Dec 12, 2016

Dr. B’s Acoustic Medicine show is a weekly open stage and jam every Saturday at the Freetimes Cafe at 1:00 in the Afternoon.      It’s a good listening room filled with creative energy to enjoy some great music.      All artists welcomed. Come in and put your name on the sign-up sheet to reserve your spot....

Dec 12, 2016

An inspiring presence on the Toronto folk music scene for many years, Lynn Harrison’s music bridges the boundary between “secular” and “spiritual,” uniting diverse audiences and acting as a powerful force for social good.     Also an ordained Unitarian Universalist minister (First Unitarian Toronto).     Released 5th CD...

Dec 9, 2016

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. Twenty-five years of award-winning writing, directing and producing work in the field of television and movies had kept him away from his...

Dec 9, 2016

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!     New CD solo works Released 2013.     Songs from the Heart Contest runner up.     What happens to ‘Swamperella’ once the party is...

Dec 9, 2016

Sue and Dwight’s unique Canadiana sound embodies the musical spirit of the 1960’s folk revival featuring passionate vocals and warm harmonies to convey human stories of peace, courage, and social justice.     New CD Released 2016, For A Moment.     Contemporary folk music with a few twists. Born too late to be part of the...

Dec 9, 2016

Veteran guitarist of all styles TONY QUARRINGTON has lately emerged as a songwriter with his own very individual style. Won Juno as producer Willie P. Bennett’s HEARTSTRINGS 1998. Commemorated in HONORING OUR OWN concert at Winterfolk XII 2014. Working on album of original First World War songs. Veteran guitarist and songwriter TONY QUARRINGTON has been...

Dec 9, 2016

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

Dec 9, 2016

Singer, Songwriter, Story Teller, Musician, Troubador, Humorist, all around music gal.     Into The Blue, Produced by Ken Whiteley, dropping in Spring of 2017.     A sound much like Bonnie Raitt and Lucinda Williams.     Kim is in her 4th decade of singing and debuting her 9th Studio Recording Into The...

Dec 9, 2016

Isabel Fryszberg in the last year has won audiences, gained strong reviews and radio play from her debut album Hearts and Arrows. “Her tunes are like diner menus.” John Aspice, No Depression. She will be joined with the sublime Tony Quarrington at Winterfolk.     Winner of Newmarket Arts Council Songwriting Contest for song Something Sacred...

Dec 7, 2016

Howard Gladstone is a Toronto based singer/songwriter with 4 CD’s of original material.     Returning to music with renewed energy and purpose after a forced hiatus, Howard is working on a new release for 2017.     “Howard Gladstone used to write about music. Now he writes songs. More importantly, he pens the kind of...

Dec 7, 2016

Singer-Songwriter Freeman Dre is one of Toronto’s best. Backed by a cult following and a killer band.     New Vinyl in 2017.     Winner, NOW Magazine, Best Songwriter, 2011.     Freeman Dre may be the best songwriter you’ve never heard of. An extraordinary lyricist, his musical narratives are...

Dec 7, 2016

Wayne Neon is a singer/songwriter, composer, arranger and bandleader, a multi-instrumentalist who sings lead and harmony and plays guitar, flute, saxophones, and hand percussion.     Folksinger Humdinger.     World’s Oldest Rookie.     Still Waiting To Be Discovered.     Wayne...

Dec 7, 2016

Blessed with an ability to imbue her vocals with palpable emotion without going over the top, Melanie Peterson, a Saskatoon born, Toronto based, singer-songwriter and actress has quietly become a bright light on the Toronto folk music scene.     Toronto based, Saskatoon born singer-songwriter-actress.     Deemed...

Dec 7, 2016

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

Dec 7, 2016

Veteran Toronto fingerstyle dazzler D’Arcy Wickham returns to Winterfolk with a bevy of new material from his upcoming new CD.     Winner, Songs from the heart 2009.     New CD release, 2017.     As a former guitarist for the Ian Thomas Band and Polydor recording artist D’Arcy’s...

