Dec 8, 2017

Acoustic Harvest was started in 1997 by the late, great, multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter, radio host, Rick Fielding.     AH features award winning local, regional, national and international acoustic roots artists.     AH provides a vegetarian dinner for all their performers and volunteers and vegan baked goods...

Dec 8, 2017

NSAI Toronto is celebrating it’s 25th anniversary as a songwriters chapter in 2018.     NSAI meetings are held at the Harris Institute once a month. New writers alway welcome.     NSAI puts on our 19th annual songwriters festival, Tin Pan North, on May 24-26, 2018.     NSAI Toronto exists to...

Dec 8, 2017

The Moonshine Cafe Stage at Winterfolk is a showcase of emerging talent chosen from our regular performers at the Open Mic’s and Jam’s in our venue.     The Moonshine Cafe is into it’s thirteenth year of presenting Live Music.. 7 Nights a week. The focus always has been, and continues to be on independent, emerging and...

Dec 8, 2017

An institution at Winterfolk since Year One, singer/songwriter Tony Quarrington appears this year with his new duet partner Zoey Adams.     In our new incarnation as ‘Q. and A.’, singers and co-composers, we have already done concerts in a bookstore and a barbershop!     Tony and Zoey will be appearing...

Dec 8, 2017

David Bradstreet: writer of hit, “Renaissance”; JUNO, “Best New Male Vocalist” 1977; extensive recording and touring for 45 years.     Gold and Platinum Albums.     JUNO Award Winner and Nominee.     A&M Records, Universal Records.     DAVID BRADSTREET...

Dec 8, 2017

Traditional bluegrass with a modern sound.     Toronto’s premiere bluegrass band.     Smokey folk has been playing around Toronto for over 10 years, delighting audiences with their distinctive bluegrass sound. Traditional and mashing, but with a modern and sometimes humorous style, Smokey folk never fails to disappoint ....

Dec 2, 2017

Socially conscious contemporary folk music with a few twists.     Songwriters, singers, musicologists, authors, advocates, activists.     3 CD releases including For A Moment (2016).     Creators of Canada’s only tribute to the 60’s folk revival,‘Where Have All the Folk Songs...

Dec 2, 2017

Singer, Songwriter, Storyteller, Original Recording Artist, Humorist.     Into The Blue released April 2017!     Top 5 on Stingray Radio.     Programmed on CBC, Blues Radio Neetwork, Folk Routes and Stingray Music.     I love to sing, write, play and tell stories. My 9th studio...

Dec 2, 2017

The Max Woolaver Band draws inspiration from the lyrical power and inspired musicianship of the deep well of North American roots tradition.     Factor New Talent; Pick of the Writer’s Nights, Bluebird Cafe, Nashville; Penguin Eggs – Highly recommended.     NXNE; Canada Music Week; CBC Toronto 7 Ottawa; CTV; U of T...

Dec 2, 2017

Jon Brooks writes songs to calm those souls who’ve looked into and seen what is in their hearts; he also writes songs to terrify those who have not.     4 x nominee for English Songwriter of the Year at The Canadian Folk Music Awards (2007/2009/2012/2014).     4th Canadian since 1975 to win the prestigious Kerrville...

Nov 29, 2017

The obvious joie de vivre expressed while performing together is reflected in the good-time feel that the band creates.     New CD Grimshaw Road 2017 riding high on Canadian Blues charts.     Durham County Poets’ groovy roots sound capturing hearts everywhere they play.     Penguin Eggs calls...

Nov 29, 2017

Songs & tunes, reeds & strings, rhythm & blues, jigs & reels, original & trad.     Debut CD “Riverfield” released in 2016, recorded in a 200-year-old log house in the Chateauguay Valley.     BluesReel is a harmonica and guitar duo unlike any you have heard.     John...

