Abigail Lapell
2017 Canadian Folk Music Award Winner for Contemporary Album of the Year; new album GETAWAY released 2019 Call it prairie noir, or Canadiana desert rock: Abigail Lapell sings haunting, gorgeous modern folk songs. The Toronto vocalist, guitarist and multi-instrumentalist has released three acclaimed solo albums. Her 2017 sophomore release, Hide Nor Hair, won the Canadian Folk Music Award for Contemporary Album of the Year, and she was a 2019 No Depression Songwriter Award finalist. Lapell tours widely across Canada, the U.S. and Europe,...
read moreKevin Breit
Stony Plain Recording artist. Kevin Breit is a Canadian musician who has traveled the world making music. Kevin Breit has recorded with Norah Jones, Rosanne Cash, k.d. Lang, Hugh Laurie, Cassandra Wilson, Holly Cole, Jane Siberry, Serena Ryder, Taj Mahal, Irma Thomas and countless others. Known for his inimitable guitar playing, exquisite lyrics and eccentric performances. He has won a Maple Blues Award, Gemini Award, National Jazz Award, Canadian Folk Music Award, two Juno Awards and has recorded on albums that earned 10 Grammy Awards....
read moreSuzanne Jarvie
New Sophomore CD In The Clear Released January 2019; Winner, 2019 Colleen Peterson Songwriting Award for All In Place Canadian Americana singer, songwriter and guitarist Suzanne Jarvie is about to embark on her second 2019 European tour supporting In The Clear and is thrilled to be back at Winterfolk 2020 playing music in the TO community! Suzanne Jarvie is out with her 2019 sophomore release In The Clear, following her critically acclaimed debut, Spiral Road, written in the aftermath of almost losing her eldest son. In The Clear, produced by...
read moreSoozi Schlanger
Songs from the Heart Contest runner up You know her as Swamperella – Toronto’s Queen of Cajun…that little power house that can rock a room and can get anyone up dancing…anytime…anywhere! What happens to ‘Swamperella’ once the party is over and everyone has gone home? Soozi Schlanger’s solo project soozimusic, paints a personal portrait that exposes the private world of the artist behind the scenes…her internal world…the motels and hotels, the long drives, the one night...
read moreSwamperella
Swamperella is not only Canada’s own Cajun/Zydeco band with 22 years under their shiny belts – Swamperella is an experience! What puts the swamp into Swamperella? Driving accordions – Gutsy fiddling- Sultry vocals and a Killer rhythm section that pumps out a ’cant sit still ’ authentic Cajun / Zydeco groove. Whether acoustically, at back porch b b q s, street parties or in barns, or plugged in for large festival stages and massive corporate events, Swamperella will captivate audiences with infectious rhythms and impassioned...
read moreBrian Blain
Slow-cooked, solid-groove story-telling blues from this year’s recipient of the Maple Blues “Blues Booster” lifetime achievement award Brian Blain, a mainstay of the Toronto blues scene since the early 90s and a well-respected “elder statesman” of the blues will be playing tunes from his upcoming CD. Brian has been a favourite at previous Winterfolk festivals and has provided a launching pad for many young blues artists with his legendary “Campfire Jams” at Hwy 61, The Gladstone and currently The Old Mill...
read moreBen Sures
Past John Lennon and Isc songwriting contest winner, Irrelevant show cast member and touring artist. Super fun singer songwriter and storyteller.Great guitar player, fun to watch, memorable songs. Ben Sures is a Winnipeg folk festival raised singer songwriter known for his great performances and songwriting. He has toured across Canada, done numerous Homeroutes tours, festival appearances, concerts and house concerts. He has also released 9 albums and played guitar for many other artists including Angie Nussey, Paul Reddick, Harpdog Brown,...
read moreDonné Roberts
2 times Juno Award winner and 3 times Juno Award nominee. New release on Nov 2019 – Donné Roberts ONWARD Donné Roberts is a guitarist and a singer songwriter. Donné Robert’s music makes winter feels like summer. African blues & jazz with joyful groove from Madagascar. www.donneroberts.com...
