MEMBER NEWS

Ema Jean: Primrose Tour Montreal-based songwriter and performer Ema Jean is embarking on a small tour across New Brunswick and Nova Scotia this summer! She'll be sharing songs from across her catalogue in intimate venues and listening rooms throughout the Maritimes. TOUR DATES Friday, June 26 - Maritime Texture - Deer Island, NB Saturday, June 27 - Harmony House - Saint John, NB Sunday, June 28 - La Blue Casa - Moncton, NB Saturday, July 11 - Lazy Bear Brewing - Smith's Cove

Matt Gower: Vacated Shapes Album Release Show CKCU Presents: Matt Gower - Vacated Shapes Album Release Show w/ Libby & Cal Saturday, June 20 - Doors 8:00, Show 9:00 Art House Café - Ottawa, ON $15 online, $20 at the door Vacated Shapes is Matt Gower’s second solo album. The songs on this LP reflect Matt’s Hard Folk aesthetic, with themes such as gender fluidity, anti-fascism, depression, his own shortcomings as a husband & father, murder, imperfection and apathy. Taking e

In this episode, we chat to acclaimed Canadian artist, AHI. We discuss the power of storytelling in folk music and how personal experiences shape the songs we connect with most deeply. We also touch on AHI’s journey as an artist, the role of vulnerability in songwriting, and how he’s learned to channel criticism into creativity and growth throughout his career. Listen to Refolkus: https://refolkus.transistor.fm/subscribe Catch AHI Online: Website: https://ahimusic.com/ Tour

Angela Begin & Bobby Tarian: Spring Tour Angela Begin & Bobby Tarian are playing a string of dates in Ontario in June! Avant-Garde in Ottawa on June 3rd, where they will be joined by Rachella Wred & Liam S Russell. Camp Cataract in Niagara Falls on June 4th alongside Maya Ritchie. The Laughing Buddha in Sudbury on June 5th on their patio. w/ Liam S. Russell & Rachella Wred Wednesday, June 3 - 8 PM Avant-Garde Bar - Ottawa, ON Tickets w/ Maya Ritchie Thursday, June 4 - 7 PM

In this episode, we sit down with Grammy-nominated fiddler Natalie McMaster to talk about her journey from growing up in Cape Breton’s rich musical traditions to building an internationally celebrated career in folk music. We discuss the role of love, family, and community in shaping her life and artistry, the decision to bring her children into her performances, and the importance of passing traditional music on to future generations. We also dive into Natalie’s new bestsell

SCAM ALERT It has come to our attention that a scam agency is contacting people and purporting to sell exhibit/booth space for the 2026 Folk Canada Conference All Folk Canada contractors use a folkcanada.com email address. If anyone contacts you from a non folkcanada.com email purporting to be from our organization, please check with us first before sharing your information with them. Should you receive one of these offers, please forward to joel@folkcanada.com, then block an

Isabelle Foster: Cooler on the Coast Release: May 29, 2026 Isabelle Foster’s debut EP, Cooler on the Coast, introduces a new voice to the industry. Her songs explore the rollercoaster of emotions that come with growing up as a teenager today. Isabelle uses a folk-pop genre, with just a hint of country to make her songs come to life. Produced by JUNO Award-winning creator Corey LeRue, the release showcases her youthful energy and heartfelt lyrics with bridges, harmonies and t

Nick Bellerose: waiting New single entitled "waiting" a nostalgic, lofi vibes love song. It was recorded in Brooklyn, NY. Produced by Harper James, mastering by Joe LaPorta. Click here to learn more

Brian Wride Trio @ Springtide Music Festival Friday, June 12 2026 6:00 pm Col. McGrady's Pub and Grill - Uxbridge, ON The Brian Wride Trio are pleased to be performing as part of the Springtide Music Festival at 6 pm on Friday, June 12th, at Col. McGrady's Pub and Grill. 44 Brock St. W., Uxbridge The Brian Wride Trio are a neo-skiffle band, combining elements of folk, blues, and country and adding an electric edge to render original takes on songs of love, loss, longing, and

James LeClaire w/ Kennedy LeClaire @ Red Bird Thursday, June 11th, 2026, Doors 7:00 - Show 8:00 Red Bird - Ottawa, ON James Leclaire releases his 3rd record in three years on June 1st with an album release show at Red Bird Live on June 11th. It will be available on vinyl and CD. The evening will start off with a set by folksinger Kennedy Leclaire. Afterwards, James will take the stage solo but at times be accompanied by Margaret Maria on cello, Natalie Cross on fiddle, Philli

