. By the time she was 21 she was fronting Lynda Marks and...

Dec 23, 2018

Songwriters, singers, musicologists, authors, advocates, activists Socially conscious contemporary folk music with a few twists Creators of Canada’s only tribute to the 60’s folk revival, ‘Where Have All the Folk Songs Gone’ Born too late to be part of the 1960’s folk revival, Winnipeg born, Toronto based Sue and Dwight embody the musical spirit of...

Dec 23, 2018

Juno Award Winning Producer for  Willie P. Bennett’s HEARTSTRINGS (1998) Latest album is FOR KING AND COUNTRY, new songs about Canada in WW1. One of the most appreciated tributes to my work was Winterfolk’s album SONGS OF TONY QUARRINGTON I’ve been around the scene playing guitar for fifty-plus years, and I still enjoy it a lot! Tony has...

Dec 19, 2018

  Winterfolk XVII Festival News Dec 18, 2018       Winterfolk XVII Blues and Roots Festival Mark the Dates – Winterfolk XVII Feb 22-24, 2019 Be sure to mark your calendars for the 17th Annual Winterfolk Blues and Roots Festival taking place February 22-24, 2019 in Toronto. Winterfolk is an all-ages, mid-winter, weatherproof event,...

Dec 19, 2018

New CD “Terminus” Released July 2018 Three time JUNO-nominated percussionist One-man-band and folk fusion songwriter – performing on eight instruments simultaneously! You would never be able to mistake one-man-band Sammy Duke for anyone else once he starts performing on stage. A critically acclaimed head-turner, this shameless prog-folk rocker...

Dec 19, 2018

Steve Raiken is appreciated by audiences as a very talented singer/songwriter and acoustic guitarist Steve Raiken has been playing guitar and singing for 50 years. As a student at the University of Buffalo in the late 1960s, Raiken immersed himself in the folk music scene. Raiken began performing with a fellow student, Marc Cashman. They performed as...

Dec 19, 2018

New original jazz album “Settling Up” released November 2018 hit #1 on iTunes Canada Jazz Chart in its first week Toronto jazz vocalist SIMONE MORRIS exudes a rare blend of soulfulness and subtlety – a natural storyteller who artfully lures audiences into her craftily-spun musical stories. Simone Morris is reeling from the success of her...

Dec 19, 2018

New Album, Cold Spring, Released 2017 A 5-piece bluegrass powerhouse featuring rich vocal harmonies, killer picking, and a fun-loving, down-to-earth stage presence, The Barrel Boys are a unique staple of the Toronto music scene. Established in 2012, The Barrel Boys are a 5-piece string band based in Toronto, Ontario. The band’s sound is built around rich vocal...

Dec 19, 2018

Winner, Songs from the Heart Contest 2017 Debut Album Released 2018 Doris Folkens is developing a reputation in Canada’s music scene as a storyteller, reviving tales of past generations with old-time inspired folk and nostalgia. Doris Folkens turns stories into folk music – stories that might have disappeared if not for her songs. Her music is...