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Winterfolk VIII LineUp

Al Lerman

•  2 x Juno Winner with Electric Blues Band Fathead

Playing acoustic blues at Winterfolk, AL LERMAN is a journeyman musician who plays with sizzle and a whole lot of soul. He performs with the 2X Juno Award winning band FATHEAD as well as doing solo gigs. He is considered among the top harmonica players in the country and his sax playing recently garnered a Maple Blues Award nomination for Horn Player Of The Year. ine of his original songs appear on Fathead’s latest disc ‘Where’s The Blues Taking Me’(released Jan/10). Al has produced or appeared on albums by the likes of Willie ‘Big Eyes’ Smith, Morgan Davis, Little Mack Simmons, Rita Chiarelli, Rick Fines and many more.

Alan Gerber

• Former Member of Rhinoceros Performed in Dylan’s Rolling Thunder Review

Strap on your boogie-woogie shoes, hold on and get ready … Alan Gerber has arrived! This eccentric entertainer is wowing audiences internationally. His amalgamation of boogie-woogie, stunning vocal interpretations and fine musicianship make Gerber an artist of the highest order. Alan Gerber is a high energy piano player, with a little guitar and fiddle thrown in for good measure. His performances will keep you moving in your seat or dancing on the grass. He performs original material and regals the audience with a host of stories about the inspirations for his songs and his incredible history on the road with such legends as Janis Joplin, Bob Dylan, Jefferson Airplane, Steppenwolf, Joni Mitchell and a host of others. Alan is comfortable playing for audiences of all sizes and all ages. www.alangerber.org  www.myspace.com/alangerbermusic

Amy Campbell

• Oh Heart, Oh Highway reaches number one on CBC’s influential Folk/Roots Chart – March 2009.
• Winner: Best Folk and Nominee: Best Song, Ontario Independant Music Awards (2008). Showcase Artist: North By Northeast Festival (2009)

 “…Simply put, Campbell is well poised to one day inherit Joni Mitchell’s place as Canada’s quintessential female singer-songwriter…” Cindy Filipenko, Herizons Defiant and vulnerable, Amy Campbell brings together classical training and folk sensibilities to create music that reaches into human experience and comes back with stories written from the soul. Known for her spare, rhythmic sound and trademark open tuning, her music is evocative and inviting, while her lyrics lay bare the highs and lows of life’s journeys with a disarming emotional honesty.  www.amycampbell.ca 

Ariana Gillis

• 2009 Niagara Music Awards – Songwriter of the Year
• Winner of a 2009 Canadian Folk Music Award.

With a musical message that is a fusion of everything between the old and the new, the profound, the sad and the joyful. Join brilliant songwriting with intelligent and exciting arrangements played by a band of world-class musicians and you’ve got a sound whose time has come. Ariana Gillis is redefining the the borders of Folk, breaking the rules of Pop and taking them as her hostages into a little castle on Mount Doom. “Where is this lair”, you dare ask? Why it’s between your ears, you silly soul. Now go out at once and release these captives immediately or better yet, keep them locked up and toss the key into the fires of Modor.

Alfie Smith

• Nominated for Best Blues Albumm, and Guitarist of 2007 at the 2006 & 2007 Hamilton Music Awards.

Alfie Smith is a true modern day Blues Man, Blending hard edged Rock and Roll, Gospel, Folk and Jazz with Pure Primal Blues to create his own unique sound. He is adept at many instruments such as 7 string slide guitar, banjo, guitar, 12 sting and lap steel. Alfie’s musicianship has earned him endorsements with Godin Guitar, Composite Acoustics, Eastwood and Stonebridge. First and foremost Alfie is a singer with a deep passionate brooding baritone vocal style in the tradition of the old Blues shouters. Brass & Steel is Alfie’s 5th CD released in October 2007. www.myspace.com/alfiejohnsmith

Bob Snider

Singer-songwriter Bob Snider has played on the street and in the concert hall. He’s been called a “national treasure”, a “living legend” and “author of some of the best Canadian songs of the decade”. After a hiatus from performing and recording, Bob Snider returns with a new album “Stealin’ Home”. Produced by David Baxter, the new CD contains 13 new songs that are quintessentially Bob. Songs that are direct, beautiful, sometimes quirky, sometimes funny but above all, songs that go straight to the heart.

