How Winterfolk XVII helped Paul Corby get through another winter weekend
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 something to be proud of. Three bars with a total of five stages along Danforth Avenue rotated 150 artists for two days and three nights while a dedicated clientele absorbed a bright and...
read moreBlues and Roots Radio on Winterfolk XVII
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 articles, I love the neighbourhood, and love the homely atmosphere of this festival. For me it’s a great event to get around, all the venues are within a short walking distance and...
read moreToronto Born Singer/Songwriter returns for Winterfolk
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 you were supposed to marry a doctor or lawyer or be one. And my path was the music. So it made for some conflicts at home,” Kraar said. Her fascination with the guitar began when she...
read moreJerome Tucker Band
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 televised performances, much radio play and just plain baddassness! Jerome Tucker, Rich Greenspoon, Carl Harvey and Rob Neal Christian. don’t miss it!...
read moreWinterfolk Festival Comes to Danforth
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 Storey, Ori Dagan, Chloe Watkinson, Ken Yoshioka, Jon Brooks,STAV, Doris Folkens + more! WHAT: Winterfolk XVII Blues & Roots Festival...
read moreChloe Watkinson – This Is Our Time
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 blues, soul and rock strains effortlessly, and her gutsy voice never gets overwrought. “This Is Our Time” is a bold and confident statement, delivered with vigour. It’s...
read moreWinterfolk XVII Announces Full Artist Line Up
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 TICKETS: ON SALE NOW! Festival Wristbands only $15 Till Jan 31. Four ticketed events $15 Adv | $25 Doorare separate from wristband admission which is regularly $25....
read moreWinterfolk Tickets Now on Sale – Order Early to Avoid Disappointment
Tickets are typically sold out by showtime. Order early to avoid disappointment.
read moreScarborough teaser show a taste of Winterfolk tonight
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 Scarborough, tonight Doors open at 7:30 pm and music starts at 8:00 pm for this event to benefit Winterfolk. Presented by Winterfolk XVII Blues & Roots Festival along...
read morePreview the Winterfolk Blues and Roots Festival this weekend in Scarborough
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., and music starts at 8:00.) It’s a benefit for Winterfolk, presented by the festival along with Lillian Wauthier, artistic director of Acoustic Harvest. It’s a jam-packed night of music...
read moreWinterfolk Volunteer Meet Up Jan 19
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 out to the Meetup on Saturday, January 19 from 1 to 4pm at the Black Swan Tavern, 154 Danforth Ave, just east of Broadview, near the Broadview subway.
read moreKen Whiteley
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 winning songwriter, performer and producer whose musical journey has taken him from jug band, folk and swing to blues, gospel and children’s music. Ken Whiteley has won a Canadian Folk...
read moreExtended – Save 40% on Advance Winterfolk Wristbands Till Jan 31
Save on advanced wristband orders, as the price will be higher at the door. Order now and save!
read moreWinterfolk XVII Preview Jan 19
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 & Leigh Cline, Shake the Bellows, Donne Roberts, Ken Yoshioka, and Ori Dagan.
read moreWinterfolk XVII Blues & Roots Festial
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, Danny Marks, HOTCHA!, Marg Stowe, Moscow Apartment and many others. Wristbands $15 early bird (till Dec 31), $25 at the door. Feb 22-24, 2019.
read moreWinterfolk Preview at Acoustic Harvest Jan 19
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… Winterfolk XVII Preview SATURDAY, JANUARY 19 Doors 7:30 pm | Music 8:00 pm, @ St. Paul’s United Church, 200 McIntosh St., Scarborough, ON Festival wristbands...
read moreGary Kendall Band
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 accountable. Formed in 2005, Gary reached out to some of Toronto’s best musicians to create a turn-on-a-dime squad of blues marauders to build a loyal following for their...
read moreJon Brooks
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 songs to terrify those who’ve not. Jon Brooks writes songs to calm those who’ve looked into and seen what is in their hearts; he also writes songs to terrify those who’ve not. His...
read moreAlfie Smith
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 songwriter, an accomplished performer and talented multi-instrumentalist. Known best for his resophonic guitars, brazen slide licks and uncompromising vocals,...
