NEWS

Close Kicks: Getaway “Getaway” was born from a simple but powerful idea: sometimes the best way to help someone isn’t to fix them—it’s to give them a place to breathe. Written by Close Kicks’ Darryl James and acclaimed Canadian songwriter Jessica Mitchell, the song explores self-doubt, loneliness and the weight we carry from our past. Its intimate verses build into an anthemic chorus that delivers a message of unconditional support: “If you need to break, I’ll always be your

Dan Woods: Songs From Better Days The song calls to those magical places where the combinations of good friends and good conversation eat away at the clock in a way that you don't regret once you are done. Smooth, calm flow with a memorable chorus constantly brings your ear back to this song.

Darren Roy Clarke: Morning Light Folk singer-songwriter Darren Roy Clarke releases his sophomore album, Morning Light, produced by Daniel Ledwell (Jenn Grant, Ken Yates, The Once). "I feel like Morning Light is an account of where I am in my life now. I am very drawn to soothing, thought-provoking, reflective music. I feel like I captured that for myself on this record," shares Clarke. Darren Roy Clarke writes songs that map the highways of his heart, blending delicate roots,

Anne Walker: My Christmas Treasures Ontario singer-songwriter Anne Walker is releasing a collection of fresh, original songs for the Christmas and winter season: "My Christmas Treasures". Available now to listen to and download at https://annewalker.ca/music. Also streaming on multiple sites. Album release: Christmas Concert on Sunday, December 20th at 2 pm. Click here for more info.

Sarah Segal-Lazar: Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo + Juliet Celebrate the 30th anniversary of one of the most beloved movie soundtracks of all time with Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo + Juliet: Live in Concert, a one-night-only musical event at Centaur Theatre. Revisit the unforgettable songs that defined a generation, performed live by Sarah Segal-Lazar & The Butcher Hearts, joined by a lineup of special guest artists. From soaring love songs to electrifying anthems, this concert brings the icon

Renée Coughlin & Rebekah Hawker: Southern BC Tour Renée Coughlin & Rebekah Hawker Tour Southern BC This November Ontario singer-songwriters Renée Coughlin (of indie-folk trio The Pairs) and Rebekah Hawker (winner of Folk Music Ontario’s 2026 Song of the Year Award) are heading west for a Southern BC tour in partnership with Home Routes. Blending folk, roots, and country influences, both artists write with warmth, wit, and honesty about the beautiful, complicated business of b

Magic Machine: EP Release Show MAGIC MACHINE EP RELEASE SHOW w/ Kenny Hayes Saturday, November 28 - 7:00 pm Night Oat - 750 Gladstone Ave - Ottawa LOVE MURDER SEX DEMONS: The Ballad of Jimmy McBob Ottawa’s own Magic Machine are rolling back to Night Oat for an EP Release Show! Their sophomore effort has four main themes… can you guess what they are? While you’re thinking about it, make sure to get your ticket(s)! There are only 60 available, and you won’t want to miss the har

Boreal: @ Newmarket Folk Society We are very excited to have Boreal back at Newmarket Folk on November 28th! This time they will be presenting their Christmas show - “Songs for the Snowy Season” Boreal is a powerhouse trio of Canadian singer-songwriters Katherine Wheatley, Tannis Slimmon and Angie Nussey. Their new album, “Winterbirds” (March 2025), has earned them Canadian Folk Music Award nominations for Album of the Year, Ensemble of the Year, and Vocal Group of the Year.

Land Heart Song: The Songster's Childhood "The Songster's Childhood" is an Estonian folk song re-imagined and performed by Land Heart Song. On Friday, November 6th, the music video premiered at Tartu College in Toronto as part of a program presented by VEMU Estonian Museum Canada and Estonian Music Week. The music video tells the story of "The Songster's Childhood" and of a search for connection to heritage through song, across continents and time and language barriers. The m

Logan Richard: Trying to Find Something On the upbeat, driving roots-rock of “Trying to Find Something,” PEI-based songwriter Logan Richard turns a bout of writer’s block into a wry reflection on the pressure to stay clever, original and relevant. Written just a week before he entered the studio to record his new album over four tightly scheduled days, the song captures Richard walking, tossing and turning, and searching for an idea that sounds like nobody but himself. Produc

Graeme Jonez: Hey Coyote! "Hey Coyote!" is the lead single off Graeme Jonez's forthcoming 2027 album. It's a hooky roots-rocker about wild things, urban spaces and the threshold between them. Click here for more info.

