NEWS

Terry Donaghue: Still Waters    “In the spring of 2025 I heard an episode on the radio discussing the healing powers of blue spaces – that is the mental and physical benefits gained by being close to a body of water whether ocean, lake or river. I was familiar with the concept of forest bathing and having lived close to water all my life this resonated strongly with me.” Still Waters was recorded at the legendary Kensington Sound studio, engineered, produced and arranged by V

Naghmeh: Étoile filante   If a Tree Falls in the Forest, and There’s No One Around to Hear It, Does It Make a Sound? The modern twist of this philosophical riddle goes something like: pics or it didn’t happen. Whether you answer yes or no, whether you think of it from a philosophical or scientific angle, does it really matter? The tree fell. That is a fact.  In the era of smartphones and social media, the over documentation and oversharing of content, it often feels like peop

Dana Sipos: Strange to my Mind Strange to my Mind is a meditation on the mysteries of being alive, those humming quietly under the surface and those that roar and shape shift your life’s course. After periods of transformation, we are often unrecognizable to ourselves and we have to learn to see ourselves again. Sometimes close communities shift and fall apart and the world is an utterly heartbreaking place. Woven into the song is a personal reminder that gratitude is a integ

The Family Name: Don't Choke Brother Duo The Family Name have released their latest single, Don’t Choke, about moving back to small town life, regaining a sense of community, and shedding perfectionism. The track is available on all streaming platforms. The song is a roots-rock experiment from a duo typically focused on stripped-down acoustic performances and intimate duo vocal harmony, with additional instrumentation and production by David James Allen at Littleknown, with m

Whitney Ross-Barris: Curtains of Light   "Curtains of Light," the new record from Toronto singer-songwriter Whitney Ross-Barris, blends jazz, choral, neo-soul, spoken word, and folk elements into an album of exciting new music that crystallizes deeply human stories of disconnection, longing, and beautiful resilience born from the last few challenging years. Woven together with field recordings from Whitney’s daily life and featuring both in-the-pocket groove and sweeping cine

Bremner Fletcher: Christmas Dream of New Orleans   I'm a Canadian singer-songwriter who had the pleasure of living in New Orleans for years. Right now, in New Orleans, Night-Scented Jasmine and Sweet-Olive trees are filling the streets with perfume. However, I'm looking out in Montreal and seeing snow and ice... and thinking about Christmas. The first single off my upcoming acoustic folk album launched is an upbeat, swinging, (slightly dark) Christmas song called ‘Christmas D

Kaeley Jade: The Ceiling Edmonton-based alternative-folk artist Kaeley Jade releases her moving new single "The Ceiling" and its accompanying music video. Co-written with singer/songwriter and friend Amanda Penner (Halfway Home), and produced and mixed by JUNO-Award Winning producer and musician Hill Kourkoutis (Aysanabee, Sebastian Gaskin), the track was born out of conversations about global unrest and feelings of powerlessness. Kaeley explains, “I had been holding onto th

Elizabeth Royall & Loch Nisse Monster @ Art House Cafe   Starry Night Wintersong w/ Elizabeth Royall & Loch Nisse Monster Friday, December 12Doors @ 8PM - Show @ 9PM Art House Cafe - Ottawa, ON Join songstresses Elizabeth Royall and Loch Nisse Monster for a cozy evening of original serenades and Yuletide covers at Art House Cafe in Ottawa. All ages. Click here for more info

Michel & Brianna @ Function Bar w/ Chris Staig Thursday, December 11, 2025 8pm Function Bar & Kitchen - Toronto, ON Michel & Brianna are joined by Chris Staig on slide guitar for an evening of indie-folk, Americana-infused songs and stories that dance in your head, heart, hips, and funny bone. Come to Function for great music, local craft beer, specialty cocktails & late kitchen in the heart of Yonge & Eglinton. Enjoy Toronto’s finest craft beer, a menu that caters to every

Showcase Applications are now open for the 2026 Folk Canada Conference (Formerly the Folk Music Ontario Conference), taking place October 14-18, 2026 in Hamilton, Ontario! Deadline to Apply: January 30, 2026 Click here to apply now Click here to read the FAQ We're getting out applications earlier than ever this year! Our aim is to give selected artists much more time to secure funding, make travel plans, and be as prepared as possible for networking and booking opportunities

Version française à suivre Ottawa, December 2, 2025 Members of Folk Canada voted unanimously at the 2025 annual general meeting to rename the Folk Music Ontario, Musique Folk de l’Ontario Conference as the Folk Canada Conference. The decision brings the event into full alignment with the current name of the organization. “We want every member of our Canadian folk community to feel represented in the name we carry and the events we create. To embrace this inclusive vision, we’

Janice Jo Lee and the QTs: Resistance Stew House Concert Friday, December 5, 2025 7pm Toronto, ON Tickets $25 RESISTANCE STEW Rally the base but keep it cozy.  You are invited to a house concert with Janice Jo Lee and the QTs. Friday December 5th, 2025, 7pm, Toronto, west end. Singalongs for the people, stew included.  House address will be sent to you when you buy your ticket (close to St Clair and Lansdowne).  Click here for more info

Isaac Baronikian: Heart Rock Garden   Release: December 1, 2025 Good for quiet evening walks with gentle snowfall, giving close pals a good hug, or mourning a pet that's no longer around. Third single from Isaac's upcoming full-length record, For The Road (May 2026). For fans of: John Mayer, Bahamas, Vulfpeck.

