D’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 D’Arcy...
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...
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...
read more
Save 40% on Advance Winterfolk Wristbands – Now On Sale
Save on advanced wristband orders, as the price will be higher at the door. Order now and save!
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 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 festival artists XVII) WEBSITES: www.winterfolk.com ...
read moreJoin the Winterfolk Team
We welcome your application. Join with other members of the community to help us make a difference. Though our annual showcase event is the Winterfolk festival in February, our work is ongoing. We appreciate the help of good volunteers year round. If you have any questions prior to submitting the form, please send an email , and we will try to respond quickly. We look forward to working with you. Audio Mixing / Lighting Technician – Mixing sound and lighting during performances. Stage Managers – Ensure artists check in pre-show,...
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 and Roots Festival. He’s...
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 greeting...
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 concert being staged at Hugh’s Room in...
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, Toronto,...
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 performing on five...
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 + Winterfolk Blues & Roots Festival...
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 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 play a...
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) WEBSITES: www.winterfolk.com TORONTO – FRIDAY,...
read more
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 ( Michelle Josef, Marg Stowe, Rachel Melas) have been appreciated by discerning live,...
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 place in its inaugural 2003...
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 (all funds go towards support of artists) Dinner Reservations...
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...
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....
read moreEditor’s Corner March 2017
Written by David Olds Category: Editors Corner – Sticking with my Pot Pourri theme, I had the pleasure of meeting up with a friend from my early childhood at Winterfolk on the Family Day Weekend. David Storey and I knew each other back in our pre-school days, attending the same Anglican church and each other’s birthday parties. Somewhere around our teenage years we lost track of each other as he went off to choir school and I attended York County’s experiment with open plan education in the early years of Thornlea Secondary School....
read moreWinterfolk Roundup Various Clubs Toronto
Winterfolk XV was busier, punchier and way warmer than usual, all good things for the folk that swarmed over the bridge to check the annual feast of blues and roots musics of all kinds. Folkie Peter Verity opened the launch party at The Black Swan with an engrossing set largely drawn from recent album Sometimes A Journey. Accompanied by fiddle virtuoso Thomas Hamilton, Verity rolled out the haunting narratives and minor key melodies of fan faves“Blue as I Can Get”, “The Healing Rain” and “North Ontario” among others. Next up, the bayou brewed...
read moreAmericana Media Pro: Fred Boenig reviews Winterfolk
From American Media Pro Winterfolk XV Roots and Blues Fest Underway One of the great mid-winter music festivals is underway in Toronto this weekend with the 15th edition of the Winterfolk Blues and Roots Festival. This 3 day festival showcases the finest in local and national touring musicians, with some artists just beginning their musical journey and others who have been on the landscape for many years. Taking place at 5 different venues around the intersection of Danforth and Broadview Aves., this festival is the perfect tonic to come out...
read moreTony Quarrington tribute album shows Winterfolk’s stature
\ TO EAST \ Reprinted from Toronto Moon Magazine There was a time when there was really only one Roots festival that artists of that genre talked about in TO. Back when I started this publication —25 years ago this coming April, as Open Season (which gave birth to to-nite before evolving into TorontoMoon.ca) — the Mariposa Festival had a very strong presence in the city and in fact was still staging shows here. The last presentation of its weekend within the city limits, I believe, was the ill-fated 1992 edition on one of the Toronto...
read moreWinterfolk is back for its 15th year on The Danforth
All-ages, mid-winter festival to feature some of the best Canadian blues and roots artists East York Mirror – The 2017 edition of the Winterfolk Blues and Roots Festival is coming to The Danforth. The 15th annual event, which features some of the best Canadian blues and roots artists, will run from Feb. 15 to Feb. 17. Organizers describe Winterfolk as an all-ages, mid-winter, weatherproof event that features the best of urban, blues, rock, jazz, country, folk and roots music. More than 150 artists are set to perform at five venues on...
read moreEntertainment Beat – Its that time of year again
February 9, 2017February 8, 2017 Anna Killen and Lara O’Keefe Reprinted from Beaches Metro It’s that time of year again. Toronto’s Winterfolk Blues and Roots Music Festival is on the Danforth Feb. 17-19, 2017 and Acoustic Harvest will be there with bells, and guitars, and dancing shoes. Its showcase is Saturday, Feb. 18 at 8 p.m. at the Globe Bistro at 124 Danforth Ave. Featuring Mary Kelly with Tom Leighton, Anne Walker, Missy Burgess, and John Prince and Bruce McDaniel, this is Acoustic Harvest’s fourth Winterfolk showcase. Last year,...