read moreAcoustic Harvest hosts Winterfolk Blues and Roots Festival preview concert in Scarborough
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 $22 at www.acousticharvest.ca. The event is another one of Toronto’s Winterfolk XVII festival preview performances to showcase some of the musical talent Toronto has, and to show...
read moreMike McKenna
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 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...
read moreDavid McLachlan
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 reflect life and its lesson’s. A prolific songwriter, his original compositions can be found on six albums, two recorded in Toronto, and four in Nashville. His latest album, In The Heart Of...
read moreFor King & Country
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. “… on the faces of brass plaques and gravestones, in thousands of stone chapels across Canada, the traces remain of lives lost and glories found on the battlefields of Europe. The faint...
read moreJack de Keyzer
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, song writer and producer and one of the finest blues guitarists on the scene today. The British born, Canadian resident’s career has spanned over three decades. De...
read moreAlana and Leigh Cline
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 fiddle/guitar instrumental duo who combine Irish, Cape Breton and Scottish styles to create their own sound. They also include occasional Balkan tunes in their sets. Alana &...
read moreDanny Marks
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 band Edward Bear. After years of touring and session work Danny settled in to the club scene in Toronto while hosting TV and radio on CBC and Rogers Cable Ten. Danny is currently seen on...
read moreLynn Harrison
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 she travels, in Toronto and beyond. Lynn is an award-winning songwriter (OCFF, Unisong and others) with five CDs to her credit, currently working on a new recording (produced by Noah...
read moreRoger Clown
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 all sizes, social standing, ages, genders, and abilities. happily.
read moreChloe Watkinson
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 US/Canadian tours featuring shows at Toronto’s Opera House, Thorold’s Canal Bank Shuffle Festival, and dates in New York, Vermont and Quebec. Her current single...
read moreBrian Gladstone
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 songwriter who not bound by conventions, a lyricist who can invoke a plethora of emotions in a single verse, and a dynamic performer who engages and entertains his audiences. ...
read moreMaggie & Mr. Rogers
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 – crisp, mellow, full real. Totally sold on the acoustic picking and acoustic slide combo – irresistible. Maggie’s voice is lovely in that it is seemingly effortless and...
read moreEmilyn Stam and John David Williams
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 John have a tremendous way of progressing folk music that is respectful but at the same time so freeing and playful.” – Tom Power Emilyn Stam and...
read moreAlessia Cohle
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 Canadian Country Music Awards Since the release of her debut, FACTOR funded album ‘Talk To Me’ and her EP ‘Wild Eyed Wanderer’, Alessia Cohle has emerged as one of Canada’s...
read moreSTAV
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. (@soundofstav) shares her story of migration with bursts of rhythmic fire and soaring melodies. She released her debut album The Horizon Line in 2016 with an East-Coast tour from...
read moreQ & A
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 : her hat had grapes and a banana. They have recently recorded 29 tunes in the studio, including a Christmas album. They share a brain (Zoey has it this...
read moreLynda Kraar
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 the Marksmen, playing local clubs in Toronto. She has performed throughout the world. Lynda is also part of Musicians on Call, a network of musicians who perform in hospitals...
read moreSue and Dwight
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 time. Their songs about the prairies, life in the big city, and travels in East Africa impart human stories of peace, courage, and social justice. The duo have released 3...
read moreTony Quarrington
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 years professional experience in many types of music : folk, jazz, klezmer, rock,country, Hawaiian, blues, bluegrass and more. He will soon have released six albums of my...
read moreMark the Dates Winterfolk XVII – Feb 22-24, 2019
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, 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 three...
read moreSammy Duke
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 plays up to eight instruments at the same time; all while entrancing audiences with his notorious self-deprecating charm, wit and infectious live energy. w.sammyduke.com...
read moreSteve Raiken
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 and as the opening act for Tom Rush, Hall & Oates, and George Carlin. The duo split up in 1973. Raiken spent the next 35 years in management consulting and the public sector...
read moreSimone Morris
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 recently released, all-original, debut album SETTLING UP, co-written with longtime guitarist, Mike Freedman. The album hit #1 on the iTunes Jazz Chart in its very first week and has been...
read moreThe Barrel Boys
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 harmonies and virtuosic instrumentals, and their repertoire finely balances standard tunes with their own original writing. Their instrumentation lends itself to classic bluegrass, but...
read moreDoris Folkens
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 rooted in people and the events that shaped them. Her own independent music career is no different. Even the piano she grew up playing in Ontario has a tale. It survived the bombing of her...
read moreHOTCHA!