read moreWinterfolk XVIII Blues and Roots Festival Confirms First Round of 2020 Artists
Reprinted from Sax & Violins Magazine, November 29, 2019 – Toronto, Canada’s annual Winterfolk Blues and Roots Festival is back for its 18th instalment and has confirmed the first round of artists. Held from February 21-23, 2020, the three-day event will once again include the best of urban, blues, rock, jazz, country, folk and roots music, not to mention loads of yummy food options. The all-ages, weatherproof event will occur in downtown Toronto on Brunswick Ave (near Spadina Avenue and Bloor Street), and feature over 150...
read moreThe 18th Annual Winterfolk Blues and Roots Festival
Reprinted from Cashbox Magazine November 28, 2019 – Toronto-based Winterfolk Blues and Roots Festival has announced its 18th annual celebration, with music and food on full display February 21- 23, 2020, including a stellar lineup of JUNO, Maple Blues, and Canadian Folk Music-winners including Lynn Miles, Jack de Keyzer, Swamperella and Wendell Ferguson. Toronto’s Winterfolk Blues and Roots Music Festival is on Brunswick Ave (near Spadina Avenue and Bloor Street), the all-ages, mid-winter,...
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 His unique style of electric slide guitar has even earned him induction into the Canada South Blues Society Hall of Fame, an event scheduled for October of 2013. He is best known for his work in the much-lauded 1960’s band Luke and The Apostles, followed by the equally revered McKenna Mendelson Mainline. In addition, he has played with a...
read moreSue & Dwight
Songwriters, singers, musicologists, authors, advocates, activists – Socially conscious Canadiana folk music with a few twists 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 CDs including 2016 ‘s For A Moment and numerous singles. When They Came for the Others’ (2017) calls out the...
read moreD’Arcy Wickham & Son
Winner -Songs from the heart 2008, Signal Hill CD release 2019 D’Arcy Wickham is a teacher and performer of multiple guitar genres and stringed instruments who delights with his musical prowess as shown on his new ‘Signal Hill’album In over 45 years of performing, and currently with his son accompanying him, and with the release of three albums of original music, D’Arcy Wickham has established himself in the top ranks of Canadian acoustic music artists. www.darcywickham.com
read moreMr. Rick
Mr. Rick is a Singer and fingerstyle acoustic guitarist performing original arrangements of the Trad. American Roots and Blues Song book. A solo album by Rick is coming any minute now Rick’s 3rd CD “Songs about God and Booze” available at CD Baby. Now Magazine, 4 stars. Singer, guitarist, and player of old time Roots Americana, Mr. Rick (aka Rick Zolkower) was born in post war Detroit. Mr. Rick learned his craft by watching and listening to the iconic folk blues performers of the era at Detroit’s famed “Chessmate Coffeehouse”. Mr. Rick, has...
read moreMelanie Peterson
New Single #1 from upcoming EP will be out in Jan/Feb/Mar 2020, Single #2, from album + full album Apr/May/Jun 2020! For over ten years, Melanie Peterson has been entertaining fans, near and far, with her cheerful, lively, original songs, and unique renditions of cover tunes. This Saskatoon born Toronto-based singer-songwriter has quietly become one of the brightest lights on the Toronto folk scene. With her aching vibrato and prairie roots, her work has been consistently praised by listeners and music critics alike for her beautiful voice...
read moreSebastian Agnello
A 52 year veteran of the Canadian music scene. Seb is a scathing, hilarious, politically incorrect but always entertaining performer. 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 Youngbloods , Booker T. and The M.G’s, and others; opening shows for The Flaming Lips, John Otway and Nashville legends Hank Snow, Charlie Pride and Hee Haw’s Gordie Tapp. Seb was music director for...
read moreGathering Sparks
Winner, Folk Music Ontario 2019 “Songs From the Heart” Award, Singer-Songwriter; New CD “All That’s Real” Released Sept 2019 Uplifting folk-roots music with divine harmonies. You will come to listen, and walk away singing. GATHERING SPARKS is the graceful collision of Eve Goldberg and Jane Lewis—musical friends who blend tight harmonies, finely crafted songs, and a love of participatory singing to create an intimate and uplifting experience. Their inclusive approach embraces folk, pop, blues and gospel influences tastefully...
read moreLynn Miles
Great Canadian Singer/songwriter with a Juno Award and 6 Canadian Folk Music awards Lynn is a Singer / songrwiter with 900 songs 14 albums and thousands of roads travelled. Lynn Miles is one of Canada’s most accomplished singer/songwriters. With 14 solo albums to her credit, the winner of the 2002 Juno award for Roots and Traditional Solo Album of the Year and multiple Canadian Folk Music awards including “Solo Artist of The Year” for her CD “Downpour” and 2011 “English Songwriter of the Year”. Lynn is one half of the duo “THE LYNNeS”...