read moreWinterfolk Hour on BLUZ FM
Don’t miss the Winterfolk hour on Bluz Fm on JAZZ.FM91 with Danny Marks which will air this Saturday Feb 11 from 10 to 11 PM. We will be talking about a variety of topics including local music scene, the role of music in society, and of course highlights of the upcoming Winterfolk XV Blues & Roots Festival. We will be spinning tracks from Winterfolk artists including Brian Blain, Mike McKenna, Lily Frost, MrRick MusicAmericana, The Small Glories, Jack de Keyzer, HOTCHA!, Denielle Bassels, David Essig, Noah Zacharin, Kim Doolittle....
read moreWINTERFOLK XV ANNOUNCES FULL LINEUP
WHO: Trent Severn, Johnson Crook, The Small Glories, Command Sisters, Julian Taylor, The Jerome Tucker Band, Jon Brooks, Lily Frost, Louis Simão, Denielle Bassels, Blair Packham + more! WHAT: Winterfolk XV Blues & Roots Festival TICKETS: Advance tickets for the four ticketed events are separate from wristband admission. Purchase here: http://www.winterfolk.com/winterfolk-advance-ticket-sales/ WHERE: Various venues on the Danforth, Toronto • Black Swan Tavern (two stages), 154 Danforth Ave., 416-469-0537 • Dora Keogh Irish Pub, 141...
read moreA Musical Extravaganza for All Ages on the Danforth Strip
By: Thomas Schultz posted Mon, Feb 6, 2017 in SPECIALINTEREST Toronto serves as Canada’s hub for art, commerce, and entertainment, making it an ideal destination for travelers. The city won’t disappoint thanks to a wide range of world class restaurants like Canoe, Carisma, and VOLOS. Another major attraction you won’t want to miss is Canada’s largest natural history museum, the Royal Ontario Museum. Toronto is one of the most culturally diverse cities in the world, truly offering something for everyone. Winterfolk Blues and...
read moreA Music Extravaganza for All Ages on the Danforth Strip
By: Thomas Schultz posted Mon, Feb 6, 2017 in SPECIALINTEREST Toronto serves as Canada’s hub for art, commerce, and entertainment, making it an ideal destination for travelers. The city won’t disappoint thanks to a wide range of world class restaurants like Canoe, Carisma, and VOLOS. Another major attraction you won’t want to miss is Canada’s largest natural history museum, the Royal Ontario Museum. Toronto is one of the most culturally diverse cities in the world, truly offering something for everyone. Winterfolk Blues and...
read moreBlog Toronto on Winterfolk
Toronto’s Winterfolk Blues and Roots Music Festival is on the Danforth, Feb. 17-19, 2017. It’s an all-ages, mid-winter, weatherproof event, where you’ll find the best of urban, blues, rock, jazz, country, folk and roots music , emulating a multi-stage rural summer festival. More than 150 artists will be performing at 5 venues over 3 days. The festival will also include special tribute events, an awards ceremony, community stages and various themed musical workshops with something for everyone to enjoy. Winterfolk is the ideal event for...
read moreEntertainment Beat
February 9, 2017February 8, 2017 Anna Killen and Lara O’Keefe – It’s that time of year again. Toronto’s Winterfolk Blues and Roots Music Festival is on the Danforth Feb. 17-19, 2017 and Acoustic Harvest will be there with bells, and guitars, and dancing shoes. Its showcase is Saturday, Feb. 18 at 8 p.m. at the Globe Bistro at 124 Danforth Ave. Featuring Mary Kelly with Tom Leighton, Anne Walker, Missy Burgess, and John Prince and Bruce McDaniel, this is Acoustic Harvest’s fourth Winterfolk showcase. Last year, the East...
read moreWinterfolk XV Blues & Roots Festival announce full lineup
From February 17-February 19th, the Winterfolk XV Blues & Roots Festival will be held in full force. The festival will be held in five venues with six stages in total in Danforth, Toronto. On February 17, the hours will be 7:00pm-1:30am. On February 18, the hours will be 1:00pm-1:30am. Finally, on February 19, the festival hours will be 1:00pm-11:00pm. The full line-up can be seen HERE! There are multiple options for shows. The festival is offering $20 wristbands that allow entry into various shows within their schedule. In...