Cameron Nickerson: Little Country Home   “Little Country Home” is a warm, nostalgic bluegrass single from Nova Scotia singer-songwriter Cameron Nickerson, known for his evocative storytelling and rich acoustic sound. The track celebrates the comfort of returning to where you belong and was recorded live-off-the-floor over a weekend with his local acoustic band, capturing the raw, front-porch energy at the heart of his forthcoming contemporary bluegrass album, The Wagon.

Chris McKhool: Miracle in my Backyard   Following 30 years of acclaimed family performances across North America, three-time Parents’ Choice Award winner Chris McKhool steps back into the studio with "Little Leaf," his long-awaited family album and first release since the CFMA-winning and JUNO-nominated “FiddleFire!” CD 17 years ago. The focus track, “Miracle in my Backyard”, is written by legendary Canadian entertainer Bing Jensen. “A garden's magic comes from a combination

Desiree Dawson: Chop Some Wood   Desirée Dawson’s 'Chop Some Wood' is a warm, upbeat song reminding us to get outside when life starts to become overwhelming. This song is a companion for the heavy times, during celebratory moments and there is a line-dance that accompanies it!

Will Gillespie: Magic & Starlight New Year's Eve Cabaret Wednesday, December 31, 2025 Black Box 70 - Oshawa, ON $65 / ticket The Magic & Starlight New Year's Eve Cabaret is "an evening of timeless elegance" with a dash of bohemian whimsy. A classic, retro New Year's Eve party complete with midnight countdown, champagne toast, hors d'oeuvres, party hats, noise makers, a magician and live music by Will Gillespie and His Snazzy, Jazzy Cocktail Combo. It will be like celebrating

Imaginary Expedition @ Tranzac Club  w/ Jonathan Davies Sunday, December 14, 2025  10pm-midnight Tranzac Club - Toronto, ON PWYC Imaginary Expedition ( imaginaryexpedition.com ) is a classically-informed, contemporary, folk duo known for precise counterpoint, snug harmony, and cozy vibes. A collaboration between New-England-Conservatory–educated composer Glyph Greenleaf, and vocalist Victoria Dobbs, who combine the intricate structures and melodies of classical and early musi

The Lonesome Ace Stringband @ Newmarket Folk Society Saturday, December 6 2025 Newmarket Legion - Newmarket, ON The Lonesome Ace Stringband bring grit, skill and abandon to Americana music, bridging old-time, bluegrass and folk traditions into a seamless hybrid of original material that is at once fresh and timeless.  The trio’s sound is anchored in the fiddle and clawhammer banjo of John Showman and Chris Coole. They are joined by a rotating cast of extraordinary upright bas

Naghmeh @ Bar de Courcelle   Join us to celebrate the launch of Naghmeh’s new single “Étoile filante”! Naghmeh will be accompanied by a full band, while Naomi will offer a solo set on harp and keys. Friday, December 5, 2025 Doors at 7pm Concert at 8pm Bar de Courcelle - Montréal, QC Tickets $15 You can pre-save Étoile filante on your preferred streaming platform:  https://ffm.to/j24rvx1    Click here for more info

Boreal: Songs for the Snowy Season   Riding on the momentum of three CFMA nominations, Canadian trio Boreal (Tannis Slimmon, Angie Nussey, and Katherine Wheatley) is marking this special milestone with their Songs for the Snowy Season tour - 12 shows this November and December. TOUR DATES Dec 6 - Greenbank Centennial Hall - Greenbank, ON Dec 7 - Jimmy Joy’s Music Room - Port Sydney, ON Dec 11 - Grafton Village Inn - Grafton, ON (Sold Out) Dec 12 - Red Bird - Ottawa, ON (Sold

Folk Alliance International January 21-25, 2026 New Orleans, LA, USA Deadline to Apply: November 30, 2025 MusicOntario and Folk Canada are joining forces under the FOLK NORTH banner to host three nights of private showcases at Folk Alliance International (FAI) in 2026! It’s our 10th year of supporting Ontarian and Canadian artists and businesses at the world’s largest gathering of the folk music industry and community, which celebrates a diverse range of genres including Blu

Monet & Christian: Respite Release: November 25 Monet & Christian’s new single, “Respite” hits harder than some of the duo’s previous work, but despite this, the song, at it’s core, is about softness. The lyrics were written at a time when the duo was feeling pulled in many different directions both creatively and personally, and were finding themselves looking for a soft place to land. Lyricist Monet Comeau was inspired to write this song around how being home in her home-pr

