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Logan Duke: Two Lane Highway 

Logan Duke - Two Lane Highway

"Canadian-American singer-songerwriter, Logan Duke, is excited to announce the release of his 7th single titled ‘Two Lane Highway’ available on all streaming platforms on Friday, March 24th.  It is the third in line, after ‘Beneath…my breath’ and ‘The Road’, produced and mixed by Logan himself and mastered my Jason Cupp. Similar to his other Americana/alt-folk releases, it encompasses his passion for storytelling blending traditional acoustic guitar melodies with modern and contemporary instrumentation.

Logan tells the story of “a friend who was going through a rough time a while back and lost his way. Thankfully, he’s doing much better now.” 

Reviews describe it as: ""A lovely, emotional song"", ""The music production here is simply fantastic and we like the harmony vocals. The main vocal hits all the right notes"", ""Really beautiful and touching song with sharp mix and amazing vocals""

Jumbo Train: When Will It Be Okay 

Jumbo Train - When Will It Be Okay

Jumbo Train Singer-Songwriter Pens New Signature Song In Hours After Cancer Diagnosis

Canadian music composer and performer, Dennis Kalichuk, claims that artistic inspiration can come from almost anywhere. He will tell you that his favourite and best work has come from the fragments of shrapnel from some kind of explosive emotional event – good or bad. In this case it just happened to be a medical diagnosis that no one wants to hear.

“This one just feels very special ,” claims Kalichuk. “I mean, music is music but this one seems like an important journey as much as just a song. And this journey, from the very beginning to the very end is one we all share, and some of things alluded to in When Will It Be Okay we will all experience on some level.”

“When Will It Be Okay” is set for official release on Friday, March 24th on all major music streaming services such as Spotify, Amazon, and Apple along with an accompanying official music video on Youtube and Facebook."

Syndicut Music Songwriter Retreat: May 26-28 

Syndicut Music: Songwriter Retreat
May 26-28, 2023

We are delighted to announce that The Syndicut is organizing a new songwriter retreat from May 26th to May 28th. If you are looking to gain a deeper understanding of yourself as a music creator and get more knowledge on how to build a sustainable career in today's music industry, this retreat is for you! From masterclasses to critique sessions, The Syndicut is offering an immersive and holistic approach. In the peaceful tranquility of the country setting of Willow Sound Studio in Russell, ON, join us for a unique and memorable experience. 

Sam Stone: Wanna Be 

Sam Stone: Wanna Be

Sam Stone released Wanna Be (Live Session) on March 8th. The song, released on International Women's Day, is Sam Stone's debut single and shares a powerful message. The  audio and accompanying video, released on March 10th, were recorded and captured live in studio, in one take. Be sure to check it out and follow along on socials to see what's next!

ReFolkUs Episode 3: Breaking Through Burnout w/ Dondrea Erauw 

ReFolkUs: Presented by Folk Music Ontario
Subscribe now wherever you listen to podcasts 

LISTEN NOW - Episode 3: Breaking Through Burnout w/ Dondrea Erauw

Today, we speak with Dondrea Erauw, the author of Bye Bye Burnout, a newsletter dedicated to providing insight and tips on how to avoid unhealthy work habits, and turn burnout into creativity. Working a job in the music industry can be wonderfully fulfilling, but sometimes what seems like success can evolve into wearing too many hats, and working at all hours of the day and night. This episode dogs into how we can identify burnout, and move through it (or hopefully avoid it!), to a healthier work/folk/life balance.

Dondrea has had 10 years' experience as a music supervisor at Instinct Entertainment (founded by Michael Perlmutter). Originally from Caledonia, Ontario, Dondrea had the miraculous opportunity of working on a number of films and television shows such as "Spinning Out" (Netflix) and Canada's iconic series, "Degrassi". She is a two-time award winner and in April of 2021, she was presented with a Guild of Music Supervisors' award for her work in the film "The Cuban"

Visit the link below, find your preferred podcast player, and hit that subscribe button to ensure you never miss an episode! 

The ReFolkUs Project is made possible through the generous support of the Department of Canadian Heritage.