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 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...
read moreKen Yoshioka
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 blues.He regularly performs with blues piano virtuoso Julian Fauth.You can hear Ken’s harmonica playing on a number of local Toroto CDs. www.reverbnation/kenyoshioka.com...
read moreOri Dagan
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 performance, he surrounds himself with Canada’s finest musicians, performing an engaging mix of material which is always fresh and in the moment. Dagan’s third recording and visual album,...
read moreDavid Storey and the Side Road Scholars
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 numerous awards, songwriter David Storey, recharged and refocused is now poised to win new laurels in the musical realm in which he began his journey. A new album, made in Canada,...
read moreJames Gordon
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 and and relentless world-wide touring to his credit. With a handful of songs that have become part of the standard Canadian repertoire like “Frobisher Bay” and “Mining...
read moreMark The Dates WFXVII – Feb 22-24, 2019
WINTERFOLK XVII BLUES & ROOTS FESTIVAL FEBRUARY 22-24, 2019 WHO: Some of the best blues & roots artists on the Canadian music scene today WHAT: The 17th Annual Winterfolk Blues & Roots Festival WHERE: Various venues on the Danforth, Toronto WHEN: February 22-24, 2019 TICKETS: Save $10 on 3-day pass – ONLY $15 till Dec 31 http://www.winterfolk.com/extendedwristbands/ TORONTO – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2018 – Be sure to mark your calendars for the 17th Annual Winterfolk...
read moreMr. Rick
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 Detroit’s famed “Chessmate coffee house”. Rick has had a passion for music Americana for over 40 years. He started performing and touring in the 1960’s. He currently...
read moreBywater
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 Oakville Songs of Summer Festival. A 7-piece band drawing from the sounds of Southern Soul, Gospel and Blues, Bywater features powerful lead vocals and slide guitar,...
read moreTragedy Ann
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 folk-rock, Liv Cazzola and Braden Phelan intertwine the storytelling power of Tom Waits with the musical nuance of Mandolin Orange, crafting something...
read moreBrian Blain
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 like “I’m Not 50 Anymore,” “The Not Worried Blues,” and songs about dearly departed musical collaborators Kathi MacDonald and Scott Cushnie...
read moreCassie and Maggie
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 Performed over 250 shows across the UK, Germany, Scandinavia, North America and Mexico in 2018. “From the deepest roots of Canada and its very earliest musical traditions...
read moreMoscow Apartment
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) and the Slaight Music It’s Your Shot award, Moscow Apartment has rapidly become one of the most exciting emerging bands in Canadian folk and indie music. At just 15 and 16-years-old,...
read moreDonné Roberts
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 and the melodies will make you sing along. The music is mainly in Malagasy the language of Madagascar....
read moreDan McKinnon
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 Underground Network) and a year where he won the 2017 Toronto Blues Society’s Talent Search and the Amy Louie Grossman’s Music Scholarship, he is back with a brand new album The Cleaner, a...
read moreHoward Gladstone
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 album, recounting a harrowing journey to recovery from a serious spinal cord injury. New songs emerging in 2019 continue the quest for recovery… moving beyond the individual looking at...
read moreMargaret Stowe
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 Canada and Europe, as a sideperson, bandleader and musical director. Currently, Margaret can be found playing with the Max Woolaver Band, jazz vocalist Brenda Lewis, Tony Quarrington’s For...
read moreNoah Zacharin
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 several ‘Best-Of’ lists that year, and the more recent ‘A Startle of Wings’ has been receiving significant airplay internationally–including on the...
read moreThe Lifers
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 conventional instruments in unconventional ways, garnering them a nomination for Emerging Artist of the Year through the Canadian Folk Music Awards. Harp-inspired ukulele, accordion swells,...