Brian Blain

• Top 10 of 2005 – “Sunday Night Soul” AM1430 CHKT

Brian Blain, born in rural Quebec and active in the music scene for forty years, possesses a “northern” style that gives him a cool edge that just can’t be found in any other artist. His easy blend of folk and blues is a running commentary on life as he sees it. He combines his sardonic wit with his soulful guitar skills and crafts it into a unique musical perspective. But, is it jazz? The way he makes himself comfortable in various musical moods, from his socially conscious “Peace” (with the help of Harry Manx on slide guitar) to his whimsical take on Betty James and Edward Johnson’s “I’m a Little Mixed Up,” definitely qualifies him as a musician who can wear many hats and this is surely a refreshing change of pace in today’s prepackaged music scene. Want to know how folk blues is played in Toronto? “Colorblind” Brian Blain, will show you how it’s done. Overqualified for the blues? Maybe so, but this man’s music is real. It is unpretentious and understated, yet intelligent and gently intricate, reflecting the very fabric of life and the very essence of the blues, folk, country and yes, even jazz. – Veronica Timpanelli Jazzreview.com

Brian Gladstone

Brian’s particular way of seeing things through irony and old time approach reminds me of great artists as John Prine, Dave Van Ronk, and Mississippi John Hurt. He is their own true son and he continues their great sounds. SUSA ONDA RADIO, ITALY. WHERE DOES ONE BEGIN TO DESCRIBE BRIAN GLADSTONE? The man is such an anomaly on the side of modern music; a self-propelled master of folk, a throwback to days when music was simpler, yet somehow more touching. The Toronto-based singer-songwriter is an early Bob Dylan, a guitar wizard on par with Jesse Cook, and a lyricist who can evoke a plethora of emotions with a single song. CANEHDIEN.COM With his countrified, playfully narrative lyrics, the indie performer … recalls legendary storyteller John Prine. Psychedelic Pholk Psongs is an eclectic 90 minutes of unadorned, twangy country, moody folk and silly ditties. TORONTO SUN

Brock Zeman

Over the past five years Brock Zeman has elbowed his way into the independent music world. The 28 year old singer-songwriter of Carleton Place Ontario has already released 7 albums and toured Canada and the US extensively averaging 250 to 300 dates a year. His signature roots style, has been praised by critics for the maturity of his vocals, the depth of his storytelling and his impressive live performances. He was first discovered by Canadian Country Hall of Famer Keith Glass (Prairie Oyster) who went on to produce his first 4 releases. By the time of his 5th released Brock was picked up by Busted Flat records out of Kitchener Ontario, and in the past five years Brock has become known as one of the most prolific, hard working artists to fly under the radar. http://www.brockzeman.com/links.html

ChoirGirlz

Debbie Fleming, Dorothy McDonall and Mary Ellen Moore met and became fast friends while singing soprano in the famed Toronto Mendelssohn Choir. In the 8 years since they began their ChoirGirlz journey, they have filled their repertoire with country/bluegrass, jazz, R&B, folk, roots, cabaret, comedy and most of all – catchy original songwriting.. Two of Debbie’s songs have won awards – Vacuum Cleaner Tango received an honourable mention from the OCFF Songs From the Heart, in the comedy category. Summer in the City won Sentimental Song Contest, sponsored by the Mariposa Folk Foundation in 2008. The blend and harmony of these three voices has become legendary, and the ChoirGirlz are in demand because of their polished, fun, entertaining shows. They can bring you from laughter to tears at the flick of a capo!

Chris McKhool’s Earth, Seas & Air Family Concert

• 2009 JUNO Award nomination
• 2009 Canadian Folk Music Award winner- Children Album of the Year
• 2009 Parents’ Choice Award winner • 2009 iParenting Media Award winner
• 2009 Canadian Children’s Book Centre – Best of 2009
• 2005 Green Toronto Award of Excellence

Chris McKhool’s Earth, Seas & Air Family Concert 2009 JUNO AWARD NOMINEE!! Hailed as a “Children’s musical star” (National Post) and “Canada’s greatest eco-troubadour for young people” (Mississauga Living Arts Centre), Chris McKhool is one of Canada’s hottest musicians. A champion of environmental issues, McKhool won a 2005 Green Toronto Award of Excellence and the Environment Canada Action Award for his work in communities and schools across Canada. 2009 JUNO Award nominee McKhool has been touring across Canada with his concerts for young audiences for over ten years, reaching almost 1 million children, and has appeared on Mr. Dressup, YTV’s Treehouse, TVOntario’s Crawlspace and the CBC. McKhool’s new CD, produced by Ken Whiteley (Raffi, Fred Penner), has won a 2009 Parents’ Choice Award in the U.S., and a 2009 iParenting Media Award!

Crabtree & Mills

Joanne Crabtree and Paul Mills, known individually as pioneers in Canadian roots music, teamed up in 2006 to produce a CD showcasing her warmly vibrant voice and his playfully elegant guitar. As the album took shape in the studio, Crabtree&Mills played a series of concerts before capacity houses in Toronto. Their music was so exciting, and the chemistry between them so strong, folks stood up and cheered. Flight of Fancy was released in January of 2007. Joanne continued crafting songs throughout 2007; then in 2008 the co-writing team of Paul and Joanne was born. Inspired anew, the duo co-produced a second Crabtree&Mills CD, Freedom, which they released in January 2009. Joanne says, “On stage and in the studio with Paul, I feel as if I’ve come home.” Paul says, “I love playing with Joanne. There’s a great sense of fun and musicality in everything we do.”

