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

Lotus Wight

Lotus Wight

As a result of his astonishing performances Lotus is rumoured to be the illegitimate offspring of Buster Keaton and Elizabeth Cotton.     Pricipal banjoist for Sheesham, Lotus and...

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DRUMHAND

DRUMHAND

Fusing the energy of New Orleans parade bands with the circuitous rhythms of West Africa, Cuba, India and Brazil, Toronto's DRUMHAND is becoming increasingly known for their innovative, dynamic performances and artistic...

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Brian Cober

Brian Cober

Brian and his Double Slide would be a pleasent gimmick were it not for his mastery and musicality. Two big things in Brian's developement were going bare right-handed (without picks) and his trusty metronome....

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Winterfolk Preview Show Jan 16, 2016

Winterfolk 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...

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Old Man Luedecke

Old 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...

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Pete Otis

Pete Otis

Pete Otis is a multi faceted singer songwriter who has been in the music industry for over 40 years.     New CD release in April 2016 – "Mountains to Climb."     Producer of...

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Mike McKenna

Mike McKenna

Known largely for his slide guitar playing, McKenna began playing professionally in the early 1960s in Yorkville where he formed the group Luke & The Apostles.  He has since gone on to international fame. Toronto-born...

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Ben Sures

Ben Sures

Ben Sures is a masterful guitar player and songwriter, if you like Paul Simon and Richard Thompson you will probably like him too!     Ben Sures is the bravest songwriter in Canada - James...

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Brian Gladstone

Brian Gladstone

Brian Gladstone is a world class finger-style guitar player, a dynamic performer, and a prolific song writer not restrained by conventional boundaries.     PSYCHEDELIC PHOLK PSONGS was rated as FIVE...

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SongTown

SongTown

Produced 4 compilation CD's with over 40 artists and working on the 5th in 2016.     Produced numerous artist showcase concerts and working on a 10th anniversary concert in 2016.    ...

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Howard Gladstone

Howard Gladstone

Howard Gladstone is a Toronto based singer/songwriter, who has released 4 CDs of original material, and returns to Winterfolk after 2 year recovery from a spinal cord injury.     Returning to performing...

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Joey Landreth

Joey Landreth

Winnipeg artist Joey Landreth is best known as the lead singer and guitarist with JUNO Award winners, The Bros. Landreth.     JUNO Award winner with his band The Bros. Landreth.    ...

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Evaristo

Evaristo

Evaristo's career has taken him from performing solo guitar in underground clubs in Havana to traveling the world as a lead singer of Havana’s world famous Tropicana show. Now in Toronto, he is a singer/songwriter whose...

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Murder Murder

Murder 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,...

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Jane Lewis

Jane 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...

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Grit Laskin

Grit 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...

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Lynn Mantle

Lynn 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...

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Katherine Wheatley

Katherine 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"...

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Rosalee Peppard

Rosalee 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...

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Winterfolk Lineup – Check Out the Talent at This Year’s Festival

Winterfolk Lineup – Check Out the Talent at This Year’s Festival

Abigail Lapell – Alfie Smith & Nicole Christian – Barbara Lynch – Ben Sures – Bill Heffernan – Brampton Folk Club – Brian Blain – Clela Errington – Collette Savard and the Savants – D’Arcy Wickham & Son – Dan McVeigh
– Danny Marks – David McLachlan – David Storey – Diana Braithwaite & Chris Whiteley – Donné Roberts – Faith Nolan – Gathering Sparks – Glen Hornblast – Heather Luckhart – Howard Gladstone – Isaak Bonk – Jack de Keyzer

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Tony Quarrington

Tony 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...

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Turbo Street Funk

Turbo Street Funk

With an infectious combination of Top 40 hits and top notch originals, Turbo Street Funk get people moving and grooving. Discovered on the streets of Toronto by jazz legend Richard Underhill. From professional busking band...

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Glen Hornblast

Glen 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...

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The O’Pears

The 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...

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David Essig

David 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.     ...

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Laura Fernandez

Laura 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....

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Julian Taylor

Julian 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...

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Joanne Crabtree

Joanne 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...

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Sebastian Agnello

Sebastian 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...

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Harpin’ Norm Lucien

Harpin’ Norm Lucien

Harmonica player, Singer/Songwriter, Harpin' Norm Lucien writes original tunes for himself and for others internationally. Canada, Nashville, Turkey, Russia, Lithuania his harmonica accompanies them all. Song 'How Much...

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Urban Highlanders

Urban Highlanders

The all new, all acoustic URBAN HIGHLANDERS play an inspired combination of original instrumentals and songs on a dazzling array of instruments, including Highland Bagpipes, African drums & percussion, 6-string violin,...

