MEMBER NEWS

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.

Cris Derksen Performing at the 2024 Folk Music Ontario Conference Folk Canada is shocked and saddened to hear of the sudden passing of renowned Cree cellist and composer Cris Derksen over the weekend. Cris was a frequent performer at our member folk festivals and venues across Canada, and was represented by Folk Canada member Nicole Rochefort at AIM Booking Agency. There are many beautiful tributes to Cris that have been published in the media and on socials, including ones f

Syrenka x Polky @ Small World Music Feminist Polish Animation + Single Release + Panel Thursday, May 28, 2026 - 7:00 PM Small World Centre - Toronto, ON A unique evening celebrating Polish art, music, and feminist storytelling in Toronto. This unconventional single release event blends live music, animation, and artist discussion. It features a live performance by POLKY celebrating the release of their new single Ache, a trailer screening of Syrenka: Legend of the Warsaw M

Brooklyn Doran: Heavy Hurt “Heavy Hurt” is a grunge-tinged indie-rock song about the transition from being on tour to being home; especially when you are leaving behind someone you love. This song explores mental health and the hardships of being on the road and the duality of doing something that you love that also sometimes hurts you at the same time. Click here for more info