NEWS

The 32nd annual Ontario Folk Music Awards will take place at The Studio in Hamilton, Ontario on Wednesday, October 14th during the annual Folk Canada Conference. Folk Canada is pleased to announce the nominees for the 2026 Ontario Folk Music Awards. In recognition of the outstanding work and contributions of Folk artists and music industry from across the province of Ontario. The 32nd annual Ontario Folk Music Awards will take place during the Folk Canada Conference at The St

We've been made aware of several social media profiles impersonating Folk Canada. These fake accounts are contacting folks to sell conference registrations and booth space that don't exist. We've found these fake profiles on facebook, jotform, and eventbrite. These profiles are not us. Don't send them money, and don't share your payment or personal information with them. We have also been made aware of emails purporting to sell the delegate list for the 2026 Folk Canada Confe

We’re shaking things up this episode! Our host, Rosalyn Dennett, takes a turn in the guest seat for a candid conversation hosted by Ann MacKeigan. Rosalyn shares stories from her early musical influences, what makes a great musical collaboration, and the role that community and storytelling have played throughout her career. We also talk about her journey as the Executive Director of Folk Canada and some exciting information about the upcoming Folk Canada Conference taking pl

Folk Canada is very pleased to announce that renowned Canadian Artist Terra Lightfoot will be the host for the 32nd Ontario Folk Music Awards (OFMA), taking place Wednesday, October 14 at the Studio in Hamilton Ontario! The ceremony will also include performances from Tanika Charles, Vicki Brittle, Jonathan Nvita, kazdoura, Logan Staats and more! Terra Lightfoot has a well-earned reputation as a tireless live performer, with a tour history mapped across the globe and awards

Paige Ballagh & Kale Penny: Fall Tour Two Stratford, Ontario singer-songwriters are hitting the road together for a special 5-province co-bill tour! Paige Ballagh and Kale Penny are bringing their songs, stories, humour, and good times to stages across Canada for an evening that’s intimate, cozy, thoughtful, and a whole lot of fun. TOUR DATES Sept 12 - The Bunker - Stratford, ON Sept 23 - Trident Booksellers & Cafe - Halifax, NS Sept 24 - Shoebox Cantina - New Glasgow, NS Sep

Michelle Treacy: Just A Little More Time I wrote "Just A Little More Time" for anyone who has ever wished they could hold onto a moment a little longer. Inspired by my childhood best friend Laurence, the song reflects on growing up and how quickly life moves. This nostalgic country anthem blends heartfelt storytelling with the energy of Miley Cyrus & Ella Langley, building into a huge chorus made for singing along. Debuting at Misty City Music Festival on September 19, 2026

Melanie Peterson: Gypsy Heart “Gypsy Heart” is the first single from Melanie Peterson's upcoming album 'Wildflower', arriving this fall, is out now. The song is about that restless, searching part of us that refuses to stay in one place — always chasing the next road, the next adventure, the next chapter.

Dan Woods: 17 Blocks Dan Woods has released his Powerful single "17 Blocks". A stark and uncomfortable look at domestic violence through the narration of a boy watching his Mom successfully escape an abusive relationship. Raw, uncomfortable with a release to freedom every heart needs to hear.

Nick Braun: Let it Rock "Let it Rock". It's a simple philosophy, but tried and true. this is not an attempt to reinvent the wheel, but a reminder to let it keep rolling." - Nick Braun "Let it Rock" (08/14/26) is a strong follow up to Braun's last release "Back Monkey" which gained just under 7000 streams (Spotify) in it's first month. It stays true to Braun's indie style and craftsmanship. A true self-produced artist that is as prolific as rabbits. ""Let it Rock"" is nostalgi

Ken Dunn: Cináed Canadian fingerstyle guitarist and singer-songwriter Ken Dunn presents Cináed, an intimate collection of roots- and Celtic-inspired instrumental music for solo acoustic guitar. Named for Dunn’s Gaelic identity, Cináed Ó Duinn, the album brings together eight original compositions shaped by melody, reflection, and a deep sense of place. From the flowing warmth of “Aquatic Serenade” and the playful spark of “Baking the Master” to the tenderness of “Love’s Embra

Catherine MacLellan & Lisa MacIsaac @ Newmarket Folk Society Sat, Oct 3 Newmarket Canadian Legion - Newmarket, ON Newmarket Folk is thrilled to be opening our 2026 - 2027 season on Oct 3rd with Catherine MacLellan and Lisa MacIsaac! Catherine MacLellan has been captivating audiences around the world with her music for over two decades. Born and raised in the idyllic province of Prince Edward Island, Catherine's songs reflect her deep connection to the land and the people tha