Nov 29, 2017

Toronto-based lead singer/songwriter of Signe Miranda’s Veranda and author of #1 international best selling book, “The Song Creation Formula: 7 Easy Steps to Writing Your Song” recently released a new single, “It’s Been So Long (Spread Out Our Wings),” produced by Greg Godovitz (Goddo).     New Single...

Nov 29, 2017

Clan Hannigan is an Intergenerational family band that takes traditional Irish music and blends it with elements of Jazz, Pop, and other folk traditions, to create a unique high energy sonic soundscape.     Fab people and great to listen to. Great gig in Northampton. Loved it. Al-Pha-X (Declan Flynn), Northampton, UK.    ...

Nov 29, 2017

Bobby Dove is an alt-country singer-songwriter and troubadour from Montreal.     Bobby Dove’s Debut Album, Thunderchild, Released 2016.     Bobby Dove captured by aliens, forced to write best folksong of all time – or earth will be destroyed.     Bobby Dove is an alt-country singer-songwriter and...

Nov 29, 2017

Versatile Harmonica player, singer-songwriter with radio play and songs covered by others!     Harpin’ Norm’s feature tonight exemplifies the Fat Albert mission/TorontoMoon.ca 160615We/Shows for Wed. June 15, 2016.     Feast Song! If you didn’t catch the UNBELIEVABLE Harpin’ Norm Lucien at our #FeastOfTheAges then...

Nov 29, 2017

Andy writes and performs fun / interesting folk rock music for children/families and adults alike!     Andy Griffiths has released a new folk rock children’s album! ‘OUR CAT FLASH’. See www.kidzent.com for info.     Andy was nominated for a Roots Recording of the Year award at the 2013 Hamilton Music...

Nov 28, 2017

Winterfolk Blues & Roots Festival Presents Winterfolk XVI Preview & Fundraiser WHO: The Achromatics, David Storey, Tony Quarrington, Brian Gladstone, Piper Hayes w/ Carson Ritcey-Thorpe, The Mini-Clan Hannigan and more WHAT: Winterfolk XVI Preview & Benefit WHERE: The Black Swan Tavern, 154 Danforth Avenue, Toronto, ON...

Nov 27, 2017

Nov 24, 2017

“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 Spec.     Representing Western new york Blues Society in Memphis at the International Blues Challage.     Alfie Smith is...

Nov 24, 2017

Linda Saslove truly lives up to her name. She is the perfect blend of Sas with a whole lot of love. Often compared to Carole King and Joni Mitchell.     her Debut Album, “Everything”. Available at Winterfolk with official CD Release in the Spring of 2018.     Awarding-winning Songwriting Finalist (Unisong,...

Nov 22, 2017

Singer/songwriter & multi-instrumentalist Brian Jantzi digs deep into folk, rock, jazz, blues, bluegrass, Celtic, western, latin, psychedelic, & world traditions with original songs that lay a lonesome hippie vibe over lyrics that make you want to hear every word.     New CD Released 2017 – “Junkie for Emotion” – 14...

Nov 22, 2017

Born in New York, raised in Toronto, and now residing in Hamilton since 2015, critically acclaimed folk singer, songwriter and social activist Piper Hayes is truly authentic.     Debut full-length album ‘Piper & Carson’ released December 8, 2017.     Two-time nominee for the Colleen Peterson Songwriting...

Nov 22, 2017

Toronto singer-songwriter Glen Hornblast is a popular performer in many of Toronto’s folk and jazz clubs. In 2014, he released his first CD entitled, “Once In A Blue Moon.” The twelve-track CD received a lot of airplay on folk internet radio stations from Canada to Australia, and garnered rave reviews.     Winner Songs from...

Nov 22, 2017

SingerSongwriter pianist, spanish born and multilingual performer Laura Fernandez.     Winner New York international independent Music Festival, multilingual singer songwriter, new Cd Imagination coming 2018.     Born in Mafrid. Spain, Singer Songwriter, pianist and visual artist Laura Fernandez draws you into her world...