Oh Clementine: Heartstrings Oh Clementine, the family folk project led by early childhood educator and songwriter Jessie Schellenberg, released ‘Heartstrings’ on September 25th. Warm, honest and deeply human, the album is an intimate ode to the beautiful, messy and ever-evolving journey of raising children. Through tender melodies and heartfelt storytelling, Schellenberg explores the profound joys and quiet heartbreaks of parenthood while honouring the “village” that helps fa

Dean Workman: Nothing to Prove Hi, Dean Workman here. How are you going today? I’m not going to try to B.S. you with a flowery explanation of my folk songs. Some people reckon it’s a pretty decent album, though, and I am honoured to share it with you. I’m an older guy who has played bass and sung backing vocals for too long to remember, and recently stepped to the centre of the stage with an acoustic guitar in hand to write and sing my own songs and tell my own stories. These

Brianna Lizotte: Blood Memory JUNO-nominated Métis fiddler Brianna Lizotte released her third album titled "Blood Memory" on November 4th 2026. This 15-track album contains seven forgotten ancestral tunes that were preserved and taken from VHS home videos. Alongside eight brand new tunes composed by Brianna based on stories passed down to her by family members. The tunes employ a blend of traditional Métis instrumentation while pushing these traditions in new directions throu

Kay Francis: Penguin Theory Kay Francis Releases Debut Folk Album Penguin Theory Carleton Place, Ontario-based singer-songwriter Kay Francis announces the release of Penguin Theory, her debut album of 13 original songs exploring identity, resilience, grief, compassion, and the courage to speak out. The title track draws inspiration from penguins gathering at the edge of icy waters, each waiting for another to take the first leap. It’s a compelling metaphor for human behaviour

THEY CALL ME SiR: Fireweed THEY CALL ME SiR is releasing his second full-length album, Fireweed. The final collection of ten songs is united by common themes of perseverance, gratitude and appreciation for life. The album’s title track was inspired by a trip through Jasper and a visit to the Fireweed Festival in Fort Smith. Witnessing landscapes recovering and thriving after devastating wildfires prompted him to write about overcoming adversity. That theme carries throughout

Ori Shalva: BC Tour We're so excited to be heading to BC with a series of events that celebrate the spirit of Georgian music, wine, food and hospitality! From an intimate concert at a winery to a traditional feast and post-feast party, to a participatory singing workshop and concert, we'll be sharing the rich polyphonic singing traditions of Sakartvelo (Georgia) and raising a glass to the deep-rooted connection nurtured through songs. La Fabrique Winery | Thu Nov 12 | 7–11 PM

Boreal: Songs for the Snowy Season Boreal’s 'Songs for the Snowy Season' has been a winter tradition for twenty years. Today, Katherine Wheatley, Tannis Slimmon and Angie Nussey bring their own distinctive blend of voices, intricate harmonies, thoughtful songwriting, warmth and humour to the show - and to a musical adventure that has grown well beyond winter. What began as a seasonal tradition has blossomed into a full-time, year-round band, and the snowball is still rolling.

Jacob River Milnes: On Tour Jacob River Milnes and his band are bringing true Country Rock and Roll on the road in November 2026, with special guests Kip James and John McAlpine. 11.19 Wakefield, QC. - The Black Sheep Inn 11.20 Toronto, ON. - The Cameron House (Backroom) 11.22 Hamilton, ON. - Mills Hardware Click here for more info.

Irish Millie: @ Haliburton County Folk Society Irish Millie is a 19-year-old Canadian singer, songwriter and fiddler from Peterborough, Ontario, known for her high-energy blend of East Coast drive, bluegrass edge, and contemporary trad with a distinct Celtic pop rock energy. A seven-time Canadian Folk Music Award nominee, she earned two 2026 nominations for her EP Between Then and Now, including Young Performer of the Year, her fifth nomination in the category, and Single of

momondays: Live @ Harmony Hall Three artists. Three mini one-person shows. One night of songs, stories and life. On Monday, November 16, momondays returns to Harmony Hall in Gormley, hosted by Michel Neray. Songwriters turn their original work into personal shows—spilling tunes, backstories, and emotional tea right in your lap. Angela Saini — How Many Times Can the Phoenix Rise? The Toronto Independent Music Award winner brings toe-tapping folk-pop, big sing-along hooks, and

Good afternoon, Folk Canada Members! Folk Alliance International is coming up soon... January 27 - 31, 2027, in Chicago, IL, USA! Folk Canada will be on site at the event, and if you're planning on going as well, you'll want to see below for a few exciting opportunities. Blue Tsunami: Special Registration Rate for Canadians Our friends at FAI hope that Tuesday's Blue Tsunami will convince more Canadians to come to the event... and to entice further, they're offering a full 30