Click here for more info

Brian Tremblay: Ode to Jack 

Brian Tremblay: Ode to Jack

Coming March 24 I'll be releasing an old single that I dusted off recorded in 2008. It's a fun chicken pickin' country number that's sure to get your toe tapping and your feet dancing! Ode to Jack was written about my enjoyment of Jack Daniels and drinking a bit too much. The country guitar picker on this recording is the late Mike Case of Sault Ste Marie and member of the Great Northern Opry and the Northern Ontario Country Music Hall of Fame.

ReFolkUs Episode 2: Protecting your Mental Health w/ Cindy Doire 

ReFolkUs: Presented by Folk Music Ontario
Subscribe now wherever you listen to podcasts

LISTEN NOW - Episode 2: Protecting your Mental Health w/ Cindy Doire

Artists can experience some of the highest highs and lowest lows while they ride the emotional rollercoaster that comes with life in the music industry, and it can be overwhelming to switch between these vastly different feelings both on and off the stage. While positive and negative periods can be (mostly) out of our control, our guest today, Cindy Doire, is here to share strategies to manage emotional turbulence, and learn to find peace and enjoyment in both the ups and downs of this creative life.

This special conversation is inspired by the successful ReFolkUs Wellness Sessions held at the 2022 Folk Music Ontario Conference. These sessions proved that we need to keep wellness conversations going all year round, and were a huge influence in the development of this podcast. We hope to continue offering the in-person ReFolkUs sessions at the next Folk Music Ontario Conference, October 12-15, 2023 in London, ON. 

Visit the link below, find your preferred podcast player, and hit that subscribe button to ensure you never miss an episode! 

The ReFolkUs Project is made possible through the generous support of the Department of Canadian Heritage.

Click here for more info

Hillside Festival: Call for Volunteers 

Hillside Festival - Call for Volunteers
Deadline: March 31, 2023

"The 40th annual @HillsideFestival is taking place July 28-30, 2023, on Guelph Lake Island! We are seeking volunteers to assist with all things Hillside at this year’s 2023 festival. We have ALL kinds of jobs available for volunteers – you can read about the tasks and job descriptions on our application form. 

What you give: 12 hours of your time pre-festival, during the festival, or post-festival.

What you get: Our thanks includes a weekend pass to the festival, free weekend camping on the island, a free shuttle from downtown Guelph, free parking, snacks and beverages through the weekend, light meals for every shift you work on site, training, work experience, a meaningful community, and a great experience! 

Applications close March 31, so don’t delay! 

ReFolkUs Episode 1: Composing for Film and Television w/ Kaia Kater 

ReFolkUs: Presented by Folk Music Ontario
Subscribe now wherever you listen to podcasts
 
LISTEN NOW - Episode 1: Composing for Film and Television w/ Kaia Kater

In 2018 after 2 years of extensive touring, Kaia Kater suffered a panic attack mid-show and came to the realization that she needed to make a change.  After attending some community classes on how to use Ableton, the freedom of self-producing and composing opened up a new world, and she began to explore opportunities in Film and TV, putting her career on a whole new path. 

Fast-forward to today, Kaia has just been nominated for a Canadian Screen Award for ‘Best Original Song’ for the series 'The Porter'. She is a Juno Award-nominated and Polaris Prize-longlisted songwriter of Grenadian-Canadian heritage. Her voice and deft songcraft have garnered acclaim from CBC, BBC Music and Rolling Stone. 

Visit the link below, find your preferred podcast player, and hit that subscribe button to ensure you never miss an episode! 

The ReFolkUs Project is made possible through the generous support of the Department of Canadian Heritage.

Click here for more info

RUSTY & MAJA: Part Kitchen Party, Part Cabaret 

RUSTY & MAJA ~ Part Kitchen Party, Part Cabaret

"RUSTY & MAJA ~ Part Kitchen Party, Part Cabaret ~ is our premiere release as a duo.

Friends since our teen years, we first met in Sault Ste.Marie, Ontario in the late 1960s. We independently moved to Toronto in the late 1970s and over the years collaborated on various creative projects. We each established careers on the Queen Street West scene and beyond in both music and performance. Rusty worked most with Mary Margaret O'Hara and Maja balanced leading a band while touring Canada as a performance artist and storyteller.

