Artists

indie, rock, alternative

FRIDAY HEADLINER -
NLFB is ecstatic to announce Canadian alt. rock stars July Talk, who are now set to headline the festival’s Main Stage on Friday, July 5th. The basic structural facts of rock band July Talk are this: two front people, Leah Fay Goldstein and Peter Dreimanis, surrounded by whiplashing guitarists Ian Docherty and Josh Warburton, and double drummers Danny Miles and Dani Nash. What goes on between these bodies, in that kinetic, staticky, sticky space, is where the truth of July Talk takes shape. On stage, July Talk unfurls and explodes. Things get weird, occasionally grotesque, always enthralling. Even in the stark orderliness of black and white, July Talk has always been a work in progress. More accurately, it’s a work of progress, a communal pursuit of limitlessness as a mode of being. For a decade, July Talk has continued in its relentless project to know itself, a fundamental baseline from which to access raw ecstasy and agony. With their current release, Remember Never Before, the band returns – changed – to where they began.
indie, rock, alternative

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indie, folk, pop

SUNDAY HEADLINER -
Closing out the festival’s Main Stage on Sunday, July 7th, will be a captivating and moving performance from acclaimed singer-songwriter Tim Baker. Prior to launching a successful solo career, Tim Baker was best known as the writer and front man of Hey Rosetta!, a Juno-nominated, Polaris-shortlisted, and multi award-winning band based in St. John’s, Newfoundland. With over 15 years of performing their high-energy spectacle in stadiums, clubs, theatres and major festivals all over the world, Hey Rosetta! called it quits in 2017. Baker has since transitioned from being the leader and songwriter of a major indie rock band, and ascended to a profound solo artist. His solo LP, Forever Overhead (Arts and Crafts), garnered him a Juno nomination for Songwriter of the Year, three East Coast Music Awards), and a Polaris longlist. Baker’s latest full-length, The Festival is a polychromatic album of redemption, joy, release, and intrinsic connection.
indie, folk, pop

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indie, folk, pop, rock

SATURDAY HEADLINER -
The Rise & The Fall is the fifth studio album from award winning, charged folk-rock trio The Rural Alberta Advantage. It is the first album featuring the return of original band member, multi-instrumentalist and vocalist, Amy Cole alongside Paul Banwatt (drums) and Nils Edenloff (lead vocals, guitar, keyboard).
Earlier this year, The RAA wrapped up a tour of the East Coast of Canada and were talking to a fan after the show, recalled Edenloff. “They said, ‘Your music makes me long for things I didn’t know I wanted.’” And that captures what I think we’re trying to do as a band.” The Rise & The Fall is 13 tracks, including songs from the band’s 2022 EP The Rise, as well as seven new songs, including the dreamy soundscapes of “Real Life,” synth-y singalongs of “Our Youth” and a live-off-the floor, one take recording of the heartfelt “FSHG.”
Says Amy Cole, “The last couple of years really tested us as a band, and made us ask ourselves: Why do we want to make music right now? And I think the answer is that, when the three of us get together, something happens that we now know is rare and special. We made this record so we can share this feeling, and bring others into that experience with us.”
All of our music is rooted in a certain amount of heart and honesty. The songs themselves come from a very earnest place and they are really extensions of who we are. Sometimes we hide those emotions with a lot of noise and sonic energy, while other times we leave them raw and bare. I see our albums more as diary entries, or snapshots in time and this one certainly fits that bill, says Edenloff.
The Rise & The Fall is the product of the band’s navigating the pandemic and its aftermath: songwriting over Zoom meetings, collaborating on demos online, distanced rehearsals in borrowed warehouses, and never giving up on the hope that the day would finally come when the band could share new music on stage together again. Along with a few smaller tour runs in 2022, the band returned to the studio with Gavin Gardiner (Born Ruffians, The Wooden Sky, Evening Hymns). Piece by piece, they built The Rise, and are now excited to complete this chapter with the full-length culmination of this journey, The Rise & The Fall. The lead single from the 13-song collection, “Conductors,” is a rousing track dedicated to the universal question of why we run from the things we love.
Edenloff explains the genesis of the song: “There is so much I love about being in a band. But one of its most fundamental aspects causes me more mental anguish than anything else, and that’s actually writing songs. When I’m able to tune out the doubting voice in my head and get it done, there’s no greater feeling. But often the devil wins and it’s easier to just run away.”
Edenloff continues: “Paul and Amy know about this struggle, and are usually very supportive. But when the world was first getting swept up in ChatGPT and we were deep in the songwriting process, Paul found it hilarious to ask the bot to create lyrics in the style of ‘The Rural Alberta Advantage’. I guess being reminded that you’re easily replaceable got me thinking about why I run from something I know can, and often does, bring me so much joy. I can say with total honesty none of the lyrics Paul coaxed from the AI made it onto the record, nor did any particularly move me. So for now, good old fashioned sweat, pen to paper inspiration still won the day for us.”
The division between what is assumed to be objective, real and tangible, and what is not is further explored by Alberta photographer Leroy Schulz’s work that continues to provide the visuals for this new music from The RAA. Schulz flew drones over Alberta landscapes and took photos from above, looking down on rows of fir trees, barns, crops, and roadways. From this perspective, the settings look unrecognizable, even unreal, like some alien planet. In fact, the album cover art is a photograph that was picked out by the band when they first started writing as a visual focal point for the record: the shapes, shadows, lines, and textures may seem foreign now from some of these new angles we’ve been shown in recent years, but they are all scenes of home.
indie, folk, pop, rock

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soul, funk, R&B, pop, hip-hop