Nov 19, 2017

Dirty Dishes is a kick-in-the-pants harmony-driven roots trio.     Fourth album to be released this spring.     Dirty Dishes is well known for their spirited music, tight three-part-harmonies, and entertaining live shows. Alongside strong poetic writing that celebrates a saucy female spirit, and often backed by their...

Nov 19, 2017

As skilled delivering a Piedmont blues classic as he is performing his own award-winning original songs, Rob Lutes’s masterful fingerstyle guitar work and soulful voice bring an unmistakable intensity to his live performances.     Double Maple Blues Award nominee, 2017, Acoustic Act and Songwriter of the Year.    ...

Nov 16, 2017

D’Arcy has been an established name in the Toronto music scene as an outstanding songwriter and guitarist with strong name recognition.     Winner songs from the heart contest 2009 , new CD to be released in 2018, guitarist Ian Thomas band , former Polydor recording.     Having begun his career as guitarist for the Ian...

Nov 16, 2017

Howard Gladstone, Toronto-based performing songwriter has released his 5th and strongest album. (Hourglass, 2017).     Howard’ Gladstone (vocal/guitar) Trio features Laura Fernandez (vocal, piano) and Tony Quarrington (vocal, guitar).     After a 3-year hiatus to recover from a spinal cord injury, he is now...

Nov 16, 2017

David Essig has performed at every major folk/roots festival in Canada, during a career that has now spanned nearly 50 years.     Veteran Canadian Roots Artist Celebrates 46 years of Performing at Canadian Festivals.     David Essig has an international career as one of Canada’s finest interpreters of original,...

Nov 16, 2017

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.     2 X Juno Award Winner.     7 X Maple Blues Award Winner.     Jack de Keyzer is a 2 X Juno (Canada’s...

Nov 16, 2017

Grammy nominated, Tia McGraff and Tommy Parham are an international touring Americana/Folk duo who have been compared to Johnny and June!     Grammy nominated, Hamilton Music Award Winner, international touring singer/songwriters, written and recorded with notables Randy Bachman, Andrew Gold.     Six album...

Nov 16, 2017

Julian Fauth is a singer, piano player and songwriter in the tradition of barrelhouse blues with a touch of insanity.     Juno Award Winner Best Blues Album 2009     Maple Blues Award winner – Best piano player     Julian Fauth is a singer and piano player in the tradition of barrelhouse blues, with...

Nov 16, 2017

One of the Toronto music scene’s enduring treasures, Lynn Harrison writes songs that speak to the heart and inspire audiences of all ages.     Creator and host of “The Bridge” themed open stage.     Winner, Songs from the Heart Contest 2008 (Political category, “Bicycle...

Nov 15, 2017

Melanie Peterson is a Toronto based, Saskatoon born singer-songwriter and actress.     New EP released summer 2017.     Mary Poppins with a broken heart, BBC Radio.     Actress/singer-songwriter.     Blessed with an ability to deliver quiet, sensitive vocals that are soaked with...

Nov 15, 2017

Brian Gladstone has been involved in the Canadian roots music scene for almost thirty-five years.     Brian Gladstone is a world class finger-style guitar player, a dynamic performer, and a prolific song writer not restrained by conventional boundaries.     Gladstone has released 5 albums in his...

Nov 15, 2017

One of Canada’s most loved songwriters.     Kat Goldman Releases her Fourth Album “The Workingman’s Blues”.     Kat Goldman’s songs have been covered by notable artists Dar Williams, and The Duhks, among others. She survived a tragic accident in 2003 when a car came crashing through a...

Nov 15, 2017

Unique shared stage on a theme, hosted by Lynn Harrison.     Celebrating the connection between creativity and spirituality.     Monthly event at the Imperial Pub, now in its third year.     The Bridge is an inspirational shared stage hosted by Lynn Harrison, where artists present songs on a common...