Canadian Music Management Collective: Gigging Music Students New Opportunities for Your Music Career: Whether you're looking for new performance opportunities, ways to promote your music, or tools to grow as an independent artist, CMMC is here to help. This month, we're sharing an exciting opportunity for gigging music students, along with some of the benefits available through CMMC membership. 🎓 OPEN CALL: Gigging Music Students. CMMC is launching a limited-time initiative

Mark Branscombe: Blind Leading The Blind Mark Branscombe - Video release “Blind Leading The Blind” is the first single from his 2026 album "Field Recordings." A deceptively simple folk song containing a complicated message is highlighted by lyrics such as, “Things have changed in the land of the free, they locked the door and can’t find the key, lost the handle on democracy.” All of us have something to say about the current state of the world, but few have the courage to put

Melodi Ryan: The Woods Ontario-based folk-pop artist Melodi Ryan has released her new single, The Woods (out October 15). Bright and upbeat with warm acoustic textures and a pop-forward lift, the track is catchy, honest, and light on its feet. The Woods offers a playful dose of self-reflection, pairing feel-good energy with a knowing wink. The single is also an early taste of Melodi’s upcoming album, set for release later this year. Click here for more info.

Merilainen Music Inc.: Raven Reid - Stages Of Gold Raven Reid releases 2nd album! Raven Reid has been defying the odds her entire life, and with her new album Stages Of Gold she has accomplished another long-held goal that only a few years ago seemed out of reach: Recording her songs with a full band live off the floor in a Toronto studio. Stages Of Gold is a 10-song collection that offers further unflinching glimpses of Raven’s life as an Indigenous woman, but in contrast to

Mark Branscombe: Field Recordings MARK BRANSCOMBE RELEASES SOLO ALBUM "FIELD RECORDINGS" The Vancouver singer/songwriter's new collection is a dynamic and diverse blend of roots music styles. The original concept of field recordings dates back to the early 20th century with the work of folklorists John and Alan Lomax, and its time may have come again in this age when the authenticity of nearly everything is questioned. Vancouver singer/songwriter and roots music scene veteran

The Bookends: CHAPTER TWO The Bookends are back with their second studio record, Chapter Two, following their 2020 debut, Chapter One, and acclaimed 2023 live album A Celtic Celebration: with the Stratford Symphony Orchestra. This JUNO and Canadian Folk Music Awards-nominated group continue to expand their modern Celtic sound on their latest release with original compositions “Alles Klar”, “Over The Hill”, and fan-favourite “Greystones”, as well as their own unique arrangemen

in·summer: Sisters In Songs BRINGING MORE WOMEN ON STAGE!! Coming to you on NOVEMBER 24 at Hugh’s Room Live, an evening of music and sisterhood presented by Chia Productions, Hugh's Room Live & in·summer. This event will feature Daughters of Donbas, Hildá Länsman and Tuomas Norvio and GETCHNAH. These musicians take you on a journey inspired by cultures and corners of the world, rooted in different traditions (Ukrainian, Sámi, Tamil), and singing stories often overlooked. Join

Chris Whiteley & Diana Braithwaite: Live @ Acoustic Harvest Acoustic Harvest is pleased to present multiple award-winning Chris Whiteley & Diana Braithwaite in concert on Nov 14, 2026, at 8 pm (doors at 7:30), 200 McIntosh St, Scarborough, ON M1N3Z3. Click here for tickets.

Kate Weekes: Live @ Motel Chelsea Gatineau Hills songwriters Kate Weekes and Alasdair Gillis pair up for an evening of original music at Motel Chelsea on November 14th. Both Weekes and Gillis have released new albums in the past year and will showcase these new works alongside multi-instrumentalist James Stephens & Brian Sanderson. Click here for more info.

The Maywoods: @ Arts Hub Brockville The Ontario Festival of Small Halls presents: The Maywoods, an Ottawa Valley-based quartet dedicated to honouring and performing the songs and music of legendary singer-songwriter John Prine. Formed in 2023, the band features Vicki Brittle, Tyler Craig, Nathan Sloniowski and Jessica Winskell. Known for their rich harmonies, The Maywoods share Prine’s catalogue through heartfelt interpretations and sing-alongs. 🗓️ November 28, 7 pm 📍 Arts

Matt Zaddy: The Harvest Tour Matt Zaddy will be embarking on a short duo tour through Manitoba from Nov. 05-07. Calling it 'The Harvest Tour', as both seasonally appropriate and a nod to one of the greats, Zaddy will be performing acoustic shows accompanied by his partner in life and music - Heather Christine. Tour Dates: Nov. 05 - Winnipeg - Belle's Kitchen & Music Hall - 5 pm- 7:30 pm (early show!) Nov. 06 - Neepawa - Artsforward (Kaleidoscope Concert Series) - 7:30 pm Nov