In 2018 we reunited and became a dynamic duo! Our shows are performance driven and blend a variety of musical styles, spoken word, creative movement and a dash of audience participation.

Our album, RUSTY & MAJA ~ Part Kitchen Party, Part Cabaret ~ is a musical merry go round of both original and classic pop songs delivered with delight and attitude!

Click here for more info
Email for a hard copy: rustyandmaja@gmail.com

Gathering Sparks - March 2023 Tour 

Gathering Sparks - March 2023 Tour
www.gatheringsparks.com

Folk/roots duo Gathering Sparks heads to Eastern Ontario for concerts in Trenton, Ottawa, and Vankleek Hill, March 8, 9, and 10.

Gathering Sparks is the graceful collision of Eve Goldberg and Jane Lewis—musical friends who blend tight harmonies, finely crafted songs, and a love of participatory singing to create an intimate and uplifting experience. Their inclusive approach embraces folk, pop, blues and gospel influences tastefully played on acoustic guitar, piano, accordion, and ukulele.

With their infectious mix of styles and compelling vocal blend, Gathering Sparks has made some big waves. Their debut 6-song CD was nominated for a 2014 Canadian Folk Music Award for Vocal Group of the Year, and they quickly became an audience favourite.

Their latest album “All That’s Real” (Borealis Records) charted in the top ten of the Folk Alliance International Folk DJ chart in October and November 2019, and the album ended up on several radio hosts’ “best of” lists for 2019.

Join Gathering Sparks for an unforgettable night of songs, stories, and connections!

Fri Mar 10 - Quinte West/Trenton, ON
7:30 pm. $20
Old Church Theatre - 940 Bonisteel Road, Quinte West/Trenton, ON.
https://oldchurch.ca/event/gathering-sparks/

Sat Mar 11 - Ottawa, ON
7:00 pm. $20-25
Harmony Concerts - (With Special Guest Kristen Martell)
First Unitarian Congregation of Ottawa - 30 Cleary Avenue, Ottawa, ON.
https://www.harmonyconcerts.ca/event-info/gathering-sparks-2

Sun Mar 12 - Vankleek Hill, ON
3 pm. $20
House concert - Vankleek Hill, ON.
Info and reservations: rosemary.harden078@gmail.com

Click here for more info

Zoe Ackah: Still Miss You (But My Aim is Getting Better) 

Zoe Ackah: Still Miss You (But My Aim is Getting Better)
Release Show: March 5, 5-7pm, The Emmet Ray, Toronto

"Out on Streaming sites March 2, 2023, Zoe Ackah's single Still Miss You (But My Aim is Getting Better)!

This quirky, old-fashioned ballad was inspired by corny punchlines from Zoe’s Grandfather’s personal writings, discovered after his death. Intended to be a commentary on 40 years of his life as a husband, his “zingers” are reinvented here, to serve the lamentations of a put-upon ex-wife. This soulful homage to female artists like Wanda Jackson is delivered with lush mandolin arrangements by Kevin Breit, and horn arrangements by Rebecca Hennessy.

Kevin Breit - Nylon and slide guitars, mandocello, mandolin, mandola
Rebecca Hennessy - Horns and horn arrangements, recorded at Trail Mix Studio
Davide diRenzo - brushes
Ian de Souza - Bass recorded
Zoe Ackah - songwriter/singer

Show to celebrate release is Sunday, March 5, 5-7pm at the Emmet Ray, 924 College St. in Toronto featuring Zoe Ackah, Kevin Breit w/ special guests Katey Morley and Steve York. $15"

Click here for more info

Export-Ready Webinar Session #1: VISAs and Immigration with Liana White, Canadian Federation of Musicians 

Export-Ready Webinar Session #1
VISAs and Immigration with Liana White, Canadian Federation of Musicians
Wed, Mar 1 @ 3:00PM EST via zoom
Presented by Folk Music Canada & Folk Music Ontario

RSVP: https://bit.ly/41oYRpv 

On March 1, 2023 Liana White of the Canadian Federation of Musicians will take us on a deep dive through the complex world of immigration and VISAs as it relates to exporting Canadian Folk artists, including the proposed increases to the P and O VISA fees, and how folks can act to affect these changes.