Maya Cook: salt Maya Cook’s journey into music was paved by her path as a multidisciplinary artist. As a circus performer with Artcirq, the renowned performing arts collective in Igloolik, Nunavut, Maya has spent years expressing herself with dynamic acrobatics and sharply crafted storytelling. Her debut album salt, recorded at Aakuluk Music Studios in Iqaluit, Nunavut, is a testament to her artistry in a different medium—one that swings between the soulful melodies of soft j

Luka Hall & Brooke MacArthur: Maybe Next Christmas   Luka Hall and Brooke MacArthur deliver the essential Christmas duet you didn’t know you needed: ‘Maybe Next Christmas’. Luka's rich, old-country voice and Brooke's smooth harmonies combine for a nostalgic, heartfelt duet that captures the cozy warmth and profound longing of the season.  The Musicians Who Made it Merry: Luka Hall: Vocals, Violin, Lyrics, Composer Brooke MacArthur: Vocals, Lyrics Colin Buchanan: Acoustic/Slid

Danah-Lee: Social Justice   Queer Christian Singer-Songwriter Danah-Lee Releases Social Justice – A Hope-Filled Soundtrack for Change Award-winning Canadian singer-songwriter, music educator and church music director Danah-Lee releases Social Justice, a bold album blending pop-inflected songwriting with faith-rooted, LGBTQ2S+-affirming themes. The record pairs anthemic hooks with lyrics that champion belonging, compassion and courageous love. The album opens with haunting ped

The Nathan Sloniowski Trio @ Carleton Place Gallery   The Nathan Sloniowski Trio Christmas Benefit Concert for the Carleton Place Youth Centre Saturday, December 6, 2025 7:00PMCarleton Place Gallery - Carleton Place, ON A benefit concert at the Carleton Place Gallery featuring The Nathan Sloniowski Trio is raising funds for the Carleton Place Youth Centre. Nathan (guitar and vocals), Bill Serson (drums) and Barry Buse (bass and vocals) will be performing songs from Nathan’s n

John Prince and A Piece of the Rock @ Acoustic Harvest “It's Good To Be Canadian" Celebration with John Prince and A Piece of the Rock Saturday, December 6, 2025 St Paul's United Church - Scarborough, ON $35 Advance Tickets / $40 at the door Save the service fee with e-transfer, send an E-transfer for $35 (saving on fees) to: acousticharvest@proton.me Join us for a festive, feel-good evening as John Prince & A Piece of the Rock headline our “It’s Good To Be Canadian” celebrat

Isaac & Liam's SUPER! MEGA! ULTRA! Folk n' Roll Night Out Friday, December 5, 2025  7:00pm Doors \\ 8:00pm Show LIVE! on Elgin - Ottawa, ON Tickets $20 Isaac Baronikian: With songs and sold-out performances that have earned him community radio play across Canada and comparisons to Donovan Woods, Jack Johnson, John Mayer, and Bahamas, Isaac is carving out his own slice of space as a mellow songwriter with relevant things to say. Writing to the sounds of post-Toronto-indie-folk

The Big Bad Jug Band @ The Tranzac    Saturday, November 29 2025 7:30-9:30PM The Tranzac Southern Cross - Toronto, ON PWYC (Suggested $15-20) TWO SETS OF THE BIGGEST BADDEST JUG MUSIC FROM THE BIG BAD JUG BAND The Big Bad Jug Band is a post-jug psych quartet from Orillia and Hamilton, Ontario. We write comedy songs performed in styles of yesteryear. Our gonzo take on jug music mixes rock and roll, doo-wop and bluegrass progressions with a raucous panache. The Big Bad Jug Band

Sarah Segal-Lazar & the Dream Weavers: Golden Year - Hits of 1975  Wednesday, December 17 2025 7:30pm Segal Centre for Performing Arts - Montreal, QC Celebrate 50 years of songs from 1975, a banner year for music. Sarah Segal-Lazar & the Dream Weavers light up the stage with a powerful full-band tribute to the songs that defined a generation. From the poetry of Bob Dylan and wild energy of The Who to the sultry harmonies of LaBelle and pop prowess of ABBA, they’ll bring 1975'

Jory Nash: The Light Still Shines On The Main   5-time CFMA nominee JORY NASH is proud to announce the release of his first album in 7+ years, titled THE LIGHT STILL SHINES ON THE MAIN  After stepping away from music in 2019, Nash is making his return in 2025 with his 10th album, The Light Still Shines On The Main, co-produced with longtime friend Chris Stringer (The Wooden Sky, Elliott Brood, Timber Timbre, Megan Bonnell, Holly McNarland). The road to this record has been an

Sarah Siddiqui @ T.O. Lounge Feat. Dawn Lewis, Mitchie-Cola, Sarah Siddiqui, The Hands Friday, November 21, 2025 8:00PM T.O. Lounge - Toronto, ON Sarah Siddiqui is an established Canadian Pakistani Singer-Songwriter and Producer. Her music has been described as haunting with a dreamy-alt-folk sound. Sarah has been captivating audiences with her stunning voice and very poetic, and evocative lyrics since 1995. Her music releases span from 2000 and are available on all platforms