read moreEvaristo Machado
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, mixing his own material with more traditional sounds such as Cuban Son and songs from the Cuban ‘Trovador’ tradition. www.evaristomusic.com
read moreD’Arcy Wickham
With a career spanning over 4 decades and with credits that include …guitarist for the Ian Thomas Band , Polydor Recording and touring Artist, award winning songwriter D’Arcy Wickham looks forward to the release of his 3rd CD ‘Signal Hill’ which is all instrumental at Winterfolk 2019. In addition to being an artist, D’Arcy is Toronto’s premier guitar and vocal instructor, and many of the Winterfolk performers this year have been students of D’Arcy. D’Arcy Wickham...
read moreWayne Neon
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 Neon
read moreBlack Suit Devil
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 Suit Devil would represent the corporate big wigs behind the worlds figurative curtains, Du Rego uses music as his medium to give voice to social injustice, current political affairs,...
read moreGlen Hornblast
Glen Hornblast is a well-known Toronto singer-songwriter whose music is an intoxicating blend of folk, country, blues and jazz. His latest CD “Once In A Blue Moon” has been very well-received and has garnered great reviews and radio play around the world. He describes his songs as “sad little stories of love, loss and heartache.”
read moreSebastian Agnello
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 old, Seb Agnello has performed with the likes of Jimi Hendrix, The Mothers Of Invention, Marvin Gaye, Etta James, The...
read moreWinterfolk Preview & Birthday Bash Dec 8
The 17th Annual Winterfolk Blues and Roots Festival, taking place in Toronto February 22-24, 2019, is set to present the best of urban, blues, rock, jazz, country, folk and roots music, and will feature returning favourite artists as well as fresh new talent.
read moreNorm Lucien
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 anyone!!” Harpin’ Norm Lucien picked up the harmonica after being given the...
read moreWinterfolk XVII Preview & Benefit Dec 8, 2018
Winterfolk Blues & Roots Festival Presents Winterfolk XVII Preview & Benefit WHO: David Storey, & The Side Road Scholars, HOTCHA!,Chloe Watkinson, Tony Quarrington, Brian Gladstone, and Glen Hornblast Band WHAT: Winterfolk XVII Preview & Benefit + Birthday Bash WHERE: The Black Swan Tavern, 154 Danforth Avenue, Toronto, ON 416-469-0537 WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 8th – Doors 7:30 pm / Music 8:00 TICKETS: $10 suggested minimum donation @door (all funds go towards support of...
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Brampton Folk Club
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 us!The Brampton Folk Club is a non profit community group dedicating to promoting folk music in the Brampton area. We have been around for 21 years and have over 50 members from all...
read moreGet a Winterfolk Gig!
How to play at Winterfolk. What we look for in artists and more exciting artist opportunities.
read moreCasa Loma guitarist strikes a chord for Winterfolk festival
Rick Zolkower talks performing, coming to Canada and his future album February 19, 2018 Brian Baker Americana, musician, Rick Zolkower, Winterfolk Reprinted from Streeter – The fallout from the Riverboat scene in Toronto’s 1960s Yorkville scene was when Detroit-born Americana musician Rick Zolkower arrived here. It was 1972 and the photographer-musician came to Canada via Detroit, Mich. because of his girlfriend. He decided to call it his new home. Now, the 68-year-old is a fixture in the Winterfolk Blues...
read moreWINTERFOLK XVI PREVIEW & BENEFIT @ HUGH’S ROOM, TORONTO
January 21, 2018 – Reprinted from Spill Magazine Last year, Hugh’s Room announced it was closing its doors. Like many fans, I waited with bated breath, sorry to see yet another beloved Toronto venue cease to exist. Thankfully, generous donations and copious support have allowed the Roncy music club to keep on delivering the goods. With its commitment to blues and roots, the 16th annual Acoustic Harvest + Winterfolk Preview is what the Hugh’s Room spirit is all about. Brian Gladstone kicked things off by greeting the audience and...
read moreWinterfolk XVI by Cashbox Magazine
Submitted by Lenny Stoute The 16th Annual Winterfolk Blues and Roots Festival,taking place in Toronto February 16-18, 2018, is set to present the best of urban, blues, rock, jazz, country, folk and roots music, and will feature returning favourite artists as well as fresh new talent. It’s an all-ages, mid-winter, weatherproof event that emulates a multi-stage rural summer festival. More than 100 artists will be performing at four venues and five stages over three days of the long Family Day weekend. For more information on the festival,...