THURSDAY HEADLINER -
Jully Black is a true Canadian Icon. Named as one of ‘The 25 Greatest Canadian Singers Ever’, (CBC Music) she has been dubbed ‘Canada’s Queen of R&B Soul’ by fans and industry leaders alike. As a platinum selling recording artist, her music career has yielded multiple singles reaching the Top 10 pop, R&B and dance music charts. She has taken home Juno and Gemini Awards, earned innumerable industry accolades, was hand selected to sing for the Queen of England and inducted into Canada’s Walk of Fame in 2021 (PILLARS OF EXCELLENCE - Arts & Entertainment). With her powerhouse vocals, hilarious personality and love of people, Jully Black truly is everyone, and unlike anyone. Her passion for philanthropy has taken her from the shantytowns of Bangladesh to the villages of South Africa and all across Canada. As a woman of faith, she champions important causes and uses her career as a platform to celebrate and inspire the greatness that lies within each of us. As a songwriter, Jully has touched the hearts of her fans with her extensive music catalogue, her compositions for industry heavyweights such as Destiny’s Child and Nas, and on collaborations with songwriter, musician and performance titans such as Ian Thornley (Big Wreck). She has shared the stage with superstars such as The Black Eyed Peas, Kanye West, Bon Jovi, Celine Dion, Elton John, Alicia Keys, Etta James, Juno Breakthrough Artist, Jessie Reyez, hot emerging Canadian trap artist Paris Richards at Rolling Loud Festival T.O. Jully also co-headlined Drake’s ‘Road to OVO Fest Tour’ – All Canadian North Stars with Choclair, Kardinal Offishall, Keshia Chante’, K-OS, Maestro Fresh Wes, Saukates, and Shawn Desmond to name a few.
Jully released three new singles throughout 2022 from her long-awaited, critically-acclaimed, autobiographical full album 'Three Rocks and a Slingshot' (released Sept. 2022). With collaborations with megawatt songwriters and producers Gauntlette 'VersaceP' Alexander Jr. (Jully Black Musical Director, Drummer), Luther Brown Jr. (So You Think You Can Dance Canada and L.A.), Kareem James (Giant, GQ, Gap) and KickRaux (Jay-Z, Major Lazer, M.I.A. Ty Dolla Sign, Jack U [Skrillex & Diplo]), Jully entered and dominated the Canadian musical landscape that she has helped define throughout her career. Singles 'No Relation', 'Half Empty', and 'Time for Jesus' playlisted and charted across streaming platforms immediately; with 'Half Empty' charting at #1 on the iTunes R&B chart and the album charting at #1 on iTunes R&B chart and #3 on the iTunes 'All Genre' chart.
soul, funk, R&B, pop, hip-hop

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hip-hop, EDM, pow-wow, Indigenous, electronic, dance,

Considered to be the Godfather of PowWowStep, DJ Shub has undoubtedly pioneered a growing genre of electronic music. Born Dan General, he is a Mohawk, turtle clan of the Six Nations of the Grand River located in Ontario, Canada.
His latest album War Club (2020) was released to critical acclaim during the pandemic, featuring collaborations with other indigenous and BIPOC artists like Snotty Nose Rez Kids, Boogát, Fawn Wood, and Phoenix Pagliacci to name a few.
DJ Shub won the 2022 JUNO award for Contemporary Indigenous Artist of the Year, and previously won Breakthrough Group of the Year in 2014 (with A Tribe Called Red). He was also an Indigenous Music Award nominee at the 2018 Juno Awards for his PowWowStep EP, won a Much Music Video Award for Best EDM/Dance Video in 2017 and was shortlisted for the esteemed Polaris Music Prize Award in 2013.
Before solidifying his seat at the top of the PowWowStep world, DJ Shub also turned heads in DJ competitions like the prestigious DMC World DJ Championships, by winning back-to-back Canadian titles and representing Canada at the world finals in 2007 and 2008. In 2012, coming out of battle retirement, DJ Shub competed in the Red Bull Thre3style DJ Competition where he won the Canadian title, and once again represented his home country by placing fifth at the world finals.
Aside from the traditional recording and performing areas of an artist, Dan General has found immense success in the world of film & TV synchronization licensing. Most notably, the infamous UK actor, comedian and producer Sacha Baron Cohen hand-picked the song “Indomitable” as the theme music to his Showtime series, “Who Is America?” The show was critically-acclaimed, landing 3 Emmy Award Nominations, 2 Directors Guild of America Award nominations and a Golden Globe Award nomination. Dan composed music for The Grizzlies (staring Will Sasso), an emotional film based on true story, it depicts a youth lacrosse team that was set up to help combat an epidemic of youth suicide in the community of Kugluktuk, Nunavut. The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) and Dan went on to win Best Original Song at the Canadian Screen Awards for the title song “Trials.” Dan’s music has also been placed globally including Fox Sports Australia, Les Mills in New Zealand, VICE in the United States and CBC in Canada to name a few.
With extensive experience performing on global stages, DJ Shub now brings a dynamic live show of his critically acclaimed, chart topping electronic Indigenous album as “War Club Live”. The show is a celebration of Indigenous music and culture, featuring special guests, visuals and Indigenous dancers in full regalia.
War Club, the album, blends traditional Indigenous drums with modern day electronic beats and hip hop sensibility. Each song is a master course in technical skill and DJ turntablism, bringing a message of protest and power. Filled with heavy hitters, the album intends to provoke thought and shed light on the many ways artists are fighting back in today’s political climate.
hip-hop, EDM, pow-wow, Indigenous, electronic, dance,

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indie, folk, rock

Emerging from the majestic landscapes of the Canadian Rockies, Shred Kelly is a powerhouse band that seamlessly blends elements of alternative, folk, and rock music. With a captivating live act that leaves audiences in awe, they have become a mainstay in the Canadian music scene.
With an impressive track record of touring across Canada, the United States, Europe, and the UK, Shred Kelly has made appearances at renowned festivals such as Kaslo Jazz, Ottawa Blues Fest, Winnipeg Folk Fest, SXSW, Reeperbahn and many more, leading to their reputation as a dynamic live act whose show is described as a joyous celebration of life.
With a fervent commitment to their craft, Shred Kelly has garnered praise from critics in Canada and beyond, earning Spotify Editorial Playlisting, international radio play, and regular rotation on influential platforms such as Sirius XM and Radio Eins in Berlin. Nominated for Rock Artist of the Year at The 2021 Western Canadian Music Awards...
indie, folk, rock

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country, rock, folk,

Hailing from Sudbury, ON, Andrew Hyatt spent years working as an ironworker at a nickel mine before deciding to pursue his true passion with music, and his journey is nothing short of amazing so far.
Hyatt released his debut full-length “Iron & Ashes” in May of 2017 and quickly soared into the Top 10 at Country Radio with the hit single “On Me”. Thoughtful, contemplative lyricism, peppered with country-rock riffs and smoky vocals, “Iron & Ashes” gave Hyatt a robust catalogue of hit songs to showcase during his major appearances/performances.
Hyatt released his second (back to back) Top 10 hit “Do It With You” written by country superstars Thomas Rhett, Rhett Akins and Jimmy Robbins and produced by Scott Cooke in October of 2017 and was featured as a special guest on Dallas Smith’s national “Side Effects Tour”. In Spring of 2018 Hyatt also joined Gold-certified US country artist Chris Lane as he hit the road for a slew of Canadian dates.
On May 11th, Hyatt released his latest single “Habit”, available via 604 Records. Newly signed to the Vancouver-based indie label, Hyatt also celebrates and reveals that he is co-managed by 604 label head Jonathan Simkin, multi-Platinum selling 604 Records recording artist Dallas Smith and producer Scott Cooke.
country, rock, folk,