D’Arcy Wickham

An exceptional facility with all styles of guitar picking has highlighted decades of performing experience, and was recognized by an OCFF “Songs From the Heart” award in 2007 for his song “Feather Fingers”. Recent achievements have included being a Canadian finalist in the Mountain Stage Newsong Contest in August 2009, and being a featured performer at Winterfolk Roots and Blues Festival in Feb. 2009. A well known and well respected guitar teacher, D’Arcy has instructed such notable performers as Daniel Lanois and Liam Titcomb, and has performed and led workshops at the Waterloo Guitar Summit in 2008. www.darcywickham.com

Dan McVeigh

• 9 time song contest award winner (Billboard Magazine)
• NSAI song contest & others #1 single on internet radio (You Are All I Dream Of)

Dan McVeigh is a country songwriter whose current CD called “Drove” has already garnered great reviews from Country Music News and other publications. McVeigh achieved national radio airplay with his single “You Are All I Dream Of”. The song went to #1 on Canada’s leading country music internet station, “That’s Country.com”. Dan’s songs have been recorded by a number of Canadian artists such as Valerie Raymond, Debbie Nelson and Myra Leblanc . Dan performs regularly throughout Ontario and in Nashville, Tennessee. Dan has performed with artists like Victoria Banks, Tim Taylor, Diane Chase, Gil Grand, Colin Amey, Jason Barry, Barry Brown, Bruce Michael Miller and Wendell Ferguson. www.danmcveigh.com www.myspace.com/danmcveigh

Danny Marks

• Toronto Blues Society’s Blues With A Feeling Award for lifetime achievement in 2007

TORONTO’S OWN DANNY MARKS a unique performer. If there’s a popular song from 1900 to now, chances are Danny Marks has heard it, and can sing it. And maybe even put a new spin on it: Johnny Cash performing Led Zeppelin’s Whole Lotta Love, or Elvis launching into reggae. Danny does it all. Danny Marks masters two careers as if there’s nothing to it. The velvety bass voice behind JAZZ.FM91′s weekly bluz.fm radio show not only talks the talk, but has walked the walk his entire life. Marks has released two highly acclaimed original albums, the all instrumental Guitarchaeology in 1998 and a biographical confessional, TRUE. In 2004 his third disc Big Town Boy was a romp though home town classics winning and big glossy rave in Billboard Magazine. Currently, Danny is finishing up tracks for his latest, A Friend in the Blues, for spring relelase. w.dannym.com www.jazz.fm

Darrell Grant

• Former Member of contemporary Folk Trio MODABO – multiple ECMA nominee. Has performed across Canada and Internationally

For seven years, Darrell Grant was the singer / songwriter / guitarist behind the contemporary folk trio, MODABO Darrell presents intricate finger-picking and percussive right hand techniques that span realms of alternate tunings, and explore partial capo effects.  The deep energy of his verse is forged into sure melodies by a strong and distinctive voice; his phrases are informed with a deep curiousity for life, and are cast out by a “poet’s heart singing.”  Music critic Robert Reid has stated that, “Grant is emerging as one of Canada’s most impressive songwriters.”  Although literate in an effortlessly sophisticated way, his lyrics are broadly accessible…  It is a tribute to both Miramichi artists to compare Grant to novelist David Adams Richard in the way they both express universal truths through particular experiences of ordinary people.”

David Celia

• ~playing massive festivals both in Canada and Europe and also supporting Elvis Costello, Shawn Colvin, Fairport Convention and more…
• ~Playing at Glastonbury Festival in England this summer (Headliner-U2).
• ~Winner of the Porcupine Awards

“The affable David Celia’s main weapon of musical mayhem is his superb voice. Added to that he’s got a catalogue of brilliant songs and plays a pretty mean guitar.” (Marr’s, UK) “One of Toronto’s finest songwriters and guitarists”. EYE MAGAZINE [critics pick "Album of the year"/ 06] Like so many of his talented Canadian contemporaries, he’s a ‘best kept secret’ at home, collecting frequent flier miles like Grandma does doilies. Just before his 13th tour of England, Ireland, Germany, Switzerland and Belgium, with a jaunt to NYC, David plays his ‘roots rock with hints of folk wrapped in a pop package’ at Winterfolk. 
Summer found him on criss-crossing festival stages in Europe and Canada while recording the follow up to “This Isn’t Here”, spending precious time with his young family and repacking his well worn suitcase. “I like the sentiment in your lyrics” – Gordon Lightfoot, UK

David Gillis

• Colleen Peterson Songwriting award for the song, “A Mouse’s Crumb”
• Top Five Finalist Winfield Walnut Valley International Fingerstyle Guitar – Competition
• Winner – Gamble Rogers Fingerstyle Guitar competition, St. Augustine Florida, 2001