Nov 15, 2017

Born in Montreal, living in Toronto, Noah Zacharin has earned his place as a musical hero. Plays many styles comfortably and authentically. 7 solo CD’s. Also plays well with others–producing and performing on many other folks’ recordings.     Guitar master, literate songwriter, dynamic performer.     Noah...

Nov 14, 2017

Scott Rogers, vocalist Maggie Keogh and lap steel guitarist Donald Rooke (of the Henrys) conjure up dreamy renditions of folk and jazz tunes.     First time performers at Winterfolk.     New recording ‘M&Mr.R’ released October 2017.     Scott Rogers, a multi-instrumentalist (guitar,...

Nov 14, 2017

Moscow Apartment is a young indie folk duo based in Toronto who are taking the Canadian Music Scene by storm.     Debut EP released September 2017.     Winner, Best Young Songwriter, Toronto Independent Music Awards, 2017.     Nominated for the Best Young Performer, Canadian Folk Music Awards (Nov 19...

Nov 14, 2017

Mponda Kalunga is a sensational singer/songwriter with a mission to promote unity and courage.     Finalist for North Canada CBC Searchlight 2016     Finalist for Toronto in The Great Canadian Song Search     Two-Times Boxing Champion     From losing his mother at a young age and...

Nov 14, 2017

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...

Nov 14, 2017

Jessica Pearson and the East Wind’s music is a blend of maritime kitchen parties, breathtaking Harmonies and intimate traditional melodies.     Recently signed to Willow Sound Records.     Toured Ireland & released their first single in 2016.     Have performed with notable canadian folk acts...

Nov 14, 2017

David Storey is Comin’ Home. Back on stage since 2011, he has enthralled fans with his simple but powerful and literate Folk-Rock ballads describing characters, situations and emotions that are delivered with wit and honesty.     New album to be released spring of 2018     “Coming Home” Top 10 album of the...

Nov 14, 2017

Peter Verity sings and plays his original brand of “Charged Folk” with matchless heart and conviction.     Winner “best folk” T.I.M.A. (Toronto Independent Music Awards) for album “Sometimes A Journey”     Runner up best song in folk category John Lennon Song Contest for “North...

Nov 14, 2017

Formed in Toronto, The Max Woolaver Band brings together outstanding players with not be missed great songs.     Bluebird Cafe, Nashville, Pick of Songwriters Night     FACTOR New Talent Award     NXNE, Canada Music Week, CBC Toronto & Ottawa     Outstanding songwriter with a...

Nov 14, 2017

Folk music played from the heart, including originals as well as traditional Appalachian folk tunes played on banjo and guitar.     Five time Mariposa Folk Festival performer     Multi-instrumentalist     Born in Toronto, Meredith Moon is a folk musician whose sound has been described as heartfelt as...

Nov 14, 2017

Sharron Katz -singer/songwriter living in Stratford Ontario- with a unique folk/ Jazz vibe.     CD Release at Winterfolk! Love Notes     First CD produced by Juno nominee Robbie Patterson featured on CBC radio     Sharron Katz has worked top Canada’s top artists including Paul DeLong (drummer for...

A vibrant 9-pc band featuring a powerful female horn section, Motown-style vocals, a Latin-influenced rhythm section and a Top-40-calibre stage show.     Toronto Independent Music Award 2017 Nominees      Debut CD Give Me That Beat released November 24, 2017     Canada’s hottest Latin/Soul...

Nov 7, 2017

Sunday, November 19 at 1 PM – 3 PM Black Swan Tavern, 154 Danforth Ave, Toronto, Ontario M4K1N1 Do you have questions about volunteering at Winterfolk? Would you like to meet other volunteers? Do you want to share your past experiences with others? This gathering is for anyone who is thinking about volunteering at the festival and for those who have done...

Nov 6, 2017

Glen Hornblast is a well-known Toronto singer-songwriter who has run open mics and songwriter showcases for many years.      NASHVILLE BOUND has presented over 200 songwriters and given them opportunities to showcase their songs for a “listening audience”.     MOONLIGHT CABARET is another new songwriter...