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Toronto Songwriting School

Toronto Songwriting School

Hosted by Murray Foster, Toronto Songwriting School presents a preview of our quarterly Muse or Monster Songwriter Showcase.     The showcase will feature artists Tory Cassis, Michelle Rumball, Matt...

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Kristine Schmitt with the Lonesome Ace Stringband

Kristine Schmitt with the Lonesome Ace Stringband

Kristine Schmitt's smart, gritty original songs plus the old-time fire of Lonesome Ace Stringband. Watch out, this means trouble! Kristine Schmitt and the Lonesome Ace Stringband will be releasing a new album of originals...

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Nicole ‘Songbird’ Coward

Nicole ‘Songbird’ Coward

Songs that are simple but expressive, performances that are soft but powerful, Nicole Coward's music will leave you feeling inspired, moved and uplifted. Nicole Coward's latest album "Strong Enough For Love" was added to...

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Sue and Dwight

Sue and Dwight

Sue and Dwight’s music is honest and insightful with themes of peace, courage, and social justice. Rich harmonies are front and centre in their musical arrangements, supported by laid-back guitars and accordion....

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Murray Foster

Murray Foster

Best known as a songwriter and musician from the bands MOXY FRUVOUS and GREAT BIG SEA, Murray Foster has over twenty years of experience in the creative arts – bass player, writer, music producer, director, screenwriter,...

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Fraser & Girard

Fraser & Girard

"The best folk duo mix since Ian and Sylvia" Bob Mersereau, CBC arts critic. Fraser & Girard possess a special magic. Lyrics that matter, rustic Americana-Roots inspired melodies, rich with sound and scuffed with...

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Dan McVeigh

Dan McVeigh

Brampton artist Dan McVeigh is a one-of-a-kind keyboard player with a successful career as a country songwriter as well as a classic rock performer. 8 time Song contest winner with Billboard, NSAI.     ...

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The Moonshine Cafe

The Moonshine Cafe

Hour 1. The Moonshine Stage this year will be Showcasing 13-17yr old up and coming local performers selected from our KidZ Are Alright Open Stage.      We will be showcasing individual's and groups...

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Zeynep Ozbilen

Zeynep Ozbilen

Zeynep, a Turkish-Canadian songstress and composer, believes in the uniting power of music – connecting people across era and culture through rhythm, melody and interpretations. John Lennon Songwriting Award 2015 World...

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Isabel Fryszberg

Isabel Fryszberg

Isabel Fryszberg in the last year has won audiences, gained strong reviews and radio play from her debut album Hearts and Arrows. “Her tunes are like diner menus.” John Aspice, No Depression. She will be joined with the...

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Annie Sumi

Annie Sumi

Annie Sumi is a songwriter that gracefully captivates her listeners through the songs and stories of her life. 2015 April released Debut-Album "Reflections". Nominated for Songwriter of the Year 2015 TIMAs. 3 Successful...

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Acoustic Harvest Presents

Acoustic Harvest Presents

Since 1997, the Acoustic Harvest Saturday Night Monthly Concert Series has showcased and nurtured the careers of many fine Canadian performers. The late, great, Rick Fielding had the vision to bring the finest in acoustic...

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D’Arcy Wickham

D’Arcy Wickham

D'Arcy Wickham brings his exceptional songwriting and instrumental guitar talents to Winterfolk. 2007 Winner 'Songs from the heart' competition, for 'Feather Fingers'. Featured performer North by Northeast Music Festival...

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Rick Taylor

Rick Taylor

London Ontario based finger style guitarist, singer songwriter and blues performer. Rick's dynamism on guitar in several genres has kept him busy as a sought after session player and Main Stage performer for well over 40...

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Peter Verity

Peter Verity

Peter Verity is a routes songwriter and performer who never fails to deliver a heart-felt performance laced with poignancy and humour. Winner of Best Folk Performer at the Toronto Independent Music Awards (TIMA) in 2005....

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Danny Marks

Danny Marks

Danny Marks is a celebrated Canadian Musician and Media Host. Celebrated Musician Broadcaster. Host of BLUZ FM on JAZZ.FM91 and Cities in Blue on HIFI TV. Holder of Lifetime Achievement "Blues With a Feeling" award from...

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Lynn Harrison

Lynn Harrison

An inspirational presence on the Toronto singer-songwriter scene, Lynn Harrison captivates audiences of all ages with songs that are moving, powerful, life-affirming and just plain catchy. Also a Unitarian Universalist...

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Alana & Leigh Cline

Alana & Leigh Cline

Alana and Leigh Cline are a Toronto based Celtic fiddle/guitar instrumental duo who combine Irish, Cape Breton and Scottish styles to create their own sound, while also including occasional Balkan tunes in their sets. Alana...

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Mean Mary

Mean Mary

Known internationally for lightning-fast fingers, haunting vocals, and intricate story songs, Mary travels the genres of folk-rock, bluegrass, and blues with banjo, fiddle, and guitar. New CD Release February 2016. New...