Dec 7, 2016

Jory Nash is an award-winning singer-songwriter who blends elements of folk, jazz, blues, country and soul into an original stew of sound.     4 time CFMA nominee.     Songs From The Heart winner, 2000.     Most recent CD released in 2015.     Jory Nash is an award-winning...

Dec 7, 2016

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...

Dec 7, 2016

ANDY is an energetic and passionate rootsy folk rock singer/songwriter who will have you tapping your toes and singing along with the chorus!     ‘Mind On Other Things’ was nominated for ‘Roots Recording of the Year’ at the 2013 HAMILTON MUSIC AWARDS!     Andy is really looking forward to releasing...

Dec 7, 2016

Toronto singer songwriter Suzanne Jarvie sings with “lonely, lovely yearn”, has just completed her third European tour of her beautiful Americana debut record, Spiral Road and 2016 EP One Take Only. Suzanne is thrilled to be home playing Winterfolk 2017.     Nominee Best Concept Album, Spiral Road, Independent Music Awards...

Dec 7, 2016

West-coast based David Essig is a guitarist’s guitarist and a helluva songwriter to boot who has been performing and recording in Canada for 45 years.     Award-winning Canadian roots musician.     Europeans call him one of Canada’s best roots musicians.     New CD Spring 2016....

Dec 7, 2016

Jerome Tucker is a bass player, singer, writer, and performer from the Philadelphia area, now currently performing with his own band, the Jerome Tucker Band, in the Toronto area.     CBC Sounds of the Season, House Band/Performer, 2016.     CBC Here and Now Song of the Week, Sept 2016.     CP24...

Dec 3, 2016

Canada’s newest Steinway artist Laura Fernandez is a multifaceted artist- a multi lingual singer songwriter, pianist and composer who ‘s songs encompass the many aspects of life, inspiring and emotional lyrical content and storytelling are the hallmark of her performances.     Versatile singer song writer, Latin jazz vocalist,...

Dec 3, 2016

Mr. Rick is a Singer and fingerstyle acoustic guitarist performing original arrangements of the Trad. American Roots and Blues Song book.     Rick has just finished his 3rd CD “Songs about God and Booze” available at CD Baby.     Now Magazine, 4 stars.     Singer, guitarist, and player of...

Dec 3, 2016

Wendell Ferguson. The songs are slick, the jokes are sick but the fingers and wits are quick. He won’t leave a dry seat in the house.     Inducted as the artist inductee into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame in 2014.     10 CCMA Awards for Guitar Player and Back Up Band. Plus two JUNO...

Dec 3, 2016

Tuneful Toronto-based singer/songwriter Blair Packham used to be in an 80s pop band but he’s spent the intervening years playing countless shows sharpening his solo performing skills.     Blair Packham is one of Canada’s best unsung pop writers. — Ron Sexsmith.     Tuneful, honest, sharp-witted, and performed with...

Dec 3, 2016

Peter Verity plays an original brand of “charged folk” with honest heart and passion.      Winner, Best Folk at the T.I.M.A. awards. (Toronto Independent Music Awards).     Runner up in the folk/roots category of John Lennon Song Contest.     Released three cd’s and a four song...

Dec 2, 2016

Glen Hornblast is a well-known Toronto singer-songwriter whose music is an intoxicating blend of folk, country, jazz and blues.     Winner “Songs From The Heart Contest” 2015.     Semi-FInalist International Song Competition 2014.     Semi-Finalist USA Songwriting Competition...

Dec 2, 2016

We’ve been told we like ‘happy songs.’ These are lies.     The blurbs go here. They assure us the artist has been vetted by the right people from the right cultural institutions. If somebody at the Toronto Star felt the artist “stands among an exalted few in the enduring Canadian song tradition: Leonard Cohen, Joni...

