February 12 – 15, 2009
| Artists | Quick Bio |
| Al Lerman | The founding member of 2X Juno Award winning band FATHEAD, AL LERMAN is a journeyman musician who plays with sizzle and a whole lot of soul. |
Alejandra Ribera |
Alejandra Ribera is an emerging artist starting to attract some serious attention and if you’ve attended her show, it’s easy to see why. She has international musical roots and uses unconventional banter to lead you from aching ballads to Mexican folk tunes, to Cuban jazz standards and back. |
| Alfie Smith | 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. |
| Alastair Artingstall |
Alastair is a London based UK Singer-songwriter, whose performance career is continually interrupted by an inability to say “no” when the phone rings. |
Alistair Christl |
With rippin’ guitar and vocals, blazin fiddle, steel, upright bass and drums, these roots/rockabilly rock n’ rollers are gonna leave you wanting more. |
| Angie Grant | Singer songwriter, bassist, guitarist, hard disc record-ist to knock your bobby-sox off, all inside a lovely package. |
| Ariana Gillis | What happens when you take the likes of The Killers, Bob Dylan, Patty Griffin and Feist and boil them in a ten million degree crucible of modern Americana? I don’t know, what do you get? A chick with funky hair, questionable taste in fashion, and enough charisma to knock the plaid socks off your feet. |
| Bill Colgate with Cam MacInnes |
Bill Colgate is a bar band singer turned actor turned critically lauded award winning singer/songwriter described by Greg Quill in The Toronto Star as “..an important and committed new talent on the Canadian independent music scene” |
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”. |
| Brian Gladstone | Brian Gladstone is finger-picking guitar master, an insightful lyricist, a colourful story-teller, and a dynamic performer. (Canada Music Week Magazine) |
ChoirGirlz |
Seven years and three CDs later, ChoirGirlz are spreading their silky harmonies, great songs, vivacious voices and crazy humour to ever-widening horizons. |
Crabtree & Mills |
Joanne Crabtree and Paul Mills, known individually as pioneers in Canadian roots music, teamed up early in 2006 to form a duo showcasing her warmly vibrant voice and his playfully elegant guitar and, to-date, have released two critically-praised CDs and made dozens of personal appearances in clubs, house concerts and soft-seat concert halls. |
| D’Arcy Wickham | An exceptional facility with all styles of guitar picking has highlighted decades of performing experience. Recent shows have included workshops and a concert performance at the Waterloo guitar summit. D’Arcy won Songs For the Heart instrumental category for his song ‘Feather Fingers’ |
| Dan McVeigh | Dan McVeigh is a country artist and songwriter promoting his current CD ‘Drove”, which has great reviews from Country Music News and other publication. Dan’s strong vocals and music has been compared to Garth Brooks and other great artists. Dan is currently working on a new CD for release in 2009. www.danmcveigh.com |
| Danny Marks | Musician broadcaster and iconic rocker Danny Marks is a trailblazing guitarist, singer and songwriting roots rocker, since the 60′s with Edward Bear and has spent the past 25 years in homes across Canada on cable tv’s Stormy Monday, CBC Radio’s the Hum Line and JAZZ.FM’s Saturday night blues program bluz.fm. |
Dave Borins |
Dave Borins is a Toronto based upcoming old-fashioned modernistic songwriter and performer to keep tabs on. Borins was nominated for “Best Live Acoustic Performer” and “Best Folk Artist” at the 2008 “Toronto Indie Music Awards.” |
David Gillis |
With over 160 dates performed each year, David Gillis can make you laugh, cry and jump for joy all in the span of a few minutes. Described by Don Ross as a monster guitarist, 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 Colleen Peterson Songwriting Award. |
David Leask |
Originally from Edinburgh, Scotland, David Leask is a songwriting journeyman. Whether his songs are shaped with folk, Celtic or country influences, his goal is to write soul music – songs that speak to the common struggle to be human. |
Evaristo Machado |
Evaristo is part of a new generation of Cuban composers of modern salsa and Afro-Latin jazz, as well as a powerful singer and dancer. This Cuban-Canadian combines salsa with traditional Afro-Cuban rhythms and flamenco. The result is highly danceable songs with sophisticated arrangements, innovative rhythms and ear-catching melodies |
| The Guitar Boys of Alderon | 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. |
Howard Gladstone |
Howard Gladstone writes songs that “shape ordinary words into beautiful visions”. (Rambles). Not a comparison, but think Leonard Cohen crossed with Marc Cohn, Jerry Garcia & John Lennon. Well crafted and meaningful lyrics, a fitting laid-back vocal style, plus strong acoustic guitar work. 3 CDs. |