read moreLaura Fernandez
Born in Madrid, Laura Fernandez is a versatile singer songwriter pianist whose music merges the genres of pop, jazz and Latin music. Laura Fernandez was born in Madrid, Spain and immigrated to Canada as a young girl after also having spent a good part of her childhood in Switzerland. As a result her musical influences encompass a broad range of styles and cultural references. She is an accomplished pianist, singer and songwriter and writes primarily in English and Spanish but also performs in Portuguese and French. She had released two...
read moreSam Broverman
New CD Released November 2018 – A Jewish Boy’s Christmas Toronto based jazz singer, former chorister on CBC’s “Hymn Sing” Sam Broverman is a Winnipeg-born, Toronto based jazz singer and songwriter. He has performed in venues across Canada, the US, Europe and Asia. He began his professional singing career in Winnipeg as a teenager, appearing in theatre and cabaret productions and also on the nationally televised shows “Hymn Sing” and “The Doug Crosley Show”. Sam regularly performs in the...
read moreNoah Zacharin
Noah Zacharin is an acknowledged guitar master and literate songwriter with 7 CD’s of original music and countless appearances on stage and CD, supporting many of the best in town and beyond. Noah Zacharin is an exciting performer—a singer / songwriter / guitarist with 7 solo CD’s of multi-genre music, several collaborative efforts, and production and performance credits on nearly 50 recordings by other writers throughout North America. He has been called “a wonderful songwriter and performer, and stunning guitarist” (Paul Mills, Borealis...
read moreKyp Harness
Kyp Harness has released 15 albums of his songs. He has opened for Elvis Costello and has his songs covered by Ron Sexsmith and Mary Margaret O’Hara. Kyp Harness has released 15 albums of his songs and published two novels. Kyp Harness has been called a “great writer” by Daniel Lanois, has opened for Elvis Costello. www.kypharness.net...
read moreSaije
Folk Alliance Australia ‘Young Artist of the Year 2019/20’, New CD Released 2019 Saiji is a multi-instrumental folk duo whose soulful harmonies, dynamic guitar-lines and percussive breakdowns breathe life into heartfelt stories. Their song writing typically encourages connection to self, to the earth and to each other, inviting you on a journey from the depths of ancient forests to bustling French markets, weaving threads of Celtic and French gypsy flavours into their songs along the way. They are the Folk Alliance Australia...
read moreDanny Marks
Star of stage screen and radio, award winning musician, broadcaster singer songwriter. Danny Mark’s roots go back to 1960’s Capitol records band, Edward Bear. Danny Marks is a Toronto Blues Society’s Blues with a Feeling Award winner for lifetime achievement. This iconic rocker’s roots go back to the sixties as a founding member of Capitol Records’ group, Edward Bear. Currently in 18th year as host of Jazz FM.91 Saturday Night. www.dannym.com https://www.facebook.com/danny.marks3...
read moreHoward Gladstone
Howard Gladstone unveils new songs on climate crisis, modern and ancient exiles, remembering Woodstock, and other urgent topics. Howard Gladstone asks: Are songs the front line in a world where beauty, truth and understanding are elusive? Howard Gladstone shares emotion and meaning in his songwriting and performance. His fifth album, Hourglass, released in 2018 is his most honest and accessible, with “nine exquisite songs”* recounting a journey to recovery from a spinal cord injury. New songs emerging in 2019 continue the quest for beauty and...
read moreDavid McLachlan
New CD Released August 2019 An artist who sings songs In The Heart Of Now. David is a prolific performing songwriter with 7 albums released, and one coming next Aug 2020-he has recorded 5 albums in Nashville with stellar A-list players. David has received a warm welcome at radio, charting two songs, a No# 2 and a No# 8, in Europe, in 2019 www.davidmclachlan.com www.facebok.com/@tunesmithdavid www.youtube.com/davidmclachlanmusic
read moreTaylor Abrahamse
Debut Album Produced With Eddie Kramer, Pre-Order Available Now. Taylor Abrahamse is a Toronto singer/songwriter. Co-founder of Silverthorn Studios, he has played across Ontario and wowed crowds with songs he wrote for his debut album, produced with the legendary Eddie Kramer (Jimi Hendrix, The Beatles, Brian May, Carly Simon & many more). A professional singer/songwriter, recording studio owner & voice actor, Taylor is on the verge of a breakout moment in a promising career. He was a Top 40 finalist on Canadian Idol, and has...