Dec 2, 2016

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. Harpin’ is now enjoying radio play of his songs and a new eleven song CD, ‘The World’s Strongest Man’!     Harpin’ Norm’s feature tonight exemplifies the Fat...

Dec 1, 2016

Stuart cannot be categorized, but his multi-instrumental skills and infectious enthusiasms are winning him fans.     Stuart Laughton’s RADIO DIAL features Rebecca Campbell, Burke Carroll, Martin Worthy and Steve Lucas.     Stuart Laughton is at home on many stages, whether playing guitar, mandolin and harmonica at the...

Dec 1, 2016

Award-winning, high-energy hillbilly swing duo blends old-time Western, bluegrass, early swing and country gospel delivered with the energy of a runaway train. Soaring vocals, lively accordion, gritty guitar, wailing harmonica and big-beat bodhran.      WINNER OF TWO 2012 TORONTO INDEPENDENT MUSIC AWARDS (BEST FOLK/ROOTS & HNSS LIVE...

Dec 1, 2016

David sings with conviction songs about life and its lessons.     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...

Nov 30, 2016

Internationally respected for his guitar playing, Seb will tell you “the guitar’s just a prop…it gets me onstage where I can shoot my mouth off”. Above all else, Seb is a protest singer. Scathing, hilarious, politically incorrect and always entertaining.     Seb has released nine solo albums and has performed on and/or produced...

Nov 24, 2016

  Event will also include open mic for anyone who’d like to perform a tune or two The organizers of the 15th annual Winterfolk Blues and Roots Festival are hosting a benefit concert on Saturday, Nov. 26. The event, which will feature guitar aces Tony Quarrington and D’Arcy Wickham, hillbilly swing duo HOTCHA!, finger picker Brian Gladstone,...

Nov 13, 2016

We are always looking for volunteers to fill a variety of different roles at the festival. Volunteering is a great opportunity to gain experience in the industry, give back to the local roots music community, and be a part of something amazing.

Nov 11, 2016

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 will take the stage at Toronto’s Black Swan Tavern on Saturday, November 26th. Doors open at 7:30 pm and music starts at 8:00 pm for this event to benefit Winterfolk. Presented...

Oct 23, 2016

Tony Quarrington, composer, guitarist, songwriter, vocalist, and producer, was honoured by his fellow musicians on August 10th at Toronto’s Black Swan Tavern. “The Songs of Tony Quarrington” featured performances by 15 different artists, each of whom interpreted one of Quarrington’s many compositions. Performers included Laura Fernandez, Glen Hornblast, Brian...

Oct 20, 2016

Don’t miss the first Winterfolk Preview at the Free Times on Sunday Oct. 30th from 8:00 to 11:00 pm – we have a stellar cast that I’m sure you’ll all enjoy: with Tony Quarrington,Brian Gladstone, Mr. Rick, Melanie Peterson,Suzanne Jarvie, Laura Fernandez, HOTCHA! and Michael Costantini – and of course Glen Hornblast as Host!...

Aug 10, 2016

Purchase Tickets to the songs of Tony Quarrington live recording. Order early, as we expect these to be sold out! Be a Part of a New Tribute CD   Recorded Live off the Floor 15 Artists playing the music of Tony Quarrington Laura Fernandez – HOTCHA! – Stuart Laughton – Wayne Neon – Isabel Fryszberg – Soozi Schlanger –...

Feb 29, 2016

The View from the Corner Stool – Highlights from Friday Night at the annual festival. Includes parformances by Joey Landreth, Murder Murder, Annabelle Chvostek, D’ Arcy Wickham, Tia Brazda, and many others!

Feb 10, 2016

Caledon Enterprise By Danielle Marr – David Storey is coming home. Caledon based David Storey, best known for developing, producing and directing the hit TV series Corner Gas is returning to his musical roots. The Inglewood resident is best known for developing, producing and directing the hit TV show Corner Gas, and now, after leaving music for over 20...