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Annabelle Chvostek

Annabelle Chvostek

Annabelle Chvostek is a Juno-nominated singer songwriter, multi instrumentalist and once member of The Wailin' Jennys. She has just released her fifth studio album "Be the Media". New CD "Be the Media" released 2015. Juno...

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Sharron Katz

Sharron Katz

Soulful Singer/songwriter Sharron Katz will connect you to your heart with her deep passionate vocals and original music in alternate tunings. Sharron's CD Love's crime featured on CBC Radio. New CD released September 2015...

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Glenn Marais

Glenn Marais

Glenn Marais is a bluesy folk artist, with an intense and passionate performance style, creating original songs of hope, inspiration and true life. JUNO NOMINEE BEST SONGWRITING CATEGORY-"EVERYBODY WANTS TO BE LIKE YOU"....

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Wendell Ferguson

Wendell Ferguson

Wendell Ferguson is a hilarious songwriter, a great MC/Host, a stand up comic and can also play the guitar… a bit. 10 time CCMA award winner! 6 for Guitarist of the year. CFMA Winner for Instrumental Album of the Year...

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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. Rick has just finished his 3rd CD "Songs about God and Booze" available at CD Baby....

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Moo’d Swing

Moo’d Swing

Moo'd Swing plays 1930s classic & obscure jazz tunes totally twisted into a roots style and piles of great 3 part vocal harmonies. Third cd just released titled Singin' In the Bathtub. Celebrating our 20th year together....

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Whiskey Epiphany

Whiskey Epiphany

Whiskey Epiphany is a high energy, Celtic acoustic rock band based out of Oakville, Ontario and are excited to be making their return to the Winterfolk stage! Opened for the Barra MacNeils this year at Carrousel by the...

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Noah Zacharin

Noah Zacharin

"stunning guitar player": Holger Peterson, Stony Plains Records, CBC; "like Bruce Cockburn, Ry Cooder, and Bonnie Raitt, Noah Zacharin possesses a virtuoso command of the guitar…world-wise songwriting": Minor 7th;...

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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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Onion Honey

Onion Honey

Onion Honey plays a heartwarming, foot stomping mix of traditional and original folk music with classic instruments like banjo, Mandolin, guitar, washboard and more! Onion Honey has played a number of festivals across the...

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Jory Nash

Jory Nash

Jory Nash is an award-winning singer-songwriter who blends elements of folk, jazz, blues, country and soul into an original stew of sound. 4 time Canadian Folk Music Award nominee. 8 CDs released. Producer/Artistic Director...

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Clela Errington

Clela Errington

Clela’s voice is timeless and true, effortlessly reaching beyond technique and trends to wrap you in a warm soul embrace. Released new album More Love and Happiness in 2014. Produced by Juno award winner Alec Fraser Songs...

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Shawna Caspi

Shawna Caspi

Shawna Caspi is a guitar-picking, classically-trained folkie with a sweet-tooth for a good story, a sly lyrical wit, and a rich, powerful voice. Toured across Canada, including performances on VIA Rail trains Two songs from...

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Tia Brazda

Tia Brazda

  Tia Brazda’s sassy songs and pin-up girl style have made a startling impression on the music scene in Canada and beyond, performing from Montreal to Amsterdam with a sound that pays homage to the golden era while...

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About Winterfolk

About Winterfolk

About Winterfolk Toronto's Winterfolk Blues and Roots Music Festival is on the Danforth, Feb. 12-14, 2016. It's an  all-ages, mid-winter, weatherproof event, where you'll find the best of urban, blues, rock,  jazz, country,...

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It takes a community to build a festival

It takes a community to build a festival

[tippy title="What You Should Know about Winterfolk"height="450" width="650" offsetx="200" offsety="-60"] About Winterfolk Toronto’s Winterfolk Blues and Roots Music Festival is a combination of paid and free concert stages...

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Copy of Maplepost email

Hi Folks, Wow, Winterfolk is almost here! Personally I'm really excited about appearances from The Polka Dogs, Linda McRae, Julian Taylor, Isabel & The Uncommons, The Heavyweights Brass Band, Ben Sures, Lynn Miles, The...

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Folks Happily Brave the Winter for Winterfolk

Folks Happily Brave the Winter for Winterfolk

Submitted by Lee Fraser - This is a tale of bitter cold and welcoming warmth. Somehow, here in Toronto, the right light bulb went on over the right head.  Winterfolk is the creation of Brian Gladstone. Having spent most of...

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Love at Winterfolk

Love at Winterfolk

Period costumes, good guitar times and triangle solos make for a fun Valentine's Day - BY SARAH GREENE [nggallery id=7] SWAMPERELLA, THE TRIO OF FUN, HOTCHA! and VIVIENNE WILDER BAND as part of WINTERFOLK XIII at Black Swan...