read moreWendell Ferguson
Award winning guitarist, songwriter, instrumentalist, humorist and ‘all-round idiot’ joins the Winterfolk Cast! He’s won awards for his guitar playing, his films and his albums. And his shows are crazy, only one thing is guaranteed.. you’ll laugh! Wendell Ferguson is first and foremost a fingerstyle guitarist. But he also has a predilection for humour. Humourous songs, stories and quips. They’ve given him awards for both. They even put him in the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame. But hey, it’s a small...
read moreLynn Harrison
Lynn Harrison returns with “Something More,” acclaimed new solo release. An inspiring artist with songs of uncommon beauty, integrity and spiritual insight, Lynn Harrison returns to Winterfolk following the release of her sixth recording “Something More”. One of the Toronto music scene’s enduring treasures and a gifted artist of “integrity and spiritual insight, Lynn Harrison returns to Winterfolk with more songs of inspiration, hope and courage. A “true artist: poet, musical composer, instrumentalist, singer,...
read moreDiana Braithwaite & Chris Whiteley
9 time Maple Blues Award winners , New CD released 2019 Hot blues and cool jazz with Diana’s memorable voice and Chris’ multi-instrumental virtuosity. Multi award winning duo, Diana Braithwaite and Chris Whiteley have toured extensively throughout North America and Europe , including a concert in Moscow. They were given songwriter of the year honours at the Maple Blues Awards and have recorded seven albums together, featuring original and classic blues, jazz and gospel. www.hotblues.ca...
read moreBill Heffernan
Latest CD Release 2016–The Horses Are Loose; Co-Founder Alive Poets Society (1987-2000 ) BILL HEFFERNAN is a Singer-Songwriter, Story Telling, Spoken Word Artist, MC, Auctioneer, and Social Activist Teacher. From the back-roads of Southern Ontario to the Pan American Highway, from protest lines to gated communities, from hockey arenas, racetracks and legion halls, to back alleys and war zones, from coffee houses to dive bars BILL HEFFERNAN captures in song, story and spoken word the landscapes and characters encountered along the way....
read moreWayne Neon
Songs you’ve heard too many times, but not lately. 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. Buddy Holly, John Prine, Dell Shannon, Nat Cole, Neil Young, Pete Seeger, Jerry Jeff Walker, Fred J. Eaglesmith, Leonard Cohen, Lovin’...
read moreOri Dagan
“Nathaniel: A Tribute to Nat King Cole” Silver Medal, Best Album, Global Music Awards ’17; “Sweetheart” Best Jazz Song American Songwriting Awards ’18 Award-winning Award-winning jazz 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...
read moreClela Errington
“Clela has it all and she showcases her talents effortlessly, beautiful, spiritual, and earthy.” Fatea Records UK Clela Errington has a voice that is timeless and true, effortlessly reaching beyond technique and trends to wrap you in a warm soul embrace. Clela’s vibrant blend of folk and jazz creates the perfect vehicle for her intimate and dynamic vocal delivery, and nowhere are her gifts more evident than in her original songs. www.clelaerrington.com...
read moreFaith Nolan
Afro Scotian Music Award, Chalmers Award, Honored Dyke(Toronto Pride), Recipient, Ontario Federation Labour Cultural Activist Award Faith Nolan a Queer Afro Scotian singer-songwriter and self-taught musician,folk singer , banjo ,guitar bluesharp her career spans 50years plus. To call Faith Nolan a folk singer doesn’t come close to doing her justice. Her music career spans 40years plus. Among the many choirs she founded are the CUPE FREEDOM SINGERS,a group of PSW all wimmin, mostly of Caribbean descent; the Vanier Womens Jail Singers, the...