Nov 4, 2017

Reprinted from Toronto Moon Magazine by Gary 17 – As the Winterfolk Blues and Roots Festival prepares to turn sweet sixteen this coming February it’s perhaps not too young to begin engaging in occasional bouts of nostalgia.  Certainly festival founder and executive director Brian Gladstone may feel some of that tonight as he takes...

Oct 30, 2017

The Brampton Folk Club has about 50 members, including 30 artists from all over the GTA and as far away as Barrie.     The Brampton Folk Club has monthly song circles, two monthly concert series, a bi-monthly open stage and participates in many community events.     This is the folk club’s third consecutive...

Oct 28, 2017

John Switzer and Linda M host a songwriter showcase featuring the talented students and alumni of Seneca’s Independent Music Programs.     “Indie” is not a genre. “Indie” does not mean “unsigned”. Indie is an approach, a way of life, a DIY mindset. The Independent Music Programs at Seneca College offer an intensive, hands-on...

Oct 28, 2017

Dr. B’s is a weekly open stage and jam held at the Freetimes Cafe in Toronto.     Join us for an intimate afternoon of great acoustic music, every Saturday. We want to create a place for artists, friends, and fans to hang out.     Come Out to Hear The Great Music. It’s a good listening room filled with creative...

Oct 24, 2017

Nashville Bound Presents: WINTERFOLK 2018 Tribute & Benefit Concert Nov 4, 2017    WHO: Maggie & Mr. Rogers, Meredith Moon, HOTCHA!, Glen Hornblast, Harpin’ Norm, D’Arcy Wickham, Brian Gladstone, Tony Quarrington (w/ Zoey Adams), Kim Doolittle WHAT: Nashville Bound Presents The 16th Annual Winterfolk...

Being aware of acoustic vs. electric performances for scheduling the Swan upstairs vs. downstairs. 2) More training for stage manager volunteers – one or more meetings 3) Explore new venues for expansion – Danforth Music Hall? Do they do matinées? Brian to contact venues by end of Sept. 4) To schedule in-person training for Jen and Kevin with volunteers 5)...

Sep 25, 2017

The Opportunity Presenting more than 150 artists in the span of three days in downtown Toronto, Winterfolk’s exciting and accessible programming makes the festival a haven for booking agents, promoters, and media. Every year more than 10,000 attendees. See ‘How Winterfolk Selects Talent 

Mar 6, 2017

Toronto’s Winterfolk Blues and Roots Music Festival celebrated their 15th Anniversary on the Danforth, on February 17th-19th. It was an all-ages, mid-winter, weatherproof event, where you found the best of urban, blues, rock, jazz, country, folk and roots music, emulating a multi-stage rural summer festival. More than 150 artists showed off their chops at 5...

Feb 28, 2017

Written by David Olds Category: Editors Corner – Sticking with my Pot Pourri theme, I had the pleasure of meeting up with a friend from my early childhood at Winterfolk on the Family Day Weekend. David Storey and I knew each other back in our pre-school days, attending the same Anglican church and each other’s birthday parties....

Feb 27, 2017

Winterfolk XV was busier, punchier and way warmer than usual, all good things for the folk that swarmed over the bridge to check the annual feast of blues and roots musics of all kinds. Folkie Peter Verity opened the launch party at The Black Swan with an engrossing set largely drawn from recent album Sometimes A Journey. Accompanied by...

Feb 19, 2017

From American Media Pro Winterfolk XV Roots and Blues Fest Underway One of the great mid-winter music festivals is underway in Toronto this weekend with the 15th edition of the Winterfolk Blues and Roots Festival. This 3 day festival showcases the finest in local and national touring musicians, with some artists just beginning their musical journey and others...

Feb 14, 2017

\ TO EAST \ Reprinted from Toronto Moon Magazine There was a time when there was really only one Roots festival that artists of that genre talked about in TO.  Back when I started this publication —25 years ago this coming April, as Open Season (which gave birth to to-nite before evolving into TorontoMoon.ca) — the Mariposa Festival had a very strong...