read moreLive Album Release The Songs of Tony Quarrington
Tickets are Limited – Order Early to avoid disappointment Sunday Feb 19, Black Swan Tavern, 154 Danforth Ave. The Songs of Tony Quarrington Live CD Release– featuring Heather Fielding, Glen Hornblast, David Storey, HOTCHA!, Wendell Ferguson, Seb Agnello, Brian Gladstone, Wayne Neon, Isabelle Frysberg, Laura Fernandez, Noah Zacharin, Soozi Schlanger, Howard Gladstone, Joe Hall, Stuart Laughton. Doors open at 3:30 pm. Music starts at 4:00. $15.00 Advance $20.00 door. CDs sold at the...
read moreWinterfolk’s 15th anniversary Feb. 17-19 will include many East York talents
Reprinted from East York Chronicle, by /Gary 17/ Although it was not born in east TO, the annual Winterfolk Blues & Roots Festival has made its home here for most of what will be 15 years of existence February 17-19. From its beginnings the event, held at five bar/restaurant venues on Danforth Ave. near Broadview, has drawn on talents from the area, including iconic songwriter and veteran of the TO music scene for 50 years, Sebastian Agnello, who has been an East York resident all his life. Agnello returns again this year, kicking things...
read moreHi Res Artist Images
Click on any image to enlarge. Click on Arrows < > left and right for horizontal scroll. Right Click to Download, Save, Copy, Copy URL, etc. [Show slideshow] The Redhill Valleys Tom Leighton Turbo Street Funk All Day Breakfast Stringband Anne Walker Brian Blain Brian Gladstone Command Sisters David McLachlan Denielle Dr. Tom Hamilton HOTCHA! Isaak Bonk Julian Taylor Juneyt Laura Fernandez Louis Simão Duo Margaret Stowe Mike McKenna Onion Honey...
read moreWinterfolk Preview Jan 21
BITS’N’PIECES – Reprinted from Cashbox TORONTO – Festival-goers will have a chance to get a sneak preview of what’s in store at the 15th ANNUAL WINTERFOLK BLUES AND ROOTS FESTIVAL when some of the finest folk, roots and blues artists take the stage at Toronto’s Acoustic Harvest on Saturday, January 21st. Doors open at 7:30 pm and music starts at 8:00 pm for this event to benefit Winterfolk. Presented by Lillian Wauthier, Artistic Director of Acoustic Harvest along with Winterfolk Blues & Roots...
read more
Jan 21 Winterfolk Preview at Acoustic Harvest
Winterfolk XV Preview & Benefit Saturday, January 21st Acoustic Harvest, Robinson Hall, St. Nicholas Anglican Church 1512 Kingston Rd., Toronto | 416.729.7564 Doors 7:30 pm / Music 8:00 pm WHO: Blair Packham, Tony Quarrington, Lynn Harrison, Brian Gladstone, HOTCHA!, Kim Doolittle, Glen Hornblast, Tragedy Ann and Lillian Wauthier as Host. WHAT: Acoustic Harvest Presents: Winterfolk XV Preview & Benefit WHERE: Robinson Hall, St. Nicholas Anglican Church, 1512 Kingston Rd., Toronto (one block east of Warden Ave.) |416.729.7564...
read moreEnd of the Road
Take more decades of performing than the guys like to admit; add born in the bone raw talent to instrumental virtuosity, stunning harmonies, endless on-stage energy and thoughtful, thought provoking lyrics and you have arrived at the “End of the Road”. Perpetual entertainers for the Canada Day Boat Cruise for the Festival of the Sound in Parry Sound Ontario. A diverse mix of traditional, maritime, folk and bluegrass is perhaps the most accurate description of the music of “End of the Road”. This trio of...
read moreThe Small Glories – Nominated for 2 Canadian Folk Awards!