Rick Fines & Friends @ Greenbank Folk Music Society w/ Cassie Noble Sat, Oct 3rd Greenbank Centennial Hall - Greenbank, ON RICK FINES & FRIENDS OPEN THE SEASON SAT OCT 3RD! Award winning roots/blues artist Rick Fines is returning from Germany for a visit and coming to Greenbank! He will have Rob Phillips and Alec Fraser on stage with him to open another season of music here. Singer songwriter Cassie Noble will open the night. Click here for more info

Anne Walker @ The Coulson Concerts The Coulson Concerts present Anne Walker Sun, Sept 27 - 2 pm Oro-Medonte, ON Anne Walker turns stories into songs. Then the poetry and melody deliver those stories straight into the heart. On Sunday, September 27 she'll be sharing some of these stories at her annual concert as part of The Coulson Concerts. She'll feature songs from her five recordings, some from her extensive unpublished catalog, and a few new surprises. Anne was raised on

Noah Malcolm: On Tour PEI's Noah Malcolm tours Ontario, Montreal & more this fall including: Sept 16 - P'tit Ours - Montréal, QC - w/ May Wells Sept 18 - Few Acres Farm - Ottawa Valley, ON Sept 20 - Gemmell's Garden Centre - Brockville, ON Sept 25 - The Guild - Charlottetown, PE - w/ Jack Pine Oct 7 - Sonic Hall - Guelph, ON - w/ Alex Blue, Cowboy Medicine Oct 8 - Mills Hardware - Hamilton, ON - w/ Alex Whorms, Emma Whale Oct 9 - Kind People Only - Toronto, ON Click here fo

Kentucky: Tour-By-Boat Kentucky announces his second annual Tour-By-Boat, this time of the historic Trent-Severn Waterway, presented by Le Boat and in partnership with Peterborough Tourism, The Kawarthas, and "The New Noise" on Y91.9FM. Including shows at the world's largest hydraulic lift lock in Peterborough, Lakefield, Buckhorn, Deer Bay, and a Livestream on Youtube and all socials from Lovesick Island in Lower Buckhorn Lake! TOUR DATES Sept 11 - Peterborough Visitor Cen

In this episode we chat with Tania Joy the Co-founder and Artistic Director of Springtide Music Festival in Uxbridge, Ontario. Listen to Refolkus: https://refolkus.transistor.fm/subscribe Tania shares the story behind building a community-driven music festival from the ground up, and what she’s learned about supporting local artists, developing audiences, and creating meaningful partnerships along the way. We also explore the idea of slow touring, building genuine relatio

Folk Canada Conference October 14-18, 2026 Sheraton Hamilton Hotel (Downtown) Hamilton, ON Advance Rate Registration Deadline: Extended to Friday, September 11, 2026 - 11:59 PM EST Click here to register now You spoke, and we listened... The reminders about our impending registration deadline went out a bit late, and many folks missed it. As such, we're extending the Advance Rate deadline to Friday, September 11, 2026! The Advance Rate allows for $100 in savings off of regist

Are you a Canadian music business looking to expand your footprint in the Indo-Pacific region? Applications are now open for Folk Canada's Export Mission to Australia, supported by Can Export Associations. This curated 5-day program is designed for Canadian businesses ready to unlock opportunities in the market and will include a full day in Melbourne on March 3, 2027 and four days at the strategic regional hub of Port Fairy March 4-7, 2027. Folk Canada will provide cost reim

summersets: Pine Trees In A Perfect Row 2026 Ontario Folk Music Award nominee summersets' new album Pine Trees In A Perfect Row is out now! Produced by Jim Bryson, the album was written to be a (complicated) love letter to Northern Ontario and small town Canadian identity and experience. TOUR DATES Thursday Oct 1 - National Arts Centre - Ottawa, ON Wednesday Oct 23 - The Burdock - Toronto, ON Thursday Oct 24 - The Loft - Sault Ste. Marie Click here for more info

Larry Doyle: Troubadour Album Release Party Tuesday, Sep 1 @ 7:00pm On youtube A new album from another Canadiana troubadour! On September 1st - Cobourg, ON based singer/songwriter Larry Doyle is releasing his 5th/1st album. Fifth album total, and first in this new chapter of his music. Following a career that spanned teaching High School Music for 15 years, and then being called to Preaching for 20 years (and releasing 4 albums of spiritual music), Larry is embarking on his

беда: Put Trouble On My Tab Sunday, Sep 6 2026 @ 10:00pm Division 88 - Toronto, ON Join us for the last edition of BEDA · Put Trouble On My Tab @division.88 ! BEDA is dedicated to the people who keep Toronto’s cultural and hospitality scene alive. Our Sunday late-night series creates space for those who work weekends to finally enjoy exceptional live music, while building cultural bridges between Toronto and Montreal. For our final edition, we welcome MARZOS & MATEO, winners

Malia Rogers & Woods of Light @ Art House Café Friday, Sep 4 @ 8:30PM Art House Cafe - Ottawa, ON CKCU Presents Friday Night Folk is a bi-monthly concert series at Art House Café. On the first Friday of every other month Art House Café will feature two folk acts, hosted by local singer-songwriter Matt Gower. This edition of CKCU x FNF showcases Malia Rogers & Woods of Light. Click here for more info