Feb 13, 2017

All-ages, mid-winter festival to feature some of the best Canadian blues and roots artists East York Mirror – The 2017 edition of the Winterfolk Blues and Roots Festival is coming to The Danforth. The 15th annual event, which features some of the best Canadian blues and roots artists, will run from Feb. 15 to Feb. 17. Organizers describe Winterfolk...

Feb 10, 2017

February 9, 2017February 8, 2017 Anna Killen and Lara O’Keefe Reprinted from Beaches Metro It’s that time of year again. Toronto’s Winterfolk Blues and Roots Music Festival is on the Danforth Feb. 17-19, 2017 and Acoustic Harvest will be there with bells, and guitars, and dancing shoes. Its showcase is Saturday, Feb. 18 at 8 p.m. at the Globe Bistro at...

Feb 9, 2017

Don’t miss the Winterfolk hour on Bluz Fm on JAZZ.FM91 with Danny Marks which will air this Saturday Feb 11 from 10 to 11 PM. We will be talking about a variety of topics including local music scene, the role of music in society, and of course highlights of the upcoming Winterfolk XV Blues & Roots Festival. We will be spinning tracks from Winterfolk...

Feb 8, 2017

WHO: Trent Severn, Johnson Crook, The Small Glories, Command Sisters, Julian Taylor, The Jerome Tucker Band, Jon Brooks, Lily Frost, Louis Simão, Denielle Bassels, Blair Packham + more! WHAT: Winterfolk XV Blues & Roots Festival TICKETS: Advance tickets for the four ticketed events are separate from wristband admission. Purchase here:...

Feb 8, 2017

By: Thomas Schultz posted Mon, Feb 6, 2017 in SPECIALINTEREST Toronto serves as Canada’s hub for art, commerce, and entertainment, making it an ideal destination for travelers. The city won’t disappoint thanks to a wide range of world class restaurants like Canoe, Carisma, and VOLOS. Another major attraction you won’t want to miss is Canada’s...

Feb 7, 2017

By: Thomas Schultz posted Mon, Feb 6, 2017 in SPECIALINTEREST Toronto serves as Canada’s hub for art, commerce, and entertainment, making it an ideal destination for travelers. The city won’t disappoint thanks to a wide range of world class restaurants like Canoe, Carisma, and VOLOS. Another major attraction you won’t want...

Feb 6, 2017

Toronto’s Winterfolk Blues and Roots Music Festival is on the Danforth, Feb. 17-19, 2017. It’s an all-ages, mid-winter, weatherproof event, where you’ll find the best of urban, blues, rock, jazz, country, folk and roots music , emulating a multi-stage rural summer festival. More than 150 artists will be performing at 5 venues over 3 days. The festival will also...

Feb 6, 2017

February 9, 2017February 8, 2017  Anna Killen and Lara O’Keefe – It’s that time of year again. Toronto’s Winterfolk Blues and Roots Music Festival is on the Danforth Feb. 17-19, 2017 and Acoustic Harvest will be there with bells, and guitars, and dancing shoes. Its showcase is Saturday, Feb. 18 at 8 p.m. at...

Feb 5, 2017

From February 17-February 19th, the Winterfolk XV Blues & Roots Festival will be held in full force. The festival will be held in five venues with six stages in total in Danforth, Toronto.  On February 17, the hours will be 7:00pm-1:30am.  On February 18, the hours will be 1:00pm-1:30am.  Finally,...

Feb 1, 2017

Tickets are Limited – Order Early to avoid disappointment  Sunday Feb 19, Black Swan Tavern, 154 Danforth Ave.  The Songs of Tony Quarrington Live CD Release– featuring Heather Fielding, Glen Hornblast, David Storey, HOTCHA!, Wendell Ferguson, Seb Agnello, Brian Gladstone, Wayne Neon, Isabelle Frysberg, Laura Fernandez, Noah Zacharin, Soozi...