Folk powerhouse pair The Small Glories are Cara Luft & JD Edwards, a dynamic duo planted on the Canadian Prairies.
read moreWinterfolk Blues and Roots Festival
Reprinted from `India News Calling` – TORONTO – MONDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2016 – Be sure to mark your calendars for the 15th Annual Winterfolk Blues and Roots Festival taking place February 17-19, 2017 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 four venues and five stages over the three-day weekend. Wristband passes for the weekend are on...
read moreWinterfolk benefit supports festival’s artists
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, singer/songwriter Noah Zacharin, authentic Chicago blues man Jerome Tucker, and award-winning troubadour Glen Hornblast, will take place at The Black Swan Tavern, 154 Danforth Ave., just east of...
read moreVolunteer at Winterfolk
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.
read moreWinterfolk Preview Nov 26, 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 by Winterfolk XV Blues and Roots Festival, the event also serves as a benefit for the festival and as a BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION for festival founder and director BRIAN GLADSTONE. Artists...
read moreT.O. musicians fête Tony Quarrington
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 Gladstone, and Soozie Schlanger. Some People’s Voice readers will recall Tony’s performance at the 38th Convention of the Communist Party last May, where he sang originals like “Sing the...
read moreNashville Bound Winterfolk Preview Oct 30
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! We’ll also have free CDs for the best Costumes! There’s a $10 Cover and all proceeds go to keeping Winterfolk going – one of the best Winter Folk Festivals anywhere! Hope to...
read more‘The Songs of Tony Quarrington’
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 – Wendell Ferguson – Fraser & Girard – Jon Brooks – Joe Hall – Glen Hornblast – Brian Gladstone – David Storey –Howard Gladstone – Sebastian...
read moreWinterfolk XIV Friday Feb 12, 2016 Highlights
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!
read moreCaledon based Corner Gas creator David Storey set to release debut album at Winterfolk
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 years he is preparing to release a debut full-length album titled Comin’ Home. The television icon says he has enjoyed the journey back to his musical roots. “The reason that we called...
read moreMore than 150 artists to perform at Winterfolk Blues and Roots Festival during Family Day weekend
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 downstairs), Dora Keogh Irish Pub, Terry O’s and Mambo Lounge. Most of the concerts and events can be accessed with a single $15 wristband, good for the entire weekend. There are five...
read moreWinterfolk music festival engages and inspires with themed performances
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 festival on the Danforth, running from Fri. Feb. 12-14. The four venues playing host are within a short walk of each other: Black Swan Tavern, Dora Keogh, Mambo Lounge andTerri O’s....
read moreWhat’s On This Week in Toronto
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. And hear this: A $15 wristband gives you admission to 90 performances! There are other shows that require separate tickets and some need reservations, so get on...
read moreEast York talents will be featured at Winterfolk Feb. 12-14
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), Mambo Lounge (120 Danforth) and upstairs and downstairs at Black Swan Tavern (154 Danforth). A $15 wristband gets audiences admission to all of the shows over the weekend except for...
read moreFive acts to keep on your radar for Winterfolk XIV
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) to the four venues and five stages on the Danforth. High profile features include recent Juno nominee Old Man Ludecke, Joey Landreth of the Landreth Bros., and David Storey of Corner...
read moreWinterfolk 2016 – The Interview on Folk Roots Radio
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.
read moreDiscount Winterfolk tickets available until end of January
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 extended paid shows (two of them featuring two-time Juno Award Winner Jack de Keyzer) each of which cost an additional modest $20. With the January discount, however, the $15 wristband...
read moreSave 40% on Winterfolk Wristbands Extended Till Jan 30
Early wristband pricing is $15.00 will be $25.00 at the door.
read moreTrent Severn
Trent Severn is an acclaimed Ontario folk trio who sing original, contemporary songs easily described as “Canadian history in harmony”
read moreWinterfolk showcase Jan 16 at Acoustic Harvest
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, courage, and social justice. The pair’s harmonies are backed by guitar and accordion, and songs are interspersed with tales of the prairies, big city life, and foreign travels. David...
read moreWinterfolk Preview Show Jan 16, 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 artist, taking an organic, eclectic and often humourous approach to roots music. Brian Gladstone has released four homespun and original albums, each gaining global acclaim and...
read moreWinterfolk Tickets Now On Sale
Get tickets to Winterfolk’s 5 paid stages. Order early to avoid disappointment!
read moreOld Man Luedecke
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 was released and picked up a JUNO nomination as well as “Folk Album of the Year” from Music Nova Scotia. Old Man Luedecke is the recording name of two-time Juno...
read moreMurder Murder
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 Competition. Nominated for Best Songwriter – Northern Ontario Music and Film Awards. Semi-Finalists – Indieweek Canada. Murder Murder is a Bloodgrass band (Bluegrass + Outlaw Country + Exclusively Murder...
read moreJane Lewis
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 singer-songwriter Jane Lewis blends engaging melodies and well-crafted lyrics in her piano-based folk-pop-roots style. Often compared to Carole King, her songwriting has been described...