read moreWINTERFOLK XVI ANNOUNCES FULL LINEUP – FEBRUARY 16-18, 2018
Reprinted from Spill Magazine – The 16th Annual Winterfolk Blues and Roots Festival, taking place in Toronto February 16-18, 2018, is set to present the best of urban, blues, rock, jazz, country, folk and roots music, and will feature returning favourite artists as well as fresh new talent. It’s an all-ages, mid-winter, weatherproof event that emulates a multi-stage rural summer festival. More than 100 artists will be performing at four venues and five stages over three days of the long Family Day weekend. For more information on the...
read moreWINTERFOLK XVI PREVIEW & BENEFIT
Reprinted from Spill Magazine – by Elizabeth Andrews Jan 29, 2018 – Last year, Hugh’s Room announced it was closing its doors. Like many fans, I waited with bated breath, sorry to see yet another beloved Toronto venue cease to exist. Thankfully, generous donations and copious support have allowed the Roncy music club to keep on delivering the goods. With its commitment to blues and roots, the 16th annual Acoustic Harvest + Winterfolk Preview is what the Hugh’s Room spirit is all about. Brian Gladstone kicked things off by...
read moreIt’s closer than you think: Winterfolk preview tonight at Hugh’s
Reprinted from Toronto Moon Magazine – We referred the other day to the spectacular success of the annual Winterfolk Festival started by Brian Gladstone fifteen years ago next month and as always this year’s 16th edition of the now seminal event promises another great weekend of live Roots, Blues and Jazz music when it takes place Feb. 16-18on five stages in venues on Danforth Ave. in East TO. This evening you can get a taste of some of the highlights of this year’s edition at a preview showcase...
read moreGet a sneak peek of what’s coming at Toronto’s Winterfolk
Annual roots and blues festival held at several east Toronto venues Reprinted from Inside Toronto East York Mirror – Fans of folk, roots, and blues music can get a glimpse of what’s to come at this year’s Winterfolk Blues and Roots Festival on Sunday, Jan. 21. The Winterfolk XVI Preview will be held at Hugh’s Room Live, 2261 Dundas St. W., just south of Bloor Street West, starting at 7:30 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m. Presented by Winterfolk along with Acoustic Harvest, the show will feature performances by Dirty Dishes, Julian Fauth, Mr....
read moreWinterfolk Volunteer Meet Up Saturday Jan 20, 2018
More Info Do you want to know more about volunteering at Winterfolk? Would you like to meet other volunteers? Do you have past experiences you’d like to share with others? This is an informational gathering for anyone who is thinking about volunteering at the festival and for those who have done so in the past. I’ll be there to answer your questions about volunteering at the upcoming festival. It will be pretty informal so feel free to just drop by and say hello anytime between 2 & 4. BTW – It’s not necessary to...
read moreAcoustic Harvest & Winterfolk: WF Preview Jan 21@Hugh’s Room Live
Greetings of the new year with hope for a better future for the World. As we have done for the past four years, prior to the Winterfolk Festival, we have a sneak-peak at a few of the 150 or so artists who will be performing at the festival. Here’s the lineup: WHO: Dirty Dishes, Julian Fauth, Mr. Rick, Brian Gladstone w/Tony Quarrington, HOTCHA!, and Brighid Fry from Moscow Apartment WHAT: Acoustic Harvest + Winterfolk Blues & Roots Festival Present: Winterfolk XVI Preview WHERE: Hugh’s Room Live, 2261 Dundas Street West,...
read moreFYI Music News Announces Winterfolk XVI
by Kerry Doole – Reprinted in FYI Music News – Now in its 16th year, Toronto’s annual Winterfolk roots music fest continues to get better, and bigger. Staged in clubs on Danforth Ave, and the first round of performers include Jack de Keyzer, D’Arcy Wickham, Brian Gladstone, Juno-winners David Bradstreet and Julian Fauth, David Essig, Kat Goldman, Jon Broks, Laura Fernandes, Melanie Peterson, Moscow Apartment, Noah Zacharin, Piper Hayes, and The Willows. Winterfolk runs Feb. 16-18, with over 150 artists...
read moreWinterfolk Preview Show Jan 21 at Hugh’s Room Live
Winterfolk XVI Preview SUNDAY, JANUARY 21ST Doors 6:00 pm | Music 7:30 PM @ Hugh’s Room Live 2261 Dundas Street West, Toronto, ON Festival wristbands only $10 at the preview!