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folk, roots, singer-songwriter

Lynn Miles is an award winning singer-songwriter, record producer, teacher, writer, public speaker.
She’s also pretty funny, a 3 minute standup routine is at the top of her bucket list. Lynn has 15 albums to her credit. She won a Juno award (Canadian Grammy)in 2003 for Roots Traditional Album of the year, and went on to be nominated in the same categories in 2011 and 2006. She is also the recipient of 6 Canadian Folk Music Awards including 3 for songwriter of the year. Her 2 most recent awards we given to her duo THE LYNNeS for songwriters of the year, and ensemble of the year at the 2018 Canadian Folk Music Awards. In 2016, Americana artist Clair Lynch recorded Lynn’s song “Black Flowers” on her Grammy nominated album “North By South”. Lynn estimates she’s written about 900 songs, she’s never done an official count. She has produced 5 albums for other artists including two critically acclaimed albums by her duo partner Lynne Hanson.
Lynn tours as a solo artist, also with her stellar guitar player Keith Glass, and with her band. She also tours with the LYNNeS. Lynn performed her music with arrangements by Peter Keisewalter with the National Arts Centre Orchestra in Oct. 2018.
Lynn created a “Winter/Christmas” show that she has performed for the last five years. There is a CD of the live recording “Winter” complete with strings, which she wrote the arrangements for. In the five years since the show has been performed she has raised over $10,000.00 for local charities with her “ugly sweater” raffles. Her mom Irene designs the sweaters to be "as hideous as possible".
Her song “What If You Were a Refugee” is available on iTunes and all proceeds of downloads go to agencies that help refugees.
She gave a presentation on Musicians and Mental Health at the 2019 Folk Alliance International conference and her writing has appeared in issues of Penguin Eggs Magazine.
Lynn is currently on tour somewhere in North America or Europe, or she's teaching songwriting and/or voice, or writing songs, or co-writing songs, or sleeping.
"Lynn Miles has the kind of voice that insists that you pull the car over. Call the radio station. Change your citizenship. Buy a home in Toronto. She’s been blessed with such a drop dead beautiful honey smooth voice that it’s impossible to not fall in love with it. It rides along the ebb and flow of a gifted sense of melody. She’s the kind of lyricist that renders whatever heartache you feel into something both beautiful and aching. She also is extremely funny. Like she’s carrying an antedate to inject you with between songs to cure you of the snake bite." - Ellis Paul
“If it is possible to be addicted in one single hearing, that's how hard I fell for Miles music and voice.” - Arthur Wood, Maverick Magazine
folk, roots, singer-songwriter

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Latin, raggaeton, cumbia, salsa, electronica, triopical, pop, hip-hop

In Spanish, French or English, Boogát raps and sings the universality of cultural minorities exploring themes related to identity, migration, belonging and love through thought-provoking lyrics that bounce between seriousness and humour.
Boogát is one of the blue chips of the Canadian Global Music scene, with an innovative proposition that is always a party starter. His unique blend of styles, mixing hip-hop with modern Latin-American music, electronica and more traditional genres has made his global renown with constant touring, nonstop collaborations and numerous accolades & awards (Junos, Felix, Gamiq, etc.)
His next record, Del Horizonte, (coming out in April 2024) adresses the subjects of decolonization, subversion, immigration and has collaborations with El Dusty, Mateus Vidal (Olodum), DJ Shub, Okan, Tannergaard, Ahmed Moneka, Waahli, Diogo Ramos, Maï, Classic Roots and Mestre Pato (T Dot Batu).
Latin, raggaeton, cumbia, salsa, electronica, triopical, pop, hip-hop

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folk, roots, singer-songwriter, country

In March 2020, Canadian folk & country artist Sarah Jane Scouten was living in rural Scotland. With tours cancelled, days stretched endlessly, punctuated only by the steady unfolding of Scottish springtime, leaf by leaf, petal by petal. Growing up on the west coast of Canada, to her the flora of Dumfries and Galloway was a pageant of scent and colour, altogether new but still strangely familiar.
This is where Sarah Jane was initiated into herbal medicine – hawthorn, valerian, yarrow. The plants’ subtle power drew her onto an unexpected path. In May 2020 she applied to a professional programme in herbal medicine in the UK and qualified in 2023. Training in an entirely different field gave her perspective and space from a career in music which demands everything. It renewed Sarah Jane’s love of live performance, which had been diminished by life on the road. Studying herbs, and just as importantly people, gave her music a deeper dimension and she began to write again. Now for the first time this decade, she has released new music.
Sarah Jane Scouten’s fifth album Turned to Gold (Light Organ Records) is a road trip album, drawing on Tom Petty, Linda Ronstadt, Emmylou Harris and Christine McVie. Opening up the record, “Wanderlust” is a highway dream. “Wilder When I Was With You”, with its irresistible chorus, was co-written with Samantha Parton (BeGood Tanyas). “Rose and Carnations” is a tribute to John Prine and “The Great Unknown” reveals a family experience of medical assistance in dying (MAID). For the title track “Turned to Gold”, Sarah Jane revisits the impact of the sudden loss of her biological mother, exploring the theme of alchemical transmutation. Made in a heatwave in Vancouver, she collaborated with producer Johnny Payne (The Shilohs), Matt Kelly on keys and guitars (City and Colour), Leon Power on drums (Frazey Ford) and James McEleney on bass (Andrew Collins Trio).
Sarah Jane Scouten has been nominated for 4 Canadian Folk Music Awards, a Western Canadian Music Award and an International Folk Music Award. She has performed at Vancouver Folk Music Festival, MerleFest, Calgary Folk Music Festival, Salmon Arm Roots and Blues, Dranouter Festival, Maverick Americana Music Festival and more. She has opened for Corb Lund, William Prince, Ron Sexsmith, The Sadies and shared the stage with Martha Wainwright, The Strumbellas, Allison Russell, Martin Carthy, Mandolin Orange (Watchhouse) and more.
According to CBC q’s Tom Power: "Stan Rogers was able to do it, Ron Hynes was able to do it, Kate McGarrigle was able to do it – and Sarah Jane Scouten is able to do it.""
folk, roots, singer-songwriter, country

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hip-hop, rap, pop, R&B, trap, Indigenous