With over 160 dates performed annually, David Gillis has powerful vocal range and compositions that can captivate listeners with his profound lyrical insights and engaging melodic hooks. On the guitarist side, David is described by Don Ross as a “monster guitarist”. From earthy Folk to Swing , to post bop Jazz, with a style imbued with emotive and creative prose. His playing has been included in Fingerstyle Guitar Magazine, he has played several times as a main stage performer at the Chet Atkins Appreciation Society and won the Gamble Rogers Fingerstyle Guitar competition. http://www.davidgillis.com/index.html
http://www.myspace.com/davidgillis

David Leask

• Winner of 2009 OCFF Songs From The Heart contest

Originally from Scotland, David Leask has embraced the rootsy Canadian influences of his new home and blended them with the Celtic and melodic-pop sensibilities of his homeland. David is the recipient of the Mississauga Performing Artist of the Year Award. A songwriting journeyman, he has produced three critically-acclaimed CD’s and numerous international songwriting awards in a range of categories that include folk, jazz, blues, rock, country and gospel. Songwriters Magazine called David, “the most consistent Canadian songwriting competition winner.” Most recently David was the 2009 winner of the Ontario Council of Folk Festivals Songs From The Heart competition. A talented multi-instrumentalist with a sharp Scottish wit, Davids live show is always musically rich, high energy and heart-felt. Look for his new release in spring 2010. www.davidleask.com

David Newland

• Best Music at the Waterwalker Film Festival for “Faster than you Know

David Newland is a songwriter, performer, ukulele player and host with a passion for Canadian roots music. He’s active on the Ontario folk circuit and hosts the annual Gordon Lightfoot tribute “The Way We Feel.” David’s song “Riding on the Railway” was the theme for the CTV documentary “Canada’s Greatest Ride” and his canoe anthem, “Faster Than You Know” won Best Music at the Waterwalker Film Festival. David is also an active writer and blogger, and Director of Social Media for Canoe.ca, Canada’s leading web portal. He was shortlisted for a Writer’s Union of Canada short story award, and his blog, The Canoe Dossier, was a finalist for “Best Blog” in the Canadian Online Publishing Awards for 2009. David is the co-host of the weekly Corktown Ukulele Jam, the founder of the acoustic eighties ensemble The McFlies, and the editor-in-chief of Roots Music Canada. www.davidnewland.com www.myspace.com/dnewland

Digging Roots

• Digging Roots, has been nominated for over 25 awards including a Juno award.
• They were honoured in Nov. 2009 with Best Group at the CAMAs.
• They have also been awarded with best blues, best songwriter, best new artist, and most recently best group/duo among others. This year they will be traveling the Olympics, Australia, Mexico, and here at home some too!

Building on the success of their first full-length studio recording ‘seeds’, (which garnered over 25 awards and nominations), DiggingRoots brings their latest sonic offering ‘We Are’. This, their second full-length recording, was released to a packed house at Toronto’s Mod Club in October ’09 wrapping up a jam-packed Canadian Summer Tour. Their newest creative project comes complete with a multi-media art presentation, guest artists and many other surprises. With songs like the title track, ‘We Are’ and, ‘Spring to Come’, this album demonstrates the genre-bending and experimental interest of the band and marks a new turn for them as artists. The collection of songs on “We Are’ sifts their acoustic blues driven sound into a psychedelic – folk – hick – hop feast with a dash of reggae and a pinch of jazz. All of this underscored by their Indigenous roots and socially driven lyrics. Watch for them this year at the Olympics, Australia, Mexico, and on their X- Canada tour! www.diggingrootsmusic.com

Eric Fisher

With only a guitar and a voice, Eric Fisher’s songs are nothing complex, but it works. Coupled with a vibe and presence on stage that won‘t be forgotten, he is a gentle sort, with that sweet, heartfelt cry in his voice that can just make you ache. Influenced by the likes of Neil Young, Ryan Adams and Wilco, Fisher’s songs are dynamic, introspective and powerful. His sincerity rings through every line sung. At the tender age of twenty three, Eric is thrilled to be playing for the first time at Winterfolk.

Ewan Dobson

• Winner 2009 Canadian Fingerstyle Guitar Champion
• Winner of 2009 Montreal Guitar Grand Prix’s Acoustic Category.
• Placed 3rd in International Fingerstyle Guitar Championship in Winfield, KS.

