What's New At Winterfolk

A Brief History of Winterfolk through News and Media

Winterfolk’s Most Recent News Will Always Appear on This Page

Anne Lederman

Anne Lederman

Fiddler, singer, composer, storyteller, multi-instrumentalist, Anne is known for her explorations into Canadian/World traditions, and for bringing them to life through tune, song and story.     Winner:...

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Ken Whiteley

Ken Whiteley

Highly acclaimed Canadian folk, blues and gospel veteran, multi-instrumentalist, powerful vocalist, versatile songwriter.     New cd, "Freedom Blues" released 2016 (Ken's 30th recording as an...

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FYI Music News Announces Winterfolk XVI

FYI 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...

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Mose Scarlett

Mose Scarlett

Mose Scarlett is a Borealis Records recording artist.     A forty year veteran on the Canadian music scene, Mose Scarlett is a Borealis Records recording artist....

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Mike McKenna

Mike 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...

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Winterfolk Volunteer Meet Up Saturday Jan 20, 2018

Winterfolk 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...

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Al Lerman

Al Lerman

A 40+ year veteran of the Canadian blues scene and one of the top harmonica players in the country, Al is a an engaging and skilled performer whose often humorous anecdotes are interspersed between great blues...

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Danny Marks

Danny Marks

A founding member of Edward Bear in the 1960's, Danny spent many years in Toronto Clubs, from Alberts Hall to the Cadillac Lounge. He apprenticed at CBC radio with Arthur Black and Shelagh Rogers before landing his own...

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Santerias

Santerias

Toronto Urban Latin ensemble fires up funk fusion.     Santerias was just voted by people's choice "Play The Parks 2017 Band of the Season"!     Santerias’ newest single release...

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Jessica Wedden

Jessica Wedden

Nominated for Young Performer of the Year at the 2016 Canadian Folk Music Awards Opened for Ashley MacIsaac and Joined Him for a Couple Tunes for the 2017 Festival of Small Halls Ontario Advanced to the Semi-Final...

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Musically Yours

Musically Yours

We provide a platform for new artists to be heard on TV & on our website.     We provide free recording opportunities.     Our magazine showcases awesome Canadian independent...

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Laura Bird

Laura Bird

Known for her warm stage presence, finely honed guitar work, and distinctive, sultry voice, Guelph songstress Laura Bird draws musical influence from a mosaic of early folk roots, contemporary bluegrass and old jazz...

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Jerome Tucker Band

Jerome Tucker Band

We are a funky R&B soul band with a blistering groove.     CD released 2016 "Still on Fire".     song of the week CBC Here and Now 99.1FM.     CBC Sounds of the...

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Jory Nash

Jory Nash

Winner, Songs From the Heart Contest 2000.     4 time CFMA nominee.     Winner, Penguin Eggs Album of the Year, 2010.     Jory Nash is a singer songwriter who...

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Sean Peever

Sean Peever

A roots music powerhouse who stirs a heady mixture of folk-rock-soul-RnB-Celtic-country-bluegrass-rocksteady.     CD release, The Eyes of Sarah Miles, 2015.     Played at the...

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Wayne Neon

Wayne Neon

Wayne Neon is the illegitimate love child of Bob Dylan and Duke Ellington.     Folksinger humdinger!     Songs you've heard too many times, but not lately.    ...

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David McLachlan

David McLachlan

David sings with heartfelt conviction songs that reflect life and it's lessons.     New cd released Sept 2017 called "out of love".     No 4" Bless This House"- European Country Music...

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Sebastian Agnello

Sebastian Agnello

Seb is a protest singer. Scathing, hilarious, politically incorrect and always entertaining.     Seb is a protest singer. Scathing, hilarious, politically incorrect and always...

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Acoustic Harvest

Acoustic Harvest

Acoustic Harvest was started in 1997 by the late, great, multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter, radio host, Rick Fielding.     AH features award winning local, regional, national and international...

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NSAI Toronto

NSAI Toronto

NSAI Toronto is celebrating it's 25th anniversary as a songwriters chapter in 2018.     NSAI meetings are held at the Harris Institute once a month. New writers alway welcome.    ...

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The Moonshine Cafe

The Moonshine Cafe

The Moonshine Cafe Stage at Winterfolk is a showcase of emerging talent chosen from our regular performers at the Open Mic's and Jam's in our venue.     The Moonshine Cafe is into it's thirteenth year of...

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Tony Quarrington and Zoey Adams

Tony Quarrington and Zoey Adams

An institution at Winterfolk since Year One, singer/songwriter Tony Quarrington appears this year with his new duet partner Zoey Adams.     In our new incarnation as 'Q. and A.', singers and...

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David Bradstreet

David Bradstreet

David Bradstreet: writer of hit, "Renaissance"; JUNO, "Best New Male Vocalist" 1977; extensive recording and touring for 45 years.     Gold and Platinum Albums.     JUNO Award Winner...

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Smokey Folk

Smokey Folk

Traditional bluegrass with a modern sound.     Toronto’s premiere bluegrass band.     Smokey folk has been playing around Toronto for over 10 years, delighting audiences with their...