Blind music producer and recording artist Mattmac has harnessed his melodic pop-trap beats and inspiring story, quickly establishing himself as ‘one to watch’ on the national scene with more than 15 million + streams across platforms, and critical acclaim across all major media outlets such as CBC, CTV, Virgin Radio, and more. With two award winning albums under his belt, he has amassed a long list of accolades early on in his career: CBC Searchlight 2023 Winner, International Indigenous Hip-Hop Awards 2023 Album Of the Year, Canada’s Walk Of Fame RBC’s Emerging Musician Award Winner 2022, Rap/Electronic Album Of The Year at the Summer Solstice Indigenous Music Awards 2022, Broadcast Dialogue Emerging Artist Radio Award 2021 + more. On top of these awards, Mattmac has hit #1 on the Indigenous Music Countdown for two singles “Paradise” & “Rez” and has hit top 50 on the mediabase charts in 2020. His music has been featured on a few Spotify Editorials such as “New Music Friday Canada”, “Northern Bars” & “All New Hip-Hop”.
Following “20/20”, his chart-topping and award-winning debut album, Mattmac released his second, full length album, Blurred Visions— available now! The sophomore offering, Blurred Visions, tackles the Manitoba-based artist’s more ambiguous struggles and challenges, both personally and professionally. A ‘coming-of-age’ chronicle of sorts, the 11-track LP covers themes of social pressure, anxiety, navigating new love, new responsibilities that come with recognition, extreme isolation, and more — all while trying to set new sonic standards for his self-produced sound, songwriting, and ascension as an artist.
The album takes place between two spaces: the reserve and the city, with some songs recorded in Mattmac’s childhood home, and others recorded in various locations throughout Winnipeg — including No Fun Club Studio. The reason for this is rooted in Mattmac’s need to move to the city to pursue his music career more intentionally and conveniently; at 21 years of age, however, this proved to not be a straightforward or clear path. With minimal guidance and support, Mattmac explores the unknowns of his career in a big city alongside the constant social pressures and hard news of loss coming from Garden Hill — the place he always called home.
“I was able to work through the blurriness and uncertainties of my future, and find a new creative space to build my life and career from,” he shares.
// ABOUT MATTMAC
Originally from Garden Hill First Nation, born blind, and growing up surrounded by music, Mattmac quickly found it to be an effective coping mechanism and took to singing in his community’s gospel choir. From there, he started making beats and writing songs, teaching himself how to play piano and guitar along the way. He attributes his competencies to the support of the Bling & Famous group — a USA-based collective of blind music artists who collaborate and connect with one another through the internet. Mattmac debuted his entry to the music scene in 2016 when N’we Jinan, a traveling music studio program, visited his community and invited him to collaborate on a project. Pulling inspiration from his personal story, they created a song and video titled “Help You See” that has received over 250,000 views on YouTube and Facebook. From there, Mattmac has connected with International artist Nelly Furtado and performed alongside her at Indigenous day Live and We Day Canada Day in 2017; they continue to work together. Mattmac hopes to continue to use his platform to inspire others to know that they can accomplish anything they set their mind to.
hip-hop, rap, pop, R&B, trap, Indigenous

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reggae, dub, roots, ska

Since they came together in 2007 around one of the Toronto reggae scene’s true lions, Friendlyness (Big Sugar, Culture Shock, Truth And Rights), The Human Rights have become one of the most beloved and respected Canadian independent reggae bands. In 2014, their longtime bredren Tréson joined the band to give them a uniquely powerful two-man vocal front line that delivers incredibly potent modern roots reggae, soul, R&B and dancehall vibes – backed by the propulsive rhythm section of Tyler Wagler (bass) and Eric Woolston (drums), Canadian reggae legend Dave Jackson on keys, “The James Taylor Experience” on guitar and the Declaration of Human Rights horn section. By the end of this year, the band will have played over 200 club and festival shows across Canada including over 50 shows this year alone, and earlier this year they toured the United States for the first time to a stunning response. The Human Rights released three full-length albums, with a fourth on the way in late 2024.
reggae, dub, roots, ska

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folk, country, roots, singer-songwriter

For over ten years, Zachary Lucky has steadily been building a name for himself on Canadian and International stages alike. Performing at festivals such as the Regina Folk Festival, Dawson City Music Festival and Mariposa Folk Festival in Canada - and at International festivals such as Wickerman (Scotland), Latitude (UK) and the Static Roots Festival (Germany).
He is is unapologetically old-school country, armed with a husky, baritone voice - He often receives comparisons to songwriters such as Gordon Lightfoot and Kris Kristofferson. He sings of Canadian places and people as knowingly as he might Townes Van Zandt or the Rio Grande. It's a relatable show on many levels, and conjures universal feelings that have passed through our collective timelines. Already hailed as a master storyteller by outlets ranging from No Depression to The Globe and Mail, Zachary is becoming a legend in his own right and has safely reserved his spot at the table of Canadian roots royalty.
Zachary’s album, Songs For Hard Times, was released in November 2021 and has seen him on the road almost non stop, performing all throughout Europe and currently sees him on a coast to coast Canadian tour in support of this record.
folk, country, roots, singer-songwriter

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world, roots, fusion, Ukrainian, Balkan, Iraqi, Middle Eastern, Celtic,

“It is not only about the music. In a deeper way it is about the connection between cultures…” Tangi Ropars, leader of Moskitto Bar.
Moskitto Bar is a fresh and unique sound created in the multi-cultural hub of Toronto, Canada. Their sound combines a beautiful and original mix of Ukrainian, Balkan, Iraqi Middle-Eastern and French Celtic music.
The project was initiated by Tangi Ropars when he met newcomers Yura, from Ukraine, and Ahmed, from Iraq. In June 2016, during a gathering in Northern Ontario, they met every day in the woods to share and teach each other their respective melodies and rhythms. As they were playing, the rural Ontario mosquitos, were joyfully feasting on the multicultural group inspiring their eponymous name.
Almost two years later, the trio connected with the notable violin player, Fethi Nadjem freshly landed for Algeria, adding his oriental flavour to the sound mix. More than the music, despite their diverse traditions, political and social stories, they share a deeper connection, a mutual love and respect for each other and a common desire to spread messages of unity. “Connecting Cultures For a Better Future" Moskitto Bar Toronto saw the band playing in the streets, community events and bars and more recently in public libraries, Aga Khan museum, Opera House, Ashkenazi festival and Korner Hall. Moskitto Bar shared the stage with international musicians such as famous Russian band Dobranotch, the Bosnian icon Bozo Vreco, and Burdon Fold Band from Ukraine. Collaborations with other artists is embedded in the band’s culture/mandate.
The Moskittos and their community of musicians can often be found jamming at Drom Taberna the new iconic live music venue in Toronto.
Members of the family:
Tangi Ropars was born in Toronto, grew up in France, sings and plays the button accordion.
Yura Rafaluik is from Ukraine, plays the cimbalom (hammer dulcimer) and sings.
Ahmed Moneka grew up in Baghdad, Iraq, sings Maqam (Arabic skills) and plays percussions.
Fethi Nadjem was born in Algeria, plays the violin and sings.
Demetrios Petsalakis was born in Greece, plays oud.
Naoki Hishinuma, was born in Japan, plays trumpet and tuba.
Christopher Kettlewell, was born in Canada, plays the upright bass.
Majd Sekkar, was born in Syria, plays the clarinet
Marta Solek, was born in Pologn, plays the Suka and lyra.
+ many more random amazing guest from all over the world
world, roots, fusion, Ukrainian, Balkan, Iraqi, Middle Eastern, Celtic,