Ewan Dobson has established himself as one of Canada’s most brilliant and exhilarating young guitarists, having won first prize in nearly every single Classical Guitar competition across the country. His impressive list of credentials include winning the Grand Prizes from both the Burlington Rotary Fall Music Festival and the Pickering Rotary Music Festival where he emerged victorious, after having competed against the top prize winners of all of the other disciplines. In addition to dominating the provincial competition circuit, Dobson has made his mark nationally having represented Ontario twice at the National Finals of the prestigious Canadian Music Competitions (CMC) and having been awarded the top prize in guitar. Most recently, Dobson was crowned the Canadian Fingerstyle Guitar Champion at the prestigious 5th annual Canadian Fingerstyle Guitar Competition held in Kingston, Ontario. Shortly after this victory, he captured another first prize in the acoustic category at the 4th Montreal Guitar Grand Prix. However, the highlight of his season took place when he caught the attention of the world by capturing 3rd place at the 38th International Fingerstyle Guitar Championship held in Winfield, Kansas.

George Meanwell

• National Public Radio’s Debut Artist of the Year 2004 (as a member of Quartetto Gelato)

In the late 1970′s, George Meanwell was guitarist and vocalist with the Toronto acoustic folk trio Short Turn which performed throughout the then extensive 416 area code, garnering invitations from Morningside, 90 Minutes Live, and George Hamilton IV. Until 2002 he was Quartetto Gelato’s founding cellist, guitarist and mandolinist (as well as webmaster, sometime arranger and liner note writer) in concerts throughout North America, Europe and Asia. Since then he has returned to songwriting, releasing two CDs of original material: Another Street (2003), featured on the year-end “hit list” of CBC’s DiscDrive, and Late (2008) with his band The Loss Leaders (www.midnightislandmusic.ca). He continues to be busy as a cellist: he is currently in the orchestra of Little House On The Prairie at the Canon Theatre, and will be a featured musician in this summer’s Stratford Festival revival of Jacques Brel is Alive and Well.  www.georgemeanwell.com

Graydon James

Graydon James has been capturing the hearts and ears of audiences since 2007, and the addition of a five-piece folk-rock band in August of 2009 has brought new life to songs of love, loss, small towns, dropkicks, ever-elusive Canadian fame, and relationships of all kinds. Armed with three- and four-part harmonies, intricate arrangements, and handclaps aplenty, Graydon James & Company are prepared to put their hearts on their sleeves and their catchy songs in your head. The dynamic tunes range from clap-along barnstormers to moody ballads to roots-rocking anthems, all adroitly performed by a group of well-tempered, well-coiffed, well-bearded fellows and one winsome lady. With many thanks to you for listening. www.graydonjames.com www.myspace.com/graydonjames

The Guitar Boys of Alderon

• They took up space in school – and now they are cadets!

When superbly talented guitar players get together one of two things usually happens –they either fall all over the place tripping each other up as each attempts to assert themselves or they blend like a well-prepared cocktail, sounding for all the world as if they’ve performed together all their lives. Fortunately the latter outcome is what ensues when Roots/Folk/Country picking icons Brian Gladstone, Noah Zacharin and Rick Zolkower combine to perform as the new “power-Roots” trio The Guitar Boys Of Alderon. The trio each brings to the combo musical sensibilities that have superior guitarsmanship in common but feature slight differences of style that somehow mesh beautifully together to create a whole far different from the parts —not unlike the way in which Jackie Washington, Ken Whiteley and Mose Scarlett form a unique trio when they combine their talents. Brian Gladstone, regarded as one of the leading TO practitioners of Rootsy fingerstyle picking, Noah Zacharin, whose captivating waterfalls of beautiful Folk fingering are well known, and Rick Zolkower of the Alt Country band Mr. Rick & The Biscuits, each bring distinctive talents and flavours to a mix that blends as smoothly as a well-prepared cocktail.

Howard Gladstone

With a craftsman approach to lyric writing, engaging melodies, themes for the heart and mind, a guitar style and vocal delivery that suits, Howard Gladstone’s songs create a world of imagination and experience. Howard Gladstone is a Toronto singer/songwriter creating songs populated with some vivid characters, and set in varied locales around North America and the world. North Americana. These songs reflect a world of experience and imagination. Howard creates carefully crafted lyrics, and delivers with a laid-back vocal style that suits, plus strong acoustic guitar stylings.

Ian Reid

• 2007 – third place at Boryeong International Music Competition, South Korea
• 2007 – first place at Acoustic Showdown, International Songwriting Contest, South Korea
• 2009 – third place at the Guelph Singer-Songwriter Contest

• 2009 – first place at the Kitchener Waterloo Singer-Songwriter Contest

After nearly seven years of teaching in South Korea, Ian Reid returned to his hometown of Rockwood, Ontario in early 2008. Later that spring he recorded his second LP “Tiger School” with producer and Guelph folk music icon James Gordon. Since its release in September 2008, Ian has played almost 200 shows, and has earned much respect from the songwriting community. Dubbed ‘the hardest working musician in Guelph’, Ian has a natural ability on stage as a storyteller and performer. He is thrilled to be included in the Winterfolk lineup.