Feb 10, 2016

Reprinted from the East York Mirror – The 14th annual Winterfolk Blues and Roots Festival is on tap for the first three days of this Family Day weekend, Feb. 12 to 14. More than 150 artists will perform on five stages in four venues on the west Danforth, between Broadview and Chester subway stations. Those venues include Black Swan Tavern (upstairs and...

Feb 10, 2016

Healing In Song and Audience Participation Songwriting are two of the many events at Danforth festival By Daniel McKenzie | Posted: Feb 10 2016 8:16 am – February can be a long month, despite what the calendar says. It’s cold, people are broke from holiday splurges and spring is still just a foggy futuristic dream. Cue the Winterfolk Blues and Roots music...

Feb 9, 2016

Reprinted from the Toronto Sun, Feb 6, 2016 – Get your fill of blues, roots and folk music while wandering around on the Danforth near Broadview, Feb. 12-14. This is an all-ages musical festival with some 150 artists at five venues — and yes, it’s weatherproof. Participating outlets include the Black Swan Tavern, Mambo Lounge, Terri O’s and Dora Keogh’s....

Feb 8, 2016

Reprinted from East York Chronicle by Gary17 – With over 100 artists appearing on five stages at four venues on Danforth Avenue, the Winterfolk Blues and Roots Festival is set to hold its 14th annual edition in East York from February 12 through 14. Shows take place over three nights and two days at Dora Keogh (141 Danforth), Terri O’s (185 Danforth),...

Feb 6, 2016

Reprinted from the East York Examiner Feb 5 2016 – Toronto’s Winterfolk returns on the weekend of February 12-14. The festival, not limited to folk music, also happens to fall on the Valentine’s Day and Ontario’s Family Day Weekend. There’s lots to celebrate and a chance to bring out loved ones and family (all-ages shows available)...

Jan 26, 2016

The 14th Annnual Winterfolk Blues and Roots Festival takes place on The Danforth in Toronto from February 12-14 2016. Featuring some of the best blues and roots artists on the Canadian music scene, playing on five stages in four venues, it promises to be a fabulous weekend of live music.

Jan 24, 2016

East York Mirror By Norm Nelson The Winterfolk roots music festival is back, running through three days of February’s Family Day weekend on the western end of the Danforth. Discount tickets are available until Jan. 30. Not that tickets are expensive to begin with. First of all, a $15 wristband includes admission to the entire t hree-day festival except for five...

Jan 14, 2016

Trent Severn is an acclaimed Ontario folk trio who sing original, contemporary songs easily described as “Canadian history in harmony”   

Jan 12, 2016

Reprinted from Entertainment Beat Jan 12,2016 Acoustic Harvest presents a pre-Winterfolk showcase on Saturday, Jan. 16 at Robinson Hall, St. Nicholas Anglican Church. This sneak preview of the 14th annual Winterfolk Blues and Roots Festival will feature the finest in acoustic musicians. Sue and Dwight’s old school folk covers traditional themes such as peace,...

Jan 11, 2016

Jason LaPrade may be more well known as an in demand Toronto sound engineer, but he is equally adept as a dobro/guitar player who’s primary purpose is supporting and enhancing the artist’s he performs with.     Owner/Sound Engineer at Crystal Clear Sound.     Jason LaPrade’s uniquely clear, expressive...

Jan 10, 2016

Jan 7, 2016

As a result of his astonishing performances Lotus is rumoured to be the illegitimate offspring of Buster Keaton and Elizabeth Cotton.     Pricipal banjoist for Sheesham, Lotus and ‘Son.     Celebrated new cd -great reviews in the UK.”     Just produced Jenny Whiteley CD-The Original Jenny...

Jan 7, 2016

This year’s SPEAK Music showcase is hosted by Beverly Kreller with Howard Druckman, as they feature emerging artists TBA.     Host of The infamous Groovy Mondays that ran for 8-years     Presenting and promoting all genres of music for more than 10 years.     Festival showcase presenter and member of...