read moreJerome Tucker Band
Winner Durham vocalist of the year 2011, CBC Song of the week Oct 2016, CBC sounds of the season 2016 JTB is a wickedly talented group of musicians delivering funk, soul and a blistering brand of rhythm and blues. Jerome Tucker Philadelphia area born, Co-wrote songs with Ivan Neville of Keith Richards Band. Played with Otis Rush, Dickey Betts of the Alman Brothers, Lonnie Brooks, Larry McCray, Sugar Blue, Byther Smith, Kenny Neil.(List too long) Cp24 TV, CBC Radio, 1st runner up Maple Blues Awards 2019. www.jerometuckerband.com...
read moreVivienne Wilder
Vivienne Wilder is a Canadian singer, multi-instrumentalist, writer, and visual artist currently living in Toronto. Originally from sunny Saskatchewan, Wilder grew up in a musical family, the youngest daughter of an orchestra bassist father and torch-singer mother. After many years of ‘side-manning’ for a long list of bands and solo artists, she became devoted to songwriting while living in Austin, TX, and touring North America and Europe with a folk collective called The Sweetness. Her eponymous debut EP immediately garnered an honourable...
read moreDan McVeigh
New CD release 2018 – Resolutions, 2001 Brampton Arts Acclaim Award, Multiple Song Contest Winner (NSAI, Billboard Magazine) Dynamic singer-songwriter with 3 CD releases featuring award winning songs for songwriting. Dan McVeigh is an award winning songwriter with 3 CD’s to his credit. He is also been a coordinator for over 23 years with the Nashville Songwriters Association International for Toronto and is the Artistic Director for the Tin Pan North Songwriters Festival now in its 21st year.
read moreQ & A – Zoey Adams and Tony Quarrington
Cowriter, coproducer,performer – two original CDs: Q&A “Christmas Dream”, Q&A “One More Thing”. Writer/performer, 2 original CDs for Children:” ROWAN!” Seasoned actress, comedienne, director, singer, songwriter. Zoey Adams’ performance career has spanned many decades. An actress, comedienne, singer, writer and director, she has worked across Canada, the US and in England. Zoey is the writer/ performer of two story cds for children entitled “ROWAN!”. She also writes and performs in Spanish,...
read moreBarbara Lynch
Will You Ever Care for Me, Last CD released in 2009 and gained attention of the Cowboy Junkies and a place with their label Latent Records.
Barbara Lynch is a Toronto based singer songwriter. Her music has strong blues, old style jazz rhythms and boogie woogie piano influences.
Heather Luckhart
Blues-infused music with a message Heather Luckhart brings her life experiences and endurance into every musical moment. Luckhart’s connection to the blues is one she has earned. Her passion for the music community connects her internationally, which is evident through her social media influencer status on Instagram as well as through her various community driven initiative including her #120bluesnight monthly jam in Toronto. Currently a vocalist in The Tiki Collective and a driving force on her own, this performer is building momentum...
read moreDavid Storey
A SONG WRITER AS QUINTESSENTIALLY CANDIAN AS MAPLE SYRUP AND ICE STORMS BeatRoute magazine: “David Storey and the side Road Scholars effortlessly bring the boot stomping, sing along energy when the time is right, but also know how to settle into more pensive moments.” New Album “made in Canada” released Jan 2019 Like his previously acclaimed releases, David Storey’s new recording, Made In Canada reflects on his life and those of people he’s known with a mixture of wistfulness, his characteristic wry humour and dazzlingly poignant insights....
read moreJack de Keyzer
Jack de Keyzer, 2X Juno, 7X Maple Blues Winner, International blues guitarist, singer & song writer. Jack de Keyzer plays the blues world wide. One of Canada’s most awarded and in demand blues guitarists he has released 11 CD’s and 1 DVD. An exciting live performer, soulful vocalist and world class song writer, de Keyzer performs an average of 150 shows per year and has wowed audiences at many major Jazz and Blues Festivals. In addition to the Juno and Maple Blues awards, de Keyzer won 1st place in the International Songwriting...
read moreJon Brooks & The Outskirts Of Approval
“Brooks’ massive declamatory vibe and hypnotic, inimitable guitar playing gives an audience goosebumps you could grate cheese on.” – Paul Corby, 2019. A machine gun of sincerity saving us from the healers of sadness and unknowing. Jon Brooks’ music is polyphonic in sound, word, and influence. His performances are emotionally intense raids on the inexplicable human heart. Brooks’ 7 albums are thematic obsessions over paradox, love, fear, religion, war, PTSD, https://jonbrooks.ca/home ...