Joe Hall

He’s been compared to everyone from Frank Zappa to Tom Waits, but Joe Hall is a true original, whose sharp wit, insightful social commentary, and wildly entertaining stage presence made him one of Canada’s legendary folk rockers. A fixture of the ’70s Queen Street scene in Toronto with his band The Continental Drift, Joe has called Peterborough home for 20 years and continues to play music, record and go on tour.

Joan Beson

• Member of prairie oyster for 27 years.
• 6 Juno Awards

Joan has multiple CCMA and rpm awards, multiple socan and cmpa song of the year awards. inducted into ccma hall of fame 2008. along with own band, have played and recorded as side musician with many others in canada and u.s., includin sylvia tyson, colin linden, willie p. bennett, morgan davis, marty stuart, pam tillis, etc. been playing with david celia for about 5 years.

John Jackson and Steve Paul Simms

John is an ex Perth County Conspirator and the current lead guitarist for the re-formed Kensington Market, has released 3 cds and wrote the music for the long running documentary series Great Canadian Parks Steve Paul is a singer songwriter, actor and raconteur with 2 cds to his credit. www.johnjackson.ca www.stevepaulsimms.com

Jon Brooks

• 2009 Canadian Folk Music Award Nominee ‘Best Songwriter’ 2009
• Winner Mountain Stage NewSong Canadian 2008 Winner Porcupine Award ‘Mac Beattie Award’ 2007
• Winner OCFF ‘Songs From The Heart’ 2007 Canadian Folk Music Award Nominee ‘Best Songwriter’ 2006

Award-winning Canadian singer-songwriter, Jon Brooks draws inspiration from those living on the outskirts of approval. In Jon’s words, “ultimately, the folk singer is trying to politicize love – to lobby for compassion to be our principle representative in government office…I want my songs to be three and half-minute pills which induce upon the listener empathy toward others.” His third CD (2009), Moth Nor Rust, is an investigation into all the living things that neither moth nor rust can touch: love, hope, trust, memory, inspiration, justice, and faith. Lyrics from Moth Nor Rust were published by Canada’s foremost literary quarterly, Exile Editions. More than a celebration of the inner life, Moth Nor Rust is an implicit reminder of how the folk song is a necessary and moral means toward lifting humanity in the 21st century. Moth Nor Rust earned Jon his second Canadian Folk Music Award nomination for Best Songwriter. http://www.jonbrooks.ca/

Julian Fauth

• Juno Winner Best Blues Album

Julian Fauth is a soulful singer, songwriter and barrelhouse piano player working in the tradition of pre-war acoustic blues. Julian Fauth began listening to blues and fooling around on the piano as a child. After coming to Toronto in 1996, he began jamming in Kensington Market bars, which led to a busy career on the Toronto blues scene. He has played in Russia, Cuba, Germany, the USA and various parts of Canada, but can be heard most nights in a Toronto watering hole. He has been nominated for a Juno and a number of Maple Blues Awards. He is currently working on his next CD, to be released by Electro-Fi. www.julianfauth.com

Kim Wempe

• 2010 ECMA Nominee (2) – Female Solo Artist
• Rising Star Recording of the Year 2010 ECMA Showcasing Artist

With a raw and powerful voice, Kim Wempe leaves an imprint on your soul and a melody you just can’t shake. Her evocative artistic style, fiercely emotional lyrics and honest onstage performance are one of a kind. Since her move to the East Coast, Kim has shared stages and stories with some of Canada’s favorite Maritime musical acts, including Jill Barber, Christina Martin, Ryan Cook, Charlie A’Court, Coco Love Alcorn, and Norma MacDonald. Her captivating live show has turned heads and hearts at festivals across the country from Evolve in Nova Scotia to Morfee Mountain in British Columbia and back to Halifax’s In The Dead of Winter Festival. While Kim’s first full-length album The Last Version (2007) captures a range of toe-tapping rhythms and styles from soulful blues melodies, to jazz-influenced folk tunes, her star is rising with a recent win for the Where I Need to Be EP (2009) at the Nova Scotia Music Awards (Folk Recording of the Year), a pair of 2010 ECMA Nominations for Female Solo Artist and Rising Star Recording of the Year and an upcoming album, Painting With Tides, due for release in 2010.  http://kimwempe.com 

Laura Fernandez

• Winner – New York International Music Festival (Best Soft Rock Band)

Singer songwriter Laura Fernandez was born In Madrid, Spain, lived In Switzerland as a child, spent her youth in Calgary, Alberta and her adulthood here in Toronto and travelling worldwide. True to her international roots Laura writes songs in English as well as Spanish and her musical compositions are a reflection of her many influences. Originally trained as a classical pianist and having been surrounded her entire life with rich and varied musical inspirations her style is a blend of classical, jazz, pop and world music anchored by intimate and heartfelt lyrics. She is an award winning artist and illustrator and has many published children’s books. Laura often describes her songs as self portraits and paintings inspired by her own life captured in a musical medium. www.laurafernandezmusic.com