Jan 6, 2016

Fusing the energy of New Orleans parade bands with the circuitous rhythms of West Africa, Cuba, India and Brazil, Toronto’s DRUMHAND is becoming increasingly known for their innovative, dynamic performances and artistic accessibility for audiences of all ages.     4th album , Contretemps, released 2014     Currently...

Jan 6, 2016

Brian and his Double Slide would be a pleasent gimmick were it not for his mastery and musicality. Two big things in Brian’s developement were going bare right-handed (without picks) and his trusty metronome.      “Austin Wired” released in 2014. Reached top 10 on many roots and blues charts. Glowing...

Jan 5, 2016

Brian Gladstone, HOTCHA!, David Storey, and more! Winterfolk Showcase at Acoustic Harvest January 16, 2016, 7:30 pm – 10:30 pm  St Nicholas Anglican Church Robinson Hall 1512 Kingston Rd., Toronto (one block east of Warden Ave.) Toronto, Ont M1N 1R7 Canada Map St Nicholas Anglican Church Brian Gladstone – Winterfolk’s Artistic Director is a free-spirited...

Jan 4, 2016

Get tickets to Winterfolk’s 5 paid stages. Order early to avoid disappointment!

Jan 4, 2016

Old Man Luedecke is the recording name of two-time Juno Award-winning Canadian singer-songwriter and banjo player Chris Luedecke of Chester, Nova Scotia. His 2008 album, Proof of Love, won a 2009 JUNO Award for Traditional Folk Album of the Year. In 2011, Luedecke won the same JUNO award for My Hands are on Fire and Other Love Songs. In 2012 Tender is the Night...

Jan 3, 2016

Pete Otis is a multi faceted singer songwriter who has been in the music industry for over 40 years.     New CD release in April 2016 – “Mountains to Climb.”     Producer of “Honouring Our Own ” concert series.     Producer of “SongTown” concert...

Jan 3, 2016

Known largely for his slide guitar playing, McKenna began playing professionally in the early 1960s in Yorkville where he formed the group Luke & The Apostles.  He has since gone on to international fame. Toronto-born Mike McKenna is a blues guitar player who has played with Luke & the Apostles, Downchild, McKenna Mendelson Mainline, and more. His was...

Jan 3, 2016

Ben Sures is a masterful guitar player and songwriter, if you like Paul Simon and Richard Thompson you will probably like him too!     Ben Sures is the bravest songwriter in Canada – James Keelaghan.     “No wonder the songwriting prize juries love Ben Sures. In each guileless tune – touching on different styles and...

Jan 2, 2016

Brian Gladstone is a world class finger-style guitar player, a dynamic performer, and a prolific song writer not restrained by conventional boundaries.     PSYCHEDELIC PHOLK PSONGS was rated as FIVE STARS by the International Country Music Association.     BBC TV prime time TV series ‘ITS NOT EASY BEING GREEN’ used the...

Jan 2, 2016

Produced 4 compilation CD’s with over 40 artists and working on the 5th in 2016.     Produced numerous artist showcase concerts and working on a 10th anniversary concert in 2016.     Since 2006 SongTown has supported artists through compilation CD’s , concerts , recording and promotion . Empowering unsigned...

Jan 2, 2016

Howard Gladstone is a Toronto based singer/songwriter, who has released 4 CDs of original material, and returns to Winterfolk after 2 year recovery from a spinal cord injury.     Returning to performing at Winterfolk after 2 years, recovering from spinal cord injury (SCI).     Introducing new songs, and new playing style...

Jan 1, 2016

Winnipeg artist Joey Landreth is best known as the lead singer and guitarist with JUNO Award winners, The Bros. Landreth.     JUNO Award winner with his band The Bros. Landreth.     Has been featured in Rolling Stone, Billboard, Paste, Pollstar, and Exclaim, amongst others.     Currently nominated for...