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indie, folk, pop, rock, Indigenous

Willows’ love for music is in her blood, handed down to her by her country-music singing grandmother. Some of her earliest memories are of sitting at the piano, listening to her sing and learning to play along, fingers dancing on the piano keys. From the time she learned to speak, she was singing. From the time she learned to write, she was creating stories and songs.
Willows is a founding member of the electro-pop group CHANCES, she is a singer in Danse Lhasa Danse as well as in Jorane’s project Hemenetset. ​Her most recent album, Maison vent, was released in March 2023. This collection of personal songs is first and foremost about women: the women in her life, both those who came before her and her experience as a woman and a Métis from Red River of Franco-Manitoban origin, now a resident of Montreal.
indie, folk, pop, rock, Indigenous

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folk, pop, rock, country

Dayv Poulin is from Sudbury Ontario and is extremely passionate about music and the arts. Dayv has been playing music professionally for almost 30 years. From bars, to weddings, to big stages across the country, Dayv has been entertaining crowds of all ages with his impressive vocal skills and unbelievable variety of song selections. Well known for his role as frontman and singer of the group Toe Jam Tequila, he is also one half of successful folk duo cAbiners, one third of the popular folk trio Les Billinguish Boys, and has also been a key member of french bands Konflit Dramatik and Les Chaizes Muzikales earlier in his career. He has also been the musical director for huge shows like "St-Jean" in Sudbury, huge Canada Day shows at Science North in Sudbury and numerous other special events and celebrations.
For many years, Dayv focused a lot of energy on his French solo project Le Paysagiste. With this project, he has released three albums as well as numerous music videos. This project has received numerous grants and award nominations and Le Paysagiste has been invited to play many major festivals across Canada. He was also invited to play for JunoFest in Hamilton in 2015 where he got to play for and socialize with some of the country's most important players in the music industry. His album Alter Ego was nominated for 7 Trille Or awards (FrancoOntarian music awards) and he walked away with the "Best Album Producer" award which he shared with the album co-producer Stéphane Rancourt. He was also awarded 3 major prizes after his showcase at the Contact Ontarois event, held in Ottawa.
Most recently, Dayv released the song "Simple de même" (under his real name Dayv Poulin) to radio at the beginning of 2023. The song received nine number 1 spots across Canada and also spent 30 weeks on the French Canada Top 100 charts, peaking at #20. His second single "La vie est bonne" received four number 1 spots, and his newest single "Comme ça qu’ça marche" peaked at number 3 on the Franco Canada Top 100 and spent 4 weeks as the number 1 French Pop Rock song in Canada. He has also just released his first album under Dayv Poulin, “Tout est relatif” - available now on all streaming platforms.
folk, pop, rock, country

folk, pop, rock, singer-songwriter, country

Edouard Landry’s songs are a mix of pop, rock, folk and catchy melodies. The Sudbury, Ontario artist was nominated for ‘’Best Male Performer’ category at the Gala des prix Trille Or (2017), Francophone Artist of the Year at the Country Music Association of Ontario Awards (2020), and his albums Pomme plastique II and L’escalade were nominated ‘Best Album by a Francophone Artist’ at the Northern Ontario Music and Film Awards (2017 and 2019). Ed released his seventh full length album, ‘Lands End’, in October 2023.
folk, pop, rock, singer-songwriter, country

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traditional, fiddle, Celtic, Métis, Indigenous, roots, folk, bluegrass

Jacinthe Trudeau
Since her early childhood in Northern Ontario, Jacinthe has held the violin in her hands and turned it into musical poetry. Born in St. Charles in 1978, she now lives in Sudbury, where she has founded her own music school - Jacinthe Trudeau Music School. The musical influences of her youth - classical, French-Canadian, American, Métis and Irish - rub shoulders with styles from many cultures and origins. Her music takes her audience on a journey through countries and the souls of their inhabitants. In 1996, Jacinthe won the "Canadian Junior Fiddle Champion" competition, and was also named "Canadian Fiddler Entertainer of the Year" in 1998. She has a Bachelor of Science degree, specializing in mathematics, as well as training in music education from Laurentian University. Her musical style is considered "roots, folk and bluegrass". She released albums Echo in 1999 and Independent in 2009. Her album Echo won Best Folk Album at the Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards in 2000. Jacinthe also won the Trille Or for Best Instrumental Album at the 1st Gala de la chanson et de la musique franco-ontarienne in March 2001 for the same album.
Jeff Wiseman
Jeff Wiseman graduated from the University of Toronto’s Operatic Performance Program with an honours degree. He released his first CD, “First Time Out”, in 1995. After touring throughout Canada and Scotland, Jeff settled into raising his family in Sudbury.
In 2007, he began touring again, playing to appreciative audiences throughout Ontario. He released his second CD, “Silver Eyes”, in Sudbury to a full house in October of 2008. In addition to his arresting voice, he is skilled on piano and guitar.
Jeff is the artistic director for the Sudbury Chamber Singers, and the Greater Sudbury Firefighters Choir. He is also a vocal instructor teaching students from his home, at Laurentian University and at the Marymount Academy. His flexible work schedule allows him the opportunity to tour. In 2010, Jeff joined the Expedition team working for G Adventure Tours where he drives a zodiac and performs music for the passengers on board the HMS Expedition cruise ship – travelling to the Arctic and Antarctica.
traditional, fiddle, Celtic, Métis, Indigenous, roots, folk, bluegrass

indie, rock, alternative

Housewife write and perform their own songs and think genres are boring and reductive. They are queer and an ally, an activist and champion of the environmental organization Music Declares Emergency. In fact, Housewife sums it up pretty concisely in its Twitter bio: “Opinionated feminist indie band.” 
And they’re only getting started. At 19 years old, Brighid Fry (she / they) have already released a debut self-titled EP in 2017 and a follow-up EP, Better Daughter, which the CBC named one of the “22 Albums You Need to Hear” in the summer of 2020. Additionally, Housewife have already won a Canadian Folk Music Award, a Toronto Independent Music Award, the Canadian Songwriting Competition (in the under 18 category), and the Slaight Music It’s Your Shot award. With the new music, released via Hazel Street Records (Sony / Orchard), Housewife returns with its most mature and insightful collection to date.
indie, rock, alternative