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Sue and Dwight

Sue and Dwight

Socially conscious contemporary folk music with a few twists.     Songwriters, singers, musicologists, authors, advocates, activists.     3 CD releases including For A Moment...

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Kim Doolittle

Kim Doolittle

Singer, Songwriter, Storyteller, Original Recording Artist, Humorist.     Into The Blue released April 2017!     Top 5 on Stingray Radio.     Programmed on CBC,...

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The Max Woolaver Band

The Max Woolaver Band

The Max Woolaver Band draws inspiration from the lyrical power and inspired musicianship of the deep well of North American roots tradition.     Factor New Talent; Pick of the Writer's Nights, Bluebird...

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Jon Brooks

Jon Brooks

Jon Brooks writes songs to calm those souls who've looked into and seen what is in their hearts; he also writes songs to terrify those who have not.     4 x nominee for English Songwriter of the Year at...

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Durham County Poets

Durham County Poets

The obvious joie de vivre expressed while performing together is reflected in the good-time feel that the band creates.     New CD Grimshaw Road 2017 riding high on Canadian Blues...

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BluesReel

BluesReel

Songs & tunes, reeds & strings, rhythm & blues, jigs & reels, original & trad.     Debut CD "Riverfield" released in 2016, recorded in a 200-year-old log house in the Chateauguay...

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Signe Miranda

Signe Miranda

Toronto-based lead singer/songwriter of Signe Miranda's Veranda and author of #1 international best selling book, "The Song Creation Formula: 7 Easy Steps to Writing Your Song" recently released a new single, "It's Been So...

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Clan Hannigan

Clan Hannigan

Clan Hannigan is an Intergenerational family band that takes traditional Irish music and blends it with elements of Jazz, Pop, and other folk traditions, to create a unique high energy sonic...

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Bobby Dove

Bobby Dove

Bobby Dove is an alt-country singer-songwriter and troubadour from Montreal.     Bobby Dove's Debut Album, Thunderchild, Released 2016.     Bobby Dove captured by aliens, forced to...

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Harpin’ Norm Lucien

Harpin’ Norm Lucien

Versatile Harmonica player, singer-songwriter with radio play and songs covered by others!     Harpin’ Norm’s feature tonight exemplifies the Fat Albert mission/TorontoMoon.ca 160615We/Shows for Wed....

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Andy Griffiths

Andy Griffiths

Andy writes and performs fun / interesting folk rock music for children/families and adults alike!     Andy Griffiths has released a new folk rock children's album! 'OUR CAT FLASH'. See www.kidzent.com...

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Alfie Smith

Alfie Smith

"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 Spec.    ...

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Linda Saslove

Linda Saslove

Linda Saslove truly lives up to her name. She is the perfect blend of Sas with a whole lot of love. Often compared to Carole King and Joni Mitchell.     her Debut Album, "Everything". Available at...

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Brian Jantzi & The Lost Mariachis

Brian Jantzi & The Lost Mariachis

Singer/songwriter & multi-instrumentalist Brian Jantzi digs deep into folk, rock, jazz, blues, bluegrass, Celtic, western, latin, psychedelic, & world traditions with original songs that lay a lonesome hippie vibe over...

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Piper Hayes

Piper Hayes

Born in New York, raised in Toronto, and now residing in Hamilton since 2015, critically acclaimed folk singer, songwriter and social activist Piper Hayes is truly authentic.     Debut full-length album...

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Glen Hornblast

Glen Hornblast

Toronto singer-songwriter Glen Hornblast is a popular performer in many of Toronto's folk and jazz clubs. In 2014, he released his first CD entitled, "Once In A Blue Moon." The twelve-track CD received a lot of airplay on...

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Laura Fernandez

Laura Fernandez

SingerSongwriter pianist, spanish born and multilingual performer Laura Fernandez.     Winner New York international independent Music Festival, multilingual singer songwriter, new Cd Imagination coming...

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Dirty Dishes

Dirty Dishes

Dirty Dishes is a kick-in-the-pants harmony-driven roots trio.     Fourth album to be released this spring.     Dirty Dishes is well known for their spirited music, tight...

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Rob Lutes

Rob Lutes

As skilled delivering a Piedmont blues classic as he is performing his own award-winning original songs, Rob Lutes's masterful fingerstyle guitar work and soulful voice bring an unmistakable intensity to his live...

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D’Arcy Wickham

D’Arcy Wickham

D’Arcy has been an established name in the Toronto music scene as an outstanding songwriter and guitarist with strong name recognition.     Winner songs from the heart contest 2009 , new CD to be...

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Howard Gladstone

Howard Gladstone

Howard Gladstone, Toronto-based performing songwriter has released his 5th and strongest album. (Hourglass, 2017).     Howard' Gladstone (vocal/guitar) Trio features Laura Fernandez (vocal, piano) and...

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David Essig

David Essig

David Essig has performed at every major folk/roots festival in Canada, during a career that has now spanned nearly 50 years.     Veteran Canadian Roots Artist Celebrates 46 years of Performing at...

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Jack de Keyzer

Jack de Keyzer

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.     2...