Lindsay Ferguson

• Best New Artist 2008 ~ Ottawa Express
• Best Album of 2007 ~ Ottawa Citizen

Lindsay Ferguson’s Music lies somewhere between chaos & calm. She is dialed into an eclectic frequency, touching upon the fever and fury of life itself. There is no way to sum up her sound into one genre. A critically acclaimed Canadian musician with a rock, pop and soul sound, Lindsay immerses herself into the songs she sings and calls the stage her home. She was born in Bermuda, has lived in Ireland, Switzerland, Quebec, Newfoundland and Ontario and has been performing original music on inventive stages at Festivals, on Beaches in Taverns and Theatres. Lindsay will get under your skin, and send shivers down your spine. Lindsay has released one full length album entitled “sound” and is currently working on her second labour of Love “voxNaxe.” www.lindsayferguson.com

Lynn Harrison

• 2009 – Top 10 finalist with David Leask in City of Toronto 175th Anniversary Song Contest
• 2008 – OCFF “Songs from the Heart” – Winner, Political Category (“Bicycle Bell”); Honourable Mention, Humour (“David Miller”).

A compelling performer who connects powerfully with audiences of all ages, Lynn Harrison is known for “charming, positive, uplifting and life-affirming songs” (Penguin Eggs magazine). Lynn has earned songwriting honours from the Ontario Council of Folk Festivals’ Songs from the Heart (political category winner for “Bicycle Bell” in 2008) and was a Top 10 Finalist (with David Leask) in the City of Toronto’s 175th Anniversary Song Contest in 2009. As songwriter-in-residence for “Take5” on CIUT 89.5 fm, Lynn wrote a new song each week for the program for two years (2006 – 2008) and has also been featured on CBC Radio (“Fresh Air”, “Sounds Like Canada”). With four CDs to her credit (the latest being “Simplicity” in 2008) and a wide range of unrecorded songs, her performances are always fresh, current and inspiring. More information about Lynn can be found at www.lynnharrison.ca

Marg Stowe

• She received the 2009 Porcupine “Lenny Breau Award”
• Winnter CIUT-FM’s Back To the Sugar Camp “ultimate musicianship award”.

Toronto guitarist Margaret Stowe performs all over Canada and Europe and has performed and recorded with a host of Canadian/International artists. She has played such infamous locations as The Louvre Paris France and CBGB’s New York City, major clubs and festivals including Montreal Jazz Festival, Toronto Jazz Festival, BlueBalls Lucerne Switzerland, Cognac Blues Passion France, Boqui Jazz Madrid, U Malehu Glena Praque and dozens of others. In 2008 she was interviewed and performed on both Vallee FM Radio Paris France and Radio Nacional de Espana Madrid. She has worked in musical theatre, performed with several symphony orchestras and has done workshops with Robert Fripp and Joe Pass. She is listed in the Canadian Encyclopedia of Music under “Guitarists of Note”. She can also be found freelancing and performing with Priscilla Wright, Sonya Cote, Brenda Lewis, Mose Scarlett, Big Rude Jake and the TBS Women’s Blue Revue Band. She is excited about an extensive European tour in 2010 as a duo with German jazz guitarist Barbara Jungfer. She received the 2009 Porcupine “Lenny Breau Award”, CIUT-FM’s Back To the Sugar Camp “ultimate musicianship award”. She has released 4 CDs and the latest MELLO JELLO has had great reviews. http://www.margaretstowe.com http://www.myspace.com/margaretstowe

Marianne Girard

• 2009 Canadian Folk Music Awards Nominee: Best Contemporary Vocalist

Marianne Girard ‘grabs you by the soul and won’t let go’. Canadian Folk Music Awards nominee for 2009, Marianne simply captivates. “Wow!” Not likely to forget about this one. She DOES stand out. Big time! I’m impressed as hell and will be watching this Toronto-based singer’s career with interest from now on. Great Stuff.” — Barry Hammond, ‘Penguin Eggs’ Her new cd, ‘Pirate Days’ is “a revelation… alternately bold and tender, clever and memorable…. but it’s the vocal performances that stay with you. They’re warm, inclusive, commanding. The confessional, occasionally ribald tone of the songs is served exquisitely by a voice that’s unequivocally pure and joyfully unrestrained.” — Greg Quill European radio calls her ‘a Canadian nightingale’ and ‘Marianne Girard will melt your heart and move your feet’. www.mariannegirard.com www.myspace.com/mariannegirard