read moreTerry Jones
Singer-songwriter, poet and performer, tempered by the 60s-a beatnic hippy radical imbued with lots of mirth apparently. (Image not available at time of posting) Singer-songwriter, poet and performer, tempered by the 60s-a beatnic hippy radical imbued with lots of mirth apparently. From Virginia most recently in 1970 when landed in Stratford after playing in a rock musical. Joined political folk group, “The Perth County Conspiracy” Terry then toured, recorded, played halls and clubs, and did radio and TV shows. From Virginia...
read moreThe Layrite Boys
The Layrite Boys, Self titled EP released, 2017. Stay tuned for the full length LP record! Toronto’s Old-time Country Duo. The new-old stock country sounds of The Layrite Boys hearken back to the Golden Age of country and bluegrass, but with feet firmly planted in the modern age. Though their style could outshine your ex’s wedding ring, it is the substance of the Layrite Boys that could easily rekindle that lost love. After sharing the stage with such musicians as The Sadies, Albert Lee, and making personal appearances at venues and...
read moreIsaak Bonk
Isaak is the Subject of ‘Waiting in the Street’ – A documentary by Shane Pendergast Isaak Bonk is a Toronto born musician, he plays a mixture of his his own compositions and pre-war/ folk revival era country blues and bluegrass. A TTC busker and musician about town, Isaak plays in many of Toronto’s bona fide folk clubs. Holding a monthly residency at Relish Bar & Grill as well as the Black Swan Tavern. https://www.facebook.com/IsaakBonkMusic/...
read moreJames Gordon
40th album “The Heritage Hall Sessions” released 2019. New one-man Show “James Gordon’s Emergency Climate” Musical touring now. Veteran Canadian Songworker and Poetician. James Gordon is a Canadian songwriter/playwright/musician/producer and community activist. Co-founder of the legendary Canadian folk trio Tamarack, He’s released 40 albums in 40 years! He was a weekly contributor to Arthur Black’s “Basic Black” CBC radio program, and has had more than 100 artists cover his songs. His song “Frobisher Bay” has...
read moreMeg Tennant
New CD Echoed Light released in Spring 2019 Folk roots songwriter Meg Tennant’s new CD Echoed Light offers up some hope, comfort and clarity. Originally from Northern Ontario, songwriter Meg Tennant is currently based in Toronto after spending many years on the west coast. She has opened for the likes of Eliza Gilkyson and Tom Russell at Vancouver’s Rogue Folk Club. Her a capella songs have been performed by choirs in BC, Australia and Sweden, and she has had songs recorded by bluegrass and folk artists. The new CD...
read moreGlen Hornblast
Glen Hornblast is an award-winning Toronto songwriter, well-known to the Toronto folk community. 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.” www.glenhornblast.com facebook.com/glenhornblast twitter.com/glenhornblast
read moreSave 40% on Advance Winterfolk Wristbands
Advanced wristbands at $15.00! Order early to avoid disappointment – can sell out quickly! Avoid lineups at the door. A wristband allows entry to over 90 performances. We will be asking up to $25.00 at the door. Wristbands will be mailed on Jan 2, 2020 Quantity: Inventory Restriction Inventory Failure...
read moreAlfie Smith & Nicole Christian
Award-winning slide guitar duo, 2018 IBC contestants, Hamilton-based songwriters and multi-instrumentalists Alfie Smith and Nicole Christian are old-style slide guitarists, multi-instrumentalists and a blues duo not to be missed. Alfie Smith and Nicole Christian are old-style slide guitarists, multi-instrumentalists and a blues duo not to be missed. Featuring Alfie’s belting baritone vocals mixed with Nicole’s sass and jazz flute, they bring you blues, roots and originals in a way you have never seen before....
read moreSave 15% on Winterfolk Accommodation at the Annex Hotel
Save 15% on Winterfolk Accommodation with Promo Code Hotel Discounts are available to Winterfolk guests at The Annex Hotel, which is one of our venues. Attentive design and unparalleled comfort is what you can expect at the Annex. Save 15% on room rate with Promo Code WINTERFOLKANNEX (enter the Promo Code at the very end of the Booking Flow) Book Now theannex.com 647 694-9868 The Annex Hotel 296 Brunswick, Toronto M5S 2M7
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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....
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Winterfolk 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...
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