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folk, pop, rock, singer-songwriter

Evangeline Gentle is a Scottish-Canadian internationally acclaimed folk-pop songwriter, performer and vocalist based in Ontario, Canada. Contemplative and affecting, Evangeline’s lyrics evoke lush emotional landscapes within the listener and seek to unite audiences with a sense of “sameness”. A celebration of queerness and queer culture is woven throughout Gentle’s upcoming release Where The Diamonds Are, best heard on singles “Gay Bar” and “Bad Girls”. On this she says “While many have never been to a gay bar, most know the euphoria of getting dressed up to go out dancing with friends. We are inextricably connected by our shared emotional, human experience. I love that songs remind us of this.”
Produced by Jim Bryson (Kathleen Edwards), and mastered by Grammy-nominated engineer Philip Shaw Bova (Bahamas, Feist), her 2020 debut self-titled release earned international praise. Gentle was interviewed by legendary host Scott Simon on NPR’s Weekend Edition Saturday, appeared in Forbes, and received radio play on BBC, CBC, SiriusXM and more. Evangeline supported headliner Donovan Woods at the 2021 Mariposa Folk Festival, with other standout performances including those at Maverick Festival (UK) and Static Roots Festival (Germany) in 2022. She has supported acts such as Kathleen Edwards, Tim Baker, Begonia, Basia Bulat, Craig Cardiff, Whitehorse and Sarah MacDougall.
Evangeline's sophomore album was released September of 2023.
folk, pop, rock, singer-songwriter

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Arabic, Traditional, Fusion, Pop, Disco, Middle Eastern, funk

Kazdoura, a Toronto-based music band, is a fusion that infuses traditional Arabic melodies with a modern twist. Their unique style harmoniously blends the rich musical traditions of the East with Western influences, incorporating elements of funk, pop, and soul. Since its inception in 2020, Kazdoura has rapidly gained popularity, through online exposure, collecting over 3 million views on TikTok and later through live performances in 2021 when they had a residency at “The Oud and the fuzz” in downtown Toronto. Singer Leen Hamo made her way to Toronto six years ago. When she united with multi-instrumentalist jazz musician Johnny Abou Chacra, Kazdoura was born out of a shared passion for Arabic music. Together, they embarked on a mission to reimagine and reinvent classic Arabic songs, breathing new life into these timeless compositions. In June 2022, Kazdoura released their debut original EP, titled "Wain," which garnered attention and support from "Habibi Funk" and secured a spot on their Spotify playlist. It was supported by many radio stations in North America including CBC.
In 2023, Kazdoura received two grants to facilitate the recording of their new album, slated for release in the spring of 2024. This marks an exciting step in their musical journey, promising fresh and innovative tracks for their ever-growing fan base. Kazdoura's live performances have taken them to stages in Toronto, Montreal, and beyond.
Arabic, Traditional, Fusion, Pop, Disco, Middle Eastern, funk

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electro-swing, funk, EDM, swing nouveau

Tell It To Sweeney is a hip shakin', toe tapping band from London, Ontario, Canada, heavily influenced by electro-swing, funk, EDM, and just about everything that makes you want to get up and shake yer booty.
electro-swing, funk, EDM, swing nouveau

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folk, roots, singer-songwriter, country

NLFB Meltdown winner: solo/dup category
James Gray is a contemporary version of an old-school traveling folk singer. In the past decade, Gray has toured throughout Canada, Europe and Australia, seeing the world and sharing his beloved songs along the way.
A unique finger style guitarist, with a vocal that is hauntingly beautiful, Gray, often accompanied by a rather droll, humorous stage patter, immerses himself in each and every song with a soulfulness and attack that is infectious and disarming. With a broad grin and good natured chuckle, Gray will often smile into the microphone and state matter of factly that he wants you to remember who he is.
Notably, James has been a musical guest at TED Talks held on the west coast of Canada. Music from his albums has received regular airplay on CBC radio programs including Fresh Air and Ontario Morning. James has garnered extensive airplay regionally and throughout Canada.
In 2019 James won himself a spot at The Mariposa Folk Festival through their showcase auditions. Since then James has been invited to perform at 4 Mariposa Folk events, 2 Troubadour Festivals and the Muskoka Music Festival in James’ home of central Ontario. When not touring, he plays a regular circuit of pubs, theaters and house concerts throughout Ontario.
folk, roots, singer-songwriter, country

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violin, classical, rock, fusion

This dazzling program offers a singular coalescence of classical and rock music drawing from the great masters of the classical pantheon to contemporary chart-toppers. Fronted by the spirited duo of Cristina Masotti and Melissa Schaak, the distinctly accomplished violinists are accompanied by a driving band including keyboards, double bass, guitar and drums that will stimulate even the most exigent of audiences.
The concert provides an invigoratingly eclectic experience that deftly intertwines three centuries of hits all set within uniquely fashionable arrangements. Throughout the 90-minute spectacle, audiences will be treated to riveting new takes on Beethoven, cherished classic Beatles, vibrant vintage Vivaldi and pop sensations like Camilla Cabello.
violin, classical, rock, fusion

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guitar, fingerstyle, jazz, folk, instrumental

Jamie Dupuis (born in New Liskeard, Ontario, Canada), is a Canadian guitarist/composer and producer, best known for his complex fingerstyle technique, energetic performances, and his arrangements on the guitar and harp guitar. In 2016, Jamie's arrangement of Comfortably Numb by Pink Floyd on the harp guitar has gotten over 19 million views on Facebook, gaining international recognition. Also winning 1st place at the Canadian Guitar Festival Competition (2016), one of the finest guitar competitions in the world (2016) Dupuis has successfully carved out his own style as a solo artist worldwide.
BIOGRAPHY/EARLY LIFE
Starting with piano at age 6, Dupuis learned music theory and notation early on. But truly falling in love with being a musician at age 14 when he got his first guitar. Inspired by bands like Nirvana, Metallica, Yngwie Malmsteen, Rush, and Van Halen, Jamie learned to play rock music quickly. But this wasn't enough. His music teacher recommended classical guitar lessons and the classical musical training took everything to the next level. Having to practice 8 hours everyday, he was on a mission. While studying rock, classical and jazz, he also wrote his own original music. After high school he was able to pursue classical studies at Cambrian College (2008), learning how to become a professional solo performer under the studies of Philip Candelaria. Jamie then won the scholarship of his dreams, Full Ride Scholarship to the Musicians Institute in Hollywood, California (2011). This really set him onto a new and exciting path. Since graduating from Cambrian (2011) and Musicians Institute (2012), Jamie has been working as a professional musician, doing sessions, solo performances, weddings, bar gigs, festivals, composition, albums and youtube videos.
Jamie Dupuis’s style is influenced by great artists such as Chet Atkins, Tommy Emmanuel, Stevie Wonder, and Django Reinhart. Jamie is proficient in many styles such as: Classical, Jazz, Blues, Country, Rock, Folk and Pop.
Main Instruments: Harp Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Classical Guitar, Banjo, 18 String Classical Guitar, Electric Guitar and Vocals.
guitar, fingerstyle, jazz, folk, instrumental