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Tia McGraff

Tia McGraff

Grammy nominated, Tia McGraff and Tommy Parham are an international touring Americana/Folk duo who have been compared to Johnny and June!     Grammy nominated, Hamilton Music Award Winner, international...

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Julian Fauth

Julian Fauth

Julian Fauth is a singer, piano player and songwriter in the tradition of barrelhouse blues with a touch of insanity.     Juno Award Winner Best Blues Album 2009     Maple Blues Award...

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Lynn Harrison

Lynn 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.     Creator and host of "The Bridge" themed open...

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Melanie Peterson

Melanie Peterson

Melanie Peterson is a Toronto based, Saskatoon born singer-songwriter and actress.     New EP released summer 2017.     Mary Poppins with a broken heart, BBC...

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Brian Gladstone

Brian Gladstone

Brian Gladstone has been involved in the Canadian roots music scene for almost thirty-five years.     Brian Gladstone is a world class finger-style guitar player, a dynamic performer, and a prolific song...

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Kat Goldman

Kat Goldman

One of Canada's most loved songwriters.     Kat Goldman Releases her Fourth Album "The Workingman's Blues".     Kat Goldman's songs have been covered by notable artists Dar Williams,...

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The Bridge

The Bridge

Unique shared stage on a theme, hosted by Lynn Harrison.     Celebrating the connection between creativity and spirituality.     Monthly event at the Imperial Pub, now in its third...

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Noah Zacharin

Noah Zacharin

Born in Montreal, living in Toronto, Noah Zacharin has earned his place as a musical hero. Plays many styles comfortably and authentically. 7 solo CD's. Also plays well with others–producing and performing on many other...

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Maggie & Mr. Rogers

Maggie & Mr. Rogers

Scott Rogers, vocalist Maggie Keogh and lap steel guitarist Donald Rooke (of the Henrys) conjure up dreamy renditions of folk and jazz tunes.     First time performers at...

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Moscow Apartment

Moscow Apartment

Moscow Apartment is a young indie folk duo based in Toronto who are taking the Canadian Music Scene by storm.     Debut EP released September 2017.     Winner, Best Young Songwriter,...

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Mponda Kalunga

Mponda Kalunga

Mponda Kalunga is a sensational singer/songwriter with a mission to promote unity and courage.     Finalist for North Canada CBC Searchlight 2016     Finalist for Toronto in The Great...

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Mr. Rick

Mr. 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...

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Jessica Pearson & The East Wind

Jessica Pearson & The East Wind

Jessica Pearson and the East Wind’s music is a blend of maritime kitchen parties, breathtaking Harmonies and intimate traditional melodies.     Recently signed to Willow Sound...

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David Storey

David Storey

David Storey is Comin’ Home. Back on stage since 2011, he has enthralled fans with his simple but powerful and literate Folk-Rock ballads describing characters, situations and emotions that are delivered with wit and...

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Peter Verity

Peter Verity

Peter Verity sings and plays his original brand of "Charged Folk" with matchless heart and conviction.     Winner "best folk" T.I.M.A. (Toronto Independent Music Awards) for album "Sometimes A...

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The Max Woolaver Band

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...

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Meredith Moon

Meredith Moon

Folk music played from the heart, including originals as well as traditional Appalachian folk tunes played on banjo and guitar.     Five time Mariposa Folk Festival performer    ...

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Sharron Katz

Sharron Katz

Sharron Katz -singer/songwriter living in Stratford Ontario- with a unique folk/ Jazz vibe.     CD Release at Winterfolk! Love Notes     First CD produced by Juno nominee Robbie...

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The Achromatics

A vibrant 9-pc band featuring a powerful female horn section, Motown-style vocals, a Latin-influenced rhythm section and a Top-40-calibre stage show.     Toronto Independent Music Award 2017 Nominees...

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Winterfolk Volunteer Meetup, Sunday November 19

Winterfolk 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...

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NASHVILLE BOUND

NASHVILLE BOUND

Glen Hornblast is a well-known Toronto singer-songwriter who has run open mics and songwriter showcases for many years.      NASHVILLE BOUND has presented over 200 songwriters and given them...

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Seneca College Independent Music Presents

Seneca College Independent Music Presents

John Switzer and Linda M host a songwriter showcase featuring the talented students and alumni of Seneca's Independent Music Programs.     “Indie” is not a genre. “Indie” does not mean “unsigned”. Indie...

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WF XV Meeting Notes Sept 12, 2017

Being aware of acoustic vs. electric performances for scheduling the Swan upstairs vs. downstairs. 2) More training for stage manager volunteers – one or more meetings 3) Explore new venues for expansion – Danforth Music...

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Winterfolk Blues & Roots Festival

Winterfolk 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,...

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Editor’s Corner March 2017

Editor’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...

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Winterfolk Roundup Various Clubs Toronto

Winterfolk 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...

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Winterfolk Hour on BLUZ FM

Winterfolk 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...

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WINTERFOLK XV ANNOUNCES FULL LINEUP

WINTERFOLK 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...

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Blog Toronto on Winterfolk

Blog 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...

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Entertainment Beat – Its that time of year again

Entertainment 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...

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