The McDades: Thread The Light Release: May 29, 2026 For more than two decades, The McDades have been carving out a sound that refuses to sit still. Rooted in Celtic and Canadian folk traditions, the Juno and Canadian Folk Award–winning ensemble blends the freedom of jazz improvisation with global rhythms, deep grooves, and an unshakable sense of family. What began as a shared language learned at home has grown into a musical conversation that continues to evolve onstage and

David James Allen: The Moonlight Waltz David James Allen returns with “The Moonlight Waltz” (out May 22, 2026 via Littleknown Records), a late-night country-soul waltz steeped in wah guitar, pedal steel, and a swirly lived-in groove. Drawing from the spirit of The Band, Little Feat, and classic country-soul, the track reflects on closing-time bar culture, the pull of freedom and excess, and the lonely cost of self-destruction. Warm, cinematic, and reflective, it’s a song abou

Hayley Bleho: Bethany, The debut single from Montreal singer-songwriter Hayley Bleho, “Bethany” centres around her childhood best friend who moves across the country after elementary school. Across recesses, lunch breaks, and anxiety-filled birthday parties, the lyrics chart the emotional ups and downs and insecurities of a kid struggling for a sense of belonging even before her closest friend is uprooted. Carried by folk-inflected guitar playing and dreamy alt-rock vocals, a

Macsmusic: Winter Is Here Ken McLachlin, who performs as macsmusic, lives in Point Edward, located in southwestern Ontario. A longtime folk music artist, he recently released his third solo EP album titled Winter Is Here. The album is a reflective look at life from someone who has more years behind him than ahead of him. As such, Ken thought that the season of Winter would be the most appropriate metaphor. Winter Is Here has a very grassroots, acoustic guitar, folk feel that

Kari Lyn: Killing Time (the Fish Song) Self-proclaimed cottage core rockstar Kari Lyn unveils “Killing Time (the Fish Song),” a hopeful, theatrical folk-country rocker that marks the beginning of a brand new era. The first single from an upcoming six-song EP, the track embraces spontaneity, adventure, and the joy found in life’s in-between moments. Equal parts playful and reflective, “Killing Time (the Fish Song)” feels like driving into the sunset with the windows down; cine

Folklore Junction: Summer Dates Catch Folklore Junction Live this summer! SHOW DATES Jun 13 - Music for Miracles - Kitchener, ON Jun 21 - New Dundee Artisan Festival - New Dundee, ON Jun 24 - Ayr Music in the Park - Ayr, ON Jun 27 - WWRC Summerfest - New Hamburg, ON Jul 9 - WCMA Summer Concert Series - Wellington, ON Aug 26 - Templin Gardens Music Festival - Fergus, ON Sep 6 - Belwood Lake Classic Car Show - Belwood, ON Sep 18 - Block Three Brewing Company - St. Jacobs, ON Cl

Brian Blain’s Blues Campfire @ The Rivoli Sunday, May 31, 2026 3-6 pm The Rivoli - Toronto, ON Brian Blain's Campfire Jam was a fixture on Toronto's blues jam circuit until COVID struck. It never got going again after the pandemic, but thanks to the initiative of one of Toronto's iconic music venues, the Rivoli on Queen Street West, it has a new lease on life, and this month it is the Toronto Blues Society's "Jam of the Month" for May. Brian is inviting some TBS "old-timers"

Robert Thomas @ Grassy Hill New Folk Competition Part of the Kerrville Folk Festival May 23-June 5, 2026, Kerrville, TX Robert Thomas will perform at the Kerrville Folk Festival's Grassy Hill New Folk Competition. Thomas is the lone Canadian on the roster of 20 Finalists selected from over 2000 applicants. Since 1973, the Grassy Hill New Folk Competition has been at the heart of the Kerrville Folk Festival’s mission to champion songwriters and their craft. More than just a c

Eileen McGann @ The Coulson Concerts Sunday, May 31 @ 2:00 PM Historic Coulson Church - Oro-Medonte, ON Tickets $25 First, you notice her voice, a “clear, astounding voice” (Boston Globe), and then, the songs: beneath the strong, rhythmic guitar and the haunting melodies, there are lyrics that demand attention. Whether a witty political zinger, a rare ancient ballad, a rollicking canoeing song or an anthem to a Canadian landscape, a McGann song stands out from the crowd. Ju

In this week’s episode, we chat to Toronto-based folk roots singer-songwriter Shawna Caspi. We delve into the realities of touring in today’s music industry and how artists can build more sustainable touring practices. We also get into frugal touring tips, navigating rising travel costs, finding creative ways to save money on the road, and the importance of community, authenticity, and artist well-being while touring. Listen/Subscribe to Refolkus: https://refolkus.transistor.