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indie, rock, pop, alternative

Elephantshoes is the newest project of Pat Therrien (The Elephant Band, Pat Therrien Band).
indie, rock, pop, alternative

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electronic, dance, pop, experimental, synth, hip-hop, EDM

THE 555 (The five five five) is a multi-genre artist hailing from Sudbury, ON. Their live shows are a unique experience as they perform live electronic beats without any computers, instead choosing to play synthesizers, samplers, and drum machines live. Always experimenting, their sound is constantly changing. However one thing always remains constant - THE 555 wants to make you move.
electronic, dance, pop, experimental, synth, hip-hop, EDM

Bandcamp

folk, family

Andrew Queen and the Campfire Crew are a family band who sing their hearts out with powerful harmonies! Catchy lyrics get everyone singing right along with original Fairy Tale tunes and new takes on old campfire favourites. Their body-bending action songs get folks hustling and hopping, guaranteed to stretch out your smile muscles!
Andrew’s son, Lewis rocks the tenor sax. His niece-in-law D'Arcy Good (The Good Family) keeps things jiggy on the Fiddle. Lesley Boileau scrapes out rhythms on the Washboard while Tim Hadley (Stompin Tom, Grievous Angels) guides us down the path on electric bass.
Together they craft an interactive musical story-telling performance sure to invoke the magic and memories of summer camp.
folk, family

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family, puppetry, Indigenous

John-Paul Chalykoff is an Assistant Professor in Anishinaabe Studies / Anishinaabemowin at Algoma University and Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. He is a member of Michipicoten First Nation, an Ojibwe community in Canada on the north-east coast of Lake Superior, where he has also served as an elected councilor. His work focuses on utilizing music and puppetry with his puppet Baabii to encourage learning and retaining Anishinaabemowin, the Anishinaabe language.
John-Paul graduated from Algoma University/Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig, where he completed a Bachelor of Arts in Anishinaabemowin. He went on to complete a Bachelor of Education from Lakehead University in Thunder Bay, Ontario, with qualifications to teach Native Studies and History. He completed additional qualifications to teach Ojibwe and French as Second Languages. In addition to being an Ontario Certified Teacher in Good Standing through the Ontario College of Teachers, he holds a Master of Education from Lakehead University.
family, puppetry, Indigenous

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indie, folk, pop, rock

Hailing from Sudbury, Ontario, Chanelle Albert & the Easy Company create indie folk rock that's as heartfelt as it is unique. Fronted by bilingual singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Chanelle Albert, the band features Andrew Gagnon on drums, Jacob Tyler on bass, and Josh Myre on guitar. Since their inception in January of 2018, the band has been making waves across Ontario with a series of captivating live performances, drawing inspiration from iconic acts such as Fleetwood Mac, Blondie, and Bruce Springsteen.
Chanelle Albert & the Easy Company began independently producing and releasing their original music with their first 2019 single ""From the Top"", followed by their second single ""Si la nuit"" in 2020. The band's website, chanellealbert.com, received the 2020 Folk Music Ontario Website Award sponsored by Bandzoogle. On May 20th, 2022, they released their five song live-off-the-floor EP album The Birds.
Entering a new chapter, Chanelle Albert & the Easy Company began working with producer Billy Bruhmuller in late 2022. Marking a promising evolution in their musical journey, they dropped a single titled ""Scratches"" along with a music video on August 18th, 2023. Now, after unveiling their latest pop rock single ""Easy” on February 27th, 2024, the band has announced the release of their first studio LP album 22nd Century Beautiful People on May 31st of 2024. With a growing repertoire of original music and a magnetic live presence, the band has crafted a unique sound that resonates with audiences far and wide."
indie, folk, pop, rock

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family, folk

Land Heart Song is Tiiu Strutt (she/her), first-generation Canadian with Estonian and British Heritage, living in Williams Treaty Territory. Tiiu combines her experiences as a singer-songwriter and an educator to offer engaging performances and workshops for children and families. At the heart of every offering is Tiiu’s passion for nurturing a love for the land, through song.
Since 2003, Tiiu has successfully recorded four albums, toured nationally, and received national and college radio play, including being a featured artist on CBC Radio’s “Canada Live” program. As Land Heart Song, Tiiu has performed at festivals, including The Word on the Street in Toronto. Bringing her ten years of experience as an elementary school teacher to her work with song, Land Heart Song has also worked collaboratively with numerous organizations to create meaningful musical workshops that engage families with the natural world. Collaborators include SpringTide Music Fest (Uxbridge) and Natural Curiosity, a national leader in education.
This fall, Tiiu released her first full-length album as Land Heart Song entitled “Songs for Tree”. Produced by Joel Schwartz, “Songs for Tree” is a song cycle that follows a child’s relationship with a tree through the seasons. The album has been well received by reviewers, educators, parents, and -most especially- kids!"
family, folk

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indie, rock, alternative, psychadelic

Emerging from the whimsical forests of North Bay, Ontario, Empty House has been steadily building the anticipation of their debut EP since their formation in September 2023. The quartet's ethereal melodies, echoing guitar riffs, and introspective lyrics, create a sonic experience that, as their name would suggest, is as ambient as it is locked in. The only thing more noteworthy might be their live shows which consistently prove to be an immersive journey that showcases not only the bands songwriting but also their ability to connect simultaneously with their instruments and the audience. This is just the beginning for Empty House.
indie, rock, alternative, psychadelic