Marc Charron

Marc Charron is a workhorse of a singer/songwriter/musician. In a recent posting, Marc noted that, since July 2004, he has performed over 1000 shows, on 6 Canadian tours, 3 Western tours, one Australian tour (with Seismic), and one Eastern Canadian tour (with Lure). But then, in what is either a lament or a challenge, Charron notes “YOU still haven’t seen me play…” I’ve seen Marc Charron play. I’ve been most fortunate to have him perform, too early in the morning for most musicians, on my radio show, the Thursday Morning Special Blend on Ottawa’s CKCU. His performances are always spirited, well crafted and fun. He’s a great performer. Charron’s new record is entitled Coming & Going. It’s been generally available at some of his shows in a pre-release form, and I am fortunate to have a copy. Coming & Going showcases the classic Canadian musician: child of the road enjoying the trip, experiencing love and heartbreak on the way, with a longing for home. In contrast to most of his solo shows, this record features a full band. Marc performs with a drumset at his feet and a guitar in his hands. Not to be missed!! www.marccharronmusic.com www.myspace.com/marccharronmusic

The Max Woolaver Band

Recently very favourably reviewed (Winter issue – 2009) in Penguin Eggs, Canada’s fine roots, folk and world music magazine, Reverend Max Woolaver has been performing professionally since his England debut in 1975. Born in Digby Nova Scotia, Rev. Max brings a Maritime love of a stompin’ good time, a rare lyrical power (a Dylan/blues/spiritual disciple) and a deep respect for what electricity charging through wood can do for a guitar. The band, Main Street West, brings together the pro talent of powerhouse drummer Michelle Josef (Prairie Oyster, Etta James, house drummer for The Edmonton Folk Festival); jazz, world and rock bassist Rachel Melas (Swamparella, The Sisters of Sheyneville, J. Michael Brown). This electric/acoustic trio forms the core of a musical force often supplemented by pedal steel, violin and guitars. Rev. Max performed in England and the Maritimes for four years before locating in Ontario.

Maxim Budnick

Maxim is a singer/ songwriter/ guitarist from the town of Carlisle, Ontario, Canada. A inspired live performer with a talent for blending styles, he is adept at playing complicated accompaniments while delivering passionate vocal performances that brings to mind Robert Plant and Burton Cummings. In his formative years Maxim cut his teeth at SOFGA (Southern Ontario finger-style guitar association), performing on the same stage as some of the best guitar players in Canada. He went on to study with acoustic guitar virtuoso Mark Daum and has continued to develop his own personal style since that time. Versed in many aspects of style and technique, Maxim is also a well rounded song writer who has a strong sense of melody with a skill for carving out intelligent lyrics. Maxim has a catalogue of over 40 original songs and is currently working on his first full length CD while studying music and philosophy at the University of Western Ontario. www.maximbudnick.com

Michael Brennan with Steve Briggs

• “Anywhere But Here” Nominated for 2009 Country Recording of the Year by Music Nova Scotia.
• “Anywhere But Here” named the #5 Cancountry Record of 2008 by Country Music News.

Accompanied by ‘BeBop Cowboy’ guitar wizer Steve Briggs, Toronto-based singer and songwriter Michael Brennan takes country music seriously — but his strong, distinct voice and his crack band put a sharp edge on the songs he writes. There’s sentiment in what he writes and sings, but hardly a trace of sentimentality. Originally from Cape Breton, Brennan has released his second solo album: Anywhere But Here is a roots rockin’ country record with heart and soul, set in the middle of a big smoky, busy city — but with a clear memory of where he’s from. The new CD, produced by David Travers-Smith, features the best crack rhythm section in Canada, Gary Craig (drums) and John Dymond (bass) and the astonishing guitar playing of Kevin Breit. Anywhere But Here is as big, as honest, and as real as the man who wrote the songs and sings them with the heart and guts they demand.

Michael Jerome Browne

• Canadian Folk Awards Solo Artist of the Year 2008
• Multiple Maple Blues nominee (Acoustic Artist of the Year 2001)
• Three-time Juno Award Nominee

Born in Indiana, Michael is the son of English professors whose love of music and poetry inspired them to take their son to the jazz, blues and folk clubs in their adopted home of Montreal. MJB became a regular on the folk scene, adding banjo, fiddle, and mandolin to his masterful command of guitars and harmonica. 2008- Michael Jerome Browne releases “THIS BEAUTIFUL MESS“: eleven original country-soul creations by one of today’s most accomplished interpreters of roots music. Think George Jones meets Bobby Bland.

Mr. Rick and The Bisciuts

“The Original Alt Country Power Trio“! 3 piece acoustic string band performing: “Skillet Fried Roots Music”. A tasty Gumbo of Folk, Country, Swing, Early Jazz, Bluegrass, Blues & Gospel performed with “greasy” rhythm… You might recognize it as “Americana”…or if you’re British…”Skiffle”. “These guys are steeped in old-time country, vintage acoustic blues, swing, classic rock, rockabilly, Tin Pan Alley and man, can they play”. “Tub thumping country when cowboys were cowboys and singers were drunks” are a couple of recent quotes describing the band and it’s latest CD. Recently released at Hughs Room and receiving lots of CBC airplay. Mr.Rick and the Biscuits in a word are ‘unique’. http://www.sonicbids.com/MrRicktheBiscuits %3