| HOTCHA! | Beverly Kreller and Howard Druckman play original and vintage “Dust bowl roots with a big bad beat”. Rustic, rural songs of work and faith, delivered with a vintage vibe and the energy of a runaway train. HOTCHA! creates a distinctive musical blend of old-time western, bluegrass, early swing and country gospel. |
Julian Fauth |
Singer, songwriter and pianist Julian Fauth provides a mixture of originals and re-interpretations in the tradition of pre-war barrelhouse blues. |
Laura Fernandez |
Born in Madrid, Spain, Laura Fernandez is a classically trained pianist and bilingual singer songwriter whose passionate, heartfelt and honest lyrics reflect the many aspects of the human condition and whose rich melodies take you on a journey of the soul. |
Laura Ranieri |
Laura has been bringing her powerful voice, catchy melodies and strong lyrics to the scene since 2002. Poprock roots inform her own blend of sassy and sensitive new country. She has received online song awards and international airplay for songs from her CD “Southbound”. |
| Lynn Harrison | A prolific songwriter with four CDs to her credit and numerous songwriting honours, Toronto singer-songwriter Lynn Harrison takes the everyday stuff of life and turns it into instantly memorable songs that move audiences to laughter and tears. |
| Marg Stowe | Guitarist Margaret Stowe performs all over Canada and Europe and has recorded and performed with a host of Canadian/International artists. Her departure point is jazz, but her style ranges from folk to blues to world beats, propelled by her trademark high energy and eclectic tastes |
Mark Cassidy |
A fine example of the new generation of talented expressive singer - songwriter – performer’s. Watch out for great things from Mark Cassidy in the future. |
Marianne Girard |
Now based in Toronto, and with her new CD “Pirate Days” near completion, Marianne Girard returns to Winterfolk Vll with more evocative and poignant songs and stories to remember. |
| Melwood Cutlery | A consummate songwriter and performer, Melwood Cutlery has delighted audiences from Dawson City, Yukon to Austin, Texas. His songwriting ability moves seamlessly from ballads and lullabies to folk, country, blues and rock. |
Michael Brennan with Steve Briggs |
Cape Breton raised, Toronto based singer-songwriter Michael Brennan writes and sings pure country songs with a a full blooded, passionate voice reminiscent of Roy Orbison and Waylon Jennings. |
| Mose Scarlett | Mose Scarlett is, unarguably, one of a kind. While he draws on a wide range of musical sources from the early 1900′s through the 40′s, his style defies categorization or comparison – the blend is unique. His self-taught, original technique of fingerpicking, dubbed ‘stride guitar’ by Canadian music journalists, delivers a syncopated punch and features simultaneous chords, melody and bass line, smoothly executed, without seeming effort. |
Mr. Rick & the Biscuits |
3 piece acoustic stringband performing: “Skillet Fried Roots Music”. |
| Nancy Dutra | Nancy Dutra plays her own unique blend of country-folk with lyrics that will awaken the spirit. |
Noah Zacharin |
Montreal-born Toronto-resident “stunning guitarist…great singer” (Holger Petersen, CBC) with 6 CD’s that comfortably and authentically cross genres; plays solo and in small combos, and as guitarist for many others on stage and on record. |
Nonie Crete & Eugene Rae |
Nonie was born and raise in Penetanguishene Ont. and Eugene was born and raised in Newry Ireland. Both love all kinds of music and have collaborated their talents to make their own. |
Peter Verity |
Peter writes songs that are poetic and powerful but also express the every day person’s emotions and feelings making him a pleasure to experience. |
Related |
Siblings Karen, Shirley and Kevin Bell are ‘Related’, the new kids on the block so to speak, are old-timers to the business of making music and songwriting. |
Revival Dear |
Revival Dear has found a way to pay homage to the past and herald in the future at the same time. Imagine a marriage between classic rock legends The Band and Fleetwood Mac. Revival Dear’s music is fresh, totally alive, and very relevant in today’s music scene. |
| Ric Proctor | Ric just released his debut CD Since We Were Youngin June of 08. It’s the Blues, it’s Folk and Country Rock all rolled into an entertaining show |
| Russell Leon Band | Award winning singer – songwriter Russell Leon not only runs Songwriters Unite, but is a powerful vocalist and energetic performer. |
Seb Agnello |
Starting his musical journey with ‘Lords of London’ at age 14, Seb has morphed into Canada’s musical political gadfly. |
Shawn Brush |
Shawn Brush AKA The Krooked Cowboy, one of the finest roots music around today. |
Steve Paul Simms & John Jackson |
Dynamic (noisy) Toronto songwriters Steve Paul Simms & John Jackson have never found a musical territory they could settle, so they steal from everybody’s culture, including yours, and have been doing it brilliantly for several years. |