Feb 1, 2017

Reprinted from East York Chronicle, by /Gary 17/ Although it was not born in east TO, the annual Winterfolk Blues & Roots Festival has made its home here for most of what will be 15 years of existence February 17-19. From its beginnings the event, held at five bar/restaurant venues on Danforth Ave. near Broadview, has drawn on talents from the area,...

Jan 31, 2017

We may not be your soul mates but we want to be your Soul Maître Ds.     The Soul Maître’D’s are Lawrie Ingles and Henry Lees… We want to star in your Freak Show!     When two seasoned singer/songwriters like Henry Lees and Lawrie Ingles combine efforts, the results are bound to be as tasty and satisfying as...

Jan 26, 2017

Click on any image to enlarge. Click on Arrows < > left and right for horizontal scroll. Right Click to Download, Save, Copy, Copy URL, etc. [Show slideshow] The Redhill Valleys Tom Leighton Turbo Street Funk All Day Breakfast Stringband Anne Walker Brian Blain Brian Gladstone Command Sisters David McLachlan Denielle Dr. Tom Hamilton HOTCHA! Isaak Bonk...

Jan 26, 2017

The McDales, Country songwriter Herb Dale and his partner Fran McCann have been performing in Toronto venues, and co-hosting open mics since 2009. Herb Dale hs been very active in the Toronto music scene for over 40 years, and many young artists refer to him fondly as “uncle” Herb.     CD release 2009 “It Was About...

Jan 23, 2017

The Montreal-based All Day Breakfast Stringband plays old time music from the southern and midwestern USA. Fiddle, guitar, double bass, banjo, and voices join forces to confirm that the old music is still exhilarating.     Traditional old time string band from Montréal.     Playing concerts and square dances throughout...

Jan 21, 2017

Folk Rock Trio from Hamilton, The Redhill Valleys are devoted songwriters, blending timeless harmonies and unforgettable melodies into a unique sound all their own.     Debut Album Released 2016.     The Redhill Valleys are an original 3-piece Folk Rock group from Hamilton, Ontario. Rooted by their influences in southern...

Jan 16, 2017

BITS’N’PIECES – Reprinted from Cashbox  TORONTO – Festival-goers will have a chance to get a sneak preview of what’s in store at the 15th ANNUAL WINTERFOLK BLUES AND ROOTS FESTIVAL when some of the finest folk, roots and blues artists take the stage at Toronto’s Acoustic Harvest on Saturday, January 21st. Doors open at...

Jan 16, 2017

Toronto artist Steve Raiken is a very skilled guitarist and talented singer/songwriter who has been performing and writing songs for nearly 50 years in Canada and the U.S.     New CD Released in 2010 at Hugh’s Room. Significant radio airplay across Canada.     Played lead-in to a well-known Rolling Stones tribute...

Jan 14, 2017

Turkish Immigrant Juneyt is a Self-Thought Nuevo-Flamenco Guitarist from Waterloo, ON., Juneyt has built a large, dedicated following through his regular, electric performances throughout the World.     Multi-Award Winner and Nominated for Many Awards in his career.     He has Opened & Shared the stage with many well...

Jan 14, 2017

We may have played the Shanghai Int Music Fest, won the John Lennon songwriting contest, had our song Earthquake played on the Today Show, had four Guitar World features and conversed with Prince William at a private event, but we still can’t whip and nae nae #truestory.     Guests of the Canadian Consulate as performers from Canada...

Jan 13, 2017

Jan 12, 2017

Multi instrumentalist Tom Leighton brings sophisticated colours and novel arrangements to his music that few musicians can match.     He plays piano, accordion, accordion bass, bouzouki, bodhran, whistles, jaw harps, mandolin and trombone— sometimes three of them at the same time!     Multi instrumentalist, and...