Dec 28, 2015

Evaristo’s career has taken him from performing solo guitar in underground clubs in Havana to traveling the world as a lead singer of Havana’s world famous Tropicana show. Now in Toronto, he is a singer/songwriter whose songs mix Cuban folk rhythms with rock and urban to create a brand new sound. Evaristo’s original tune, “Tumbao Con Fe...

Dec 24, 2015

Murder Murder is a Bloodgrass band (Bluegrass + Outlaw Country + Exclusively Murder Ballads) hailing from the frozen forests of the Ontario Northland. Their tales of death are filled with life by the kick of the suitcase, saw of the fiddle, and roll of the banjo.     2015 Regional Champion for Northern Ontario – CBC Searchlight...

Dec 24, 2015

Canadian singer-songwriter Jane Lewis will showcase her piano-based folk-pop-roots style of music at Winterfolk this year, supported by Toronto dobro player Jason LaPrade. Finalist for the 2015 Colleen Peterson Songwriting Award. 2015 Independent Music Award for Best Cover Song. Member of Gathering Sparks, 2014 CFMA Nominees for Vocal Group of the Year. Guelph...

Dec 24, 2015

William ‘Grit’ Laskin has been building guitars since 1971, recorded on Stan Rogers label Fogarty’s Cove, co-founded Borealis Records, co-founded the Canadian Folk Music Awards. Member of the Order of Canada. Winner of the Saidye Bronfman Award of Excellence. Winner of the Estelle Klien lifetime achievement award. William “Grit” Laskin – since...

Dec 24, 2015

Toronto based singer, songwriter, musician, activist and mother, Lynn Mantle is just returning to music full time as a solo artist, blending genres of blues, folk, R&B and jazz with thoughtful lyrics to create a sound all her own. Winner of Finish Joe Hill’s last song contest. Daughter of the late Arlene Mantle, noted singer, songwriter, social...

Dec 24, 2015

Acoustic roots, catchy melodies, arresting vocals, great guitar playing, smart and moving lyrics that get you and that you get – these things are written over and over again about Katherine Wheatley. Her song “Hallelujah” won a Golden Quill award and was selected, along with “Some Sweet Country” for the new (2015) Rise Again songbook....

Dec 24, 2015

Up for a great story? Effervescent raconteur Rosalee Peppard, with soaring vocals above her guitar and dulcimer, is delighted to regale her internationally acclaimed Canadian women’s musical oral history and more, at Winterfolk’s Acoustic Harvest Showcase. Rosalee was invited to perform her musicale: “Living Titanic” at the 2015 International...

Dec 22, 2015

If you had walked into any of Toronto’s music clubs or coffee houses 25 years ago – places like the Horseshoe, Sneaky Dee’s, Free Times Cafe or Lee’s Palace – chances are you may have seen David Storey on the stage. Back then, music was his life. And it was a good life, bringing him critical raves, radio airplay, award nominations and comparisons to...

Dec 22, 2015

Andy Griffiths Blair Packham Brian Gladstone D’Arcy Wickham David Essig David McLachlan Freeman Dre Glen Hornblast Harpin’ Norm Lucien HOTCHA! Jerome Tucker Band Jon Brooks Jory Nash Laura Fernandez Melanie Peterson Mr. Rick Noah Zacharin Peter Verity Sebastian Agnello Stuart Laughton Suzanne Jarvie Wayne Neon Wendell...

Dec 22, 2015

Veteran guitarist of all styles TONY QUARRINGTON has lately emerged as a songwriter with his own very individual style. Won Juno as producer Willie P. Bennett’s HEARTSTRINGS 1998. Commemorated in HONORING OUR OWN concert at Winterfolk XII 2014. Working on album of original First World War songs. Veteran guitarist and songwriter TONY QUARRINGTON has been...

Dec 21, 2015

With an infectious combination of Top 40 hits and top notch originals, Turbo Street Funk get people moving and grooving. Discovered on the streets of Toronto by jazz legend Richard Underhill. From professional busking band to festival favourite. Released debut album “To The Street” in 2014. Turbo Street Funk defy convention; whether they’re playing...