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folk, singer-songwriter

Chuck Roberts is one of the recipients of the festival's Jackie Washington Award for his dedication to the music and arts in our community. He will be sharing many of his original songs, in concert. He has been influenced by Hank Williams, Bob Dylan, Gordon Lightfoot and many more from the 1960s. It’s a fifty year celebration for Chuck. He first played the Fest in 1974. Accompanying Chuck is Catherine Goykhman on harmony and ukulele.
Chuck will also be performing on the family stage. He is well-known for his action packed kids concerts. It’s a hootenanny-style show, full of action , fun and laughter.
folk, singer-songwriter

folk, roots, Latin, blues

Ricardo Chávez is from Oaxaca City in Mexico and lives in Spring Bay, Manitoulin Island, Ontario. He has musical studies in classical guitar from the university of UABJO in Oaxaca City. Ricardo comes from a musical family where he learned from his father and grandfather to play traditional Mixtec music on the guitar and the fiddle. Ricardo’s passion for music has given him the opportunity to play various musical genres (traditional, classical, blues, jazz) as a soloist or in ensembles.
Ricardo performed in different venues in Oaxaca, inside Mexico, and internationally. In 2008, Ricardo accompanied the Oaxacan singer Martha Toledo in a tour in Germany, Holland and France, performing traditional Oaxacan music. He was a member of the Mexican orchestra Pasatono playing Jarana, Mixteca, Vihuela, Guitarra de Golpe and percussions, performing in the festivals Instrumenta Oaxaca 2013 and International Cervantino 2014.
In 2014, in Boudha Nepal, Ricardo played the guitar with New York City composer and saxophonist Patricia Burgess, performing her contemporary opera Yeshe, Queen of Tibet, featuring the soprano Heather Green. This opera was directed by visual artist Ina Kozel.
His latest works include lead vocalist, harmonica and guitar player in his blues band, Monkey Blues. Ricardo was also a guitarist in the band Aqualuna (jazz and experimental music), and in the ensemble Rru Tanue (contemporary traditional music). In 2023, he performed in the Sunset Concert Series in Providence Bay Ontario. Ricardo is emerging in the Ontario area as a soloist, expanding his musical journey in Canada. Ricardo plays classical guitar, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, harmonica, and the fiddle. Find him on Instagram at instagram.com/ric_chavez13
folk, roots, Latin, blues

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hip-hop, rap, DJ

Johnny Bizness has long-been praised in the Northern scene for his energetic contributions to the hip-hop genre: raw rap delivery reminiscent of New York icons like Big Pun and Big L, but firmly rooted in the ‘gritty Nickel City’, supported by classic, sample-based, boom-bap production. He released his second full-length record Primetime 2: Nickel City Paradise digitally in April of 2023, and is currently working on a number of projects including rapping and production.
hip-hop, rap, DJ

Bandcamp

visual art, installation art, performance art, community art

"Since 1996, Myths and Mirrors has provided unique opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to experience and take part in the arts outside of mainstream settings. Our goals have been to create innovative art, to engender a sense of community identity, and most importantly, to provide a forum for those made marginalized to express themselves.
Everyone is welcome to imagine and create community with us."
visual art, installation art, performance art, community art

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interactive, science, STEM, family

"Let’s Talk Science is an award-winning, national, charitable organization focused on education and outreach to support youth development. We create and deliver unique learning programs and services that engage children, youth and educators in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM)."
interactive, science, STEM, family

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jazz, folk, pop

The Cicadas were formed early this year in Sudbury Ontario, with the drive to play at incredible festivals just like NLFB. The vocalist and lyricist, Emma McDaniel, was inspired to create a group in which their poetry would be heard and envelop into new heights. Alongside Emma is Jamie Dupuis (guitar), Pepper Admas (bass), and Christopher Dardick (drums), The Cicadas bring a heartfelt energy, using jazz and folk-pop influences, the band encapsulates the feelings that we so often push down.
jazz, folk, pop

poetry, spoken word, performance, music

Evalyn Parry is an award-winning theatre creator and songwriter, director, writer, and performer whose work is inspired by intersections of social activism, history and auto/biography. Recent works include the acclaimed Kiinalik:These Sharp Tools, multi-Dora-nominated Gertrude and Alice (Independent Aunties), and her widely travelled show SPIN. From 2015 to 2020, she served as the artistic director of Buddies in Bad Times Theatre.
Evalyn Parry takes her audience on an uncommon theatrical and musical journey in Spin, her tour-de-force performance celebrating the Bicycle.
One part documentary and another part musical activism, Spin is inspired in part by the incredible true tale of Annie Londonderry, the first woman to ride around the world on a bicycle in 1895. Parry spins a fascinating web of stories that travel from 19th-century women’s emancipation to 21st-century consumer culture, peeling back layers of history to reveal a surprising and contemporary heart to her theme of liberation.
“Part theatre, part music gig, part spoken word poetry, part documentary: whatever it is, it is brilliant” TORONTO STAR.
Presented in partnership with: Wordstock.
poetry, spoken word, performance, music

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rock, pop, Indigenous

Hailing from Atikameksheng Anishnawbek, Thea May is an energetic force here to stake her claim on the female rock sect. An ambitious multidisciplinary creator, her career in film and television has led her to her latest outlet for self expression; music. Brimming with inspiration derived from lived experience, Thea finds herself spurred on by her ghosts: “I once was asked by my therapist the exact number of people I’ve lost. That number was 33.”
Her EP 'Brought to You By Tragedy' is a diatribe of love and loss from a deeply human perspective. Thea’s powerful voice teems with grit and emotion that will carry her legacy, as she guides her listeners on the rollercoaster that is 'the grieving process'. Her unrelenting, head-on approach to her craft stands to captivate her audience, and hold's true Thea’s mission to make loss and emotional recovery more accessible and socially acceptable.
“We all experience it, it’s absolutely time we learn how to talk about it.” — Thea May
rock, pop, Indigenous

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poetry, spoken word

pr smith is a poet originally from capreol, ontario, who now resides in quiet burrow in the west end of sudbury. he has been writing and self-publishing his books of pomes for over 25years. his most recent volume of poetry, “i don’t have to dream anymore” was released in june which is his tenth book. his writing has been published in several literary journals over the this time, including laurentian university’s literary journal ‘sulphur’. he also enjoys photography, multi-media arts and in 2018 released an album of ambient music.
poetry, spoken word

folk, pop, rock, singer-songwriter

Adam Goulet is a Montreal based guitarist with 20 years of performing experience. He plays many styles, including jazz, classical, country, salsa, r&b, rock n' roll, metal, funk and more. He is active as a freelance guitarist and also as an arranger, singer/songwriter, choir director and teacher. He was born in North Bay Ontario in 1978.
folk, pop, rock, singer-songwriter

Youtube

pecussion, drum

Currently Jeff is facilitating "Spirit of World Drumming Circles" for music educators and drumming enthusiasts of all ages. He promotes the spiritual/health benefits of drumming and continues to show there are no barriers to participate in drum circles. Jeff is also a recipient of the festival's Jackie Washington Award for emodying the spirit of the festival in creative and other pursuits.
pecussion, drum

Youtube