Jan 10, 2017

Onion Honey plays original and traditional old-time folk music that sounds like good home cooking with instruments in the kitchen.     Home cookin’ hillbilly folk darlings from Kitchener.     Onion Honey makes folk music, sharp and sweet and mixed in with banjo and mandolin, washboard and guitar, double bass and...

Jan 10, 2017

The style is a tasteful blend of old timey swing, 60s surf, spaghetti western and sultry torch fronted by Lily who draws on the aesthetics of Audrey Hepburn and Bettie Page.     Well known from song placements in TV shows like Grey’s Anatomy, Charmed, Mistresses, Crazy Beautiful and Being Erica, or TV commercials for Chevy...

Jan 9, 2017

Winterfolk XV Preview & Benefit Saturday, January 21st Acoustic Harvest, Robinson Hall, St. Nicholas Anglican Church 1512 Kingston Rd., Toronto | 416.729.7564 Doors 7:30 pm / Music 8:00 pm      WHO: Blair Packham, Tony Quarrington, Lynn Harrison, Brian Gladstone, HOTCHA!, Kim Doolittle, Glen...

Winterfolk Meeting Notes Jan. 5, 2017 Send email to all volunteers from prior years (Brian) Lindsey to reach out to GBC to appeal for volunteers Brian to call Paul Cross – run radio program at Humber, to supply MC volunteers Volunteers cannot see paid shows Terri O’s is a good venue for community stages Instrument lockup- Dora Dougal will check with John...

Jan 6, 2017

Isaak Bonk is a young Toronto folk singer and poet, making his first appearance at WinterFolk.     Named in Brian Gladstone’s “top three discoveries of 2016.”     In the last year Isaak has become a frequent performer within and around the roots community in Toronto. In a short amount of time, although...

Take more decades of performing than the guys like to admit; add born in the bone raw talent to instrumental virtuosity, stunning harmonies, endless on-stage energy and thoughtful, thought provoking lyrics and you have arrived at the “End of the Road”.     Perpetual entertainers for the Canada Day Boat Cruise for the Festival of...

Jan 3, 2017

Mary is a singer, actor, writer, and teacher who comes from a long line of storytellers and believes no story is too big or too fantastic – especially if it’s told with grace and wit.     Mary Kelly     Mary was delighted when she moved to Toronto from Nova Scotia to find a rich, vibrant folk music community full of...

Jan 3, 2017

“You can hear the weight of experience Missy brings to her strong original material and to the interpretive voice she brings to standards and the gems from other writers she chooses to cover.” (Mike Regenstreif)!     The only Canadian to perform at The Angola Prison for Women in Louisiana. Won spots on numerous compilation CD’s. Last...

Jan 3, 2017

Anne Walker is a singer-songwriter based in Toronto who writes moving and deeply honest songs and delivers them in a strong, expressive voice.     New CD released 2016 “Down the Horseshoe Valley Road.”     Anne Walker is a singer-songwriter based in Toronto who writes moving and deeply honest songs and...

Jan 1, 2017

Folk powerhouse pair The Small Glories are Cara Luft & JD Edwards, a dynamic duo planted on the Canadian Prairies.    

Dec 30, 2016

Nashville Bound is a Nashville-style Songwriters Showcase created by Toronto singer-songwriter Glen Hornblast, who has run this Songwriter Series since 2014, and showcased over 200 Canadian songwriters. Inspired by Glen’s many trips to Nashville, and his performance at the famous Bluebird Cafe, Glen wanted to create a Songwriter Series in Toronto that...

Dec 30, 2016

Mike McKenna has enjoyed 50 years as one of Canada’s most respected guitarists.     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...

Dec 27, 2016

Joe Hall led the unique canadian folk-rock ensemble THE CONTINENTAL DRIFT in the 1970s and continues to sing and songwrite thru the new millenium.     Has had a monthly residencey at the tranzac club since 2002.     Released an album, in c.d. format, with members of the silverhearts in 2014 entitled THE...