Feb 22 – 24, 2019
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 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 is equal and...
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 is a prolific...
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 for...
Dec 28, 2018
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 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 guitarist, singer,...
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 Magazine “Emilyn and...
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, 2018...
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 hitman...
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 that...
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 many...
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 headliners...
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...
Dec 19, 2018
WINNER OF TWO 2012 TORONTO INDEPENDENT MUSIC AWARDS (BEST FOLK/ROOTS & HNSS LIVE ACOUSTIC)!! 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. High-energy...
Dec 19, 2018
2nd solo CD released in 2012 Featured in independent documentary film “Harmonica Man From Japan”2006 Ken Yoshioka sings blues, plays guitar and harmonica with soul. Ken Yoshioka is a Toronto based blues singer/songwriter, harmonica/guitar player, originally from Kamakura, Japan.His music is based on deep south delta, Chicago and modern electric...
Dec 19, 2018
Critically Acclaimed New Album: “Nathaniel: A Tribute to Nat King Cole” Winner, “Best Album” Silver Medal at the Global Music Awards Award-winning singer, songwriter and recording artist Ori Dagan is taking jazz to new and exciting places. His rich baritone voice and impressive abilities as an improviser produce an instantly recognizable sound. In live...
Dec 19, 2018
David Storey is excited to announce the release of his new album “made in Canada” which continues the pattern established on two previous releases of wry wit and penetrating insights about life’s challenges, characters and passions. With a dynamic career that over 40 years has zig-zagged between music and broadcasting production, for which he’s won...
Dec 19, 2018
About to release his 40th album “Heritage Sessions” Composer of “Frobisher Bay” which has become a Canadian classic with over 100 covers worldwide Co-founder of legendary folk trio Tamarack, Guelph-based James Gordon has gone on to a thriving solo career with more than 1500 songs, 40 albums, 12 years as CBC Radio songwriter-in-residence...
Dec 18, 2018
Mr. Rick was one of the featured performers in “The Harry Smith Anthology, tribute to American Folk Music” Singer, guitarist, and player of old time Roots Americana, Mr. Rick (aka Rick Zolkower) was born in post war Detroit. Rick learned his craft by watching, listening and hanging with the iconic Folk and Blues performers of the era at...
Dec 18, 2018
Winner, 2018 Toronto Blues Society Talent Search the TD Toronto Jazz Festival Winner, 2017 Merriam Emerging Artist at the TD Oakville Songs of Summer Winner of the 2018 Toronto Blues Society Talent search at the TD Toronto Jazz Festival, Bywater Blues debuted in early 2017, shortly thereafter winning the Merriam Music Emerging Artist Award from the 2017 TD...
Dec 18, 2018
Winner, Songs from the Heart 2018 (Blues Category) Winner, Songs from the Heart 2018 (Humorous Category) New Full Length, “Matches”, released September 2018 The award-winning music of Guelph folk duo Tragedy Ann inspires chills, provokes smiles, and reminds you to breathe. With the occasional nod to alt. blues and handshake with contemporary...
Dec 18, 2018
Slow-cooked, solid-groove folk blues – soulful, thoughtful and always entertaining. His highly original blues-based repertoire earned him the coveted Porcupine “Golden Quill” Award in 2005 Brian Blain, a mainstay of the Toronto blues scene since the early 90s, will be playing tunes from his upcoming CD including some lighthearted fare...
Dec 18, 2018
2018 JUNO nominees, Nova Scotian sisters Cassie and Maggie have been lighting up the world with their blend of traditional and original Celtic roots music. 2018 JUNO nominees for Root/Trad album of the Year. 2017 Winners of Roots/Trad album of the Year at the Canadian Folk Music awards, nominees for Ensemble, Vocal Group and Traditional singer of the Year...
Dec 18, 2018
Winner, Slaight Music It’s Your Shot Competition, 2018, Canadian Songwriting Competition (Under 18) Winner, Best Young Songwriter Independent Music Awards, 2017, Winner, Best Young Songwriter Canadian Folk Music Award 2017 Winners of a Canadian Folk Music Award, a Toronto Independent Music Award, the Canadian Songwriting Competition (Under 18 category)...
Dec 18, 2018
2 Time Juno Award Winner New CD Released in November 2018 Donné Roberts’ music make winter feels like summer. The rhythm will make you dance and the melodies will make you sing along. The music is mainly in Malagasy the language of Madagascar. Website www.donneroberts.com Donné Roberts’ music make winter feels like summer. The rhythm will make you dance...