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Julian Taylor revels in versatility

Julian Taylor revels in versatility

Toronto musician plays R&B at the Horseshoe one night, partakes in folk festival the next. By: Nick Krewen Music, Published on Thu Feb 12 2015 Julian Taylor is used to shaking it up. For example, those headed to the...

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Winterfolk trumps other special events this weekend

Winterfolk trumps other special events this weekend

Reprinted from TorontoMoon.ca - Gary 17 - While lovers will be preparing for Valentines Day on Saturday, patriots for the 50th anniversary of Flag Day Sunday and parents for Family Day on Monday, many GTA fans of Roots and...

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Winterfolk on west Danforth Feb. 13 to 15

Winterfolk on west Danforth Feb. 13 to 15

East York Mirror - Toronto’s Winterfolk Blues and Roots Music Festival will take place this weekend, Feb. 13 to 15. More than 150 artists will be performing on five stages in four venues, all between Broadview and Chester...

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The top 5 shows to catch at Winterfolk 2015

The top 5 shows to catch at Winterfolk 2015

by Ryan Ayukawa Fraser & Girard - When Allan Fraser and Marianne Girard were in the process of coming up with a name for their duo, Marianne, was partial to "Girard and Fraser". After a short time they changed it to...

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WELCOME MEDIA

WELCOME MEDIA

WINTERFOLK XIII BLUES & ROOTS FESTIVAL www.winterfolk.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/ABetterWorldOrg Hashtag: #Winterfolk2015 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Winterfolk-A-Better-World/115302915190784 Facebook...

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Folks Happily Brave the Winter for Winterfolk

Julian Taylor Like Coming Home

Reprinted from Cashbox Magazine by Don Graham - Toronto’s  annual Winterfolk Blues and Roots Music Festival is a combination of paid and free concert stages on the Danforth, February 13 – 15, 2015. It’s an all-ages,...

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Winterfolk XIII Blues and Roots Festival

Winterfolk XIII Blues and Roots Festival

TICKETS: www.winterfolk.com/winterfolk-advance-ticket-sales/ Winterfolk’s 13th annual edition of the festival will host a variety of music styles, filling five stages in various venues at Broadview and Danforth in Toronto,...

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Jon Brooks

Jon Brooks

I do not wear hats; I cannot grow a beard; I haven't worn plaid in years; I am sincere and never cool; and no looping pedal or ukelele sits safely within 50 feet of my show. 5 time Canadian Folk Music Award nominee...

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Meg Tennant

Meg Tennant

Meg Tennant’s warm, bright blend of rootsy country and a capella songs will stir, challenge, uplift and comfort. Meg Tennant’s songs are “beguilingly beautiful” according to Steve Edge, artistic director of BC’s Rogue Folk...

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Kelli Trottier

Kelli Trottier

Kelli Trottier is a triple threat with her angelic voice and crisp fiddling enhanced by her own songs and fiery step dance. Performed for Sir Sean Connery's private 80th birthday celebration. Toured with sensation string...

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Clela Errington & Jocelyn Barth

Clela Errington & Jocelyn Barth

Clela is a singer, instrumentalist and songwriter with a unique blend of folk and jazz influences that create the perfect vehicle for her intimate and dynamic vocal delivery. In 2014, Clela released her fourth indie album,...

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Laura Bird

Laura Bird

Orangeville songstress Laura Bird draws inspiration from colorful palettes of folk roots, bluegrass and jazz standards. Writing with the keen eye of the observer and painters’ eye for lush images, she delivers her...

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Suzie Vinnick

Suzie Vinnick

Roots and Blues Niagara-based musician Suzie Vinnick is a force of nature with a six-string guitar. 10x Canadian Maple Blues Winner. Canadian Folk Music Award for Contemporary Vocalist of the Year. 3x Juno Nominee. “She can...

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Cure Those Winter Blues

Cure Those Winter Blues

The Winterfolk Blues and Roots Festival, by Jeremy Finkelstein Reprinted from Collections Magazine, Dec 19 2014 insert to Toronto Globe and Mail - As a socially conscious brand of popular folk music exploded in the 1960s,...

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Winterfolk XIII Preview Jan 17, 2015

Winterfolk XIII Preview Jan 17, 2015

Acoustic Harvest Presents Winterfolk XIII Preview Showcase WHEN: January 17, 2015 ARTISTS:  FEATURING  Brian Gladstone, Tony Quarringon, Noah Zacharin, Lynn...

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The top 5 shows to catch at Winterfolk 2015

The Top Ten Events in Toronto This Winter

by Aubrey Fax, Dec 8 2014, Toronto Blog -   Toronto’s 13th annual Winterfolk Blues and Roots Music Festival is a combination of paid and free concert stages on the Danforth, February 13 - 15, 2015. It’s an all-ages,...

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