Steve Raiken |
Steve Raiken is a veteran singer/songwriter/guitarist from Toronto who is best known for his superb acoustic slide guitar work. |
Sue & Dwight |
Sweet harmonies. Honest lyrics weaving stories of life in small towns, city streets, and African villages with themes of peace, courage, and social justice. |
The McDales |
Herb Dale’s passion is songwriting, but he lives to play country music. A seasoned musician, Herb is a regular performer in country and folk venues in Toronto. In 2007 he was joined by backup singer Fran McCann and they became known as The McDales. |
Tony Quarrington |
Veteran guitarist TONY QUARRINGTON has worked with many of Canada’s great roots artists like Willie P. Bennett, Mose Scarlett, and Laura Smith, and he has a devoted following in the jazz world for his own ten recordings as a leader and composer. |
Treasa Levasseur |
Loud and proud, Winnipeg-born, North Bay raised Parkdalian Treasa Levasseur sings her soulfully crafted songs with sincerity and sass, earning her 3 nominations in the 2009 MapleBlues Awards (Recording of the Year, Songwriter of the Year, and Female Vocalist). |
Trevor Mills |
Trevor Mills is an accomplished guitarist and singer-songwriter whose large repertoire ranges from the funny to the serious, the whimsical to the timeless. Solid instrumental arrangements and rousing sing-along choruses accompany his intelligent, compassionate song writing. |
Wendell Ferguson |
A native of Streetsville Ontario, this asthmatic wheezer has won the CCMA’s Guitarist of the Year 6 times. In fact, they retired him so others could win. He writes wildly humorous songs and very inventive instrumentals. Clearly a two-trick pony. He has toured the world and continues to write his crazy songs (although they remain: radio-proof) Look for him at Winterfolk. |
| Music Community Previews at WinterfolkGet Involved In One of these Fine Organizations – All Year ! |
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Songwriters Association of Canada Demo Evaluation |
Enter your song in the drop-box (located in the CD store, Black Swan, Main Floor), then attend the Songwriters Association of Canada demo evolution where Paul Mills and Tony Quarrington will play, and talk about your song. Saturday Feb 14, 4:00, Willow Restaurant, Back Room. |
Moonshine Cafe Songwriter’s Showcase |
Oakville’s Moonshine Cafe is a comfortable and intimate venue dedicated to indie roots/folk/blues and country music. You are invited to participate any MONDAY night, as Songwriter’s take over the stage to perform their original material. This is an opportunity to listen to great music by established and/or up and coming artists in an intimate setting. Sunday Feb 15, 2:00, Willow Restaurant, Front Room |
Danforth Jam |
A sample of the music you will can make, and can hear every Wednesday night at the Black Swan Friday Feb 13, 7:00, Black Swan Upstairs. |
Toronto City Roots |
A sample of upcoming Toronto City Roots Festival to be held June 26-28, 2009 at Hugh’s Room and the Distillery District. Saturday Feb 14, 4:00, Black Swan, 2nd Floor |
Storytelling Toronto |
Just for kids? Not a chance – for grown ups too ! Storytellers Toronto have stories to captivate audiences of all ages. This stage will feature several of Toronto’s finest storytellers bringing tales to captivate and enchant. It’s a Quiet Room. Sunday Feb 15, 2:00, Willow Restaurant, Back Room |
Nashville Songwriters Association |
NSAI is committed to helping those wishing a career as a songwriter with providing educational information and showcasing opportunities for its members – some of whom will be performing. Saturday Feb 14, 2:00, Willow Restaurant, Front Room |
Speak Music |
Speak Music is a Canadian publicity and promotions company, based in Toronto, Ontario. We specialize in genres from folk to alternative, world music to country, blues to pop, and everything in between. Come out and hear some of their artists perform. Friday Feb 13, 7:00, Black Swan, Main Floor |
Seneca College Independent Musician Program |
Artist preview presented by The Seneca College Independent Musician Program (IMP), a unique and intensive 8-month course of study, designed to provide musicians with the tools they need to succeed as “Indie” artists. Saturday Feb 14, 2:00, Willow Restaurant, Back Room |
The Big Schmooze Artist Seminars |
The Big Schmooze! is a dynamic forum of unlimited opportunity for musicians, songwriters, industry veterans, businesses and organizations to mingle under one roof. Saturday Feb 14, 2:00,Black Swan, 2nd Floor |
Songwriters Unite |
Songwriters Unite is a collective of over 500 musicians from across North America that promotes emerging and professional musicians by encouraging songwriters to create and perform original music and lyrics. We help musicians to gain exposure, meet new musicians, entertain, and unite a community of hard working, talented artists. Sunday Feb 15, 2:00, Black Swan, 2nd Floor |