Dec 18, 2018
2017 Toronto Blues Society Talent Search Winner 2017 Amy Louie Grossman’s Scholarship Winner Toronto-based blues/rock guitarist Dan McKinnon has been working hard to establish himself as a Canadian Blues artist on the rise. Following the success of his debut full-length album As Sharp As Possible (2013 Canadian Blues Debut of the Year from the Blues...
Dec 17, 2018
Toronto singer-songwriter Howard Gladstone released Hourglass—his fifth album of original contemporary folk/roots music in the U.S.A. on June 15, 2018 Howard Gladstone shares emotion and meaning in his songwriting and performance, exercising both sides of his brain, the rational and the poetic. His fifth album, Hourglass, is his most honest and accessible...
Dec 17, 2018
Guitarist Margaret Stowe will appear at Winterfolk! Guitarist Margaret Stowe has been playing jazz, jazz-blues and other styles for several decades, performing and recording with a variety of Canadian and international artists. During her career, she has performed with orchestras, in theatre, and at major concert halls, festivals, clubs and restaurants, in...
Dec 17, 2018
Guitar Master, Writer of Deeply-felt, Literate Songs, and Dynamic Performer Noah Zacharin is an acknowledged guitar master, writer of literate and deeply-felt songs, and dynamic and ever-evolving performer. He has released eight CD’s of original music, all of which have been met with critical and popular success. ‘Strange Rider’ (2016) made...
Dec 17, 2018
Nominee, Canadian Folk Music Awards: Emerging Artist of the Year, 2018 The Lifers, led by sisters Liv and Anita Cazzola, are an art-folk/rock collective from Guelph, Ontario. Their intertwined voices dynamically convey vulnerability and strength, confronting the fragility of our world and ourselves. Their latest release “Honey Suite” employs...
Dec 17, 2018
Evaristo: Cuban Trovador Evaristo is a multi-talented singer, songwriter and guitarist. His CD, “Siempre Que Llueve… (After the Rain)” is available on iTunes, and features some of Toronto’s best Canadian and Cuban musicians. Born in Havana, Evaristo now makes Toronto home, where he performs with his trio, as well as in solo shows on his guitar,...
Dec 14, 2018
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, lounge music gives new meaning to the word eclectic. Wayne...
Dec 14, 2018
Black Suit Devil Singer/Songwriter Andy Du Rego took his years of experience in the Blues & Rock scenes as a guitarist and has fused it with his life experiences to breathe life into the Black Suit Devil project. An ever-evolving project best described currently as Acoustic Soul is a fusion of the Folk, Roots, Blues & Soul genres. While the name Black...
Dec 11, 2018
Glen Hornblast is a well-known Toronto singer-songwriter whose music is an intoxicating blend of folk, country, blues and jazz. His latest CD “Once In A Blue Moon” has been very well-received and has garnered great reviews and radio play around the world. He describes his songs as “sad little stories of love, loss and...
Dec 10, 2018
Seb is a protest singer. Scathing, hilarious, politically incorrect and always entertaining. Seb is a protest singer. Scathing, hilarious, politically incorrect and always entertaining. Seb can turn the largest venue into an intimate and exciting place to be. Since his band, “The Lords Of London”, topped the Canadian Charts when he was just 14 years...
Nov 30, 2018
Harpin’ Norm Lucien walked into a kitchen jam in a pub in downtown Toronto, joined in on harmonica and quickly found himself in the embrace of the Toronto music community! Gradually playing just about every style backing just about every musician he picked up the moniker ‘Harpin’ Norm! As friends often joke “Harpin’ will play with...
Nov 25, 2018
The Brampton Folk Club holds monthly song circles on the 1st Monday of every month, from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Bring your instrument! We also present two concert series, hosts open mics and participate in a variety of community events. This is the 4th year we have been honoured to be included at Winterfolk. Many thanks to the Winterfolk committee for inviting...
Dec 25, 2017
Nominated for Young Performer of the Year at the 2016 Canadian Folk Music Awards Opened for Ashley MacIsaac and Joined Him for a Couple Tunes for the 2017 Festival of Small Halls Ontario Advanced to the Semi-Final Round at the 2017 Canadian National Exhibition Rising Star Talent Competition; Performed at the 2016 Havelock Jamboree Jessica Wedden is a 15 year...