Ronnie Douglas: Universal Blues As part of the ongoing Ronnie Douglas Music Is Medicine Series, the single “Universal Blues” is slated to drop on all streaming platforms on August 28, 2026. Click here for more info

In this episode, we chat with Luisa González, a music industry professional and booking agent with a background in film. Listen to Refolkus: https://refolkus.transistor.fm/subscribe Luisa shares practical advice for emerging artists on building an authentic brand, developing a strong visual aesthetic, creating compelling content on a budget, and building a professional online presence. We also explore how to approach networking and follow-ups at industry events and confere

Canadian Music Management Collective: Project Development Lab From idea to execution, in just 3 sessions. Do you have a vision for an album, release, tour, live show, or a grant, but you’re struggling to turn it into a structured and realistic plan to bring it to life? Great projects stall when the path from idea to execution isn't clear. This September, join us for the Project Development Lab for Independent Musicians: a hands-on, 3-part workshop designed to help you define

Tony McManus @ Rogue Folk Club Rogue Folk Club Presents: TONY MCMANUS - GUITAR WORKSHOP Sunday, September 20th 2:00-4:00 PM (in advance of his evening concert) Mel Lehan Hall, St. James Community Square, 3214 W 10th Ave, Vancouver Advance Registration (Google form) or at the door from 1:30-2 PM $30 or $20 with concert ticket Hailed by John Renbourn as ‘the best Celtic guitarist in the world, ’ Tony McManus has been listed as one of the 50 transcendental guitarists of all time

Naghmeh: Joshua Tree (Live @ Barnhouse) I was selected to be part of the Emerging Artist Program, an initiative by Justin LaPointe of Barnhouse Sound Productions in Qualicum, BC. I wanted to capture the energy of the live performance with Vincent Schneider, as we toured around Canada. We wanted to do one song. We recorded three. Joshua Tree is the first release from this collection. Click here for more info

Aeolian Hall: Tunes @ Noon September has five Tuesdays. That means we will have five TUNES@NOON concerts. London is fortunate to have so many amazing musicians. September 1 - Michael Trudgeon September 8 - Anne Moniz September 15 - Laika Berdey September 22 - Julianne Hobby September 29 - Willow Switch TUNES@NOON at The Aeolian is supported with thanks to The Paul Seed Fund through London Community Foundation and is a London UNESCO City of Music project. Click here for more i

The Big Bad Jug Band: Tour The Big Bad Jug Band's Fall Dates! Thurs Sept 10th - Orillia Legion, Orillia, ON w/ Golden Scoundrels Sat Sept 12th - Black n Bluegrass Festival, Rideau Pines Farms, Ottawa, ON Sun Sept 13th - Mallard's Milk Bar, Arnprior, ON Sat Oct 31th - Tranzac Southern Cross, Toronto Fri Nov 13th - Hamilton Public Library Central Branch, Hamilton Room, noon-1 pm, Hamilton, ON Click here for more info

In this episode, we chat with Kerri Stephens, the Artistic Director of Northern Lights Festival Boréal in Sudbury, Ontario and founder of Lost Cat Artists. Listen to Refolkus: https://refolkus.transistor.fm/subscribe Kerri takes us behind the scenes of programming Northern Lights Festival Boréal, sharing how she curates a cohesive lineup and considers everything from an artist’s fit with the festival’s mandate to the overall audience experience. She also shares practical a

Tony Molesworth @ Free Times Cafe Free Times Cafe – 320 College St. (2 blocks West of Spadina) Date: September 26th, 2026 Doors 7:00 PM Show: 7:30 PM Tony Molesworth presents an enchanting musical mystical night of bluesy picking, deep folk, spoken myrh and pro-fun-dittys of crazy hippy wisdom. Opened for: Weird Al, Elvis Costello, Leonard Chohen, Howie Mandel & more. Tony has produced 7 one man shows. His past shows have been presented in theaters, universities, festivals, c

Loch Nisse Monster: Forensis (Solved) The original album Forensis was the investigation of a crime scene as a metaphor for a breakup. Forensis (Solved) is the aftermath - the evidence has been examined, the case is closed, and you're left with the memories. One studio track, one demo, and exclusive live recordings. Click here to learn more

Scott Cook: Troubadourly Yours West Virginia-born, Edmonton-based folksinger Scott Cook is releasing his eighth full-length album, Troubadourly Yours, on August 21. Cook worked with co-producer Miles Wilkinson (Guy Clark, Emmylou Harris, Anne Murray) at CJSR Radio in Edmonton and a cast of musical friends from around the world, including John Showman (Lonesome Ace Stringband) in Toronto, Warren Hood (Lyle Lovett) in Austin, and Pete Denahy (Slim Dusty) in Australia. The colle