About Liana:
Liana White is the Executive Director of the Canadian National Office of the American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada (CFM). With over 25 years’ experience helping musicians to navigate the legal requirements to perform cross border, White has become recognized within the music industry as a leading authority on VISAs and immigration. Liana is involved in every aspect of the union's operations, from lobbying and negotiating lucrative agreements on behalf of musicians, to mentoring them. She also sits on the Board of Women in Music Canada, and on the Canadian Labour Congress Women’s Caucus and the Workers of Colour Caucus.

SESSIONS EVERY WEDNESDAY IN MARCH!

Join us for 5 in-depth sessions as speakers discuss some of the top issues facing artists looking to work and share their music across the border and beyond. Our experienced speakers will share their expert insights, helpful tips, and explanations of complex topics such as VISA applications, tax issues, market analysis, opportunities, and more. Following each presentation will be a live Q+A session, where you can pose your specific questions and bolster your knowledge for the next step in your career.

Click here for more info and to RSVP

Member Show: Marc Audet 

Marc Audet - Forgotten Memories of the Ottawa Valley
March 4, 2023 - Little Red Wagon Winery, Shawville, QC

"Forgotten Memories of the Ottawa Valley"" is a unique folk music show that is a collection of songs about the history and heritage of the Ottawa Valley. Little Red Wagon Winery at Shawville PQ is hosting the 2 hour show on Saturday March 04.

The songs of Forgotten Memories have been arranged to provide a musical tour of the Ottawa Valley, with introductory narratives (story telling) providing informative insights to the days and the ways of the past. The songs reflect the early years of river travels, immigration, logging, farming, rural/frontier life, and the effects of later industrialization. These topics are relevant to areas beyond the Ottawa Valley because the early peoples everywhere in what became Canada would have experienced similar challenges with settlement, travel, and life. Effort has been put into researching the topics of the songs and the repertoire continues to grow as new stories are put to song. This “folklore” style of entertainment is an appealing for people with an interest in history and heritage. Every story is true.

Marc Audet is a folk music songwriter from the Ottawa Valley, specializing in historical songwriting and a focus on Canadian history and heritage."

Click here for more info

David Donar: Jolie Blonde Blues 

David Donar: Jolie Blonde Blues
https://daviddonar.bandcamp.com/track/jolie-blonde-blues 

“Jolie Blonde Blues is my latest single inspired by the traditional Cajun folk songs. This arrangement is inspired by the traditional country blues with guitar and blues harp. Many Cajun players have used the harp as a more affordable alternative as the accordion was an expensive instrument. Regardless of the instrumentation, my goal is to capture the soul and essence of the music.

I am inspired by the various musical styles of Louisiana from Creole, Cajun, Swamp Pop, Blues and New Orleans Jazz. My primary instrument is the Cajun Box and the Piano Accordion and I perform both solo and with accompaniment when necessary. I have traveled extensively to southwestern Louisiana to learn the music, language and cultures from such a diverse region. In addition to my travels to Louisiana, I have traveled to the Maritimes in Canada to further my understanding of the Acadian culture and how it continues to connect with Cajun music."

Export-Ready Webinar Series: Wednesdays in March 

Export-Ready Webinar Series
Wednesdays in March 2023
Free Admission - RSVP Required
Click here to RSVP now

Folk Music Canada in Partnership with Folk Music Ontario present the Export Ready Webinar Series, taking place via Zoom each Wednesday in March 2023. 

Join us for 5 in-depth sessions as speakers discuss some of the top issues facing artists looking to work and share their music across the border and beyond. Our experienced speakers will share their expert insights, helpful tips, and explanations of complex topics such as VISA applications, tax issues, market analysis, opportunities, and more. Following each presentation will be a live Q+A session, where you can pose your specific questions and bolster your knowledge for the next step in your career. 

First Session: Wednesday, March 1, 2023 - 3:00pm EST
VISAs & Immigration - w/ Liana White, Executive Director, Canadian Federation of Musicians

On March 1, 2023 Liana White of the Canadian Federation of Musicians will take us on a deep dive through the complex world of immigration and VISAs as it relates to exporting Canadian Folk artists, including the proposed increases to the P and O VISA fees, and how folks can act to affect these changes.