read moreWinterfolk Preview Show Jan 21 at Hugh’s Room Live
Winterfolk XVI Blues & Roots Festival and Acoustic Harvest Present… Dirty Dishes will be performing at the Winterfolk XVI preview at Hugh’s Room Live on January 21, 2018 Winterfolk XVI Preview SUNDAY, JANUARY 21ST Doors 6:00 pm | Music 7:30 PM @ Hugh’s Room Live 2261 Dundas Street West, Toronto, ON Festival wristbands only $10 at the preview! WHO: Dirty Dishes, Julian Fauth, Mr. Rick, Brian Gladstone w/Tony Quarrington, HOTCHA!, and Brighid Fry from Moscow Apartment WHAT: Acoustic Harvest +...
read moreWinterfolk Volunteer Meetup Jan 6, 2018
More Info Do you want to know more about volunteering at Winterfolk? Would you like to meet other volunteers? Do you have past experiences you’d like to share with others? This is an informational gathering for anyone who is thinking about volunteering at the festival and for those who have done so in the past. I’ll be there to answer your questions about volunteering at the upcoming festival. It will be pretty informal so feel free to just drop by and say hello anytime between 2 & 4. BTW – It’s not necessary to...
read moreJessica Wedden
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 old fiddler, trick fiddler, step dancer, composer and 2016 Canadian Folk Music Award nominee with an upbeat Celtic and East Coast repertoire, who thoroughly...
read moreJack de Keyzer presents ‘Evolution of Blues Guitar’ – From Robert Johnson to Jimi Hendrix
From Robert Johnson to Jimi Hendrix
read moreWinterfolk Volunteer Meet Up Dec 16
Do you want to know more about volunteering at Winterfolk? Would you like to meet other volunteers? Do you have past experiences you’d like to share with others? This is an informational gathering for anyone who is thinking about volunteering at the festival and for those who have done so in the past. I’ll be there to answer your questions about volunteering at the upcoming festival. It will be pretty informal so feel free to just drop by and say hello anytime between 2 & 4. Jen Volunteer Coordinator More...
read moreGet a sneak peek of what’s to come at 16th annual Winterfolk Festival
Reprinted from ‘Inside Toronto’ – The organizers of the 16th annual Winterfolk Blues and Roots Festival are hosting a preview/benefit and birthday bash on Saturday, Dec. 9. The special sneak peek event, which will feature The Achromatics, David Storey, Tony Quarrington, Brian Gladstone, Piper Hayes with Carson Ritcey-Thorpe, The Mini-Clan Hannigan and more, will be held at The Black Swan Tavern, 154 Danforth Ave., just east of Broadview Avenue. It will also include an open mic for anyone who would like to perform or...
read moreWinterfolk XVI Preview and Fundraiser Dec 9, 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 416-469-0537 WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 9th – Doors 7:30 pm / Music 8:00 TICKETS: $10 minimum donation @door (all funds go towards support of festival artists XVI)...
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The Max Woolaver Band
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 crackerjack band, the Max Woolaver Band has had a devoted following for a long time now. Drawing spiritual grace from the roots tradition, Max’s songs and the band’s musicianship (...
read moreWinterfolk Volunteer Meetup, Sunday November 19
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 so in the past. It will be pretty informal so you can just drop by to say hello if you like, no need to come for the entire time. If you’d like to stick around for some music the...
read moreTonight’s Winterfolk preview a good way to ease into cooler climes
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 part in a 2018 festival preview and fundraiser at Free Times Café. While not one of the “original six” rooms in which the festival, then known simply as Winterfolk, took...
read moreWINTERFOLK 2018 Tribute & Benefit Concert Nov 4, 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 Blues & Roots Festival Tribute and Benefit WHERE: The Free Times Café, 320 College St. TO | 416- 967-1078 WHEN: Saturday, November 4, 2017 TICKETS: $10 donation at door...
read moreWinterfolk XVI Artist Submission Drop Box Now Open
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
read moreWinterfolk Blues & Roots Festival
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 venues over the 3 days. The festival also included special tribute events, an awards ceremony, community stages and various themed musical workshops with something for everyone to enjoy....
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