Dec 20, 2015

Hover over image for Title. Click to enlarge. Click on Arrows < > left and right for horizontal scroll. Right Click to Download, Save, Copy, Copy URL, etc. [Show slideshow] Alana & Leigh Cline Clela Errington Isabel Fryszberg Hotcha! Jack de Keyzer Joanne Crabtree Jory Nash Kristine Schmitt Lynn Harrison Mean Mary Murray Foster Noah Zacharin Nicole...

Dec 20, 2015

Glen Hornblast is a well-known Toronto singer-songwriter whose music is an intoxicating blend of folk, country, blues and jazz. Featured performer at Free Times Cafe 35th Anniversary 2015.      Nashville Bound – a monthly songwriter series at Free Times Cafe.      Frequent trips to Nashville to perform at open mics....

Dec 18, 2015

The O’Pears are a female folk trio based in Toronto. With their homegrown musicality, sibling-like blend, and lyrical sensibility, The O’Pears, with their signature jaw-dropping harmonies, hold listeners captive. They are excited to release their new album “Like Those Nights” in May 2016. New album “Like Those Nights” to be Released May...

Dec 18, 2015

West-coast based David Essig is a guitarist’s guitarist and a helluva songwriter to boot who has been performing and recording in Canada for 45 years. Award-winning Canadian roots musician.      Europeans call him one of Canada’s best roots musicians.      New CD coming Spring 2016.     ...

Dec 18, 2015

International artist Laura Fernandez is a bilingual singer songwriter pianist and visual artist whose heartfelt songs encompass a variety of influences including jazz, Latin, pop, folk and rhythm and blues.      Steinway artist.      International independent music festival NYC 2003.      Top 10 most...

Dec 15, 2015

JT is an artist born and raised in Toronto. He first appeared on the scene as a teenager performing at Open Jams across the GTA.     “All eclectic and all-encompassing; well-crafted songs, resulting in highly energetic and incredibly entertaining performances.” – CBC Radio.      “Taylor revels in versatility” – The...

Dec 14, 2015

Singer/songwriter Joanne Crabtree is delighted to be reuniting with her Winterfolk peeps and bringing what she refers to as her “baritone” vocals back home to The Danforth … let’s get this party started! 1960’s Chatelaine Magazine dubs Joanne “Canada’s Answer to Bob Dylan”.      2009 Co-wrote most played...

Dec 14, 2015

Seb has released nine solo albums and has performed on and/or produced over 200 other albums. He has gained critical acclaim and wide-spread recognition for his song-writing, musicianship, and ability to entertain an audience. Seb also produced, wrote, directed and starred in the television specials “An Evening Of Phil Ochs” and “Three Faces...

Dec 14, 2015

Harmonica player, Singer/Songwriter, Harpin’ Norm Lucien writes original tunes for himself and for others internationally. Canada, Nashville, Turkey, Russia, Lithuania his harmonica accompanies them all. Song ‘How Much Love’ picked up by The Institute of International Relations, Dhanji Foundation for fundraiser “Children Deserve...

Dec 12, 2015

The all new, all acoustic URBAN HIGHLANDERS play an inspired combination of original instrumentals and songs on a dazzling array of instruments, including Highland Bagpipes, African drums & percussion, 6-string violin, saxophones, whistles, piccolo, acoustic guitar and mandolin. Grier Coppins, ‘The Prince that Nobody Knows’. CD & digital...

Dec 12, 2015

Hosted by Murray Foster, Toronto Songwriting School presents a preview of our quarterly Muse or Monster Songwriter Showcase.     The showcase will feature artists Tory Cassis, Michelle Rumball, Matt Bentley, Ambur Bosi, Dan Bellchambers, and Blake LeVon.     Toronto Songwriting School hosts weekly songwriting classes,...