Click here to RSVP now

The Pairs: Superhuman 

The Pairs - Superhuman
https://thepairsmusic.com/ 

"Superhuman" came about in the preparation for a first ever therapy session. It’s a smattering of feelings and self doubt. It’s a sarcastic song full of negative self-talk. It’s a personal story of realizing how we get caught up in the way we’re being perceived by others instead of truly experiencing life and all the feelings that come with living. We’re not perfect, so why do we put so much energy towards trying to convince people that we are? This song marks the intention to try and drop the hyper perfectionism and accept ourselves as fallible and human. We don’t want “superhuman strength and sheer will”, we want softness and closeness and to be seen as the complicated, imperfect, people that we are.

Sultans of String ft. Northern Cree: Nîmihito (Dance) 

Sultans of String ft. Northern Cree: Nîmihito (Dance)
https://sultansofstring.lnk.to/nimihito

Nîmihito (Dance) is a collaboration between 3x JUNO nominated, 4x CFMA winning Sultans of String and Northern Cree, a nine-time Grammy nominated pow wow and round dance group from Treaty 6 territory, who have released more than 50 albums over their 40-year history.

It is the first single off the upcoming Sultans of String album entitled Walking Through the Fire, the most ambitious and important project of their career, a CD and concert of collaborations with First Nations, Metis, and Inuit artists across Turtle Island.

“We are creating this recording in the spirit of the TRC’s 94 Calls to Action, and Final Report that asks for Indigenous and non-Indigenous people to work together as an opportunity to show a path forward” says Sultans bandleader/violinist Chris McKhool, who was recently awarded the Dr. Duke Redbird Lifetime Achievement Award from the JAYU Festival For Human Rights.

Steve Wood from Northern Cree continues: “When you're collaborating with mainstream music, it shows that we can work together to bring out the very best in who we are as human beings. And that's what music does. It shows that we can work together and we can bring out something very beautiful. And it's giving our music an opportunity for a different type of audience out there. There's a lot of people that are just catching on to our type of music, which has been here since time immemorial. I think it's great... A big, strong component of it is to teach our people and other First Nations people about the Cree language. "

Michel Neray: Don’t Look Behind 

Michel Neray - Don’t Look Behind
Michelneraymusic.com 

When you have the time, you don't have the money. When you have the money, you don't have the time." That’s the opening line of ‘Don’t Look Behind’, the first single to drop from the upcoming album, ‘Kiss the Rock’. Upbeat and reflective at the same time, it’s a perfect fit for your Stomp & Holler playlist! On streaming platforms everywhere!

ReFolkUs: New Podcast! 

Introducing ReFolkUs: A new podcast by Folk Music Ontario, for folk artists and music industry professionals who want to learn how to make money, find their creative community, and stay grounded and healthy in this intensely stressful but heart-centred industry.

More info: https://linktr.ee/folkmusicontario 

Each episode, we tap into the most inspirational minds from every corner of the music industry and discuss how to build your business, protect your mental and physical health, and ultimately, create a life and a living of your dreams, without burning out.

The premiere episode releases March 1! Visit the link above, find your preferred podcast player, and hit that subscribe button to ensure you never miss an episode!

  • ReFolkUs - Presented by Folk Music Ontario
  • Hosted by: Rosalyn Dennett
  • Produced by: Kayla Nezon (Folk Music Ontario), Rosalyn Dennett (Folk Music Ontario), Tim Fraser + Tanya Chopp (Murdoch Entertainment)
  • Recorded by: Kayla Nezon, and Jordan Moore (The Pod Cabin)
  • Edited by: Jordan Moore
  • Theme music: “Amsterdam” by King Cardiac
    Artwork by: Jaymie Karn

The ReFolkUs Project is made possible through the generous support of the Department of Canadian Heritage

Lynn Miles: TumbleWeedyWorld 

Lynn Miles - TumbleWeedyWorld
Album Release and Concerts  

Lynn Miles & True North Records Present TumbleWeedyWorld New album available everywhere March 17!

Lynn Miles has the kind of voice that insists that you pull the car over. 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 antidote to inject you with between songs to cure you of the snake bite. 