read moreGrit Laskin
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 1971, builder of performance level steel-string, flamenco and classical guitars. He originated the Armrest and Ribrest body beveling on acoustic guitars; he co-originated the Sideport...
read moreLynn Mantle
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 justice activist. Worked with many noted artists over the years, including, LongJohn Baldry, Glass Tiger, Eye Eye, Arlene Mantle… Lynn Mantle is a Toronto based singer, songwriter,...
read moreKatherine Wheatley
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. Katherine Wheatley sings truth, bravely, and in detail. She mines heartache to produce lyrical and melodic gold. And like one of her earliest influences, Gordon Lightfoot, she invokes...
read moreRosalee Peppard
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 Titanic Convention, and Titanic Belfast in Belfast, N.I. Rosalee has received 2 Dr Helen Creighton Folklore Research Awards and a Colchester Heritage Award for transcribing women’s oral...
read moreCD Release at Winterfolk – Coming Home by David Storey
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 singer-songwriters like John Prine and Steve Earle. But it’s funny how a life can take a different turn. Storey left the singing and songwriting life 20 years ago to raise a family. His new life...
read moreWinterfolk Lineup – Check Out the Talent at This Year’s Festival
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...
read moreTony Quarrington
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 gigging for fifty years with a vast array of artists and bands. Long a busy roots sideman and active jazz artist, he has come into his own lately as a passionate and intelligent...
read moreHi Resolution Images
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 Songbird Coward Onion Honey Peter Verity Sebastian Agnello Rick Taylor Sharron Katz Shawna Caspi The O'Pears...
read moreGlen Hornblast
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. Toronto singer-songwriter Glen Hornblast is a popular performer in many of Toronto’s folk and jazz clubs. In 2013, he released his first CD entitled, “Once In A Blue Moon.” The twelve-track CD received...
read moreThe O’Pears
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 2016. Featured Toronto performers alongside The Nylons at The Sing Vocal Arts Festival in Austin, Texas. Had a highly successful East Coast tour including the Lunenburg Folk...
read moreDavid Essig
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. David Essig is considered one of Canada’s finest roots/blues artists. A singer-songwriter with an international following, David has performed at every major festival in Canada and in concerts worldwide. He has released 20 albums and...
read moreLaura Fernandez
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 influential Hispanics in Canada 2014, top 100 influential Spanish worldwide. Born in Madrid Spain, Laura Fernandez is an award winning multifaceted artist. Singer, songwriter, producer, radio broadcaster and visual artist, Laura immigrated...
read moreJulian Taylor
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 Toronto Star. “The consistency of his compositions is a real accomplishment, they excel within established genres and demonstrate exemplary songwriting – Exclaim! A true music fan and accomplished performer, Julian...
read moreJoanne Crabtree
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 song on US Folk Radio on MLK’s Birthday. 2011 Wrote a story song about the Avro Arrow. By age seventeen, Joanne Crabtree was a busy folk artist in the heady pre-Yorkville days of 1960s...
read moreSebastian Agnello
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 Of Protest” for Rogers Cable. 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...
read moreMark the Dates! Winterfolk XIV – Feb 12,13,14, 2016
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 Danforth Ave., 416-778-1804 Terri O’s, 185 Danforth Ave., 416-462-0038 Mambo Lounge, 120 Danforth Ave., 416-778-7004 WHEN: February 12-14, 2016 Hours: Date Start Till Friday Feb 12, 2016...
read moreEvolution of Blues Guitar: Jack de Keyzer
The two times Juno Award winner and seven times Maple Blues Award winner Jack de Keyzer performs and explores the history of Blues Guitar from the 1930s …
read moreSuccessful Winterfolk XIV Sneak Preview and Fundraiser!
Full House at the Winterfolk XIV Sneak Preview Showcase and Fundraiser Sunday, Nov 22nd @ The Freetimes Café. The Free Times Cafe audience enjoyed a sneak preview of what they can look forward to at the 14TH ANNUAL WINTERFOLK BLUES AND ROOTS FESTIVAL in February 2016. On Sunday, Nov. 22, some of the finest folk, roots and blues artists took to the stage. Presented by Winterfolk and the Nashville Bound Songwriter Series, artists included Tony Quarrington, Mr. Rick, HOTCHA!, Brian Gladstone, Noah Zacharin, D’Arcy Wickham, Clela Errington, Glen...
read more