Dec 12, 2015

Kristine Schmitt’s smart, gritty original songs plus the old-time fire of Lonesome Ace Stringband. Watch out, this means trouble! Kristine Schmitt and the Lonesome Ace Stringband will be releasing a new album of originals in Spring 2016. Lonesome Ace Stringband was chosen this year to showcase for both Folk Music Ontario and the IBMA World of Bluegrass...

Dec 12, 2015

Songs that are simple but expressive, performances that are soft but powerful, Nicole Coward’s music will leave you feeling inspired, moved and uplifted. Nicole Coward’s latest album “Strong Enough For Love” was added to playlists in over 100 radio stations across Canada, the US and the UK.      Nicole Coward’s...

Dec 12, 2015

Sue and Dwight’s music is honest and insightful with themes of peace, courage, and social justice. Rich harmonies are front and centre in their musical arrangements, supported by laid-back guitars and accordion.      Sue and Dwight have two CDs of original music, ‘Darling of The Open Stage’ and ‘Little Child Big...

Dec 10, 2015

Best known as a songwriter and musician from the bands MOXY FRUVOUS and GREAT BIG SEA, Murray Foster has over twenty years of experience in the creative arts – bass player, writer, music producer, director, screenwriter, and film scorer. Best known for his role in the bands Great Big Sea and Moxy Fruvous.      Wrote the song “Lay Me...

Dec 10, 2015

“The best folk duo mix since Ian and Sylvia” Bob Mersereau, CBC arts critic. Fraser & Girard possess a special magic. Lyrics that matter, rustic Americana-Roots inspired melodies, rich with sound and scuffed with traditional tone, this is a delight. Allan Fraser’s signature song, “Dance Hall Girls” voted Top Ten Favourite...

Dec 10, 2015

Brampton artist Dan McVeigh is a one-of-a-kind keyboard player with a successful career as a country songwriter as well as a classic rock performer. 8 time Song contest winner with Billboard, NSAI.      2001 Arts Acclaim Award from City of Brampton.      2 CD Releases including current CD “Drove”....

Dec 10, 2015

Dr. B’s Acoustic Medicine show is a weekly open stage and jam every Saturday at the Freetimes Cafe at 2:00 in the Afternoon.      It’s a good listening room filled with creative energy to enjoy some great music.      All artists welcomed. Come in and put your name on the sign-up sheet to reserve your spot....

Dec 10, 2015

Hour 1. The Moonshine Stage this year will be Showcasing 13-17yr old up and coming local performers selected from our KidZ Are Alright Open Stage.      We will be showcasing individual’s and groups chosen from our regular Open Stage & Jam attendees. Always a Fun Event.      The Moonshine Cafe has just (Jan...

Dec 9, 2015

MARK THE DATES! WINTERFOLK XIV BLUES & ROOTS FESTIVAL  FEBRUARY 12-14, 2016 www.winterfolk.com WHO: Some of the best blues & roots artists on the Canadian music scene today WHAT: The Fourteenth Annual Winterfolk Blues and Roots Festival WHERE: The Danforth: Black Swan Tavern (two stages), 154 Danforth Ave., 416-469-0537 Dora Keogh Irish Pub, 141...

Dec 9, 2015

Zeynep, a Turkish-Canadian songstress and composer, believes in the uniting power of music – connecting people across era and culture through rhythm, melody and interpretations. John Lennon Songwriting Award 2015 World Finalist. Over 500 performances in 4 continents. Zeynep’s World Blend Music project combines Anatolian, Balkan, Mediterranean, Latin American...

Dec 9, 2015

Isabel Fryszberg in the last year has won audiences, gained strong reviews and radio play from her debut album Hearts and Arrows. “Her tunes are like diner menus.” John Aspice, No Depression. She will be joined with the sublime Tony Quarrington at Winterfolk. Winner of Newmarket Arts Council Songwriting Contest for song Something Sacred from 2014 debut album...