On her newest album TumbleWeedyWorld, Lynn sings about the differences between people, which ultimately only demonstrates how we are all so much the same. As always her ever-emotive voice carries each lyric with breathtaking clarity and heart-wrenching emotion, showcasing her talent as a singer and songwriter. 

As Lynn says: “They’re songs about navigating life’s hurdles, about dodging tumbleweeds, about leaving stuck situations. On the surface, they’re hurtin’ songs about two people who can’t make things work.“ 

CELEBRATING THE ALBUM RELEASE WITH TWO CONCERTS!

Sat. March 18, 8 pm
Red Bird Live – Ottawa
https://www.redbirdlive.ca/ 

Fri. March 24, 8 pm
Hugh's Room - Toronto
https://hughsroomlive.com/ 

Click here for more info

We Need Your Help: Speak Out Against Proposed P&O VISA Increases 

Folk Music Ontario is strongly urging all folks to act now to oppose the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's proposed rate increases; that would make touring in the United States for international artists significantly more expensive.

If the proposed fee increases were confirmed, touring and gigging in the U.S. for all international artists, would become cost prohibitive in a way that could become a huge detriment to the careers of emerging and export-ready musicians.

The proposed rate increase would see the filing fees for regularly processed O-type visa petitions increase from $460 to $1,655, an increase of 260%. Processing fees for P-type, including P-2 petitions would rise by 251% from $460 to $1,615

Fees for ‘premium processing’ of visa requests would remain unchanged at $2,500 under the proposed rule changes. 

There are 2 ways in which you may be able to help this cause: 

Canadians: please reach out to all US buyers, venues, artists, associations, etc., you may work with, to seek their assistance, and use your platform to help spread the word and the call-to-action.

Americans: please lend your voice to this cause – as it will be US citizens and businesses that the US government will primarily consider comments from. You can do so at this link: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/01/04/2022-27066/us-citizenship-and-immigration-services-fee-schedule-and-changes-to-certain-other-immigration#open-comment  and please consider the points below: 

  • Who does this fee increase actually impact? (i.e. facts about your members, your community, - who they are, whether you or your colleagues are visa applicants themselves) 
  • What is the scale of the visa costs before and after the proposed increase? Provide specific examples of local organizations/cases if you can. Even one is helpful. 
  • How will this impact your organizations/individuals/community? What % of annual gross revenue will the fee increase represent? Please go beyond "this will be bad for business" or "this will put me out of business" - specify how. 
  • What is the solution, recognizing that a fee increase of some kind is likely? (for instance, “we are calling for immediate improvements to artist visa processing, we hope that any fee increase is proportional, we are asking that any fee increase be phased in with plenty of time to adapt to new costs”, etc.) 
  • Specific to US organizations, venues, artists, etc.: USCIS is required to seek Public Comment for a 60 day period.  Comments can be filed online through the Federal Register Portal: Federal Register: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Fee Schedule and Changes to Certain Other Immigration Benefit Request Requirements deadline of March 6, 2023.    

Through this Portal, please provide SPECIFIC examples of the financial impact these new fees will have on you or your organization in particular, such as, cancelling performances, losing the ability to engage international guest artists, etc.  Please note, all comments submitted through the Federal Register portal will be viewable by the public. 

In addition to issuing a formal comment in response to the USCIS Proposals, everyone is strongly encouraged to forward a copy of your comments to your U.S. Senators and members of the U.S. House of Representatives, as well as engage your audiences, speak up and out, create performance art advocacy, and whatever else it takes for this situation to be taken seriously.   

To find the contact information for your U.S. Senator and Representative, click here.

Some points to consider in forming your comments: 

  • International artists are engaged throughout the arts and entertainment industry, which is still itself recovering from the effects of COVID-19. Most of these entities do not, in fact, have the ability to pay these proposed fees, nor do the foreign artists engaged.  
  • Drastic fee increases will stifle international cultural activity, put U.S.-based jobs at risk, and have a negative economic ripple effect on communities supported by arts events. 
  • Delays in processing are already forcing some organizations and artists to pay the already unaffordable Premium Processing Fee or forgo engaging international artists.

Please click here for a template letter you can use to get the word out.  Thanks to the Toronto Musicians Association for this template.